{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67a4b46c9c6f7f7f287b6966/685281010bed216db73118b8?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Giles Desforges - CEO of Energy Park","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67a4b46c9c6f7f7f287b6966/1750237428339-1e39b3a4-0477-4b6e-a8c9-3173f4714b82.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Welcome back to Air Supply, the podcast from J.O. Collective for ambitious professionals seeking a deeper understanding of leadership and their careers. </p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, your host, Joshua O'Connor, sits down with <strong>Giles Desforges</strong>, a veteran commercial leader and the current CEO of Energy Park, a dynamic private equity-backed EV infrastructure business.</p><p><br></p><p>Giles brings a wealth of experience, having helmed roles across large PLCs, founder-led entrepreneurial ventures, and successful private equity-backed companies. If you've ever wondered what it's truly like to lead a business under the intense, yet uniquely aligned, pressures of private equity, this episode is for you.</p><p><br></p><p>Join us as Giles shares invaluable insights on:</p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>The distinct roles of CEO and Chief Commercial Officer</strong> in driving value creation within a PE framework.</li><li><strong>The unique alignment</strong> between management teams and investors in private equity, and why it can be a powerful force for growth.</li><li><strong>Coping with pressure:</strong> Practical techniques for managing ambitious financial targets and the \"always-on\" nature of leadership.</li><li><strong>The power of \"why\":</strong> How explaining the rationale behind decisions fuels team performance and enables effective pushback with investors.</li><li><strong>Decision-making under scrutiny:</strong> Balancing data-driven analysis with gut instinct, and fostering healthy disagreement for better outcomes.</li><li><strong>Learning from mistakes:</strong> Giles candidly discusses past failures, including a £10 million deal collapse, and the transformative power of reflection.</li><li><strong>The unexpected qualities of top hires:</strong> Why attitude and resilience, particularly born from past failures, are more important than a \"gilded path.\"</li><li><strong>Crucial advice for aspiring PE executives:</strong> Why pursuing private equity \"is not about the money,\" and the vital role of mentors in your career journey.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Whether you're an aspiring CEO, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about the world of high-growth businesses, this episode of Air Supply offers a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Tune in to learn how to navigate the demands of leadership with integrity, resilience, and a clear vision.</strong></p>","author_name":"Joshua O'Connor"}