Ambitious Minds

So many ambitious people today feel like they’re doing everything right, getting the degree, working hard, climbing the ladder... and yet still struggling to make real financial progress.It’s not your imagination.The old playbook that worked for previous generations doesn’t work anymore.In this solo episode, I break down the truth behind why so many Millennials and Gen Z feel stuck, frustrated, or left behind… and more importantly, what actually works today.Drawing on over a decade of experience advising clients as an Investment Manager, I explain:• Why housing, wages, degrees and social mobility have completely shifted• How wealth moved from income → ownership (and why that matters for you)• Why your parents’ roadmap no longer applies in today’s economy• The modern playbook for building wealth sustainably and realistically• How to increase your earning power, not just your savings• Why a second income stream is becoming essential, not optional• How your network can accelerate your career more than any qualification• Why redefining your timeline can unlock huge opportunities Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Subscribe to my Substack: https://substack.com/@fuelyourambition

Christine Nicholson is a award-winning business mentor, author, and exit strategist. In this episode we unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and successfully exit your business.With over a hundred business sales under her belt, Christine shares real-world lessons on the three types of exits every founder should understand, how to prepare for due diligence long before you sell, and why financial freedom starts outside your business.From the emotional rollercoaster of letting go to the practical steps that protect your wealth, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for entrepreneurs who want to create lasting value, and a life beyond the business.00:00 Introduction01:54 Preparing for Business Exit 06:44 The Importance of Delegation 13:40 The Psychological Toll of Due Diligence 19:31 The Role of Preparation in Due Diligence 23:16 Personal Entrepreneurial Journey 29:28 The Overlooked Strategy: Acquiring to Exit 30:26 The Reality of Business Dependency 33:59 Preparing for Wealth Outside the Business 34:54 The Pitfalls of Not Planning Ahead 42:07 The Gender Dynamics in Business Ownership 44:57 The Challenges of Selling a Business 47:52 The Importance of Building Business Controls 49:43 The Motivation Behind Helping Others 53:39 The Impact of Upbringing on Success 55:57 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More InformationContact Christine:https://christinenicholson.co.uk/

Colin Campbell is the host of Cambro Conversations and a top-performing sales coach.When Colin was made redundant from his sales director role, he didn’t panic, he pivoted. He used that moment of uncertainty to rebuild his career on his own terms, turning a side project into a full-time coaching business. In this episode, he breaks down how to juggle a side hustle alongside a demanding job, stay financially sharp, and keep moving forward when life throws you off track.We also explore how AI tools can streamline sales, why consistent follow-ups are a game-changer, and how to stay market ready no matter how secure your job feels.If you’re thinking about going out on your own, or just want to build something meaningful on the side, this episode is packed with insights to help you do it the smart way.00:00 Intro03:17 Building a Side Hustle and Market Testing09:30 Financial Realities and Planning for Self-Employment18:54 Sales Coaching and Structuring Your Business28:47 The Importance of Follow-Up in Meetings and Podcasts29:30 Effective Communication and Clear Actions29:57 Leveraging Guest Introductions and Networking30:47 Structuring Follow-Ups for Success34:00 The Role of AI in Sales and Follow-Ups35:43 Utilizing AI Tools for Efficiency41:03 Cold Outreach and Client Acquisition46:28 Tailoring Sales Approaches to Client Needs51:19 Final Thoughts and Personal ReflectionsConnect with Colin:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/
Email List - https://colcambro.kit.com/30bde23b0c
Email - Colin@colcambro.com

Tom had everything most people dream of. A top degree. A role at JP Morgan. The kind of career that looks perfect on paper. But behind the prestige, he felt something was missing.In this conversation, Tom opens up about what it’s really like working in one of the world’s biggest investment banks... and why he walked away. From side hustles and consulting to building his own ventures, he reveals the reality of leaving security for the unknown.Now, as a fractional CFO, Tom helps entrepreneurs understand the truth about their finances: the difference between profit and cash flow, why recurring revenue matters, and how to prepare a business for sale. His journey is one of ambition, risk, and redefining success.This isn’t just about money. It’s about identity, growth, and the courage to bet on yourself.00:00 Introduction: Working at JP Morgan01:22 University and Internships03:38 Life at JP Morgan05:41 Deciding to Leave JP Morgan08:46 Starting New Ventures and Side Hustles10:07 Challenges and Realisations in Small Businesses10:52 Providing Financial Consulting to Small Businesses14:55 Improving Business Cash Flow and Profit Margins30:09 Future Business Plans and Advice30:29 The Value of Recurring Revenue33:05 Preparing Businesses for Sale36:28 Building a Personal Brand42:11 The Importance of Consistency46:14 Ambition and Personal Growth51:36 Investing in Yourself55:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

Tom Giles always dreamt of making it in football, and he did when he was hired by AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea FC, MCC and Bath Rugby, before launching his own sports business.In this episode, Tom shares the realities of working in elite sport, the transition to entrepreneurship, and why surrounding yourself with high-performing people matters. He also opens up about his personal journey as a father raising a child with a rare syndrome, and how that challenge fuels his drive, resilience, and ambition.We dive into leadership, personal branding, and the role of AI in business, while exploring the importance of passion, curiosity, and consistency in building long-term success.Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Football Beginnings00:39 Breaking into the Sports Industry06:03 Chelsea FC & Career Progression20:28 The Commercial Side of Sports26:17 Social Media’s Influence31:18 Balancing Family & Tech36:17 Vulnerability & Authenticity39:22 Raising a Child with a Rare Syndrome44:02 Life as a Business Owner48:31 Finding Passion & Purpose01:06:23 Leadership & Team Building01:09:24 The Startup Mindset01:13:27 AI in Business01:16:31 Lessons from Podcasts & Books01:23:57 Sports x Business Insights01:31:14 Motivation & Ambition01:40:03 Why Consistency Wins

Starting a business is hard.Starting one with your spouse? That’s a whole different level of risk.In this episode, I sit down with Joe Fraher, an architect who, alongside his wife Liz, built a boutique design and build firm in Central London, right in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis.Joe shares the real story behind how they made it work: from opposite views on risk, to navigating financial pressure, managing a growing team, and raising a family at the same time. He opens up about going sober, leading through chaos, and the mindset it takes to grow something meaningful without losing your relationship, or yourself.This is an honest conversation about ambition, business, marriage, and the messy parts in between.Giving up alcohol to take control of his life againRedefining success beyond money and titlesTeaching his children about wealth, risk, and responsibilityBalancing love, family, and business without losing eitherAnd why the future of construction lies in digital manufacturing and AIThis is a raw and revealing conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful, and the mindset shifts required to survive it.00:00 Introduction to Risk-Taking00:41 Starting the Business Journey00:57 Architectural Services and Turnkey Solutions02:08 Challenges and Growth in Architecture03:29 Navigating Redundancy and Building a Business07:52 Managing a Growing Team09:14 The Importance of Risk and Ambition11:08 The French Alps Project15:15 Hiring and Team Dynamics22:25 Education and Career Pathways29:02 Client Relationships and Long-Term Projects31:49 Liz's Role in the Business32:14 The Importance of Listening to Clients32:44 Emotional Investment in Projects35:22 Client Profiling and Matching37:55 Trust and Transparency in Business38:34 Adapting to Economic Challenges45:35 Leveraging AI in Business52:32 Financial Education and Generational Wealth01:02:55 Leveraging Good Debt01:03:36 The Pitfalls of Bad Debt01:05:02 Balancing Risk in Family and Business01:06:23 Aligning Ambitions with Your Partner01:09:36 The Future of Work and Personal Goals01:13:32 Challenges of Entrepreneurship01:14:44 The Impact of Government Policies on SMEs01:25:59 Personal Habits for Success01:30:42 Concluding ThoughtsDiscover Joe and FraherWebsite - https://www.fraher.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frahergroup/ LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joseph-fraher Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

What does burnout look like for high achievers and ambitious creatives? Celebrity photographer Bradley Green shares his personal story of burnout, mental health, and the cost of relentless ambition.Brad has built a life many dream of, travelling the world as a photographer capturing icons like Matthew McConaughey and Conor Benn. But behind the lens lies a deeper struggle — the mental and physical toll of pushing too hard for too long.In this episode, we discuss:The signs of burnout in high achieversHow to balance ambition with wellbeingThe impact of diet, sleep, and media consumption on performanceWhy even the most successful need to slow downTools to build a sustainable work-life balanceThis raw and honest conversation pulls back the curtain on the Instagram highlight reel, offering real-world advice for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone navigating the pressure of constant growth.

Sign up to my weekly newsletter Fuel Your Ambition, where I share insights to help you grow your money, business, or career: https://fuelyourambition.substack.com/In this episode, I sit down with Noel Mack, the Chief Brand Officer at Gymshark, to understand what it takes to build one of the UK’s biggest brands.Noel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Gymshark has evolved from a scrappy e-commerce startup into a global powerhouse, with physical stores, millions of loyal customers, and a brand identity built on community, authenticity, and relentless ambition.We explore what it really means to be a Chief Brand Officer, and how Noel’s role is rooted in creating emotional connection, building culture, and obsessing over the customer journey.Noel also opens up about his unconventional path to the role, his drive to keep growing, and how staying humble and hungry fuels his success. This conversation is just as much about mindset as it is about marketing.00:34 Defining the Chief Brand Officer Role01:06 Emotional Connection and Customer Experience02:18 Community Engagement and Product Development06:53 The Journey to Gymshark09:07 Maintaining Core Values 11:47 Customer Obsession and Feedback19:41 Personal Reflections and Career Path30:01 Humble Beginnings31:27 Gym Shark's Work Ethic 34:03 Expanding to Physical Stores41:09 Ambition and Personal Drive44:10 Balancing Ambition and Overcommitment48:42 Future Goals and Personal Ambitions54:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mitch returns for his second appearance on the podcast, but this time, we’re also joined by his mentor and boss, Mark, to get the full story. In the first episode, Mitch shared how Mark played a pivotal role in his career growth. Now, we hear Mark's version of events, offering a unique perspective on mentorship, ambition, and business growth.Mitch and Mark discuss the key elements of their business success, from strategic planning and setting goals to navigating challenges and leveraging mentorship.They explore how they transformed a small accounting firm into a thriving business with 77 employees, all while maintaining a focus on personal growth and leadership. Plus, they discuss how spiritual practices like meditation have helped shape their leadership styles and fostered a purpose-driven approach to business.00:00 Introduction02:03 The Early Years04:38 Mark's Journey into Accountancy07:19 Mitch's Evolution in the Company13:29 Systemising the Business for Growth18:36 The Role of Mentorship and Trust27:05 Scaling the Business and Setting Goals37:23 Discussing Departure from Dens38:18 Lockdown Challenges and Learnings40:30 Transition to CEO Role44:05 Leadership Styles and Decision Making51:55 Spirituality and Meditation in Business56:57 Ambition and Purpose01:02:17 Supporting Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs01:04:37 Reflecting on Mentorship and Growth01:12:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future GoalsDiscover Nordens and MitchWebsite - www.nordens.co.ukLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/nordens-chartered-accountants-&-business-advisers/Follow Mitch on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mitchhahn/Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast