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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/ifs-au

Heights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au

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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.

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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-au

Heights 👉 Join Jake in maintaining your energy, with Vitals. Get 20% off with code Room20: https://highpfrmc.com/heights-vitals-au

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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.

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