Air Supply

About Air Supply

Air Supply is a Podcast from the company, J.O. Collective. This business podcast is for ambitious professionals who are seeking a deeper understanding of leadership and their career. It is an interview format and will focus on people who have had one career/ life and have then experienced a big life event, whether positive or negative, which has made them pause and change their life for the better. It is a source of reflection and fresh air for busy professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Joshua O'Connor

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Feb 2025

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   AI Realism vs. The Hype with Heather Baker

   Is artificial intelligence truly on the brink of replacing entire workforces, or have we fallen hook, line, and sinker for a masterclass in tech-billionaire marketing? In this episode of the Air Supply Podcast, host Joshua O'Connor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-p-o-connor-9a3a96104/) sits down with Heather Baker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/realonesomebody/), founder of The AI Edit and creator of The Humans in the Loop, for a refreshing dose of AI realism. Heather doesn’t consider herself an AI evangelist or enthusiast. Instead, she views herself as a realist who treats the technology with a healthy dose of skepticism and a high level of strategic fluency. Inside the Episode... Joshua and Heather cut through the noise to discuss what business owners actually need to know about the current state of generative AI, including: The "Penny Drop" Moment: How Heather went from ignoring ChatGPT in early 2023 as a marketing agency CEO to realizing its massive, disruptive potential for copywriting, design, and video teams. Software vs. LLMs: A simple, brilliant breakdown of why large language models aren't programmed like traditional software (and why they are rewarded for fluency and confidence over factual accuracy). The Hype Machine & The Jobs Myth: Why extreme predictions of immediate job displacement aren't showing up in the data, and what is actually driving the graduate jobs crisis. SME Opportunities & Pitfalls: How small-to-mid-sized businesses can use their agility to outmaneuver massive enterprises—provided the leadership team builds true "AI fluency" instead of blindly outsourcing it to junior staff. The Invisible Risks: A sobering look at the rise of workplace surveillance, data privacy, and why Heather believes we are sleepwalking into an era of total documentation. About Today's Guest: Heather Baker is an entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in B2B lead generation. After successfully scaling and selling her marketing agency group, she went "all in" on understanding artificial intelligence. Today, she runs The AI Edit, (https://www.theaiedit.ai/) helping B2B companies combine timeless, strategic lead-generation fundamentals with cutting-edge AI tools. She also writes The Humans in the Loop (https://www.thehumansintheloop.ai/), a popular Substack examining AI from a realistic, critical perspective. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn, Substack, or YouTube, and learn more about her work at www.theaiedit.ai. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Beverley Winrow - From Leading a PLC to Growing an Investor Backed SME

   Episode Summary What does it take to transition from managing a £1.5 billion division with 9,000 employees to leading a fast-growing SME? In this episode, Joshua O’Connor sits down with Beverley Winrow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverley-winrow-aab5aaa/), the CEO of AC Electrical (https://www.ac-elec.co.uk/)and former Chief Operating Officer of Technical Services at Mitie. Beverley shares her incredible 22-year journey within the Facilities Management (FM) sector, detailing how she "cut her teeth" in the waste industry before rising through the ranks of a major UK PLC. She provides a masterclass in leadership, discussing the importance of emotional intelligence, the "gift" of feedback, and why she chose to leave the corporate giant for the autonomy of an SME backed by the Storskogen Group. Key Takeaways The Power of People: Why HR and training roles are a "game changer" for future CEOs. Scaling Down to Scale Up: The motivation behind moving from a multi-billion pound corporate environment to an agile SME. The CEO’s Time Split: Beverley’s rule of thirds: 1/3 on growth, 1/3 on current clients, and 1/3 on the team. AI vs. The Trades: Why the built environment remains a human-centric industry despite the rise of AI, and how technology should be a "tool, not a replacement." Leading in a Male-Dominated Field: Practical advice on "owning your space," overcoming imposter syndrome, and the evolution of gender diversity in FM. The SME ESG Gap: Why sustainability needs to move up the agenda for smaller businesses before it becomes a crisis. Notable Quotes "As a CEO, you have to have your finger on the pulse. If you're not making sure your current clients are getting exceptional service while you're focusing on growth, that's when you start to lose them." "I’m a great believer in going with gut instinct... You spend far too much time at work to not enjoy what you’re doing." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   7 Jan 2026

   Robert Guice - International B2B Services CEO

   CEO Robert Guice discusses building and scaling service businesses into global leaders through private equity, offering insights on leadership, strategy, and creating purpose in essential sectors in an interview with Joshua O'Connor.

4. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Andy Baker - Global CEO and Author

   Author Andy Baker discusses his journey from poverty to becoming a global CEO, emphasizing resilience, integrity, and respect for every worker in this interview with Joshua O'Connor.

5. 

   27 Oct 2025

   James Knight - former COO of RAC Group

   Executive coach James Knight discusses with host Joshua O'Connor his unconventional path to becoming a CEO and the importance of prioritizing well-being and purpose over external success, in this interview.

6. 

   30 Sept 2025

   Rory Shedden - CEO of MPLC

   CEO Rory Shedden discusses his journey to leadership, emphasizing empathy, cultural addition, and strategic thinking in an interview with Joshua O'Connor.

7. 

   14 Sept 2025

   Simon Rouse - CEO of Impact Futures

   CEO Simon Rouse discusses his transition from banking to social impact leadership and preparing Impact Futures for acquisition in an interview with Joshua O'Connor.

8. 

   31 Aug 2025

   Graham Levinsohn - CEO of Sureserve

   Joshua O'Connor interviews Graham Levinsohn, CEO of Sureserve, discussing strategic leadership, navigating uncertainty, and building A-caliber teams to drive business success.

9. 

   6 Aug 2025

   Carlo Alloni - CEO of Bellrock Group

   CEO Carlo Alloni of Bellrock Group discusses his leadership strategies and career journey with host Joshua O'Connor, emphasizing the importance of people, technology, and customer obsession in driving business success in this interview.

10. 

    16 Jul 2025

    Rebecca Galley - CEO of Tornado Wire

    CEO Rebecca Galley discusses her unconventional rise to leadership, emphasizing the importance of company culture and communication in specialized markets, in an interview with host Joshua O'Connor.

11. 

    2 Jul 2025

    Charles Burbridge - Transformational CEO

    CEO Charles Burbridge speaks with Joshua O'Connor about his transition from military service to corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and prioritizing well-being, in this interview.

12. 

    18 Jun 2025

    Giles Desforges - CEO of Energy Park

    Giles Desforges, CEO of Energy Park, discusses leading a business under the pressures of private equity, sharing insights on decision-making, learning from mistakes, and the importance of attitude, in an interview with Joshua O'Connor.

13. 

    28 Apr 2025

    Matthew Torbitt: From Homelessness to the Halls of Power

    Air Supply: From Homelessness to the Halls of Power This week on Air Supply, host Joshua O'Connor delves into the extraordinary life of Matthew Torbitt. @MatthewTorbitt. Matthew is a writer, broadcaster, and political advisor based in the UK, but his journey began in the stark reality of homelessness as a young teenager. In this deeply personal and insightful conversation, Matthew recounts his complex adolescence, marked by involvement in crime and a subsequent prison sentence. However, these challenging experiences ignited a powerful political awakening. He shares his remarkable transformation, from navigating the harsh realities of the streets to pursuing higher education and ultimately working within the UK Parliament. Now a well-known media commentator and journalist, Matthew speaks with compelling passion about social mobility. He underscores the vital importance for leaders across all sectors to recognize the untapped potential within individuals from every corner of the country and to actively create opportunities. His own life stands as powerful evidence that talent truly is everywhere, regardless of background. As the final episode of our first series, this conversation is a testament to resilience, the power of second chances, and the enduring human spirit. Join Joshua and Matthew as they explore his incredible story, offering profound insights into societal issues and the potential for individual transformation. Follow Matthew on X:@MatthewTorbitt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    9 Apr 2025

    Steve Baker - the former MP on Leadership, Principles, Rebellion

    From the heat of the Brexit battle to the complexities of navigating COVID and the Net Zero agenda, Steve Baker MP has been a central, often controversial, figure in recent British politics. Join us for an incredibly candid and insightful conversation as Steve reflects on his unconventional journey from the Royal Air Force and the dot-com boom to the heart of Westminster. In this episode, Steve pulls back the curtain on the realities of leading without authority, the personal toll of standing by his principles (even when it meant rebelling against his own party), and the strategic and emotional battles fought during some of the UK's most pivotal moments. He shares his unique perspective on the incentives of politics versus business, the art of building consensus (and when it's impossible), and why he wouldn't wish his political journey on anyone. Beyond the headlines, we delve into Steve's decision-making framework, the influence of his background, and his surprising thoughts on whether it was all "worth it." This is a raw and honest look at the pressures of political leadership, the challenges of navigating deeply divided opinions, and the surprising lessons learned from being right in the eye of the storm. Whether you're deeply engaged in politics or simply curious about the human side of leadership during times of crisis, this episode offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective you won't want to miss. Steve Baker Website (https://www.stevebaker.info/) The Provocation People (https://www.theprovocationpeople.com/) Keywords: Steve Baker, Politics, UK Politics, Brexit, COVID, Net Zero, Leadership, Rebellion, Principles, Political Leadership, Podcast, Interview, Current Affairs, Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

15. 

    31 Mar 2025

    Marc Singer - Former Hooligan, Life Sentenced Prisoner, Coach, Transformer (Bonus Episode)

    Welcome to Air Supply, a podcast from J.O. Collective. In this bonus episode, host Joshua O'Connor shares the extraordinary and deeply moving story of Mark, a coach whose life journey defies expectations. Originally intended as a standard interview, this episode unveils a narrative of resilience and transformation. Mark's story begins with an affluent upbringing, but takes a dramatic turn as severe bullying leads him down a dark path of football gangs, violence, drugs, and ultimately, imprisonment. Despite these challenges, Mark's journey is one of profound change. He has since dedicated his life to coaching, helping others across the UK find their own paths to healing and success. Marc's website: https://the-mens-coach.com/ Marc's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-singer-coaching-276a90196/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

16. 

    26 Mar 2025

    Lindsley Ruth - Global CEO

    Join Joshua O'Connor on Air Supply for an in-depth conversation with Lindsley Ruth, the architect behind the remarkable turnaround of the RS Group. From a struggling FTSE 250 company to a powerhouse in the FTSE 100, Lindsley's journey is a masterclass in strategic leadership and cultural transformation. In this episode, Lindsley shares his unique insights into: Driving Exponential Growth: Learn how he increased the RS Group's share price from £1.80 to over £13, and propelled the company into the FTSE 100. The Power of Cultural Sensitivity: Discover how he navigated the complexities of international business, adapting to diverse cultures and fostering a unified vision. Balancing Performance & Morale: Explore the critical link between employee morale and company performance, and the importance of prioritizing personal well-being in high-pressure leadership roles. Hands-On Transformation: Hear about his hands-on approach to leadership, emphasizing the need to deeply understand the business and lead by example. Strategic Vision & Execution: Uncover the strategic phases that led to RS Group's success, from getting the basics right to accelerating growth and planning for the future. Lindsley's candid reflections on his career, the sacrifices involved, and the lessons learned offer invaluable advice for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the business world. Whether you're a CEO, an entrepreneur, or simply interested in leadership, this episode of Air Supply is a must-listen. Tune in to Air Supply and gain exclusive insights from one of the most transformative leaders of our time. Subscribe now and don’t miss this powerful conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

17. 

    12 Mar 2025

    Helen Chandler-Wilde - Author of Lost and Found

    What happens when you lose everything? The latest Air Supply episode features Helen Chandler-Wilde (https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-chandler-wilde/), who experienced this firsthand. On New Year's Eve of 2018, she lost everything she owned in a storage unit fire in Croydon, UK, where she'd stowed all her possessions after a big break-up. She was left devastated, and forced to re-evaluate her relationship with owning material things. We delve into the psychological reasons behind our possessions, the illusion of control, and how to prioritise what truly matters. Helen's journey is brave, moving and insightful. So is her book, Lost and Found, which you can buy or listen to here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Found-life-changing-lessons-everything/dp/1783255595 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

18. 

    27 Feb 2025

    Shoshanna Davis - Founder of Fairy Job Mother

    In this episode, we chat with Shoshanna Davis, founder of Fairy Job Mother and Gen Z workplace expert, about the challenges and opportunities facing young people entering the workforce today. Shoshanna shares her insights on everything from overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating the job market to the importance of work-life balance and mental health. She also discusses the common misconceptions about Gen Z and offers practical advice for both young people and the managers who work with them. Whether you're a Gen Z professional yourself or simply interested in learning more about this generation, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable tips. Tune in to discover how we can all work together to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone. Find Shoshanna: Website: fairyjobmother.co.uk/pages/contact (https://www.fairyjobmother.co.uk/pages/contact) Email: shoshanna@fairyjobmother.co.uk (mailto:shoshanna@fairyjobmother.co.uk) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshannadavis/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

19. 

    12 Feb 2025

    Daria Ibrulj - Founder of FireUp Coaching

    Feeling Burned Out? You're Not Alone! Join host Joshua O'Connor on Air Supply as he delves into the critical topic of burnout with special guest Daria Ibrulj, founder of FireUp executive coaching. Daria shares her powerful personal journey from the high-pressure world of investment banking and private equity, where she experienced burnout firsthand, to becoming a coach helping others navigate similar challenges. Discover the hidden costs of relentless work ethic, the importance of prioritizing your well-being, and how to recognize the warning signs of burnout before it's too late. Daria opens up about her experiences in the cutthroat world of finance, revealing the intense pressure and the toll it took on her health, both physically and mentally. Learn practical strategies for: Recovering from exhaustion and burnout: Daria shares invaluable insights into her own recovery journey, offering hope and guidance for those struggling. Setting boundaries: Discover how to protect your time and energy, even in demanding work environments. Prioritizing what truly matters: Re-evaluate your values and create a life that aligns with your authentic self. Finding your spark: Daria discusses her coaching practice, FireUp, and how she helps others rediscover their passion and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply seeking a more fulfilling life. Tune in to Air Supply for an honest and inspiring conversation about burnout, resilience, and the power of prioritizing your well-being. Find Daria: Website: fireup.coach Email: daria@fireup.coach LinkedIn: Search Daria Ibrulj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Air Supply

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Robert Guice
• Andy Baker
• James Knight
• Rory Shedden
• Simon Rouse

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Air Supply

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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