Ambitious Minds

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

Andrew Craig returns for his second appearance on the podcast, and in this episode, we delve into why so many people make investment mistakes—or choose not to invest at all. We also explore the UK’s wealth crisis, discussing its causes and potential solutions. Andrew shares insights from his latest book Our Future Is Biotech, revealing the groundbreaking scientific advancements that could lead to healthier, longer lives.Join us as we discuss the role of financial literacy, the biotech revolution, and the power of compounding in creating lasting personal and financial growth.00:00 The UK's Wealth Crisis: An Overview00:25 The Biotech Revolution: A New Era01:06 The Cash ISA Dilemma01:45 The Impact of Financial Journalism03:37 The Economic Consequences of Poor Investment06:57 The Global Wealth Disparity13:31 The Role of Technology in Wealth Creation19:56 The Importance of Financial Literacy32:45 Healthy Eating Habits from Childhood33:20 Economic Growth and Wealth Creation34:46 Reflecting on the 1970s Economy36:54 The Future of Biotech47:44 Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology52:08 The Rise of Autism and ADHD58:45 The Complexity of Human Biology01:04:55 Discussing Chris Hemsworth and Free Solo01:05:09 The Importance of Visualization in Extreme Sports01:05:43 Pushing the Frontiers of Human Capability01:06:53 The Power of Compounding and Consistency01:08:49 Exciting Advances in Microbiome and Bioremediation01:10:05 The Miracles of Precision Medicine01:12:49 The Abundance of Modern Life01:15:40 The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning01:18:49 The Impact of Podcasts on Personal Growth01:22:29 Economic Models and Government Intervention01:26:58 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsDiscover AndrewWebsite - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCME6xVzdcA7q_RfhRaRIkPALinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcraigpef/?originalSubdomain=ukBooks - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/booksGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

What if you could turn a teenage side hustle into a company that runs over 4,000 events a year, without raising a penny of external funding?In this episode, I'm joined by Toby Burns, founder of The Silent Disco Company - the UK’s leading provider of silent disco infrastructure for parties, weddings, festivals, and corporate events.Toby shares how he went from entertaining kids at birthday parties to DJing luxury events, and ultimately scaling a business that’s redefining how people experience music and nightlife.He breaks down the realities of self-funding a company, the importance of sales over branding, and how AI is helping streamline his operations today.We also dive into lessons on hiring, managing burnout, investing in property, and why every entrepreneur should think about building a business to sell; even if they never plan to.00:00 Introduction to the Silent Disco Company01:02 The Journey of Toby Burns02:51 Innovating in the Event Industry04:45 The Importance of Sales and Innovation07:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life15:00 The Role of Education and AI24:53 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities36:16 Always Be Hiring: The Entrepreneur's Mindset36:41 Balancing Hands-On Work and Leveraged Work38:05 The Impact of Government Policies on Entrepreneurship38:40 AI and Automation in Business39:17 The Burden of Taxes on Business Owners46:57 The Importance of Owning Assets53:27 Building a Business to Sell55:16 The Future of AI and Education01:00:20 The Silent Disco Experience01:12:10 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursFollow TobyLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns Website - https://thesilentdiscocompany.co.uk/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEventrepreneur Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Think negotiation is all about being tough? Think again. In this episode, I sit down once again with bestselling author and top sales coach Nicole Soames to uncover the underrated skills that actually win negotiations - from emotional intelligence to strategic silence.Whether you're asking for a raise, closing a deal, or navigating a difficult conversation, this episode gives you the mindset, tools, and strategies to walk in with confidence and walk out with results. Nicole shares proven techniques used by professionals to consistently create win-win outcomes - including real-world examples, role-playing advice, and preparation tips that actually work.Back by popular demand, this is Nicole’s second appearance on the podcast. If you haven’t heard our first episode together, check out Episode 4300:00 Introduction01:02 Key Traits of a Good Negotiator02:48 Understanding the Negotiation Process04:15 Emotional Aspects of Negotiation09:40 Preparation for Negotiation15:47 Strategies and Tactics in Negotiation35:53 Practicing Negotiation Skills37:40 The Importance of Practice in Negotiation38:09 Role Playing and Preparation Techniques39:52 Everyday Negotiation Opportunities40:57 Delegation as a Form of Negotiation44:38 Negotiating Salaries and Pay Rises51:50 Strategies for Job Offer Negotiations01:04:11 Emotional Intelligence in Negotiation01:06:50 Conclusion and Next Steps

Josh White, CEO and Co-Founder of Cano Water, is on a mission to fight plastic pollution with a simple yet powerful idea: providing an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water using 100% recyclable aluminum cans. The goal is simple - to put the planet before profit and make sustainability a new benchmark in the drinks industry.But Josh’s path to success hasn’t been easy. In this episode, he opens up about his struggles with addiction, ADHD, and being expelled from school, all as a teenager. Despite these setbacks, Josh managed to channel his addictive personality into something positive; building his business, raising his daughter, and helping others who are going through their own struggles.Josh is one of the most humble, purpose-driven entrepreneurs I’ve had the pleasure of talking to. His commitment to putting others before himself and making a real difference in the world is genuinely inspiring.00:00 Intro01:16 Profit vs. Planet: The Harsh Realities of Business07:33 Personal Battles: ADHD and Addiction as a Teenager28:04 Finding Purpose: From DJing to Entrepreneurship46:54 The Harsh Realities of Corporate Power48:17 Creating a Global Brand50:29 How You Source Water56:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs with ADHD01:04:49 The Importance of Mental Health Conversations01:17:32 Fatherhood and Personal Growth01:27:43 The Future of Work and Creativity01:30:00 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsFollow JoshLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshwhite2201Cano Water - https://canowater.com/Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Xenia Muether is an entrepreneur who’s turned her ADHD diagnosis into a superpower for her business.Leaving the corporate world behind, Xenia built her own niche marketing agency. She talks about the challenges she faced, from overcoming self-doubt to navigating the most difficult year for her business.Xenia also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis in her 20s and how this helped her better understand her brain, tap into its strengths, and develop a leadership style that works for her. She discusses her strategies for managing ADHD and using it to her advantage in business.Xenia also shares advice for companies looking to market the brand, including how understanding generational differences - especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha - is key to successful marketing strategies. Plus, she discusses why having a clear target audience is crucial and how working with challenger and impact brands helped shape her approach.00:00 Introduction 01:03 Personal Background and Career Beginnings01:45 Transition to London and Career Growth03:19 Realising the Need for Change05:01 Starting the First Agency07:52 Expanding into New Markets09:19 Working with Challenger and Impact Brands12:30 Full-Service Marketing Strategies14:16 Importance of Target Audience Analysis19:18 Platform-Specific Marketing Approaches22:43 The Rise of AI in Marketing26:50 Generational Differences in Marketing30:32 The Demand for Authenticity37:55 Balancing Convenience and Privacy39:52 Cultural Differences and Personal Reflections41:11 Ambitions and Overcoming Barriers46:19 Balancing Business Operations and Growth46:38 Time Management Strategies47:20 Delegation and Team Trust49:51 ADHD Diagnosis and Impact52:11 Harnessing ADHD as a Superpower55:59 Challenges of ADHD in Daily Life01:05:25 Navigating a Tough Business Year01:08:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome01:14:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:24:07 Future Ambitions and Business GrowthFollow XeniaLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/xenia-muetherGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast