<![CDATA[In the Spotlight]]>Podcast Introduction – In the Spotlight

Welcome to In the Spotlight, the podcast that shines a light on the entrepreneurs, SMEs, and innovators who are quietly — and sometimes loudly — reshaping the way we do business.

I’m your host, Maxcene Quirke.

For over three decades I’ve worked alongside organisations, suppliers, and leaders across industries, and one thing has become very clear: the most powerful ideas don’t always come from the biggest companies.

They come from people with courage, curiosity, and the determination to build something that solves a real problem.

This podcast is about those people.

In every episode we step behind the business and into the journey. We explore the moments that sparked the idea, the challenges that tested resilience, and the lessons learned along the way — the ones you don’t always read about in the headlines.

We’ll hear from founders, innovators, and leaders operating in specialist niches, proving that sometimes the most powerful businesses are built not by doing everything, but by doing one thing exceptionally well.

You’ll hear honest conversations about growth, risk, innovation, and the realities of building and scaling a business. No fluff.

Just practical insight, experience, and the occasional hard-earned lesson that could save someone else a few sleepless nights.

But this isn’t just about business.

It’s about people — their mindset, their resilience, and their willingness to keep moving forward when the path isn’t always obvious.

So whether you’re an entrepreneur, part of a growing SME, an innovator with an idea, or someone simply looking for inspiration from those who have walked the path before you, you’re in the right place.

This is In the Spotlight.

Let’s get started.

]]>https://maxcene.loveable.appRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 11:05:09 GMTWed, 04 Mar 2026 00:38:15 GMT60Maxcene Quirke<p><b>Podcast Introduction – <i>In the Spotlight</i></b></p><p>Welcome to <i>In the Spotlight</i>, the podcast that shines a light on the entrepreneurs, SMEs, and innovators who are quietly — and sometimes loudly — reshaping the way we do business.</p><p></p><p>I’m your host, Maxcene Quirke.</p><p>For over three decades I’ve worked alongside organisations, suppliers, and leaders across industries, and one thing has become very clear: the most powerful ideas don’t always come from the biggest companies.</p><p></p><p>They come from people with courage, curiosity, and the determination to build something that solves a real problem.</p><p></p><p>This podcast is about those people.</p><p></p><p>In every episode we step behind the business and into the journey. We explore the moments that sparked the idea, the challenges that tested resilience, and the lessons learned along the way — the ones you don’t always read about in the headlines.</p><p></p><p>We’ll hear from founders, innovators, and leaders operating in specialist niches, proving that sometimes the most powerful businesses are built not by doing everything, but by doing one thing exceptionally well.</p><p>You’ll hear honest conversations about growth, risk, innovation, and the realities of building and scaling a business. No fluff.</p><p></p><p>Just practical insight, experience, and the occasional hard-earned lesson that could save someone else a few sleepless nights.</p><p>But this isn’t just about business.</p><p></p><p>It’s about people — their mindset, their resilience, and their willingness to keep moving forward when the path isn’t always obvious.</p><p></p><p>So whether you’re an entrepreneur, part of a growing SME, an innovator with an idea, or someone simply looking for inspiration from those who have walked the path before you, you’re in the right place.</p><p>This is <i>In the Spotlight</i>.</p><p>Let’s get started.</p>episodicMaxcene Quirkemaxcenec@mcfmglobal.comno<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Kevin Crawford pt2]]>The conversation delves into the impact of self-neglect on health and work, highlighting the consequences of prioritizing business over personal well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of a forced pause for reflection, leading to a reevaluation of priorities and work-life balance.

Takeaways

  • Self-neglect impact
  • Forced pause for reflection

Chapters

  • 00:00 Forced Pause for Reflection
]]>c01241f6-c13d-4a9e-a3cb-91c6cb78e42fTue, 19 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the impact of self-neglect on health and work, highlighting the consequences of prioritizing business over personal well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of a forced pause for reflection, leading to a reevaluation of priorities and work-life balance.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Self-neglect impact</li><li>Forced pause for reflection</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Forced Pause for Reflection</li></ul>no00:27:1528In the Spotlight with Kevin Crawford pt2full<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Kevin Crawford pt1]]>Kevin reflects on a pivotal moment in his life when a back operation forced him to take notice of the challenges and reflect on his direction. This experience was game-changing and led to a significant shift in his perspective and plans.

Takeaways

  • Forced to take notice
  • Game-changing experience

Chapters

  • 00:00 Forced to Take Notice
]]>c832a7ba-2a32-4c76-ae62-6ade55f27247Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Kevin reflects on a pivotal moment in his life when a back operation forced him to take notice of the challenges and reflect on his direction. This experience was game-changing and led to a significant shift in his perspective and plans.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Forced to take notice</li><li>Game-changing experience</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Forced to Take Notice</li></ul>no00:43:1128In the Spotlight with Kevin Crawford pt1full<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Bill Karidias]]>Bill Karidias, CEO of Spartan Equipment, shares the history and evolution of the compact construction equipment industry, as well as his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced. He emphasises the importance of understanding the market, knowing your numbers, and putting the client's needs first. The conversation delves into the importance of ethical business practices, the law of reciprocity, and the impact of technology on the construction industry. It also highlights the significance of preventive maintenance and the need for a shift in mindset towards long-term planning and discipline.

Takeaways

  • Market Understanding
  • Know Your Numbers
  • Client-Centric Approach Ethical business practices and genuine concern for clients lead to long-term success.
  • The construction industry is evolving, and there is a need for a shift in mindset towards long-term planning and discipline.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Spartan Equipment
  • 06:17 The Impact of Attachments on the Industry
  • 17:03 Navigating Industry Changes and Financial Challenges
  • 32:25 Client-Centric Approach and Business Success
  • 44:26 Ethical Business Practices and Client-Centric Approach
  • 52:04 Future Plans and Product Innovation
  • 57:36 Work-Life Balance and Personal Health
  • 01:05:26 Career Advice for Young Entrepreneurs in Construction
  • 01:16:25 The Shift Towards Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Planning
]]>829877f1-e47d-473e-ab4d-28bd50759f1aTue, 05 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p>Bill Karidias, CEO of Spartan Equipment, shares the history and evolution of the compact construction equipment industry, as well as his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced. He emphasises the importance of understanding the market, knowing your numbers, and putting the client's needs first. The conversation delves into the importance of ethical business practices, the law of reciprocity, and the impact of technology on the construction industry. It also highlights the significance of preventive maintenance and the need for a shift in mindset towards long-term planning and discipline.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Market Understanding</li><li>Know Your Numbers</li><li>Client-Centric Approach Ethical business practices and genuine concern for clients lead to long-term success.</li><li>The construction industry is evolving, and there is a need for a shift in mindset towards long-term planning and discipline.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Spartan Equipment</li><li>06:17 The Impact of Attachments on the Industry</li><li>17:03 Navigating Industry Changes and Financial Challenges</li><li>32:25 Client-Centric Approach and Business Success</li><li>44:26 Ethical Business Practices and Client-Centric Approach</li><li>52:04 Future Plans and Product Innovation</li><li>57:36 Work-Life Balance and Personal Health</li><li>01:05:26 Career Advice for Young Entrepreneurs in Construction</li><li>01:16:25 The Shift Towards Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Planning</li></ul>no01:14:1327In the Spotlight with Bill Karidiasfull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Dame Julia Qian]]>Julia Qian, the Chief Financial Officer of a Health in Tech NASDAQ traded company, shares insights on finance, technology, and healthcare innovation. She discusses the company's mission to simplify healthcare insurance for small businesses and the impact of AI and technology on the industry. Julia emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams and maintaining work-life harmony.

Takeaways

  • Healthcare innovation
  • AI and technology impact
  • Pursuing dreams
  • Work-life harmony

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration
  • 08:19 End-to-End Facilities Management
  • 16:14 Overcoming Challenges and Mindset
  • 25:19 Work-Life Harmony and Innovation
  • 36:03 The Future of AI and Technology
]]>2b91d333-17e0-40f7-b360-563c2e1f6e7eTue, 28 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Julia Qian, the Chief Financial Officer of a Health in Tech NASDAQ traded company, shares insights on finance, technology, and healthcare innovation. She discusses the company's mission to simplify healthcare insurance for small businesses and the impact of AI and technology on the industry. Julia emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams and maintaining work-life harmony.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Healthcare innovation</li><li>AI and technology impact</li><li>Pursuing dreams</li><li>Work-life harmony</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Inspiration</li><li>08:19 End-to-End Facilities Management</li><li>16:14 Overcoming Challenges and Mindset</li><li>25:19 Work-Life Harmony and Innovation</li><li>36:03 The Future of AI and Technology</li></ul>no00:38:4426In the Spotlight with Dame Julia Qianfull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Sir Tim Johnson]]>Sir Tim Johnson shares his entrepreneurial journey in the healthcare and insurance industry, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and innovation. He discusses the challenges of starting and growing multiple companies, the impact of technology on healthcare, and the need for work-life harmony. Tim's journey is a testament to the power of finding one's 'cupcake' and pursuing it with determination and patience.

Takeaways

  • Perseverance and innovation are key to entrepreneurial success.
  • Finding one's 'cupcake' (passion and purpose) is essential for fulfillment and success.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Cupcake Story and Purpose
]]>ed5e256f-c44c-49d2-9494-cb7c5d1e9985Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>Sir Tim Johnson shares his entrepreneurial journey in the healthcare and insurance industry, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and innovation. He discusses the challenges of starting and growing multiple companies, the impact of technology on healthcare, and the need for work-life harmony. Tim's journey is a testament to the power of finding one's 'cupcake' and pursuing it with determination and patience.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Perseverance and innovation are key to entrepreneurial success.</li><li>Finding one's 'cupcake' (passion and purpose) is essential for fulfillment and success.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Cupcake Story and Purpose</li></ul>no00:32:5025In the Spotlight with Sir Tim Johnsonfull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Rod Miller]]>In this episode, Roderick Miller, Head of Workplace Operations for UK TV, shares his journey into the world of facilities management, the challenges he faced, and the impact of technology on the industry. He also discusses the importance of mentorship and the need for data-driven decisions in the workplace. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to facilities management, including the role of AI, talent retention, supply chain management, gender representation, and social impact. Rod emphasizes the importance of human-centric workplaces, the need for inclusivity, and the value of staying curious and never stop learning. He also discusses the future of the FM industry and the importance of creating conditions where people can thrive.

Takeaways

  • Facilities Management (FM) is a diverse and inclusive industry that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.
  • The implementation of AI and connected technology in FM has a significant impact on streamlining workflows, automating systems, and improving sustainability. AI as a tool, not an enemy
  • Importance of human-centric workplaces
  • Inclusivity and representation in FM
  • Staying curious and never stop learning
  • Creating conditions for people to thrive

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Facilities Management
  • 05:42 Challenges and Resilience in FM
  • 13:28 Leadership and Diversity in FM
  • 22:46 Mentorship and Personal Growth
  • 31:50 Impact of AI and Technology in FM
  • 37:05 AI as a Tool, Not an Enemy
  • 44:52 Adapting Operations for Fluctuated Occupancy and Remote Support
  • 51:20 Improving Gender Representation in FM
  • 56:26 Raising Awareness of Facilities Management
  • 01:09:14 Future of the FM Industry
]]>6be2c3ed-79c9-4b98-86b6-9e37332d0ab5Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:30:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Roderick Miller, Head of Workplace Operations for UK TV, shares his journey into the world of facilities management, the challenges he faced, and the impact of technology on the industry. He also discusses the importance of mentorship and the need for data-driven decisions in the workplace. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to facilities management, including the role of AI, talent retention, supply chain management, gender representation, and social impact. Rod emphasizes the importance of human-centric workplaces, the need for inclusivity, and the value of staying curious and never stop learning. He also discusses the future of the FM industry and the importance of creating conditions where people can thrive.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Facilities Management (FM) is a diverse and inclusive industry that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.</li><li>The implementation of AI and connected technology in FM has a significant impact on streamlining workflows, automating systems, and improving sustainability. AI as a tool, not an enemy</li><li>Importance of human-centric workplaces</li><li>Inclusivity and representation in FM</li><li>Staying curious and never stop learning</li><li>Creating conditions for people to thrive</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Facilities Management</li><li>05:42 Challenges and Resilience in FM</li><li>13:28 Leadership and Diversity in FM</li><li>22:46 Mentorship and Personal Growth</li><li>31:50 Impact of AI and Technology in FM</li><li>37:05 AI as a Tool, Not an Enemy</li><li>44:52 Adapting Operations for Fluctuated Occupancy and Remote Support</li><li>51:20 Improving Gender Representation in FM</li><li>56:26 Raising Awareness of Facilities Management</li><li>01:09:14 Future of the FM Industry</li></ul>no01:06:3622In the Spotlight with Rod Millerfull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with David B Horne]]>The conversation with David Horne covers his journey as an entrepreneur, challenges faced by female founders in accessing venture capital funding, the expansion of his business to support female-founded businesses, the impact of gender bias in investment, the performance of female-founded businesses, creating a new holding and raising capital, sustainability, global expansion, work-life harmony, advice for entrepreneurs, influential resources, and a conclusion.

Takeaways

  • Female founders face challenges in accessing venture capital funding
  • The importance of taking ideas to the market for testing and validation

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Journey of an Entrepreneur
  • 06:06 Expanding Business and Supporting Female-Founded Businesses
  • 13:06 Creating a New Holding and Raising Capital
  • 21:13 Sustainability and Global Expansion
  • 30:15 Influential Resources and Conclusion
]]>afc8ecd0-7805-4833-9c50-fcb4d2313055Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation with David Horne covers his journey as an entrepreneur, challenges faced by female founders in accessing venture capital funding, the expansion of his business to support female-founded businesses, the impact of gender bias in investment, the performance of female-founded businesses, creating a new holding and raising capital, sustainability, global expansion, work-life harmony, advice for entrepreneurs, influential resources, and a conclusion.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Female founders face challenges in accessing venture capital funding</li><li>The importance of taking ideas to the market for testing and validation</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Journey of an Entrepreneur</li><li>06:06 Expanding Business and Supporting Female-Founded Businesses</li><li>13:06 Creating a New Holding and Raising Capital</li><li>21:13 Sustainability and Global Expansion</li><li>30:15 Influential Resources and Conclusion</li></ul>no00:30:3924In the Spotlight with David B Hornefull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Sleepdust Productions]]>The conversation delves into the journey of two young entrepreneurs and their production company, Sleep Dust Productions. I

It explores their inspiration, challenges, pivotal moments, success stories, and the vision for their company's growth. The entrepreneurs share insights on work-life harmony, influential advice, and impactful resources that have shaped their entrepreneurial journey.

The conversation delves into the themes of belief, audacity, and taking action, emphasising the importance of putting oneself out there and tailoring one's vision to the audience while staying true to oneself.

It also explores the relatability of grief and big changes to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, highlighting the significance of hope and belief in the best of people, as well as the journey of self-evolution and personal growth.

Takeaways

  • Entrepreneurial Inspiration
  • Navigating Challenges Believe in your idea and be audacious
  • Put yourself out there and take action
  • Tailor your vision to your audience while keeping it true to yourself
  • Grief and big changes are relatable to Gen Z and Gen Alpha
  • The importance of hope and belief in the best of people
  • The journey of self-evolution and personal growth

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Sleep Dust Productions
  • 06:26 Pivotal Moments in the Journey
  • 12:26 Growing and Scaling the Production Company
  • 28:39 Work-Life Harmony
  • 49:33 Grief, Hope, and Personal Growth
  • 56:05 Taking Action and Tailoring Your Vision
]]>624349e0-139a-4dcc-b14a-bafb20ef2f1eTue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the journey of two young entrepreneurs and their production company, Sleep Dust Productions. I</p><p></p><p>It explores their inspiration, challenges, pivotal moments, success stories, and the vision for their company's growth. The entrepreneurs share insights on work-life harmony, influential advice, and impactful resources that have shaped their entrepreneurial journey.</p><p></p><p>The conversation delves into the themes of belief, audacity, and taking action, emphasising the importance of putting oneself out there and tailoring one's vision to the audience while staying true to oneself.</p><p></p><p>It also explores the relatability of grief and big changes to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, highlighting the significance of hope and belief in the best of people, as well as the journey of self-evolution and personal growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Entrepreneurial Inspiration</li><li>Navigating Challenges Believe in your idea and be audacious</li><li>Put yourself out there and take action</li><li>Tailor your vision to your audience while keeping it true to yourself</li><li>Grief and big changes are relatable to Gen Z and Gen Alpha</li><li>The importance of hope and belief in the best of people</li><li>The journey of self-evolution and personal growth</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Sleep Dust Productions</li><li>06:26 Pivotal Moments in the Journey</li><li>12:26 Growing and Scaling the Production Company</li><li>28:39 Work-Life Harmony</li><li>49:33 Grief, Hope, and Personal Growth</li><li>56:05 Taking Action and Tailoring Your Vision</li></ul>no00:49:2523In the Spotlight with Sleepdust Productionsfull<![CDATA[In the Spotlight with Jason Graystone]]>Jason Graystone shares his journey to financial independence, the challenges and risks in trading, the founding of Graystone Education, advice for entrepreneurs, risk management in trading, trading strategies and news impact, work-life balance and freedom, influential resources, and final words of wisdom.

Takeaways

  • Financial independence through entrepreneurship
  • Risk management is key in trading

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Journey to Financial Independence
  • 10:11 Graystone Education and Entrepreneurship
  • 17:42 Risk Management in Trading
  • 23:22 Work-Life Balance and Freedom
  • 29:01 Final Words of Wisdom
]]>5c2eccb6-1b6d-416b-81de-2ea0c139cd17Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:30:48 GMT<p>Jason Graystone shares his journey to financial independence, the challenges and risks in trading, the founding of Graystone Education, advice for entrepreneurs, risk management in trading, trading strategies and news impact, work-life balance and freedom, influential resources, and final words of wisdom.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Financial independence through entrepreneurship</li><li>Risk management is key in trading</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Journey to Financial Independence</li><li>10:11 Graystone Education and Entrepreneurship</li><li>17:42 Risk Management in Trading</li><li>23:22 Work-Life Balance and Freedom</li><li>29:01 Final Words of Wisdom</li></ul>no00:28:5921In the Spotlight with Jason Graystonefull