Nick started his career as a nightclub promoter, DJ, and recording artist in Leeds, later moving to his first corporate role at London Records in 1994. He co-founded NorthWestSide Records at BMG, where he signed Jay-Z for the UK market. He served as Managing Director of Epic Records UK and later relaunched London Records for Universal Music.

Nick was President of Capitol Records UK from 2013 to 2021, signing and developing Sam Smith, 5 Seconds of Summer, and other major artists. After leaving Capitol, he founded NWS Music Group with Christian Tattersfield, focusing on records, publishing, and sync licensing.

Impact and Current Activities

- Raphael is recognised for signing and nurturing award-winning artists, with his roster achieving multiple UK No.1 singles and albums

- He regularly serves as an executive advisor and mentor, for instance, joining the A&R talent group at Cre8ing Vision where he helps emerging music executives and artists

- His entrepreneurial ventures continue to shape the UK and global music scene, with a focus on discovering new talent and maximising artist success

Nick Raphael is widely regarded as a dynamic force in the music talent business, blending artist development, strategic vision, and A&R leadership across decades of executive roles

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The 400th episode explores The CEO’s Compass as a practical framework of eight quotients – Moral, Purpose, Health, Emotional, Collective, Resilience, Brand and Legacy – distilled from over 400 leaders and 1,500 CEO conversations, to help leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity and courage. 

Jonathan and Leigh Bowman-Perks discuss vivid stories and tips from leaders such as Horst Schulze, Sherilyn Shackell, Anna Hemmings, Deanna Oppenheimer, Ankur Sinha, Gavin Patterson, Stuart Haire and Lord Dr Michael Hastings, showing how values, purpose, wellbeing, emotional intelligence, diversity, resilience, feedback and stewardship translate into everyday leadership decisions.

The conversation closes by inviting listeners to see their legacy as already being written, to use the book as a compass for themselves and their teams, and to “go, live it, lead it” with Inspiring Leadership at the heart.

Through the profits of this new book, The CEO’s Compass: How to Navigate Your Team Through Turbulent Times, Jonathan and Leigh Bowman-Perks are proud to support the Inspiring Leadership Foundation charity.

This special 400th-episode celebration of the Inspiring Leadership podcast marks a major milestone in sharing stories of courage, authenticity, and service-driven leadership across the world.

The conversation behind this episode captures Jonathan’s lifelong mission: to equip CEOs and their teams to lead with clarity and compassion in turbulent times, while directly giving back to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through the Foundation’s work.

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Nabeel Kaukab is the Founder and CEO of Jaan Health, a software company transforming chronic disease management with AI-powered virtual care. He brings over 25 years of experience bridging healthcare and emerging technology. 

Before starting Jaan Health, he spent a decade as a Healthcare Investment Banker at UBS & Barclays Capital, where he advised on and executed IPOs, acquisitions and other financings worth more than $50 billion. Prior to that, Nabeel was an early-stage hire and software developer at Viant Corporation, where he helped build some of the earliest Internet applications and open several offices in the US and Europe, leading to the company’s successful 1999 IPO. 

He has a BA in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University and attended graduate school for Biotechnology & Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. 

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Stuart Atha is a Director with BAE Systems, responsible for the development and delivery of the Air Training Strategy, a remit that includes enterprise-wide multi-domain training.  He is a member of the Air Board, Chair of PPM, a high-tech entity, and Head of the UK delegation to the NATO Industrial Advisory Group. 

Prior to joining BAE Systems in 2020, Stuart served in the RAF for 35 years.  His career centred on operations both in the cockpit and command, notably in the Balkans, Libya, the Gulf and Afghanistan.  He commanded at squadron, station and group level before serving as the Chief of Staff at the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters, Stuart completed his Service as Deputy Commander of the RAF, a tour dominated by the counter-ISIS campaign in Iraq/Syria and NATO’s response to a resurgent Russia. 

Stuart is an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham, lecturing on contemporary air power, and patron of the Jon Egging Trust, a charity that seeks to inspire and develop young people. He is also the RAF Commissioner in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.  Married with 5 adult children, Stuart lives with his wife and a variable number of children in Teddington London. 

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Kate Griggs is a dyslexic social entrepreneur and Founder of global charity Made By Dyslexia. Kate is the world's leading voice on Dyslexic Thinking, a best-selling author, one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices and hosts the chart-topping podcast - Lessons In Dyslexic Thinking. Kate is also a course instructor on LinkedIn Learning and the University of Dyslexic Thinking - in partnership with Open University.  

Kate’s award-winning work is re-defining dyslexia and inspiring a global movement for change. In 2022, Made By Dyslexia saw Dyslexic Thinking added as a skill on LinkedIn and a noun in the dictionary. Kate’s innovative approach to social change and advocacy has garnered global recognition, with her powerful TED talk  inspiring countless individuals and organisations to rethink how they perceive dyslexia. 

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With an impressive 13 years of decorated military service, ten within the Special Forces and his last three years as a highly experienced chief sniper instructor and demolitions expert, ‘Staz’ is a distinguished Special Forces Operator who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for Combat Actions conducted in Afghanistan in 2013. Staz moved away from the military and co-founded the multi-million-pound performance outerwear brand, ThruDark - one of The Sunday Times' fastest growing privately owned companies. Business aside, Staz is a published author and was part of the four-man team that set the fastest known time for a speed ascent of Mount Everest, travelling from London to the top of the world and back in just 7 days. 

Everest and Recent Achievements 

• In May 2025, Staz completed a record-breaking ascent of Mount Everest, summiting and returning to the UK in just 7 days—a feat that typically takes 8-10 weeks. 
• The expedition aimed to raise over £1 million for veterans' and armed forces charities, including support for bereaved military children. 
• The climb utilised cutting-edge acclimatisation techniques and tested ThruDark's latest high-altitude gear. 

Other Notable Work 

• Author of "The Hard Road Will Take You Home," which distils Special Forces lessons for business and personal success. 

Advocate for veterans' wellbeing and mental health, sharing his journey through public speaking and media appearances. 

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What happens when supply chain turbulence, leadership under pressure, and mission-driven business collide?

This week’s conversation dives deep into the realities of managing complex supply chains — including the challenges of the wine industry during peak season — and how the right leadership, mentorship, and communication can turn crises into powerful learning moments.

I’m joined by Chris Silcock, who was appointed head of Kellanova’s United Kingdom and Ireland business in October 2019.

Before stepping into this role, Chris built an impressive career across FMCG and food retail — from ASDA, to Coca-Cola European Partners, and later Kellanova, where he first joined as UK Sales Director.

At Kellanova, Chris has focused on strengthening the company’s reputation as one of Britain and Ireland’s most trusted brands by:

🔹 Driving healthier food choices through reductions in sugar and salt

🔹 Championing sustainability, including commitments to halve food waste and ensure all packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030

🔹 Leading efforts to combat hunger by supporting school breakfast clubs that reach 70,000 children every day

🔹 Unlocking £500k in additional income for families facing financial insecurity through the Money Matters Scheme

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, purpose, and the real impact organizations can make when values meet action.

🎧 Listen in to hear how Chris navigates challenge, builds strong teams, and leads with clarity and compassion.

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Born in a remote village in Kavre, Nepal, Dorje Lama Sir grew up amid simplicity and hardship. At just eleven years old, he left his home and made the brave journey to Kathmandu in search of work and a better future. With no formal education and little guidance, Dorje took on every opportunity he could find, each experience shaping his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination.

His journey eventually led him to Pokhara, where his entrepreneurial spirit truly took root. Today, Dorje Lama Sir is the proud owner of two thriving ventures — Moondance Restaurant & Bar and Dorje’s Resort & Spa — both renowned for their warmth, quality, and authenticity.

Dorje’s story is one of courage, grit, and vision — a remarkable example of how perseverance and purpose can turn even the most modest beginnings into extraordinary success.

Tune in now to hear Dorje Lama Sir's inspiring journey and the leadership lessons behind his remarkable rise.

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This week on the Inspiring Leadership Podcast: We sit down with Toby Gutteridge, a former Special Forces operator whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

From a turbulent childhood in South Africa to elite service with the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service, Toby led high-risk missions in Afghanistan until a life-altering injury left him paralyzed from the neck down. Pronounced clinically dead, Toby defied all odds to survive, recover, and rebuild a life of purpose.

Now the founder of Bravery, an extreme sports brand supporting children in poverty, Toby speaks candidly about trauma, resilience, and the inner strength required to face both physical and emotional battles. His story confronts difficult truths about war, identity, depression, and healing—with unflinching honesty and inspirational courage.

His message is powerful: “Trust yourself. Take moral courage. Believe in your heart, if you follow it, you won't go far wrong.”

Tune in now to hear what it really means to lead with bravery when everything else is lost.

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🎙️ Inspiring Leadership Podcast - New Episode

James Stevenson has dedicated his life to service and leadership. A former Brigadier with 36 years in the British Army, James commanded The Royal Scots and served across Northern Ireland, Bosnia, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider Middle East, gaining deep experience in NATO and multinational operations.

Following his military career, he became a Director at Deloitte, driving digital transformation in Global Tax & Legal, leading veteran initiatives, and shaping leadership development at Deloitte University. Today, James is Managing Director Europe at DscvryAI, helping businesses navigate the promise and challenges of artificial intelligence.

Beyond work, James is a family man, outdoor enthusiast, and aspiring woodworker. His journey from soldier to corporate leader to tech pioneer offers invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and purpose. 🌍

Tune in now to hear James’ remarkable story and his take on what truly makes leadership inspiring.

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Inspiring Leadership Podcast with Kathleen Lucente 🎙️

Kathleen Lucente is the founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications in Austin, Texas. She helps B2B tech companies tell their story, secure funding, and reach growth goals with the support of her team of senior communications experts.

Before Red Fan, Kathleen led Asia Pacific communications at JPMorgan Chase, advising the Chairman and Management Committee on major deals and handling crisis communications during 9/11 and SARS. She built a team across 15 countries and managed communications for JPMorgan’s $500M+ technology investment portfolio.

She has also worked at IBM Research, highlighting innovations in computing and nanotechnology, and at Peppercom, where she grew the technology practice from $400K to $4.5M annually and won the PRSA Big Apple Award 🏆.

Tune in now to hear her insights on leadership, strategy, and communications in fast-changing industries.

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🔍 Neil Basu QPM – Leadership, Justice & the Courage to Speak Truth

From a Battersea beat bobby to the UK’s top counter-terrorism officer, Neil Basu QPM has spent three decades confronting the most complex challenges in policing, leadership, and national security. As Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, Neil worked alongside MI5 to lead the UK’s response to 12 terrorist attacks and over 600 arrests. But beyond the headlines lies a deeper mission: to reform policing from within.

Now retired and the author of his powerful 2025 memoir Turmoil, Neil pulls no punches on the legacy of institutional racism, the toll on mental health, and the urgent need for integrity and inclusion in leadership. With honesty, humanity, and hope, he calls for change in a system he still believes in.

🎙️ Tune in now to hear how a lifelong public servant turned whistleblower, advocate, and truth-teller continues to inspire courage, reform, and real leadership in the face of adversity.

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🎙️ Brian J. Esposito — a powerhouse of innovation and leadership — joins The Inspiring Leadership Podcast! Ranked among the Top 10 CEOs globally in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 by The World CEO Rankings Awards, Brian is the visionary founder and CEO of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises (EIE) — a global empire of 115+ entities and 200+ joint ventures spanning 25+ industries.

Honored as one of the Top 100 People in Real Estate (2021) and Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs (2022), Brian’s journey is a masterclass in strategic vision, resilience, and sustainable success. His leadership brilliance shines through in his current role as CEO of Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. ($DLMI), where he transformed the company from a $1M valuation to an incredible $413M market cap, elevating its share price from $0.35 to $13.00 through bold innovation and strategic partnerships.

Tune in now to be inspired by a true visionary who turns ideas into empires.

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This week on the Inspiring Leadership Podcast: Meet Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson, a decorated senior leader in the British Royal Air Force, with over 20 years of service—and a powerful story of resilience, leadership, and transformation. 🎖️

Beyond her military accomplishments, Jacqui is a certified hypnotherapist, mindset coach, international speaker, and fitness instructor, dedicated to advancing trauma-informed leadership and mental fitness. She serves on the UK Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee and is a gold medallist in the military heptathlon, having led the RAF Athletics Ladies’ Team to four consecutive Inter-Service Championship titles.

Holding four postgraduate degrees, including an MSc on trauma and socialisation, Jacqui blends deep academic insight with lived experience. In her memoir, Turning the Tables on Trauma, she shares her journey of surviving childhood adversity and empowers others to transform their pain into strength.

Jacqui isn’t just a leader—she’s a warrior for healing, a voice for the unheard, and a guiding light for those on the path to recovery.

Tune in now for an inspiring conversation on courage, compassion, and the true power of turning scars into strength.

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🌍 Kevin Godlington joined the army at 16 after a challenging childhood in state care. He served in the Royal Engineers, Special Forces, and the FCDO, operating globally before turning to entrepreneurship.

He co‑founded Planting Naturals, creating the world’s largest organic palm oil cooperative, and later founded a private equity firm supporting entrepreneurs from low socio‑economic backgrounds. In 2022, he launched The Rewilding Company, restoring over 25,000 hectares of rainforest and mangrove ecosystems.

A world‑record mountaineer, licensed pilot, and endurance racer, Kevin leads through action and vision. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless drive with leadership rooted in lived experience, service, and a bold vision for global impact. 🧭

Tune in to hear how one man’s mission to rewrite his story is helping rewrite the future for thousands more.

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🚀 Elke Anderl – Leading with Purpose, Passion & Innovation

As Chief Commercial Officer at T-Systems International, Elke Anderl brings over two decades of leadership across telecoms, tech, and global markets. Since stepping into her executive role in 2024, she’s been driving bold growth, customer-centric innovation, and a future-forward approach to digital transformation across Deutsche Telekom’s B2B units.

From leading global sales to transforming service experiences, Elke’s leadership is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and strategic clarity. With international experience in Japan and Singapore, she shares how cultural awareness, consistent communication, and choosing your attitude consciously can turn customers—and teams—into true advocates. 💡

A champion of female leadership and diversity, Elke offers invaluable insights into what it takes to lead with vision in a fast-changing world.

Tune in now to discover how connection, innovation, and mindset can redefine modern leadership.

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Franklyn Butler is a trusted voice in family business, corporate governance, and the Bahamian capital markets . He began his career at the Milo Butler group, helping transform his family’s company and leading the transition from the second generation to the third. That journey was later featured on the cover of Family Business Magazine.

Today Franklyn is President and CEO of Cable Bahamas. He also chairs AML Foods, the largest supermarket chain in the Bahamas, and Be Aliv, where he helped launch the country’s second mobile operator and built the ALIV brand. He serves on the boards of Arawak Port Development, RBC Royal Bank Bahamas, and the Bahamas Property Fund.

Franklyn is the founder of the Butler Legacy Foundation, a member of the Young Presidents Organization, and co-host of the award-winning Butler Legacy Podcast 🎙️. Outside of business, he is a husband, father, and mentor who loves reading, traveling, and spending time on the water.

Tune in now to hear his story of leadership, legacy, and building businesses that last across generations.

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🌍 Vishal Dalal – Leading Global Change Through Innovation

From McKinsey to Citibank to Barclays, and now as Global CEO of Pismo, Vishal Dalal has built a career at the forefront of digital finance and tech transformation. With over 25 years of experience in core banking and card systems, Vishal brings deep expertise and a truly global perspective to modern leadership.

Based in London and newly appointed in May 2025, Vishal shares how purpose-driven leadership, cross-cultural insight, and constant innovation are shaping the future of fintech and financial inclusion. 💡

Tune in now to hear how a leader grounded in both engineering and empathy is helping redefine what global leadership looks like.

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🎙️ New Episode: Leadership with Purpose – Colonel Simon Hutchinson MBE

From front-line deployments in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and Afghanistan to strategic roles at the Pentagon and the City of London, Simon Hutchinson MBE has lived a life of leadership, service, and resilience. In this episode, Simon shares the powerful principles that have shaped his journey — from his Quaker-inspired leadership values to commanding signal regiments, advising on billion-dollar defence programs, and supporting charitable governance at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company.

His story is a masterclass in humility, integrity, and putting people first. 💡

Tune in now to hear why, after all the accolades, Simon’s greatest success is still: “Sandra and the boys.” 🎧

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🎙️ Damian McKinney – Leading with a Commando Mindset

From elite military missions to boardroom transformations, Damian McKinney brings a rare blend of leadership, grit, and global business insight. After an 18-year career with the UK Royal Marine Commandos—earning an MBE and rising to Lieutenant Colonel by age 35—Damian transitioned into the corporate world, founding the global consultancy McKinney Rogers. He’s since led major transformations for world-class brands like Walmart, Diageo, Pfizer, and Stoli Group.

Now, as Founder and CEO of DioniLife, Damian is on a mission to revolutionize the beverage industry with a bold, non-alcoholic portfolio. His bestselling books Commando Way and Commando Entrepreneur capture his results-driven leadership philosophy, forged under fire and proven in business.

🔥 Don’t miss this powerful episode on resilience, innovation, and building success under pressure.

Tune in now and get inspired!

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