Building Growth: From the Front Line to Private Equity CEO with Robert Guice

How do you take an unknown service business and turn it into a global leader? In this episode of the Air Supply Podcast, host Joshua O'Connor sits down with Rob Guice, a seasoned executive with two successful private equity exits under his belt, most recently as CEO of North American hygiene leader, Citron.

Rob’s journey is anything but typical. From leaving school at 17 to navigating post-apartheid South Africa at 29, Rob shares the moments that shaped his "build-it" mentality. He dives deep into the world of Private Equity (PE), offering a rare look at how to drive rapid organic growth in unglamorous but essential sectors like secure shredding and period dignity.

In this episode, we explore:

• The PE Muscle: What it’s really like to run a business under private equity ownership, how to align with investors, and why you should never talk about the "exit strategy."
• The Microscope & The Telescope: Rob’s framework for balancing big-picture strategy (where to play, how to win) with the granular data obsession required to execute.
• Creating Purpose in the "Unsexy" Sectors: How to recruit and retain top talent in service industries by transforming "drivers" into "security personnel" and "service delivery experts."
• The CEO’s Best Tool: Why Rob believes the most important work happens outside the office and why every leader should spend time on sales calls and service trucks.
• A Call to Business Leaders: Why modern, "de-layered" businesses are failing the next generation of talent and how we can bring back internal career development.

Whether you’re an aspiring executive or a seasoned leader, Rob’s advice is a masterclass in leading from the front and the power of "customer obsession."

Connect with Robert https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-guice-0a5b99/

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"Your birthright is not your destiny."

In this episode of the Air Supply Podcast, Joshua O'Connor sits down with Andy Baker, author of the new book In the Blink of an Eye. Andy’s life story is nothing short of cinematic: a journey from poverty in Portsmouth, UK and brushes with the law to becoming the CEO of a billion-pound revenue business and leading the largest employer in Africa.

Andy opens up about his youth involving street fighting and car theft, and the "epochal" courtroom moment that forced him to choose a different path. He shares how he rose from a 22-year-old general manager to an international executive overseeing 123,000 employees across 29 countries.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The "Scullery Maid" Principle: How Andy’s upbringing shaped his radical respect for every worker, from the office cleaner to the boardroom executive.
• Leading at Scale: The secret to managing 120,000 people (Hint: it involves burning the 400-page strategy manual).
• Business as a "Daily Fight": Why resilience and frugality are the two most underrated traits of successful leaders.
• The Power of Integrity: Why sticking to your principles is a long-term investment that pays off "in chunks."
• The Cavalry Charge: Understanding the link between competence and the confidence required to lead.
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Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Andy’s insights on simplicity, human dignity, and resilience offer a masterclass in modern leadership.

• Book: In the Blink of an Eye (Available on Amazon)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-baker-1a7a6b4a/

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From Frontline Cashier to CEO: James Knight on Mastering Performance Without the Burnout

Air Supply is back with a powerful and brutally honest conversation with executive coach and former CEO, James Knight.

James's career path is anything but traditional. After leaving school at GCSE level, he eschewed the classic academic route, starting in frontline retail banking before quickly moving through senior roles at companies like O2 Telefonica and the RAC, culminating in his role as CEO of Innserve (the joint venture between Heineken and Carlsberg responsible for installing and maintaining 75% of the UK's beer supply systems—from pubs to Glastonbury).

In this candid discussion with host Joshua O'Connor, James pulls back the curtain on the "success trap" and why the external veneer of high-powered corporate life often masks deep personal emptiness.

What You'll Learn:

• The Foundations of High Performance: James reveals the non-negotiable habits and foundations (sleep, movement, recovery) that he believes are more critical to sustained success than hours worked.
• The Cost of Ego: Why James asserts that "your ego is the most expensive thing you'll ever own," and how a willingness to be humble and seek help is the fastest route to unlocking your potential.
• Redefining Success: Hear why the ultimate goal isn't "more" (more hours, more pressure) but actually less (less noise, less distraction) and how to design a life that is Built for More—high performance aligned with high fulfilment.
• Private Equity vs. PLC: Get an insider's view on the cutthroat, fast-paced nature of PE-backed environments and the unique leadership challenges they present.
• Finding Purpose: James shares a profound exercise (writing your own eulogy) that helped him re-evaluate his life and ensure his choices align with the legacy he wants to leave.
• The Ultimate Leadership Skill: Learn why self-regulation and emotional intelligence are the keys to staying grounded and creating psychological safety for your teams, particularly in times of chaos.

This episode is essential listening for any current or aspiring leader looking to achieve extraordinary professional results without sacrificing their health, relationships, or joy in the process.

James Knight is now an executive coach helping leaders perform at the highest level without burning themselves out.

Find James's work at: www.builtformore.uk

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