The Built To Win Podcast

BTW Mini Pod feat. Nikki cavaciuti - Building Resilience and Scaling Culture: An In-Depth Chat with Circle's COO

Circle — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0100

Building Resilience and Scaling Culture: An In-Depth Chat with Circle's COO, Nikki Cavasci

In this episode, Nikki Cavasci shares her journey from corporate finance to operational leadership at Circle and explores how a resilient, scalable business foundation is essential for sustainable growth. Expect insights on leadership, culture, finance, and navigating rapid expansion.Key topics:

Nikki's transition from Rolls Royce and finance to COO at Circle

The importance of operational leadership in high-growth businesses

Building a resilient, scalable business infrastructure

Fostering a positive company culture amid rapid expansion

Managing cash flow, payment terms, and financial risk

The role of process, systems, and cross-training in scaling

Balancing high performance with fun in the workplace

Leadership traits that underpin successful scaling

Future growth ambitions and maintaining core values

Timestamps: 00:24 - Introducing Nikki Cavasci and her impactful journey into operations
01:19 - Nikki's background: from PwC to Rolls Royce, and career shifts
02:44 - Starting her consultancy and movement into operational roles
04:04 - Her journey to becoming Circle's COO and key responsibilities
04:38 - Reflecting on Circle's growth over five years: challenges and milestones
05:33 - The early challenges of setting up operational processes
06:23 - Building culture in operations; the importance of knowing responsibilities
07:12 - How operations support sales and contribute to revenue
08:10 - The significance of automation and efficiency in contract handling
09:03 - Balancing speed, expertise, and quality in process execution
10:25 - Growth demands and the expanding scope of the COO role
11:43 - Navigating chaos and maintaining order during rapid scaling
12:06 - Identifying what tends to break first during fast growth
12:47 - Cash flow importance and financial risks in scaling
16:56 - The critical role of cash and working capital management
20:23 - The role of data and information in financial maturity
21:21 - Collaborating between finance and sales to ensure financial health
22:17 - The growth mindset of finance and operations in a scaling business
23:33 - Excitement for Circle's future and building a solid foundation
24:58 - The challenge of mid-growth plateau and infrastructure necessity
26:35 - The value of the team and diverse backgrounds in innovation
28:20 - Maintaining culture at scale: balancing performance with fun
30:11 - Supporting young team members and fostering an office environment
31:30 - Nikki's personal role in shaping the company's future
32:17 - Her perspective on leadership, balancing excitement with caution
33:12 - Quick fire: lessons from scaling, leadership traits, and future vision
34:25 - Final thoughts and gratitude for the journey

Note: The timestamps highlight specific insights for quick reference, and the themes weave operational excellence with a strong emphasis on culture and growth strategy.

Mindset Under Pressure: Gary Leslie’s Secrets to Leadership Success

Circle — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:45:00 +0100

In this episode of the Built to Win Mini Podcast, host Luke Mccluskey sits down with Gary Leslie, a seasoned leader in the food industry and former Director of Operations at Moy Park. With an impressive trajectory from graduate to director, Gary shares valuable insights into the importance of mindset, resilience, and leadership under pressure. Drawing from his extensive experience in the food sector, Gary discusses the psychological aspects of navigating challenges, the significance of clear communication, and how to cultivate a high-performing team even in the most stressful situations.

Throughout the conversation, Gary emphasizes the difference between individuals who thrive under pressure and those who falter, revealing that resilience can be nurtured through supportive leadership. He also explores the complexities of decision-making in high-stakes environments and how personal accountability plays a crucial role in both individual and team success. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to foster a winning mindset and create a culture of excellence within their teams.

(00:00) - - Welcome to Built to Win Podcast
(01:20) - - Introduction of Guest Gary Leslie
(03:15) - - Gary's Journey in the Food Industry
(05:30) - - Mindset and Leadership Under Pressure
(09:45) - - Importance of Calmness in Crisis
(12:10) - - Decision Making During High Stakes
(15:00) - - Identifying Strengths in Team Members
(18:20) - - The Role of Resilience in Performance
(22:00) - - Developing a Winning Mindset
(25:40) - - Sports and Leadership Analogies
(29:00) - - Building a High-Performance Culture
(33:30) - - Importance of Personal Contracts in Teams
(37:50) - - Mistakes Leaders Make in Team Building
(41:20) - - Advice on Making Mistakes and Learning
(44:30) - - The Balance of Fear and Excitement
(48:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Future Vision

BTW Mini Pod _ Steve Kettle - From Redundancy to Revenue: How One Recruiter Built a 7-Figure Career in Just 6 Months

Circle — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:54:22 +0100

Summary

In this conversation, Steve Kettle shares his remarkable journey in recruitment, detailing his rapid rise from a novice to a leadership role within the company. He discusses the importance of hard work, accountability, and creating a positive work environment. Steve emphasises the need for continuous growth and innovation in recruitment, as well as the significance of mentoring and supporting team members. He also outlines his vision for the future of the business, focusing on scaling and dominating existing accounts.

Takeaways

First deal in six weeks shows the importance of quick adaptation.
Hard work and relentless effort lead to success in recruitment.
Creating a positive work environment is crucial for team morale.
Accountability in leadership drives business success.
Continuous growth and innovation are essential in recruitment.
Mentoring and supporting team members fosters a strong culture.
Reflecting on past experiences helps in making better decisions.
Understanding individual motivations leads to better team dynamics.
Sales directors must remain hands-on and involved in the process.
Future plans include scaling the business and dominating existing accounts.

Titles

From Novice to Leader: A Recruitment Journey
The Importance of Hard Work in Recruitment

sound bites

"First deal in six weeks!"
"Always need to grow!"
"Happy people make money!"

Chapters

00:00 Career Highlights and Early Experiences
04:30 Transitioning into Recruitment
06:56 Leadership and Accountability
09:58 Scaling the Business
12:43 Creating a Positive Work Environment
15:23 Advice for Aspiring Sales Directors
17:35 Reflecting on Success and Growth
19:53 Plans for the Future
22:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Grief to Greatness: Kevin Moore on Resilience in Leadership

Circle — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:53:12 +0100

In this episode of the Built to Win Mini Podcast, host Luke Mccluskey sits down with Kevin Moore, the CEO of Valeo Foods UK Ltd. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from a childhood marked by tragedy to becoming a prominent leader in the food manufacturing industry. His story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the importance of respect in leadership. As he reflects on his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his father, listeners gain insight into how personal experiences shape professional success.

Kevin delves into the mindset required for leadership, discussing the role of fear of failure and self-belief in driving success. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the value of surrounding oneself with a diverse team. The conversation touches on the necessity of setting clear goals, measuring performance, and the significance of nurturing others in their careers. Kevin's insights provide a roadmap for those aspiring to reach the top in their careers and highlight the importance of building meaningful relationships in the workplace.

(00:00) - - Welcome to Built to Win Podcast
(01:30) - - Introduction of Kevin Moore
(03:15) - - Kevin's Early Life and Resilience
(05:45) - - Importance of Hard Work and Respect
(08:30) - - Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career
(11:15) - - The Role of Luck and Timing
(14:00) - - Curiosity as a Key Trait
(17:30) - - Fear of Failure as a Driver
(21:00) - - Importance of Self-Reflection
(24:30) - - Leadership and Accountability
(28:00) - - Balancing Work and Family Life
(31:15) - - The Impact of Team Dynamics
(34:00) - - Learning from Mistakes and Failure
(37:30) - - Setting Clear Goals and Direction
(40:00) - - Building a Legacy through Mentorship
(43:30) - - Quick Fire Round with Kevin
(46:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Wrap-Up

BTW Mini Pod_ The Unexpected Approach to Expanding Client Relationships and Doubling Revenue

Circle — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:51:53 +0100

Most companies overlook the secret to skyrocketing growth — and one leader reveals the radical mindset shift that took Kayleigh Prowen and Circle from chaos to multi-million success. If you're tired of playing small or stuck in conventional wisdom, this episode may just transform how you approach your biggest opportunities.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of a top performer who defied the odds. From humble beginnings in property lettings to becoming a group commercial director at a fast-growing company, his story proves that strategic change and bold leadership can unlock exponential growth. Discover how embracing change, building a high-performing team, and cultivating client value drives extraordinary results.

You’ll learn actionable insights including the power of hybrid sales strategies—combining deep account management with targeted new business expansions. We break down the importance of understanding client challenges beyond the initial hire, creating scalable solutions, and how to leverage the market to prioritize high-impact projects. Plus, get tips on fostering trust in a rapidly evolving environment and why a strategic, client-first approach beats traditional “volume” tactics every time.

Neglecting this mindset leaves you vulnerable to stagnation—missed opportunities, losing ground to more adaptable competitors, and failing to reach your true potential. Conversely, mastering these principles opens doors to bigger deals, unrivaled credibility, and a clear roadmap toward your five-year vision.

Whether you're a senior leader, salesperson, or entrepreneur looking to elevate your game, this episode offers a blueprint to lead with confidence, adapt swiftly, and build momentum that lasts. It’s time to build smarter, move faster, and go further.

This episode is packed with real-world examples, bold strategies, and insider tips from a leader who’s been where you want to go. Don’t miss out—hit play now to accelerate your path to the top.

The Art of Fixing Underperforming Businesses Ft Phil Skelding

Circle — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0100

In this episode of The Built To Win Podcast, host Luke McCluskey sits down with Phil Skelding, a seasoned leader renowned for transforming underperforming businesses.

Phil shares his journey from humble beginnings in a factory to becoming a successful site director, discussing the mindset and work ethic that propelled him forward, as well as insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering a positive team culture. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of self-belief, continuous learning, and doing the right thing in leadership.

(00:05) - - Introduction to The Built To Win Podcast
(00:07) - - Host Introduction: Luke Mccluskey
(00:32) - - Guest Introduction: Phil Skelding
(01:42) - - Phil's Background and Early Career
(02:56) - - Transition to General Management
(04:39) - - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
(06:22) - - The Importance of Work Ethic
(07:23) - - Taking Ownership of Your Career
(09:24) - - Challenges in Leadership and Decision Making
(10:45) - - Lessons from Mistakes in Project Management
(14:08) - - Daily and Weekly Habits for Success
(17:29) - - Staying Motivated During Dips
(19:43) - - Learning from Others and Continuous Development
(22:34) - - Phil's Philosophy on Leadership
(25:08) - - The Next Evolution in Phil's Career
(27:00) - - Leaving a Legacy of Support
(29:16) - - Quick Fire Round: Insights from Phil
(30:25) - - Conclusion and Farewell

BTW Mini Pod - Transforming Data and AI in US Healthcare | Insights with Umar Hussain

Circle — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Discover the latest shifts and challenges in data, AI, and medical insights from the US market, with expert insights from Umar Hussain. This episode covers how organizations are implementing responsible AI, evolving roles in pharma, and the mindset needed to succeed in tech-driven healthcare.

In this episode:

Major data and AI trends in the US healthcare and biotech sectors
The importance of responsible AI governance and regulation
How pharma companies' approach to AI has shifted over the past year
Growing role of prompt engineering and rapid implementation
Key leadership gaps in enterprise AI projects
The mindset of relentless pursuit and overcoming setbacks
Practical tips for building discipline and consistent routines
The future of successful AI adoption in healthcare over the next 12-18 months

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to US market shifts in data and AI
00:47 - Core specialisms in US tech and healthcare industries
02:04 - Major challenges: governance, regulation, and ethical AI implementation
02:48 - How organizations prevent AI hallucinations and ensure reliability
03:12 - Changing mindset of pharma/biotech towards AI execution
04:12 - Emerging AI roles and skills in the US pharma landscape
05:17 - Common capability gaps and leadership challenges in enterprise AI
06:06 - Urgency of finding the right individuals for responsible AI deployment
07:04 - What separates companies that take AI seriously in the near future
07:34 - Personal discipline, relentless work ethic, and routine practices
09:42 - Personal growth, continuous learning, and confidence building
10:37 - Habits that boost mindset and resilience
11:15 - What's your legacy? Building toward industry impact
12:16 - Embracing imperfection and constant self-improvement
13:07 - Quick fire: core traits — built, relentless, disciplined, consistent
13:33 - Maintaining pitch consistency and relentless prospecting in sales
14:13 - The art of direct, value-focused outreach over small talk
15:39 - The importance of authentic storytelling and personal branding
16:16 - The power of vulnerability and sharing real goals
17:03 - Example of relentless pursuit: securing a top pharma AI thought leader
18:12 - Key steps in an impactful talent search and creative candidate engagement
20:12 - How proactive outreach and understanding candidate achievements led to success
21:01 - Closing thoughts: dedication, authenticity, and continuous improvement

Built To Win Podcast: "Unlocking Leadership: Roger Lee-Emery's Journey to the Top"

Circle — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Discover the mindset, habits, and principles that drive success from seasoned leader Roger Lee-Emery. In this episode, Roger shares his journey through corporate leadership, embracing risks, cultivating optimism, and building organizational culture, along with personal stories about cars, travel, and life's lessons.

Key Topics:

The importance of a growth and optimistic mindset in leadership
Strategies for risk-taking and overcoming fear of failure
How to develop discipline, structure, and rhythm for success
The role of culture, standards, and accountability in organizations
Lessons learned from career progression and making tough decisions
Building resilience and recharging motivation during challenging times
Personal passions: cars, travel, adventure, and life's experiences
Reflections on historical, cultural, and spiritual insights

(00:00) - - Opening remarks: leadership, risk, and mindset
(02:19) - - Roger's background in corporate food manufacturing and career journey
(04:35) - - The significance of goal setting and career planning
(07:00) - - Fast progression within Nestle and the balance of delivering results
(09:03) - - The core mindset: optimism and self-belief
(11:00) - - Realization of personal responsibility and independence in leadership
(12:59) - - Risk-taking: natural tendency from motorsport and private life
(15:00) - - Overcoming fear and embracing failure as learning
(17:05) - - The law of attraction, habits, and setting achievable goals
(19:15) - - Handling motivation ebbs and flows with network support and discipline
(21:36) - - Celebrating mistakes, learning, and decision-making
(25:06) - - Building organizational culture rooted in equity, standards, and accountability
(28:36) - - Creating effective systems for empowerment and control
(30:38) - - The legacy of positive influence on people and leadership philosophies
(32:34) - - Quick-fire round: preferences and reflections on success
(36:32) - - Personal stories: cars, travel adventures, and bucket-list experiences
(44:55) - - Exploring life's challenges and embracing opportunities
(56:47) - - Reflections on spirituality, religion, and humanity's place in the universe
(01:04:35) - - Wellness routines: cold plunges, Arctic adventures, and recovery
(01:10:11) - - Final thoughts: the importance of continuous growth and embracing life's journey

Resources & Links:

Built To Win Mini Pod - Kirsty Combe. Getting under the skin of the team that Make Circle what it is

Circle — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:37:20 +0000

In this engaging episode of the Built To Win mini-pod, host Luke McCluskey interviews Kirsty Combe, a dedicated professional with a remarkable journey in recruitment. Kirsty shares her experiences, from starting in interim operations just before COVID-19 to leading executive recruitment. She discusses the mindset that drives her success, emphasising the importance of never becoming complacent and always striving for more. Kirsty also reflects on her personal motivations, including her family and the desire to provide a better life for her children. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of balancing work and family life, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.