007 What It Takes: Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE – 'Normalising The Extraordinary '
🎙️ What It Takes – Episode 007: Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE – 'Normalising The Extraordinary 'In this episode of What It Takes, we’re joined by Hugo Mitchell-Heggs MBE, Royal Navy Marine Engineering Officer, submariner, and founder of HMS Oardacious – the fastest serving military team to row across the Atlantic Ocean.With 15 years spent operating nuclear reactors and ship systems on submarines in some of the world’s most extreme environments, Hugo’s story is one of extraordinary endurance. Twice rowing the Atlantic Ocean—facing towering waves, capsizes, salt sores, and sleep deprivation—he’s pushed physical and mental limits to new heights.Beyond his adventures, Hugo is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing in the Defence community. He chairs the HMS Oardacious Submariner Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and serves as Head of Human Performance for the Royal Navy, focusing on building resilience and helping personnel thrive under pressure. Whether you’re inspired by tales of adventure, leadership, or mental toughness, this episode delivers powerful insights on overcoming adversity and driving cultural change.Tune in to discover:The mindset required to endure extreme physical and psychological challengesHow Hugo’s ocean rowing campaigns are transforming mental health supportWhat it really takes to lead and inspire in high-pressure environments
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006 What It Takes: Tom Whittle, Founder of Mission – ' Becoming Incredibly Comfortable With Failure '
🎙️ What It Takes – Episode 006: Tom Whittle, Founder of Mission – 'Becoming Incredibly Comfortable With Failure 'In this episode of What It Takes, we’re joined by Tom Whittle, the record-breaking adventurer and founder of Mission – the natural energy drinks brand fuelling everyone from Premier League clubs to Formula One drivers.Tom’s story is far from ordinary. He left a Magic Circle law career behind to cycle the length of South America (12,500km in 300 days), followed by 17 marathons in 10 days – a journey that led to a Guinness World Record and the discovery that would spark Mission’s creation.From testing performance teas during a brutal crossing of Iceland, to building a business that’s now sold over 10 million units and is redefining how we fuel our bodies – Tom’s journey is packed with grit, purpose, and ambition. Whether you’re into sport, entrepreneurship, or simply love stories of pushing the limits – this is not one to miss.Tune in to discover:The mindset behind leaving corporate life to chase adventureHow Mission is tackling the global caffeine and sugar crisisWhat it really takes to build a performance-led brand from scratch
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005 What It Takes: Chris & Jess, Co-Founders of Vizzy – ‘Polite Persistence’
🎙️ What It Takes – Episode 005: Chris & Jess Woodward-Jones, Co-Founders of Vizzy – ‘Polite Persistence’In this episode of What It Takes, we’re joined by Chris and Jess Woodward-Jones, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Vizzy – a platform transforming the way early career talent is seen and hired.With backgrounds in consultancy, marketing, and change management, Chris and Jess share the story of how they built Vizzy to bring the CV into the 21st century – helping people express who they really are, and enabling businesses to hire based on potential, not just experience.From the importance of energy in leadership to the personal and professional challenges they’ve overcome, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to launch a business with purpose and stay grounded while doing it. Whether you’re passionate about innovation, people, or building something from scratch, this one’s for you.💭 Tune in to discover:How Vizzy is giving diverse talent a platform to shineWhy energy matters just as much as strategyWhat lifelong learning looks like for modern founders
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004 What It Takes : Sir Clive Woodward – 'Passion for Knowledge'
What It Takes – Episode 004: Sir Clive Woodward – 'Passion for Knowledge'In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Sir Clive Woodward, the visionary coach who led England to their historic 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. A former international player turned pioneering leader, Sir Clive shares insights into the mindset, preparation, and innovation that propelled his team to the pinnacle of world rugby.Beyond the pitch, Sir Clive has applied his principles of high performance to roles such as Director of Sport for Team GB and as a consultant in business and leadership. His unwavering “passion for knowledge” underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in achieving excellence. ✨Whether you’re in sport, business, or any field striving for high performance, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of success.
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003 What It Takes : Dr. Sherylle Calder, Sports Scientist - 'Maintain Forever Learning'
🎙️ What It Takes – Episode 003: Dr Sherylle Calder, Sports Scientist – “Maintain Forever Learning”In this episode of What It Takes, we speak with Dr Sherylle Calder, renowned sports scientist and creator of EyeGym – a groundbreaking programme that trains visual and cognitive performance for athletes and professionals alike.A former international hockey player with a PhD in visual performance, Dr Calder has worked with elite teams across rugby, cricket, golf,Formula 1. She's the only woman to have worked with the All Blacks, South Africa, and English rugby team, helping the latter two win World Cups in 2003 and 2007. Known as “The Eye Lady”, she shares how training the eyes and brain can unlock faster decisions, sharper focus, and better results – both on and off the field.Rooted in her belief to “Maintain Forever Learning”, this conversation explores the mindset and methods behind sustained high performance. ✨Whether you’re in sport, business or education – this is a fresh take on reaching your full potential.
‘What It Takes’ will seek to understand the common traits from exceptional leaders from across industries. David and Jenny Harkin, two entrepreneurs, co-founders and husband and wife have been so lucky to meet and work with amazing people over the decades, so this will be an opportunity to share their stories with the world and look to see if they can study and learn what common traits exist to get to the top of a variety of fields.
UK