Episodes
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Rene is more than just transforming a company, Rene is transforming the whole category!
He is a creative professional with a passion for sustainable solutions.
As CEO, Hansen will leverage operational and strategic experience from his roles in the snowboarding, recycling, digitalisation of farming, and energy industries, thereby bringing a "unique perspective" to the helm of X Shore.
His extensive business background, combined with a strong product focus, aligns seamlessly with the vision for X Shore!
X Shore is a superb brand, Rene is a visionary. The only question is, will the world join their journey quick enough?
"The future is unwritten" -
I am not sure I have met anyone with a more positive outlook on life as Kitty McGowan. She smiles through adversity and is a true asset to the yachting industry locally in Florida and globally.
Kitty McGowan has worked in nearly every aspect of the boating, fishing and superyacht communities for the past 30 years. Having grown up in Fort Lauderdale, she is no stranger to all things water. Several years after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in Communications and Marketing, she began her career in the yachting industry, where she served as a chef aboard such high profile yachts as Octopussy, Thunderball and Moonraker. In 1992, she relocated stateside and took an executive position with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. It was in that position where she developed the foundation for her own company, NautiCom Communications, a boutique public relations, marketing and association management company focusing on the unique needs of the marine industry.
Ten years ago, Kitty and her team took the lead of the U.S. Superyacht Association. Over that time, she has taken this small association from relative obscurity to become a powerful national and international force in the superyacht industry by more than tripling the membership, developing a national advocacy platform, and expanding the leadership to encompass the entire U.S!
"No-one makes you feel inferior without your permission"
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Missing episodes?
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Nicky Vaux "The Boat Princess" is one of the warmest people in the industry. Without fail she greets everyone with a smile and a hug!
Radiating positivity, it is no surprise she is warmly welcomed at the forefront of many boat shows. She speaks publicly about her love for the industry, her delight at helping others and raising those around her up.
When she says he favourite motto is "a rising tide lifts all boats" she truly means it!
An advocate for females in the industry, and collaboration to drive the industry forward on all levels.
"The more people you help to achieve their dream, the more you achieve your dream"
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Do you want to know who the real Bill Springer is?
Hear his story, his challenges, his successes and how he became "Billy Swizzle" With his infectious personality and brilliant anecdotes I know this episode will be one of the most popular in the Boatbuilding News "Breaking America" series!Bill Springer is a Senior Contributor for Forbes with a focus on luxury yachting and boating, Bill covers topics such as new yacht debuts, superyachts, sailing events, and yacht lifestyle. His articles provide insights into the world of high-end yachting and the experiences of owners and enthusiasts.
As well as being a fountain of knowledge in the yachting space Bill also brings a positive energy to every article he writes, every event he attends and every conversation he has.
From the very first moment I met Bill I knew I wanted to speak with him again and again!
"Me, We"
Mouhammad Ali
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In this instalment, we had the honour of sitting down with the legendary Rick Thomas, a luminary figure with an extensive and invaluable impact on the global marine industry
Over the course of 35 remarkable years as the founder of Nautical Structures, Rick has navigated a journey filled with seizing opportunities at every turn.
What sets Rick apart is not just his impressive tenure, but the unparalleled network he has cultivated. With the ability to connect with any relevant individual or skill set within the marine industry in just two calls or emails, and sometimes even just one, Rick stands as a testament to the power of relationships in the business world.
A firm believer in working in the top 10%, Rick Thomas takes pride in elevating himself and those around him above mediocrity.
Rick's commitment extends beyond business; he places the utmost importance on owners and crew members alike. His passion for finding innovative solutions ensures that both parties are not only cared for but also respected in the manner they truly deserve.
A truly inspiring conversation with one of the American marine industries greats!
"You get what you give"
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Michael Straughan's career spans 30 years within the automotive and luxury industries
From his early days at Nissan, where his love for the Nissan Micra project emerged, to holding senior positions at Aston Martin, Volvo Cars, LDV, Jaguar Land Rover, and Sunseeker, Michael has certainly made an impact!
Discover what sets Aston Martin apart and their allure in the luxury automotive industry and gain insights into Michael's genuine passion for leadership and learning.
"A person who never makes a mistake, never tried anything new"
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Get ready for an exciting pre-show special episode as we gear up for the 35th anniversary of METSRADE in Amsterdam.
This year, METSRADE introduces "The Foiling Pavilion," a game-changing addition to this special marine industry trade show.
Boatbuilding News speaks with Luca Rizzotti, the president of The Foiling Organization and the founder of We Are Foiling, to explore his unwavering passion for a foiling future. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of foiling, discussing its roots dating back over a century, and its innovative application in the modern marine industry.
There is an immense amount of educational and awareness value packed into this conversation as we undercover the importance of bringing foiling to the forefront of the marine industry.
Luca shares his vision of a greener, more sustainable future where foiling takes centre stage as a solution. METSRADE serves as the perfect platform for the industry to unite, learn, and forge future partnerships, all aimed at introducing this transformative technology.
“Full steam ahead!”
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In this incredible episode of Boatbuilding News : The Podcast, Breaking America! We delve into the inspiring journey of Kim Sweers, a prominent figure in the marine industry. Known across social media as the "Boat Boss," Kim is more than just a leader; she's a visionary.
A self-proclaimed "techie" with an insatiable appetite for innovation, Kim has a knack for turning her business ideas into reality. Her story began back in 1999 when she invested in the Fort Lauderdale dealership, FB Marine Group. Fast forward to 2001, and she's now the managing partner, continually driving progress and growth.
But Kim's story takes a fascinating turn, mirroring the Boatbuilding News journey's early days. During the pandemic, she ventured into social media under the alias ‘Boat Boss.' Today, she commands a massive following and is a global name in the industry.
What makes Kim Sweers even more remarkable is her openness about her personal battle with cancer and how it transformed her perspective on life. Her resilience and determination are truly inspiring.
But it doesn't stop there. Kim is on a mission to give back and pay it forward, bringing a breath of fresh air to the world of business. She's passionate about nurturing the next generation and connecting her love for the marine industry with a commitment to empowering young people.
Kim recognises that there's a whole demographic of individuals that remain underserved, and she's on a quest to change that. These are the future of the industry, and it's high time we acknowledge and develop their potential.
Join us in this episode as we dive into the life and vision of Kim Sweers, the Boat Boss, and discover how her journey is making waves not just in the marine industry but in the hearts and minds of those she inspires. Don't miss it!
“You’re never complete until you change the life of one less fortunate”
“The two best days of your life are the day you are born and the day you know why”
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In this special episode, I was honoured to have the opportunity to interview Zoe Hanson, the inspiration behind my very own podcast journey.
Zoe Hanson, well known for the “Zoe and Gillies” breakfast show has enchanted listeners with her warm, distinctive tone and ability to make people laugh so much!
In this episode, Zoe opens up about her extraordinary career, sharing stories from the studio, memorable interviews and favourite guests.
She tells us about how she values experiences over things, her love for team sports and ultimately how she is content in the present moment.
“Every day I am getting better in every way”
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Meet Miss Yacht!
Sophianna is the founder of the “Miss Yacht” brand, a social media and YouTube community introducing premium Yachts, shipyards and talents of the Yachting industry worldwide. She is also a dedicated guide for yacht owners who are seeking practical advice or help on sales and charter.
The brand Miss Yacht captures the essence of yachting from its finest details, through a series of visual content guided in a friendly and fun way, so the audience can experience every aspect of the art of yachting. It is also a marketplace for yachts available for sale and charter.
Sophianna aims to guide people through the industry with entertaining, creative and educational content.
“True happiness is inside of you”
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Boatbuilding News speaks to Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine ahead of the highly anticipated Southampton International Boat Show 2023
In this exciting episode, we set sail into the world of maritime excellence as we sit down for an exclusive conversation with Lesley Robinson, the dynamic CEO of British Marine. Lesley tells us all about the upcoming Southampton International Boat Show, one of the most prestigious events in the global boating industry. A show that changes every year to keep visitors returning, promising a day of fun for all the family.
Lesley Robinson, with her extensive experience and passion for all things maritime, shares her insights into the show's vision, aims, growth, and its pivotal role in shaping the marine industry. Discover the latest trends in boating, and how British Marine continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing industry.
We talk about the benefits of British Marine membership and the ultimate aim to make being on the water accessible and available to all!
Southampton Boat Show - ‘Family friendly, exciting and ever evolving!”
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Bob Denison – A Visionary in Yacht Sales
Boatbuilding News : The Podcast, BREAKING AMERICA, dives into the world of luxury yachts and the mastermind behind one of the industry's most renowned names – Bob Denison of Denison Yacht Sales.
Bob Denison, the charismatic force behind Denison Yacht Sales comes from a family steeped in maritime heritage,. Denison is a name that has become synonymous with top-tier yacht brokerage, innovative marketing strategies, and a commitment to enhancing the yachting lifestyle.
"Pressure is a privilege"
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In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Andrew Adams, a visionary with an unyielding passion for the marine industry.
Discover how a chance meeting with his business partner, Johnathon Parker, in 2020 led to the birth of Parker Adams, a unique venture fusing Andrew's love for photography and his passion for boating.
Andrew shares candidly about a pivotal piece of advice that once held him back in his early career, momentarily delaying the realisation of his dreams. However, he proves that he's a tenacious individual who defies the odds and has never looked back since taking that leap of faith.
Join us as we explore the core essence of Parker Adams - a brokerage company aiming to redefine the industry standards. Their secret lies in an unwavering focus on the quality of presentation. From meticulously crafted listings to onboard Photography and Drone Photography for every boat they take on, Parker Adams aims to set new benchmarks in the industry.
Tune in to this episode and be inspired by Andrew's perseverance and passion for the maritime world as he unveils the secrets behind Parker Adams' success!
“Live your life with a positive outlook. Grasp every opportunity that comes your way”
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Mastering the Skills of a Top Biller: Insights from a Seasoned Recruiter
In the competitive world of recruitment, being a top biller is the pinnacle of success. It requires a unique set of skills and attributes that go beyond the stereotype of the loud and salesy recruiter. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the life of a top billing recruiter and explore the skills needed to excel in this demanding profession. Our guest, a seasoned recruiter with 17 years of experience, shares his journey from rejection to success and offers valuable insights for aspiring recruiters.
Our guest started his career as a qualified Strategic Commodity Buyer, managing and negotiating multi-million-pound contracts. However, after seeing the potential earnings and the work his wife was doing as a recruitment consultant, he decided to make a career shift. Despite initial rejection due to not fitting the traditional salesy mold, he used that setback as motivation to prove his potential. He approached a different recruitment agency and quickly rose through the ranks, setting regional billing records and achieving remarkable success.
Mastering the skills of a top billing recruiter requires a structured approach, trust-building, and a focus on relationships. Overcoming prejudice, embracing ownership, and effective time management are also key factors. By applying these skills, aspiring recruiters can thrive in the competitive world of recruitment and achieve long-term success.
“Fortune favours the brave”
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It's like Google Maps for boats.
Charts, weather, tides... Everything you need in one place.
In this episode of Boatbuilding News : The podcast we speak with David Cusworth, lifelong sailor and Head of Partnership and Innovation Manager at boating innovator, Savvy Navvy.
From a career in the Royal Navy, to selecting new recruits for the Clipper Round the World Race, through to emigrating to Denmark to work for tech disruptor, Savvy Navvy, David has had a remarkable life on the water and shares all with us in this episode of Boatbuilding News : The PodcastWith an overriding aim to use technology to make boating, easier, safer and more accessible Savvy Navvy has taken the industry by storm!
“This is the best thing I have done in my life SO FAR”
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Pursuing Dreams in Sports Broadcasting with Michael Kurn!
Michael has an infectious positive mindset that sees opportunity in every challenge thrown his way!
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Michael, a seasoned sports broadcaster and presenter, as he shares his incredible journey from Southampton to the global sports stage. Born and raised in Southampton, Michael's love for broadcasting was ignited during his early days in local radio. Since then, his career has taken him on an exhilarating path, filled with unforgettable experiences and remarkable achievements.
Michael's talents were evident on the global stage of football, his work with England Hockey also propelled him onto the international radar. He covered prestigious events such as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, FIH World Cup 2019, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Euro Hockey Championships, and the World League Finals. At the national level, Michael hosted England Hockey events, including the thrilling Super Sixes Finals at Wembley Arena.
Since 2012, Michael has served as the match day presenter for Hampshire Cricket, bringing his expertise to the Natwest T20 Blast Plus Awards and acting as a hospitality host for international fixtures at the renowned Ageas Bowl.
Beyond his broadcasting talents, Michael is a published author. His book, "Desire Dream Vision" launched in 2019, is a testament to his inspiring journey. Through the book and his motivational talks delivered in schools across the UK, Michael empowers young people to pursue their dreams relentlessly. He shares his personal "Desire Dream Vision" philosophy, recounting the steps he took to transform his aspirations of playing Premier League football into a successful career hosting it.
"Champions are not made in gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside. A desire, a dream, and a vision!" -
The Inspiring Journey of Lizard Yacht Service !
In the midst of the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many stories of resilience and innovation have emerged. Emlyn Jones, a seasoned professional with 20 years of employment experience, is one such individual who seized the opportunity to follow his engineering passion and build a successful business. Lizard Yacht Service the company born from Emlyn's unwavering determination, has rapidly expanded its operations to Palma and Fort Lauderdale. By combining expert engineering knowledge with exceptional customer service, Lizard Yacht Service has quickly established itself as a trusted provider of specialised engineering advice and procurement services.
Emlyn Jones faced an unexpected turning point when the pandemic disrupted his previous employment. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, Emlyn viewed this challenge as an opportunity to pursue his lifelong passion for engineering. With a clear vision in mind, he set out to establish Lizard Yacht Service, driven by the belief that economic obstacles could be transformed into avenues for growth. Embracing this mindset, Emlyn rapidly scaled his business operations and expanded to serve the markets in Palma and Fort Lauderdale.
At the core of Lizard Yacht Service's success lies Emlyn's commitment to assembling a team of engineering experts. By surrounding himself with skilled professionals, Emlyn ensured that Lizard Yacht Service can offer not only procurement of parts but also specialised engineering advice. The company's unique value proposition centres around being a one-stop solution for customers, providing a "first-time fix" and 24/7 on-call availability. This unwavering dedication to comprehensive support has established Lizard Yacht Service as a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient solutions to their engineering challenges.
One of the key differentiators of Lizard Yacht Service is its ability to offer bespoke support with a global reach. Recognising that customers have unique requirements, the company leverages its extensive network and expertise to source and dispatch parts worldwide. This commitment to personalised service sets Lizard Yacht Service apart from competitors, allowing them to meet the diverse needs of their clients, regardless of geographical constraints.
Whether it's addressing a specific engineering challenge or procuring specialised parts, Lizard Yacht Service has the capabilities and resources to deliver exceptional support on a global scale.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose”
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From Rock Bottom to Business Success
In a world where achieving excellence is often associated with material possessions and external achievements, Chris's story stands out as a testament to the transformative power of personal growth and rediscovering his true purpose.
Despite facing immense challenges, Chris not only persevered but also emerged stronger, reinventing himself and finding success on his own terms. Join us as we delve into Chris's remarkable journey, from the highs of being a co-founder and CEO of a £25 million business to hitting rock bottom and ultimately rising to the top again.
Chris's story is not one of unattainable success or endless wealth. Instead, it is a narrative of personal growth, self-reflection, and resilience. At the peak of his career, Chris seemed to have it all—a successful business, financial security, and outward signs of achievement. However, beneath the surface, he was overworked, sleep-deprived, and deeply unhappy.
Amidst the struggles and setbacks, Chris found solace in rediscovering his true self. He recognised that true success lies in aligning personal values with professional endeavours. With this newfound clarity, Chris founded his own company, Base Mindset, which focuses on driving and refocusing businesses to lead with purpose. Through his work, Chris helps organisations implement best processes, execute their visions effectively, and create a harmonious balance between work and life.
Chris's inspiring journey serves as a reminder that achieving excellence is not limited to extravagant possessions or societal expectations. It is a deeply personal and transformative process that involves aligning with purpose, embracing self-discovery, and finding fulfilment in the pursuit of one's true passions. Chris's success, both in business and in life, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and personal growth.
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."
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You either love it or hate it! I personally couldn’t love it anymore. Stephen Weatherley speaks to Boatbuilding News about how Archipelago Expedition Yachts was born. He was his his own target audience as he tried to buy an expedition catamaran that just simply didn’t exist! Rather than settle for something already on the market, he created an entire company to build something to fill that gap! Amazing!
He speaks about his passion for keeping it British and creating a legacy company that invests in the next generation of boatbuilders!
Just when you think the flagship A47 couldn’t get any better - it partners with the best in engineering, Twisted Marine to create something truly incredible!
“If a job is worth doing. It is worth doing well” -
Leah Tennant, founder of Washdown, explains her simple and clever solution to the problem she experienced first hand in her early career as a deckhand!
The worry she had about the chemicals she and her fellow crew were ingesting as they worked. The side effects listed for cleaning products were terrifying! When she returned to shore she vowed do something about it and Washdown was born.
The clever concept (Biotech) makes use of living organisms to create the Washdown products!
She’s taken superyacht products and repackaged them into bio-shots. This means she’s offering ‘normal’ size bottles, for ‘normal’ size boaters, in concentrated formulas — saving plastic packaging. The sustainable solution in more ways than just how it is developed. It is in how it is packaged, transported, and disposed of too!
Leah wants to change the industry!
We discuss the challenges she faces as a female in the marine industry and how it can come with its advantages also!
“What if it can turn out better than you imagined”
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