Looking for recommendations for the best episodes of Diary of a CEO (DOAC)? Look no further, we've got the rundown of the top episodes of this popular podcast that launched in 2019 and is hosted by British entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.
1) Simon Cowell
Date: June 10th 2024
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If you're in the mood for a deep dive into the life and mind of one of the most influential figures in entertainment, this episode of The Diary of a CEO is a must-listen. Host Steven Bartlett sits down with the one and only Simon Cowell for a remarkably candid conversation that covers everything from his early days as a scrappy music industry upstart to the devastating losses that reshaped his perspective on success and happiness.
Cowell shares fascinating insights into the mindset that drove him to the top, dishing out plenty of hard-earned wisdom along the way. He's refreshingly honest about his failures and regrets, but also fiercely proud of what he's achieved through sheer determination and gut instinct. So whether you're a die-hard Cowell fan or just love a good story of grit and resilience, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
2) Jimmy Carr
Date: April 15th, 2024
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If you're a fan of edgy comedy, insightful interviews, and glimpses into the real lives of entertainers, this episode of The Diary of a CEO might be worth your while. Host Steven Bartlett sits down with comedian Jimmy Carr for a candid conversation that covers everything from the craft of comedy to the challenges of living life in the public eye.
Carr opens up about his journey from a disillusioned student to one of the UK's most successful stand-ups, sharing hard-won wisdom about the importance of failure, self-discipline, and staying true to your authentic voice. But this isn't just a peek behind the curtain of the comedy world. Carr and Bartlett dive deep into universal themes like mental health, grief, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The episode as a whole is a reminder that even the most seemingly confident and successful among us are wrestling with the same fundamental questions - and that there's power in talking about it openly.
3) Dr Mike
Date: May 30th, 2024
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Dr. Mike's episode is a treasure trove for reliable, engaging medical information. In this Diary of a CEO episode, Dr. Mike pulls no punches as he exposes the hidden dangers of vaping, especially for impressionable young people. He dives into the dark realities that doctors face when battling medical misinformation. And he passionately advocates for restoring trust in healthcare by celebrating experts who acknowledge the limits of current knowledge while diligently working to expand it.
With over 90 minutes of fascinating insights on everything from fad diets to lifesaving CPR techniques, this information-packed interview will leave you better equipped to navigate today's complex health landscape. Dr. Mike's thoughtful, nuanced takes on supplements, gut health, mental wellbeing, and more are a refreshing antidote to the overconfident promises peddled by less scrupulous "experts."
4) Evy Poumpouras
Date: August 18th 2022
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As a former Secret Service agent, Poumpouras protected presidents, hunted criminals, and mastered the art of reading people. She brings hard-won wisdom from those pressure-cooker years to this wide-ranging discussion. From the get-go, you know you're in for an amazing listening experience.
Poumpouras shares field-tested techniques for influencing others, leading with integrity, and projecting authority without sacrificing warmth. She also opens up about confronting discrimination as one of the rare women in the Secret Service's ranks, and her thoughts on why many people remain trapped by victimhood.
This episode is teeming with insights on overcoming fear, navigating trauma, and maintaining sovereignty in the face of judgment, all of which are bracingly honest and universally relevant. By the time Poumpouras reveals her scariest moment on the job, it's clear that true strength comes from within.
5) Mo Gawdat
Date: June 1, 2023
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During the height of AI development and the media storm that came with it, the Chief Business Officer of Google X, Mo Gawdat, appeared on a special podcast episode offering a unique insight into the breathtaking advances happening in AI. He reveals how machines are rapidly approaching human-level abilities in areas like creativity and emotional intelligence — developments that could reshape every aspect of our lives within years, not decades.
But Gawdat's message isn't all doom and gloom. With great nuance, he explores the potential for AI to solve intractable problems and usher in an era of abundance — if we can muster the wisdom to develop it responsibly. Meanwhile, Bartlett asks probing questions that get to the heart of the matter: How can we ensure AI aligns with human values? What will happen to jobs and inequality as automation accelerates? Gawdat tackles these thorny issues with a mix of hard-headed realism and spiritual perspective.
Unsettling, invigorating, and above all eye-opening, this is a conversation that will leave you looking at a future hurtling toward us faster than most of us realize. Whatever your views on AI, Gawdat's emphasis on an ethical approach grounded in our shared humanity is one we all need to hear.
6) Gary Neville
Date: August 18th 2022
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Neville is a former England and Manchester United footballer who is now better known as a pundit and entrepreneur. In this interview the discussion spans his family's success in sports, the personal costs of his drive, self-assessment of his skills, insights into Alex Ferguson's mindset and lessons on culture. The conversation also explores Manchester United's struggles, his business and political involvement, mental health, family influence, and future aspirations, touching on the recipe for happiness.
7) Daniel Ek
Date: September 28th 2023
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In this interview with Daniel Ek, the discussion goes into his journey from his determined single mother's influence to co-founding Spotify. It explores his approach to challenges, the role of co-founders, networking, and his $10 million investment. The conversation highlights personal growth, the significance of culture in business success, and Ek's advice for entrepreneurs. It also gets into Spotify's culture of learning and adapting from creators.
8) Molly Mae Hague
Date: December 13th 2021
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Reality start and entrepreneur Molly-Mae delves into her life journey, early years, and how she manages her time. The conversation touches on personal experiences, balancing success with downsides, and her approach to switching off. Molly-Mae also discusses body image decisions, impostor syndrome, financial lessons, her role as Creative Director at Pretty Little Thing, personal experiences like a break-in, and her relationship with Tommy Fury. The interview ends with insights into her future plans and advice for younger individuals.
9) Maisie Williams
Date: September 26th 2022
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Maisie Williams candidly reflects on her journey in an insightful interview. From her early years to the transformative impact of acting and dealing with fame, Williams discusses her evolving identity beyond Game of Thrones. She explores self-acceptance, personal growth, and the pursuit of success in the next 10 years. An engaging conversation on life's meaningful aspects.
10) Simon Sinek
Date: March 16th 2023
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In this revealing interview with Simon Sinek, he gets into various aspects of personal well-being and self-discovery. From combating loneliness and emerging from dark places to finding love in the modern world and fostering better connections, Sinek shares his insights. His journey toward a perfect life and the significance of shared missions is thought-provoking.
11) Davina McCall
Date: January 25th 2023
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In this interview with TV presenter Davina McCall, she opens up about pivotal moments in her life and career, from her earliest ambitions to her journey into television and overcoming personal challenges, including substance use. She goes into her experiences with healing and happiness, her career, and her book "Menopausing," touching on forgiveness and family dynamics. McCall's candid insights provide a window into her transformative journey.
12) Jordan Peterson
Date: January 3rd 2022
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Jordan Peterson discusses the consequences of speaking one's truth and the path to self-realization. He delves into building self-awareness and the significance of struggle, offering insights into remote work and the lessons learned from change. The conversation also explores encouraging others out of despair, ultimately revealing a deeper understanding of personal growth and well-being.
13) Liam Payne
Date: June 7th 2021
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Liam Payne's candid conversation covers a wide range of topics, from his experience during lockdown to the challenges of fame and being a perfectionist. He addresses personal struggles with alcoholism, the highs and lows of One Direction, and his exciting NFT project. Payne reflects on his journey, relationships, and future goals, offering a glimpse into his multifaceted life and ambitions.
14) Louis Theroux
Date: November 24th 2022
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In this chat with Louis Theroux, the acclaimed documentarian explores into the early context that shaped his career and personal journey. He opens up about his struggles with connecting, imposter syndrome, and his new series. Theroux reflects on remaining happy and balancing work with personal life while discussing his experience with anxiety and mental health. An insightful glimpse into the mind of a prolific storyteller.
15) Lewis Capaldi
Date: September 15th 2022
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Lewis Capaldi's interview provides a candid glimpse into his life and career as a musician. He reflects on his early years, struggles with hypochondria and panic attacks, and the self-deprecating humor that's become his trademark. Capaldi discusses his musical journey, relationships, and the intricacies of his creative process. He also shares insights into social media marketing and his future goals.
16) Nick Cannon
Date: September 21st 2023
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Nick Cannon shares the remarkable story of his life and career. From his early entrepreneurial success to overcoming challenges in his youth, he offers valuable lessons learned from influential figures like Will Smith. He emphasizes the significance of passion and self-dedication in achieving success, and how his experiences with lupus and personal loss have transformed his perspective. Nick's commitment to compassion, family, and making a positive impact on the world shines throughout the conversation.
17) Billy McFarland
Date: September 21st 2023
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In a revealing interview, Billy McFarland, the mastermind behind the infamous Fyre Festival, shares the early experiences and desire to prove himself that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the inception of Fyre, addresses questions about his honesty, and reflects on the mental health implications and insecurities surrounding the scandal. McFarland opens up about the moment he realized everything had gone wrong, the FBI investigation, his experiences in jail, and his current mental health journey. It's a candid exploration of the man behind one of the biggest event failures in recent memory.
18) Richard Branson
Date: December 12th 2022
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In this captivating conversation with Richard Branson, the entrepreneur and adventurer shares insights from his extraordinary life. He reflects on his early experiences, the impact of his parents, and his ability to persevere. Branson discusses overcoming dyslexia, using failure as a source of self-education, and his diverse ventures, including starting an airline. He gets into the power of branding, competition, and even his recent foray into space. Branson's remarkable journey, personal losses, and unwavering pursuit of a fulfilling life provide a window into a life well-lived.
19) Terry Crews
Date: April 28th 2022
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Terry Crews, the former NFL player turned actor and TV host, takes us on a journey through his profound personal transformation. Crews candidly discusses domestic violence, addiction, infidelity, and the struggle with intimacy and vulnerability. He reveals his lowest moments and the pivotal steps toward change. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as he opens up about a deeply personal experience in Hollywood, providing a glimpse into his remarkable journey of self-discovery and resilience.
20) Bear Grylls
Date: June 27th 2022
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Bear Grylls shares the profound experiences that have shaped his remarkable journey. He candidly discusses personal challenges, from imposter syndrome and anxiety to finding faith and the impact of fame. Grylls reflects on his lowest moments, the importance of relationships, and the wisdom he'd share with his late father. The conversation delves into the essence of resilience and the quest for purpose in the face of life's challenges, offering insights into his latest book and his enduring career.
21) Romesh Ranganathan
Date: February 9th 2023
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In this insightful interview with comedian Romesh Ranganathan, he shares a journey of self-discovery and growth. From his challenging childhood and his father's prison years to his struggles with self-image and a nagging inner voice, Ranganathan candidly discusses the experiences that shaped his path to becoming a successful comedian. He reflects on the loss of his father and the unwavering support of his mother, offering a glimpse into his quest for happiness and fulfilment.
22) Tony Hawk
Date: March 27th 2023
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Steven talks to skateboarding icon Tony Hawk as he reflects on the journey that made him the legendary figure he is today. Hawk discusses the origins of his remarkable talent, the trials and triumphs of his skating career, and the valuable lessons he learned from burnout. He shares insights on the secret to his enduring success and the dedication it took to master his biggest trick. Hawk's experiences in the world of video games, advertising, and entrepreneurship are also explored.
23) Sadiq Khan
Date: January 26th 2023
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In this episode Steven speaks to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who reflects on his early years, the demanding nature of his work, and his motivations for a career in politics. Khan discusses the direction London has taken over the past decade, the pressing issue of knife crime, and police officers' actions towards women. He shares his most challenging day as mayor, touches on his faith and experiences with Donald Trump, and opens up about the personal toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. Khan addresses where he feels he's let himself down, his thoughts on honesty in politics, and the current state of the Labour party.
24) Will Ahmed
Date: October 24th 2022
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Whoop Founder Will Ahmed provides valuable insights into his journey, from his early years to the obsession with optimizing performance that led to the creation of Whoop. Ahmed discusses the challenges of building a business and staying innovative, the importance of the right investors, and the art of listening to feedback with a different perspective. He reveals his strategies for maintaining focus and dealing with competition, and shares the exciting future for Whoop. This conversation offers a deep dive into the mind of an entrepreneur who's reshaping how we approach personal health and performance optimization.
25) Neil deGrasse Tyson
Date: December 20th 2022
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In this chat with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, he delves into the early context that shaped his journey, emphasizing his parents' influence and the challenges his father faced. Tyson discusses the importance of deciding one's path in life and his concerns about the human race, touching on issues like social media polarization. He reflects on happiness, meaning, and mental health, offering a glimpse into the mind of a prominent figure in the world of science and exploration.
26) Anne Boden
Date: November 22nd 2021
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Anne Boden's interview offers a glimpse into her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurship. She shares the challenges and successes of starting Starling Bank and the intricacies of raising funding. Boden provides valuable insights into managing emotions while running a bank, work-life balance, and imparts advice she'd give her younger self.
27) Scott Harrison
Date: June 20th 2022
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Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of Charity: Water, shares his life's transformation. From early years filled with turmoil and nightclub promotion, he overcame drugs and alcohol abuse, discovering a deeper purpose. Harrison's humanitarian work in Africa profoundly affected him, leading to the creation of a charity that promotes clean water worldwide. He discusses the challenges faced, work-life balance, and the importance of giving and service, offering a powerful testament to personal growth and impact.
28) John Eckbert
Date: August 11th 2022
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Scott Harrison, Five Guys CEO in Europe, reveals the foundations of his business mentality, from attention to detail to building a successful company without marketing. Harrison discusses the importance of hiring the best people, instilling company values, and maintaining exceptional customer service. He reflects on his journey, the challenges faced, and how he keeps calm. His insights into critical feedback, self-awareness, and the future of Five Guys offer a comprehensive look into the success of the brand.
29) Mary Portas
Date: June 21st 2021
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This interview with Mary Portas provides a deep look into her life and experiences. From her early years and most painful moments to the challenges of remote working, she discusses her journey and the importance of intuition. Portas offers valuable advice for the younger generation and emphasizes the need for businesses to be kinder. She explores topics like meditation, relationships affected by business, and her vision for creating a more compassionate and considerate business world.
30) Stephanie Romiszewski
Date: January 12th 2021
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Struggling to sleep? In this enlightening interview with sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski, explores the critical impact of proper sleep, dispelling common misconceptions and addressing the challenges of sleep deprivation. Romiszewski offers practical advice for improving sleep, discussing the design of sleep environments, the snooze button, and the effects of caffeine and sleeping pills. She also explores the influence of the pandemic on sleep, the correlation between mental health and sleep, and characteristics of good and bad sleepers. With her top tips and insights, Romiszewski aims to empower listeners to prioritize and optimize their sleep for better well-being.
Diary of a CEO FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Diary of a CEO.
Who hosts Diary of a CEO?
Steven Bartlett hosts the Diary of a CEO video podcast.
Who is Steven Bartlett?
Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, social media influencer, and public speaker. He is the co-founder of Social Chain, a social media marketing agency that specializes in creating and distributing social media content. He is also known for his role as a judge on the BBC television series "Dragons' Den.
Why is Steven Bartlett rich?
Steven Bartlett made his money primarily through his entrepreneurial ventures, especially through his co-founding and involvement with Social Chain, a social media marketing agency. Additionally, Bartlett has also generated income from speaking engagements, investments, and other business endeavors.
What is Steven Bartlett's net worth?
According to Forbes magazine, Barlett's net worth in 2018 was £68 million, no good estimates have been made of his worth since then.
How much did Steven Bartlett sell social chain for?
The digital marketing agency Social Chain was purchased by rival firm Brave Bison in February 2023 for £7.7million. This was controversial as Bartlett had claimed the firm was worth £300million. However it's claimed the sale related to one particular part of the larger business group.
Best Diary of a CEO Episodes
- Simon Cowell
- Jimmy Carr
- Dr Mike
- Evy Poumpouras
- Mo Gawdat
- Gary Neville
- Daniel Ek
- Molly Mae Hague
- Maisie Williams
- Simon Sinek
- Davina McCall
- Jordan Peterson
- Liam Payne
- Louis Theroux
- Lewis Capaldi
- Nick Cannon
- Billy McFarland
- Richard Branson
- Terry Crews
- Bear Grylls
- Romesh Ranganathan
- Tony Hawk
- Sadiq Khan
- Will Ahmed
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Anne Boden
- Scott Harrison
- John Eckbert
- Mary Portas
- Stephanie Romiszewski
