IT’S NOT SO LONELY AT THE TOP

From selling Renault cars to achieving an MBA, there isn't much Paul doesn't know about sales leadership.
Today we interview Paul and here are some of the key subject areas we cover;
Paul's sales journey: Started by cold-calling 18 dealerships, leading to a role at Renault that kickstarted his career.
Current consultancy focus: Providing fractional sales director services addresses core sales challenges with integrated leadership support.
Leadership philosophy: Paul values individual uniqueness and fosters diverse teams by seeking overlooked sales talent and promoting a people-first culture.
Vision and strategy model: Paul uses a simple three-part model to clarify direction, adapt priorities, and keep teams aligned and focused.
Personal purpose: Paul's goal is a happy family life, motivating him to help clients find deeper meaning in their business strategies.
Specialisation dilemma: We question whether AI will favour specialists or those with adaptable, broad skill sets in future job markets.
Join the Community:
Interested in joining Pete and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
 
Your guest today is Paul Umpleby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulumpleby/
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

“You can’t lead others until you learn to lead yourself.”
The challenge continues. In Part Two of this special INSLATT episode, business owner Ian Bridgestock dives even deeper into the architect’s chair, questioning Pete Rushmer on the gritty, often overlooked side of the Performance Trifecta.
If Part One was about the blueprint, Part Two is about the construction. Ian pushes for answers on how the Trifecta survives the "messy middle" of leadership, the moments where strategy hits the reality of human emotion, limiting beliefs, and the exhaustion of the climb.
This is a raw, insider’s look at what it truly takes to master your business by first mastering yourself.
Join the Community:
Interested in joining Ian and other high-performing leaders in the Mastermind? Find out more about how we challenge and support each other at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/mastermind/.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

“Success is never accidental. It requires a roadmap, and you can’t navigate it alone.”
In this special episode of the INSLATT podcast, the tables have turned. Mastermind member and business owner Ian Bridgestock steps into the interviewer’s chair to challenge the architect of the Performance Trifecta. 
Ian isn’t here for a comfortable chat. He’s here to put Pete’s core framework to the test on behalf of every leader who has hit a plateau or felt the weight of the "lonely at the top" trap. If the Performance Trifecta is the "guaranteed" equation for success, Ian wants to know exactly how it holds up under the pressure of real-world business ownership.Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a leader looking for that next level of clarity, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the mechanics of high performance.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.

In this episode we welcome Saran Raj. He is the co-founder of Katana Restaurant.
Saran Raj is a hospitality entrepreneur and operations expert with over 26 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently running multiple hospitality ventures in the UK, including Katana Peterborough, George Inn Oundle, Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington and Ragged Cot in Cotswold. Saran has built his career on operational excellence and strategic growth.
His diverse background includes leading large-scale Head of Catering operations at NHS Trust, managing 200 staff plus and 1,000 daily meals, and worked best restaurants and hotel chain groups around the world including France, Italy, India and United States of America. Saran brings a global perspective to hospitality sector in the UK.
This conversation is not one to miss!
We discuss these key themes;
-Leadership Roots: Grew up in family food business selling hundreds of kilos daily, fostering strong values of human connection.-Career Progression: Cleared family debts by age 24; worked in top restaurants, gaining elite hospitality experience.-Mentorship Influence: Received £15,000 support for hospitality school, shaping his belief in prioritizing attitude over skills in hiring.-Katana Restaurant Launch: Invested over £1 million; aimed for Mayfair-level dining in Peterborough with unique culinary offerings.-Operational Strategy: Focused on building a strong team through structured training, enabling consistent service improvements and success.-Resilience and Balance: Faced personal hardships, emphasized family-first approach, and highlighted discipline as key to sustained success.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.
More information about our guest Saran Raj;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saran-raj-a0409a54/http://srhospitality.com
 
 

2026 is upon us.  As we take down the Christmas Trees and pack the decorations away for another year.  Many of us will have enjoyed our Christmas break.  No what?
How are you going to drive performance and culture in 2026?
What is your strategic outlook for 2026?
What factors are going to affect you this year?
How are you going to respond to overcome them?
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
 
 

2025 has been a tough year for many.  In this episode Pete, with the help of Ian Bridgestock, co-founder of Geek, have a review of their 2025.
The highs and the lows are reviewed and Pete explains why it is important for leaders to reflect on the year that has been to enable them to properly focus on what actions and goals are necessary for the coming year.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
 
 

In this episode what about if everything your been told about success is a lie?
This focuses on how we define success in our lives and businesses as leaders.  How marketing and social conditioning create bias around what success is.  
"What does success look like for you right now?"
"Whose definition am I living?"
"What would I do if I already had enough?"
We also look at the evolution of success into a seasonal model.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
 
 

In this episode we welcome Bevis Moynan.  He is the founder of Magenta Coaching Solutions and helps elite performers transform mindset and develop emotional resilience for lasting success he is a multiple author including recent book Emotional Resilience and Speaker.
Bevis shares his perspectives on coaching, NLP and how to enable high performance, he has worked with elite sportsman and business owners, to enable them to acheive their dreams of success.
This conversation is not one to miss!
We discuss;
-Emotional Resilience
-Leadership
-NLP
-Motivation
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.
More information about our guest Bevis Moynan;
https://www.bevismoynan.com/
https://www.magentacs.co.uk/
 

In this episode we explore accepting what is - redefining success for leaders.
This focuses on resilience and building resilience through acceptance.  We explore; strategic pauses, and applying the PESTLE framework to your business.  As well as understanding how intrinsic and extrinsic goals can impact how you view your performance.
Ensuring we balance goals to manage energy and prevent burnout.
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
Your host is Pete Rushmer - https://www.peterushmer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterushmer/
 
 

In this episode we welcome Joanna Kalmuczak.  She is the founder of JK Mortgages Limited and Jo L'acqua Jewellery.
Joanna shares her perspective on what it really takes to rebuild.
She voices her remarkable journey from starting over in a new country to building two purpose-driven businesses.
 
Joanna forged her own path, launching JK Mortgages to support first-time buyers and developing Jo L’acqua to help women rediscover their confidence and self-worth.
 
Joanna opens up about her experiences overcoming adversity and achieving her success. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience that can be insightful for others disconnected from their true purpose. 
 
We discuss;
-Her business philosophy and remarkable journey
-Corporate career and the systemic barriers she faced
-Formative experiences of growing up with her Grandparents
-Crisis management and personal resilience
-Leadership and empowerment of women
-Joanna's 3 pillar framework for success
 
ABOUT
🎙️ The INSLATT Podcast – It’s Not So Lonely At The Top
Running a business can feel like steering a ship through choppy seas… and sometimes, the captain’s chair gets lonely. That’s why the INSLATT Podcast exists — to bring together bold, brilliant business leaders who get it.
Whether you’re leading a growing team, managing risk, or simply carrying the weight of high-stakes decisions, this podcast is your safe harbour. Every episode dives into honest, energising conversations with business owners and performance experts who’ve been there, done it, and got the T-shirt.
🎧 Why Listen?
Learn from real-world stories and leadership lessons that don’t make it into the textbooks.
Discover practical tools to lead with purpose, clarity and momentum.
Explore topics like performance, mindset, wellbeing, risk, resilience motivation, and culture — all with a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.
Feel part of a community of leaders who want to grow without the ego.
🧭 This isn’t just another business podcast. It’s fuel for your leadership journey.
📍 Where to Listen & Learn More:🔗 INSLATT Podcast is available on YouTube AND your favourite podcast app.  Remember to SUBSCRIBE🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & more🌍 Learn more at https://www.inslatt.co.uk/
New episodes are released weekly on a Wednesday at 6am
The podcast is bought to you by 'It's not so lonely at the top' thank you for listening.
More information about our guest Joanna Kalmuczak;
- JO L'ACQUA
Jo L’acqua | Peterborough | Facebook
JO L'ACQUA (@jo.lacqua) • Instagram photos and videos
(8)Jo L'acqua (@jo.lacqua) | TikTok