A podcast centred around prominent business leaders and people of influence, uncovering the key moments in their careers that led to their success.
Hosted by renowned UK business journalist Ian King alongside H/Advisors Partner and former Sky News correspondent Katharine Spence, Behind the Narrative takes you inside the minds of international business leaders during their most defining moments.
Guests reveal the decision-making processes behind major announcements, crisis situations, and moments of intense public scrutiny. Plus, you’ll discover surprising sides of these business figures that they’ve never shared before – the moments, quirks, and stories that make them human.
From brand executives to global CEOs, each episode explores the human side of business leadership across all sectors and levels of senior management.
Episode 4: Sir Ronnie Cohen, Co-Founder, Apax Partners & President, GSG Impact
How profit with purpose could fundamentally reshape the world
Ronnie, widely considered as the father of British and European venture capital and the pioneer of impact investing, discusses how capitalism must evolve to address the environmental and social crises of today. Over 25 years, he has helped transform impact investing from a niche concept into a $30 trillion ESG market. We discover how entrepreneurship and investment can be harnessed to create a fairer, more stable world.
Episode 3: Helen Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Walpole
How British luxury became a £81 Billion superpower and why Gen Z can’t get enough of it
Helen reveals how British luxury, worth £81 billion, has become a growth powerhouse and key source of UK soft power, driven by heritage craftsmanship, family businesses, and Gen Z’s appetite for authenticity. From her personal journey in publishing to leading the sector, she discusses what makes British luxury uniquely resilient, how it sustains nearly half a million jobs, and why accessibility and aspiration are reshaping the industry today.
Episode 2: Sir Nigel Knowles, Former Chair & CEO at DWF Group
How one legal titan reshaped professional services
Nigel, who built DLA Piper into the world’s largest law firm and later led DWF Group through a public listing and delisting, discusses his strategic approach to legal industry consolidation, mergers, and organisational culture. He covers the advantages and drawbacks of public versus private ownership, the legal sector’s readiness for consolidation, and how AI is transforming the profession.
