In this captivating episode, business icon Richard Branson joins Jake to share his fascinating stories about life, leadership, and luck.

British entrepreneur extraordinaire Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group in 1970, branching out from record retailing into multiple industries. Reflecting on significant moments throughout his life, Richard recalls the dramatic experience of an engine failure during a flight four decades ago, and how this changed his perspective on luck.

He emphasises the importance of optimism and resilience, highlighting his own positive outlook and ability to bounce back from challenges. Touching on the years of the pandemic, Richard opens up about the reality of selling parts of his Virgin Galactic business in order to save jobs, and the personal criticism that followed.

Discussing his relationship with dyslexia, Richard explains why he views it as a strength that helped him excel, and the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. He underscores the importance of delegation, the value of truly knowing your team, and fostering a fun work environment.

Reflecting on his book, Richard offers insights into entrepreneurship, highlighting its potential to positively impact lives and address global issues. He urges aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, persistence, and believe in making the world better.

In this absorbing conversation, Richard Branson’s wisdom and infectious enthusiasm shines through as we explore the resilience, optimism and determination behind one of Britain’s most celebrated entrepreneurs.

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In this episode, Jake and Damian team up with acclaimed restaurateur Will Guidara to delve into the world of hospitality.

A leading figure in the culinary world, Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur and co-owner of New York City's Eleven Madison Park restaurant. His dedication to innovation, exceptional service, and culinary excellence has earned him widespread acclaim, including the prestigious accolade of three Michelin Stars.

Will offers insights into the essence of hospitality, emphasising the importance of creating memorable experiences and nurturing relationships. He shares anecdotes, like the impactful reaction from a fine dining customer he served a New York hot dog, highlighting the profound impact of making people feel seen and valued and how small gestures can create lasting memories.

Will explores practical tips for enhancing experiences, such as attentiveness and understanding the love languages of those we serve. Drawing from personal experiences, like caring for his mother with cancer, Will underscores the significance of empathy and resilience in hospitality. He also discusses the crucial process of hiring and firing in building a cohesive team, advocating for deliberate choices to foster a culture of dedication and growth.

Through engaging conversation and insightful stories, this conversation emphasises hospitality is both an art and a science, essential for success in any endeavour.

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For the first time ever, High Performance turns to the animal kingdom to unlock the secrets of mammals’ remarkable survival strategies.

Jake and Damian are joined by the producers of BBC Earth’s “Mammals”, Roger Webb and Harry Lawrence; who share behind-the-scenes challenges and exciting moments from the development of the series. Roger, with 25+ years of experience in crafting mesmerising natural history content, and Harry, whose early career was shaped by the enthralling episodes of Mammals, bring a wealth of insights to the table.

Roger and Harry recount their extraordinary interactions with legendary British Broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, highlighting his humility, passion for nature, and timeless energy. They share the valuable lessons they learned from Sir David, emphasising the importance of staying grounded and finding joy in their work.

The producers also delve into why mammals dominate Earth and what humans can learn from their exceptional parenting and teamwork. We hear captivating tales from their wild filming experiences, and the important role of storytelling in connecting audiences with nature. Roger and Harry also provide a glimpse into how crews prepare meticulously to seize breathtaking moments with mammals without missing opportunities.

This episode is an exciting exploration into wildlife filmmaking, packed with insights into the wonders of nature and the art of capturing it on camera.

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