In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris sits down with organisational psychologist Antoinette Raymond for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to lead in today’s world.

From redefining leadership as an energy game (not a time problem), to unlocking the genius in people through connection, this episode is packed with practical insight and refreshing honesty.

Antoinette shares:
✨ Why connection is the #1 driver of creativity and performance
✨ How leaders can create environments where people feel safe to be brilliant
✨ A surprising and hopeful real-world use of AI in healthcare
✨ Simple, powerful techniques to become more present and impactful
✨ What gives her hope about the future — from bold young voices to fearless women redefining their later years

This is a conversation about being more human at work — and why that might be the most important leadership skill of all.

If you care about leadership, culture, or bringing out the best in people, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to lead with energy, connection, and purpose.

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with Tom Kay, founder of Finisterre - the pioneering outdoor brand born on the cliffs of Cornwall.

From humble beginnings in a flat above a surf shop to a global, purpose-driven business, Tom shares the real story behind building a brand that stands for something more. This is not just about business growth - it’s about culture, purpose, and the power of people.

Tom reveals why “low ego” is the most underrated leadership trait, how a clear purpose can unlock creativity and ownership, and why staying connected to nature (yes, even cold-water swims!) shapes better teams and better decisions.

They also explore:

• The highs and lows of building a brand from scratch
• How to maintain startup energy after 20+ years
• Why purpose-driven companies attract better people
• The role of the ocean in shaping Finisterre’s identity
• What gives Tom hope in a challenging world

If you're a founder, leader, or anyone interested in building meaningful culture - this episode is packed with insight.

👉 “Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to drive change.”

What happens when a top restaurateur sells his own name… and then buys it back for £7,000?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here, Chris sits down with legendary chef and restaurateur Mark Hix to unpack the highs, lows, and lessons from a life in hospitality.

From running multiple restaurants and leading hundreds of staff, to losing everything overnight during the pandemic, Mark shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship — and what he’s learned about creativity, leadership, and starting again.

We also dive into:

The story behind selling (and reclaiming) his name
How he developed chefs using his “Challenge Hix” method
Why creativity thrives under restriction
The pressures of running restaurants vs the freedom of a portfolio life
What he’s building next (including the return of Mark’s Bar 👀)

This is a candid, funny, and insightful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and doing things differently.

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris sits down with theatre producer, writer, and creative change-maker David Micklem to explore what it really takes to unlock human potential in organisations—and why creativity might be our greatest untapped superpower.

David shares his unique journey from running iconic institutions like Battersea Arts Centre to becoming a “fixer” for arts organisations navigating change. Together, they dive into powerful ideas around leadership, storytelling, and how the role of people in society has evolved—from subjects to consumers to citizens.

💡 In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why modern organisations must move from hierarchy to participation
• How creativity isn’t a job title—it’s a human trait we’ve forgotten
• The importance of building daily creative habits (your “mental health gym”)
• What great leadership really looks like: “be yourself with skill”
• Why many leaders struggle to know who they truly are
• The impact of technology on our mindset—and how to reconnect with what matters
• Where hope actually lives in today’s chaotic world

From cultural democracy to the power of nature, this episode is packed with insight for leaders, creatives, and anyone looking to bring more energy, authenticity, and imagination into their work and life.

In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by James Sills — choir leader, speaker and founder of Gather Sing — to explore the power of singing, creativity, and connection.

James has spent years bringing people together through music, helping audiences rediscover something many of us lost along the way: the confidence to use our voice.

We talk about how singing builds trust, why so many adults stop singing as they grow up, and how creating shared experiences through music can transform teams, communities and organisations.

James also shares the story of being asked to speak at TEDx Manchester with just 48 hours’ notice, and why some of the most important opportunities in life come from saying yes before you feel ready.

This conversation is about permission, creativity, and the courage to start before everything feels perfect.

Whether you love singing, lead teams, or just want to build deeper connections with the people around you, this episode is full of insights.

In this episode of Who's Elvis Round Here, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society and author of Superfast: Lead at Speed and Love Work.

Sophie shares powerful insights on leadership, creativity, and how to bring more energy, optimism and humanity into the workplace.

From the story of a pioneering 19th-century entrepreneur who transformed the champagne industry, to practical advice on how leaders can create more playful, innovative teams, this conversation explores what it really takes to thrive in a fast-moving world.

You’ll hear why Sophie believes leaders should “act with audacity,” why humour is one of the most human leadership skills we have, and how the best organisations create environments where people feel energised, curious and able to do their best work.

If you’re a leader, marketer, entrepreneur or simply someone who wants to enjoy work more while making a bigger impact, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

What does Nelson Mandela dancing on stage have to do with leadership?

Why do most businesses spend their time looking everywhere… except at the donkey?

And what if the single most powerful tool in leadership isn’t strategy, structure, or AI — but belief?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, I sit down with Scott Morrison — founder of The Boom and one of the most energising leadership minds I know.

We talk about:
- Creating “Dance Like Mandela” moments in your organisation
- Why movements beat mandates every time
- The difference between problems and puzzles
- Why “business as usual” might be the most dangerous phrase in leadership
- And how to make hope normal again

If you care about unlocking genius in your team, creating real momentum, and leading with energy instead of ego — this one’s for you.

Let’s get into it.

What does it really take to build a movement - not just a business?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here?, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with Emma Sayle, founder of Killing Kittens, to talk about leadership, energy, and what happens when you trust instinct over business plans.

Emma shares how anger can be a creative force, why contagious energy matters more than job descriptions, and how releasing other people’s genius starts with letting go of control.

This is a bold, honest conversation about leadership, rebellion, and building teams that actually care.

If you’re leading people - or trying to change the world - this one’s for you.