Early Life and the Making of a Leader with James W. Keyes

Today’s conversation features James W. Keyes an American business leader, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and philanthropist who has led two iconic Fortune 500 companies.

Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, Jim’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Raised in humble beginnings without indoor plumbing, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

He served as CEO of 7-Eleven, where he drove remarkable growth and global expansion, and later as Chairman and CEO of Blockbuster, leading the company through a pivotal time of digital transformation.

Beyond business, Jim is deeply committed to education and opportunity. He is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation and author of Education Is Freedom, championing the power of learning to transform lives.

In this episode, we explore his early life, the experiences that shaped his leadership, and the values that continue to guide his journey.

Connect with Jim:
LinkedIn: James W. Keyes

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Ronke Odewumi — a Chartered Management Accountant, Personal Finance Coach, and founder of The Wealth Builder’s Network about Money, Meaning & Purpose

With two decades of experience spanning global organisations, she combines deep financial expertise with relatable coaching to help people master their money and build lasting wealth.
Through her platform, Ronke has grown an audience of over 100,000 engaged followers worldwide, particularly among African and diaspora professionals, where she is known for her warm, practical approach to personal finance.
She has coached thousands through webinars, courses, and one-to-one sessions, empowering them to budget effectively, invest confidently, and take control of their financial futures.

She is also the creator of Clarity, an AI-powered personal finance product, alongside popular tools like her budgeting and investing resources.

Passionate about financial empowerment, Ronke makes wealth building simple, practical, and achievable for professionals and families alike.
Ronke shares her personal finance knowledge through her website, YouTube channel, and social media accounts.

Connect with Ronke:
Website: www.ronkeodewumi.com

Youtube: www.youtube.com/ronkeodewumi
Instagram: @ronkeodewumi
Twitter: @ronkeodewumi
Tiktok: @ronkeodewumi
Email: ronke@ronkeodewumi.com

Support the show

EPISODE 10

This week on the podcast, I’m honoured to be joined by Cody Gapare—a multi-award-winning inventor, Managing Director, and breast cancer survivor whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.

Cody is the creator of C-Lash, the world’s first false eyelashes designed specifically for cancer and alopecia sufferers. Launched in collaboration with Eylure during her own battle with breast cancer, C-Lash has gone on to revolutionise the beauty industry and is now available in over eight countries worldwide. Her work has been recognised across major platforms including the BBC, Vogue, This Morning, and Elle USA.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Cody is a certified ATEX technician, TEDx speaker, former lecturer, and a mentor for the government-backed Help to Grow programmesupporting SMEs while championing innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.

In this episode, we dive into her journey, her mission, and the powerful movement she’s building through C-Lash.
This is a conversation about courage, creativity, and purpose—one you don’t want to miss. Connect with Cody & C-Lash:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-gapare-cmgr-mcmi-mba-a37096a2/
Website: https://ladder13.co.uk/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.lashbycody/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codilia.gapare

Support the show

This episode features the incredible Linda Attram — a powerhouse property investor and developer with 25+ years of experience building a multimillion-pound property portfolio across the UK, the Caribbean, and Ghana.

From Land Development to Buy-to-Lets, HMOs, Serviced Apartments, and Rent-to-Rent, Linda has mastered multiple strategies within the property industry and leads with deep expertise and passion.

Award-Winning Entrepreneur
Author & International Speaker
Mentor at Westminster University

Linda is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of property professionals, sharing her knowledge, experience, and practical insights to help others succeed in the industry.

Her achievements include:
Global Woman Club – Regional Director of the Year (2023)
Inspirational Mother of the Year – Inspiration Awards for Women (2023)

Beyond business, Linda is also a proud wife of 25 years and a mum of three, balancing family and entrepreneurship with unstoppable energy.

Connect with Linda:
LinkedIn: Linda Attram – Maclin Properties Limited
Instagram: @lindaattram
TikTok: @lindaattram
Website: www.middlesexlandandproperty.co.uk

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on property, leadership, and building a lasting legacy.

#PodcastGuest #PropertyInvestor #WomenInProperty #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PropertyDevelopment

Support the show

This week I’m joined by Dr. Mercy Ofuya — a medical statistician and healthcare innovator using data, technology, and compassion to transform cancer care in underserved communities.

With over a decade of experience in research methodology, clinical trial design, and digital health innovation, Dr. Mercy holds a Doctor of Optometry degree, a Master’s in Medical Statistics from the University of Southampton, and a PhD in Medical Statistics from King’s College London.

Her passion for global cancer control led to the creation of two powerful initiatives:
✦ CupArise — a nonprofit advancing breast health awareness through the Mami mobile app
✦ Annexis Health — where she serves as Co-founder & CEO, building Mkono, a digital platform enabling early cancer detection and remote patient monitoring in low-resource settings

A recipient of multiple awards including the Vanessa Moss Prize (RSM Oncology), the David Walsh Award, and the People’s Choice Award, Dr. Mercy is on a mission to improve early cancer detection and expand access to healthcare for those who need it most.

In this powerful episode, we dive into her story, her mission, and the movement she’s building through Mami and Mkono. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Dr. Mercy Ofuya:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mercy-ofuya-phd
Instagram: @mercyofuya
CupArise: @cuparise_breastcancer

This week, My conversation with Dr. Brian F. Hoeflinger, MD, a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon who has served the Toledo community for over 25 years. Known for his deep compassion and dedication to educating his patients, Dr. Hoeflinger believes that true healing begins with understanding and with being fully involved in one’s own care.

But beyond the operating room lies a story of profound love, loss, and purpose.
In 2013, Dr. Hoeflinger’s oldest son, Brian, tragically died in an alcohol-related car accident at just 18 years old. That day changed everything. A part of him was lost forever yet something new was born too.

Driven by a promise to honour his son’s life, Dr. Hoeflinger has committed himself to creating positive change, especially around teens, alcohol, and safety. He has turned unimaginable pain into a mission that saves lives, empowers families, and inspires hope.

In this powerful episode, we explore his journey of grief, resilience, fatherhood, medicine, and how he continues to achieve the great things his son no longer has the chance to do.

🎧 A heartfelt conversation you won’t forget.

📘 Book: The Night He Died
📱 TikTok: @doctorhoeflinger
📸 Instagram: @doctorhoeflinger
▶️ YouTube: Doctor Hoeflinger

Support the show

Redefining Love for Single Parents
In my latest conversation, I sit down with Nevine Coutry, Founder & CEO of Playdate, the UK’s first dating app created by a single parent for single parents.

Nevine is a British/Egyptian single mum, a second-time founder, and a marketing expert with over 15 years of experience. She built Playdate during lockdown after struggling to meet like-minded single parents seeking meaningful relationships — and decided to change the narrative herself.

From leading a marketing agency to fundraising for charities close to her heart in Egypt, Nevine’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and redefining what love and connection can look like for single parents across the world.

🎧 Join us as we dive into her story, her mission, and the movement she’s building through Playdate.
A conversation you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Playdate:
🌐 Website: gotoplaydate.com
📸 IG: @gotoplaydate
▶️ YouTube: Playdate Single Parent Dating
📘 Facebook: Playdate
💼 LinkedIn: Playdate App Limited

In my latest conversation, I sat down with Funmi Okonweze — a Certified Chartered Accountant turned Relationship Coach whose powerful journey began over a decade ago after the breakdown of her marriage. Determined to understand what makes relationships thrive, she embarked on deep research, self-reflection, and growth… a journey that not only restored her own marriage but sparked her passion for helping others do the same.

Today, Funmi is preparing to release her new book,
“Restore Your Broken Marriage and Create Your Happily Ever After.”
She has since dedicated years to guiding couples through challenges, offering practical tools, wisdom, and hope.

With 20+ years in investment banking and as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, Funmi brings both professional excellence and heartfelt experience to her work. She lives in London with her husband of 25+ years and their two children.

Connect with Funmi:
Website: mymarriagehandbook.com
Email: info@mymarriagehandbook.com
Instagram: @mymarriagehandbook
TikTok: @mymarriagehandbook
TEDx Talk: “What Makes a Marriage Thrive?”