The Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

A successful exit is rarely defined by valuation alone. Behind every strong outcome is strategic preparation, disciplined leadership and an organisation that is ready for transition.

In this episode of Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast, Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, speaks with Paul Lester CBE, Board Mentor at Criticaleye, about what it takes to execute a successful exit. Drawing on his experience leading public and private equity-backed businesses, including the sale of FirstPort, Appello, Marley and Readypower, Paul shares practical insights into how leaders can prepare for a transaction while continuing to build long-term value.

Topics covered include:

• The characteristics of an exit-ready business
• Building sustainable value before a transaction is on the horizon
• Leading organisations through uncertainty while maintaining performance
• The Board's role in supporting management teams during an exit
• Protecting culture, engaging employees and communicating through change
• The leadership lessons that underpin successful exits

Whether an exit is imminent or years away, this episode offers practical guidance for CEOs, Chairs, CFOs and senior executives looking to strengthen organisational readiness, lead confidently through transition and maximise long-term value.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, joins Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, to explore what it takes to succeed as a CEO in today’s fast-changing business environment.

As organisations navigate increasing complexity and constant change, the demands on CEOs continue to evolve. In this episode, Mike shares insights from his leadership journey, reflecting on stepping into the top role, building high-performing teams and staying focused on long-term strategy.

Drawing on his experience as CEO of enfinium, Mike discusses the challenges facing chief executives today, along with the importance of continuous leadership development, self-awareness and maintaining an external perspective.

Discussion points include:

• Mike’s career journey and pathway to becoming a CEO
• The surprises and challenges of stepping into a first CEO role
• Navigating the critical first 100 days and balancing learning with decisive action
• Early wins and key lessons learned from mistakes
• How CEOs can communicate effectively and keep teams focused amid constant change
• The role of feedback, data and independent perspective in leadership effectiveness
• Approaches to self-development as a CEO and developing the leadership team
• Advice for first-time CEOs on maintaining strategic focus and avoiding operational overload

A must-listen for CEOs looking to sharpen their leadership impact, strengthen strategic focus and lead with confidence through complexity.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Jon Rigby CBE, Senior Cyber Advisor and former Chief Cyber Officer at Liberty Specialty Markets, joins Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, to explore what it truly takes for organisations to build cyber resilience in an increasingly complex and unpredictable threat landscape.

With over 40 years experience across the Royal Air Force, intelligence, cyber operations and commercial advisory roles, Jon offers a unique perspective on how cyber risk is evolving and why many organisations still underestimate its scale.

He explores common misconceptions about cyber attackers, the realities of attribution and state involvement and why cyber must be treated as a strategic business risk rather than a technical issue.

The discussion also looks at how Boards can move beyond a tick box approach and where organisations most often fall short in understanding and managing cyber risk.

Discussion points include:

• Who is behind today’s cyber attacks and how targeting models differ
• The reality of state sponsored cyber activity and the challenge of attribution
• Why Boards often fall into a box ticking approach to cyber risk
• How organisations can better quantify and understand cyber impact
• The importance of independent challenge and realistic testing
• Why cyber resilience depends on preparation, rehearsal and culture
• Common blind spots that lead to failure during live incidents
• The role of third parties in expanding organisational risk exposure

A must listen for senior leaders seeking to strengthen cyber resilience, elevate Board level understanding and lead with confidence in managing evolving cyber risk.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Nick Burns, CEO of Reward Gateway | Edenred, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Bridgette Hall to share his perspective on what it takes to deliver successful international expansion in today’s complex business environment.

Reflecting on the growth story of Reward Gateway and its £1 billion merger with Edenred, the podcast explores how leadership teams can scale across multiple geographies while navigating strategic, operational and cultural challenges. Nick also shares insights on the role of M&A, investor influence and how executives can align stakeholders around ambitious global growth plans.

Discussion points include:

• The evolution of Reward Gateway and the key milestones in its growth journey
• Lessons from leading a major cross-border merger and integrating businesses at scale
• Why organisations expand beyond domestic markets and the strategic rationale behind international growth
• How leadership teams determine which geographies to enter and when
• The role of M&A versus organic growth in international expansion strategies
• How to assess and manage cultural and operational integration risks
• The role of private equity investors in shaping and accelerating expansion plans
• How leadership teams align around high-stakes decisions and differing risk perspectives
• Balancing the demands of leading a business while driving international growth
• The importance of external advisors and support networks during complex expansion programmes
• Key advice for leadership teams embarking on their first major international expansion

PE Outlook Series: The Private Equity Outlook for 2026

Alastair Mills, Managing Director & Head of European Business Services at H.I.G. Capital, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson to share his perspective on what lies ahead for the UK private equity market in 2026.

Reflecting on UK market conditions in 2025, the podcast explores how macro uncertainty, fiscal policy and the growing influence of AI are shaping fund strategies, dealmaking and value creation. Alastair also looks ahead to whether easing interest rates could unlock activity in the UK market and what private equity firms and portfolio leaders should be doing now to prepare for a potentially more active and competitive year.

Discussion points include:

• How UK private equity funds are adapting strategies in response to current market conditions, including longer hold periods and the use of continuation funds

• The impact of tariffs and potential tax changes following the UK Autumn Budget on confidence and deal activity

• How AI is influencing deal sourcing, due diligence and performance across portfolio companies

• Whether falling interest rates could drive a pick-up in UK deal activity and exits in 2026

• How private equity firms can best prepare for a more active and competitive UK deal environment

• Why access to external reference points is critical for leaders, particularly those new to private equity, when preparing for an exit

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Dave Wilson, Chair of LBG Media (LADbible) and Knights plc, joins Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore how Boards and executive teams can successfully navigate today’s capital markets while staying focused on long-term value creation.

In a landscape of tightening liquidity, shifting investor expectations and ongoing macro uncertainty, leaders of publicly listed businesses face growing pressure to balance short-term market demands with long-term growth. Drawing on his extensive executive and non-executive experience, Dave shares insights from supporting high-growth companies, preparing for IPO and guiding teams through public-market volatility.

Discussion points include:

• How leaders can balance immediate market pressures with long-term value creation
• Lessons from preparing for IPO and operating successfully on the public markets
• The impact of reduced liquidity on decision-making and Board-level conversations
• Key challenges facing plc leadership teams and how a Chair can best support them
• The evolving relationship between Chairs, CEOs and CFOs amid market and macro pressures
• Avoiding short-termism through effective communication with investors and analysts
• Approaches to assessing growth, profitability and M&A in a complex capital environment
• Why peer networks are increasingly important for resilience and perspective
• Practical advice for plc leaders aiming to deliver sustainable growth in a difficult market

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly and Jacqui Summons, NED/Fractional CHRO join Criticaleye's Senior Editor, Jacob Ambrose Willson to explore the demands of private equity ownership from driving value creation and managing Board dynamics to resolving conflict, keeping exit front of mind and leading under pressure in today’s challenging market.

Discussion points include:

• The growing popularity of private equity as a route to business growth and the impact of current market conditions
• How the definition of success in PE has evolved and what value creation looks like today
• Boardroom dynamics in PE-backed businesses and the characteristics of high-performing Boards
• The role of the Chair and executive team in managing investor relationships and resolving conflict
• Keeping the exit in focus throughout the ownership cycle while driving sustainable growth
• Leading through the pressures of the exit process and the current macroeconomic environment

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Deborah Frost, UK Chair of Mercer Master Trust and former CEO of Personal Group, as she shares her experiences in leading and transforming high-growth businesses.

Hosted by Marc Barber, Director of Content at Criticaleye, Deborah draws on both her executive and non-executive experience. She highlights how innovation has been key to her success and explores how to build a culture that supports creativity while effectively managing risk.

Key discussion points: 

• The critical role of innovation in driving business growth.
• Empowering management teams while maintaining strategic oversight.
• What investors typically seek in high-growth companies.
• How leaders can prepare effectively for investor scrutiny and due diligence.
• Common red flags that may deter potential investors.
• Key advice for CEOs preparing their business for the next phase of growth.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Sean Latus, Group CEO at Calisen, as he reflects on his transition from CFO to CEO and the realities of leading a complex organisation in today’s business climate. 

Hosted by Bridgette Hall, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, Sean shares his journey into the CEO role, the key mindset shifts and challenges he faced. He reflects on staying strategically focused, evolving stakeholder relationships and offers advice for others transitioning from CFO to CEO. 

Discussion points include: 

• Navigating the career journey from CFO to Group CEO.
• The motivations, doubts and decisions behind stepping into the top role.
• Shifting responsibilities and early challenges faced as a new CEO.
• Leading from the front without getting pulled back into the detail.
• Redefining relationships with the Board and other key stakeholders.
• Advice for CFOs transitioning to CEO – what to expect and what support is needed.

Criticaleye's Inspiring Leaders Podcast

Paul Kelly, UK Country Co-Leader, Partner & Managing Director, AlixPartners, Tamsin Todd, Non-executive Director, Auction Technology Group and Jon Lowne, Global Head of IT & Digital, Lightsource bp explore the key triggers that drive the need for change, how businesses can leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Hosted by Jacob Ambrose Willson, Senior Editor at Criticaleye, they discuss emerging trends, leadership strategies and practical advice for navigating digital transformation.

Discussion points include: 

• Key triggers for digital transformation and its alignment with business growth strategies
• Common pitfalls businesses face during digital change
• Technologies shaping the next phase of digital transformation
• How leadership adapts and evolves during transformation
• Maintaining strategic oversight as a Non-Executive Director (NED)
• The value of mentoring for leaders navigating digital change