Strive and Thrive

The Hard Yards - ft. Tom Ahmad | S&T 41

Tom Ahmad is a business recovery and insolvency professional, entrepreneur, and adviser to business owners navigating pressure, change, and uncertainty. As co-founder and Managing Director of BABR, he has spent nearly two decades working alongside directors, entrepreneurs, lenders, and advisers through some of the most challenging moments in business. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Tom Ahmad for our latest podcast/youtube release  - dropping on 7th July - as they talk about the challenges of running a business, how to navigate difficult periods, planning ahead and adapting to change. What is Strive & Thrive? Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach.  Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared [https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared] Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com [http://striveandthrivepodcast.com]  ------------ Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Turning Points on the Journey - ft. Jon Anthony | S&T 40

Jon Anthony is a technology founder, operator and AI strategist. He founded Adappt in 2011 and has grown it into a 200+ person global software, AI and DevSecOps company delivering mission-critical systems for WHO, the UK Government, the British Museum and other major organisations.  With a background in broadcast technology, public-sector AI and secure cloud delivery, Jon focuses on building resilient technology for high-stakes environments. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Jon Anthony for our latest podcast/youtube release  - dropping on 23rd June - as they discuss a range of topics, such as the importance of self belief, why solution sales is the best approach, and how to use AI more effectively. What is Strive & Thrive? Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach.  Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared [https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared] Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com [http://striveandthrivepodcast.com]  ------------ Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Entrepreneurial Tightrope - ft. James Stockdale | S&T 39

James Stockdale has over 25 years of experience in IT support and services in both the public and private sectors, including several years at Apple. Following this appointment, James launched a specialist IT business, focused on the needs of companies using Apple tech. Since selling his share of this business in 2025, he's now working on genzee.it, a platform that will give small business owners an easier way to access vital tech support. Join co-hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker James Stockdale for our latest podcast/YouTube release  - dropping on 9th June - as they discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the most important resources for entrepreneurs,  compare fundraising v bootstrapping, evaluate  the right time to exit a business, and talk about the right approach to networking. What is Strive & Thrive? Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach.  Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com  ------------ Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world.

AI will create more Entrepreneurs - ft. Sarat Pediredla | S&T 38

Sarat Pediredla is a technology entrepreneur and founder. Sarat co-founded Hedgehog Lab in 2007 and led it as CEO for 19 years, building it into a globally recognised business.  After stepping down in 2025, he has since founded Thredspan, an intelligence solution for professional services. He also holds NED and Chair roles in the NHS and digital health sectors. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Sarat Pediredla for our latest podcast/Youtube release - dropping on 26th May - as they discuss the importance of clarity of values and mission, the possibilities that AI opens up, and how you can turn your customers into fans. What is Strive & Thrive? Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach.  Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared [https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared] Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com [http://striveandthrivepodcast.com]  ------------ Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world.

Wired Differently, Leading Boldly - ft. Gillian Jones-Williams | S&T 37

Gillian Jones-Williams  is an inspirational business leader, author, and motivational speaker who exemplifies how neurodiversity can be a driver of innovation, resilience, and success.  Gillian founded Emerge Development Consultancy, a thriving learning and development firm nearly 30 years ago.  In 2024 she was honoured with the award for Businesswoman of the Decade in the Best Women’s Awards. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Gillian Jones-Williams  for our latest podcast/youtube release  - dropping on 12th May  - as they discuss how neurodiversity can both aid and hinder leading a business,  the challenge of evolving  your business during tough times, and the business case for DEI. What is Strive & Thrive? Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach.  Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared [https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared] Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com [http://striveandthrivepodcast.com]  ------------ Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world.