The concept of a sofa in a box is so simple it’s genius - but the real genius lies in how you grow such a business from the ground up.

Keiran Hewkin is the CEO & Co-Founder of Swyft, a leader whose success is built upon the ability to embrace failure, break things, and bring a laser-focused vision to life.

Join us to explore how Keiran built a brand through bootstrapping, boldness, and brutal simplicity.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Kieran's journey as proof that curiosity and grit can transform an industry
• Simplicity as strategy is a powerful model
• Failure can be a learning tool, and a company’s culture can reframe failures as opportunities for growth 
• Brand Evolution: Expanding from a single product (sofa) to a full home furnishings brand, while maintaining core principles of fast delivery and customer experience

Keiran Hewkin 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keiran-hewkin-341b3753/

Swyft

https://swyfthome.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/swyfthome/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Penny Lee is one of very few people with a front row seat to a presidential election campaign, the Clintons’ humble intelligence, and the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008.

Her journey spans both sides of the public and private sector equation - having extracted herself from politics, she’s now President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association in the U.S. 

Join us on Pivot Points and go behind the scenes of American politics as we discover the most powerful word in leadership, the culture shock between public and private sector life, and the invaluable advice she gives to fellow female leaders.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of having conviction and making tough decisions with compassion
• A strong "no" can be as valuable as multiple "yeses"
• Navigating shifts between public and private sectors, from political campaigns to corporate roles
• Funding disparities for female Founders, and how we can take steps towards fairer funding
• Stay true to your beliefs, learn from mentors, and be graceful and empathetic while pursuing goals

Penny Lee 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-lee-dc/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

From titans of industry, to innovative underdogs, Jon Lombardo has a knack for combining the power of personal relationships with an eye for the future.

That’s how he’s made the leap from LinkedIn to the cutting edge of AI marketing, as Co-Founder of Evidenza.

Join us as we draw on Jon’s multicultural experiences, learn to avoid being blindsided in business, and find out why we’re all still underhyping AI.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Paradigm Shifts: Jon’s career has been defined by surfing major paradigm shifts, from China's economic transformation and social networks to B2B marketing and AI
• Cultivating relationships creates opportunities and drives career progression
• AI is underhyped and misused, just as the first television shows were treated like radio shows 
• Be willing to tinker, learn, and adapt to new technologies, seeing them as tools for creative innovation and problem-solving

Jon Lombardo 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlombardo/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Martin Allen Morales’ career spans industries and companies which most would only dream of working within: Apple, EMI, Disney and Ceviche.

But for dreams to be formed, you need imagination - as CEO of the Institute of Imagination he’s empowering kids to reimagine their future just as he did.

We’re treated to a journey like no other on Pivot Points this week, as Martin takes us from his upbringing in Peru, to launching a Paddington-approved restaurant, to working with the Jonas Brothers, and so much more.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Creativity as a transformative power
• Transferable skills and curiosity helping leaders innovate across industries
• Martin’s journey from experiencing poverty in Peru to becoming a successful entrepreneur 
• Personal challenges can fuel determination and drive positive social impact
• The critical role of mentors, learning from others, and empowering people through active listening and understanding

Photo credit: Paul Winch-Furness

Martin Allen Morales 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinallenmorales/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Creativity and professionalism are not always polar opposites - Sarah Walker-Smith shows that they’re two sides of the same coin.

Between musical and acting aspirations, and leadership within huge businesses like Shakespeare Martineau and Ampa, she’s focused on bringing purpose to her teams and empowering them to be their true selves.

Join us on Pivot Points to discover how Sarah overcame impostor syndrome, why you need to go slow to move fast, and her inventive use of a shadow board.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Personal purpose and authenticity are vital in guiding career decisions and leadership styles
• Sarah’s career journey demonstrates that success isn't always planned, but can result from being open to opportunities
• Using tools like a shadow board can create strategic alignment and empower emerging leaders
• Sarah has challenged traditional professional environments, particularly as a woman in male-dominated sectors
• Personal creativity can coexist with professional life, and even enhance professional leadership

Sarah Walker-Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-smith-4708a5b/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Rupert Bedell started life as an aspiring engineer, but through roles at Natwest, HSBC, American Express and countless others, he’s morphed into a marketing master.

Now taking on the Managing Director role at Fasthosts, he’s pivoted from transforming titans to nurturing a challenger brand…

Learn to navigate the ever-changing world of performance marketing, discover the secrets to curating culture, and the art of changing industries.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The transformation of marketing in the technological age, shifting from creativity to performance
• Rupert's remarkable journey from engineering to finance to marketing, pivoting across industries effortlessly
• The art of brand building, aligning your internal culture with external brand promises
• Challenges and opportunities presented by MarTech, and the need for to balance technical capabilities with brand strategy

Rupert Bedell 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-bedell-7006aa13/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Over the course of a remarkable 30-year career, David Boynton has led some of the world's most prominent brands, including L'Occitane, Charles Tyrwhitt, and The Body Shop. 

It’s a journey that’s taken him through transformative moments and challenges at every stage, bestowing him with pivotal learnings around leadership, growth, and culture.

Join us this week to discover the ‘crucible moments’ in which David was thrown into the fire, and emerged reforged…

This episode covers:

• The critical role of a clear, meaningful organisational purpose, exemplified through David’s work with The Body Shop
• Navigating significant changes at huge companies while maintaining core cultural values 
• Culture as a fundamental driver for growth and success, not an add-on
• Willingness to reset strategies and challenge existing operational models when market conditions change
• Balancing heritage and innovation within longstanding brands

David Boynton 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-boynton-a111331/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Sophie Devonshire’s career could be described as ‘squiggly’, but in business she’s a laser-focused CEO with an infallible eye for marketing and team-building.

Drawing on experiences from Coca Cola and Proctor and Gamble, she’s mastered the art of ‘leading with speed’, building purposeful pauses into business, and shaping roles to play into a team’s strengths.

Her leadership now is shaped by countless pivotal moments in her career, so join us as we discover how The Marketing Society’s CEO shaped her entrepreneurial lens.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Navigating a "squiggly" career path from FMCG giants and agency work to international roles
• The power of pace-setting and agility in modern business leadership
• Balancing speed and responsibility in growth
• Building high-performing, complementary teams that can execute at pace
• Finding passion and purpose in your work

Sophie Devonshire 

https://www.sophie-devonshire.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiedevonshiresuperfast/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Investing in a bankrupt business isn’t usually the most appealing option, but for Andrea Mandel-Mantello, it was a stroke of genius…

The Cesare Ragazzi name was known throughout Italy when Andrea took over. Through a strong rebrand, resilience, and passion for improving people’s lives, Andrea’s brand now brings those values to a staggering 26 countries.

Join us on Pivot Points to discover how Andrea brought a household name back from the brink of bankruptcy.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• How Andrea took a bankrupt company and breathed new life into the Cesare Ragazzi brand
• The perseverance required to turn a company around and repay its debts
• How strategic partnerships and innovative marketing are key to internationalisation
• The importance of keeping a dedicated team motivated and aligned with your company's mission

Andrea Mandel-Mantello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mantello/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Before creating one of the largest gatherings of future makers in the UK, John O’Brien MBE has had an incredible career path, from serving as an army officer to leading major initiatives with the Prince of Wales' charities. 

He's now embarked on an ambitious mission to bring together leaders from across sectors to help build a better Britain. 

Join me as we explore John’s perspective on creating new platforms, purpose and impact, adaptability, transferable skills, and the pivotal moments that have shaped his journey.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The many major turning points in John's career, from leaving banking for the Army, to unexpected redundancy and finding new paths 
• How skills and experiences gained in the military became invaluable in John’s later career
• John’s ability to inspire and mobilize diverse stakeholders for noble causes
• Navigating challenges and setbacks, and how John was able to reframe and learn from those experiences.
• The overarching goal of Anthropy, and John’s hopes to bring together leaders and work towards a more positive future for the UK

John O'Brien MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthropyfounder/

Anthropy: https://anthropy.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthropy-uk/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Piers Linney is a name you’ll know from Dragons’ Den or Secret Millionaire, but his wider career journey paints the fascinating portrait of a multi-talented, resilient and forward-thinking entrepreneur.

Currently the Co-Founder of Implement AI, he’s a fascinating individual whose expertise on the role of AI in the future should incite CEOs this year to have a pivotal moment of their own.

In this episode of Pivot Points, Piers talks us through the impact of mentors and social capital, the importance of learning from your failures, why AI should be your personal sidekick, and much more.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Embrace AI and start experimenting to boost productivity, creativity, and decision-making
• Cultivate resilience and learn from failures, seeing them as a badge of honor
• Leverage your social capital to create opportunities for others
• Collaborate to inspire change

Piers Linney
https://www.pierslinney.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierslinney/
Implement AI
https://www.implementai.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/goimplementai/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Matthew Wenger’s entrepreneurial story can be traced back to the age of just 8 years old, and from that point, Matt’s journey culminates in his current role spearheading the renewable energy transition.

He’s Harvard-educated, musically gifted, and a fantastic CEO of Relevate Power, so join us for this episode of Pivot Points to discover the moments that shaped his path to leadership, and the vision of a cleaner future for energy.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Matthew Wenger's early entrepreneurial spirit
• Lessons learned through music, theatre, and early business ventures
• The importance of building engaged and aligned teams, like you would assemble a cast or a musical ensemble
• Relevate Power's mission to revitalize rural communities through renewable energy
• The challenges of finding the right investors and navigating the complexities of the hydroelectric industry

Matthew Wenger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwenger/
Relevate Power: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relevatepower/
https://www.relevatepower.com/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

This week’s podcast guest is one whose biggest pivot was finding a way for businesses to better fulfil their potential, but shifting from the corporate world to academia - Griffith University’s, Nick Barter.

Nick talks Dave through the need for narrative and purpose beyond profit, bringing emotion into decision-making, and why your demography is your destiny.

This episode covers:

• Professor Nick Barter's career journey from business to academia, driven by his desire for long-term value creation
• The importance of an organisation's narrative and purpose beyond pure profit
• Incorporating emotional and purpose-driven decision-making in business, and where it often competes with more technical solutions
• Generational changes in decision-making based on our growing need for long-term sustainability

Nick Barter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-barter-a50775/

Griffith University
https://www.linkedin.com/school/griffith-university/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

When you’re driven by a personal purpose, as Paul Donovan has been, then the focus that you pour into a business becomes so much more powerful.

Now in what he describes as his ‘third career’, Paul’s philanthropic endeavours give him the drive to change lives - one such endeavour being The Artis Foundation, of which he’s a Patron.

Paul’s illustrious career is studded with fascinating stories of turning around companies and finding his own mission, particularly through his prior CEO roles at ODEON, Arqiva and Eircom.

His is a journey well-worth exploring, as he joins Brandpie Founder Dave Allen for episode 3 of Pivot Points.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Paul’s self-described ‘third career’ proving the power of personal pivots in writing your story
• Shift from a "me" to a "we" mindset in approaching leadership
• The power of mentorship, with advice for young professionals on proactively seeking out experienced guides
• The inspiring story of how Paul led the turnaround of Odeon Cinemas, revitalising the company's culture and customer experience
• Paul's passion for philanthropy and his current mission to revolutionise primary education

Paul Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-donovan-643136/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

When you take on leadership in a new business, the people you rely on might not be sitting in the same places you’re used to.

Our latest Pivot Points Podcast guest is Baker Tilly International’s CEO, Francesca Lagerberg - a leader whose experience with handling changes within a firm is equally as shrewd as with personal change.

Francesca joins Brandpie’s Founder, Dave Allen, to discuss the fusion of tech with humanity, the role of joy in being an effective leader, embracing cultural shifts, and how you find your advocates in the midst of a change programme.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Learning to handle cultural shifts between firms
• How to handle the emotional spectrum that comes with new roles
• Making ‘big dog’ vs ‘small dog’ decisions
• Fusing technology with the human side of business
• Finding change advocates and allowing for naysayers

Francesca Lagerberg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescalagerberg/
Baker Tilly International
https://www.linkedin.com/company/baker-tilly-international/
https://www.bakertilly.global/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

There are few jobs cooler than Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, but with that comes a responsibility to uphold its culture, legacy, and long-term vision.

That tall order has been a responsibility and a pleasure for James Ainscough, being a part of the Royal Albert Hall for over a decade. The fascinating pivotal moments he shares with us in this week’s podcast come from both his journey, and that of the hall itself...

Join us as we break down James’ golden balance of creativity and business savvy, his total devotion to collaboration, and why passion is the first step to great leadership.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• James’ perfect balance of business and creativity serving him throughout his career
• The Royal Albert Hall’s ability to make its team feel at home
• Why you should derive genius from the best of those around you
• The Royal Albert Hall’s long-term view, and its aim of making the world a better place
• Passion being an irreplaceable, core quality in leadership

James Ainscough
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesainscough/
Royal Albert Hall
https://www.royalalberthall.com/
https://www.instagram.com/royalalberthall/

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/

Hello and welcome to Pivot Points.

The podcast that delves deep into the expertise of visionary leaders who’ve successfully taken their business, through a complex pivotal moment to unlock growth. 

We’ll share with you how CEOs handle these critical inflection points, from leadership changes, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures to jumping an ‘S’ Curve or making a category pivot to drive future success.  

Pivot Points is for C-Suite executives and anyone aspiring to leadership who want to learn how the emotional levers of change – purpose, brand and culture – are critical to successfully navigating a pivotal moment. 

I’m Dave Allen, Founder and CEO at Brandpie.

With over 30 years experience in business I’ve had the privilege of working with some world class leaders. From AstraZeneca, BP, Capgemini, EY, SLB, Vodafone and The Royal Albert Hall, to name a few. 

Successfully working through a pivotal moment for your business requires great leadership, coupled with clarity of purpose, ambition and strategy. Pivot points will aim to go deep on these topics to help you understand how great leaders excite people to drive change to create and build long term value – for their company, their people, their shareholders and for society. 

Pivot Points will be releasing new podcast episodes every month(?) so make sure you follow on your favourite platform for the latest update. 

Join us to discover how CEOs build their business and their brand at pivotal business moments.  

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/