Event Matters

Embracing Intuitive Leadership with Taran O’Doherty

Taran O’Doherty’s journey from teenage dreamer to thriving business owner proves success is built on adaptability, grit, and clear values.  In this candid conversation, Taran shares how he and his partner Ben transformed a small furniture hire startup into a multi-million-pound operation without external funding or experience, relying instead on street smarts, relentless reinvestment, and a refusal to accept “no” as an answer. In this episode, we break down their bold strategies, including opening 7 days a week, negotiating everything from van rentals to contracts, and prioritising relationships over purely transactional dealings.  Taran shares the importance of intuition, trust, and staying true to core values in a rapidly changing industry, plus how AI’s emerging role can streamline operations and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking for motivation to keep going, this episode is a blueprint for resilient, meaningful success.  Key Takeaways: * The power of unstructured intuition over formal experience * Building a business around relationships, not transactions * Embracing constant change as a strategic advantage * Prioritising company culture and core values in scaling * Operating with lean capital by reinvesting and avoiding external debt * Long-term thinking as a driver of sustained innovation and differentiation * The importance of personal well-being and authenticity in leadership For more information about Club Altura, the new community for event business leaders, click here - https://kershawpartners.co.uk/club-altura/

Leading with Positivity and Purpose with Lisa James

Lisa James, founder of the Wentworth Collective is known for her 30 years in hospitality, high-end event creation, and her candid insights on leadership, wellbeing, and cultural transformation. In this episode, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from a travel-obsessed airline baby to a leader who champions positivity, strong values, and authentic relationships in the events industry. Discover how her early experiences shaped her approach to leadership, client service, and supporting her team, alongside her honest insights on motherhood, menopause, and mental wellbeing. We discuss: * How growing up as an airline child influenced Lisa's passion for hospitality and service excellence * The pivotal shift from doing to leading when stepping into her CEO role * Building a culture based on values like kindness, loyalty, and excellence * The importance of authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability in leadership * Lisa’s insights on mentoring, giving back, and the power of positive conversations * Navigating motherhood, menopause, and health challenges in the workplace * The role of trust, communication, and creating safe environments for teams and clients * How her experience with travel, languages, and cultural exposure enriches her event creation * Future ambitions, including consulting, public speaking, and mentoring  Whether you’re scaling a business or seeking a fresh perspective on how positivity and relationships fuel success, Lisa’s powerful stories and expert advice are your blueprint for making an impact both personally and professionally.

Unlocking Cutting-Edge Event Speakers with Deborah Rey-Burns

Deborah Rey-Burns' unique journey from finance to art to founding Propeller showcases a radical approach to sourcing and shaping speakers who cut through the noise. She’s built an industry niche, representing future-facing thinkers in technology, creativity, and culture, by challenging industry norms and emphasising genuine impact over mere presentation. In this conversation, we learn how Deborah cultivates extraordinary speaker briefs, challenges assumptions about what makes a compelling talk, and leverages unconventional expertise to create sessions that truly land: from a World Champion shooter sleeping in firing ranges to a cyborg artist seeing sound.  Key Takeaways: - Diversity as a Strategic Asset in Speaker Selection  - Systems Thinking as a Differentiator in an Opaque Industry - The Power of Authentic Storytelling in Event Impact - De-Risking Through Curated Expertise and Selectivity - The Hidden Value of Active, Multichannel Relationship Building - Intentionally Designing Overwhelm to Build Buyer Trust  - The Future of Event Content Lies in Precision and Tangible Takeaways

From Hospitality to Global Events: Cindy Eisenhuth’s Journey

In this episode, Cindy Eisenhuth shares her extraordinary transition from London's high-end restaurant scene to managing some of the world's most prestigious air shows and events. After moving across the world from Australia to the UK, she joined London at the height of a culinary boom. Having opened multiple restaurants, worked under the leadership of Gordon Ramsay, and soaked up every bit of the premium hospitality sector, Cindy went on to establish her own company, CLE, delivering events across the globe. In this episode, she reveals how her meticulous hospitality background has fuelled success in the demanding world of international event management. Expect insights on: * The influence of high-end hospitality standards on event delivery * Building and maintaining long-term client relationships through meticulous planning and trust * Leadership, team culture, and the importance of attitude in event execution * Adapting systems and frameworks for global, diverse venues * Training, onboarding, and fostering passion among young industry professionals * Lessons learned from working at iconic restaurants with legendary chefs * The significance of consistent communication and boundary-setting with clients * The role of storytelling, body language, and guest experience in creating memorable events This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, quality, and passion from a true industry stalwart. Cindy’s stories are the ultimate examples of excellence and resilience.

The Power of Food in Reclaiming Corporate Culture with Jason Mulhall

In this engaging conversation, Jason Mulhall, founder of Karnival, shares his unique journey from law to banking and consultancy to the vibrant world of street food and events. He discusses the important role that consultancy skills have played in running a successful business, the logistics of managing street food events, and the significance of food in corporate culture. Jason also reflects on the future growth of Karnival, the challenges and opportunities in the food landscape, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Jason shares his perspective on getting into entrepreneurship young: the value of having fewer responsibilities and the importance of seizing the opportunity to try while you can. In the current landscape, he outlines why even a brief time spent taking risks and exploring entrepreneurship will benefit your future career, wherever you might end up. Expect a true peek behind the curtain at running an events business, topped off with our signature rapid-fire round. Key Takeaways: * The importance of following a passion, even if it takes you an unconventional route * Why consultancy skills, such as attention to detail and presentation, are crucial in business * Having a thorough selection process and onboarding when establishing partnerships is essential for success * The significant role food plays in enhancing corporate culture and employee satisfaction * The struggles of rising costs and reduced consumer spending in the food industry * Why it is so important to take risks in entrepreneurship while you have fewer personal responsibilities