S1 Ep21 Meet Atiq Rehman - Founder & Director of Unspoken

S1 Ep21 Meet Atiq Rehman - Founder & Director of Unspoken

In this powerful episode of It’s Not So Lonely at the Top, Pete sits down with Atiq Rehman; a community leader, charity founder, mental health advocate and the driving force behind Unspoken. From starting Children of Adam with just £10 from each founder, to helping grow it into one of Peterborough’s most recognised community charities, Atiq’s story is one of action, faith, sacrifice and relentless kindness. He shares the moments that shaped him, including supporting the homeless, raising thousands for children’s hospitals, helping terminally ill children fulfil dreams, and his mission to bring people together across race, religion and background. This conversation goes far beyond charity. Pete and Atiq explore men’s mental health, the danger of loneliness, the power of human connection, the impact of social media on children, and Atiq’s bold vision to help end homelessness in Peterborough and reduce child self-harm and suicide. At its heart, this episode is a reminder that kindness is not soft. It is strong, practical, courageous and deeply needed. Atiq’s message is simple but powerful: we all have the ability to make someone’s life better  and sometimes, the smallest act can create the biggest ripple. About Atiq Atiq Rehman is a community leader, charity founder, mental health advocate and the driving force behind Unspoken; a movement built on kindness, unity and practical action. Born and raised in Peterborough, Atiq has dedicated much of his life to helping people who are often unseen, unheard or unsupported. He was one of the founders of Children of Adam, a charity that began with just £10 from each founder and grew into one of Peterborough’s most recognised community charities, supporting the homeless, vulnerable families, domestic violence victims and orphan projects around the world. Atiq’s work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: kindness changes lives. From raising thousands of pounds for children’s hospital toy drops, to supporting terminally ill children, feeding the homeless, campaigning for better protection for young people online, and challenging the stigma around men’s mental health, his mission is to bring people together across race, religion, background and belief. Through Unspoken, Atiq continues to champion open conversations, human connection and everyday acts of kindness. His long-term vision is bold: to help end homelessness in Peterborough, reduce child self-harm and suicide, and build a community where people are judged by their heart, not their colour, faith or circumstances. Atiq’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, resilience and service but above all, it is a reminder that leadership does not always start in boardrooms. Sometimes it starts with seeing someone in pain and deciding to do something about it. 🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Entrepreneurship, service business growth, leadership, scaling trades businesses, wellbeing strategies, and building a high-performance team. Join the Community: Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/].   ABOUT 🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it. Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt. 🎧 Why Listen? * Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. * Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum. * Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach. * Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego. 🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey. 📍 Where to Listen & Learn More: 🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more 🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/] New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/ [https://www.peterushmer.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/] Your guest today is Atiq Rehman-  Links - https://www.unspokenatiq.com/ The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

What leaders can learn from education

What happens when you step outside the boardroom and into a classroom? In this episode of It’s Not So Lonely at the Top, Pete shares why becoming a school governor has sharpened his leadership lens more than most business environments ever could. From relentless clarity and real-time feedback to culture being tested under pressure—not just talked about—education offers a raw, unfiltered view of leadership in action. This isn’t theory. It’s leadership without the safety net. Pete breaks down the powerful lessons business leaders can take from schools, including why people development isn’t a “nice to have,” why visibility matters more than you think, and how simplicity often beats strategy. If you want to lead better, communicate clearer, and build a culture that actually holds under pressure; this one will make you think. 🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Entrepreneurship, service business growth, leadership, scaling trades businesses, wellbeing strategies, and building a high-performance team. Join the Community: Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/].   ABOUT 🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it. Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt. 🎧 Why Listen? * Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. * Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum. * Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach. * Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego. 🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey. 📍 Where to Listen & Learn More: 🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more 🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/] New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/ [https://www.peterushmer.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/]   The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

S1 Ep20 Meet Iain Crighton - Business Start Up Coach

In this episode of It’s Not So Lonely at the Top, Pete is joined by Iain Crighton for a conversation about purpose-driven leadership, business growth, mentoring, resilience and the power of giving without expecting anything in return. Iain shares his journey from the automotive industry and business ownership through to coaching, community leadership and helping others achieve more than they thought possible. His philosophy is simple but powerful: when you lead with generosity, clarity and purpose, good things tend to happen — often in ways you could never have planned. Pete and Iain explore what it really means to build a business that makes a positive impact, why community involvement can create both social value and commercial growth, and how mentoring can help business leaders scale with more confidence and fewer costly mistakes. Iain also shares his ambition to help transform Peterborough’s start-up ecosystem by improving survival, sustainability and long-term growth through better support and mentorship. This is a conversation full of wisdom, lived experience and practical leadership lessons — from protecting your time and working on the business, to rebuilding trust after betrayal, supporting your people through difficult moments, and staying focused on what really matters. A brilliant listen for business owners, leaders, mentors and anyone who believes business can be both commercially successful and deeply meaningful. About Iain Iain Crighton is an experienced business coach, mentor and former managing director with a strong background in the automotive and retail cycle industries. With a Master’s degree in Retail Management from Loughborough University School of Business and Economics, and as a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry, Iain brings a rare blend of commercial experience, leadership wisdom and genuine community spirit. His mission is simple but powerful: to give without the expectation of receiving. It is a philosophy that has shaped much of his work, whether supporting business leaders, helping them find the right mentors, or encouraging people to achieve more than they ever thought possible. Iain is passionate about business as a force for good. Alongside his commercial career, he has played an active role in supporting local communities through voluntary leadership positions, including serving as a Trustee of the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, a Trustee of SportsAid Eastern and Chairman of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce for eight years. His community impact is significant. He helped launch a successful youth development programme at his local cricket club, led a team that raised over a quarter of a million pounds to support young athletes through grants, and played a part in the early journeys of three future Rio Olympic medallists. Iain has also led environmental and community legacy projects, including coordinating the planting of the first 5,000 trees for a new city forest, now named Crightons Wood. The project brought together local primary school children, the Environment Trust and the wider community, creating something lasting for future generations. In 2012, Iain was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through the city as part of the London Olympic Torch Relay, a fitting recognition of his contribution to business, sport and community life. At the heart of Iain’s story is a deep belief in service, generosity and helping others grow. Whether in business, mentoring, sport or community work, he has consistently used his experience and influence to create opportunities for others and leave things better than he found them. 🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Entrepreneurship, service business growth, leadership, scaling trades businesses, wellbeing strategies, and building a high-performance team. Join the Community: Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/].   ABOUT 🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it. Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt. 🎧 Why Listen? * Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. * Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum. * Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach. * Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego. 🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey. 📍 Where to Listen & Learn More: 🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more 🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/] New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/ [https://www.peterushmer.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/] Your guest today is Iain Crighton-  Links - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-crighton-mbe-fimi-56b063b/ The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

S1 Ep19 Meet Chris Welch - Managing Director at Welch Group

In this episode of It’s Not So Lonely at the Top, Pete is joined by Chris Welch, Managing Director of Welch Group, a fourth-generation family logistics business with a proud heritage and a forward-thinking approach to transport, innovation and sustainability. Chris shares what it is really like to lead a long-established family business while still pushing for progress, modernisation and growth. From carrying legacy and responsibility, to building culture, developing people, embracing change and leading the move towards greener logistics, this conversation gets under the bonnet of modern leadership in a traditional industry. They explore the balance between respecting the past and shaping the future, why strong values matter in business, how leaders create trust through clarity and consistency, and what it takes to keep evolving when the world around you is changing fast. This is a brilliant episode for business owners, directors, transport professionals and family business leaders who want to build something that lasts — without standing still. About Chris Chris Welch is the Managing Director of Welch Group, a family-run logistics business based in Cambridgeshire. Welch Group has a long history in transport and logistics, with Chris representing the fourth generation of family leadership within the business. As Managing Director, Chris is responsible for shaping the strategy, continuity and growth of the business, while supporting the culture and teams across the group. Welch Group describes its vision as “making this part of the world as good as it can be,” reflecting a strong focus on people, community and positive impact. (Welch Group [https://welchgroup.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) Chris is known for combining family-business values with a progressive approach to logistics, including innovation, customer collaboration and sustainable transport. Welch Group has been recognised for its work around decarbonisation, electric vehicles and helping move the transport industry towards a greener future.  Chris Welch is Managing Director of Welch Group, a fourth-generation family haulier proving that heritage and innovation aren't opposites. The business runs on a simple idea: "making this part of the world as good as it can be". That means investing in people before it's required, decarbonising before it's easy, and contributing to the communities around our depots because it's the right thing to do. From commissioning the UK's first HGV-accessible supercharger to running electric HGVs commercially for over four years, including supporting big names like the British Antarctic Survey's, Welch Group is proof that family SMEs can lead where others follow. Chris is a recognised national voice on fleet electrification and practical net zero transition, working with government, industry bodies, and major innovation programmes to help the wider sector find a route forward that actually works. Chris Welch | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-welch-98777589/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/welchstransport/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/welchstransport/] www.welchgroup.co.uk [http://www.welchgroup.co.uk]   🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Entrepreneurship, service business growth, leadership, scaling trades businesses, wellbeing strategies, and building a high-performance team. Join the Community: Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/].   ABOUT 🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it. Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt. 🎧 Why Listen? * Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. * Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum. * Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach. * Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego. 🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey. 📍 Where to Listen & Learn More: 🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more 🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/] New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/ [https://www.peterushmer.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/] Your guest today is Chris Welch-  Links - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-welch-98777589/ The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

Brian Sagaseta's Testimonial

In this episode of It’s Not So Lonely at the Top, Pete is joined by Brian Sagaseta from Chiltern Distribution, a business leader who has been part of the INSLATT journey through one-to-one coaching, leadership development, vision and values work, motivational mapping, and the mastermind community. Brian shares openly about the impact coaching has had on him as a leader, the value of having space to think, and how being surrounded by other ambitious business owners has helped him gain clarity, confidence, and perspective. They explore what it really means to lead a growing business, why personal development is not a luxury but a leadership responsibility, and how the right support can help you make better decisions, build stronger teams, and stop carrying everything alone. This is a powerful conversation about growth, accountability, self-awareness, and the quiet transformation that happens when leaders invest in themselves as much as they invest in their business. Perfect for business owners, directors, and senior leaders who know they want to grow — but do not want to do it alone. About Brian Brian Sagaseta is a business leader at Chiltern Distribution, a company focused on delivering high standards across logistics, transport, and customer service. Over recent years, Brian has invested in his own leadership development and the development of his team. Through one-to-one coaching, the INSLATT mastermind, motivational mapping, and vision and values work, he has taken a proactive approach to building a stronger, clearer, and more aligned business. Brian is passionate about doing things properly, leading with honesty, and creating a business that is not only successful, but also built on strong values, accountability, and continuous improvement. His journey reflects what many leaders experience: the pressure of carrying responsibility, the need for trusted support, and the real value of stepping out of the day-to-day to work on yourself, your team, and the future of the business. 🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Entrepreneurship, service business growth, leadership, scaling trades businesses, wellbeing strategies, and building a high-performance team. Join the Community: Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/].   ABOUT 🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it. Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt. 🎧 Why Listen? * Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks. * Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum. * Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach. * Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego. 🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey. 📍 Where to Listen & Learn More: 🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more 🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/ [https://www.inslatt.co.uk/] New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/ [https://www.peterushmer.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/] Your guest today is Brian Sagaseta -  Links - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sagaseta-3b6b14a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sagaseta-3b6b14a6/] The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.