In the Spotlight

About In the Spotlight

Podcast Introduction – In the Spotlight Welcome to In the Spotlight, the podcast that shines a light on the global leaders, 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.

Publisher

Maxcene Quirke

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episode

19 May 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 May 2026

   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

2. 

   12 May 2026

   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

3. 

   5 May 2026

   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

4. 

   28 Apr 2026

   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

5. 

   21 Apr 2026

   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

6. 

   14 Apr 2026

   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

7. 

   7 Apr 2026

   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

8. 

   31 Mar 2026

   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

9. 

   4 Mar 2026

   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

Contact In the Spotlight

Guest appearances

Books guests

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