Pivot points powered by Brandpie
Welcome to Pivot points powered by Brandpie. The podcast that delves deep into the expertise of visionary leaders who’ve successfully taken their business, through a complex pivotal moment to unlock growth. Each episode we'll share with you how CEOs handle these critical inflection points, from leadership changes, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures to jumping an ‘S’ Curve or making a category pivot to drive future success. Pivot Points is for C-Suite executives and anyone aspiring to leadership who want to learn how the emotional levers of change – purpose, brand and culture – are critical to successfully navigating a pivotal moment. Successfully...
Unleashing Creativity: The Art of Chasing the Inspiration Within with CEO of The Institute of Imagination, Martin Allen Morales - Episode 13

Martin Allen Morales’ career spans industries and companies which most would only dream of working within: Apple, EMI, Disney and Ceviche.
But for dreams to be formed, you need imagination - as CEO of the Institute of Imagination he’s empowering kids to reimagine their future just as he did.
We’re treated to a journey like no other on Pivot Points this week, as Martin takes us from his upbringing in Peru, to launching a Paddington-approved restaurant, to working with the Jonas Brothers, and so much more.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Crea...Authenticity At The Top: The Perks of Leading with Purpose with CEO of Ampa, Sarah Walker-Smith - Episode 12

Creativity and professionalism are not always polar opposites - Sarah Walker-Smith shows that they’re two sides of the same coin.
Between musical and acting aspirations, and leadership within huge businesses like Shakespeare Martineau and Ampa, she’s focused on bringing purpose to her teams and empowering them to be their true selves.
Join us on Pivot Points to discover how Sarah overcame impostor syndrome, why you need to go slow to move fast, and her inventive use of a shadow board.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Personal purpose and authenticity are vita...A Masterclass in Marketing, Brand Building and Culture with Fasthosts’ Managing Director, Rupert Bedell - Episode 11

Rupert Bedell started life as an aspiring engineer, but through roles at Natwest, HSBC, American Express and countless others, he’s morphed into a marketing master.
Now taking on the Managing Director role at Fasthosts, he’s pivoted from transforming titans to nurturing a challenger brand…
Learn to navigate the ever-changing world of performance marketing, discover the secrets to curating culture, and the art of changing industries.
Key takeaways from this episode:
The transformation of marketing in the technological age, shifting from creativity to performanceRupert's remarkable journey from engineering to finance to market...The Crucible Moments That Reforge a Leader with Former-CEO of The Body Shop & Charles Tyrwhitt, David Boynton - Episode 10

Over the course of a remarkable 30-year career, David Boynton has led some of the world's most prominent brands, including L'Occitane, Charles Tyrwhitt, and The Body Shop.
It’s a journey that’s taken him through transformative moments and challenges at every stage, bestowing him with pivotal learnings around leadership, growth, and culture.
Join us this week to discover the ‘crucible moments’ in which David was thrown into the fire, and emerged reforged…
This episode covers:
The critical role of a clear, meaningful organisational purpose, exemplified through David’s work with The Body ShopNavi...The Art of Excelling in a ‘Squiggly Career’ with The Marketing Society’s CEO, Sophie Devonshire - Episode 9

Sophie Devonshire’s career could be described as ‘squiggly’, but in business she’s a laser-focused CEO with an infallible eye for marketing and team-building.
Drawing on experiences from Coca Cola and Proctor and Gamble, she’s mastered the art of ‘leading with speed’, building purposeful pauses into business, and shaping roles to play into a team’s strengths.
Her leadership now is shaped by countless pivotal moments in her career, so join us as we discover how The Marketing Society’s CEO shaped her entrepreneurial lens.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Navigating a "squi...Cesare Ragazzi’s Revival: How to Breathe New Life Into a Brand with CRLAB Chairman, Andrea Mandel-Mantello - Episode 8

Investing in a bankrupt business isn’t usually the most appealing option, but for Andrea Mandel-Mantello, it was a stroke of genius…
The Cesare Ragazzi name was known throughout Italy when Andrea took over. Through a strong rebrand, resilience, and passion for improving people’s lives, Andrea’s brand now brings those values to a staggering 26 countries.
Join us on Pivot Points to discover how Andrea brought a household name back from the brink of bankruptcy.
Key takeaways from this episode:
How Andrea took a bankrupt company and breathed new life into the Cesa...The Anthropy Story: The Lessons From Military Service Shaping Britain’s Bright Future with Founder, John O'Brien MBE - Episode 7

Before creating one of the largest gatherings of future makers in the UK, John O’Brien MBE has had an incredible career path, from serving as an army officer to leading major initiatives with the Prince of Wales' charities.
He's now embarked on an ambitious mission to bring together leaders from across sectors to help build a better Britain.
Join me as we explore John’s perspective on creating new platforms, purpose and impact, adaptability, transferable skills, and the pivotal moments that have shaped his journey.
Key takeaways from this episode:
The many m...Become a Better You By Harnessing AI with Ex-Dragon and Co-Founder of Implement AI, Piers Linney - Episode 6

Piers Linney is a name you’ll know from Dragons’ Den or Secret Millionaire, but his wider career journey paints the fascinating portrait of a multi-talented, resilient and forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Currently the Co-Founder of Implement AI, he’s a fascinating individual whose expertise on the role of AI in the future should incite CEOs this year to have a pivotal moment of their own.
In this episode of Pivot Points, Piers talks us through the impact of mentors and social capital, the importance of learning from your failures, why AI should be your personal sidekick, and mu...
Conducting the Clean Energy Transition: Relevate Power’s CEO Matthew Wenger on Values-Based Leadership and Innovative Energy Solutions - Episode 5

Matthew Wenger’s entrepreneurial story can be traced back to the age of just 8 years old, and from that point, Matt’s journey culminates in his current role spearheading the renewable energy transition.
He’s Harvard-educated, musically gifted, and a fantastic CEO of Relevate Power, so join us for this episode of Pivot Points to discover the moments that shaped his path to leadership, and the vision of a cleaner future for energy.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Ditching Profit for Prosperity: How to Build a Long-Term Institution with Griffith University Professor, Nick Barter - Episode 4

This week’s podcast guest is one whose biggest pivot was finding a way for businesses to better fulfil their potential, but shifting from the corporate world to academia - Griffith University’s, Nick Barter.
Nick talks Dave through the need for narrative and purpose beyond profit, bringing emotion into decision-making, and why your demography is your destiny.
This episode covers:
Professor Nick Barter's career journey from business to academia, driven by his desire for long-term value creationThe importance of an organisation's narrative and purpose beyond pure profitIncorporating emotional and purpose-driven decision-making in business, and...