In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker interviews Chris Kane, co-founder of Greendale Construction, recording at FOUNDRY Poole in the Dolphin Centre. Chris shares his journey from co-founding the company in 1990 during a recession to working on landmark projects for clients like JP Morgan and the Royal Household. He discusses the challenges and successes of running a construction business for over three decades, his dedication to fitness, and his commitment to community and mentorship. Chris also offers valuable advice for new startups and entrepreneurs, emphasising resilience, networking, and a structured lifestyle. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, including memorable high points such as meeting the Queen and nurturing young talent within his company.
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27:47
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27:47
Respond, Don’t React: Christel Cowdrey on Rebuilding with Dignity
In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Christel Cowdrey shares her extraordinary life story. Originally from Sweden, Christel discusses her family's pioneering business in cash registers, her upbringing, and her education in both Sweden and the UK. She details her experience raising fraternal twin boys through IVF, and their involvement as ambassadors of the FOUNDRY. Christel also highlights her multifaceted career, including modelling, working for Bain & Company, writing books, and becoming a cross-cultural mediator. She talks about her transition into mediation following a challenging divorce and her involvement in charitable work, such as volunteering at young offenders prisons. Throughout the conversation, Christel emphasises the importance of authenticity, adapting to new roles, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. Her latest book, 'How to Fire Your Husband in Easy Steps,' reflects on her personal and professional journey, aiming to provide insights and support for others facing similar crises.
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41:15
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41:15
Superyachts & Startups: Adam Howie’s Uncharted Path
In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Adam Walker, the host interviews Adam Howie, a resident and business owner at New Acres. Adam Howie shares his journey from living in Streatham to moving to New Acres, his experiences working on super yachts, and his transition into the marine engineering and yacht management business. He discusses his company, CalmerSeas, which provides comprehensive yacht management services, including engineering support and brokerage. Adam Howie also delves into his upbringing in Hampshire, his family dynamics, and how he fosters community spirit at New Acres. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including dealing with burnout and the importance of delegation. Adam Howie emphasises the value of community, both in his personal life and business ventures, and shares his future plans, including developing an app to streamline yacht management services.
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30:28
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30:28
How to design an awesome workspace
In this episode of Work This Way, recorded at FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London, Adam interviews Pam D’Alessandro, a creative lead at Interaction. Pam shares insights into her background, including how her father's influence and her early exposure to design led her to a career in interior design. Pam discusses her professional journey, from internships in Montreal to working on significant projects in London, such as Google's incubator hub. She talks about her approach to design, the collaborative process at FOUNDRY, and her future aspirations of becoming a creative director. Pam also shares personal stories about integrating into life in London, her travels, and her philosophy on hard work and continuous learning.
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26:30
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26:30
How to build something meaningful when you don’t fit in
This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Mark Masters, an advocate for community over competition. Mark shares his journey from feeling out of place in traditional corporate settings to creating 'You Are The Media,' a platform for marketing misfits. From his humble beginnings in Oakdale and academic setbacks, to his career in London’s agency world and eventual return to his hometown, Mark's narrative emphasises the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity. He discusses the impact of his failed school election, working in advertising, launching his agency, and the development of 'You Are The Media.' Mark underscores the transformative power of community as a verb and details local and expanded efforts to connect and uplift creative professionals. The discussion includes his work organising events like Creator Day, aimed at fostering collaboration and creativity, and highlights his strong local advocacy and positive influence in Poole.
Welcome to Work This Way by FOUNDRY, a new business podcast speaking to real people. No wannabe influencers, no nonsense pseudo health advice, just real human stories across the UK. Our members, partners and ambassadors speak to us about their business stories, sharing the ups and downs, the ugly truth about work in the 21st century.Here's the pitch, 25 minutes of your life, once a week, to learn about an interesting person and business. They could be your future business partner, customer, lover or a friend. I'm Adam your host, and I cannot wait to share these awesome people and their stories with you.
UK