A Different Perspective

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105

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Jun 2026

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About the show

A Different Perspective is a Zeus podcast, hosted by Nick Searle, Head of Equity Capital Markets. In the different perspective podcast we speak to interesting characters within finance and business to understand more about their personal journey and ambitions. This is co-mingled with a discussion about their business. It’s more about the formation of the individual than the business per se; thus trying to gain that different perspective. This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

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June 16, 2026Episode 10440 min

A Different Perspective with Alk Brand, CEO of Wynnstay Group PLC

This week Nick talks to Alk BrandAlk Brand is a global agribusiness leader and the Chief Executive Officer of Wynnstay Group PLC, one of the UK’s leading agricultural supplies businesses. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience, he has led major food, agriculture, and supply chain organisations across five continents, including serving as Global CEO of Westfalia Fruit and Hans Merensky Holdings, Managing Director of Richardson Milling, and CEO of Pioneer Foods UK. Nick and Alk discuss Alk Brand’s lifelong connection to agriculture, from growing up on a farm in South Africa to leading major global agribusinesses and becoming CEO of Wynnstay Group. The conversation explores Wynnstay’s role in supporting UK food security through its feed, arable, grain trading, and retail operations, as well as the company’s growth strategy, investment priorities, and transformation programme, Project Genesis. They discuss the resilience of British farmers, the importance of rural communities, sustainability, innovation, logistics, and technology in modern agriculture, alongside the opportunities for expansion through organic growth and acquisitions. Alk also shares his leadership philosophy, his optimism for the future of UK agriculture, and his belief that Wynnstay can continue to grow by becoming an increasingly integrated and valuable partner to farmers across the UK. Book Choice The Goal by Eliyahu M GoldrattMusic ChoiceAmazing Grace by Aretha Franklin This content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

June 2, 2026Episode 10352 min

A Different Perspective with Dr Zaid Al-Fagih: How AI Can Make Medicine More Human

This week Nick talks to Dr Zaid Al-fagihZaid is Founder and CEO of Rhazes AI, an award-winning AI-powered virtual assistant designed to transform clinical workflows. Drawing on his experience as an NHS doctor and humanitarian first responder, he founded Rhazes AI to help clinicians improve productivity, reduce errors and burnout, and strengthen patient care. A graduate of Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, Dr Al-Fagih combines expertise in medicine, policy, and AI, and has published research on the application of emerging technologies in healthcare. Nick and Zaid discuss Zaid’s journey from NHS doctor to founding Rhazes AI, an AI-powered clinical assistant designed to reduce administrative burdens, improve diagnostic support, and give doctors more time with patients. They explore the challenges facing modern healthcare, including clinician burnout, inefficient workflows, regulatory barriers, and slow technology adoption, while examining how AI can transform healthcare delivery without replacing human judgement. The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, fundraising, healthcare innovation in the UK versus the US and Gulf region, and Zaid’s vision for a future where AI acts as a trusted co-pilot for clinicians, making medicine both more efficient and more human. Zaid's Book Choices David Copperfield by Charles DickensGuns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond Zaid's Music Choicesal nahr al khalid - eternal river (m. abd al wahhab) Don't Worry be Happy by Bobby McFerrinThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

May 19, 2026Episode 10258 min

A Different Perspective with Scott Lane – Speeki: The Future of ESG Assurance and Compliance

This week Nick talks to Scott Lane Scott is the Founder and CEO of Speeki and serves as its Principal Auditor. He brings more than 25 years of experience in governance, compliance, and ESG risk, having built and scaled international businesses focused on helping organisations strengthen risk management and stakeholder trust. After working for Sun Microsystems and Hitachi, Scott founded The Red Flag Group in 2006, where he served as CEO and Chairman. Under Scott’s leadership, the company became a globally recognised expert in risk and compliance, advising many of the world’s largest organisations. Scott exited the business in 2020 when The Red Flag Group became part of London Stock Exchange Group following its acquisition by Refinitiv. Nick and Scott discuss how audit and assurance capabilities have expanded from governance and compliance into broader ESG and sustainability reporting. They explore the growing need for independent verification of ESG claims, alongside the evolving global debate around ESG regulation, reporting, and governance standards. Book Choice Good To Great by Jim CollinsMusic ChoiceBruno Mars, FKA twigs, Nine Inch Nails, BIGBANG, Karol G & David GuettaThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

May 5, 2026Episode 1011 hr 2 min

A Different Perspective with Alistair Smallwood - How AI is Transforming Equity Research Workflows

This week Nick talks to Alistair SmallwoodAlistair Smallwood is the Head of Applied AI at Primer AI, where he focuses on building practical artificial intelligence tools for investment workflows. He began his career as a research analyst at Whitman Howard shortly after the Brexit vote, before moving into equity sales roles and later joining UBS as a pan-European small- and mid-cap specialist salesperson. He subsequently transitioned to the buy side with Lynott Partners, a technology-focused hedge fund, where he combined his financial expertise with self-taught coding skills to explore data-driven investing.The discussion centres on how Primer AI is transforming equity research through AI-driven agents that replicate and augment the workflow of human analysts. While AI can commoditize access to information, the true edge in investing lies in workflow, judgment, and behavioural insight—areas where human expertise remains critical. Primer AI is designed not just to retrieve accurate financial data, but to guide analysts through modular research processes, from understanding company fundamentals to building and interpreting financial models. The platform emphasizes auditability, context retention, and continuous learning, enabling users to encode their own analytical frameworks and improve efficiency over time. The conversation also explores broader implications for financial markets, suggesting that AI may compress short-term alpha opportunities while increasing the importance of long-term thinking and differentiated judgment. Alistair Book Choice's Endurance by Alfred LansingNo Spin: My Autobiography by Shane WarneAlistair Music Choice's Dark Side of the Moon by Pink FloydMoney for Nothing by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms The Thinking Game - Documentary about DeepMind and Demis HassabisThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

April 21, 2026Episode 10049 min

A Different Perspective - Grocer to Global Law Firm: Sir Nigel Knowles on Building DLA Piper

This week Nick talks to Sir Nigel KnowlesSir Nigel has been Chairman of Zeus Capital since 2014. As Managing Partner of DLA Piper from 1996 to 2016, he oversaw the firm's expansion from a UK regional practice into the world's largest global business law firm. He is currently CEO of DWF, the publicly listed international law firm. Sir Nigel has also served as High Sheriff of Greater London, chairs the Sheffield City Region LEP, and is a Council Member of The Prince's Trust. Nick and Nigel discuss Sir Nigel's path from a working-class upbringing in Stocksbridge, Sheffield, to building DLA Piper into the world's largest law firm. Sir Nigel reflects on the formative influence of working in his father and uncle's grocery shops, which instilled in him a practical understanding of profit and commerce, and credits an inspirational law lecturer, Arthur Goodwin, with steering him towards a legal career. From there, he traces his progression from article clerk at Broom Heads and Neals in 1978 through a series of mergers and expansions that eventually gave rise to DLA Piper as one of the largest law firms in the world. Sir Nigel's book choices where:Anything by John Kotter John le Carré The Spy Who Came in from the ColdThe Lincoln Lawyer by Michael ConnellySir Nigel's music choice was: Les MisérablesThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

April 7, 2026Episode 991 hr 21 min

A Different Perspective - My PhD Cost Me $100 Million: Dr Ewan Kirk on Quant Finance, Goldman Sachs & Building Cantab Capital

This week Nick talks to Dr Ewan KirkDr Ewan Kirk is a British technology entrepreneur, founder of Cantab Capital Partners, until recently was chair of the Issac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and Non-Executive Director of BAE Systems. He is also Co-Chair of the Turner Kirk Trust, which supports STEM, education, and conservation causes in the UK and the developing world. Nick and Ewan discuss Ewan’s journey to becoming a leading figure in quantitative finance, from his early passion for maths, physics, and computing through to entrepreneurship and investment banking. They explore how his technical curiosity led him to build and sell software before joining Goldman Sachs, where he played a key role in developing and scaling derivatives trading, highlighting the importance of combining technical expertise with commercial instinct. The conversation also covers his departure from Goldman, reflections on risk and career decisions, and the founding of Cantab Capital Partners, where he applied systematic, data-driven trading strategies. Ewan's Book Choice was:The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins Ewan Music Choice was:Sweet Jane by The Velvet UndergroundThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

March 24, 2026Episode 9847 min

A Different Perspective with Organisational Psychologist, Christen Gilchrist

This week Nick talks to Christen GilchristChristen is an organisational psychologist who applies psychological principles to the workplace, helping businesses improve how their people, teams and structures function. Drawing on behavioural science and systems thinking, she works across leadership, change, performance and culture, diagnosing what isn't working and designing more effective ways of working. Nick and Christen discuss her journey from social care and NHS bed management to founding Core Potential Solutions, an organisational psychology consultancy. Her early experience navigating dysfunctional systems in the NHS gave her a clear lens on how broken processes impact both people and performance — and a drive to help organisations do better.The conversation also covers the realities of building a consultancy business, including the challenge of marketing sensitive, high-level work where clients rarely allow their engagements to be made public.Find out more about Christen's work at Core Potential SolutionsChristen's Book ChoicesThinking Systems by Donella MeadowsFour Thousands Weeks by Oliver BurkemanChristen's Music ChoiceOld Pine by Ben HowardThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

March 10, 2026Episode 971 hr 2 min

A Different Perspective with Richard Penny and Simon Like from Oberon Investments

This week Nick talks to Richard Penny and Simon Like Richard Penny and Simon Like are experienced UK small-cap fund managers at Oberon Investments, with decades in the market between them. Simon began his career in banking with Midland Bank, later HSBC, before setting up his own investment vehicle and eventually joining Oberon over 25 years ago. He has focused primarily on small and micro-cap stocks and is well known for running a Venture Capital Trust. Richard’s interest in investing began during the wave of UK privatisations in the 1980s. He started professionally in 1992 and has managed small-cap and recovery funds at large institutions including Legal & General before moving to a boutique model, specialising in concentrated stock picking within UK smaller companies.Both focus on undervalued UK small and micro-cap companies, particularly in recovery phases of the market cycle. They look for businesses with strong gross margins, operational gearing and management teams with proven track records. Richard highlights opportunities in high-margin software and technology businesses such as Xaar and Eagle Eye, as well as more contrarian situations like BATM, where valuations sit below intrinsic value. Simon, through the Oberon AIM VCT, backs growth and recovery plays including Audioboom and property franchise businesses such as Winkworth and The Property Franchise Group, often identifying companies entering earnings upgrade cycles.*OBR00403. Capital at Risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Richard Book Choice:100 Baggers by Christopher Mayer Simon Book Choice:The Zulu Principle by Jim Slater Richard's Music Choice Rodrigo’s “Concierto de AranjuezSimon's Music Choice Anything by Prince or George MichaelThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

February 24, 2026Episode 9644 min

A Different Perspective with Paul McDade CEO of Afentra plc

This week Nick talks to Paul McDadePaul has over 35 years of international experience in the oil and gas industry, with nearly two decades as COO and CEO of Tullow Oil. He helped transform the company into a FTSE 100 business, driving growth across Africa, including the development of Ghana’s Jubilee field and major M&A activity. He holds a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College London and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Strathclyde.Nick and Paul discuss Paul’s early life in Glasgow and his route into the oil and gas industry, including studying petroleum engineering at Imperial College and working in the North Sea, Colombia and Kuwait. Paul describes being taken hostage during the Gulf War, which he reflects on as a formative personal experience. He explains how he joined Tullow Oil in 2001 and helped grow it into a major African-focused company, making discoveries in Ghana, Uganda and Kenya, and building local supply chains and employment. He later became CEO, managing the company through major challenges including oil price crashes, debt, asset disputes and mechanical issues, focusing on strengthening the balance sheet and maintaining investor confidence. Nick and Paul also discuss Paul’s return to the industry after retirement, founding Afentra to invest in mature oil assets in Angola and support Africa’s energy transition. Paul explains his belief that oil and gas will remain essential, particularly in developing economies, and argues that energy transition priorities differ between Africa and Europe. Paul's Book choice was:Close to the Wind by Pete GossPaul's music choice was:Angel by Sarah McLachlan. City of AngelsThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

February 10, 2026Episode 9546 min

A Different Perspective with author Val Hamilton - Pirates, Punters, and Politicians: How the Bank of England Was Founded

This week Nick talks to Val Hamilton Val initially trained as a teacher, travelling and working abroad in Copenhagen and later in Boston, where she began working with challenging adolescents. On returning to the UK, Val settled in London and transitioned into the private sector. After studying at Sheffield Business School, she became a personal and organisational development consultant in the City, working with major banks, insurance companies and legal firms to address complex people and cultural issues. Nick and Val discus Val's latest book - Pirates, Punters, and Politicians: How the Bank of England Was Founded. Drawing on her background in English literature, organisational development and financial history, Val explains how her doctoral work uncovered surprising connections between dissenting religious communities, the rise of the novel, and the emergence of modern banking.The conversation follows the life of William Paterson — the Scottish dissenter, merchant and adventurer who helped found the world’s first central bank. From treasure-hunting voyages and Caribbean trade routes to London’s coffee houses and taverns, they explore how risk, persuasion and political manoeuvring combined to turn an unlikely idea into a national institution. Together they unpack the theatre, storytelling and financial necessity that persuaded investors and the Crown to back the scheme, while highlighting the tension between entrepreneurial founders and the establishment figures who ultimately took control.They also reflect on the harsher realities of the period — including slavery, war finance and imperial trade — and consider why Paterson’s contribution has often been overlooked despite his central role. Val's Book Choice wasThe Rise of the Novel: Studies in Defoe, Richardson and Fielding by Ian WattRead Val's other bookDaniel Defoe and the Bank of England: The Dark Arts of ProjectorsVal's Music Choice wasMaggie May - Rod StewartThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.