x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Swim Against The Tide

The idea behind Swim Against The Tide podcast is to meet founders and leaders of businesses who have launched and operate in competitive markets, taking the bigger, more established players head on. It is about exploring what drove them, how their brand stood out, what they had to do to win and what lessons they have learned that they can share with the listeners to hopefully inspire them to take their own journey. The show is presented by Steve Henry, Co-Founder of the specialist marketing group

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

53:23

Ep046 – Stephen Loftus, CEO, Wattbike | Taking...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/07/14

In our second Tour de France special, we meet Stephen Loftus as he shares his unique career journey leading to his role as CEO of Wattbike. After an early career in the global booze trade, then a spell at the British design icon that is Brompton Bikes, Stephen joined Wattbike in 2023.He discusses the challenges faced during his tenure, particularly post-COVID, and the importance of team culture and relationships in navigating these challenges. Stephen elaborates on the innovative product

en

59:28

Ep045 – Yanto Barker, CEO, Le Col | Spinning many...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/07/10

In this latest Tour de France special episode of the podcast we meet Yanto Barker, the CEO of Le Col, the uber cool cycling apparel brand. The former professional cyclist shares his journey from early cycling experiences to establishing a successful cycling clothing range. He discusses the challenges he faced in both cycling and business, emphasising the importance of fearlessness, resilience, and the ability to adapt. Yanto highlights the core values of Le Col, focusing on inclusivity,

en

56:14

Ep044 – Nick Payne, MD, SA Brain & Co | Rebuilding a...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/07/03

In this engaging conversation, Nick Payne shares his journey from an early career in banking to becoming the Managing Director of SA Brains, a renowned brewery. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced in the beer industry, his short transition into the gin market, and his return to Brains, where he aims to revitalise the brand and adapt to the evolving market. Nick emphasizes the importance of passion, self-awareness, and creating a positive work environment as key elements in his

en

55:11

Ep043 – Rob Keeping, MD, Bread Holdings | From Golf...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/06/26

In this podcast episode, Rob Keeping, Managing Director of Bread Holdings, shares his unique journey from a sports-focused youth to a successful career in the culinary world.He discusses his early sporting career, a transition into the army, before discovering hospitality, and following his passion for food.Rob then goes on to discuss his journey at Bread Holdings, the home of Gail’s Artisan Bakeries, highlighting the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and personal development. He

en

61:04

Ep042 – Nick Gillett, MD, Mangrove Global | Spirited...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/06/19

In this engaging conversation, Nick Gillett shares his journey from what he describes as a privileged upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the alcohol distribution industry. Nick explains how he took learnings from being on the front line of hospitality industry in the heady West End bar scene, and the importance of team sports, to build his career and develop into an effective and inspirational leader.He discusses the importance of understanding consumer behaviour, the

en

50:02

Ep041 – Teddy Lee, Founder, Maki & Ramen | Building a...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/06/12

In this engaging podcast episode, Teddy Lee shares his inspiring journey from starting his career as a waiter to the owner of a successful chain of Japanese restaurants. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building his brand, Maki & Ramen, and how he adapted to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teddy emphasises the importance of quality, innovation, and marketing in growing his business, while also reflecting on the

en

56:16

Ep040 – Stu Macdonald, Founder, ManiLife Peanut...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/06/05

In this engaging conversation, Stu Macdonald, founder of ManiLife Peanut Butter, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood illness to becoming a successful entrepreneur.He discusses the inception of his brand, the innovative product development process, and emphasizing the balance between taste and functionality.The conversation also delves into the unique positioning of ManiLife in the peanut butter market, emphasising provenance and quality, as well as the brand's growth

en

56:29

Ep039 – Darren Burn, Group CEO, OutOfOffice.com |...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/05/29

In this fascinating conversation, Darren Burn shares his unique journey from starting his career as a young, budding ITN journalist to the CEO and Founder of Out Of Office, a luxury travel company focused on the LGBTQ+ community. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his early experiences in journalism, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.The conversation also touches on the

en

51:05

Ep038 – Sarah Calcutt, CEO, City Harvest London | How...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/05/22

en

52:40

Ep037 – Ed Pyke, CEO, Simpson Travel | A journey in...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/05/15

In this engaging conversation, Ed Pyke shares his journey from a young kitchen porter to the CEO of Simpson Travel. He discusses his early experiences in the travel and hospitality industry, the importance of customer experience, and the unique position of Simpson Travel in the market.Ed emphasizes the importance of building trust and delegating responsibilities in leadership, the significance of recruiting the right team for growth, and the challenges and changes faced after private equity

en

49:25

Ep036 – James Dare, Co-Founder, Salad Project |...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/05/08

In this conversation, James Dare shares the journey of co-founding the Salad Project, a restaurant chain focused on healthy, customisable eating. He discusses the opportunity the COVID-19 pandemic gave him, and his fellow founder Flo in planning for their world domination. Emphasising the importance of trusting gut instincts, having a clear vision, and the organic growth of the business.James shares his views on the importance of understanding market fit, and the dynamics of running a

en

53:05

Ep035 – Annabel Turpin, CEO, Storyhouse | How to win...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/05/01

In this week’s episode, Annabel Turpin, Chief Executive of Storyhouse, tells us about commercial realities in the Arts sector. She discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced in different regions, and the balance between commercial viability and charitable goals.She emphasizes the significance of storytelling in fundraising and the need for arts centres to be responsive to their local communities. Annabel also highlights the evolving funding landscape and the

en

49:30

Ep034 – Michael Glanville, Executive Coach |...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/04/24

In this week's conversation, Michael Glanville shares his extensive journey in the marine industry, discussing the evolution of MDL marinas under his leadership and the complexities of marina operations.He highlights the growth of the business, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the significance of team dynamics and leadership in navigating these challenges.Michael emphasizes the need for differentiation in this very competitive market and the critical role of hospitality

en

48:04

Ep033 – Sean Taylor, Zip World | From chopping trees...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/04/17

In this fascinating conversation, Sean Taylor, Founder and President of Zip World, shares his journey from a challenging childhood and military career to building a successful adventure tourism business. He discusses the growth and evolution of Zip World, its diverse offerings, and the importance of community impact and sustainability through B Corp certification. Sean also reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, including the challenges of investment and the significance of

en

48:22

Ep032 – Chris Lorenzo, Seafarer | From 18-30s...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/04/10

In this conversation, Chris Lorenzo shares the journey of Seafarer, a market leader in the yachting and sailing sector, proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.He discusses his transition from the corporate travel industry (with some interesting insights into life at 18-30 holidays in its heyday) to entrepreneurship, the evolution of Seafarer's offerings, and the importance of sustainability and community impact in the sailing industry.Chris emphasizes the resilience of travel, the

en

49:24

Ep031 – Charlotte Harrington, Belu Water | Delivering...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/04/03

In this conversation, Charlotte Harrington shares her journey from her traditional background in retail to becoming a leader of a growing social enterprise.She discusses the importance of values in business, the impact a social enterprise can have, and the evolving landscape of conscious consumerism.Charlotte also highlights the innovative structure of her leadership role as co-CEO and the challenges faced in promoting sustainability and social impact in the business world and the

en

49:57

Ep030 – Rob Russell, AC Group | Selling the ultimate...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/03/27

In this engaging conversation, Rob Russell, owner of AC Group, shares his journey in the travel industry, detailing his transition from hotelier to business owner.He discusses the operations of the group, a destination management company, and how they cater to the travel and holiday needs of international tourists coming into the UK and France. The conversation delves into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the evolution of leadership styles, and the importance of team

en

54:38

Ep029 – Huw Owen, Travel Local | Globally connecting...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/03/20

In this conversation, Huw Owen shares his journey in the travel industry, detailing how he co-founded Travel Local to connect travellers with local experts. He discusses the vital importance of real local knowledge in enhancing travel experiences, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic decisions made to ensure growth and sustainability.Huw emphasises the significance of the supportive role of investors in navigating the travel landscape, with the importance of

en

67:02

Ep028 – Sara Davies | Building a business: from side...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/03/13

This week we meet the brilliant Sara Davies. She shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days at York University, where she launched her first business, to becoming a huge star of the BBC’s Dragon Den.She discusses the challenges and sacrifices of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Sarah also reflects on her experience of receiving an MBE and her decision to join Dragon's Den.Sara talks deeply about the importance

en

52:14

Ep027 – Siddhi Mittal, yhangry | Building a $1bn...

Swim Against The Tide ·

2025/03/06

In this episode we meet the positive lifeforce that is Siddhi Mittal, the co-founder of yhangry - a brilliant service that connects customers with private chefs for unique dining experiences. She shares her journey from a small city in India to becoming an entrepreneur in the UK, discussing the inspiration behind the brand, and the challenges and successes faced along the way, including their experience on Dragon's Den! Siddhi emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, the

en

67 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...