The Room Where It Happened

What happens when a career built on spreadsheets collides with a gut-level belief in great food? John Eckbert’s path to becoming CEO of Five Guys is anything but conventional, and it nearly didn’t happen at all.In this conversation, John unpacks the improbable steps that took him from banking into the heart of one of the world’s most recognisable fast-casual brands. He shares how a single moment of curiosity turned into a bold move, the early discussions that defined Five Guys’ future, and the leadership calls made long before success was obvious. John also reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that shaped the company’s culture, expansion strategy, and refusal to compromise on what matters most.This episode explores what it really takes to switch lanes at the highest level, why patience can be a competitive advantage, and how building something people genuinely care about often means saying no far more than yes.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before it became a worldwide holiday staple, The Elf on the Shelf was simply a Pitts family tradition, one that Christa Pitts helped turn into a cultural phenomenon through grit, creativity, and unshakeable belief.In this episode, Christa looks back on the early days of being rejected by every publisher, the decision to self-publish with her family’s savings on the line, and the scrappy marketing tactics that brought their little elf to life in homes across America.She reveals the unexpected celebrity moment that sent the brand soaring, the battles to protect their idea from copycats, and the hard lessons learned while scaling a fast-growing company. Christa also opens up about leading through personal loss, staying true to the brand’s values, and building a culture that embraces experimentation, heart, and the occasional failure.It’s a conversation about family, courage, and the magic that happens when you bet on your own story, no matter how many times you hear “no.”---JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696/PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-yt#JakeHumphrey #business #highperformance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Top Gear to The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, Andy Wilman has spent decades redefining what car television can be, and learning a few hard lessons along the way.In this episode, Andy opens up about the high-stakes Amazon deal that launched The Grand Tour, the legal and creative gymnastics of building something “like Top Gear, but not Top Gear,” and the spontaneous tent idea that became the show’s trademark. He reflects on the behind-the-scenes chaos, the unexpected magic of Clarkson’s Farm, and the times they got it wrong, and what those moments taught him about humility, persistence, and trusting your instincts.It’s a candid look at creativity under pressure, the fine line between chaos and genius, and how taking risks (and a few punches) can lead to something unforgettable.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at:https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-auAndy’s book ‘Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure’ is out now and available to purchase - https://hppod.co/mr-wilmans-motoring-adventure-clarkson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From delivering coffees at 14 to becoming CEO of Matchroom Boxing, Frank Smith has lived every side of the fight game.In this episode, Frank reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, from his first “final warning” as a teenager to leading global events watched by millions. He shares the unexpected twists behind major fights like Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul, the lessons learned from high-stakes negotiations, and why ego is the enemy of progress. Frank also offers an inside look at the business risks behind boxing’s biggest nights and how staying grounded, adaptable, and relentlessly positive helped him rise through the ranks.It’s a story about graft, growth, and learning to fight smart, both in and outside the ring.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-yt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's notebook I discuss the importance of not just finding your why, but acting on it.I share the unexpected panic I felt travelling back from my interview with Robert Lewandowski because of the thought I might miss my flight home. That rising fear revealed something important: when your purpose shifts, your reactions shift too. For me, family has become my why, and anything that pulls me away from it hits hard.If you’ve been feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or out of alignment, this episode is a reminder that purpose isn’t a luxury — it’s your anchor. When you know your why, the world settles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou joins us from Monaco to revisit the moment easyJet was created, beginning with the 1994 launch, where he persuaded his father to back his idea for a new kind of airline. He reflects on the early years of bold marketing stunts, legal battles with British Airways, and a fierce rivalry with Ryanair that pushed him to keep costs low, move fast and build a brand the public instantly recognised.Stelios speaks openly about the pressure of running a young airline, the mistakes that almost derailed it, and the key decisions that shaped its future, including adopting the internet early and expanding the "easy" name into hundreds of businesses. He also shares how this success now fuels his philanthropic mission.IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-au  Heights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's notebook, I talk about the fear I felt going into an interview with footballing superstar Robert Lewandowski, why we should enjoy our struggles, celebrate ourselves, and actively seek fear, not run from it. If you're currently feeling paralysed by fear or dissatisfied with everyday life, this episode's here to remind you that life's not meant to be perfect.Be proud of yourself and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, because everything above zero compounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does someone go from tinkering with computers in a small Manchester bedroom to leading Microsoft UK’s AI revolution? For Darren Hardman, it began with curiosity, hard work, and a lesson that changed his outlook forever: success isn’t about working more hours, it’s about working with purpose.In this episode, Darren shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership journey, from early sacrifices and personal turning points to the bold initiatives driving Microsoft’s role in making the UK an AI superpower. He offers a candid look behind the scenes at what it takes to lead through rapid technological change, empower teams, and build a culture of learning and innovation.It’s a story about balance, belief, and how embracing change can transform both a career and an entire industry.---PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/RWIH-IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals---JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/ 🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's notebook, I talk about the invisible force that quietly decides the quality of every relationship, the surprising link between doing the hard things you’d rather avoid and living a longer, calmer life, and the truth about time — how we use it, and how it completely changed my view on discipline and what’s truly important.If any part of you feels stuck, stretched, or short on motivation, this episode will give you something real to work with. Press play and discover the three lessons that have already changed mine.Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qBook Recommendation: Unlearning Masculinity by Cassandra Andrews https://amzn.eu/d/dqPXW2l Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As founder of Nails Inc., Thea Green built one of the UK’s most successful beauty brands by combining creativity with integrity, and knowing when to pivot.In this episode, Thea shares the defining moment she decided to close the last nail bar and shift fully to retail, the lessons learned from turning down early acquisition offers, and the challenge of letting go after selling the business to find new purpose. She also reflects on the power of honesty and apologising in leadership, the importance of timing, and why adaptability and empathy are the true foundations of lasting success.It’s a story about courage, evolution, and staying true to your values while navigating change at every stage of business.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I open my notebook to share how walking away from TV changed my life — and why ego nearly cost me purpose. I break down what’s really driving the future of podcasting, and the one thing that matters more than audience size: trust. Plus, a reminder that who you choose to walk with will define how far you go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As founder and CEO of WHOOP, Will Ahmed turned a college dorm room idea into one of the most influential performance technology companies in the world.In this episode, Will shares the leap of faith that started it all, the early rejections that tested his resolve, and the pivotal decision to pivot WHOOP from a hardware company to a subscription model, transforming its future. He also reveals how authentic partnerships, a growth mindset, and a relentless focus on mission helped turn setbacks into breakthroughs and build a brand trusted by elite athletes and everyday users alike.It’s a story of conviction, adaptation, and the discipline required to build something meaningful from the ground up.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in my notebook, I’ve been thinking about time — how quickly it moves, and how much of life we spend rushing to catch up with it.In this episode, I talk about rediscovering patience, the difference between recreation and re-creation, and the reminder that anything above zero compounds.If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast, like you’re running out of time, or like chaos has become your normal — this one’s for you. It’s about trusting the future again, letting go of the need to control every outcome, and remembering that all will be well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a digital pioneer across companies like Amazon, McDonald’s, and Volvo, Atif Raffiq has built a career turning legacy brands into innovation powerhouses.In this episode, Atif shares how his first month at McDonald’s led to a billion-dollar digital transformation, the culture shock of bringing a Silicon Valley mindset into a 60-year-old global icon, and the behind-the-scenes moments that reshaped how the company connects with 100 million customers a day. He also reflects on the lessons learned from leading through resistance, building systems that outlast any one leader, and why true transformation starts with people, not technology.It’s a story of cultural reinvention, courageous leadership, and how curiosity and collaboration can drive change on a global scale.Partners: IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in my notebook, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to live well — not just to achieve, but to feel okay while doing it. Somewhere along the way, it’s easy to confuse progress with pressure, and ambition with never feeling enough.In this episode, I unpack a few lessons that stopped me in my tracks this week — about how we measure success, what we give up in the chase for it, and how to build a life that feels as good as it looks.If you’ve ever found yourself pushing for the next goal, comparing your progress, or wondering why the wins don’t always feel like wins — this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Nala’s Baby, Krept has built his success on more than music, it’s been about discipline, ownership, and learning from failure.In this episode, Krept opens up about the make-or-break decision to turn down a major private equity deal and focus on building his brand at home before going global, the setbacks that nearly derailed product launches, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership, trust, and perseverance. He also shares how building the right team, listening to mentors, and staying authentic helped transform early struggles into sustainable success.It’s a story of resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, on your own terms.JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696/PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I open my notebook on three lessons that hit hard;Why the people you surround yourself with are the invisible architects of your lifeHow every success story begins with being bad at somethingWhy holding steady in the messy middle is where most people give up but the real growth begins. I share what I learned from sitting down with the founders of Whoop and EasyJet (episodes coming soon), two people who built billion-dollar businesses by staying the course when it looked like they were failing. If you’ve ever doubted your circle, your progress, or your path, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily Frazer’s path to becoming a leading force in live sports events was anything but traditional. Without a university degree and after jobs ranging from gymnastics coach to estate agent, she found herself at Matchroom, where a sudden promotion into event direction pushed her to grow fast and take on big responsibilities.In this episode, Emily shares candid reflections on battling imposter syndrome, the behind-the-scenes innovations that helped elevate events like the Mosconi Cup to global recognition, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, adaptability, and building loyal teams in a male-dominated industry.It’s a story of relentlessness, unexpected opportunities, and the power of turning unconventional beginnings into extraordinary impact.---JOIN OUR COMMUNITY👔 LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-room-where-it-happened/?viewAsMember=true📸 Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/room.where.it.happened/🗞️ Newsletter 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-room-where-it-happened-7315326937923485696/PARTNERSIFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS-ytHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/room-yt-vitals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I share the lessons that have stayed with me — from Mudita, the joy of celebrating others’ success, to what I learned from Eddie Jordan about being the spark of light in the room. I open up about walking away from BT Sport and the identity shift that came with it, and reflect on Hector Bellerín’s idea of living like a candle — staying steady no matter what’s happening around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As co-founder and former CEO of Deciem, Nicola Kilner helped build one of the most disruptive beauty companies of the last decade, but the journey was far from straightforward.In this episode, Nicola shares the career-defining advice she received from Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder, the bold decision to boycott Black Friday in favor of values over sales, and the unexpected rise of The Ordinary, a brand that went from retail rejection to global sensation. She also reflects on navigating the turbulence of co-founder Brandon Truaxe’s mental health crisis, stepping down to focus on family, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, authenticity, and building brands that truly last.It’s a story of persistence, purpose, and the power of putting people and principles at the center of business.Partners:IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-auHeights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.