Matthew Widick, Director of Data Enablement at Compare the Market: How I landed a role in Data and AI

Check out Lancia Consult

https://www.lanciaconsult.com/

Episode Guest

Jeff Cronkshaw is the CEO and co-founder of Lancia Consult, a global consultancy launched in Singapore in 2012. With a background in pharmaceuticals and consulting at Accenture, Jeff has led Lancia’s expansion across Asia, Europe, and South Africa. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the University of Brighton Board, is a Global Scot business advisor, and co-founded The Gateway Project to support disadvantaged youth.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: Why Jeff's story matters

00:24 - Meet Jeff Kroshaw, CEO of Lancia Consult

01:12 - What gets Jeff out of bed every morning

01:40 - His first job: 15-mile paper rounds in rural Scotland

02:53 - From disco DJ to coding gigs early entrepreneurship

03:38 - First proper job at Eli Lilly & how it shaped him

05:15 - Why discipline still matters in today’s workplace

06:46 - Employment contracts vs. mortgages

08:13 - Joining a culture that fit & how it clicked

09:53 - The #1 thing Jeff looks for in new hires

11:00 - Why consulting is one of the most unique careers

13:16 - What a day in consultancy really looks like

14:45 - Why consultants don’t need to have all the answers

16:20 - The life skill every consultant needs: self-resilience

17:44 - The loneliness of consultancy & how to fight it

20:06 - Why Jeff treats company culture like a compass

21:33 - Building a support network like a garden

24:25 - Your network is your future

26:02 - Failing 6 interviews before landing his career break

27:14 - How to bounce back from rejection

29:04 - Co-founding a business with his wife (and surviving it!)

31:30 - Why Lancia was bootstrapped—and stayed that way

33:07 - Global growth: the vision behind their multi-office strategy

35:01 - Lessons from 14 years of entrepreneurship

37:10 - Where most entrepreneurs go wrong

39:40 - It’s not a business until an invoice is paid

41:16 - The secret to why clients choose LanciaConsult

42:51 - Why commercial flexibility wins deals

44:20 - Life lesson: when a boss tore up his work

46:06 - Jeff’s final Duvet Flip why this business has to work

Episode Partner

Lancia Consult is a global management and technology consultancy helping brands, governments, and scale-ups tackle complex challenges and achieve strategic goals. With nearly 100 people across seven offices, Lancia delivers practical, people-first consulting—from strategy to execution—driving real impact through a deeply experienced and entrepreneurial team.

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-adviceIf you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Check out Pax8 here

Episode Guest

Chloe Cameron is VP of Global Employee Experience and Strategic Programs at Pax8, where she builds culture, systems, and structure to help employees do the best work of their lives.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - Average people can get great jobs

00:24 - Meet Chloe Cameron, VP at Pax8

01:15 - Safe doesn’t mean comfortable: courage in the workplace

01:58 - What’s your duvet flip?

02:26 - Chloe’s first job in a frozen-in-time department store

03:55 - Financial freedom and learning the value of hard work

04:47 - Choosing practicality over perfection early in your career

05:49 - What Chloe looks for in early career candidates

06:44 - No experience or hobbies? Here’s how to stand out

07:39 - How to reflect meaningfully and use journaling

08:45 - Managing boredom at work and staying proactive

09:59 - From school to Cambridge to the unknown world of work

11:07 - When the academic path ends: now what?

12:19 - Advice for graduates entering the job market

13:16 - Chloe’s first “wrong” job and what it taught her

14:25 - Quitting isn’t weakness: when and how to leave

15:38 - Great people, boring job? What to do next

16:33 - The right way to quit without burning bridges

17:54 - What does 'safe at work' really mean?

19:01 - Landing the job at Microsoft: what it meant to Chloe

20:25 - Culture shocks in corporate environments

21:31 - Why the smartest person doesn’t always get the best job

22:47 - Build your reputation by being reliable

23:40 - How to network and work smart, not just hard

24:27 - Chloe’s first leadership experience and key lessons

25:46 - Should you be a manager? How to decide

26:48 - Leadership is hard: here’s what to expect

27:51 - Developing your leadership style over time

28:50 - Continuous learning and leadership evolution

29:33 - Leading across cultures: from the UK to the Philippines

30:58 - Pax8’s cultural values: seek to understand and we before me

31:54 - Remote work and the return to the office

33:13 - Leaving Microsoft for startup life

34:17 - Why stupid rules pushed Chloe to take the leap

35:48 - The power of small business with big ambition

36:39 - Building a role from scratch in a startup

37:50 - Chloe’s top career advice: fill the gaps

39:06 - What Chloe looks for in a résumé today

40:13 - What is a VP of Global Employee Experience?

41:43 - Creating people-first tools at Pax8

42:38 - Why join Pax8: opportunity, culture, and growth

43:39 - Chloe’s duvet flip: build the workplace she always wanted

Episode Partner

Pax8 is the technology marketplace of the future, linking partners, vendors, and small to midsized businesses (SMBs) through AI-powered insights and comprehensive product support. With a global partner ecosystem of over 38,000 managed service providers, Pax8 empowers SMBs worldwide by providing software and services that unlock their growth potential and enhance their security.

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/

Check out the latest careers at easyJet:

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

Episode Guest:

Meet Anna Lundstrom, CEO at Nespresso UK&I as she's interviewed by Jack Parsons on My Duvet Flip.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 - “Risk is cheap when you’re young”

00:27 - Meet Anna Lundstrom, CEO at Nespresso UK & Ireland

01:46 - Why courage comes before confidence

03:01 - Anna’s first podcast and coffee intro

04:07 - Wellness and the future of coffee

05:37 - UK’s favorite drink: coffee over tea

06:48 - How Nespresso’s barcode tech works

08:29 - Coffee consumption moments across the day

10:15 - Internships, cold emails, and creating your own chance

12:04 - Overcoming fear of failure and imposter syndrome

13:50 - Focus on the start line, not the deadline

15:21 - The pressure to be perfect and mental balance

17:01 - Building authentic company culture

18:56 - The power of direct but caring leadership

20:38 - Ruthlessly kind: being tough with heart

22:19 - Anna’s career lesson: bring others with you

23:31 - The value of trying different cultures and roles

24:43 - How to choose the right mentor

26:01 - Creating your own opportunities at work

27:54 - Intern to CEO: it’s a journey, not a sprint

29:09 - Don’t chase titles, chase impact

30:30 - Prioritising your time as a leader

32:22 - The CEO’s changing weekly focus

33:41 - From Chief Brand Officer to CEO

35:17 - What does a Chief Brand Officer do?

37:13 - How to become a future CBO

38:25 - Transitioning into the CEO role

40:08 - Ask better questions, not have all the answers

41:39 - CEO surprise: people take the most time—and are worth it

43:22 - The people side is critical to business success

44:20 - Coffee and wellness are merging

45:23 - Recycling made easy: Royal Mail pickup

46:06 - Social impact through Change Please partnership

47:50 - Coffee as a force for good

49:13 - From farm to cup: how coffee gets made

50:48 - How innovation drives Nespresso

52:03 - Design, color, and capsule psychology

53:33 - What makes a great product launch

54:55 - Brand value proposition is key

55:56 - Lessons for job seekers: your story matters

56:56 - What Anna looks for when hiring

57:49 - Anna’s message of hope: create your own opportunity

58:04 - Anna’s duvet flip: bringing joy to others’ mornings

Episode Partner

easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

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/

Episode Guest

Meet Mark Hassan-Ali, COO at N Family Club, interviewed by Jack Parsons (UK's Chief Youth Officer).

Mark Hassan-Ali is a strategic and people-focused leader, currently Chief Operating Officer at N Family Club. With a career spanning global consultancies, agencies, start-ups, and multinationals, he brings sharp commercial acumen and a passion for inclusive, high-growth cultures. Since joining N in 2020, Mark has helped scale the business across operations, people, sales, and marketing. A trusted advisor and Fellow of the CIPD, REC, and RSA, he’s committed to driving meaningful, purpose-led change.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - You can always lead with kindness

00:27 - Meet Mark Hassan-Ali, COO at N Family Club

01:26 - What's on Mark’s mind in a fast-growing business

02:46 - Managing overwhelm and staying focused

03:58 - Personal life plans vs society’s expectations

05:17 - How to avoid shiny object syndrome

06:50 - The power of your "Square Squad"

08:29 - Who’s in Mark’s personal support circle

10:22 - Mark’s school days and early lessons

11:44 - Dressing as a dolphin at 18

12:49 - Work values vs company values

13:46 - How to have tough conversations with kindness

15:10 - Examples of real kindness at work

16:46 - The importance of not blindsiding people

17:48 - Interviewing with kindness

18:55 - The problem with rigid interview structures

19:59 - Humanising business culture

21:00 - Culture isn’t posters, it’s behaviours

22:01 - A culture that shines in tough times

23:34 - Culture is non-negotiable at N Family Club

25:04 - How N Family Club began and grew

26:34 - Scaling to 40 nurseries since 2020

27:38 - Building and evolving the operations playbook

28:50 - Why leadership hires are key

30:10 - From 15 brand ideas to 2: focus wins

31:33 - Constantly evolving to avoid complacency

32:24 - Looking globally for inspiration

33:01 - What makes N Family Club special

34:03 - Why language and titles matter

35:05 - Inside a nursery: team structure

36:05 - Mark’s respect for early years educators

37:00 - Creating career opportunities for all

38:06 - Flexibility for every lifestyle

39:00 - Changing how early years careers are seen

40:22 - The need for greater recognition in the sector

42:34 - Why early years is so valuable

43:00 - Why you should join N Family Club

44:20 - Mark’s advice for job applicants

46:00 - Be yourself, do your research

47:17 - Avoid the “spray and pray” job hunt

48:20 - There’s always a way – slow down

49:10 - Mark’s duvet flip – impact through people

50:02 - Staying focused on the one-pager

Episode Partner

N Family Club is rethinking careers in early years education by giving educators the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. We’re challenging industry norms and building a culture where people can thrive. With nurseries across London, the South East, and the West Midlands, we’re always looking for passionate people to join the N Family.

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/

Episode Guest

Meet Dave McGinn, CEO at Daisy Communications, interviewed by Jack Parsons (UK's Chief Youth Officer).Dave McGinn is a dynamic CEO with extensive executive and board-level experience, currently leading Daisy Communications, one of the UK’s largest independent telecom providers.Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Dave McGinn, CEO at Daisy Communications, joins My Duvet Flip

01:08 – Why attitudes are contagious and how Dave leads with his

02:23 – Dave’s first job and the weekly sackings that shaped his leadership

05:07 – Why every new Daisy employee gets a personal welcome from the CEO

07:06 – What it means to truly care about your people

09:00 – How to shift a negative mindset at work

11:03 – Why Dave hates the word “busy” and what to say instead

12:54 – That time Dave scored the winning goal at Old Trafford

13:31 – Dave’s secret to building strong communication skills

15:41 – How Daisy’s purpose and vision drive the business

17:00 – Why Dave did an MBA 40 years after school

18:14 – Dave’s “better every day” mindset

19:55 – What Dave would tell his younger self

21:00 – Why young people don’t need all the answers

22:49 – Training curiosity in your team

24:48 – Dave’s advice for young people entering the workforce

26:02 – How Daisy trains leaders through the Flight Academy

28:08 – Dave’s 5 Whys method to uncover root issues

29:48 – Daisy Communications turns 24: What’s changed

30:22 – How Daisy supports 1,000 GP surgeries

30:48 – Dave’s standout job application story

34:00 – How to stand out in today’s job market

36:02 – Why rejection is just redirection

37:13 – Dave’s take on the classic “sell me this pen” question

39:25 – The 3 things every great salesperson should know

42:00 – Mindset over location: Why Dave’s always been a top performer

43:11 – The £10 billion opportunity in Daisy’s industry

44:20 – Why Dave doesn’t believe in “love what you do”

45:39 – From council estate to CEO: Why Dave loves working

47:00 – The mucky duck analogy and protecting your culture

49:00 – When to change seats—not buses—in your career

50:50 – Dave’s best career advice: succeed through people

53:05 – What gets Dave out of bed every day

54:14 – Final reflections on kindness, leadership, and meaning

Episode Partner

Daisy Communications is the largest independent specialist telecommunications business in the UK. Technology led, people driven, and focused on the future, its targeted acquisition programme, combined with strong organic growth, has enabled Daisy Communications to deliver for its clients across a multitude of specialist connectivity disciplines.

From the total comms package for SoHo customers to a complex call centre solution and everything in between; all supported by a team of individuals based in the UK who know the ins and outs of great customer service and the support needed to empower SME’s to keep Britain working.

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/

Episode Guest

Watch now Jayne Worthington, CEO at The Progress Group, interviewed by Jack Parsons (UK's Chief Youth Officer).

Jayne is an experienced leader of complex and dynamic organisations. She is focused on creating a high performing workplace and team to drive Group growth and value and is committed to changing lives through the power of education and training. Jayne is also on the Board of Blackburne House and the E & Q Committee.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Jack welcomes Jayne Worthington, CEO at The Progress Group, to My Duvet Flip

00:22 - Jayne introduces herself and shares how The Progress Group impacts 100,000 lives a year

02:10 - Why Jayne doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions—micro-revolutions instead

04:35 - How small steps lead to career success and personal growth

07:20 - The toughest challenges Jayne faced early in her career

10:15 - How youth work shaped Jayne’s leadership style and mission

13:40 - Growing up on a council estate and how it influenced Jayne’s career path

17:25 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding confidence in leadership

21:10 - Why career success is about feeding your soul, not just earning money

24:55 - How The Progress Group supports young people excluded from mainstream education

29:30 - Investing £35M into social impact and changing career paths

33:15 - Why alternative education can be life-changing for young people

36:40 - The biggest mistake leaders make when managing their teams

40:15 - Why work should be more than just a paycheck—it should have purpose

43:10 - How The Progress Group helps adults retrain and return to the workforce

46:45 - Jayne’s advice for first-time CEOs: The one thing they must focus on

50:30 - The invisible success that shaped Jayne’s career

53:40 - Final question: What gets Jayne out of bed every morning to flip the duvet?

Episode Partner

The Progress Group is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of education and training.

But how is this achieved? It is made possible through a team of exceptionally talented colleagues who drive the organisation’s success. The Group is committed to investing in its workforce just as much as they invest in learners and customers. This positive working culture was recognised when the organisation was named a Times 100 Best Places to Work.

Each of its training and education businesses operates with a clear mission: to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training.

Collectively, the Group engages with tens of thousands of individuals aged 13 and above across its alternative provision schools, independent careers guidance services, and adult education programs. These span multiple sectors, including children’s and adult social care, education, and the visitor economy.

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/

Check out the latest careers at easyJet:

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

Episode Guest

Timo Lehne was appointed CEO in April 2022 after joining the board as interim CEO and Executive Director on 1 January 2022. As Senior Managing Director he held full responsibility for the day-to-day running of SThree’s largest region, DACH, which comprises of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Timo studied International Economics in the Netherlands before joining our Progressive Recruitment business in Germany as a sales consultant in 2006.

He was appointed Senior Business Manager in Düsseldorf for SThree in 2009, quickly turning it into our fastest growing business and growing the city’s share of net fees within the DACH region from 4% in 2009 to 27% in 2012. He was promoted to Senior Sales Director in 2013, taking joint responsibility for the running of the overall DACH business and in 2017 became Managing Director for the region, where he was responsible for the overall DACH business of SThree accounting for over 33% of the Group’s revenue and more than 1000 employees across 10 locations.

Episode Partner

easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Jack welcomes Timo Lehne, CEO of SThree, to My Duvet Flip

00:24 - Timo introduces himself and shares an overview of SThree – a global staffing firm with 3,000 employees across 11 countries

01:41 - Timo's first jobs: grocery store, call center rejection, and delivering medicine between cities

03:02 - Why hard work and mindset are the keys to success

05:00 - How Timo turned career setbacks into his biggest superpower

10:24 - How personal struggles shaped Timo’s work ethic and resilience

12:48 - Why financial education is crucial for young professionals

15:23 - Timo shares how his personal purpose evolved over 10 years

19:14 - How Timo never planned to be CEO but embraced opportunities

22:16 - The secret to positioning yourself for promotions in your company

26:04 - Why grit and patience are key to long-term career success

28:59 - How Timo plans his entire year to stay focused and balanced

31:40 - How AI and £35M tech investment are reshaping the staffing industry

35:49 - Why office culture and in-person interactions still matter

40:43 - How every employee contributes to company culture from Day 1

43:25 - What recruitment will look like in 10 years

46:02 - What makes SThree a top company to work for in recruitment

48:55 - Timo’s Duvet Flip: His passion for leadership and helping others thrive

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/