The Free Lunch

Manuel Zamudio arrived in Spain in 2011, in the middle of a brutal financial crisis, with a plan that almost everyone called crazy: relaunch KFC in a country obsessed with its own food culture. A decade later, KFC has surpassed Telepizza to become the third-largest QSR brand in Spain — and Manuel went on to do something even bigger. He brought Krispy Kreme to Madrid.In this conversation — recorded live at the flagship Krispy Kreme in Madrid, the first outside broadcast for The Free Lunch — Eddie sits down with Manuel to unpack the journey from mechanical engineer in Mexico City, to running brands at P&G, to leading KFC across Spain and Portugal at Yum Brands, to becoming a franchisee, to closing the joint venture that finally brought Krispy Kreme to Spain in 2024.The launch broke records. 26,000 free half-dozens given away across Madrid. People queuing 20 hours before the doors opened. Golden tickets handing out free boxes for a year. And one detail that makes Krispy Kreme Spain unique in the world: it's the only Krispy Kreme on the planet without the word "DONUTS" on the logo. There's a legal reason — and it's a great story.But the deeper conversation is about how you actually build something that lasts. Manuel shares why he believes "companies are not a family," the four values he runs every business by, why he uses the medieval wall of Ávila as a metaphor for company culture, and the rule that keeps his marriage healthy while he and his wife both work in the business.In this episode:— Why he bet on Spain during one of its worst economic crises— The real reason Krispy Kreme can't say "donut" in Spain— How they engineered the most-talked-about brand launch in Madrid— Why companies should never call themselves "a family"— The four values: integrity, determination, positivity, generosity— What it takes to work alongside your spouse (and why she doesn't report to him)— Why brands outlast people — and the responsibility that comes with thatTIMESTAMPS00:00 — Intro02:00 — Cold open: companies aren't families04:00 — Live from Krispy Kreme Madrid05:00 — From mechanical engineer to brand manager06:20 — The P&G years: marketing as a business school14:00 — Moving to Yum Brands and arriving in Spain28:30 — Launching KFC during Spain's financial crisis31:40 — How KFC overtook Telepizza34:00 — Becoming a franchisee and the road to Krispy Kreme36:30 — Why you can't say "donuts" in Spain40:00 — Fresh every day: the Krispy Kreme promise42:00 — Inside the launch that broke records57:00 — Building culture: the Ávila wall metaphor1:01:30 — The four values1:05:20 — Why companies are NOT a family1:09:00 — Working with your spouse: the rules1:14:30 — Brands outlast peopleABOUT THE GUESTManuel Zamudio is the CEO of Krispy Kreme Spain and co-founder of Cárdenas Investment, the operating group behind KFC Spain (where he served as Regional General Manager for Spain & Portugal before becoming a franchisee in 2017), Sano, and Krispy Kreme Spain (launched 2024 as a joint venture with the brand). Born in Ecuador, Mexican by nationality, based in Madrid since 2011.

Can you build a seven-figure business without sacrificing your family?Today’s guest, Beth Mazza, argues that the "starving founder" archetype is a myth that holds back some of the world's best potential entrepreneurs. As a 4-time entrepreneur, mother of four, and co-founder of Female Mavericks, Beth has mastered the art of "Entrepreneurship Like a Mother"—a philosophy built on extreme execution, high-performance teams, and unclenching the need for total control.In this episode, we dive deep into the mechanics of moving from a corporate "safety net" to true financial freedom. We discuss the transition from solopreneur to CEO, the specific math required to hit seven figures, and how the dawn of AI is acting as a massive equalizer for founder-led services businesses.Whether you are a mother looking to launch, a corporate leader feeling the itch to build, or a founder struggling to scale, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the power of brand.In this episode, we explore:0:00 - Introduction: Great Product, Team, Culture, and Brand.2:15 - Why a company is not a family (and why that’s a good thing).10:45 - The Corporate Illusion: Why your job is less stable than you think.18:30 - The "Control Freak" Trap: How to scale by letting go.25:00 - The Math of Success: Building 5-year revenue and execution models.34:15 - Raising Money vs. Bootstrapping: What you actually need to start.45:50 - AI for Founders: How technology is changing the game for services.55:20 - Entrepreneurship Like a Mother: The mission for 10,000 moms.

AI is Changing Everything: Entrepreneurship, Jobs & the Future of Work | Abraham Lopez | The Free Lunch PodcastWhat happens to your career when AI can do your job better, faster, and cheaper? In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, host Eddie Ross talks with Abraham Lopez , 26-year-old AI entrepreneur and investor , about the real impact of artificial intelligence on business, leadership, and the global workforce.Abraham founded Correcto, an AI writing assistant used by students across Latin America, and ERA Capital, a venture fund investing exclusively in early-stage AI companies (including Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI). He shares how he went from studying at Cambridge to building two companies before turning 26.🔑 Key takeaways from this episode:00:00 Introduction01:31 Abraham's journey: King's College London → Cambridge → AI founder06:50 How Cambridge funded his first startup12:08 Why the opportunity cost of entrepreneurship in your 20s is zero14:08 AI is lowering the barriers to starting a business15:29 How entry-level jobs in consulting and banking are changing RIGHT NOW17:47 Will AI replace most knowledge workers?20:08 AI costs are going DOWN, not up — here's why23:03 Why everyone is suddenly talking about Claude and Anthropic27:20 Where AI agents still fail (and where they work)28:09 Which big tech companies won't survive the next 10 years?32:55 The SaaS crash explained: how investors are repricing software stocks37:29 AI as a strategic tool: the Block/Square layoffs explained40:12 Will AI create more jobs than it destroys?44:18 How AI will transform education and healthcare47:31 The growing inequality problem nobody wants to talk about48:20 Robots, self-driving cars, and the future of physical work50:19 Waymo, autonomous vehicles, and why regulation is the bottleneck54:56 Why leadership must become MORE human in the age of AI01:03:17 Are software engineers being replaced by AI?01:06:36 Claude Code vs Cursor: the future of AI coding01:08:42 AI-generated music: will Spotify survive?01:10:44 Book recommendations: Atomic Habits & How to Win Friends and Influence People📚 Books mentioned:Atomic Habits — James ClearHow to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale CarnegieWhere's My Free Lunch? — Eddie RossAbout The Free Lunch Podcast:The Free Lunch is a podcast about leadership, business strategy, and the forces shaping our future. Hosted by Eddie Ross, each episode features candid conversations with founders, investors, and leaders navigating today's fast-changing world.#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #AIJobs #StartupFounder #ClaudeAI #Anthropic #VentureCapital #Leadership #AIAgents #SelfDrivingCars #Waymo #TechInvesting #FreeLunchPodcast #AIStrategy #SaaS #MachineLearning #AIStartups #FutureOfAI

He came up with the sleep service in first class at British Airways. Now he's building AI that predicts what you want to book before you even search. This conversation will change how you think about travel, technology, and leadership.Andy Owen Jones has spent 35+ years at the cutting edge of travel technology — from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to founding SmartSeer, a company using predictive AI to transform how online travel works. In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with his former Amadeus colleague to explore how AI is reshaping the travel industry, why most online travel agencies missed their biggest opportunity, and what leaders need to understand about probability and uncertainty.Whether you're in travel, tech, or leadership — this one's packed with insights.🕐 TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction01:22 — Starting at British Airways as a programmer in 198802:32 — The flat bed idea: changing first class from luxury to sleep05:23 — Leaving travel for NatWest and Deloitte06:10 — Learning change management in San Francisco07:30 — Running IT at Virgin Atlantic before Y2K08:06 — Building an online travel agency during the dot-com boom09:01 — Arriving at Amadeus and saving the Tui deal10:23 — How caching and "big data" transformed travel search11:24 — Founding BD4: modelling individual user behaviour14:05 — Moving from certainty to probability-based personalisation16:37 — SmartSeer's pitch: the right product for the right person19:03 — Predictive AI vs generative AI — what's the real difference22:14 — His 2017 AI presentation that nobody cared about23:50 — Will AI be a game changer or a game massager for travel?25:14 — Why online travel agencies never used the data they had29:05 — Is AI actually going to change things radically?32:16 — The real disruption timeline: 2-3 years out34:35 — The age of the niche entrepreneur36:52 — The hidden cost of AI nobody talks about39:28 — Security nightmares and the wrapper startup trap43:35 — Micro-businesses, universities, and the future of work48:13 — Why doctors might train completely differently in 20 years49:49 — Amazon's soulless shops and why humans still matter54:04 — What education should look like now57:16 — Leadership in the age of AI: storytelling, vision, and poker01:01:14 — "Find the right customer for your product, not the right product for your customer"🔑 KEY TOPICSAI in travel, predictive AI vs generative AI, travel technology evolution, online travel agencies, personalisation, British Airways flat bed history, SmartSeer, change management, leadership in uncertainty, future of education, entrepreneurship, probability thinking🎙️ ABOUT THE GUESTAndy Owen Jones is co-founder and Managing Director of SmartSeer, a travel technology company using predictive AI to personalise the online travel experience. He previously held senior roles at British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Amadeus, and founded BD4.🔗 CONNECTAndy Owen Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aowenjones/SmartSeer: https://www.smartseer.comEddie Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-ross-3350711/📌 ABOUT THE FREE LUNCH PODCASTThe Free Lunch is where we have engaging and useful conversations about leadership in all its different forms. New episodes weekly.👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with leaders who are shaping the future.#AI #TravelTechnology #Leadership #PredictiveAI #TravelIndustry #FreeLunchPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #SmartSeer #OnlineTravel

Can one person build a billion-dollar company with just a handful of AI agents? Tom Capone thinks so, and he's building the tools to make it happen.In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, host Eddie Ross sits down with Tom Capone, the founder and CEO of L3NS.ai (https://www.l3ns.ai), the world's first AI product marketer designed to take disruptive products from zero to one million users. Tom shares how his journey from running a marketing agency that generated over $54 million for brands like L'Oréal, Uber and Huawei led him to build an AI-native platform that automates the entire product marketing process, from strategy to execution.They explore the shift into the agentic era of AI, why entrepreneurship may be the best defence against job displacement, and how founders can leverage AI growth agents to distribute products at a fraction of the traditional cost. Tom also shares his take on the future of work, why university might not be the right path for everyone, and what it really takes to recruit world-class talent as a young founder.Whether you're a startup founder struggling with distribution, a marketer curious about AI automation, or someone thinking about the future of business — this conversation is packed with insight.🔗 CONNECT WITH TOM CAPONE:🌐 L3NS.ai: https://www.l3ns.ai🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/tomcapone11💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomcapone/🎙️ ABOUT THE FREE LUNCH PODCAST:Hosted by Eddie Ross, The Free Lunch explores leadership, entrepreneurship and the forces reshaping how we build and run businesses — from AI transformation to founder mindset.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introduction to Tom Capone and L3NS.ai02:06 — From marketing agency to AI product marketer03:44 — Where are we in the AI revolution?04:28 — The agentic era: from search engines to task execution06:00 — AI is democratising entrepreneurship07:17 — Infrastructure players and the future of AI capabilities09:43 — The speed of AI evolution: plateau or acceleration?10:47 — Will AI replace jobs? Positioning yourself for the future14:49 — Can everyone be an entrepreneur?17:04 — Micro economies and the future of work19:22 — Inside L3NS.ai: how the product works24:36 — The two-agent system: strategy and execution27:05 — Zero-prompting and self-optimising AI campaigns29:15 — Tom's entrepreneurial journey and leadership lessons30:08 — Screening 800 people to find the right CMO32:06 — Articulating mission and vision as a founder34:11 — Why AI integration is the ultimate competitive advantage36:38 — The rise of personal brands and founder-led marketing41:16 — AI: friend or foe? The B2C vs B2B divide43:35 — AI personal assistants and the future of consumer tech45:57 — Pre-order L3NS.ai and join the closed beta48:07 — Advice for the next generation: rethink education51:34 — Why first-principles thinking matters more than degrees

How do you build a business that scales profitably while actually doing good in the world?In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with LeiLani Kirai, the powerhouse founder of Be The Change HR. LeiLani’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line—it was a survival story. After a toxic workplace pushed her to a physical breaking point, she took a soul-searching road trip that led to the creation of a "conscious capitalism" HR firm.LeiLani reveals her unique Social Impact Model, explaining how her for-profit business provides essential job-readiness training for survivors of sex trafficking. We also dive deep into the "unfiltered" side of leadership—from the necessity of "healthy arguments" to why most scaling companies are overspending on executive hires.In this episode, we discuss:The Burnout Wake-up Call: How a medical leave led to a cross-country pivot.Smart Scaling: Why you don't need a VP of HR at 50 employees (and what to do instead).Culture vs. Strategy: Why leadership behavior is the ultimate driver of company culture.The Triple Bottom Line: Balancing people, planet, and profit without losing your mind.Data-Driven Leadership: How an HR professional learned to "run circles" around a P&L.Whether you are a founder trying to scale your team or an employee looking for a more "human" workplace, LeiLani’s insights on vulnerability and truth in business are a masterclass in modern leadership.#Leadership #HR #Entrepreneurship #ConsciousCapitalism #SmallBusiness #CompanyCulture #TheFreeLunchPodcast

We dive deep into how the "sick care" industry prioritizes symptoms over root causes, why chronic disease rates are skyrocketing despite record spending, and the perverse incentives keeping patients dependent on pills rather than cures. Tom breaks down the Ascend Medical approach to breaking this cycle and reclaiming true patient autonomy.In this episode, we discuss:The "Tapeworm" Economy: How the medical system drains resources without improving outcomes.Sick Care vs. Health Care: Why modern medicine excels at acute trauma but fails at chronic disease.The Ascend Medical Mission: How Tom Bowen Wright and his team are challenging the status quo.Reclaiming Autonomy: Practical steps to take control of your metabolic health and advocate for yourself.The Future of Wellness: How to opt out of the broken system and build true longevity.🔍 Topics: Tom Bowen Wright, Ascend Medical, Healthcare System, Big Pharma, Metabolic Health, Chronic Disease, Patient Advocacy, Preventative Medicine, Medical Ethics.

In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with David Wheldon OBE for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, brand, and the human side of business.David’s career spans four decades at the highest levels of global advertising and marketing, with senior roles at Coca-Cola, Vodafone, and Barclays, as well as serving as President of the World Federation of Advertisers. But this episode isn’t about job titles — it’s about what experience actually teaches you over time.Together, Eddie and David explore what real leadership looks like when the pressure is on: the importance of clarity over charisma, why defining success early prevents failure later, and how leaders shape culture through the smallest everyday actions. They talk candidly about managing up, giving credit, delivering feedback, and understanding your impact on others.This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for anyone who leads people, builds brands, or wants to understand how successful organisations really work behind the scenes.🎧 Listen to the full episode for lessons drawn from experience — not theory

Is the hourly rate killing the legal profession? Today on the Free Lunch Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Dashper Hughes, Director of Development at Gunnercooke, to discuss the firm that is radically disrupting the UK and international legal landscape.Matthew shares his incredible journey from a philosophy degree and selling advertising space to leading a £63.5m management buyout and becoming COO for Theo Paphitis at Ryman. Now, he’s coaching lawyers to think like business owners.We dive deep into the "Gunnercooke Model"—a fee-share structure that challenges the traditional equity partnership pyramid. We also explore the "Thinking Time" habit that saved his business during lockdown, why culture is simply "what you tolerate," and how AI is forcing lawyers to move from billing for time to billing for value.If you are interested in the future of law, leadership psychology, or business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights.🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/show/6625dIpxNqmGjkesjN2TBk?si=9e095fa8fb42424a📖 GET THE BOOK:Discover the leadership principles behind the podcast in Eddie's book, Where's My Free Lunch?👉 https://www.wheresmyfreelunch.com/⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro: Who is Matthew Dashper Hughes?02:53 - From Philosophy to a £63.5m Management Buyout.06:30 - The "Thinking Time" exercise that saved Matthew’s business during COVID.08:11 - The problem with the traditional Law Firm "Pyramid" model.16:14 - What is the Gunnercooke Model? (Fee share explained).22:15 - Money Mindset: Why lawyers struggle to price their value.32:00 - Culture is what you tolerate: The "Whiteboard Exercise."35:48 - International culture gaps: UK vs. USA vs. Germany.40:00 - Leadership vs. Management (The Ladder & The Wall).48:00 - Dealing with "Wicked Problems" and Black Swan events.51:50 - How AI will disrupt the legal industry (Efficiency vs. Effectiveness).01:03:30 - Final advice: Put your own oxygen mask on first.📚 BOOKS & CONCEPTS MENTIONED:The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham (Concept: Thinking Time)The Culture Map by Erin Meyer (Navigating cultural differences)No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Reed Hastings & Erin MeyerShow Me The Money by Matthew Dashper Hughes (Matthew’s book on value and pricing)Bloom's Taxonomy (The hierarchy of learning)The Eisenhower Matrix / Boston Box (Complexity vs. Clarity grids)💡 KEY QUOTES:"If you think war, you get war. If you think peace, you get peace." — Darryl Cooke"Management is about efficiency and climbing the ladder of success; leadership is about making sure the ladder is leaning against the right wall." — Stephen Covey"Culture is what you tolerate and what you promote.""The most important tool in any leader's toolkit is a mirror."🔗 CONNECT WITH US:👤 Follow Matthew Dashper Hughes:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdashper-hughes/Gunnercooke: https://gunnercooke.com/👤 Follow Me :DConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-ross-3350711/My website: https://epr.business/Get my Book: https://www.wheresmyfreelunch.com/👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more leadership conversations!#Gunnercooke #LegalInnovation #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #FutureOfLaw #ManagementBuyout #Coaching #AIinLaw #FreeLunchPodcast #MatthewDashperHughes

As a new year begins, many people feel stuck at a crossroads.Stay safe or take a risk.Keep the job or build something of your own.Chase comfort — or responsibility.In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Carlos Ross, James Ross, and Gregory Botanes for a deep, honest conversation about what it actually takes to change direction in your 20s.Carlos shares what it’s like to help launch Krispy Kreme in Spain, stepping into leadership and building a brand from the ground up.James talks about selling stablecoins across Latin America, moving countries alone, breaking into crypto, and learning sales the hard way.Gregory explains why he quit the 9–5 to build his own business, the reality of entrepreneurship, and what freedom really costs.This isn’t a highlight reel.It’s a grounded discussion about discipline, risk, loneliness, ambition, and responsibility — and why there’s no such thing as a free lunch.If you’re thinking about changing careers, moving countries, starting a business, or taking your next step more seriously, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Launching global brands in new marketsBreaking into crypto and stablecoins in LatAmQuitting the 9–5 to start a businessLeadership, responsibility, and long-term thinkingThe real trade-offs behind “freedom”Listen in — and decide what kind of year you want to build.

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Amy Bell, the founder of Teal Compliance and Chair of the Economic Crime Committee at the Law Society.Amy’s story is the ultimate example of resilience. From scraping a 2:2 degree and having her training contract cancelled days before it started, she defied the odds to become one of the most respected voices in the legal sector. She opens up about her journey from the "worst firm in Manchester" to scaling a global consultancy that now operates in the UK and Australia.But this conversation goes deeper than just business. Amy shares her vulnerable personal journey with a late-in-life diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. She reveals how this discovery transformed her leadership style, why she "fired herself" to scale her company, and why she implemented radical management rules—like banning the requirement to call in sick before 9 AM.If you are interested in entrepreneurship, scaling a service business, or navigating neurodiversity in the workplace, this episode is a must-listen.🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:00:00 – Intro: Who is Amy Bell?04:15 – The "Failed Student": Overcoming a 2:2 degree and rejection.11:54 – Revolutionizing legal processes (and accidentally predicting AI).21:28 – Why law firms struggle with business vs. law.30:48 – The origin of "Teal Compliance" (and Eddie’s role in it!).41:14 – SCALING: How to make yourself redundant in your own business.45:35 – Expanding to Australia: Taking a niche service global.50:59 – THE REVEAL: Navigating late-diagnosis Autism & ADHD.1:05:46 – Radical Leadership: Why traditional HR rules are broken.📚 Resources Mentioned:Book: Simple, Logical, Repeatable: Systemise Your Business to Scale by Marianne Page.💡 About The Free Lunch:Hosted by Eddie Ross, The Free Lunch explores the real stories behind successful businesses and the people who build them. We dig past the polish to find the actionable insights, failures, and "free lunches" that shaped their careers.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on business, leadership, and resilience.#AmyBell #TealCompliance #LegalTech #Neurodiversity #ADHD #AutismInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Scaling #WomenInLaw #TheFreeLunchPodcast

In this inspiring episode of The Free Lunch, David Price shares his incredible career reinvention story — from working in corporate banking to opening the Secret Kingdoms English language bookstore in the heart of Madrid at 50+. David talks about the challenges he faced, the risks of starting over later in life, and how he turned his passion for books into a thriving bookshop business.Whether you're considering a career change at 50+, dreaming of starting your own business, or just love entrepreneurship stories, this episode will inspire you to follow your passion and reinvent your life.David also discusses some of his favorite books:Humankind by Rutger BregmanChildren of Time by Adrian TchaikovskyIf you're thinking of making a big change or pursuing your own dream career, David’s story is proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Mauro Botanes, the 21-year-old co-founder and CPO of Symmetry — now Spain’s fastest-growing health and fitness app, with more than 450,000 downloads in under six months.Mauro shares how he went from being diagnostically obese to preparing for bodybuilding competitions, launching a YouTube channel, dropping out of university, and building one of the most viral fitness apps in the Spanish-speaking world.We break down:How Symmetry reached 452K+ downloads organicallyThe UGC + AI growth engine powering their viral tractionWhy most fitness apps fail — and what Symmetry did differentlyBuilding a startup at 21 (leadership, co-founder dynamics, structure)Using AI to develop products faster and at lower costThe future of fitness, self-development, and AI-powered personal coachingThe mindset (resilience, belief, tenacity) required to scale a company fastIf you’re interested in startups, app growth, fitness, AI, entrepreneurship, content strategy, or you want a behind-the-scenes look at one of the fastest-growing health apps in Europe, this conversation is packed with insights.Watch until the end to hear Symmetry’s 10-year vision and how Mauro plans to build the “G-Suite of self-development.”—📌 Topics Covered:0:00 – Mauro’s story3:00 – The YouTube launch & transformation7:00 – How Symmetry was built12:00 – 450K downloads with no ads18:00 – UGC vs influencers20:00 – AI features and growth27:00 – Leadership at 2133:00 – The future of fitness + AI40:00 – Symmetry’s 10-year vision—🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, AI, entrepreneurship and the future of work.

In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with Simon Olswang - legendary founder of the UK law firm Olswang, board adviser, entertainment lawyer, and a pioneer in the world of media & communications.We dive into leadership, culture, high-pressure decisions, talent, integrity, and how to build organisations that last. Simon shares extraordinary stories from his career:• Founding Olswang in 1980 and scaling it into one of the UK’s most influential media & entertainment law firms• Working with major film productions (including Gandhi), Monty Python, and global icons like Diana Ross• Leadership lessons from decades working at the intersection of law, media, private equity and technology• How values, integrity and culture shape teams — and what happens when they disappear• The real challenges of succession, growth, reinvention and personal resilience• AI, change, and what he believes is coming next for societyThis conversation is packed with wisdom, unforgettable stories, and practical leadership insights from someone who has operated at the highest levels for decades.If you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, law, media, or personal growth — you will love this episode.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the hidden realities of building organisations.

How do you turn $800K into $26M in 18 months through Facebook ads—and why do most advertisers fail?In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with Depesh Mandalia, one of the most respected figures in digital marketing, to break down the real mechanics behind great advertising, business growth, and applying AI inside performance marketing.Depesh has spent 20+ years in marketing, generated over $100M in revenue for Ecommerce and digital products, built his own 7-figure affiliate business, and created the now-famous BPM Method—a framework Facebook itself invited him to teach.This conversation goes far beyond “tactics.”It’s a deep dive into mindset, leadership, creativity, data, AI, and the psychology behind ads that scale.Whether you run an agency, manage a marketing team, or simply want to understand why your ads aren’t working, this episode is a masterclass.Why 80% of success with Facebook ads happens before you spend a dollarThe BPM Method explained in plain EnglishHow Depesh turned $800K into $26M for a clientThe 4 things every winning campaign gets rightHow AI is changing the future of marketing and creativeWhy agencies break as they grow—and how to avoid itThe painful reality of scaling a business too fastHow to survive when you lose a major traffic source overnightWhy branding is not optional, even for performance marketersThe next 5 years of Facebook ads: creatives, signals, AI, and trustThe truth about “ad hacks” and why most people waste money on toolsHow to lead teams well in a world where everything changes monthly(Adjust after final cut)0:00 – Intro1:00 – Depesh’s journey: corporate → fired → $1M affiliate marketer6:30 – The origins of the BPM Method11:00 – Why most businesses fail before they ever launch an ad14:40 – Case study: turning $800K into $26M18:50 – Key mistakes 95% of advertisers make23:20 – Why AI shifts the advantage to creative thinkers29:00 – Agency scaling: stress, payroll, and identity34:00 – Losing traffic, rebuilding trust, and bouncing back41:30 – Leadership lessons from 20 years in marketing48:00 – What the next generation of marketers must learn53:00 – Advice for founders trying to scale with adsDepesh Mandalia is a marketer and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience. He currently runs a performance marketing agency, mentors thousands of advertisers, and teaches his signature BPM Method, responsible for over $100M in global revenue.After losing his job in the 2009 financial crisis, he built a 7-figure affiliate business, and since 2018 he has trained the next wave of marketers through simple, high-impact systems that actually work.He enjoys time with family, coaching football, traveling, and helping entrepreneurs grow.Hosted by Eddie Ross, The Free Lunch explores leadership, growth, culture, and the real mechanics behind business success—through honest conversations with people who’ve actually done it.Subscribe for more conversations like thisLike the video—it helps the show growComment your biggest takeaway from Depesh’s journey🎧 What you’ll learn:⏱️ Timestamps👤 About Depesh Mandalia🍽️ About The Free Lunch Podcast📩 Enjoyed the episode?

Is AI your company’s biggest opportunity… or an expensive distraction?In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with Azahara Corrales – journalist turned marketer turned AI consultant and thought leader – to unpack what really happens when businesses try to “implement AI”.Azahara has been working with AI in marketing since before it was cool. She helps companies cut through the hype, avoid wasting money on shiny tools, and actually get ROI from AI – while staying mindful of ethics, bias and the human side of work.If you’re a leader, founder, manager or consultant trying to figure out how AI fits into your world, this conversation will save you time, money and headaches.Why 95% of companies are using AI wrongHow to decide where AI makes sense in your business (and where it doesn’t)The hidden cost of forcing AI into every workflowAI, bias & diversity: why the people building AI matter as much as the techHow AI will split society in two: hyper-tech vs. hyper-humanWhat good leadership looks like in the age of AIWhy you still need education, critical thinking and emotional intelligenceHow small businesses and solo operators can “borrow a team” using AI0:00 – Intro: Who is Azahara Corrales?1:40 – From journalism & hospitality to AI and marketing4:20 – Becoming an AI “pioneer” (by being early and curious)6:00 – What Azahara actually does for companies today7:30 – The #1 mistake leaders make when “implementing AI”9:50 – Why most AI tools are wasted spend11:30 – Lessons from the early internet vs. today’s AI wave12:30 – Where AI is genuinely a huge opportunity for small businesses14:10 – Will AI replace humans… or just bad processes?17:00 – Trust, hallucinations and why you should treat AI like “that dad who always has an answer”19:40 – How AI is changing leadership and culture inside companies21:45 – AI: friend or foe? Azahara’s honest answer23:20 – Bias in AI: who builds it and what data it learns from28:00 – Can regulation keep up? The role of governments and the EU32:00 – Education, knowledge and what kids should really learn now35:30 – 2030 forecast: what changes, what stays the same40:10 – Personal AI assistants, agents and our daily lives44:50 – Two futures: fully plugged-in vs. people who reject tech51:30 – Azahara’s core message to leaders about AI53:30 – Why being an AI pioneer now can be your best competitive advantage🎧 In this episode, we cover:⏱️ Timestamps

In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, host Eddie Ross sits down with David Mears, founder of DMA , to discuss the highs and lows of running a creative agency for over 20 years. From the early days of building the agency on his own to scaling it through economic crises and the pandemic, David shares invaluable lessons on autonomy, leadership, and finding fulfillment in your work.David reflects on:How he built DMA from a one-man operation into a thriving creative agencyThe importance of autonomy over financial successManaging growth, hiring the right people, and handling tough decisionsNavigating the challenges of leading through financial crises and the pandemicHis thoughts on the future of the creative industry and the balance between work and personal lifeIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion into a lasting business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, agency owner, or just someone curious about the creative industry, David's story offers a roadmap for anyone looking to build something meaningful and sustainable.

Most entrepreneurs dream of making money in pajamas—but Michael Harty actually did it long before remote work became mainstream.In this episode, Eddie Ross sits down with Michael Harty, a serial entrepreneur who went from bartending and selling meat trucks to pioneering remote entrepreneurship in the '90s, long before "digital nomad" was a buzzword.You'll discover:✅ How Michael spotted lucrative opportunities that others missed✅ The "pajama" secret: why working remotely gave him an early edge✅ His biggest entrepreneurial regret—and how you can avoid the same mistake✅ Why moving quickly matters more than perfection (and how to master it)✅ The simple yet powerful leadership principle most bosses overlookThis isn’t another fluffy entrepreneur story. It's packed with honest lessons on spotting opportunities, scaling smartly, and building businesses that thrive without micromanagement.🎧 Chapters:00:00 – Michael’s Entrepreneurial Journey from Bartending to Business05:36 – The Truth About Selling Meat Trucks in France08:01 – Launching Madrid’s First Irish Bar: Lessons & Regrets12:02 – The One Attitude Every Great Team Needs16:22 – Why Micromanaging Is Secretly Killing Your Growth23:40 – How to Empower Your Team by Doing Less27:21 – Can Your Business Run Without You?30:52 – When (and How) to "Shoot the Horse" and Move On35:34 – The Entrepreneurial Gift of Knowing When to Sell39:03 – Leadership vs. Management: Getting Real Results45:42 – Why Overanalyzing Data Can Paralyze Your Business52:17 – The Authentic Leadership Advantage📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for actionable advice that helps you grow faster and lead better.📖 Grab Eddie’s Book "Where's My Free Lunch?"

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with David Hancock, a man who’s reinvented himself not once, but twice.From serving as an Army officer in a cavalry regiment, to trading floors in the City of London, to becoming COO at a top 10 global hedge fund, David’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. But his most radical move yet? Leaving the world of finance behind to retrain as a barrister.Together they discuss:The courage to start over later in life.What it’s really like working in England’s legal system.Why more leaders need “self-leadership” before they lead others.The shocking realities of criminal law and the “innocent tax”.If you’ve ever thought about pivoting careers, chasing purpose over profit, or simply want to hear an inspiring journey of reinvention – this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and be inspired to take your own leap.🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Free Lunch for more stories from leaders who dare to think differently.

Shaman Ahuja is the Deputy CEO of Optym, a multi-million dollar optimization software company transforming industries like airlines, railroads, and trucking. In this episode, Shaman shares hard-earned lessons on building software at scale, leading global teams, and navigating the challenges of innovation in complex industries.We talk about:✅ The realities of leading multi-million software projects✅ Balancing customers, developers, and business needs✅ How AI is reshaping software development and logistics✅ Leadership principles for scaling tech organizations✅ Why communication—not code—is often the biggest bottleneckWhether you're a tech leader, aspiring CEO, or curious about what it takes to deliver software that actually works, this conversation is packed with insights.🎙 Subscribe for more leadership, business, and culture conversations from The Free Lunch.

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with branding expert Brenna Garratt, the founder of Sustainer, to explore the crucial role branding plays in business success. With over 20 years of experience in building brands and helping companies navigate the complexities of the B2B market, Brenna shares valuable insights on how branding is much more than just a logo – it’s a strategic asset that drives growth, creates lasting relationships, and differentiates businesses in competitive markets.From her early days in the dot-com boom to building a thriving branding agency and ultimately selling it to a bigger group, Brenna offers a unique perspective on how leaders can use branding to shape their business identity, influence decisions, and build powerful companies.In this conversation, Brenna and Eddie dive deep into topics like:- The importance of strategic branding in B2B markets- How to transform branding from a cost center to a profit center- The challenges of naming companies and products- Why understanding your brand's perception is key to long-term successAnd much more!Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or simply curious about how branding shapes business growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice and behind-the-scenes stories from a true expert in the field.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Free Lunch for more insights on leadership, business strategy, and success stories from top industry experts.00:00 - Introduction to Branding and Leadership04:51 - The Journey of Sustainer and Early Challenges09:51 - The Value of Branding in Business14:49 - Navigating B2B Branding Challenges19:55 - The Art of Presentation and Impact24:48 - Understanding Corporate Perception and Meepathy28:24 - Navigating Client Relationships and Feedback30:43 - Reframing Leadership Roles for Success32:16 - The Importance of Authentic Branding34:26 - The Challenges of Naming and Brand Identity39:43 - The Emotional Power of Branding41:18 - Leadership and Confidence in Branding43:06 - Understanding Client Dynamics and Relationships46:58 - Knowing When to Walk Away from Clients51:44 - Advice for New Entrepreneurs

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Roman Townsend, founder of Belvera Partners, to explore his remarkable journey from corporate redundancy to building a thriving global communications agency.After being laid off during COVID, Roman didn't just bounce back—he built a niche PR firm serving the travel tech industry, growing a remote-first team across continents and breaking into markets like China.They dive into:The mindset shift from employee to founderWhy outsourcing admin is a startup superpowerHow to build a team that runs without youThe reality of remote leadership and communicationWhat Western founders misunderstand about China’s tech sceneRoman’s honest take on leadership, culture, and resilienceIf you're thinking about leaving the corporate world to build your own business—or you're already in the thick of it—this is the real, practical conversation you need.🔗 Subscribe for more founder journeys & leadership insights🎙 The Free Lunch — Real conversations, no fluff.

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Crystal Elam, SVP of Growth & Operations at RVO Health, to explore her unexpected rise from storm chasing to biotech and digital healthcare leadership.Crystal shares game-changing insights on leading without authority, scaling transformation, and a philosophy she calls "Pull Through bigger than Sell To" that reshaped her career in sales.From handling layoffs with empathy to prepping teams for AI-led disruption in healthcare, this conversation covers mentorship, vulnerability, leadership perception, and how extreme accountability drives real change.🚀 Topics covered:From storm chaser to healthcare executiveWhat “pull through” really means in sales & growthHow to lead without a titleMentorship: how to find the right peopleAI in healthcare: risks, power & personalisationCommunication that actually lands👉 Watch to the end for Crystal’s take on vulnerability as a leadership edge.Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments 💬

n this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with leadership veteran Tom Cates, Senior VP of Business Development at Uniglobe and former Chief Commercial Officer at Amadeus.With over four decades in leadership across aviation, banking, and global tech, Tom shares deeply personal stories and hard-earned lessons on self-awareness, feedback, team dynamics, and the power of culture.🚨 Highlights:Why leadership starts with leading yourselfHow to balance ego and humility in a senior roleWhat Tom learned managing 42 direct reportsWhy building relationships is more powerful than managing tasksHow to lead through mergers, global change, and culture clashesWhether you're an emerging manager or a seasoned executive, this is a masterclass in authentic leadership.👇 Drop your biggest leadership lesson in the comments – we'd love to hear it.

What does it really mean to lead? In this episode of The Free Lunch Podcast, Eddie Ross sits down with his cousin Andrew Ross, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines, to unpack the hard truths about leadership—both in the military and in the corporate world.With nearly 20 years in uniform and another 20 in senior roles in companies like Shell, Andrew shares a rare perspective on:The difference between command, management, and leadershipWhy trust—not control—is the real glue of high-performing teamsWhat not being invited for a drink taught him about failureHow to lead without needing to be likedThe real reason some charismatic leaders fall short🔥 Whether you're a team lead, founder, or aspiring leader—this episode delivers timeless lessons on responsibility, courage, and the loneliness of command.👉 Like, subscribe, and let us know: What’s one leadership lesson YOU had to learn the hard way?#Leadership #MilitaryLeadership #CorporateCulture #FreeLunchPodcast #EddieRoss #CommandAndControl #TeamManagement #AndrewRoss #RoyalMarines #AuthenticLeadership

Most leaders talk about "culture"—but few actually understand what it takes to build one that performs and inspires.In this episode, Eddie Ross sits down with Claire Smith, Head of People and culture strategist, to expose the uncomfortable truths about leadership, communication, and workplace performance that HR won’t tell you.You’ll learn:✅ Why most companies fail at culture (even when they think they’re thriving)✅ The one dangerous mistake leaders make in “difficult conversations”✅ Why “family culture” is a toxic myth—and what to do instead✅ How to fix low engagement, misalignment, and quiet quitting✅ What Me-pathy is—and why it’s your leadership superpowerThis is not another soft talk on values. This is how top companies actually build winning culture, retain talent, and grow faster—without burning people out.🎧 Chapters:00:00 – Claire’s Squiggly Career Path04:06 – What a Head of People Really Does05:12 – Culture ≠ Perks (It’s Much Deeper)07:31 – Kindness vs. High Performance: False Tradeoff10:04 – How to Assess & Strengthen Real Culture14:49 – The Truth About Difficult Conversations18:28 – Why Leaders Underestimate Their Communication Power24:30 – Understanding Personality Styles at Work30:09 – Your Culture Must Evolve (Here’s How)35:09 – Career Growth Starts With You42:07 – How to Fix Broken Performance Reviews📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for real conversations that help you lead better.📖 Grab Eddie’s Book “Where’s My Free Lunch?”

Ever feel exhausted by endless productivity hacks that lead nowhere? It's time to escape productivity hell and discover the hidden mindset shift that separates the world's most successful leaders from everyone else.In today's episode, Eddie Ross sits down with Matthew Brown, founder of Being Thinking Doing, to reveal why traditional productivity is failing you and exactly what to do instead. You'll learn:✅ Why "fake urgency" is quietly destroying your team (and how to fix it).✅ The ancient Stoic secrets that top executives swear by.✅ Why attention—not time—is your REAL superpower.✅ How to reclaim control from "busyness" and finally achieve meaningful results.Stop working harder. Start working smarter. Matthew Brown shares secrets he's taught to Fortune 500 companies and elite leaders worldwide.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro00:29 – Why Productivity Hacks Are Broken02:49 – Stoicism: Your Secret Weapon04:47 – The REAL Urgent vs. Important08:27 – Escaping the Messaging App Trap11:19 – Attention: Your Ultimate Resource17:10 – Master the Art of Saying "No"22:04 – Why Effort Isn't Enough36:23 – The Busyness Trap (and Escape)46:47 – Military Secrets to Powerful Leadership📖 Get Eddie’s Book "Where’s My Free Lunch?":💡 Like & Subscribe for more powerful insights every week!

Join Eddie Ross, author of Where’s My Free Lunch?, and seasoned leadership strategist Larraine Solomon for candid, thought-provoking conversations that debunk the myth of “easy fixes” in leadership and organizational success. In this debut episode, the duo unpacks decades of experience across industries—from banking to tech—to explore why there’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to building trust, fostering innovation, and driving lasting change.