This week’s podcast guest, is not like any I’ve had on before… I am proud to introduce to you my friend, and football legend Rio Ferdinand. As a former Football player, he is one of the most decorated English footballers of all time and regarded by many loyal fans – one of England’s greatest players. I grew up as a United Fan, watching him, idolising him and now he is my mate. Growing up on an Estate in Peckham, Rio’s parents encouraged his curiosity. Many of you, may not know, Rio danced ballet to a high standard before choosing to pursue a career in football… and well, you might think you know how the story goes. You don’t.

In this open, intimate and honest conversation Rio talks about his achievements, failures, successes and how his life experiences have made him the father he is today. Rio has broken many football records during his premiership – He joined Manchester United in July 2002 for record breaking fee of £30 million. He has featured in the PFA Team of the Year four times in 5 years. More club magic spread, as the club followed with another Premier league Win in 2006-07 all under Sir Alex Fergusons lead. During Rio’s time at United, Rio respectfully won 6 Premier League Titles and 14 Trophies. Rio announced his retirements from professional football on 30 May 2015. After retirement Rio has joined BT Sport as a Pundit. The BBC one documentary – Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad. The documentary won the Robert Flaherty Award for Single Documentary at the 2018 BAFTA Awards.

Rio is a special guy, not least for what he’s achieved but for who he is. Today, you’re going to find out who he actually is. The philosophy to life that he swears by, and the culture required for you to win in an ambitious career – but also the culture required to win in your personal life.

Follow Rio:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rioferdy5

YouTube – www.youtube.com/@5magazine

Twitter – https://twitter.com/rioferdy5

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

Ant Middleton is an adventurer, military vet, television host and author who is has become a majorly respected authority when it comes to survival and endurance techniques due to his experience within the elite and special forces. He went on to become of only a handful of those able to complete the military’s gruelling “Holy Trinity”, serving with the Paras, the Royal Marines and Special Forces (in the Special Boat Service, sister force of the SAS). He has served on military tours of Northern Ireland, Macedonia (peacekeeping), Sierra Leone and Afghanistan (in 2007 and 2008).

Ant has remained grounded in a philosophy of embracing personal power and individual responsibility at all times. Ant has a very straightforward view of manhood and describes his peers as ‘military alpha males’. Ant readily admits that he has been ‘exposed’ to so much that it’s almost impossible for him to feel an adrenaline rush at this stage in his life…

Most recently Ant has been caught up in a media storm after Channel 4 axed him from SAS: Who Dares Wins after five years, the broadcaster said that ant’s ‘views and values we not aligned to theirs’.

This is his first in-depth conversation he recorded since he was “cancelled”. Ant, Thank you for your honesty. This weeks episode entitled ‘Ant Middleton Opens Up About His Personal Demons, Being “Cancelled” & His Spirituality’

Follow Ant:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/antmiddleton

Twitter – https://twitter.com/antmiddleton

Website – https://www.antmiddleton.com

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

In this week’s podcast I am sharing some of my own sexual experiences which I have never shared before – Things which have gone well and what has caused some relationships, I’ve cared deeply about to end. I am being open and honest. I feel vulnerable about sharing some of these experiences… so keep this to yourself.

My guest this week is Kate Moyle. Kate is a COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) Accredited Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist, Sex Expert for Sex Toy Brand Lelo, and host of The Sexual Wellness Sessions Podcast.

 Kate works empathetically with people to recognise their personal understanding of their sexuality and sexual health; with the view that issues have roots in psychology, emotion, the physical body, and a person’s history and culture.

Kate specialises in working with those who are struggling with difficulties in their sex lives, relationships and sexuality. Many of her clients are like you and I impacted by the stresses of modern life. Kate and I will be having a very open and real conversations about sex, to help you feel more educated, aware of sexual wellness and feel comfortable in your sexuality.

We will be taking taboo conversations about sex and relationships (which we don’t normally chat about) out of the therapy room and into the mainstream, so you can hear what is really happening.

Follow Kate:

Website – https://www.katemoyle.co.uk

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/katemoyletherapy

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

My guest this week is Christian Angermayer. Christian is a friend and definitely the most interesting person I know. He has founded and invested in businesses in some of the most fascinating and mind-blowing areas from space tech to fintech to biotech, crypto – you name it he’s in there. He has become one of the largest investors in the psychedelic space and is on a mission to cure mental health disorders and addiction.

Christian is the founder of Apeiron Investment Group (www.apeiron-investments.com). Apeiron focuses on BioTech, FinTech & Crypto and DeepTech investments. Christian has (executive) produced more than 20 feature films including critically acclaimed movies like Filth, Aspern Papers and Hector and the Search for Happiness. He is the largest shareholder of DEAG, one of the largest live entertainment companies in Europe, producing over 4.500 shows per year.

Christian has created, co-founded and invested in numerous successful companies, has raised approx. USD 2.5bn for his portfolio companies and has been involved in more than 50 successful IPO- and M&A-transactions either as an entrepreneur, investor or banker/advisor.

Christian reported to be among the 1,000 richest people living in the United Kingdom with an estimated net worth of more than 1 bUSD. With his biotech company ATAI Life Sciences (www.atai.life), Christian has the ambitious goal to enable people to live healthier and happier lives. ATAI’s focus is on developing solutions for the hundreds of million people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and addiction, especially by bringing back formerly vilified drugs like psychedelics into the legal realm.

Follow Christian:

LinkedIn – https://uk.linkedin.com/in/christian-angermayer

Twitter – https://twitter.com/C_Angermayer

Jack Maynard is a British YouTuber who is best known for his parodies, vlogs and collaborations with other famous YouTubers including Joe Sugg, Oli White and Caspar Lee. Jack’s Youtube channel took off extremely quickly, amassing a following of 1.5m subscribers on his main channel since 2015. He is also the younger brother of Conor Maynard, a singer-songwriter and musician who shot to fame after being spotted on YouTube aged 15, and Anna Maynard who is a popular influencer, singer and YouTuber in her own right.

At 23, he was the first YouTuber to appear on ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!’ (2017). He found himself embroiled in a scandal when he was removed from the show after just three days over tweets he made in 2011. This left Jack facing public scrutiny, being part of a British cancel culture moment, events which would change him forever.

After various struggles as a result of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ Jack returned to TV screens with an appearance on Channel 4’s ‘Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins’ in 2020 to help him overcome what he’d been struggling with for the past three years.

Follow Jack:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jack_maynard

Twitter – https://twitter.com/jack_maynard23

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

For this weeks podcast I decided I was going to do something a little bit different. This week all of you will be interviewing me.

I asked you to ask me any question you like about my business, my life or any advice you might need. My team went through and picked the ones that could bring the most value to you.

This is my extremely honest Q&A.

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

Grace is an entrepreneur, brand founder, influencer and Oxford University graduate who defied expectations and took her post-grad journey in an unexpected direction by launching 2 major brands: [We Are] TALA (sustainable, slow fashion activewear label) and fitness app Shreddy. TALA’s performance since its launch in 2019 shows it to be one of the biggest positive disruptors in the gymwear space both in the UK and overseas. At the core of the brand is a focus on ethical, eco-efficient manufacture practices. The designs are inclusive in terms of size and shape range: Grace has spoken of the importance of personalising your fitness and health journey rather than subscribing to what’s most popular or promoted on social media. Grace has remained outspoken on the challenges faced by women in business, even in 2021.

A social conscience runs through all three of her companies: up-cycled offcuts and recyclable materials are incorporated into products from TALA while remaining available to consumers at affordable prices. Grace also used to vlog her daily life with great success, sharing her ups and downs as a 20-something year-old. Longtime subscribers of hers have had the chance to join her on a more personal journey.

However, she stepped away from vlogging a year ago to pursue her business ventures. Grace launched both Shreddy and TALA within a month of her final university exams. She is frequently discussed by followers for her drive and ability to be able to take on multiple projects at once with tons of enthusiasm. Shreddy has received widespread press coverage since its launch, and Grace has recently pulled off a major partnership with celeb/influencer Jordyn Woods in LA, as well as collaborations with brands such as KOI footwear (an exclusive line of vegan footwear released in 2019).

Follow Grace:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gracebeverley

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

From an early age Ben was subjected to a violent parent relationship which saw his family break apart, with only his mother to defend both himself and his brother. Through severe bullying and family upheaval, he moved home six times and went to six different schools within ten years of his life. After an unfortunate incident as a nightclub bouncer involving the death of a patron, Ben fell into a world of drug abuse, gambling and addiction, balancing on the brink of life. Broke, with no home or anyone to turn to, he abused his addictions every day and battled suicidal thoughts. Ben saw an advert on YouTube for the Royal Marines and knew he had one chance left at life by joining. Joining the marines gave him a purpose, he trained religiously, day and night to get fit and read and revised military tactics to increase his knowledge. And he didn’t have a single hand in getting clean from the drugs – his mind, determination and sheer drive got him clean – he was thinking differently.

During his ten years with the Royal Marines – one of the most elite regiments in the world, Ben travelled the world, seeing active operational duties in Afghanistan. The Corps was a rollercoaster journey involving the extreme highs, and lows of war. After being injured in an IED blast in Afghanistan, he returned to the UK with the horrors of war still imprinted on his mind. He had to stay at home with his thoughts – now in a completely new battle.

He turned back into his old self before the marines, drinking, gambling and getting in trouble. The dark thoughts were intrusive. After one alcohol fuelled event, Ben was court-martialed and sent for trial; with his first son on the way he was staring at a four-year sentence for assault, but he fortunately escaped prison by a judge who took pity on him. Broken and at his wits end, a friend lent him ‘the chimp paradox’; and he found himself immersed in self help books and receiving treatment for PTSD.

Like a breath of fresh air, his life changed almost instantly. Ben finally found the answers from experts to understand his behaviour. When his demons were brought under control, he was given the opportunity to join the Commando training centre in Lympstone. As a recruit instructor, he entered the world of coaching and helping others; which saw him flourish.

As a result of his ability, he ended up working with the England football team, where the next part of the journey begins. After being medically discharged, he now owns a leadership and performance coaching company, Vanguard and Find Your Edge, that helps organisations achieve their goals by employing a new mindset; working with many elite professional sports stars, and elite businesses to achieve more.

Ben’s book – https://amzn.eu/d/dlSUTXk

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

My guest this week is an inspiring woman and a brilliant leader, Fran Millar. Fran was recently appointed CEO of the UK fashion brand, Belstaff. Prior to Belstaff, Fran was the former CEO of Team INEOS (formerly Team Sky), the world famous cycling team. Fran led the development of the team’s operational and governance systems alongside all of the business and engagement strategies. Fran has been with team INEOS from the very beginning and during this time she has played a key role in the successes and gained considerable experience in all areas of the team.

She previously held a dual role as both Director of Business Operations and Head of Winning Behaviours at Team Sky. Returning to head up all the team’s ‘off bike’ functions in 2015, her responsibilities included overseeing the team’s marketing and communications strategy, stakeholder management, and all the commercial and legal aspects that come with running the world’s number one cycling team. Fran worked alongside the incomparable Sir Dave Brailsford for over a decade, as well as leading sports psychiatrist, professor Steve Peters.

Prior to working at Team Sky, Fran set-up and ran her own successful athlete and event management agency for 7 years, initially representing her brother, David Millar and going on to represent some of the UK’s highest profile cyclists, including 2011 Sports Personality of the Year winner Mark Cavendish and 2018 Tour de France winner and 2018 Sports Personality of the Year winner, Geraint Thomas. During her career in cycling, Fran had to deal with some tough challenges including getting caught up in tan infamous doping scandal that involved her pro cyclist brother David.

Fran’s story is a fascinating one, one that has twists and turns, one that would have left a lot of people behind but not Fran. Fran is tough, she’s tenacious, she’s inspiring. 

Follow Fran:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/franmillar

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo

Bruce Daisley is one of the world’s most influential voices on fixing workplace culture and a former VP at Twitter. Bruce Daisley spent over a decade as a top executive at Twitter, YouTube and Google for Europe, leaving Twitter as its most senior leader outside of the US.

Bruce’s highly acclaimed book, The Joy of Work: 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again, offers a fascinating and data-tested insight into what ‘work’ and ‘office culture’ now looks-like in the 21st century, as well as advising how all levels of staff within organisations can build a more motivating and productive workplace culture. The book went on to become the UK’s bestselling business hardback of 2019, being translated into 13 languages and long-listed for Business Book of the Year 2020 and CMI Management Book of the Year 2020. His literary and business successes have culminated in Bruce being named one of the Evening Standard’s 1000 Most Influential Londoners and one of Debrett’s 500 Most Influential People in Britain.

At the CBI Annual Conference, he was voted the top-rated speaker, having shared the stage with the Prime Minister and Jeremy Corbyn. Alongside his literary pursuits, Bruce hosts and runs the ‘Eat Sleep Work Repeat’ podcast on workplace culture which has reached #1 spot on the Apple Business Podcast Chart. He now devotes his time to championing reforms to culture in the workplace.

He is also a published writer in the Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal & The Guardian.

Follow Bruce:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucedaisley

Twitter – https://twitter.com/brucedaisley

Follow me:

https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo