AI is moving from tool to teammate, and that changes what leadership looks like inside an SME.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene speaks with Rahan Arif, a seasoned entrepreneur and transformation leader with nearly two decades at the forefront of digital disruption. Rahan has built and scaled product organisations across cloud, low code, automation, and AI, delivering platforms that have reshaped how enterprises operate. Now, as a founder at BossUp, he is focused on the Agent Boss economy and what it takes to build an AI collaborative future.

Rahan cuts through the noise and gets practical:

• What agentic AI actually means and why it is the next big shift
• Why SMEs often freeze when tech moves fast, and how to move anyway
• How to lead AI agents with the right guardrails and accountability
• A real example of using agents to plan and execute work end to end, using a marketing campaign

This episode is essential for SME founders, leaders, and managers who want to use AI to move faster without losing control. It is also for operators who are responsible for delivery, growth, or customer experience and need a clear way to turn AI into practical outcomes.

🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.

Like what you hear? We’d love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 More platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the SME, host Adam Kene sits down with Evgeny Shadchnev, founder of Makers and one of the UK’s most respected voices on founder-to-CEO transitions, to unpack the real journey of building, scaling and ultimately stepping away from a high-growth startup.

Evgeny shares how his background in computer science and early career as a software developer led him to spot a major gap between academia and industry - sparking the creation of Makers, a pioneering coding bootcamp that helped thousands of career switchers break into tech. He talks candidly about finding product-market fit, evolving the business model, and scaling from a scrappy startup to a 60+ person organisation working with major corporates like Deloitte.

The conversation goes deep into the realities of leadership: chaotic early culture, self-set salaries, hiring mistakes, and the difficult moment when early team members stop being the right fit. Evgeny unpacks why the skills that make you a great founder don’t always make you a great CEO, and how to recognise when you might be becoming the bottleneck in your own business.

We also explore CEO transitions, stepping aside with intention, emotional maturity in leadership, and why self-awareness is a non-negotiable skill for founders. Finally, Evgeny shares his perspective on AI-first businesses, zero-based thinking, and why the Netflix vs Blockbuster story is a warning every leader should take seriously.

💡 Highlights include:

• Building Makers and finding product-market fit in the bootcamp space
• Scaling from 0 to 65 people and navigating the chaos-to-structure journey
• When early team members outgrow their roles (and how to handle it well)
• Founder vs CEO: why the skill sets are often very different
• How to have difficult conversations with empathy, not ego
• Recognising when it might be time to step aside as CEO
• The emotional impact of leadership and why self-awareness is critical
• AI-first vs AI-supported businesses: lessons from Netflix and Blockbuster
• Zero-based thinking and preparing your business for an AI-driven future

If you’re a founder, CEO, or leader wrestling with growth, culture, strategy, or the question “am I still the right person for this job?” this episode will challenge, reassure and inspire you in equal measure.

🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.

Like what you hear? We’d love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 More platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the SME, host Adam Kene speaks with Leanne Maskell - author, coach, and Director at ADHD Works - about her remarkable journey from international modelling and severe mental health struggles to becoming a global voice for neurodivergent empowerment and workplace inclusion.

Leanne shares how receiving an ADHD diagnosis transformed her life and career, leading her to build the UK’s first CPD-certified ADHD coaching qualification and train more than 600 ADHD and autism coaches worldwide. She opens up about living with a brain that never switches off, writing five books by the age of 33 (all best-sellers), and redefining success by embracing, rather than fighting, her neurodivergence.

💡 Highlights include:

• The lived experience of ADHD: hyper-focus, overwhelm & the “interest-based nervous system”
• Turning personal crisis into purpose and global impact
• How leaders can better manage and support neurodivergent talent
• Creating structure and systems to unlock the zone of genius
• Why understanding ADHD, not correcting it, unlocks performance

If you’re a leader, founder, manager or parent wanting to better understand neurodiversity or harness ADHD as a superpower, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 More platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if public safety could be crowdsourced and improved with the power of AI?

In this episode of Behind the SME, host Adam Kene speaks with Michael Houghton - entrepreneur and co-founder of Community Wolf - about his journey from corporate engineering to building a mission-led startup tackling public safety challenges in South Africa.

They discuss the lessons learned from navigating early career pivots, embracing naivety while building expertise, and creating a platform that empowers communities to participate in safety reporting through WhatsApp and AI tools.

💡 Highlights include:

• How curiosity, obsession, and “happy buckets” guide entrepreneurial decisions
• The journey from corporate engineering to mission-led entrepreneurship
• Building trust at scale while crowdsourcing sensitive public safety data
• Turning mission-first thinking into a sustainable business model
• Lessons in leadership, risk-taking, and learning through discomfort

If you’re a founder, leader, or innovator looking to solve real-world problems and build a mission-driven business, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories, insights, and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could see disruption coming and turn it into opportunity?

In this episode of Behind the SME, host Adam Kene, speaks with Athena Peppes — futurist, economist, and former Accenture strategist — about how small and medium-sized businesses can use foresight to anticipate change, build resilience, and stay ahead in a world of constant disruption.

They break down practical ways to “look to the horizon” without losing sight of today’s priorities, from horizon-scanning and team signal alerts to scenario planning and AI readiness.

💡 Highlights include:

• What “foresight” really means and how to apply it inside an SME
• How to run horizon-scanning sessions with your team
• Turning future risks into opportunities
• Building AI literacy and avoiding common leadership blind spots
• Why continuous learning (not prediction) is the real competitive edge

If you’re a founder, leader, or strategist who’s too busy fighting fires to think long-term, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Behind the SME is hosted by Adam Kene, CEO of Kene, exploring the real stories, insights, and lessons from the entrepreneurs and leaders powering the UK’s SME economy.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From turning a £5 million turnaround story into a £2.2 billion exit to steering a travel brand through the chaos of COVID, Mike Jones has built a career on turning complexity into clarity through technology, leadership and curiosity.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Mike shares 30 years of lessons in scaling fast-moving businesses, rebuilding teams under pressure and creating cultures where innovation thrives.

He talks about why growth doesn’t come from control but from empowering experts, how he rebuilt a company from the inside out during lockdown, and why “weaponising your weirdness” might just be the key to thriving in the age of AI.

🔎 You’ll learn:

• How a failing business became a multi-billion-pound success story
• What it takes to lead through crisis and change
• How to turn a traditional company into a technology-driven one
• Why autonomy and curiosity drive real growth
• How AI can become your thinking partner, not your replacement

Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or exploring how AI can sharpen your edge, this episode is full of practical wisdom and candid stories from a technologist who’s built, rebuilt, and reimagined success more than once.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From navigating self-doubt at breakfast in a room full of technical jargon, to earning respect and building trust as a new face in the factory, Nicole shares how humility, curiosity, and grit have shaped her leadership journey.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Nicole unpacks how “knowing nothing” became her secret weapon, why the act of asking “why?” matters more than knowing the answer, and how she’s championing change across both her business and the global print industry.

🔎 We cover:

• How starting as an outsider became a surprising leadership advantage
• Lessons from the hardest moments: admitting ignorance and embracing vulnerability
• Why curiosity (and the Ted Lasso credo: be curious, not judgmental) is a leadership superpower
• Changing perceptions: how print shapes daily life more than we realise
• Creating opportunities when none exist, and stepping into them

Whether you’re leading a team, trying to be more authentic at work, or just looking for ways to turn uncertainty into strength, this episode is full of real stories, honesty, and leadership wisdom from someone who’s learned it all the hard way.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From redefining psychological safety as a strategic advantage, to exposing why leader well-being is the single biggest predictor of business performance, Steve brings a refreshingly human perspective to the future of work.

In this episode of Behind the SME, we dive into why culture can’t be fixed with a “10-step plan,” how managers “set the weather” inside organisations, and why recovery, rest, and authenticity matter more than ever in high-performing teams.

🔎 We cover:

• The science of psychological safety and how it fuels creativity and collaboration
• Why leader burnout quietly destroys performance across entire organisations
• The overlooked power of managers and why they impact mental health more than therapists
• Why rest and recovery are not luxuries, but the foundation of sustainable performance
• How embracing authenticity transforms leaders and teams

Whether you’re scaling a startup, leading a team, or rethinking your own role at work, this episode is full of practical insights, hard truths, and inspiration for building cultures where people truly thrive.

📌 Useful links from this episode

🌐 Steve's website: https://www.steveperalta.co/

💡 Unmind: https://unmind.com/

🔗 Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peraltasteve/

✍️ Read his Substack: https://substack.com/@steveperalta

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From helping startups transform Tupperware-box prototypes into world-ready products, to guiding 800+ SMEs a year through automation, funding, and growth - the MTC is quietly powering some of the UK’s most exciting manufacturing success stories.

In this episode of Behind the SME, we go inside the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to explore how the MTC is helping close the UK’s productivity gap. Steve shares what SMEs get wrong about innovation, why adoption beats invention, and how they’re making advanced tech like robotics and 3D printing more accessible than ever before.

🔎 We cover:

• Why the UK lags in automation - and what to do about it
• The funding, tools, and partnerships most SMEs don’t know exist
• Real stories of transformation, from heritage equipment to high-tech lines

Whether you’re a founder, a manufacturer, or just curious about the future of UK industry, this episode is packed with insight, energy and practical advice.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From building a thriving soft play business while raising two small children, to leading the UK arm of a digital marketing company, Erika Robinson’s career has been shaped by curiosity, grit and a love for small business.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Erika shares how she balanced entrepreneurship with motherhood, what she's learned from scaling two very different ventures, and how she’s building Constant Contact’s UK presence from the ground up - with a strategy rooted in product-market fit, data, and unwavering support for SMEs.

🔎 We cover:

• What it really takes to grow a new market inside a global brand
• How AI is transforming opportunities for small businesses
• The mindset shift that helped Erika thrive in both roles

Whether you're scaling a startup or navigating a new leadership challenge, Erika’s story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and backing yourself.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From knocking on doors as a sales rep to helping leaders own global stages, Alex Merry’s journey is rooted in storytelling, tenacity and a mission to make ideas worth sharing truly heard.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Alex reunites with host Adam Kene – his former door-to-door sales partner – to unpack how those early sales days laid the groundwork for his career in public speaking, what it really takes to move people with words, and how he's helping business leaders uncover their message and deliver it with impact.

🔎 We cover:

• The humble beginnings that shaped Alex’s confidence and resilience
• Building TEDxClapham from scratch – and why he fought so hard to do it
• Why public speaking is about change, not ego
• The art of finding your “why" including a live coaching demo with our host, Adam
• Growing a standout presence on LinkedIn through authentic content and bold strategy
• How AI is reshaping thought leadership (and what to do about it)

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply someone with a story to tell, this episode will get you thinking about your message – and how to make it matter.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From climbing the corporate ladder to launching two purpose-led businesses, Lyndsay Mason’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention and relentless curiosity.

In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Lyndsay to hear how growing up in an entrepreneurial household shaped her ambitions, why she walked away from a high-flying corporate career after burning out, and what it really took to build For The Creators — while navigating pregnancy, identity shifts and self-doubt.

🔎 We cover:

• The burnout that sparked a radical life change
• Losing and rebuilding confidence as a pregnant founder
• The gap in the market that inspired For The Creators
• Lyndsay’s honest take on brand-building in today’s market

Whether you're a founder, a mother or someone seeking clarity in your career, Lyndsay’s story is a powerful reminder that the best ideas often come from lived experience.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

📩 Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

🌐 Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Dyson engineer to launching his own design studio, Tom Parsons has always believed great products come from asking the right questions.

In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tom, Founder of Aetha Design, to explore what it takes to build a purpose-led product agency, why simplicity wins, and how his love for nature inspires his work.

🔎 We cover:

• Turning engineering challenges into elegant solutions
• Lessons from working at Dyson and launching Aetha
• How sustainability drives design decisions
• Balancing creativity with commercial thinking

Whether you’re designing a physical product or building a service, Tom’s approach to clarity, craft, and client collaboration is full of insight.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a consultancy puts people before process — and still delivers world-class outcomes?

In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tom Kennard, co-founder and CEO of Pragma Holis, a strategic consultancy that's rethinking how businesses approach transformation. With a background that spans the public and private sectors, Tom brings a fresh, systems-led approach to helping organisations become more adaptable, regenerative, and truly human-centric.

From working with grants, to guiding clients through complex change with clarity and purpose, Tom shares the mindset and methods that have shaped his journey — and his company’s mission.

We cover:

🌱 Why “human-first” isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a business imperative

🗣️ Using simple language instead of technical jargon to help build a better team

📈 Running a business with confidence

🤝 The purpose of grants and their importance

If you're a founder, leader, or changemaker curious about doing business differently — and better — this episode is for you.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the SME with George Hosegood, Founder & Director at Trailpoint.

What does it really take to build a successful business – and what happens when you do things differently from the start?

In this episode of Behind the SME, we speak with George Hosegood, a serial entrepreneur who co-founded Turvec, a leader in active travel infrastructure, before launching Trailpoint – a company acquiring and growing digital agencies with long-term vision and quality at its core. George shares how his journey from cycle parking systems to agency roll-ups has shaped a refreshingly honest approach to entrepreneurship.

Whether you're a founder looking to scale, exit, or rethink your strategy altogether, George offers sharp insight into what matters most – and what’s often overlooked – in the process of building businesses that last.

We cover:

🚲 Starting a business with zero industry experience

📈 How he learned to sell (badly, then better)

👥 The power of hiring and growing talent from within

🧠 Why a business coach made all the difference during the tough years

📉 When it's time to move on—and how to do it right

If you’ve ever questioned the standard playbook for success, this episode will challenge your assumptions – and give you a new one.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a high-performing sales team – and how can SMEs build one?

In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Stuart Lotherington, Managing Director of SBR Consulting, a specialist consultancy focused on developing world-class sales capabilities for businesses of all sizes. With decades of experience in sales leadership and transformation, Stuart shares how SMEs can take a strategic approach to selling – moving from reactive to proactive, and from instinct-led to insight-driven. Whether you're the founder, the first sales hire, or managing a growing team, Stuart offers practical frameworks and fresh perspective.

🎙️ In this episode we cover:

• How everyone has the ability to be a sales person
• Sales as a discipline
• A multitude of practical methods and theories that will take your sales approach to the next level

If you're serious about scaling your business through sales, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you skip the corporate ladder and go straight into starting your own company?

In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Will Newland, founder and MD of SoBold, a high-performance WordPress agency working with enterprise clients across healthcare, finance, real estate, and SaaS.

Straight out of university, Will spotted a problem in the way websites were being built – and decided to fix it himself. Over the last 10 years, he’s grown SoBold into a 20-person team, turning a scrappy solo operation into a profitable, high-performing agency.

🎙️ In this episode, we cover:

• How Will went from helping friends with social media to running a full-scale dev agency
• The power (and pain) of bootstrapping a service business
• Why solo founders often face burnout – and how to avoid it
• When and how to invest in your website if you’re an SME
• His take on AI, scalability and future-proofing digital platforms

Whether you're a founder, creative, or SME leader, this one's packed with hard-earned lessons and practical advice from someone who's built it from the ground up.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a business that stands the test of time? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Tim Gray, the driving force behind Dairi-Pak, to explore how he’s shaping the future of sustainable packaging.

Tim has spent decades navigating the evolving landscape of manufacturing, steering Dairi-Pak through industry shifts and changing consumer demands. Now, his company is at the forefront of providing flexible, sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of businesses today.

💡 What you’ll learn:

📦 Adapting a legacy business – how Tim keeps Dairi-Pak ahead of the curve

📈 Leadership lessons – growing a business through industry change

🚪 The power of doorknocking – how early sales experience shaped Tim’s leadership

💡 Innovation vs tradition – balancing progress with core values

Whether you're in manufacturing, business leadership, or just fascinated by innovation in everyday industries, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Find us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn years of industry expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Arabella Dupont, former Conde Nast Brides editor turned entrepreneur, to uncover the journey of launching and growing The Bridal Beauty Co.

Arabella spent over a decade in luxury magazines, curating the best in bridal beauty before taking the leap to create her own brand. Now, her business offers curated beauty boxes and bridal gifts, catering to women beyond just the wedding day.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• 📖 From editorial to entrepreneurship – how Arabella made the transition
• 🎁 Building a beauty brand – lessons in product curation and audience engagement
• 📈 Navigating change – how she adapted her business beyond live events
• 🔥 The reality of launching and scaling a niche business

Whether you’re a beauty lover, a founder, or someone looking to pivot your career, this episode is packed with real insights on brand-building, resilience and making your expertise work for you.

Like what you hear? We'd love to know!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a senior banking leader transitions from global finance to advising SMEs? In this episode of Behind the SME, we sit down with Jonathan Beebe, a former Barclays and Merrill Lynch executive who now serves as an advisor, investor, and non-exec across multiple businesses.

Jonathan shares his unique perspective on the SME world—offering insights from both big corporations and hands-on SME leadership. He unpacks the key lessons business owners need to know when seeking investment, managing advisors, and making the shift from founder-led to a scalable company.

What you'll learn:

• 📊 Investment insights: What investors really look for in SMEs
• 💰 Funding alignment: Why the wrong investment partner can hurt your business
• ⚖️ Corporate vs. SME leadership: How decision-making, agility, and resources compare
• 🤝 The role of advisors: How to leverage non-execs and boards effectively
• 🔄 Pivoting & adapting: Why flexibility is key in business strategy

If you're a founder, business leader, or thinking about raising investment, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate growth, funding and leadership.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Niama El Bassunie, a trailblazing entrepreneur who built and exited a successful B2B marketplace in Africa and is now backing the next generation of founders at Baobab Network.

Niama shares her journey — from starting WaystoCap, navigating the challenges of scaling a cross-border trade platform in Africa, and ultimately exiting the business. She also unpacks the realities of raising capital in emerging markets, building trust in digital commerce, and why having a strong "why" is the key to resilience.

What you’ll learn:

• 🌍 How to scale a business in challenging and emerging markets
• 📈 Lessons from raising capital—including the realities of securing investment in Africa
• 🔥 Why founder mindset and resilience matter more than the original business model
• 🚀 The role of accelerators like Y Combinator and how they impact scaling
• 💡 How Baobab Network is investing in 1,000 African startups over the next decade

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor or business leader looking for real, hard-earned insights on growth, fundraising and exiting a business, this episode is for you.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene sits down with Jordan Relfe, Co-founder of Lifeproven, to explore the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven business in the real estate sector. From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship to embedding ESG principles in the property industry, Jordan shares candid lessons on resilience, leadership and finding your "why."

Key takeaways include:

• 🔑 The importance of having a strong personal and professional purpose
• 🌱 How ESG and sustainability are reshaping the real estate landscape
• 💡 Lessons in building a business culture centred on ownership, communication and values

If you're a founder, leader or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you on your journey. Give it a listen!

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Behind the SME, Adam Kene is joined by Sage Lakhani, COO of Kene, whose career journey has taken her from working at PwC to leading high-performing teams in the SME space. As a Chartered Tax Adviser, Sage brings deep expertise in tax solutions, process optimisation, and team management, paired with a passion for building strong client relationships.

Tune in as Sage shares:

• 🔑 How a COO bridges the gap between vision and execution in SMEs
• 🌱 The importance of embedding values into team culture and daily operations
• 🛠 Practical advice for managing teams, fostering trust and aligning goals

Whether you're managing a team, thinking about hiring a COO, or just looking to refine your operations, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can apply today.

🎧 Join us for an inspiring discussion packed with actionable insights to help you refine your leadership and strategy.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect with us on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

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In this episode, Adam Kene speaks with John Wyer, Founder and Co-owner of Bowles & Wyer, about his 30+ years of experience leading a successful landscape design and build business.

John reflects on navigating crises, redefining business identity, and the powerful role of culture in driving growth. From battling financial challenges to creating a purpose-driven, values-led organization, John’s journey offers invaluable lessons for SME leaders.

Tune in for insights on:

• Building resilience during tough times
• The importance of aligning values with client relationships
• Why culture is the ultimate driver of business success

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a business that thrives through purpose and alignment. 🎙️

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

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In this episode, Hugo and Rupert, co-founders of the AI-powered marketing tech platform Pockla, share their entrepreneurial journey. They dive into the importance of deeply understanding customer needs through discovery calls, rather than focusing solely on product-building.

They also discuss simplifying business hypotheses and objectively testing them based on customer feedback. The duo reflects on their experience with fundraising, emphasising the importance of building long-term relationships with investors and tailoring pitches to their perspective.

As close friends and co-founders, they talk about the value of open communication, handling tough conversations, and maintaining trust. A very candid convo packed with insights on product development, raising capital, and navigating the co-founder relationship. 

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

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Join us as we unpack these economic shifts and share practical insights on how SME leaders can adapt, manage rising costs, and continue thriving in a changing landscape.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

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In this episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Roei, who founded his first successful tech company at just 15 years old, scaling it to 6-million monthly users before being acquired in 2018. Roei shares valuable lessons from his experience, including the critical role of timing in business decisions and the impact of burnout post-acquisition.

Roei's next venture, Connectd, looks at his focus on revenue-first growth and avoiding high cash burn, all while building a positive, purpose-driven work culture. He reveals his hiring strategies, focusing on diversity in management styles and aligning employees with the company’s values to create a flexible, thriving workplace. We also unpack how Roei tackled the tricky “cold start conundrum” for his marketplace by initially offering SaaS tools to generate revenue and attract early-stage startups.

Finally, Roei gets real about the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship and personal life, sharing how journaling and following a healthy lifestyle have helped him maintain focus, avoid burnout, and channel his energy into success.

Contact us: hello@behindthesme.co.uk

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/behind-the-sme

Connect on other platforms: https://linktr.ee/behindthesme

Tune in for key insights on scaling a business, overcoming marketplace challenges, building culture, and managing work-life balance from someone who’s lived it all.

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Our host, Adam Kene, introduces Behind the SME, a podcast designed to provide real, actionable insights for small and medium-sized businesses. Unlike the typical focus on big corporations, this show gets into the nitty-gritty of how SMEs operate on a daily basis.

Adam shares his passion for learning from the experiences of his guests and passing on valuable lessons to help other SMEs grow and avoid common pitfalls. He highlights a key practice in his own business—regular “town hall” meetings—which have been instrumental in keeping the team aligned, reflecting on progress, and communicating upcoming changes.

With practical takeaways at the heart of the podcast, Adam aims to inspire listeners in senior roles at SMEs to take immediate action on the ideas and strategies shared in each episode.

Tune in to go behind the scenes of SME success, where the focus is always on what really works for small and medium businesses.

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