The Decisions That Made Me [The Bottom Line]

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Alan French (thomas Cook, Ceo)

20250809

20250810 (R4)

When high street travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019, it triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, with 150,000 holidaymakers needing to be brought home. Alan French was the Group Strategy and Technology director at the time and had to preside over the disaster. Despite that, he was determined to revive the company, and the next year relaunched Thomas Cook as a digital only brand. The travel executive talks to Evan Davis about how he managed to turn his fortunes around and resurrect the Thomas Cook name.

Production team:

Producer: Drew Hyndman, Georgiana Tudor

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: John Scott

Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison

Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around.

The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r

Hosted by Evan Davis.

Alan French was at the helm when Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019. The next year he relaunched it as a digital-only company. He talks to Evan Davis about how he turned it around.

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
	Alan French (thomas Cook, Ceo)	20250809	20250810 (R4)	When high street travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019, it triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, with 150,000 holidaymakers needing to be brought home. Alan French was the Group Strategy and Technology director at the time and had to preside over the disaster. Despite that, he was determined to revive the company, and the next year relaunched Thomas Cook as a digital only brand. The travel executive talks to Evan Davis about how he managed to turn his fortunes around and resurrect the Thomas Cook name. Production team: Producer: Drew Hyndman, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Alan French was at the helm when Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019. The next year he relaunched it as a digital-only company. He talks to Evan Davis about how he turned it around. [LISTEN NOW]
	Alan French (thomas Cook, Ceo)	20250809	20260401 (R4) 20260402 (R4) 20260408 (R4) 20260409 (R4)	When high street travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019, it triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, with 150,000 holidaymakers needing to be brought home. Alan French was the Group Strategy and Technology director at the time and had to preside over the disaster. Despite that, he was determined to revive the company, and the next year relaunched Thomas Cook as a digital only brand. The travel executive talks to Evan Davis about how he managed to turn his fortunes around and resurrect the Thomas Cook name. Production team: Producer: Drew Hyndman, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Alan French) Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Alan French was at the helm when Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019. The next year he relaunched it as a digital-only company. He talks to Evan Davis about how he turned it around. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205	20250310 (R4)	What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205		What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203	20250224 (R4)	When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203		When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Julian Douglas (vccp, Global Ceo)	20241204	20250303 (R4)	When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Julian Douglas (vccp, Global Ceo)	20241204		When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202	20250217 (R4)	When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202		When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206	20250324 (R4)	When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206		When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Julian Metcalfe (itsu And Pret A Manger)	20250726	20250727 (R4)	An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company's future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around. Production team: Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Metcalfe on starting up fast food chain Pret A Manger and later Itsu. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast-food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he's learned. [LISTEN NOW]
	Julian Metcalfe (itsu And Pret A Manger)	20250726	20260218 (R4)	An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company's future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around. Production team: Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo Credit: Itsu) Julian Metcalfe on starting up fast food chain Pret A Manger and later Itsu. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast-food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he's learned. [LISTEN NOW]
	Richard Farleigh (dragon's Den, Entrepreneur)	20250823	20250824 (R4)	Richard Farleigh grew up poverty-stricken in outback Australia as one of eleven children. When he was an infant, he was taken into care and spent most of his childhood in a foster home. A love of puzzles, a determination to prove himself, and some teachers who believed in his abilities, helped him gain a scholarship to university. From there he became a successful investment fund manager, eventually retiring at 34 to become an entrepreneur, and later an angel investor. The former dragon talks to Evan Davis about his new book Humble Stumbles, and how some of his early entrepreneurial decisions didn't work out quite as well as he'd hoped. Production team: Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Photo credit: Visual Marvels Richard Farleigh on becoming a successful investor and his humble stumbles along the way. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Richard Farleigh grew up in poverty, but a determination to prove himself led to a successful investing career. He speaks to Evan Davis about his humble stumbles along the way. [LISTEN NOW]
	Richard Farleigh (dragon's Den, Entrepreneur)	20250823	20260415 (R4) 20260416 (R4) 20260422 (R4) 20260423 (R4)	Richard Farleigh grew up poverty-stricken in outback Australia as one of eleven children. When he was an infant, he was taken into care and spent most of his childhood in a foster home. A love of puzzles, a determination to prove himself, and some teachers who believed in his abilities, helped him gain a scholarship to university. From there he became a successful investment fund manager, eventually retiring at 34 to become an entrepreneur, and later an angel investor. The former dragon talks to Evan Davis about his new book Humble Stumbles, and how some of his early entrepreneurial decisions didn't work out quite as well as he'd hoped. Production team: Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Visual Marvels) Richard Farleigh on becoming a successful investor and his humble stumbles along the way. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Richard Farleigh grew up in poverty, but a determination to prove himself led to a successful investing career. He speaks to Evan Davis about his humble stumbles along the way. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sonnaz Nooranvary (house Of Sonnaz, Upholsterer)	20250802	20250803 (R4)	Sonnaz Nooranvary thought she'd have to be a doctor or a lawyer to please her parents but struggled academically thanks to a combination of dyslexia and ADHD. Everything changed when she spotted an advert for an upholstery apprenticeship. She dropped out of college to build yachts from scratch. The upholsterer talks to Evan Davis about how she went against her family's expectations to follow her instincts. Production team: Producer: Bob Howard, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Photo credit: Luke David The Repair Shop star on defying her parents' expectations. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Both Sonnaz Nooranvary and her parents expected her to have a white-collar career, but she discovered a passion for upholstery and never looked back. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sonnaz Nooranvary (house Of Sonnaz, Upholsterer)	20250802	20260225 (R4)	Sonnaz Nooranvary thought she'd have to be a doctor or a lawyer to please her parents but struggled academically thanks to a combination of dyslexia and ADHD. Everything changed when she spotted an advert for an upholstery apprenticeship. She dropped out of college to build yachts from scratch. The upholsterer talks to Evan Davis about how she went against her family's expectations to follow her instincts. Production team: Producer: Bob Howard, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Luke David) The Repair Shop star Sonnaz Nooranvary on defying her parents' expectations. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Both Sonnaz Nooranvary and her parents expected her to have a white-collar career, but she discovered a passion for upholstery and never looked back. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sophie O'brien (pollen Careers, Ceo)	20250816	20250817 (R4)	After 14 years of having a successful career in media, Sophie found herself unemployed. She thought with her skills and experience finding a new role would be easy, but it was the opposite. After struggling with applications and repeated denials, Sophie decided she wanted to change the process of applying for a job. The employment specialist talks to Evan Davis about how she's trying to change the way recruitment works with her business Pollen Careers. Production team: Producers: Nick Holland, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Sophie O'Brien on how she plans to disrupt the recruitment industry. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Sophie O'Brien found herself unemployed and couldn't believe how tough finding a job was. She tells Evan Davis how she began her company Pollen Careers, to change that. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sophie O'brien (pollen Careers, Ceo)	20250816	20260408 (R4) 20260409 (R4) 20260415 (R4) 20260416 (R4)	After 14 years of having a successful career in media, Sophie found herself unemployed. She thought with her skills and experience finding a new role would be easy, but it was the opposite. After struggling with applications and repeated denials, Sophie decided she wanted to change the process of applying for a job. The employment specialist talks to Evan Davis about how she's trying to change the way recruitment works with her business Pollen Careers. Production team: Producers: Nick Holland, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo Credit: Sophie O'Brien) Sophie O'Brien on how she plans to disrupt the recruitment industry. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Sophie O'Brien found herself unemployed and couldn't believe how tough finding a job was. She tells Evan Davis how she began her company Pollen Careers, to change that. [LISTEN NOW]
01	Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202		When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. Evan Davis speaks to Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, about the key moments that have influenced his career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
02	Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203		When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. Evan Davis speaks to Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, about the key moments that have influenced her career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
03	Julien Douglas (vccp, Ceo)	20241204		When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. Evan Davis speaks to Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, about the key moments that have influenced his career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
04	Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205		What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. Evan Davis speaks with Elmarie Marais about the key moments that have influenced her career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
05 LAST	Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206		When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
	Alan French (thomas Cook, Ceo)	20250809	20250810 (R4)	When high street travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019, it triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, with 150,000 holidaymakers needing to be brought home. Alan French was the Group Strategy and Technology director at the time and had to preside over the disaster. Despite that, he was determined to revive the company, and the next year relaunched Thomas Cook as a digital only brand. The travel executive talks to Evan Davis about how he managed to turn his fortunes around and resurrect the Thomas Cook name. Production team: Producer: Drew Hyndman, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Alan French was at the helm when Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019. The next year he relaunched it as a digital-only company. He talks to Evan Davis about how he turned it around. [LISTEN NOW]
	Alan French (thomas Cook, Ceo)	20250809	20260401 (R4) 20260402 (R4) 20260408 (R4) 20260409 (R4)	When high street travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019, it triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, with 150,000 holidaymakers needing to be brought home. Alan French was the Group Strategy and Technology director at the time and had to preside over the disaster. Despite that, he was determined to revive the company, and the next year relaunched Thomas Cook as a digital only brand. The travel executive talks to Evan Davis about how he managed to turn his fortunes around and resurrect the Thomas Cook name. Production team: Producer: Drew Hyndman, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Alan French) Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Alan French was at the helm when Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019. The next year he relaunched it as a digital-only company. He talks to Evan Davis about how he turned it around. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205	20250310 (R4)	What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205		What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203	20250224 (R4)	When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203		When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Julian Douglas (vccp, Global Ceo)	20241204	20250303 (R4)	When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Julian Douglas (vccp, Global Ceo)	20241204		When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202	20250217 (R4)	When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202		When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206	20250324 (R4)	When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Decisions That Made Me: Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206		When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
	Julian Metcalfe (itsu And Pret A Manger)	20250726	20250727 (R4)	An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company's future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around. Production team: Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Julian Metcalfe on starting up fast food chain Pret A Manger and later Itsu. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast-food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he's learned. [LISTEN NOW]
	Julian Metcalfe (itsu And Pret A Manger)	20250726	20260218 (R4)	An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company's future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around. Production team: Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo Credit: Itsu) Julian Metcalfe on starting up fast food chain Pret A Manger and later Itsu. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast-food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he's learned. [LISTEN NOW]
	Richard Farleigh (dragon's Den, Entrepreneur)	20250823	20250824 (R4)	Richard Farleigh grew up poverty-stricken in outback Australia as one of eleven children. When he was an infant, he was taken into care and spent most of his childhood in a foster home. A love of puzzles, a determination to prove himself, and some teachers who believed in his abilities, helped him gain a scholarship to university. From there he became a successful investment fund manager, eventually retiring at 34 to become an entrepreneur, and later an angel investor. The former dragon talks to Evan Davis about his new book Humble Stumbles, and how some of his early entrepreneurial decisions didn't work out quite as well as he'd hoped. Production team: Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Photo credit: Visual Marvels Richard Farleigh on becoming a successful investor and his humble stumbles along the way. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Richard Farleigh grew up in poverty, but a determination to prove himself led to a successful investing career. He speaks to Evan Davis about his humble stumbles along the way. [LISTEN NOW]
	Richard Farleigh (dragon's Den, Entrepreneur)	20250823	20260415 (R4) 20260416 (R4) 20260422 (R4) 20260423 (R4)	Richard Farleigh grew up poverty-stricken in outback Australia as one of eleven children. When he was an infant, he was taken into care and spent most of his childhood in a foster home. A love of puzzles, a determination to prove himself, and some teachers who believed in his abilities, helped him gain a scholarship to university. From there he became a successful investment fund manager, eventually retiring at 34 to become an entrepreneur, and later an angel investor. The former dragon talks to Evan Davis about his new book Humble Stumbles, and how some of his early entrepreneurial decisions didn't work out quite as well as he'd hoped. Production team: Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Visual Marvels) Richard Farleigh on becoming a successful investor and his humble stumbles along the way. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Richard Farleigh grew up in poverty, but a determination to prove himself led to a successful investing career. He speaks to Evan Davis about his humble stumbles along the way. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sonnaz Nooranvary (house Of Sonnaz, Upholsterer)	20250802	20250803 (R4)	Sonnaz Nooranvary thought she'd have to be a doctor or a lawyer to please her parents but struggled academically thanks to a combination of dyslexia and ADHD. Everything changed when she spotted an advert for an upholstery apprenticeship. She dropped out of college to build yachts from scratch. The upholsterer talks to Evan Davis about how she went against her family's expectations to follow her instincts. Production team: Producer: Bob Howard, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Photo credit: Luke David The Repair Shop star on defying her parents' expectations. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Both Sonnaz Nooranvary and her parents expected her to have a white-collar career, but she discovered a passion for upholstery and never looked back. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sonnaz Nooranvary (house Of Sonnaz, Upholsterer)	20250802	20260225 (R4)	Sonnaz Nooranvary thought she'd have to be a doctor or a lawyer to please her parents but struggled academically thanks to a combination of dyslexia and ADHD. Everything changed when she spotted an advert for an upholstery apprenticeship. She dropped out of college to build yachts from scratch. The upholsterer talks to Evan Davis about how she went against her family's expectations to follow her instincts. Production team: Producer: Bob Howard, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo credit: Luke David) The Repair Shop star Sonnaz Nooranvary on defying her parents' expectations. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Both Sonnaz Nooranvary and her parents expected her to have a white-collar career, but she discovered a passion for upholstery and never looked back. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sophie O'brien (pollen Careers, Ceo)	20250816	20250817 (R4)	After 14 years of having a successful career in media, Sophie found herself unemployed. She thought with her skills and experience finding a new role would be easy, but it was the opposite. After struggling with applications and repeated denials, Sophie decided she wanted to change the process of applying for a job. The employment specialist talks to Evan Davis about how she's trying to change the way recruitment works with her business Pollen Careers. Production team: Producers: Nick Holland, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison Sophie O'Brien on how she plans to disrupt the recruitment industry. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Sophie O'Brien found herself unemployed and couldn't believe how tough finding a job was. She tells Evan Davis how she began her company Pollen Careers, to change that. [LISTEN NOW]
	Sophie O'brien (pollen Careers, Ceo)	20250816	20260408 (R4) 20260409 (R4) 20260415 (R4) 20260416 (R4)	After 14 years of having a successful career in media, Sophie found herself unemployed. She thought with her skills and experience finding a new role would be easy, but it was the opposite. After struggling with applications and repeated denials, Sophie decided she wanted to change the process of applying for a job. The employment specialist talks to Evan Davis about how she's trying to change the way recruitment works with her business Pollen Careers. Production team: Producers: Nick Holland, Georgiana Tudor Editor: Matt Willis Sound: John Scott Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison (Photo Credit: Sophie O'Brien) Sophie O'Brien on how she plans to disrupt the recruitment industry. The definitive business podcast from the BBC. \r Hosted by Evan Davis. Sophie O'Brien found herself unemployed and couldn't believe how tough finding a job was. She tells Evan Davis how she began her company Pollen Careers, to change that. [LISTEN NOW]
01	Rob Law (trunki Suitcases, Inventor)	20241202		When your business is about making products, and the factory you use gets into trouble, that's potentially a big problem. Do you try to find another one, or do you try to fix it? Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, had exactly this dilemma, and tells Evan Davis about the risky decision it prompted. He also discusses the illness and personal loss that have shaped his career, and recalls his infamous appearance on Dragon's Den almost 20 years ago. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The entrepreneur and inventor on how he avoided a manufacturing meltdown. Evan Davis speaks to Rob Law, entrepreneur and inventor of the Trunki children's suitcase, about the key moments that have influenced his career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
02	Jordan Brompton (myenergi, Co-founder)	20241203		When your background differs from the people working with and around you, it's easy to feel judged by the assumptions people make about you from class to gender. Whatever your upbringing, it's something we all deal with - our backgrounds are always with us, either to be embraced, accepted, or fled from. Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, shares her experience as a working class woman and her love of solar panels. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The smart energy tech entrepreneur on overcoming your background. Evan Davis speaks to Jordan Brompton, entrepreneur and co-founder of the smart energy tech company Myenergi, about the key moments that have influenced her career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
03	Julien Douglas (vccp, Ceo)	20241204		When do you start that side hustle you've always talked about doing? What if it gets you fired from work? And even if you do leave, make your success and build your hustle into a successful business, can you ever decide to step away and go back to your career? Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, talks to Evan Davis about his decision to go in to advertising, being fired for his night life start up, and then walking away from the company he founded to go back to his former career. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman Julian Douglas on when to start side hustling, and learning when to step away. Evan Davis speaks to Julian Douglas, global CEO of advertising agency VCCP, about the key moments that have influenced his career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
04	Elmarie Marais (gocrisis, Founder)	20241205		What do you do when you're unhappy at work? Maybe you're burnt out from long hours? Or you see the way your employer does things and think to yourself “surely there's a better way? ? For many founders and CEO's, it's a familiar experience, and one that can spur them into the decision of starting their own business. Evan Davis talks to Elmarie Marais about her experience of crisis management, and how a crisis of her own led to the founding of her own company, GoCrisis. Producers: Simon Tulett and Drew Hyndman Elmarie Marais on leaving her job for her mental health and starting her own company. Evan Davis speaks with Elmarie Marais about the key moments that have influenced her career in business. [LISTEN NOW]
05 LAST	Tom Pellereau (stylideas, Inventor)	20241206		When inventor Tom Pellereau was on the verge of launching his latest invention for his fashion company, Stylideas, he couldn't have known what a key decision was about to face him. The Apprentice winner talks to Evan Davis about his business relationship with Alan Sugar, his passion for design and his experience of dyslexia that all led to a stand off over pricing that would make or break his company. Producers: Simon Tulett and Michaela Graichen Researcher: Drew Hyndman The beauty inventor on being dyslexic and working with Alan Sugar. Evan Davis speaks with some of the UK's most exciting leaders and entrepreneurs about the key moments that have influenced their career in business. [LISTEN NOW]

The Decisions That Made Me [The Bottom Line]

Episodes