Nottingham Business School Business Leaders

• Anton Roe – How the best companies grow their own future leaders

  Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ PodcastEpisode 64Anton Roe – How the best companies grow their own future leadersSUMMARYAnton Roe first joined the fledgling MHR payroll software company as an apprentice, on a £27-a-week Youth Training Scheme. More than 30 years later, Anton is now the company’s CEO – and MHR software pays the salary of more than three million people across Britain.In Episode 64 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Anton tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi about his rise from tech trainee to strategic leader.He passionately believes that chief execs are only as good as the teams of colleagues they build around them. Which is how the best companies nurture talented staff – and grow their own future leaders.INTRODUCTION• Anton Roe is Chief Executive at Nottingham-based HR, payroll and finance technology company MHR International.• MHR manages human resources for companies, councils, universities and Government departments – including Admiral, Trailfinders, Companies House and the National Gallery.• The company employs more than 900 people, has more than 1,400 customers and provides payroll services to more than three million people.• Anton started at the company as an apprentice analyst, on a Youth Training Scheme, back in the 1990s.• He was appointed Chief Exec in 2017 when the company’s turnover was £50m and it employed 600 people. Today turnover has increased to more than £134m – and in 2024 MHR took on a 900th staff member.• In 2021 MHR was granted a prestigious Royal Warrant for the supply of Payroll and HR Systems to the Royal Household.• In 2024 MHR was one of the Sunday Times’ 100 best places to work in Britain.• MHR was founded by John Mills, in 1984, as Midland Software Limited. His daughter Jessica Mills was appointed Chairman in 2021.LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS1. Strong leadership means everyone understands what you’re trying to do…“We’ve tried to make sure that what we’re trying to achieve and why it’s so important is absolutely crystal clear and people are on that journey with us.”2. Good leaders tailor communication for different roles in the business…“How we talk to a team of salespeople is not the [same] way we talk to a team of software engineers or consultants.”3. You can build a successful career within one company by constantly evolving…“If you’re prepared to move with the times, take on board new ideas, not be afraid of change… absolutely you can [build a career in a single company].” 4. Success in leadership depends on trusting and empowering your team…“No manager, no matter how capable they are, can survive if they haven’t built a good team of people around them... All good business leaders surround themselves with people who’ve got skills they don’t have. No person is an island."5. Effective problem-solvers understand the challenge…“First port of call is to absolutely understand what the problem is before you rush to the solution.”6. Successful leaders embrace continuous learning…“I needed to push myself into areas that maybe I wasn’t necessarily comfortable with. Also not be afraid to accept that the skills I had were quickly getting out of date.”7. Long-term investment creates stability and reduces friction in leadership decision-making…“We reinvest 20 per cent of our turnover back into the business… my job is to make sure we spend that money effectively, but we’re constantly moving the company forward.”8. Don’t be afraid to delay decisions if something isn’t ready…“[On one occasion] I should have had a grown-up conversation about a software project not being ready to be released to customers, rather than worrying about hitting a date. I learned my lesson!”9. Let passion for your industry fuel your leadership…“I get excited by opportunities… AI is going to present so many opportunities for people to do so many things differently.”RELATED LINKS• Anton Roe is CEO of MHR International. The company website is here…• Anton Roe’s LinkedIn profile is here…• Anton Roe’s profile on business website The Org is here…If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Anton Roe, listen to previous episodes with…• the former VP of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE• the former CEO of e-commerce fashion retailer ASOS Nick Beighton• the Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK Pete Markey

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• Rob Barker – The importance of rational optimism

  Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ PodcastEpisode 63SUMMARYRob Barker – The importance of rational optimismRob Barker is an entrepreneur, adviser and investor in the international fitness industry. He started his career as a sales rep with Precor – one of the world’s largest suppliers of gym equipment – rising to the rank of President.He then led the team that sold Precor to American fitness giant Peloton for $420m. Rob is now an investor in, among others, billion-dollar fitness tech company EGYM.In Episode 63 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Rob tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi how he stays optimistic, leads by example… and tries to improve his performance by 15 per cent every year! INTRODUCTION• Rob Barker grew up in Maidenhead and was the first member of his family to go to university. He graduated from Nottingham Trent in 1988.• In his teens and 20s, he was an international-standard rower.• Rob started with American fitness equipment company Precor as a sales representative in London.• He went on to hold various leadership roles, including European Managing Director and eventually President of Precor, overseeing global operations and spearheading innovation in fitness and commercial gym equipment.• In 2020, Rob led Precor’s acquisition by Peloton for $420 million. He served as a senior executive at Peloton post-acquisition.• In 2022 he left Peloton to start a new career as investor in, and advisor to, multiple health and fitness technology firms.• He currently works closely with Munich-based EGYM, a billion-dollar fitness tech company integrating AI into health clubs. He also supports Holmes Place, a premium European health club chain.• Rob has relocated to Portugal with his family and is still an enthusiastic endurance athlete, participating in Ironman triathlonsLEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYSLeadership takeaways from Episode 63 of the NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast, with entrepreneur, investor and leisure industry leader Rob Barker.1. Rational optimism is a leadership mindset…"Rational optimism was the phrase I used all the time – and still do. You need to see things for truly what they are. No sugar coating. But at the same time, always be optimistic that tomorrow is going to be better because of your actions today."2. Make sure you are surrounded by strong people…"The more senior I got, the more I realized that all of my success was actually in the agency of others... Most successful leaders will surround themselves with people that are better than them – and feel comfortable about it."3. Candid communication is important…"One thing that was missing at Peloton, is that that didn’t have a culture of candidness that would allow others to come up with a different opinion."4. Be aware of potential opportunities…"I was working at a leisure centre that had the first gym in Maidenhead. Olympic gold medallist Steve Redgrave opened it… and it was just a squash court, but it was packed! I thought, ‘I'll tell you what the next big wave is in this industry. It's going to be around working out indoors, on machines. I need to get into that.’"5. Leaders embrace continuous learning…"I created my own training plan, just like a rowing coach would... I started reading marketing books, put myself on the Charter Institute of Marketing, spoke to people and found the gaps [in my learning]."6. Hard work matters as much as raw talent…"You can always ‘out-work’ people. Including 95% of the people you compete with for jobs.”7. Successful leaders are visible – and lead by example…"As a leader, you’re always on deck. Your behaviours, your approach, and your actions will always be observed. And the more senior job you get, the higher the radio tower. But you have to start with your own personal performance."8. Don’t let fear stop you taking big opportunities…"I turned down a job in my earlier career because I was too scared that I might fail. Even though things turned out great, I promised myself I’d never do that again."9. Always be striving to improve, even when you’re successful…"A lot of people take their foot off the gas when they get to about 30… but if I worked it out that if I just got better 15% every year, [by now] I’d be 268 times better."10. And Rob’s advice for would-be leaders? "Stay humble. Respect everyone. Seek mentorship – and coaching. But [most of all] be optimistic. Be rationally optimistic! "RELATED LINKS• Rob Barker is an investor, entrepreneur and advisor to the international fitness industry. His LinkedIn profile is here…• As President of Precor, Rob Barker gave a long and detailed YouTube interview about the challenges facing the fitness industry, post-COVID… • Rob Barker’s recent guest lecture at Nottingham Trent is here…If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Rob Barker, listen to previous episodes with…• the Managing Director of Seiko UK David Edwards• the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey• the former VP of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE

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• Sarah Ellis – Making ‘squiggly careers’ better for everyone

  Episode 62Sarah Ellis – Making ‘squiggly careers’ better for everyone SUMMARYSarah Ellis is co-founder of the pioneering Amazing If company that is revolutionising the way in which people view their careers. She and her business partner Helen Tupper have written two Sunday Times best-selling books about their innovative Squiggly Careers theory. They also host the hugely popular Squiggly Careers podcast.In Episode 62 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Sarah tells Visiting Honorary Professor Mike Sassi about recognising that the traditional career ladder no longer exists... and embracing squiggly careers.INTRODUCTION• Sarah Ellis is co-founder (with her business partner Helen Tupper) of Amazing If, a company dedicated to helping people navigate modern, "squiggly careers” through coaching, workshops, and resources.• She is also co-author (with Helen Tupper) of two Sunday Times bestsellers, focusing on career development, adaptability, and professional growth.• Sarah co-hosts the Squiggly Careers podcast, providing career insights, practical advice, and interviews with industry leaders.• Sarah and Helen developed the Squiggly Careers framework, redefining career progression beyond traditional corporate ladders.• Sarah Ellis has worked in leadership roles at several major companies, including Sainsbury’s, Barclays and Boots.• Amazing If works with several global brands, including Microsoft, Unilever, and British Airways, on career development and employee growth.• The company also advocates for internal career mobility, encouraging organizations to help employees "squiggle and stay."• Sarah and Helen are passionate about continuous learning, believing in experimenting, embracing mistakes, and taking ownership of career growth.• Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper first met when they were both undergraduates at the Nottingham Business School.LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Sarah Ellis, co-founder of the Amazing if company1. The traditional Career Ladder is outdated“We develop in different directions. We're unlearning and relearning all the time. There are more opportunities – but there are also more obstacles. Nobody climbs the ladder in a predictable way.”2. Mentorship is often key for career development“People should think of mentoring informally. Ask yourself, what do I want to learn? And then think, who can help me?”3. Clarity gives your ideas and actions impact“I would rather people know one thing, know it well and know how to use it… rather than five things where they're kind of ‘all over the place’.”4. Serendipity can shape careers“There was a brilliant lady called Lisa Thomas… She said to me, ‘Why are you not doing Amazing If full-time?’ And I realised I didn’t have a good answer. I remember thinking, ‘I'm going to be working for a long time, and I’ll always regret it if I don’t give this a go.’”5. Own your mistakes“Every mistake you make at Amazing If, you share with everyone in the company. It’s never a problem, and it works brilliantly.”6. Partnerships strengthen leadership“[Co-owner] Helen [Tupper] and I are really different… But what we have in common are our values. And that makes a huge difference in running a company together.”7. Create, don’t wait!“Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. Figure out what you’re interested in and take the initiative.”8. Self-reflection is the key to personal growth“Ask yourself, what matters most? If you can answer that, you can make better decisions, prioritise effectively, and communicate clearly.”9. Leaders should always be willing to share their career journeys“We assume leaders had a master plan. That’s never true. They’ve said yes to opportunities, done things that scared them, and learned along the way.”10. Curiosity fuels career progression“Any opportunity you get to spend time with people who are different from you and outside of ‘your ordinary life’ is so useful to broaden your thinking.”11. Leadership is about enabling others“The best thing a leader can do is create opportunities for others. Help them ‘squiggle and stay’ rather than feel stuck or wait for promotions that may never come.”12. Learn from every experience“Never live the same year twice. You can stick in the same job but always be thinking about how you can grow and learn.”RELATED LINKS• Sarah Ellis is co-founder – with Helen Tupper – of the Amazing If company• In 2021, Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper delivered a seminal TED Talk about Squiggly Careers, inspiring millions with insights on career growth and adaptability. It has been watched by two million people.• In 2024 Sarah Ellis was named on the Women in Leadership Power List, showcasing top female business leaders in the UK.If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Sarah Ellis, listen to previous episodes with…• the CEO of Nottingham Building Society Sue Hayes• the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey• former Vice President of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE

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• Salma Tuqan – Cultural leadership at Nottingham Contemporary

  Episode 61Salma Tuqan – Cultural leadership at Nottingham ContemporarySUMMARYSalma Tuqan is Director of Nottingham Contemporary – one of Britain’s most prestigious galleries outside of London. She has worked with arts organistions all over the world, and for eight years was inaugural Curator of Middle Eastern Art at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. During Episode 61 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ podcast, Salma talks to Honorary Visiting Professor Mike Sassi about her cultural leadership, her Palestinian heritage and her fundamental faith in people.INTRODUCTION• Salma Tuqan has been Director of Nottingham Contemporary since 2023. She is a contemporary art and design curator and cultural strategist • In addition to her role at Nottingham Contemporary, she is also a board member at the Rivers Institute in New Orleans and a committee member of the Arab Image Foundation. • Salma spent eight years (2011 – 2019) as the inaugural Middle East Curator at London’s V&A Museum.• She was previously Head of Projects at Arts Dubai international art fair• Salma moved to Britain to go to school. She graduated from Cambridge University with BA and MA degrees in the History of Art.• She was born into a Palestinian family and spent her early years in Kuwait. Her father was brought up in Lebanon – her mother in Libya.LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Salma TuqanOn what underpins her leadership…“I fundamentally believe in people. That has carried through my whole career and into my leadership style."On having well-defined personal values…“I feel very strongly about equity, honesty, transparency and social justice. That lends itself hugely to the leadership principles I believe in… which are ultimately all about community."On running one of Britain’s most prestigious galleries outside of London…“It’s challenging, but it's also exciting… creating a diversity of income streams… not being wholly reliant on one source… really thinking about the creative capital that exists within the team."On the skills needed in her leadership role…“It’s about project management. It's about relationship building. It’s about collaboration, And it’s also about fundraising."On the importance of perspective…“[As a leader] you need to have an attitude of putting things in perspective, taking them in your stride. Rolling with things is important."On the importance of planning…“We're developing a business plan ‘til the end of the decade… future-proofing the organization. You need to leave something in a better place than where you found it."And advice for would-be leaders?“Know when to not take things too seriously! There are many instances in my career that I imagined were huge challenges or obstacles. Actually, many turned out to be blessings."RELATED LINKS• There’s more about Salma Tuqan on her website• Salma Tuqan’s LinkedIn pages are here• Salma Tuqan is a selection committee member for 2025 Onassis AiR Open CallIf you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Salma Tuqan, listen to previous episodes with…• the CEO of Nottingham Building Society Sue Hayes• the Chief Marketing Officer of Boots UK Pete Markey• former Vice President of Manufacturing at Toyota Europe Marvin Cooke OBE

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• Marvin Cooke OBE – From apprentice engineer to European Vice President in the car industry

  SUMMARYMarvin Cooke OBE – From apprentice engineer to European Vice President in the car industryMarvin Cooke OBE was Vice President of Manufacturing for Toyota Europe – responsible for more than 20,000 staff and the production of 800,000 cars, at factories in Britain, France, Poland, Turkey and the Czech Republic. He started out as an apprentice engineer. Today he is Professor of Entrepreneurship at Derby Business School.During a candid conversation for Episode 60 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ podcast, Marvin talks to Honorary Visiting Professor Mike Sassi about the importance of mentors, the fascination of engineering, and the nagging fear of failure that drives him on.INTRODUCTION• Marvin Cooke was born and bred in Derby. He joined the Toyota factory, in Derby, in 1991 as a junior engineer• He previously completed an apprenticeship at Pirelli Tyres, in Burton upon Trent – and graduated from Nottingham Trent with a degree in Electrical Electronic Engineering. • He worked for Toyota for more than 30 years. In 2020 he was appointed Vice President, Manufacturing at Toyota Europe• As VP, Marvin was responsible for production of more than 800,000 Toyota vehicles a year, at plants employing more than 20,000 people, in Britain, France, Poland, the Czech Republic and Turkey.• In August 2024 he was appointed Professor of Enterprise at the University of Derby Business School.• In January 2025, he was awarded an OBE for services to automotive manufacturing, in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Marvin Cooke, former Vice President of Toyota EuropeOn having a career plan…“As a 16-year-old, I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. I always enjoyed technical things. But at that age I never imagined going into leadership.”On being driven to succeed…“I’ve always had imposter syndrome – and quite a fear of failure. I want to do well for the people I work for. And for the people who work for me.”On the need to create contacts and networks…“I wish I’d talked to more leaders early in my career. Because when I started speaking to them, I found they had more in common with me than I thought.”On where to seek advice…“For leaders [and aspiring leaders] mentors are so important. And I don't always think your mentors should necessarily be in a higher position than you.”On what Marvin was looking for, when taking on staff…“Transferable skills are key. Of course, we were looking for the core competencies. But we often hired people not for everything they had now, but for what they could be in the future… people we thought had aptitude, energy, passion, and were willing to learn.”On why leaders need to talk to their staff… “There was nothing more enjoyable for me than being with the people doing the daily job. What people deliver when they feel that what they're doing is important, is a tremendous thing.”On the downside of remote working…“Hybrid working is very important. But I'm not convinced 100% remote working is healthy because culture is also important. In the past, we were able to develop culture by proximity… people working together. We're not in that same situation today.”On the thrill of being a leader…“I got into engineering. I ended up in leadership. That wasn't necessarily an easy decision or pathway. But I'm very pleased I did it because it's given me a lot of opportunities.”RELATED LINKS• There’s more about Marvin Cooke on his LinkedIn profile• Marvin Cooke’s appointment to Derby Business School is reported on Insider Media• Marvin Cooke is in conversation on the Process Management International YouTube channelIf you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with Marvin Cooke, listen to previous episodes with…• The former CEO of ASOS Nick Beighton• The CEO of Capital One UK Lucy Hagues MBE• The CEO of transport tech giant Microlise Nadeem Raza

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