Sports + Outdoor Mentors

The Secrets of Growing a Brand from 0 to £100 million with Richard Sutcliffe Founder of Passenger

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rich, founder of Passenger Clothing, as he shares his remarkable journey from electrician to founding a £100M+ outdoor brand. Discover how passion, humility, and the right team transformed a small startup into a global success story.
 
Key highlights:
The pivotal transition from tradesman to brand founder
Building an authentic outdoor brand focused on escapism
Managing 80%+ year-on-year growth for 5+ years
The importance of controlling ego and embracing team expertise
Sustainable practices and responsible business growth
Challenges of international expansion
Building and maintaining company culture during explosive growth
 
Rich shares candid insights about:
The role of self-awareness in leadership
Making tough decisions about bringing in experienced leadership
Balancing family life with entrepreneurship
Key lessons learned over 13 years of brand building
The evolution from UK-focused to global omnichannel business
 
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, brand builder, or business leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on scaling a business while staying true to your core values.
 
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The Power of Circular Business Models: Lessons from Eva Karlsson, Houdini Sportswear's Long-Time CEO on Sustainable Innovation

Discover how Houdini's Former CEO, Eva Karlsson, has been revolutionizing the outdoor apparel industry for over twenty years by pioneering circular business models and driving sustainable innovation.
 
In this insightful episode, we delve into how Houdini balances environmental responsibility with cutting-edge product design, creating a blueprint for businesses to thrive in the age of sustainability.
 
Learn about Houdini's journey from implementing rental, reuse, and repair systems to embracing a regenerative framework that redefines success in modern business.
 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, or outdoor enthusiast, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on bold leadership, creative problem-solving, and building a better future for our planet.
 
If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes, please hit the follow button on your podcast platform of choice.
 
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From Surf Instructor to Business Leader: Will Hayler on Building Blue Earth Summit

Join us for an open and honest conversation with Will Hayler, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Earth Summit, as he shares his journey from teaching surfing in Cornwall to leading one of the most innovative sustainability platforms in the business world.
Key moments in this episode:
How Will built his first business, Tickets to Ride, from surf lessons to a global adventure sports company
The art (or not!) of business acquisitions and mergers in your 20s
Creating Blue Earth Summit and its mission to transform how the world works
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and surfing
Leadership insights on building and managing successful teams
Will shares candid insights about:
The relationship between the outdoor industry and sustainability
Building purpose-driven businesses
The future of sustainable innovation
If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes, please hit the follow button on your podcast platform of choice.
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Tim Selby: Leadership Lessons from the Top of Merrell

Learn practical leadership skills from Tim Selby, Merrell's EMEA VP & GM, in this episode of Sports+Outdoor Mentors! 
Key takeaways include:- The power of vulnerability in leadership- Building high-performing teams through empowerment- Overcoming obstacles and achieving ambitious goals- Strategies for navigating the evolving outdoor industry landscape
Tim shares his personal and professional experiences, offering valuable insights for aspiring and current leaders in the Sports and Outdoor industry. 
Subscribe now! 
#outdoorcareers #leadershipcoaching #businessgrowth #outdoorretail #merrellfootwear
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Leading Beyond Limits: Dave Bunting MBE on Everest, High-Performance Teams, and Life Lessons

In Episode 38 of the Sports & Outdoor Mentors podcast, we sit down with Dave Bunting MBE, a leader who has pushed boundaries on and off the mountains. From leading a groundbreaking expedition to the West Ridge of Everest to building high-performance teams in the business world, Dave’s journey is packed with life lessons and inspirational stories.
 
What you’ll discover in this episode:
 
✳️ The leadership insights Dave gained from 24 years in the British Army.
✳️ Behind-the-scenes challenges of a 3-year Everest expedition.
✳️ How to build and lead high-performing teams, even in life-or-death situations.
✳️ Lessons from turning failure into opportunity in business and life.
 
Whether you’re a corporate leader, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for inspiration to push beyond your limits, this episode is for you!
 
👉 Don’t forget to follow us for more incredible stories from sports and outdoor industry leaders!
 
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You Don’t Need to Know Everything; Why Trust Beats Control in Leadership with CEO of ARION, Markus Hupach

“You need to know everything; this is bullshit.”
Markus Hupach, CEO of ARION, doesn’t hold back in this episode of Sports+Outdoor Mentors.  
Filmed live on the ISPO Munich main stage, we explore the leadership strategies every modern leader needs to succeed in today’s volatile world.  
🚀 **What You’ll Learn in This Episode:**
Why trust-based leadership outperforms command-and-control styles.  
How to empower your team while making fast, effective decisions.  
The surprising impact of psychological safety on productivity and profits.  
Actionable insights to build resilient, diverse, and agile teams.  
The truth about lifelong learning and why vulnerability builds trust.
Markus shares real-world examples and proven tactics that will inspire leaders at every level.
Whether managing a small team or leading an international business, this episode is packed with tips to help you thrive.
💡 Don’t miss this game-changing conversation—follow us now and level up your leadership!  
 
#Leadership #TeamBuilding #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #SportsAndOutdoors 
 
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Kim Scholze Shares 25 Years of Expertise: From Outdoor Innovation to Leading Sustainability Efforts

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kim Scholze, a professional with 25 years of experience in the outdoor and sports industry. Kim has seen everything from working with iconic brands like Salomon and Nytro to other roles at ISPO and Sympatex. Her expertise covers sales, marketing, and product creation, but today, her mission is clear: driving sustainability in the industry she's passionate about.
Join us as Kim shares her career journey, lessons, and vision for a more sustainable future in outdoor and sports markets. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an industry professional, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!
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Building a Sustainable Brand: SAOLA Shoes CEO Guillaume Linossier on Funding, Challenges & Growth

In this episode, we sit down with Guillaume Linossier, Founder and CEO of SAOLA Shoes, a brand dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly footwear.
Guillaume’s journey is rooted in a commitment to the environment and shaped by over 15 years of experience with the Lafuma Group, where he honed his skills in the outdoor industry.
Guillaume shares the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven brand, from navigating the U.S. vs. European markets to tackling the complexities of securing funding and creating a sustainable business model in the competitive footwear space.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates.
Discover Guillaume’s invaluable lessons on resilience, growth, and creating a brand that stands for something bigger.
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David Birch: from a hospital bed to building the world's largest rewards and loyalty platform

In this episode, we sit down with David Birch, CEO and Founder of Endurance Zone, a company centered on helping athletes harness the power of endurance training to unlock peak performance. David's journey is one of resilience and transformation—from a professional rugby player to a successful entrepreneur after a serious back injury altered his career path. 
David shares insights on navigating the challenges of building and scaling a business in the sports industry, including finding the right co-founder, securing external funding, and creating a sustainable business model in the competitive sports market. 
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry insiders interested in the intersection of sports, endurance, and innovation. Take advantage of David's invaluable lessons on resilience, team-building, and the drive to overcome obstacles.
 
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Unlocking the Future of Sports: Trends, Challenges, and Insights with Tobias Grober of ISPO

In this episode of the Sports and Outdoor Mentors podcast, we sit down with Tobias Grober, the Executive Director of Messe München and the long-time leader of ISPO, the world's largest Sporting Goods trade fair. 
With over 30 years of experience, Tobias shares his insights on the unique benefits of working in sectors beyond sporting goods, the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the industry, and the pivotal role ISPO plays now and in the future.
Join us for a deep dive into the evolving sports and outdoor recreation landscape!
Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the inner workings of the sports industry, perfect for anyone keen to explore what fuels this dynamic field.
 
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