Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Listed as one of the Top 25 UK Innovation Podcasts by Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_innovation_podcasts/
The Family Home: The Hidden Architecture of Family Business Success
What if the most important asset in a family business isn't the boardroom, but the family home? Professor Mat Hughes and Sarah Walker, Founder of Nuance Interior Design, explore how thoughtful home design can strengthen family relationships, improve wellbeing, support better decisions, and create lasting legacy across generations. From the kitchen table conversations that influence business decisions to wellness-centred spaces that reduce stress and strengthen connection, discover why the family home may be the most overlooked asset in family enterprise.
15 Jun 2026
Community and Connection: The Real Drivers of Low‑Budget Growth
What if growth wasn’t about bigger budgets—but better connections? In this episode, Professor Mat Hughes sits down with Farhana Khan, founder of Armour Femme, to unpack how she built a fashion brand from scratch with almost no budget—and turned it into a community-led experience featured at London Fashion Week and Selfridges. Farhana shares the real story behind “low budget growth”: relentless networking and the courage to pitch herself in person—until one conversation led to a breakthrough collaboration with Lush that changed everything. This isn’t a story about viral hacks or ad spend. It’s about showing up, building trust with strangers, and turning moments into momentum. From university networking events to packed “Charm Lounge” pop-ups, Farhana reveals how in-person experiences became the engine of her growth—creating not just sales, but repeat customers and a genuine sense of belonging. The biggest shift? Realising the product isn’t the centre of the brand—the community is. Expect honest insights on resilience, rejection, and the emotional side of entrepreneurship—plus practical lessons on how to grow a brand when all you have is time, creativity, and the willingness to connect. If you’re building something from nothing, this episode will change how you think about growth.
16 Apr 2026
How Venture Capitalists Really Evaluate Founders: Story, Momentum, and Not Wasting Rejection
Professor Mat Hughes speaks with venture capitalist, seasoned investor, and author of "Founder Unfriendly", Charlie O'Donnell, about the often-misunderstood relationship between founders and venture capitalists. Drawing on two decades in New York’s start-up ecosystem, Charlie breaks down why fundraising is less about being judged and more about telling a memorable, momentum-filled story. From “show beats tell” to turning rejection into real insight, this conversation demystifies what investors actually listen for — and how founders can approach venture with clarity, confidence, and promise.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
Contact Professor Mat Hughes
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