Ambitious Minds cover art

Ambitious Minds

Ambitious Minds

By: Jay Lawrence
Listen for free

About this listen

The Podcast for Fellow Ambitious Minds!


Welcome to Ambitious Minds, where Jay uncovers the inspiring stories of relatable, ambitious individuals who are all looking to leave a mark in their industry - whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching startups, or reinventing their careers.


Each episode covers key topics such as career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming impostor syndrome, networking, personal branding, business strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success. Expect raw, relatable insights from rising stars and industry disruptors who are turning their passion into progress.


If you're an ambitious mind looking for career advice, business inspiration, or motivation to take the next step, I hope this show brings you some inspiration and relatability, and helps you see yourself in aspects of these stories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jay Lawrence
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • #64 - The Brand Genius Behind Gymshark - Noel Mack
    Jul 16 2025

    Sign up to my weekly newsletter Fuel Your Ambition, where I share insights to help you grow your money, business, or career: https://fuelyourambition.substack.com/


    In this episode, I sit down with Noel Mack, the Chief Brand Officer at Gymshark, to understand what it takes to build one of the UK’s biggest brands.


    Noel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Gymshark has evolved from a scrappy e-commerce startup into a global powerhouse, with physical stores, millions of loyal customers, and a brand identity built on community, authenticity, and relentless ambition.


    We explore what it really means to be a Chief Brand Officer, and how Noel’s role is rooted in creating emotional connection, building culture, and obsessing over the customer journey.


    Noel also opens up about his unconventional path to the role, his drive to keep growing, and how staying humble and hungry fuels his success. This conversation is just as much about mindset as it is about marketing.


    00:34 Defining the Chief Brand Officer Role

    01:06 Emotional Connection and Customer Experience

    02:18 Community Engagement and Product Development

    06:53 The Journey to Gymshark

    09:07 Maintaining Core Values

    11:47 Customer Obsession and Feedback

    19:41 Personal Reflections and Career Path

    30:01 Humble Beginnings

    31:27 Gym Shark's Work Ethic

    34:03 Expanding to Physical Stores

    41:09 Ambition and Personal Drive

    44:10 Balancing Ambition and Overcommitment

    48:42 Future Goals and Personal Ambitions

    54:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • #63 - How Great Mentorship Can Help You Fulfil Your Potential - Mitch Hahn & Mark Norden
    Jul 7 2025

    In this episode, Mitch returns for his second appearance on the podcast, but this time, we’re also joined by his mentor and boss, Mark, to get the full story. In the first episode, Mitch shared how Mark played a pivotal role in his career growth. Now, we hear Mark's version of events, offering a unique perspective on mentorship, ambition, and business growth.


    Mitch and Mark discuss the key elements of their business success, from strategic planning and setting goals to navigating challenges and leveraging mentorship.


    They explore how they transformed a small accounting firm into a thriving business with 77 employees, all while maintaining a focus on personal growth and leadership. Plus, they discuss how spiritual practices like meditation have helped shape their leadership styles and fostered a purpose-driven approach to business.


    00:00 Introduction

    02:03 The Early Years

    04:38 Mark's Journey into Accountancy

    07:19 Mitch's Evolution in the Company

    13:29 Systemising the Business for Growth

    18:36 The Role of Mentorship and Trust

    27:05 Scaling the Business and Setting Goals

    37:23 Discussing Departure from Dens

    38:18 Lockdown Challenges and Learnings

    40:30 Transition to CEO Role

    44:05 Leadership Styles and Decision Making

    51:55 Spirituality and Meditation in Business

    56:57 Ambition and Purpose

    01:02:17 Supporting Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs

    01:04:37 Reflecting on Mentorship and Growth

    01:12:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals


    Discover Nordens and Mitch


    Website - www.nordens.co.uk


    LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/nordens-chartered-accountants-&-business-advisers/


    Follow Mitch on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mitchhahn/


    Get In Touch


    LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/


    Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com


    Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • #62 - Investment Mistakes, the UK's Wealth Crisis, and the Exciting Future of Biotechnology with Andrew Craig
    Jun 27 2025

    Andrew Craig returns for his second appearance on the podcast, and in this episode, we delve into why so many people make investment mistakes—or choose not to invest at all. We also explore the UK’s wealth crisis, discussing its causes and potential solutions. Andrew shares insights from his latest book Our Future Is Biotech, revealing the groundbreaking scientific advancements that could lead to healthier, longer lives.


    Join us as we discuss the role of financial literacy, the biotech revolution, and the power of compounding in creating lasting personal and financial growth.


    00:00 The UK's Wealth Crisis: An Overview

    00:25 The Biotech Revolution: A New Era

    01:06 The Cash ISA Dilemma

    01:45 The Impact of Financial Journalism

    03:37 The Economic Consequences of Poor Investment

    06:57 The Global Wealth Disparity

    13:31 The Role of Technology in Wealth Creation

    19:56 The Importance of Financial Literacy

    32:45 Healthy Eating Habits from Childhood

    33:20 Economic Growth and Wealth Creation

    34:46 Reflecting on the 1970s Economy

    36:54 The Future of Biotech

    47:44 Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology

    52:08 The Rise of Autism and ADHD

    58:45 The Complexity of Human Biology

    01:04:55 Discussing Chris Hemsworth and Free Solo

    01:05:09 The Importance of Visualization in Extreme Sports

    01:05:43 Pushing the Frontiers of Human Capability

    01:06:53 The Power of Compounding and Consistency

    01:08:49 Exciting Advances in Microbiome and Bioremediation

    01:10:05 The Miracles of Precision Medicine

    01:12:49 The Abundance of Modern Life

    01:15:40 The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning

    01:18:49 The Impact of Podcasts on Personal Growth

    01:22:29 Economic Models and Government Intervention

    01:26:58 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections


    Discover Andrew


    Website - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/


    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCME6xVzdcA7q_RfhRaRIkPA


    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcraigpef/?originalSubdomain=uk


    Books - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/books


    Get In Touch


    LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/


    Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com


    Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 27 mins

What listeners say about Ambitious Minds

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.