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What does it take to go from being an unknown young hopeful to announcing some of the biggest boxing events in the world?In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with Kody Mommaerts, better known as Big Mo, one of the most recognisable voices in boxing and combat sports. Having worked with Sky Sports, Netflix and some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mike Tyson, Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, Big Mo shares the story behind his remarkable journey into the world of professional boxing.Kody explains how he overcame early rejection, built a distinctive personal brand and relentlessly pursued opportunities in an industry where few people ever make it. He also reveals the thinking and preparation behind his performances, discussing the art of public speaking, the importance of body language, building confidence and what really makes someone an engaging speaker.The conversation goes beyond the ring, exploring the influence of his father, the importance of education and mentorship, and how to turn your passions into a sustainable business. Cody also shares his perspective on personal branding, entrepreneurship and why being prepared to take your opportunity when it comes is so important.From his first appearances on Sky Sports to announcing the record-breaking Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul fight on Netflix, this is a fascinating insight into the determination, personality and preparation behind one of boxing's most exciting voices.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What does success really mean, and what happens when you achieve everything you've been working towards, only to discover it hasn't made you happy? In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with serial entrepreneur Roy Samuel, founder of Connected, to explore his remarkable journey from being a teenager diagnosed with ADHD and nearly expelled from school to building and selling a successful business at just 26. Roy opens up about the realities behind entrepreneurial success, revealing how selling his first company left him struggling with depression, burnout and a loss of identity. He explains how this experience forced him to reassess his priorities, rediscover his purpose and completely rethink what it means to be successful. The conversation explores ADHD and neurodiversity, the pressures of modern social media, the dangers of comparison, the influence of the manosphere on young men and the importance of finding healthier, more sustainable ways to achieve your ambitions. Roy also shares his thoughts on authenticity, vulnerability, personal alignment and why building genuine value is far more important than chasing status, money or access to the right rooms. Ultimately, his definition of success is refreshingly simple: true joy and belief in what you're building being good for the world around you, with a detachment from the outcome. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

Pat Cash is one of tennis's most recognisable characters. The 1987 Wimbledon champion, known for his iconic checked bandana and rebellious personality, joins Extraordinary Life Stories for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation about sporting success, adversity and finding purpose beyond the game. Pat reflects on his journey from a sports-mad youngster in Melbourne to becoming one of the world's best tennis players, winning Wimbledon and competing against some of the greatest names in the sport. But behind the success was a far more challenging story, involving career-threatening injuries, burnout, losing his confidence and struggling with his identity when professional tennis was taken away from him. He opens up about the importance of mental wellbeing, meditation, Stoicism and learning to measure success differently, as well as his passion for coaching, mentoring the next generation and passing on the lessons he's learned along the way. An honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, rebellion, family, self-belief and why sometimes the greatest victory in life comes long after the final point has been played. Pat's book UNFK Your Serve is out now at unfktennis.com Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

Musician and Ivan Novello award-winning composer Dan Gillespie Sells (The Feeling, 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie') opens up about his journey from a piano-obsessed kid escaping schoolyard bullies to leading one of the UK's biggest pop-rock acts. Dan candidly discusses the harsh reality of the mid-2000s indie music scene, navigating tabloid homophobia, the psychological toll of fame on personal relationships, and why he warns young creatives against letting their "shining unicorn" of passion turn into a tired workhorse. He also shares his creative process, why he embraces slow analog friction over modern AI tools, and his future ambitions in theatre and film scoring.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

Women's sport is entering a defining moment. But are investors, businesses and the wider sporting world fully recognising its potential? In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, we bring together Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea Women's FC, and featuring Alexis Ohanian, technology entrepreneur, investor and founder of Reddit, to explore the extraordinary opportunity emerging in women's sport. Aki Mandhar shares her vision for transforming Chelsea Women into the number one women's sports franchise in the world, explaining why changing perceptions, building commercial partnerships and understanding fans will be essential to the future of the game. The conversation explores how data, technology and AI can help revolutionise women's football, from understanding female athletes' physiology and improving performance to creating new commercial opportunities and turning casual supporters into lifelong fans. Alexis Ohanian offers his perspective as an investor in women's sport, explaining why decades of underinvestment have created an enormous opportunity for innovation, growth and commercial success. From the future of Chelsea Women and the ambition to win the Champions League to the wider impact women's sport can have on business, culture and the next generation of female athletes, this is a fascinating conversation about an industry on the brink of transformation. The question is no longer whether women's sport has a future. It's how big that future could be. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What does it take to build businesses, brands and communities that stand the test of time?In this fascinating conversation, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, entrepreneur and investor, joins Extraordinary Life Stories to discuss his journey from building one of the world's biggest online communities to investing in the future of women's sport, including Chelsea Women and Angel City FC.Alexis shares the personal experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why he believes the next decade will bring unprecedented opportunities, and how artificial intelligence is changing the way we consume information, build businesses and interact with one another.He explores why trust and authenticity will become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven world, the importance of building genuinely human communities, why women's sport represents one of the biggest opportunities in business, and why entrepreneurs should think ten years ahead and never stop asking questions. He also reflects on ambition, innovation, family and the importance of building a legacy that makes your children proud.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly spooned by IFS.ai

What does it take to walk away from a secure corporate career, bet everything on yourself, and build a billion-dollar-revenue business? In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, Adam Ferrari, CEO of Phoenix Energy, shares the remarkable story behind his entrepreneurial journey, from working at BP to building one of America's fastest-growing independent oil and gas companies. Adam opens up about the obsession, conviction and willingness to take risks that helped him build Phoenix Energy from just $2 million in seed capital. He explains why speed and decisive leadership can give smaller businesses an advantage over industry giants, and how technology and AI are transforming everything from engineering to investor relations. But this conversation goes far beyond business growth. Adam discusses his philosophy on leadership, the sacrifices involved in pursuing an ambitious vision, and why he believes success should be measured by how much you help others succeed. He also shares the deeply personal story behind the Ferrari Foundation, established in honour of his father, and his commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in health sciences. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

Recorded live on stage at IFS Unleashed in Orlando, Florida, this special episode of Extraordinary Life Stories features host John Reynolds in conversation with Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, founder of investment firm 776 and investor in pioneering technology companies, alongside Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea Women's FC. Together, they explore the future of AI, entrepreneurship, innovation and women's sport, asking how technology can unlock new opportunities and help build a lasting legacy. Alexis reflects on the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, from learning to code as a teenager to building one of the world's most influential online communities. He shares why he believes we are entering one of the most exciting periods of technological change in his career, with AI creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and innovators willing to challenge conventional thinking. Drawing on his experience investing in emerging technologies, including Anthropic, Alexis explores how AI is reshaping industries, changing the way we discover and consume information, and opening the door for people everywhere to turn ambitious ideas into reality. He also considers why, in an increasingly digital world, trust, authentic human connection and real-world experiences could become more valuable than ever. The conversation turns to one of Alexis's greatest passions: the future of women's sport. He explains the thinking behind his investments in Angel City FC and Chelsea Women's FC, and why he believes women's football represents a significant opportunity to rethink the traditional sports business model. Joining the discussion, Aki Mandhar shares her vision for Chelsea Women and explains how AI, data and technology are helping the club better understand its players, improve training and performance, and create more engaging experiences for supporters. From using data to inform player preparation to understanding what makes fans return, she explores how technology can help build a stronger, more sustainable future for women's football. Together, Alexis and Aki discuss the importance of staying curious, embracing change and using innovation to solve problems that once seemed impossible. They also consider how technology can support human potential, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation. Extraordinary Life Stories features candid conversations with the founders, leaders, athletes and innovators whose experiences reveal what it takes to achieve extraordinary things. Subscribe for more extraordinary conversations exploring the people, ideas and innovations shaping business, technology, sport and society. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What does it take to build an extraordinary life when you refuse to follow the conventional path?In this episode, John Reynolds sits down with Simon Woodroffe OBE, the entrepreneur behind YO! Sushi, YOTEL and one of the original Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, for a fascinating conversation about risk, resilience, reinvention and what really makes people successful.Simon’s journey was anything but conventional. After leaving school at 16 with just two O-levels, he found his way into the world of rock ’n’ roll, working behind the scenes on major music productions before reinventing himself as an entrepreneur and bringing conveyor-belt sushi to Britain.We explore why he believes character matters more than qualifications, how he learned to trust his instincts, why he launched YO! Sushi without restaurant experience, and what he has discovered about success, happiness and taking chances along the way.Simon also shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence, the future of education, hiring the right people, and why so many people regret the opportunities they never took.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories legendary advertising executive and founder of WPP, Sir Martin Sorrell, sits down with John Reynolds to reflect on his iconic career, business strategy, and the future of commerce. From utilising a wire basket manufacturing shell company to launch WPP, to executing massive takeover deals and navigating financial leverage, Sir Martin shares the key lessons learned across decades at the top of the global ad industry.  He also breaks down the five key ways artificial intelligence is currently restructuring corporate organisations, why Jensen Wang's management style at Nvidia represents the modern ideal, and his strong opinions on sports financing, work ethic, and leadership. Topics covered: - The foundational career advice Sir Martin received from his father - The aggressive growth and hostile takeover strategy behind WPP - Real-world applications of AI in ad personalisation, copy, and media buying - The impact of shifting economic power from Western nations to emerging markets - Why staying active mentally and professionally is essential past traditional retirement age Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What does it take to challenge an established industry and build a business that changes the rules? In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy and Kraken, joins us to share the experiences, beliefs and decisions that shaped his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. From programming computer games as a teenager to building one of the UK's most recognisable energy businesses, Greg explains why solving problems matters more than chasing money, why understanding your customers is fundamental to success, and why taking action can be more valuable than having the perfect plan. He also reveals his unconventional approach to leadership, explains how he has worked to build a culture free from corporate politics, and discusses the balance between business, family and personal fulfilment. Looking ahead, Greg shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence, the risks and opportunities it presents, and why businesses should focus on creating lasting value rather than pursuing short-term profits. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: understand what genuinely makes you happy, stop living according to other people's expectations, and have the courage to pursue your own path. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

From being pushed out onto the water alone as an eight-year-old boy to becoming the most successful Olympic sailor in history, Sir Ben Ainslie’s life has been defined by competition, resilience and an extraordinary determination to win. In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with one of Britain’s greatest sporting icons to explore the journey behind the medals, the fame and the historic comebacks. Sir Ben opens up about the lessons he learned from his father, being bullied at school, the transition from individual athlete to leading some of the biggest teams in world sport, and why honesty and empathy have become two of the most important values in his leadership. He also reflects on the incredible 8–1 comeback in the America’s Cup, the evolution of sailing into a high-speed global spectacle, the challenge of stepping away from elite competition and how he now balances ambition, business and family life. This is a conversation about much more than sailing. It’s about learning to take responsibility, handling pressure, adapting to change and continuing to chase excellence when the next challenge is always on the horizon. Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with Charles Gordon‑Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond in the historic surroundings of Goodwood House to uncover the remarkable journey behind one of Britain’s most iconic estates and motorsport events. From growing up surrounded by the legacy of his grandfather, to reinventing that heritage for a modern world, the Duke shares how passion for cars, history, and community led to the creation of the globally celebrated Goodwood Festival of Speed.What began in 1993 as a bold experiment, with little more than a hill, a string line, and fewer than 100 cars, has grown into one of the largest motorsport celebrations on Earth. In this candid conversation, the Duke reveals the chaos and emotion of that first event, the tragedies and triumphs that shaped it, and the entrepreneurial drive required to sustain a 300 year old estate in the modern age. The conversation also explores how the Duke has expanded Goodwood into a calendar of world class experiences beyond the Goodwood Festival of Speed. From the nostalgic magic of the Goodwood Revival, where the golden age of motorsport is brought vividly back to life, to the historic sport of Glorious Goodwood at Goodwood Racecourse, the estate continues to celebrate its centuries-old sporting heritage. More recently, the Duke has even introduced Goodwoof, a joyful festival dedicated entirely to dogs, showing how Goodwood continues to evolve, blending tradition, innovation, and community in ways few places in the world can match.Along the way, he reflects on family legacy, the pressure of stewardship, the magic of bringing legendary machines and drivers together, and why passion has always been at the heart of Goodwood. This is a story about vision, resilience, and the extraordinary power of following what you love. 🏁 Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What does it take to build a global private aviation business from a single aircraft?In this episode, George Galanopoulos, CEO of Luxaviation UK, shares the remarkable story of how he went from studying computer science and working as a barman in London to becoming one of the leading figures in private aviation.Speaking candidly about his entrepreneurial journey, George reveals why finding the right business partner was essential to his success, why exceptional personal service matters when dealing with the world's wealthiest clients, and why he still has no plans to retire after 30 years in business.From extraordinary private jet requests, including flying a dog from the UK to South Africa to the future of AI, electric aircraft and pilotless flying, this is a fascinating insight into an industry few people get to experience first-hand.George also shares his personal philosophy on success, family, ADHD and the importance of inspiring the next generation.His message is simple: find something you love doing, surround yourself with the right people, and never lose sight of the values that got you there.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai

What happens when you walk away from the dream everyone else expects you to fulfil?Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was a British swimming champion, a world number one and the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain. Yet, with the London 2012 Olympics approaching, she made the extraordinary decision to leave competitive swimming behind.In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds sits down with Rebecca to explore the story behind that decision, the pressures of elite sport and what happens when the pursuit of success begins to come at the expense of your own identity.Her journey took her from the swimming pool to Oxford University and, ultimately, to leading the 10,000 Interns Foundation, where she champions opportunities for underrepresented talent. Through her work and her memoir, These Heavy Black Bones, Rebecca challenges conventional ideas about ambition, achievement and what it really means to succeed.This is an honest conversation about identity, resilience, belonging and the freedom to redefine your life on your own terms.Extraordinary Life Stories is proudly sponsored by IFS.ai.