41 minutes | Wednesday, 6 August 2025
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ad Davies, a cultural architect who transitioned from sports coaching to business leadership. Ad shares his experiences from the football field to the boardroom, highlighting the power of storytelling and the importance of opportunity in shaping company identity.Tune in to hear how Ad's unique journey can inspire and guide future leaders in any field.Key Highlights:Ad's early aspirations in sports and his transition to business leadership. The role of storytelling in building company culture and identity. Insights on leadership from Ad's time at Gymshark. The significance of being given opportunities and access in career growth.Quotes:"I always start keynotes by saying I'm a lad from a local area with absolutely no way I should have been stood on a pitch when Leicester won the Premier League." "The lessons I take from sport I'm constantly taking into business and vice versa."#Leadership #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth00:00 Introduction to Ad Davies02:02 Ad's Journey and Early Aspirations04:19 Career Development and Boxing Experience05:29 Lessons from Sport Applied to Business08:00 Cultural Insights from Gymshark09:54 The Importance of Opportunity12:04 Access and the Role of AI in Job Applications13:49 Building Resilience and Confidence in Youth16:41 Understanding Individual Styles in Leadership19:30 Navigating Conversations and Leadership at Gymshark22:18 Generational Shifts in Workplace Expectations24:52 The Future of Careers: Shorter Roles and Value-Driven Work26:42 Geographical Differences in Work Culture27:36 Building a Connected Culture in Organizations30:42 Emerging Talent in the Greater Birmingham Area33:10 The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Culture37:11 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations