As a young boy, Coventry’s Joel Fearon had a love for sports and a dream to sprint amongst the greats. Now father to three boys and one of the fastest hundred-meter sprinters in British history, Fearon is also a bobsleigh athlete who has had the privilege of bringing home a winter Olympic medal and the world’s only sub-ten-second sprinter to compete in a winter Olympics. In adult life, he has come to understand that with the power of a strong and healthy mindset and a willing heart, all things are possible. Fearon believes that any success that has come his way was not only to empower himself as an athlete, but for him to empower and strengthen others. His goal is to encourage and help people of all ages and backgrounds to understand that no matter the starting point, you and only you decide the ending.
Rob is an expert in creating people-focused office designs and fit-outs, ensuring this conversation gives guests some real food for thought.
Yasin El Ashrafi BEM is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of HQ Recording Studio, HQ Familia record label, and HQ CAN CIC in Leicester. With over 15 years of experience developing emerging talent in urban music, Yasin has built more than a business—he’s created a movement. His work focuses on empowering young creatives from underrepresented communities, combining commercial success with deep social impact. Awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people and music, Yasin is as comfortable in boardrooms as he is in the studio. He’s navigated the realities of growing a creative business without compromise—no safety nets, just hustle, strategy, and purpose. As a speaker, Yasin brings raw insight into what it takes to turn passion into a platform, and why community matters more than ever in entrepreneurship today.
Anuj Ashar is a Leicester-based tech entrepreneur and founder of Launchpad AI, an award-winning startup helping fast-growth businesses build scalable websites and apps using artificial intelligence. While still at university studying Aerospace Engineering, Anuj launched his first venture, A-Pay, which earned him a place among the Top 3 Global Young Innovators in 2021. Since then, he’s been on a mission to simplify digital transformation for startups, with clients including Red Bull and the NHS. Launchpad AI was named Digital Startup of the Year at the UK StartUp Awards 2024. Anuj is also a key player in the regional innovation scene, sitting on the LLEP Innovation Advisory Board and regularly speaking at events to inspire the next generation of founders. As a speaker at The Real Entrepreneurs' Club, Anuj brought honest insight into scaling a tech business from scratch, navigating risk, and building credibility as a young entrepreneur in a fast-moving space.
Mike Sassi is a seasoned journalist, editor, and business commentator with over 30 years of experience leading some of the UK’s most recognised regional media titles. Formerly Editor of the Nottingham Post, The Sentinel in Stoke, and the Lincolnshire Echo, Mike has spent his career at the forefront of local journalism, navigating the fast-changing media landscape and driving digital transformation in traditional newsrooms. Now an Honorary Visiting Professor at Nottingham Trent University’s Business School, he interviews high-profile leaders on the Business Leaders Podcast and lectures on media, leadership, and communication. As a speaker at The Real Entrepreneurs Club, Mike shares straight-talking insight into reputation management, storytelling in business, and how media relations can make—or break—an entrepreneur’s journey. With experience shaping public narratives and managing high-pressure editorial decisions, he brings a rare blend of media savvy and strategic thinking to the conversation—exactly what ambitious business leaders need in today’s hyper-connected world.
With over 35 years of experience at the intersection of business and technology, I bring a wealth of expertise in scaling businesses, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. As a serial entrepreneur, I've founded and grown multiple ventures—including successfully raising £5M+ for a SaaS scale-up. I now dedicate my time to supporting other leaders as a Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Advisor, and Executive Mentor. I'm passionate about good governance, commercial resilience, and helping boards make informed, strategic decisions that drive sustainable growth. My approach blends real-world entrepreneurial experience with a deep understanding of technology, people, and performance.
I'll help you improve your performance by giving you proven, simple, practical techniques and strategies that can be used immediately to boost performance.
You'll not only be more resourceful and able to manage change you’ll even be able to take action during times when you think you can't.
Many of my clients work with me not just because of my expertise, but also because they want a speaker who is engaging and funny making the learning experience memorable, effective and exciting.
George Oliver is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in journalism and public relations.He is the Managing Director of 1284, a communications agency specializing in strategic PR and content creation. Prior to founding 1284, George served as the Editor of the Leicester Mercury, where he led the newsroom and oversaw the publication's editorial direction. His career also includes roles as Account Director and Local Government Reporter, providing him with a deep understanding of media relations and public affairs. George's ability to distill complex information into clear and structured communication has been a hallmark of his professional journey. He holds an MSc and is a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (Chart.PR), as well as a Chartered Manager (ChMgr) and Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). His leadership at 1284 has been instrumental in assisting startups and established businesses in enhancing their public profiles and strategic communications.
Emily Smith is an award-winning business leader in the East Midlands. Her current roles include Operations and Finance Director at Michael Smith Switchgear Limited, and Managing Director at AVW Fabrications Limited. Emily moved into the manufacturing industry in 2013 after working in an accountancy practice for eight years where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. She has driven key changes in both of her current places of work focusing on employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing, as well as being a keen advocate for environmental issues. Last year, Emily was appointed Chair of the ICAEW Manufacturing Advisory Group, which leads discussions on hot topics affecting manufacturers across the UK.
Michelle Mills-Porter aka The People Reader is an Expert in Human Behaviour and Communication. Specialising in motivation, engagement and performance she often takes the role of External Head of People Development for her clients. She is an author, the creator of a suite of enlightening analysis tools and a professional speaker. As a business leader, her first company was multi award winning and was the youngest in the UK to gain Investor in People, before she was caught in the Boxing Day Tsunami, which changed her trajectory. Having witnessed the power of collaboration and the unseen force that motivates people in the face of adversity, she embarked upon the journey of understanding these lessons and translating them for others to be able to apply. She serves on the Board of several organisations including the Professional Speaking Association and is an active Ambassador for several charities and CIC’s and continues to develop analysis tools that empower and unlock people power.
Barry Randall is a hardworking, family man, who loves the simple things in life. I appreciate a good sunshine holiday. Watching sports on TV. Helping my fellow human beings. And creating happiness for my wife, daughters, and grandson. I care for people and that is ultimately what makes me, me.
