The Gentleman‘s Journal Podcast

Our guest on today's episode of the Gentleman's Journal Podcast is Jason Fox, the former marine, Special Forces operative and documentary filmmaker. 

 

Jason's career has spanned several decades and dozens of countries. But there's been a running theme throughout  — no matter where he finds himself, Jason survives and thrives in the harshest situations on the planet. 

 

From his work as a Special Forces diver to his new Channel 4 documentary investigating the world's deadliest drug cartels, Jason has dealt with some of the most stressful scenarios imaginable. With that in mind, this episode is all about conquering your fears, facing risk, and overcoming monumental odds — whether in business, in entrepreneurship or in life. 

 

Our thanks to Mark's Club for playing host.

Our guest on today’s episode is Justin Byam Shaw, the chairman of the Evening Standard and the Independent, the director of the Felix Project, and a serial entrepreneur. 

Justin’s career has spanned many, many companies and several decades, but it all come back to a few familiar traits — an eye for the main chance, a winning way with people and an uncanny sense of timing.

From the privatisation of BT to the manic days of the dot com boom and the new media revolution, Justin’s successes trace the story of modern entrepreneurship. 

Today’s episode, recorded in his corner office at Northcliffe House, is a must listen for anyone interested in getting to the top and staying there.

Our guest on today's episode is Nuno Mendes, the world-renowned chef behind Chiltern Firehouse, Bacchus, and most recently Mãos — a remarkable new intimate dining project.

In a fascinating episode of the Gentleman’s Journal podcast, Nuno reveals why it’s okay to have no idea what you want to do with your life after university; why it’s as important to be pleasant as it is to be talented; and the one food he absolutely can’t stand to eat. 

Our thanks once again to Mark's Club for playing host.

Our guest on this afternoon’s episode of the Gentleman's Journal podcast is Steve Bartlett, the founder and CEO of Social Chain.  Since its birth in 2014, Social Chain has gone on to become the most successful social media agency ever — it owns and controls some of the world’s biggest social accounts, employs more than 250 people worldwide, and has been behind some of the biggest viral trends of the last several years.

In an incredible candid interview, Steve tells us why he dropped out of university on the very first day, how buying followers for your rivals is the quickest way to destroy them, and why everything does NOT happen for a reason. 

Our thanks once again to Mark's Club for playing host

My guest on today's episode is Steve Varsano, founder and CEO of the Jet Business, the world’s first private aviation showroom.

Steve’s career started up in the clouds when he trained to become a pilot in the 1970s. He's scarcely come down to earth since. Today, the New Jersey boy has sold more jets than almost anyone in the world, and his remarkable showroom on Park Lane continues to use breathtaking technology and insight to win over its clients. 

In one of the most entertaining episodes we've ever recorded, Steve tells us how a chance encounter at a night club led to his first job in sales; how a good network is one of the most valuable things one can own; and how his first sale — at the hands of some mysterious Venezuelans — was almost his very last.

 

Our thanks, once again, to Mark's Club for playing host.

Our guest on today's episode of the Gentleman's Journal podcast is Vernon Hill — serial entrepreneur, master retailer and, most recently, the founder of Metro Bank.

Vernon founded his first business when he was just a teenager, and had set up his first bank by the age of 26. As you’ll find out, he’s not much interested in sticking to conventions — at the time he set up Metro, it was the first bank to be established in the United Kingdom since 1840.

Today, Vernon describes his early career with Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald’s; how his dog Duffy is at the centre of his business model; and why you should probably abandon your high street bank immediately, if not before.

In a special episode of the Gentleman's Journal podcast, we're joined by three towering figures in British craftsmanship and manufacturing — Robert Ettinger of Ettinger; Jonathan Baker of Turnbull & Asser; and James Fox of Crockett & Jones. What these three don’t know about the art of manufacturing — and the science of selling — isn’t worth knowing. And as you’ll see, they present this ancient, deep-rooted industry in a refreshing new light. For any entrepreneurs interested in making beautiful products, and building brands from the ground up, this episode will be 45 minutes very well spent.

Our thanks once again to Mark's Club for playing hosts.

Henry Hales is the founder of Sir Plus, a men’s fashion start up that uses surplus material to build distinctive British garments and accessories. From his humble beginnings selling boxer shorts on a stall in East London, Henry has grown the business to a formidable size, and built a brand that stands all on its own in a particularly crowded marketplace. 

In today’s episode, Henry shows us the power of growing slowly, the tricks to building an incredibly loyal following, and the importance of doing one thing extremely well.

Will Dean is the founder and CEO of Tough Mudder, the world's most successful endurance event. Will first came up with the idea for the race while studying for an MBA at Harvard, and despite the protestations of his professors, he decided to put his dream to the test. He’d hoped to get 500 participants to his first ever event — in the end, he got more than 5000.

In just the seven short years since, Tough Mudder has gone from strength to strength, and today has put more than 2 million people through their paces at 150 events worldwide.

In this episode, Will tells us how close he came to tear gassing his participants, why he imported mud into the desert, and how his flash of inspiration came at the hands of an ill-fitting wetsuit. 

Fifth Anniversary Special – In a twist on our usual format, we ask Harry Jarman, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Journal, about his own entrepreneurial journey as the publication celebrates its fifth birthday.

In today’s episode, Harry discusses how the company first got started; the dramatic changes in the world of luxury in the past five years; and why it pays to ask for forgiveness, not permission.