What does it take to turn a niche idea into a global phenomenon? For Alan Barratt, it meant trusting his instincts, betting on a product his own board doubted, and risking it all on a pivot that made no logical sense, until it did.

In this episode, Alan reveals the behind-the-scenes battles that shaped Grenade’s bold transition from sports supplements to protein bars, the critical moment one unexpected ally tipped the scales, and how a sold-out launch in two hours changed everything.

It’s a masterclass in the power of instinct, risk-taking, and the importance of embracing failure along the way.

IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software

👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a former banker end up leading one of the fastest-growing food brands in Europe? For John Eckbert, it started with a magazine cover, a cold email, and a vision that would eventually reshape the fast-casual dining landscape in the UK and beyond.

In this episode, John takes us through the unexpected journey that led him to Five Guys, from a bold proposal sent through a website form to a game-changing partnership with the Morell family. He opens up about the high-stakes moments, the behind-the-scenes decisions that almost didn’t happen, and the quiet conversations that changed everything.

It’s a conversation about bold transitions, unlikely beginnings, and the power of product obsession in building something people truly love.

IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software

👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to steer one of the world’s most iconic sports properties through a high-stakes transformation? For Greg Maffei, it meant navigating tense negotiations, decoding power dynamics, and learning to read the room, sometimes quite literally.

In this episode, Greg unpacks the behind-the-scenes moments that almost derailed the Formula One deal, the trust-building that kept it alive, and what he learned from working alongside legends like Bernie Ecclestone. From reading subtle negotiation cues to betting on bold strategies like Drive to Survive, it’s a deep dive into patience, perspective, and leadership under pressure.

IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software

👉 Reimagine your operations at https://hppod.co/ifsai

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.