Welcome back to Air Supply, the podcast from J.O. Collective for ambitious professionals seeking a deeper understanding of leadership and their careers.

In this episode, your host, Joshua O'Connor, sits down with Giles Desforges, a veteran commercial leader and the current CEO of Energy Park, a dynamic private equity-backed EV infrastructure business.

Giles brings a wealth of experience, having helmed roles across large PLCs, founder-led entrepreneurial ventures, and successful private equity-backed companies. If you've ever wondered what it's truly like to lead a business under the intense, yet uniquely aligned, pressures of private equity, this episode is for you.

Join us as Giles shares invaluable insights on:

• The distinct roles of CEO and Chief Commercial Officer in driving value creation within a PE framework.
• The unique alignment between management teams and investors in private equity, and why it can be a powerful force for growth.
• Coping with pressure: Practical techniques for managing ambitious financial targets and the "always-on" nature of leadership.
• The power of "why": How explaining the rationale behind decisions fuels team performance and enables effective pushback with investors.
• Decision-making under scrutiny: Balancing data-driven analysis with gut instinct, and fostering healthy disagreement for better outcomes.
• Learning from mistakes: Giles candidly discusses past failures, including a £10 million deal collapse, and the transformative power of reflection.
• The unexpected qualities of top hires: Why attitude and resilience, particularly born from past failures, are more important than a "gilded path."
• Crucial advice for aspiring PE executives: Why pursuing private equity "is not about the money," and the vital role of mentors in your career journey.

Whether you're an aspiring CEO, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about the world of high-growth businesses, this episode of Air Supply offers a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the demands of leadership with integrity, resilience, and a clear vision.

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This week on Air Supply, host Joshua O'Connor delves into the extraordinary life of Matthew Torbitt. @MatthewTorbitt. Matthew is a writer, broadcaster, and political advisor based in the UK, but his journey began in the stark reality of homelessness as a young teenager.

In this deeply personal and insightful conversation, Matthew recounts his complex adolescence, marked by involvement in crime and a subsequent prison sentence.

However, these challenging experiences ignited a powerful political awakening. He shares his remarkable transformation, from navigating the harsh realities of the streets to pursuing higher education and ultimately working within the UK Parliament.

Now a well-known media commentator and journalist, Matthew speaks with compelling passion about social mobility. He underscores the vital importance for leaders across all sectors to recognize the untapped potential within individuals from every corner of the country and to actively create opportunities. His own life stands as powerful evidence that talent truly is everywhere, regardless of background.

As the final episode of our first series, this conversation is a testament to resilience, the power of second chances, and the enduring human spirit. Join Joshua and Matthew as they explore his incredible story, offering profound insights into societal issues and the potential for individual transformation.

Follow Matthew on X:@MatthewTorbitt

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From the heat of the Brexit battle to the complexities of navigating COVID and the Net Zero agenda, Steve Baker MP has been a central, often controversial, figure in recent British politics. Join us for an incredibly candid and insightful conversation as Steve reflects on his unconventional journey from the Royal Air Force and the dot-com boom to the heart of Westminster.

In this episode, Steve pulls back the curtain on the realities of leading without authority, the personal toll of standing by his principles (even when it meant rebelling against his own party), and the strategic and emotional battles fought during some of the UK's most pivotal moments. He shares his unique perspective on the incentives of politics versus business, the art of building consensus (and when it's impossible), and why he wouldn't wish his political journey on anyone.

Beyond the headlines, we delve into Steve's decision-making framework, the influence of his background, and his surprising thoughts on whether it was all "worth it." This is a raw and honest look at the pressures of political leadership, the challenges of navigating deeply divided opinions, and the surprising lessons learned from being right in the eye of the storm.

Whether you're deeply engaged in politics or simply curious about the human side of leadership during times of crisis, this episode offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective you won't want to miss.

Steve Baker Website

The Provocation People

Keywords: Steve Baker, Politics, UK Politics, Brexit, COVID, Net Zero, Leadership, Rebellion, Principles, Political Leadership, Podcast, Interview, Current Affairs, Government.

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