Unlocking the Next Big Startup Hub: Martin Sutton on Why Investors Should Look North

Why Education Needs a Revolution - and How Genio Is Leading It

Forget everything you thought you knew about learning. It’s not just something you figure out in school, it’s a science. And Dave Tucker, founder and CEO of Genio, has built an entire organisation around that truth. In this episode, Tanya and Gordon dive into the messy, brilliant, deeply human side of learning. From the classroom moments that convinced Dave he “wasn’t a maths kid” to the entrepreneurial leaps that proved he absolutely was, this conversation unpacks how environment, confidence, and culture shape what we believe we’re capable of and how Genio is rewriting the rules so every learner can thrive. Expect insights on creativity, systems, failure, resilience, and the communities that make big ideas possible. What you’ll learn: · Why early learning experiences define confidence more than ability · How bad teaching can make smart people feel stupid and how good teaching flips the script · Why entrepreneurship is 50% courage, 50% falling on your face and trying again · How Genio scaled from one idea to a multi-product learning platform · Why cracking new markets always comes down to people, networks, and culture · The role community plays in building both confidence and capability · Why every learner deserves tools designed for their needs not the system’s If you’ve ever questioned your own learning abilities, wondered how education could evolve, or wanted an honest look at the entrepreneurial grind behind a purpose-led tech company, this episode is your roadmap. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dntucker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dntucker/] https://genio.co/ [https://genio.co/] https://www.climb-uk.com/ [https://www.climb-uk.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim [https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim]... Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social [http://climb-uk.bsky.social]

From Crisis to Capital: The Untold Story Behind Impact Investing

Think your money can’t make a difference? Think again. In a world drowning in climate crises, social inequality, and geopolitical upheaval, the question isn’t why change matters, it’s how we fund it. Enter impact investing: the movement turning capital into a catalyst for real-world solutions. In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, Tanya and Gordon sit down with global impact-investing pioneer Cliff Prior to unpack the myths, mechanics, and magic behind purposeful capital. From a surprising start in biochemistry to leading global investment initiatives, Cliff shares the human stories and hard-won lessons that reveal why impact investing isn’t just finance, it’s a force for good. What you’ll learn: · Why Cliff traded lab science for human-centred impact work · How empathy and crisis counselling shaped his investment philosophy · The hidden “poverty premium” trapping low-income communities, and how to dismantle it · Why storytelling beats policy PDFs in driving global change · How blended finance is rewriting the rules for social enterprise sustainability · What investors, governments, and innovators can learn from each other worldwide If you’ve ever wondered how money can move the needle on climate, inequality, and social progress, this conversation is your blueprint for investing with purpose, and making every pound count. LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-prior/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-prior/] https://www.climb-uk.com/ [https://www.climb-uk.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim [https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim]... Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social [http://climb-uk.bsky.social]

The Power of WOW: How Steve Edge Turns Brands into Legends

Disclaimer: This live recording includes explicit language and very open discussion from the start. Creating “WOW” moments isn’t just about design - it’s about emotion, storytelling, and the art of making people feel like they belong. That’s something Steve Edge has spent a lifetime perfecting. From working on Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark to founding his own acclaimed design studio, Steve’s career has been a masterclass in imagination, style, and substance. In this special live stage session at Climb25 this past July, Tanya Arnold sits down with Steve to explore what it really takes to build brands that people don’t just recognise, but love. He shares his journey from a North London childhood filled with animals and art, to designing for world-class names like Cartier, Fortnum & Mason, Dior, and Marks & Spencer. Steve also dives into the importance of storytelling in design, the value of staying true to your creative vision, and why embracing your individuality might be the ultimate secret to success. In this episode, we discover: * How storytelling transforms brands into experiences * Why creativity is rooted in authenticity and curiosity * The power of standing out in a world that values sameness * How early opportunities shaped Steve’s bold approach to design * Why making people feel part of “something special” is the heart of WOW Looking to ignite your creativity or redefine your brand? Steve’s story will leave you inspired to dream bigger, design braver, and always add a little WOW. Tickets for our next festival Climb26 are live and prices go up this November! Secure yours now https://www.climb-uk.com/shop [https://www.climb-uk.com/shop] to meet guests like Steve! LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveedgedesign/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveedgedesign/] https://www.steve-edge.com/ [https://www.steve-edge.com/] https://uk.linkedin.com/company/climbuk [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/climbuk] Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social [http://climb-uk.bsky.social]

Unlocking the Next Big Startup Hub: Martin Sutton on Why Investors Should Look North

Everyone talks about “levelling up” investment in the UK, but when it comes to startups, too much money still flows south to London. Meanwhile, the North is buzzing with untapped talent, ambitious founders, and a tech ecosystem ready to explode. In this episode, Tanya and Gordon sit down with seasoned investor Martin Sutton to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the North of England and why smart investors should be paying attention. From leaving corporate life behind to backing ambitious founders outside the capital, Martin shares candid insights on what investors actually value, the myths holding northern startups back, and how trust, networks, and cultural attitudes shape the journey to success. In this episode, you’ll discover: · What really convinces an investor beyond the pitch deck · The biggest hurdles Northern founders face - and how to overcome them · Why gut instinct still plays a role in smart investment decisions · How to spot the difference between good and bad advice · Why the North could be the UK’s next breakout startup hotspot If you’ve ever wondered where the next wave of UK startup success stories will come from - this conversation makes the case for looking North. LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-sutton-7a7809/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-sutton-7a7809/] https://rivercapitaluk.com/ [https://rivercapitaluk.com/] https://www.climb-uk.com/ [https://www.climb-uk.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim [https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim]... Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social [http://climb-uk.bsky.social]

Dan Nord’s Leap: What Happens When You Follow the Spark

Making the leap from one industry to another is never easy - but with the right network, a spirit of curiosity, and the courage to bet on yourself, it can be transformative. That’s exactly what happened with Dan Nord, whose career spans giants like Amazon, EA, and Maxar. From designing games on a pocket calculator to navigating the business world, Dan has carried forward lessons in innovation, collaboration, and the art of building the right teams. In this episode of Conversations at the Summit, Tanya and Gordon sit down with Dan to unpack: * Why real networking is about authentic connections, not just numbers * How unexpected opportunities come from trusted relationships * The role of passion in shaping a meaningful career path * Why diverse teams drive creativity and success * How collaboration accelerates both productivity and innovation You’ll also hear how Dan’s business school experience shaped his approach to leadership, how he thinks about hiring, and why saying yes to new opportunities can fast-track growth. If you’re looking to break through in your career or make your mark in a new space, Dan’s story is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom to help spark your next leap. LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannord/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannord/] https://www.climb-uk.com/ [https://www.climb-uk.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim [https://www.linkedin.com/company/clim]... Instagram: @Climb__UK X: @Climb_UK Bluesky: @climb-uk.bsky.social [http://climb-uk.bsky.social]