Imposter Syndrome, Setbacks & Success: The Sergio Petrucci Confession
In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl sits down with enigmatic entrepreneurial charity fundraiser Sergio Petrucci MBE. Founder and CEO of North East England-based Red Sky Foundation, which each year raises millions of pounds to help people with heart defects and life threatening illnesses, Sergio also has a number of other business interests. A true life saver, who was awarded the MBE by King Charles for his significant contribution to charity, Sergio opens up about growing up in an entrepreneurial family and how that has imprinted on his life and career. Sergio gives a no-hold-barred and no-nonsense perspective on his business and life story, highlighting some of the challenges he faced, early on, when pursuing his career, how he deals with setbacks on the shadow of imposter syndrome. He talks with Carl about the importance of following your dreams rather than chasing wealth, along with his ‘why’ and his selfless drive to do great things for great people, and North East region.This thoroughly entertaining, thought provoking and sometimes emotional episode is a must listen as Carl helps listeners find out more about this inspiring, charismatic and conversational character. Connect with SergioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-petrucci-mbe-%E2%9D%A4%EF%B8%8F-347b034a/Website: https://redskyfoundation.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.
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1:23:11
From PwC to The Lakes Distillery: Entrepreneurial lessons from Nigel Mills CBE
In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with Nigel Mills CBE, a champion for business and entrepreneurialism in the North of England.Like Carl, Nigel began his career as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before leaving to buy an independent convenience store business, which he scaled to a portfolio of 77 stores, before selling it to Tesco PLC.After selling, Nigel set up, developed and subsequently sold highly regarded The Lakes Distillery, which was acquired by English sparkling wine producer, Nytimber in a deal, which valued The Lakes Distillery at £71 million.Nigel was one of the founders of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and is a trusted advisor, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor.Nigel talks to Carl about how he switched from a plan to be a professional golfer to become an accountant after his grandfather passed away, before landing a place at PwC. He covers the highs and lows of his business career, the importance of sport in his life, the range of investment and mentoring opportunities he is regularly offered and how he decides which ones to pursue, and invest in.This educational and thought-provoking episode highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the experience and expertise of others, coupled with persistency when pursuing ambitious entrepreneurial endeavours.Connect with NigelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-john-mills-cbe-6a555042/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.
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1:16:14
From Accidental Recruiter to Global Game-Changer
In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with inspiring global recruitment specialist Steve Carter. Australian entrepreneur, who has been in the UK for almost 30 years, Steve rose from recruitment industry novice to a CEO position and subsequently become a board advisor helping firms in the sector from start-ups, scale-ups and those looking to internationalise their operations. An accidental recruiter and accidental ‘Aussie export’, having only originally planned to be in the UK for two years, Steve has made Britain his home and the base for his entrepreneurial endeavours. He began his career with Hays Global, as a candidate and was offered a job as a recruiter, thus beginning a journey that took him to the other side of the world, falling in love with the UK. After climbing the ladder with a number of corporate firms, Steve became CEO of Robert Half UK, before making the move to run his own business, acquiring a London-based agency, which he, and an investor, scaled, buying a plc in a ‘take private’ deal and rebranding the collective group, Morgan McKinley Recruitment. Steve talks in this podcast about the inspiration that led him to a career in recruitment, (and how she became his wife), and how he earned the focus that gave him the financial independence and drive to take his career forward.This insightful and engaging episode highlights and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurialism, when is it time to exit and what happens next. Connect with SteveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecarter2/Website: https://www.thesatoripartnership.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.
In this episode of ‘Confessions of a CEO’, Carl sits down with straight-talking, networking and recruitment specialist entrepreneur Helen Trueman-Howe.Helen is the co-founder of Northeast Network, a thriving networking hub in North East England, and the founder and Managing Director of Heels & Brogues Group, which specialises in recruiting talent across manufacturing, engineering, renewables, HVAC and professional services.A reunion of secondary school friends, Helen and Carl reminisce about growing up in Sunderland and how her formative years in education had no bearing on her future success.Rather than sitting her GCSEs, Helen was working in a tampon factory and from there built a ‘streetwise’ education that actually led her to securing a place at university, setting the tone for a very interesting and varied career path that has seen her succeed in entrepreneurship.Helen talks in this podcast, as she does in life, with her heart on her sleeve, covering everything from ADHD and imposter syndrome versus self-belief, to the opportunities and challenges of self-employment and business ownership.This insightful and entertaining episode highlights how the dynamism of entrepreneurship, building networks and how you can make your own fate in life and business, can transform challenges into opportunities and turn bold ideas into lasting success.Connect with HelenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-trueman-howe-528469121Websites: https://northeastnetwork.co.uk/ & https://hbgrecruitment.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.
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45:49
From the pulpit to presenting – a unique business journey
In this episode of ‘Confessions of a…’, Carl has a unique entrepreneur in the hot-seat; broadcaster, TedTalk speaker, author, comedian, impressionist, artist and business founder, Alfie Joey. Having spent 15 years practicing as a priest in his native North East, Alfie made the decision to take a unique path that has led to him being behind a BBC microphone, becoming a successful comedian, compering large and high-profile events, a speaking coach and even the Britain’s Got Talent stage! Alfie talks about how the microphone is the tool of his trade and helps make him the #speakeasyguy to enable people from all walks of life, particularly in business, enhance their communication skills. This highly engaging, often hilarious and consistently insightful episode highlights how creative skills can be the foundation for a business but also used by those in business to be more successful. Listeners will discover why people say ‘Alfie Joey makes you appreciate being alive’ and his infectious passion for life and for helping people. Connect with AlfieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey/Website: https://alfiejoey.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.
Ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in business? Join Carl Swansbury, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at Ryecroft Glenton, as he sits down with influential business leaders to explore the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From the best advice they’ve received to the toughest challenges they’ve faced, these candid conversations reveal the business acumen, strategies, and mindset that drive success. Each episode is filled with practical insights and fresh perspectives to inspire your business success.