Discovering the moments that changed leaders’ journeys within the digital economy

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EPISODE 7
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Terry Graunke

Chasing Disruption: Terry Graunke's 40-Year Journey in Management

Joe speaks with Terry Graunke, Chairman and Founder of Erie Street, about his extensive management and investment career. He has led over 40 businesses: founding, growing, selling and listing them, all within disruptive industries.

July 8, 2024
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EPISODE 7
Terry Graunke

Chasing Disruption: Terry Graunke's 40-Year Journey in Management

Joe speaks with Terry Graunke, Chairman and Founder of Erie Street, about his extensive management and investment career. He has led over 40 businesses: founding, growing, selling and listing them, all within disruptive industries.

In this episode they also discuss:

Terry talks about founding his first business, Omni-graphics, stumbling upon, then harnessing data to disrupt direct marketing, scaling and then selling to Omnicom.   Terry then moved into the operator/investor role within the Hawthorne Group, before starting Lake Capital and ultimately the creation of Erie Street, a business services investment firm focusing on operational orientation and family office money.

Terry's emphasis on human capital, the importance of connections, and the role of curiosity and serendipity in success. Terry also discusses the significance of company values like kindness, curiosity, and courage in guiding daily activities and long-term value creation.

Terry discusses his involvement across various industries, including forensic accounting with Huron Consulting Group, web development with Eagle River, and the recent impact of AI on the market. He shares insights on balancing investor partnerships and fostering a patient investor base to focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term sales.

Joe and Terry also touch upon the challenges and opportunities in navigating regulatory landscapes, particularly with AI, and the overall evolution of the business landscape.

Timestamps:

04:52 Terry’s first start up in direct marketing 

06:59 Seeking self-confidence, adaptability, and resourcefulness despite challenges.

13:00 How technology for cruise lines was a catalyst for e-commerce

19:58 The business opportunity Terry saw after Enron brought down Arthur Andersen.

28:00 The evolution of private equity, why Terry founded Erie Street and how it is different

35:04 Underwriting deals, hitting milestones, recapitalising for growth.

45:12 Investor worries about cybersecurity and future impact

July 8, 2024
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EPISODE 6
Paddy Harverson

From Old Trafford to the Palace: Paddy Harverson on Mastering the Business of Media Relations

Joe speaks with Paddy Harverson, co-founder of Milltown Partners, who shares his insights from his time managing communications at Manchester United and Clarence House as well as running his own agency.  Paddy discusses Milltown's unique approach of marketing their business, how they created a successful company culture, and selling the business to an employee ownership trust in 2021.

Paddy discusses his journalism background and its importance on his subsequent roles; navigating media relations at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson's watchful eye to managing the public image of King Charles and his royal household. He emphasises the importance of calmness, truthfulness, and maintaining professional boundaries in high-stakes environments.

Paddy delves into the company's strategic focus on quality client relationships and honest communication, which has driven their reputation and growth, particularly in the tech and sports sectors.

Together they explore the foundational values that contributed to Milltown Partners' success, such as integrity, collaboration, and the privilege of selective project engagement. Lastly, they reflect on the evolving landscape of media and the crucial role of internal communications in navigating challenges like the pandemic.

Timestamps

00:00 Paddy Harverson on leadership, culture, and experiences.

10:55 Intensity of managing football communications, media content.

16:55 Representing and guiding Prince William and Harry through public life & media scrutiny

21:00 Handling the workload at the royal household.

24:59 Maintaining good media relationships 

30:27 Advance preparation for royal tours across continents.

34:15 World leaders gather to commemorate D Day.

42:27 Consistency in work, clients, hiring, and culture.

44:33 Being  selective about clients.

48:40 Evolution of business structure and media communications.

52:15 Internal communication is vital in business today.

June 25, 2024
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EPISODE 4
Aleen Dreksler

The Betches Way: Humour, Authenticity and Building a Media Business

Joe speaks with Aleen Dreksler, one of the founders of Betches, a business that started as a college blog in 2011 and has now evolved into a major player in women's media. Aleen reminisces about how they were motivated by comedians like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to create a fresh comedic voice different from conventional 'cutesy' content, focusing on self-deprecating humour and relatability.

In this episode they also discuss:

  •  the importance of Betches' strategic use of platforms like Instagram, and partnerships to authentically engage their target audience
  • the acquisition journey, how they coped with the many suitors for the business and why they eventually choose LadBible
  • the importance of having a good team
  • fostering strong business relationships, expanding into new sectors
  • maintaining a brand rooted in humour and authenticity and
  • the values that contributed to their sustainable growth
May 29, 2024
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EPISODE 3
Sir John Hegarty

Seven Decades of Disruption: Sir John Hegarty on Creativity & The Future of Advertising

Sir John Hegarty, Co-Founder of advertising agency, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) and a titan of the industry, delves into his extensive career that spans over seven decades and provides the inside track on one of the industry’s most famous deals between BBH and Publicis…

In this episode they also discuss: 

- The strategic growth and ethical considerations that guided Hegarty’s agency decisions

- Cultural shifts and their influence on advertising practices

- Sir John’s opinion on white shoes

- Who really invented the Curly Wurly and

- the impact of Elvis

May 15, 2024
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