Show Notes
In this episode, Guy talks to Tom Ilube, serial entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Crossword Cybersecurity, and a man with such an insanely long list of achievements that it would take pages and pages to list them all. Highlights include: Chair of the Rugby Football Union, CBE for services to technology and philanthropy, non-exec director of WPP, former BBC Board member, founder of the African Science Academy, and 2017 top ranking on the Powerlist, the annual listing of the 100 most influential Black Britons. Tom describes himself as a “start-up guy” and has founded, and sold, businesses that include Noddle – the pioneering credit rating service – and Garlick, the identity protection company, and he was part of the original team at Egg, the UK’s first internet bank. The son of a British Maths and Science teacher and a Ugandan who arrived in Britain in the 50s to attend army training school, his story is refreshingly different from most in the UK tech sector.
More from The Ascent
Tom Whicher is the founder of DrDoctor, a platform reshaping outpatient care across the NHS. In this episode, Tom shares how he turned a simple insight into a digital health solution used by millions, the reality of scaling behaviour-change tech, and what it takes to build products - and teams - that stick. A must-listen for anyone interested in purposeful innovation.
James Whiting is the Chief Executive of Doughty Street Chambers and a leader whose career has spanned law, global advocacy, and human rights. From frontline legal work to senior roles at Friends of the Earth and Malaria No More UK, James has consistently led with purpose. In this episode, he shares how to shape strategy in complex environments, build high-trust teams, and stay values-driven in moments that matter. A rich conversation with a truly principled and visionary leader.
Saskia Clark MBE is a three-time Olympian, Olympic gold and silver medallist, and one of Britain’s most decorated sailors. In this episode, she shares what it takes to stay resilient at the elite level, how to build strong partnerships under pressure, and the power of being deliberate in pursuit of success. From unshakable mindsets to smart decision-making, Saskia’s journey is packed with insights for anyone aiming to win - in sport, work, or life.
Adie Shariff is a performance psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping teams and individuals operate at their best when it matters most. From elite sport to business and the military, his approach is grounded, practical, and built on proven frameworks. In this episode, Adie unpacks the five core mindsets of performance, how to align teams through structure and accountability, and how to make change stick. A must-listen for anyone serious about elevating performance.
David Hopley OBE brings three decades of elite military leadership to the table - from commanding the UK Special Forces to mentoring leaders in business and sport. In this episode, he shares battle-tested insights on trust, decision-making under pressure, and the difference between managing and truly leading. Whether you're building a team, navigating challenge, or striving for high performance, David’s philosophy of creating meaningful step changes will leave you inspired.