‘What It's Taken’ will seek to understand the common traits from exceptional leaders from across industries. David and Jenny Harkin, two entrepreneurs, co-founders and husband and wife have been so lucky to meet and work with amazing people over the decades, so this will be an opportunity to share their stories with the world and look to see if they can study and learn what common traits exist to get to the top of a variety of fields.
022 What It’s Taken: Alex Preece – “It’s Never As Bad As It Seems”
In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Preece, Co-Founder and CEO of Tillo, a global fintech business transforming the world of digital gift cards, rewards and incentives.
Alex’s journey has taken him from serving in the British Army, including tours in Bosnia and Iraq, to entrepreneurship and building multiple businesses. He previously co-founded the UK’s first daily deals business, which was acquired by Moneysupermarket.com, before going on to build Tillo into a global business.
Known for taking the harder route, Alex brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience and what it takes to build a business through uncertainty. His approach is grounded in people, discipline, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning along the way.
Today, Tillo operates at the intersection of payments, rewards and technology, with Alex continuing to lead the company through its next stage of growth.
In this conversation we explore:
– The lessons the military taught him about leadership
– Building businesses through uncertainty and setbacks
– Why people and culture matter as much as strategy
– And what it really takes to keep moving forward when the easy route isn’t an option
A candid conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership and choosing to take the harder route.
22 Sept 2026
021 What It’s Taken: Sasha Rearick - "All About The Process"
In this episode, we’re joined by Sasha Rearick, a highly respected coach and leader in elite alpine skiing, whose career has spanned athlete development, education, coaching and high-performance leadership.
Sasha spent 19 years with the US Ski Team, progressing from Athletic Development Coach to Head Coach, a role he held for a decade. Before that, he worked at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and at Green Mountain Valley School, combining coaching with teaching and mentoring young athletes.
He later moved to France as Alpine Performance Director at Apex2100, helping the academy grow tenfold over five years. Today, Sasha has taken on a new challenge as Alpine Director at US Ski & Snowboard, where he continues to shape the development of athletes competing at the highest level.
In this conversation we explore:
- What it really takes to develop world-class athletes
- The role of coaching, culture and leadership in high performance
- How to create environments where people can thrive
- The lessons Sasha has learned from decades at the highest level of sport
A fascinating conversation about leadership, performance and the constant pursuit of getting better.
24 Aug 2026
020 What It’s Taken: Series Two Finale – “Finding Your Own Rhythm”
In the Series Two finale of What It’s Taken, David and Jenny Harkin take a moment to reflect on the conversations, lessons and stories that have shaped the season.
From world-class athletes and business leaders to educators, entrepreneurs, creatives and campaigners, this season has explored the different journeys behind success and the many answers to one central question: what does it really take?
In this episode, David and Jenny look back on some of the standout moments from the series, the lessons that have stayed with them, and the themes that have continued to emerge throughout their conversations.
Exploring:
– The importance of resilience when things don’t go to plan
– Why continual learning and self-reflection matter
– The different paths people take to success
– And some of the lessons they’ll be taking into the next chapter of What It’s Taken
A chance to pause, reflect and look back on another brilliant season of conversations with people who are continuing to challenge, build, lead and inspire.
✨Thank you for joining us for Series Two.✨
Who has been a guest on ‘What It Takes’ by David and Jenny Harkin
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Aatif Hassan
Sally Orange MBE
Edwina Dunn OBE
Julius Cowdrey
Fabian Cowdrey
Reach and audience
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
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Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Questions about ‘What It Takes’ by David and Jenny Harkin
Who hosts ‘What It Takes’ by David and Jenny Harkin?
David Harkin and Jenny Harkin host the show. Published by David and Jenny Harkin.
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The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
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