My Duvet Flip by Jack Parsons-logo

My Duvet Flip by Jack Parsons

Business & Economics Podcasts

'My Duvet Flip,' the careers show. Join Jack Parsons as he delves into an enthralling discussion with people and their careers, where we explore some of their most memorable instances of making mistakes and the valuable lessons they gained from them.

Location:

United States

Description:

'My Duvet Flip,' the careers show. Join Jack Parsons as he delves into an enthralling discussion with people and their careers, where we explore some of their most memorable instances of making mistakes and the valuable lessons they gained from them.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Prashant Narula, Managing Director at Ciklum UK: How to Build a Powerful Network

3/31/2026
Episode Guest: Prashant Narula is Managing Director of Ciklum UK, where he helps organisations use technology and AI to build better products and experiences. He is passionate about leadership, resilience and helping people grow through honest, values-led careers. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:19 Why success is about what you give, not what you get 1:00 The true traits of a great leader 1:55 Meeting Prashant Narula 2:14 Prashant’s first job on the factory floor 3:09 The importance of a great manager early in your career 4:31 How honesty landed Prashant his first role in tech 5:28 Why honesty, resilience and reliability matter most 7:21 Why resilience is more important than ever today 8:41 Build a multi-skilled support network 10:08 How to network by giving value first 11:24 From beginner to leadership roles in hypergrowth companies 12:30 Leading teams through tough times 13:04 The leadership principles that actually work 14:48 Enabling teams vs micromanaging 15:02 Can everyone become a leader? 16:21 Career advice that changed everything 17:02 Make your work visible to leadership 18:52 When careers feel messy and chaotic 19:42 Why chaos early in your career is a good thing 20:22 Lessons in resilience from Ukrainian teams 22:51 The importance of understanding different cultures 24:05 Why learning never stops 25:02 The power of 30 minutes of daily learning 27:30 Why you shouldn’t compare your career to others 27:39 Inside Ciklum and what they do 31:01 The risks and opportunities of AI 32:09 Why now is the best time to join Ciklum 33:29 The invisible habits behind success 34:22 Stop worrying about what others think 36:23 Final thoughts 36:47 Prashant’s duvet flip Episode Partners: 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:37:10

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Alan Vallance, CEO at ICAEW: Career Advice From the Boss of the Accountancy World

3/26/2026
Episode Guest: Alan Vallance is Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a role he took up in April 2024. He is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant and an experienced leader of major professional bodies, having previously led the Chartered Insurance Institute, the Royal Institute of British Architects and held senior roles at the Law Society. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:23 Meet Alan Vallance, CEO of ICAEW 1:03 The Power of Networking in Your Career 1:18 Why Networking Is Non-Negotiable 1:22 What Gets Alan Out of Bed (His Duvet Flip) 1:56 First Jobs and Early Career Lessons 3:08 The Importance of Teamwork Early On 3:46 Passion, Cars and Career Direction 5:07 Rejection vs Redirection 6:28 Why Getting a Job Is a Full-Time Job 7:02 Why Personalised Applications Matter 8:00 How to Be Authentic in Interviews 9:25 Biggest Job Application Mistakes 10:36 The Reality of Today’s Job Market 11:41 60,000 Applicants for 2,000 Jobs 12:25 Why You Shouldn’t Apply for Too Many Jobs 13:12 Lessons from EY and Becoming an Accountant 14:46 Accountancy vs AI: Is It Future Proof? 16:24 How AI Is Changing the Profession 18:21 Why Accountancy Is Still a Great Career 20:10 Moving to Australia and Global Opportunities 22:49 Leadership, Crisis and the Weather Bureau 24:23 The Power of Your Network 26:29 How to Grow Your Career the Right Way 27:54 What ICAEW Does and Why It Matters 30:22 Building Careers and Changing Lives 32:18 Alan’s Duvet Flip Episode Partners: 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:34:08

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Technology Director at Compare the Market: How to Launch Your Career in Tech in 2026

3/24/2026
Episode Guest Andrew Hawkins is Technology Director at Compare the Market, where he focuses on building world-class engineering capability and helping teams embrace AI-led transformation. He is known for his thoughtful, people-first approach to leadership, with a strong emphasis on curiosity, impact and continuous learning. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:22 Andrew’s first job and early career lessons 2:14 Taking risks and stepping into the unknown 3:40 The failure that changed Andrew’s career 4:39 Failure is framing: a powerful mindset shift 5:34 Using failure to build resilience and confidence 6:06 Curiosity, open-mindedness and career growth 7:22 How to become more curious in your career 8:17 Dropping fear and leaning into new opportunities 9:20 Why AI feels like the early internet 10:04 How to think about AI in business and problem-solving 11:02 Why AI won’t replace engineers 12:27 Andrew’s non-linear career journey 13:09 Do what makes you happy and plays to your strengths 14:11 Why traditional career advice is broken 15:03 Transferable skills from unexpected jobs 15:37 Why having fun at work matters 16:31 Handling periods when you don’t enjoy your job 17:14 Self-awareness and taking responsibility for change 18:10 When to adapt vs when to move on 19:05 How Andrew joined Compare the Market 20:07 The role of AI in business transformation 21:04 Why company values matter when choosing a job 22:46 Top interview tips to stand out 24:07 Building rapport and being yourself in interviews 26:15 The best question to ask in a tech interview 27:34 How companies should approach AI transformation 29:20 Becoming a world-class engineering organisation 30:19 Why now is the most exciting time in tech 31:38 Lessons from the early internet boom 32:32 Will AI replace human conversations? 32:50 What keeps Andrew motivated at Compare the Market 34:11 Why technology is all about people 34:44 The best career advice Andrew follows 36:12 Andrew’s duvet flip: making an impact every day 37:05 Final thoughts and reflections Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:37:28

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Sharon Doherty, Chief People & Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group: Leading One of the UK’s Biggest Banks

3/4/2026
Episode Guest:Sharon Dockerty is the Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, leading people strategy, workplace experience, and culture across a workforce of around 80,000 colleagues. She’s built her career across major organisations including Heathrow and Vodafone, with a leadership style grounded in resilience, straight talking, and backing young people to thrive.Episode Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:18 What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning2:07 Sharon’s First Job Selling Flowers at 103:24 Sharon’s Journey from Humble Beginnings3:49 The Four Chapters of Sharon’s Career5:05 Why Career Paths Are Rarely Planned6:39 Learning to Work Hard and Create Opportunity7:48 Advice for People in Career Chapter One8:13 How to Know if You’re Working with the Right People9:07 Choosing Positive People in Your Life11:41 What Sharon Would Do Differently Early in Her Career13:12 Building Heathrow Terminal 513:52 What It Means When Leaders Take a Risk on You15:10 Changing Safety Culture in Construction17:38 Lessons from Lifelong Learning19:31 Leading Through Crisis at Heathrow21:29 The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything22:38 Handling Pressure and Protecting Your Team24:21 Are Young People Less Resilient Today26:12 Inside the Role of Chief People and Places Officer27:30 Leading 80,000 People at Lloyds Banking Group28:32 How Leaders Know if Culture Is Working29:37 From Leaving Home Young to Banking Leadership31:02 Why Apprenticeships Matter32:36 Apprenticeship Opportunities at Lloyds33:58 Why Tech and Data Are the Future34:27 Why Lloyds Banking Group Matters to the UK36:31 Helping Britain Prosper37:20 Advice for Young People About Money37:45 The Power of Saving Early41:51 Sharon’s Duvet FlipEpisode Partners:📊 Compare the MarketDiscover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.https://bit.ly/4i53SvjDisclaimer:The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:42:52

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Lloyd Mann, Global Executive Chef at Sodexo: How to Become a World Class Chef!

3/3/2026
Episode Guest: Meet Lloyd Mann, VP of Culinary and Global Executive Chef at Sodexo, sharing his career journey and what get's him to flip the duvet in the morning, here on My Duvet Flip! Episode Partners: 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:36:05

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Ryan Harvey, Head of AI Engineering at Compare the Market:

2/26/2026
Episode Guest Ryan Harvey is Head of AI Engineering at Compare the Market, where he builds teams and capabilities to apply AI in ways that accelerate delivery and increase the impact engineers can have. He’s passionate about mentoring, practical problem-solving, and helping the next generation thrive as the world of work rapidly changes. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:27 From a Chip Shop in Cyprus to Tech Support 3:07 Automating the Job: Learning to Work Smarter 5:16 Where Ryan’s Love for Tech Began 8:27 What Makes a Great Software Engineer? 11:45 Learning the Hard Way: Early Career Mistakes 14:06 Cheers and Chores in Engineering 16:54 Startup Life vs Corporate Engineering 19:05 The Pressure of Mission-Critical Software 20:20 Why Compare the Market? 22:09 How to Stand Out in an Engineering Interview 24:04 The Power of Mentors (Inside and Outside Tech) 30:12 The Best Career Advice: Seek Forgiveness, Not Permission 32:23 The Future of Engineering in the AI Era 34:52 AI Won’t Replace Engineers – It Will Elevate Them 37:48 Are We Underestimating Junior Engineers? 41:46 How to Break into Software Engineering Today 43:43 What Gets Ryan Out of Bed in the Morning Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:45:54

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Apprentice Edition: 3 Journey's, 1 high performance career path

2/9/2026
Episode Guest Sam Walley Sam is a Commercial Graduate at Compare the Market, currently rotating through teams as part of the company’s graduate scheme. He’s passionate about taking opportunities outside his comfort zone and building a successful career in the commercial world. Kelly Howes Kelly is a Software Engineer Apprentice at Compare the Market, having transitioned into tech through coding bootcamps and hands-on learning. She’s passionate about inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning, and building software that makes a real impact. George Owens George is a Risk and Compliance Apprentice at Compare the Market, where he works across the business supporting governance, risk, and regulatory understanding. He enjoys the variety of the role and developing confidence by getting involved from day one. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Meet the apprentices and graduates at Compare the Market 0:28 First impressions of the interview process 1:27 Advice for young people applying for apprenticeships and grad roles 1:53 Welcome to My Duvet Flip with Sam, Kelly and George 2:06 Sam’s background and education journey 2:48 Stepping outside your comfort zone at university 3:38 Growing up on a dairy farm and learning hard work 4:29 Discovering commercial work and internships 5:43 Finding the Compare the Market graduate scheme 6:26 What the commercial graduate scheme looks like 6:38 Life two months into the grad role 7:23 Preparing properly for interviews 7:33 Skills learned so far and financial confidence 8:15 Sam’s first week at Compare the Market 8:52 Company-wide events and culture 11:42 Kelly’s non-traditional career journey 13:12 Running a dance school and learning leadership 14:47 Discovering coding during the pandemic 15:53 Applying for the software engineering apprenticeship 16:56 Feeling welcomed during the interview process 17:26 What a software engineer apprenticeship involves 18:46 Learning while working in a real tech team 19:23 Why apprenticeships are a powerful route into tech 19:39 Supportive and inclusive culture at Compare the Market 20:18 Kelly’s advice for future apprentices 21:04 George’s university experience and career thinking 22:14 Adapting to change during COVID 22:36 Finding the risk and compliance apprenticeship 23:16 What risk and compliance work really looks like 24:16 Surprises in the workplace and flat hierarchy 25:26 Learning by being trusted early 26:19 Personal development and the Talent Academy 26:44 Advice for anyone applying to Compare the Market 27:36 What gets Sam, Kelly and George out of bed each morning 28:34 Final thanks and closing thoughts Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:28:54

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Niamh Savill, Senior Solutions Architect at Halo: Breaking Into Tech Without a Tech Degree

2/5/2026
Episode Guest Niamh Savill is a Senior Solutions Architect at Halo CRM, where she works across consultancy, product development, and customer solutions. With a background in languages, she brings a people-first, curious approach to solving complex technical challenges. Episode Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:33 Meet Niamh and Why She Said Yes to My Duvet Flip 1:31 Niamh’s First Jobs and Early Lessons About Work 2:42 What Early Roles Teach You About Communication 3:10 How to Communicate Better at Work 3:52 Finding Halo Through Indeed 4:33 From Language Degree to a Tech Career 5:01 Niamh’s Journey at Halo CRM 6:49 Building Confidence and Putting Your Hand Up 7:47 Learning on the Job and Asking Questions 8:02 Niamh’s Best Day at Halo and Travelling for Work 8:58 What Halo Taught Niamh About Being Yourself 9:42 How Niamh Describes Halo’s Culture 10:34 Being a Woman in Tech 11:22 Advice to Young Women Applying for Tech Roles 12:08 Do You Need a Tech Background to Work in Tech? 12:58 A Day in the Life of a Senior Solutions Architect 13:51 Why Relationships Matter at Work 14:31 Dealing With Imposter Syndrome 15:36 Finding Best Friends at Work 16:27 Paul’s Leadership Style at Halo 17:44 Can Ambition and Drive Be Trained? 18:53 Niamh’s Advice to Anyone Applying to Halo 19:12 What Gets Niamh Out of Bed in the Morning Episode Partners Check out the latest from Halo: https://halograduates.com and https://www.instagram.com/halonextgen/ Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:19:51

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Samantha Schlimper, Managing Director at Randstad Enterprise: How People Really Get Jobs (It’s Not Your CV)

2/3/2026
Episode Guest Sam Schlimper is Managing Director at Randstad Enterprise, where she works with global organisations to redesign work, unlock human potential, and build future-ready talent strategies. With deep experience across recruitment, financial services, and advisory, Sam is passionate about creating meaningful work that energises people and organisations. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:23 What gives you energy and what drains it at work 1:17 Sam’s duvet flip and why self-reflection matters 2:09 First job lessons and learning what you don’t want to do 3:04 Why trying things is essential early in your career 3:39 How Sam fell into recruitment and talent without a plan 4:12 Confidence, training, and learning on the job 4:46 Building confidence in a hybrid and remote world 5:47 Why job descriptions don’t reflect how work really happens 6:33 Do remote workers really miss out on promotions? 7:39 How to know who you are (and why it’s a lifelong job) 8:16 Being good at something that slowly drains you 9:10 Why fun, energy, and people keep you in a job 10:05 What makes a great recruiter today 11:40 How people really get jobs beyond their CV 12:44 Understanding human potential at its core 14:13 Simple ways to identify your own potential 15:36 Are you stuck in the ‘frozen middle’? 16:29 What it feels like when work slowly erodes you 17:36 Mucky ducks and how bad culture spreads 18:57 What to do if you are the mucky duck 20:04 Knowing when it’s time to leave an environment 22:13 Why human connection matters more than ever 23:14 AI, young people, and the future of work 24:45 Why early careers need new, non-traditional routes 25:46 The beehive analogy and problem-solving talent 26:47 Why AI should be treated like a colleague, not a tool 28:37 The danger of cognitively offloading your thinking 30:08 How to work with AI without losing your edge 32:43 Psychological safety and AI adoption at work 35:40 Confidence, power, and who embraces AI first 38:38 Lessons from Sam’s time at Barclays 40:33 What Randstad Enterprise does and why Sam loves her work 43:49 The red folder quick-fire questions 48:24 Sam’s duvet flip and what really gets her out of bed Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:49:33

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Pete Harris, President at Pipedrive: How to Find Your Purpose (Even at 35,000 Feet)

1/29/2026
Episode Guest Pete Harris is the President at Pipedrive, with a career spanning from auditing at Deloitte to global leadership. Known for his grounded wisdom and purpose-driven mindset, Pete brings clarity and compassion to every room he walks into - or in Pete's case, runs into! Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:55 Meet Pete Harris – President at Pipedrive 3:00 The Flight That Changed Everything 6:20 Why Pete Turned Down Partnership at Deloitte 9:00 Discovering Your Purpose in Life and Work 12:15 Pete’s Hierarchy of Needs 15:10 From Corporate Climb to Courageous Quit 18:00 The Power of Support: Marriage, Mentors & Mindset 21:30 Resigning With Grace and Class 24:00 Pete’s Ironman: Testing Limits and Finding Clarity 28:00 What Endurance Taught Pete About Insecurity and Self 31:10 Talking Money: Value, Confidence & Childhood Habits 35:00 From Seven-Year-Old Saver to Global Leader 38:20 Why Your Job Title Isn’t Who You Are 41:00 What Real Wealth Looks Like (And It’s Not Money) 44:15 Time, Presence, and the 18 Christmas Rule 47:00 Leadership, Listening and Talking Last 50:00 The Power of Diversity and Integrity at Work 53:00 Pete on Taylor Swift, Energy Vampires & the A-Team 56:00 Final Reflections and Pete’s Duvet Flip Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:58:42

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Alex Glover, Managing Director, Programmatic at Brainlabs: What Nobody Tells You About Making It in Marketing

1/27/2026
Episode Guest Alex Glover is Managing Director of Programmatic at Brainlabs, where he leads global innovation in data-driven advertising. His passion for programmatic strategy and graduate development is helping shape the next generation of media talent. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:12 Meet Alex Glover, MD of Programmatic at Brainlabs 0:40 The job Alex nearly took (and why he didn’t) 1:48 Discovering advertising through curiosity 3:04 Early experiments with websites and Google Ads 4:16 The career-changing advice Alex got from his dad 5:06 Startup grind: no playbook, just problem solving 6:10 From tiny clients to Mediacom’s biggest accounts 7:33 Why Alex couldn’t stay away from programmatic 8:48 Taking a bet on himself at Brainlabs 10:00 The truth about programmatic advertising 12:05 Advertising’s future: Netflix, Spotify, and beyond 13:42 Inside the Brainlabs grad scheme in Buenos Aires 15:37 How moving to Argentina can kickstart your career 17:23 What makes someone thrive in programmatic? 19:08 Building confidence, then passion 21:07 Jack and Alex on being obsessed with your craft 22:45 Getting promoted: it’s not just about extra projects 24:10 How to stand out in your first job in media 26:04 Why reporting taught Alex the most about marketing 27:18 When Alex felt like a fraud (and what happened next) 29:12 What it’s really like working at Brainlabs 31:20 Why Brainlabs refuses to sell to a holding company 32:46 The culture of innovation and automation at Brainlabs 34:05 How AI is being used by grads at Brainlabs 35:24 “If you do it three times, automate it” 36:48 The one mindset shift every grad needs to hear 38:04 Chapter 1 of Alex’s career: “Working it out” 39:02 Most unexpected lesson from a ‘boring’ task 40:00 When Alex truly felt imposter syndrome 41:12 The job that led to Patagonia 42:00 Jack’s final question: What’s your duvet flip? 43:38 Why achievement, not titles, gets Alex up in the morning 44:30 Final reflections and thank yous Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:45:29

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Donna Whitehead, CEO at University of Brighton: Can Grit, Humour and a Chicken Shop Get You to the Top?

1/22/2026
Episode Guest Donna Whitehead is the Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Brighton. A proud working-class leader from Hartlepool, Donna brings a bold, purpose-driven vision to higher education. Episode Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:22 From Council Estate to CEO 2:59 Donna’s First Job: Paper Round Hustle 4:23 Learning Discipline and Drive 6:01 “Shy Bairns Get Nowt”: Grit as a Mindset 7:08 Pride in Her Hartlepool Roots 8:42 Imposter Syndrome and Black Tie Moments 10:53 Getting Sacked and Bouncing Back 12:08 The Life Event That Changed Everything 13:33 Failing College, Then Trying Again 14:59 Studying Law and Seeing a Bigger World 16:33 From No Map to Leading a University 17:44 Why Education Became Her Purpose 19:06 What a University CEO Really Does 20:45 Brighton’s 10-Year Vision: Equity & Enterprise 22:31 A Day in the Life of Donna Whitehead 24:35 What Brighton Has Taught Her About Life 26:02 Never Compromise Your Values 27:07 Deputy CEO vs CEO: The Real Difference 28:31 What Donna Would Study Today 29:40 Why Choose University of Brighton? 30:55 Careers in Education: Donna’s Call to Action 32:07 Quickfire Round: Mascots, Boss Phrases & Icons 34:10 Donna’s Message to Students, CEOs & the World 35:47 Donna’s Duvet Flip – What Gets Her Up Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:37:38

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Andrew Leaver, CEO of Brand Partnership Group: What No One Tells You About Scaling a Business

1/13/2026
Episode Guest Andrew Lever is the Co-Founder and CEO of Brand Partnership Group, a leader in brand-focused sales and marketing services. With a career spanning Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, Andrew brings calm leadership and consistent growth to every organisation he touches. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:41 Why Andrew was one of the show’s first believers 2:03 The power of consistency in careers and partnerships 3:00 Andrew’s first job and how he became a CEO 5:00 From Unilever to Paris — learning fast abroad 7:40 Facing fears: new languages, new countries 10:00 Returning for a dream role at Coca-Cola 12:00 What Coke taught Andrew about human connection 14:00 Brand loyalty and leadership lessons 15:20 How to actually build consistency 17:00 Calm leadership through change and chaos 19:00 Navigating COVID and moving fast as a business 21:00 Transforming Brand Partnership Group from the inside 23:00 Learning from mistakes and knowing when to pivot 25:00 Real partnership vs. transactional relationships 27:00 Andrew’s rule if he was Minister of Partnerships 28:30 What Brand Partnership Group actually does 30:00 How Blue Square supports Samsung, HP & SharkNinja 32:30 Training, retail support, and in-home repair 34:00 Crew Live: From West End to global brand activations 36:00 Rise: Engineering growth with data and insight 37:45 A teaser for the next agency in the group 38:30 Why youth opportunity is at the heart of BPG 40:30 Supporting confidence, skills and mental resilience 42:30 Apprenticeships and building the next generation 44:00 Turning BPG into a talent pipeline for global brands 45:20 Living company values — not just posting them 46:50 The truth about culture and consistency 48:10 Quick-fire: Remarkable notebooks & lion mascots 49:20 The strangest pitch Andrew ever received 50:15 Dreaming up a youth-focused business with Jack 51:00 The motto Andrew would put on a Piccadilly billboard 52:00 The brand Andrew wishes would call tomorrow 53:00 Reflecting on friendship, support, and doing good 54:30 Andrew’s evolved duvet flip: From chasing to creating Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:01:03:31

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CEO at Pizza Express: From Paper Rounds to the Boardroom

1/6/2026
Episode Guest Paula MacKenzie is the CEO of Pizza Express, with a career spanning leadership roles across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. Known for her drive and authenticity, Paula brings a bold, values-led approach to business and team culture. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:24 Paula’s First Job – Paper Rounds and Earning Freedom 2:23 Young Paula Saves for a Stereo – The Power of Incentives 3:38 What Drives Paula’s Determination? 5:03 What Paula Would Tell Her Younger Self 6:00 Paula on Staying True to Who You Are 7:47 Paula on Boundaries, Values & Handling ‘Darling’ Moments 10:33 From Paper Round to Career Steps – Paula’s Journey Begins 12:04 Why Paula Left Accountancy for Industry 14:46 Paula on Feeling Like an Outsider in Finance 16:05 Lessons from Innocent – How Paula Learned to Break the Rules 18:24 The Show Must Go On – Paula on Doing It Anyway 19:25 Becoming CEO – Paula’s Cross-Functional Climb 22:57 Paula on Imposter Syndrome & Reframing Thoughts 24:56 What Paula’s First Day as CEO Really Felt Like 27:08 Paula’s 4 A’s Framework for Leading From Day One 30:00 The One Life Lesson Paula Swears By 31:41 Quickfire with Paula – Pizza Orders, McFly & Collabs 34:43 Strong Roots and Giving Back – Paula’s Perspective 36:00 Paula’s Duvet Flip – Doing What She Loves Every Day Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:36:55

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General Manager at Mars Pet Nutrition:

12/18/2025
Episode Guest Nick Foster is the General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition in Northern Europe, where he leads with a passion for purpose, people, and pets. With nearly 20 years at Mars, he’s held diverse roles across sales, marketing, and supply chain, always driven by a desire to be a good ancestor. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:23 Meet the General Manager of Mars Petcare 1:00 From RAF Dreams to a Business Career 2:05 Finding Purpose Through Pet Care 3:20 Nick’s Duvet Flip: Being a Good Ancestor 4:10 Lessons from McDonald’s and Early Work Ethic 5:15 Accidental Entry into Mars 6:40 Career Advice: Squiggly Lines & Making Friends 8:10 General Management Explained 9:45 Mars Petcare’s Scale and Purpose 11:15 Changing Law to Help Renters with Pets 13:00 Cancer-Sniffing Dogs & Coral Reef Projects 15:00 Mars’ Family Values and Long-Term Thinking 16:40 Starting a Career at Mars: Advice to Young People 18:00 The Myth of Work-Life Balance 19:30 How to Build a Career with Impact 21:10 Nick’s Leadership Style and Communication Growth 23:00 The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship 25:00 Fun Q&A: Sloths, Brainstorms & Huskies 28:00 Key Digital Skills for Petcare Careers 30:00 Final Lessons on Career, Purpose & Progression 33:15 What Gets Nick Out of Bed Each Day Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:35:18

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Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market:

12/9/2025
Episode Guest Tom Wallis is the Chief Customer Officer at Compare the Market, with a dynamic career spanning consulting, startups, and brand leadership. He's known for blending data-driven thinking with creative marketing to lead iconic campaigns. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:48 Tom’s Early Career and First Job 2:53 Lessons from Temping and the Power of Observation 4:55 Joining Accenture and Consulting Foundations 6:54 Why Tom Quit Without a Job 8:33 Dealing with Uncertainty and Finding the Next Step 9:57 Getting into Sky and Discovering Marketing 11:45 Breaking Into the Marketing Team 13:34 Landing His First Marketing Role 15:20 Lessons from Startup Life at Now TV 17:13 Facing Rejection — and Proving Them Wrong 18:42 Creating a Sales Surge That Changed the Business 20:01 Learning to Ask for Help and Growing Fast 21:27 Obsession, Flow States, and Finding His Thing 23:03 Tom’s Biggest Money Regret 24:03 Tom’s Simplest Money Tip for Young People 25:20 Transitioning to Gusto and Building Again 26:44 Joining Compare the Market 28:27 The Culture That Drives High Performance 30:04 What a Chief Customer Officer Really Does 31:25 Reviving One of the UK’s Most Iconic Brands 33:09 How to Build a Personal Brand Authentically 36:16 Tom’s Invisible Success 38:06 Tom’s Duvet Flip – Why He Shows Up Every Day Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:39:10

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Meet the Halo People Supporting to Make Suffolk the UK’s Startup Hotspot through Grad Schemes

12/2/2025
Episode Guest Rhys Degruchy is the Graduate Development and Support Leader at Halo, where he mentors new talent and helps shape the next generation of high performers. With a background in physics and a passion for people, Rhys is driven by trust, autonomy, and a relentless desire to improve. Ben Thorpe is the Infrastructure Manager at Halo, having grown through the ranks over seven years. Obsessed with progress and delivery, Ben leads by example and is known for turning ambition into action across high-impact projects. Episode Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:44 Meet Rhys and Ben from Halo 1:36 Why They Said Yes to My Duvet Flip 2:18 Their First Ever Jobs (Coffee Shops & Sunglasses) 4:23 Early Lessons in Communication and Confidence 6:00 How They Found Halo (and Why They Stayed) 8:19 From Suit & Tie to Shorts & Trust: The Halo Culture 10:35 Why Halo Feels Like a Sports Team 12:24 Obsession at Work: What It Means at Halo 13:46 Why Young People Progress So Fast Here 15:02 Who Shouldn’t Work at Halo 16:28 What Halo Has Taught Them About Life 18:10 The Message to Future Applicants 19:20 Their Duvet Flip: Why They Get Out of Bed Episode Partners Check out the latest from Halo: https://halograduates.com and https://www.instagram.com/halonextgen/ Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:26:56

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Tim Mason, CEO at Eagle Eye: Top 5 Secrets on How to Get to the Top Floor in Retail

11/27/2025
Episode Guest: Tim Mason is the CEO of Eagle Eye and a veteran of British retail, best known for his 30-year career at Tesco where he helped launch the Clubcard. He brings decades of experience in marketing, loyalty, and digital transformation. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:41 Meet Tim – The Duvet Flip Moment 1:56 Tim’s First Job: From Fruit Farm to Boardroom 3:06 What Makes a Great First Employee 4:48 The Power of Enthusiasm in Retail 6:07 Why Tim Chose Advertising (At Age 8) 7:20 Breaking Into Unilever with Bad Grades 8:02 The Unexpected Path to Tesco 9:45 Staying 30 Years in One Company 11:06 What Actually Keeps You Moving Forward 12:29 How EQ Beat Academia for Tim 13:35 One Smart Move That Got the Whole Tesco Board’s Attention 15:03 Struggles with Dyslexia and School 16:19 The Importance of Showing Up and Doing the Work 17:19 Culture: How to Read It and When to Leave 18:24 The “Rumble” – Reviving Stores with Real Action 20:14 What’s Happening in Retail Right Now 21:53 Why Retail’s Middle Market Is in Trouble 23:00 Personalisation: The Future of Winning in Retail 24:55 What Eagle Eye Actually Does 26:00 A Route to Double the Size of Eagle Eye 27:15 A Direct Message to Retailers Watching 28:13 The Danger of Grouping Consumers Into ‘Audiences’ 29:46 What Retailers Must Do Differently Today 31:04 Launching Clubcard: The Loyalty Gamechanger 32:50 From 0.5B to 10B Offers: Personalisation at Scale 34:00 How Stores Are Using AI to Target Customers 35:27 Why Some Stores Feel “Revved Up” — and Others Don’t 36:39 What the Next Generation of Retail Leaders Need 40:23 Tim’s Duvet Flip: Helping Others Do Better Episode Partners: 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:41:04

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Matt Callaghan, COO at easyJet Holidays: From 5,000 Hotels to 1 Million Customers

11/13/2025
Episode Guest: Matt Callaghan is the Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, where he leads customer experience, operations, and long-term strategy. With a background spanning Deloitte, British Airways, and frontline leadership at Heathrow, Matt brings a rare blend of operational grit and strategic vision. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:23 Why Matt Said Yes to My Duvet Flip 2:14 First Job at Next: Life Lessons from Retail 4:00 Why Students Should Get a Job While Studying 5:24 From No Plan to Deloitte Graduate Scheme 7:01 Taking the First Step Without a 5-Year Plan 8:20 What "All-In" Really Means 10:16 Work-Life Blend and Being Present 13:12 Failing Exams and Bouncing Back 14:43 What Working Hard Means to Matt 17:06 The Power of Curiosity — And Acting on It 18:59 Why Matt Left Deloitte for British Airways 21:00 Moving to London: Expectations vs. Reality 23:00 Feeling Stuck and Choosing to Pivot 24:57 Getting the Heathrow Operations Role Without Airline Experience 27:11 Falling in Love with Aviation 29:00 Why Matt Applied for a Job He Wasn’t Qualified For 30:45 From Terminal 5 to easyJet 32:11 A Global Role That Wasn’t Sustainable 33:02 Joining easyJet and Shaping Strategy 34:46 Building easyJet Holidays from the Ground Up 36:00 Why easyJet Holidays Is a Special Place to Work 37:43 Life Lesson: What Fostering Taught Matt About Leadership 40:18 Matt’s Duvet Flip: Creating Joy and Connection Through Travel Episode Partners 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:41:33

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Sam Sims, CEO at National Numeracy: The Volunteer Transforming a Nation’s Confidence with Numbers

11/11/2025
Episode Guest: Sam Sims is the Chief Executive of National Numeracy, with a career rooted in empowering individuals through confidence-building and lifelong learning. His work focuses on supporting those often overlooked to realise their potential with the right tools and encouragement. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:32 Meet Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy 1:13 What National Numeracy does 1:54 Sam’s early work and first jobs 3:06 Lessons from the call centre 4:18 How Sam built confidence as an introvert 5:21 Honest talk on imposter syndrome 6:16 Why networking is Sam’s greatest professional tool 7:23 The right (and wrong) way to network 8:55 From research to running his own business 10:11 What his first company was really about 11:02 When business plans don’t go to plan 11:42 Discovering purpose through volunteering in the US 13:10 Helping a teenager unlock maths confidence 14:19 Why confidence is more important than skill 15:06 The long-term impact of belief and encouragement 15:52 Why Sam joined the charity sector 17:02 What keeps him motivated in the third sector 17:51 Why volunteering is the engine behind social impact 18:37 National Numeracy’s biggest annual campaign 19:45 The power of their partnership with Compare the Market 21:00 How number confidence connects to money 22:01 Why financial literacy is about mindset first 23:00 Sam’s biggest money regret 24:06 One money tip Sam wishes he knew at 18 25:00 Helping communities through local volunteers 26:04 What the charity sector gives back to professionals 27:13 The best work-life lesson Sam ever received 28:09 Sam’s final message on confidence and belief 29:00 What gets Sam out of bed in the morning — his duvet flip Episode Partners: 📊 Compare the Market Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions. https://bit.ly/4i53Svj Disclaimer: The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer. If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Duration:00:32:27