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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.leadersgb.co.uk/members/adam-kiani">Adam Kiani</a>, Founder and Chief Executive of Academy Investment Group (AIG), has had the courage to challenge the status quo for as long as he can remember.&nbsp;“I always had an entrepreneurial background,” Kiani reflects. After obtaining a university diploma in finance journalism, he quickly realised that his passion lay not in writing but in the business world. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kiani-25687964/?locale=ru_RU">His early venture into business</a> ownership was a prelude to a pivotal role at LA Fitness, where he began as a gym manager before ascending to regional management and eventually overseeing the recruitment of personal trainers.It was during his tenure at LA Fitness and DW Sports that Kiani identified a significant gap in the market: the education of personal trainers. “And that’s when I started <a href="https://ptacademy.com/">PT Academy</a> back in 2009,” he says. Kiani observed that the traditional method of training, delivered by university lecturers, was not producing the quality of personal trainers the industry demanded. Determined to elevate the standard, he pioneered a novel approach. “Let’s change how courses are delivered,” he proposed, opting to employ successful personal trainers to impart their knowledge and expertise to new recruits.Kiani’s innovative method faced scepticism, but he remained undeterred. “I trusted my gut instinct, and it worked,” he asserts. And work it did, setting a new industry standard that is now widely adopted. “There won’t be a training provider you come across within our sector that doesn’t use active personal trainers to teach its courses,” Kiani proudly states, marking a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.The impact of Kiani’s vision extended beyond training methodologies. When faced with rejection from his employers regarding his business plan, he embraced the challenge and forged his own path. “That was the best rejection I’ve ever received,” Kiani muses, reflecting on the moment that spurred him to establish PT Academy. His resolve to succeed has not only reshaped the fitness industry but also solidified his role as a trailblazer and a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.Innovation Amidst Crisis: PT Academy’s Strategic PivotWhen the fitness industry was brought to its knees by the COVID lockdowns, PT Academy faced a dire crossroads. “We were given guidance from one of the regulators that fitness qualifications have to stop until gyms reopen,” Kiani explains. The prospect of halting operations was daunting, but Adami’s innovative spirit spurred a groundbreaking solution. “I wrote six pathways which would allow learners to continue without the use of a gym,” he says, showcasing his proactive approach to crisis management.The inspiration for this pivot came from an unlikely source: “What triggered it for me was watching Joe Wicks on the first day of lockdown do an online PT session with a million people,” Kiani recalls. This observation led to a swift adaptation, allowing PT Academy to set a precedent for the entire industry. “Just by writing those pathways, it allowed not only us but every other fitness training provider to continue without having to use gyms,” Kiani proudly states.This strategic shift kept PT Academy’s business model afloat and simultaneously revolutionised the fitness training landscape. “Some great things came from tackling those challenges,” Kiani reflects. “Prior to COVID, very few people knew how to do online PT, whereas it almost became a prerequisite.” The company’s agility in adapting to online platforms has since fostered a robust online client base and established new norms within the industry.Kiani’s foresight and adaptability have not only navigated PT Academy through turbulent times but have also positioned it at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. As Kiani observes, ‘challenges aren’t necessarily burdens; they can be great to develop from.” This ethos has been integral to PT Academy’s continued success and expansion, both within the UK and internationally. Envisioning a Lasting ImpactAs the final curtain draws near on the conversation, Adam draws attention to the scale of his company. “It’s under £4 billion,” Kiani states, reflecting on the staggering economic contribution PT Academy has made to the UK economy. But beyond the numbers, Kiani sees a legacy that is “not just quantifiable,” but also rooted in the life-changing impact on individuals’ health and well-being.Kiani’s pride is palpable when he speaks of the hospital built in East Sudan with the money donated by his company, demonstrating a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. “That hospital proves to be a godsend,” he says, underscoring the profound effect of his philanthropic efforts.Yet, Kiani’s legacy is not confined to the realms of fitness and philanthropy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12365217/">His foray into the entertainment industry</a> as an actor, marked by appearances in The Gentleman Netflix series and Red Notice, along with his role as a stunt double, reveals a passion for storytelling and performance. His journey into film production, from writing and directing to showcasing a trailer in Cannes, showcases his relentless drive to create and innovate. Kiani’s work in film is more than a diversion; it is a parallel path that enriches his legacy, offering inspiration and opening doors to new opportunities.In the grand tapestry of Adam Kiani’s career, each thread – from personal training to acting, from manufacturing gym equipment to philanthropy – weaves together to form a legacy that is both diverse and unified. It is a legacy that transcends the individual, shaping industries, touching lives, and inspiring future generations.</div>

Adam Kiani, Founder of PT Academy, has revolutionised personal training education and navigated the company through the COVID crisis with innovative online training solutions. Learn about his entrepreneurial spirit, industry impact, philanthropic efforts, and acting endeavours in our in-depth feature.

Adam Kiani: The Multi-Talented Entrepreneurial Spirit Behind PT Academy

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-webster-87760a3b/?originalSubdomain=uk">Craig Webster</a>, the enterprising Managing Director of <a href="https://www.tigerestates.co.uk/">Tiger Estates</a>, has a rich heritage in property, ingrained in him from a young age.&nbsp;“I’m from a property family,” he says, recalling how his parents transitioned from owning hair and beauty salons to becoming landlords after selling their business in the 90s. This early exposure to the world of property planted the seeds for Craig’s future ambitions. Despite a brief flirtation with the idea of becoming a builder, Craig pursued higher education in human geography, providing a foundation for his property career.Post-university and with a blend of youthful audacity and professional acumen, he proposed a merger of two floundering property companies, including one owned by his father. Starting with a 25% stake, Craig’s tenacity saw him gradually increase his shareholding, steering the company towards managing a vast portfolio of properties and expanding services across the northwest, even as far as Doncaster in South Yorkshire. “It’s worked for testament,” Craig reflects on his bold decisions, which have led Tiger Estates to manage approximately 2000 properties and sell £80 to £100 million annually. Navigating the Unpredictable In the dynamic world of property management, Craig has faced a plethora of challenges that have shaped the success of both himself and the company. “It all sometimes seems nice and stable and then something out of left field rocks everything,” Craig reflects on the unpredictable nature of the business. He has weathered fallouts with senior managers and shareholders, navigated clients’ financial collapses, and grappled with the turbulence of the property market. These experiences have not only tested his resolve but have also honed his business acumen.Craig’s hands-on leadership style has seen him through the complexities of property management compliance and legislative changes in the private rental sector. “There’s always obstacles to overcome… you use your experience a lot of the time from a business perspective,” he says, emphasising the importance of learning from each hurdle.The lockdown posed yet another significant challenge, but Craig’s proactive approach and determination to “deal with them head-on” ensured that Tiger Estates not only survived but thrived, expanding its operations by acquiring other companies. “Sometimes it felt like I was chewing a massive piece of steak, but you just got to keep going,” he muses, reflecting on the relentless pace of growth and the satisfaction of overcoming each obstacle and enjoying the success. With Tiger Estates covering notable areas such as Poulton and Lytham, there’s plenty of success to be satisfied with. Advocating for ClarityWebster, with his extensive experience in the property market, calls for greater transparency and regulation within the industry. “More transparency,” he asserts, having voiced his concerns to local MPs regarding the renters reform bill and the influx of legislation affecting the private rental market. Despite discussions, Craig points out the lack of concrete action: “It’s all being talked about, but there’s never been anything actually set in stone.” He believes that while some aspects of the proposed bill are commendable, such as the introduction of standalone property courts and the elimination of no-fault evictions, others may be too severe.Webster argues for a balanced approach that protects both landlords and tenants without reverting to the overly protective tenancies of the past. “Let’s make it more professional,” he suggests, highlighting the ease with which one can start a property company without any qualifications. This, he believes, undermines the professionalism of the industry. He urges the government to clarify the implications of the renters reform bill for small-scale landlords who fear increased taxation and difficulties in managing their properties.“There needs to be improvements in communication and transparency,” Craig laments, emphasising the need for clear guidelines and standards to elevate the property market. As a qualified surveyor and active member of professional bodies, he champions the necessity of qualifications and higher standards in the industry. His advice to policymakers is unequivocal: increase transparency, communicate effectively, and regulate the market to safeguard its most significant asset—property.Elevating Standards In the words of Craig Webster, Managing Director at Tiger Estates, the legacy he envisions for his company is deeply rooted in service and integrity. “We help people,” he asserts, encapsulating the essence of his mission. Webster’s ambition goes beyond mere business expansion; he seeks to establish a trust with his clients, fostering growth and delivering excellent results. “It’s all about lifting standards,” he says, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the property market. Webster’s dedication to aiding landlords and tenants alike is evident in the establishment of a dedicated action line, a testament to his desire to assist and elevate the industry. As Tiger Estates continues to innovate with new services like auctions, the core of Webster’s aspiration remains unwavering: “But we help people—that’s what I set up to do.” It is this steadfast focus on helping others that Webster hopes will define the enduring legacy of Tiger Estates. “But talking about our legacy isn’t to say we’re going anywhere,” Webster adds. “We have big plans for the future.”&nbsp;</div>

Craig Webster, Managing Director of Tiger Estates, has established himself as an integral part of the property industry in the North West. With contracts now extending to Yorkshire, the full potential of Webster and Tiger Estates is yet to be seen.

Craig Webster’s Property Roots to Industry Leader with Tiger Estates

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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktdickens/?originalSubdomain=uk">Mark Dickens</a>, the Managing Director at <a href="https://www.mobilize.com/en/explore-mobilize/mobilize-x-renault-group/">Mobilize Power Solutions</a>, has a career trajectory intertwined with the evolution of the automotive industry, “my career has seen me go from an apprentice engineer right the way through to board level directorship,” he states.&nbsp;Today, he stands at the forefront of correcting those past actions, leading the charge towards a greener future with electric vehicles (EVs).Dickens’ tenure at the Renault Group has been marked by versatility, having held roles in technical, after-sales, regional operations, and as the fleet and Remarketing Director with Renault UK. In 2021, he took the helm at Mobilize Power Solutions, a pivotal moment coinciding with the brand’s inception under the leadership of Luca De Mayo.The company, now a key player in the EV charging infrastructure market, was born out of a necessity recognised over a decade ago when the Renault-Nissan alliance pioneered electric vehicles.The decision to expand this business to the UK was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, despite its challenges, expedited critical decision-making processes. Dickens was tasked with establishing the company and quickly legitimising its presence in the UK market.His engineering background proved a cornerstone in his approach to problem-solving and leadership. “My engineering experiences equipped me to problem solve,” he says, emphasising the importance of finding swift solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.Ascending to the board of directors was an eye-opening experience for Dickens, who had to quickly adapt to the responsibilities and obligations that come with such a position. Starting a new company within the Renault Group presented its own set of challenges, demanding meticulous planning and execution to ensure success.Leading the Future of E-MobilityThough less known among the Renault Group’s array of brands, Mobilize plays a crucial role in the transition to sustainable transportation. Dickens is acutely aware of the significance of their work in shaping the future of electric mobility.“Mobilize itself is responsible for e-mobility, energy and power, and data,” Mark explains, outlining the company’s multifaceted approach to supporting the EV ecosystem. The focus is not just on meeting today’s standards but on anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s vehicles, whilst ensuring that the infrastructure put in place today remains relevant and compliant in the years to come.The company’s mission is to provide solutions that are future-proof and user-centric. “Anyone can install an electric vehicle charger, but what you don’t want in three or four years’ time is to be told you have to pay another thousand pounds for another charger just because you picked up a new car,” says Dickens.Mobilize offers a comprehensive suite of services, including charging infrastructure, battery storage, off-grid solar solutions, and associated software for fleet and business management. This holistic approach ensures that homes and businesses are equipped with robust and reliable systems that cater to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. The company’s latest innovation, ‘fleet at home’, allows fleet managers to oversee home chargers installed at employees’ residences, ensuring that the cost of electricity is borne by the business rather than the individual. As the market matures and more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) enter the EV space, the need for diverse and robust charging solutions becomes ever more apparent. Navigating the Power PuzzleThe journey towards electrification is fraught with complexities, and for Mobilize, the challenge is as much about infrastructure as it is about innovation. Dickens is candid about the hurdles they face in the UK’s evolving energy landscape.“The biggest challenge in the UK at the moment is getting the right amount of power to a particular site,” the Managing Director states. With seven district network operators across the UK, the process of securing power is inconsistent and often slow, leaving businesses in a lurch when it comes to planning and development.Mark reflects on the company’s evolution, noting that what began as a service providing EV chargers has now expanded into a more holistic approach. “The majority of the business work that we’re involved in is alongside installation of solar,” he says, highlighting a shift towards integrating solar power with battery storage and EV charging as a unified solution.The cost of upgrading power can be prohibitively expensive, with quotes reaching up to £1.3 million, a sum beyond the reach of many businesses. This has prompted Mobilize to seek alternative strategies. Fortunately, being part of a larger financial ecosystem allows them to offer creative financing solutions. “We’re with a bank and are able to offer people finance alternatives, or power purchasing agreements if solar is involved,” Dickens explains. The Road AheadDickens is realistic about the industry’s pace, acknowledging that approvals, power supply, planning permissions, and even landlord consents can be significant roadblocks. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future, where he envisions a fully electrified 2030, with OEMs scaling up their EV fleets and requiring comprehensive charging solutions.Reflecting on the current state of the market, Mark notes the impact of media narratives on consumer behaviour, particularly the misconceptions surrounding EV safety and charging infrastructure. He counters the negative press with his own positive experiences, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of EVs and the advancements in charging technology that allow for quick and convenient power-ups.Looking forward, Dickens discusses the impending arrival of the new Renault 5 and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology. He foresees significant benefits for both individual consumers and businesses, as the ability to manage power distribution between vehicles and the grid could revolutionise energy consumption patterns.However, Mark also touches on a less-discussed challenge: people. Building a reliable team from scratch, especially in a nascent industry, requires trust and a strong recruitment strategy. “You’re only as good as your team,” he remarks.The Managing Director sees a rapidly evolving industry that requires continuous learning and adaptation. With new technologies on the horizon and the need to integrate vehicles, chargers, and the grid into a cohesive system, Mobilize Power Solutions is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-mobility. The path may be complex, but the direction is unmistakable—towards a more sustainable and electrified future with Mobilize and Mark Dickens at the vanguard.</div>

Going from automotive engineering to the forefront of the e-mobility sector, Mark Dickens has mastered the industry. But since assuming the role of Managing Director of Mobilize Power Solutions in 2021, he has been leading the automotive electronic efforts in the UK.

Mark Dickens: Leading the UK’s E-Mobility Sector


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 <div data-pmr-editable="" class="medium-editor-insert-plugin">To say the landscape of technology is ever-evolving is an understatement, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/basudev-pal-2192ba1/?originalSubdomain=uk">Basudev Pal</a>, Director at <a href="https://www.technossus.com/">Technossus</a>, is an individual whose career perfectly suits the necessary adaptability and vision.Starting his journey in the tech world with mainframe computers and languages like COBOL and PL/1, Pal’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. His move to the UK in 1996 marked the beginning of a series of successful ventures that would establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.Pal’s knack for recognising potential and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to set up operations for HCL. It was a move that would pave the way for his future endeavours, including the establishment of Blue Star Infotech in the UK, which was later sold off.His career took a turn towards the Middle East, where he founded a startup and later introduced another company to the European market called SIFI. But it was his role in turning around JK Technosoft that truly showcased his leadership and business acumen. Under his guidance, the UK and European arms of the company saw a sixfold increase in the top line and a significant improvement in the bottom line.In 2021, Pal embarked on a new challenge with Technossus, a scale-up company from Silicon Valley. “The company was created on paper in July 2021,” he states, “and today we are a significantly larger organisation through strategic expansion,” with operations now spanning Europe, Canada, and the UK, with Pal laying the foundation for its UK operations. “We are doing some significantly great work,” he says with pride. Technossus, Leading by ExampleTechnossus, under the leadership of Basudev, has brought the power of tech to different areas, particularly in the health tech and healthcare sectors. The company has also delved into cloud orchestration and application development, focusing on biometrics and public safety.Digital transformation is another area where Technossus shines, developing applications that enhance client touchpoints for logistics companies. Moreover, the company is deeply involved with Medtech startups, creating point-of-care systems for conditions like thrombosis and diabetes. Facial recognition applications are also part of Technossus’ repertoire, aiding safety forces in various locations and ensuring swift and accurate responses to situations. Mobile applications developed by Technossus enable the verification of identities on the go, showcasing the company’s ability to address real-world challenges through technology.Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Technossus’ work is the Innovation Hub. The hub focuses on public safety, working on challenges that can be addressed through technological solutions, whether visual technologies, social media, or voice recognition. This multimodal approach is central to Technossus’ mission, as it seeks to enhance public convenience through its innovative endeavours.Addressing Challenges Through TechReflecting on the industry’s evolution, Pal shares, “I have seen the entire gamut of this whole operation.” From witnessing the rise and fall of databases like HPS and the transition from client-server computing to cloud computing, his experience offers a unique perspective on the sector’s growth.Pal identifies business IT alignment as one of the biggest challenges, emphasising the importance of aligning technology with business objectives. He notes the concept of technical debt, where companies knowingly incur a ‘debt’ in their architecture to hit the market faster, as a necessary trade-off in today’s fast-paced environment.But the Technossus Director is not one to shy away from growth opportunities. “Challenges give rise to innovation through creative approaches,” he asserts. The tech sector, according to Pal, is on the cusp of transformative change, reminiscent of past shifts from mainframes to PCs and from bespoke to COTS applications.Currently, the industry’s focus is on the advent of generative AI, which Pal believes could revolutionise the level of work required from technology vendors. Pal highlights the emergence of low-code and no-code platforms, which streamline application development, and the concept of the digital employee, which enhances productivity. The UK, in Pal’s view, is leading the charge in these initiatives, particularly within the finance sector, where technology is advancing more rapidly than in other parts of the world. However, he identifies a significant challenge: the scarcity of skilled resources to meet the burgeoning demand for technology. “Finding the right resource pool to take on the work is definitely going to be a challenge,” he predicts.Despite these hurdles, Pal remains optimistic about the progress and the remarkable applications Technossus is developing. “The applications that we are looking at and working on are seriously amazing,” he enthuses, expressing pride in being part of such groundbreaking work. Vision and Adaptability: The Hallmarks of LeadershipApproaching the end, Basudev shares his insights on what constitutes an ideal leader. “A leader is ageless,” he states emphatically, believing that leadership is defined by vision and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. Experience, while valuable, should not become a hindrance to growth. “Experience is very good, but then the mind should be open to learn,” Pal advisesBasudev sees leaders as enablers rather than doers, individuals who empower others to innovate and excel. “There is a lot to learn from the generation coming into the industry,” he observes, highlighting the importance of remaining a student of life, regardless of one’s experience or position.For Pal, the tech industry’s rapid evolution exemplifies why leaders must be adaptable. Roles that are commonplace today were inconceivable two decades ago, and the future will likely bring roles we cannot yet imagine. “I never thought that there would be a digital employee,” he reflects, acknowledging how reality has outpaced science fiction.Ultimately, Pal’s vision of leadership consists of continuous learning, adaptability, and the ability to embrace the future’s potential. It’s a perspective that not only shapes his approach at Technossus but also serves as a guiding principle for aspiring leaders in any sector.</div>

Basudev Pal's professional journey has taken him from mainframe expertise to leading Technossus' expansion in health tech and public safety. His vision and adaptability exemplify the transformative power of technology in addressing real-world challenges, and are now leading the company's efforts in the UK.

Sarah Rudd

Career Overview

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