Who's Your Captain?

SE01E20 From Everest to Everyday Resilience I Bonita Norris

Mark Francis sits down with Bonita Norris, Motivational Speaker at BONITA NORRIS LTD, for a powerful conversation about resilience, self belief, leadership, motherhood, mental health, and climbing Mount Everest at just 22 years old with no previous mountaineering experience. Bonita shares the emotional story behind becoming the youngest British woman to summit Everest at the time, how she overcame an eating disorder, and why success comes from small consistent steps rather than overnight transformation. From surviving the death zone on Everest to becoming an award winning speaker, author, and mother, Bonita opens up about fear, failure, ambition, and finding strength in unexpected places. In this inspiring episode, Mark Francis and Bonita Norris explore goal setting, teamwork, trust, personal growth, resilience, public speaking, parenting, mental health, and the lessons the mountains can teach about life. Bonita also reflects on Sherpa culture, human connection in the AI era, and why curiosity and courage matter more than talent. A deeply honest conversation packed with life lessons, motivation, and perspective for anyone chasing big goals or navigating personal challenges. Connect with Bonita Norris on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonita-norris-keynote-speaker-15191869/ I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/ Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

SE01E19 How to Build a Lasting Legacy in Business I Paul David Munnelly

What does it take to lead a successful family business into a new era of growth, innovation, and long term success? In this episode of Who's Your Captain?, Mark Francis speaks with Paul David Munnelly, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Munnelly Group, about taking over a highly respected family business and building the next chapter with confidence. Paul shares how Munnelly Group has embraced cultural transformation, expanded into new markets, invested in people, and created a clear long term vision through Target 2030. He explains how strong leadership, innovation, collaboration, and talent development are helping the company grow in a changing construction industry. The conversation also explores succession in family business, creating future leaders, attracting top talent, and why staying still in business is the biggest risk of all. In this episode: Paul David Munnelly leadership journey How Munnelly Group is evolving for the future Family business succession done right Building culture through trust and collaboration Innovation in the construction industry Developing future leaders and retaining talent Why long term vision drives sustainable growth Leadership lessons for CEOs and entrepreneurs If you are a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or part of a family run company, this episode offers practical insights on growth, leadership, and legacy. Featuring: Paul David Munnelly - Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Munnelly Group Hosted by Mark Francis Connect with Paul David Munnelly on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldavidmunnelly/  Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

SE01E18 Powering the Electric Future I Steven Meersman

In this episode of Who’s Your Captain, Mark Francis sits down with Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobe Energy Limited, to explore one of the most important shifts happening in global energy today. Steven shares the story behind Zenobe Energy Limited, from its early days connecting batteries to the UK grid to becoming a major force in electrifying transport systems across multiple countries. What started as a bold idea between three co-founders has now grown into a business operating at the intersection of renewable energy, battery storage, and electric mobility. Mark Francis and Steven Meersman discuss how Zenobe Energy Limited is helping solve real-world infrastructure challenges, from stabilising energy grids to enabling electric bus fleets and reusing second-life batteries in powerful new ways. Steven also breaks down how the company works closely with transport operators, including Big Bus Tours, to make electrification practical, scalable, and financially sustainable. The conversation goes deeper into leadership, decision-making, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven business. Steven reflects on building high-performing teams, raising capital step by step, and the importance of combining engineering, finance, and operational expertise to drive meaningful change. Key themes include renewable energy innovation, battery storage systems, electric bus infrastructure, grid stability, and the future of electrification across transport and heavy industry. Steven also shares insights from expanding Zenobe Energy Limited into international markets including Australia, Europe, and North America. This episode offers a clear look at how long-term thinking, disciplined execution, and strong leadership can turn a complex energy challenge into a global opportunity. Host: Mark Francis Guest: Steven Meersman, Founder Director Zenobe Energy Limited Connect with Steven Meersman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman/  I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/ Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

SE01E17 How to Build a High Growth Team Culture That Wins I Brian Dyer

What does it take to build a company culture where growth, innovation, and accountability happen every day?  In this episode of Who's Your Captain?, Mark Francis speaks with Brian Dyer, President at Sterling ATM, about leadership that works in the real world. From leading in the trenches with employees to building systems that drive momentum, Brian shares the exact mindset and methods that helped transform Sterling ATM into a dynamic, growth focused business.  Brian explains how daily team huddles create ownership, improve communication, and uncover new ideas across the company. He also breaks down his Four Beasts leadership framework - Lion, Owl, Cheetah, and Honey Badger - and how each mindset helps leaders take action, solve problems, and stay resilient under pressure.  The conversation also explores how Sterling ATM successfully expanded into new markets, developed innovative products, and created a workplace culture where every employee contributes to growth.  In this episode:  Brian Dyer leadership philosophy  How Sterling ATM drives growth through culture  The power of daily huddles in business  Building accountability and feedback systems  Innovation and product expansion strategies  Leadership lessons for CEOs and managers  How to create resilient high performing teams  If you are a business owner, CEO, entrepreneur, or team leader looking for practical leadership strategies, this episode delivers real insights you can apply immediately.  Featuring:  Brian Dyer - President at Sterling ATM  Hosted by Mark Francis  Connect with Brian Dyer on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandyer/  #BrianDyer #SterlingATM #MarkFrancis #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TeamCulture #Entrepreneurship #CEO #Management #Innovation  I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.  – Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team  Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/  Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com  Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K  Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain  #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship.  If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.

SE01E16 Lead with belief build winning teams I Simon Hawtrey-Coombs

In this episode of Who's Your Captain, Mark Francis is joined by Simon Hawtrey-Coombs, Head of Happiness, Co-Founder @ peer2peer Boards & President of Bournemouth Rugby Football Club, for a powerful conversation on leadership, belief, and building high-performing teams. Simon shares his journey as an entrepreneurial leader across industries including property, logistics, and sports. From transforming one of the lowest-performing depots into the number one in the UK, to helping shape a winning culture in rugby, this episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons that actually work. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea: great leadership starts with clear expectations, strong belief, and a shared purpose. Simon explains how success leaves clues and how small habits, like showing up early or setting higher standards, can create extraordinary results over time. You’ll also hear insights on:  • How to lead change and build a culture of ownership  • Why handing over responsibility creates stronger teams  • The role of belief in entrepreneurship and risk-taking  • How to remove negative energy and build winning environments  • Why systems and processes are essential for scaling  • Lessons from elite teams like the All Blacks and top football clubs  • How peer2peer Boards help business leaders grow through shared experience Simon also shares a powerful perspective on life, success, and slowing down to focus on what truly matters. This episode is not just about business, it’s about leadership in every area of life. Connect with Simon Hawtrey-Coombs on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhawtrey-coombs/  If you found value in this episode, like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are shaping the future. #MarkFrancis #WhosYourCaptain #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PeerToPeer #RugbyLeadership #TeamBuilding #Mindset #StartupLife I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/ Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain #WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership  Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship. If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.