What happens when a top restaurateur sells his own name… and then buys it back for £7,000?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here, Chris sits down with legendary chef and restaurateur Mark Hix to unpack the highs, lows, and lessons from a life in hospitality.

From running multiple restaurants and leading hundreds of staff, to losing everything overnight during the pandemic, Mark shares the unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship — and what he’s learned about creativity, leadership, and starting again.

We also dive into:

The story behind selling (and reclaiming) his name
How he developed chefs using his “Challenge Hix” method
Why creativity thrives under restriction
The pressures of running restaurants vs the freedom of a portfolio life
What he’s building next (including the return of Mark’s Bar 👀)

This is a candid, funny, and insightful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and doing things differently.

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, Chris sits down with theatre producer, writer, and creative change-maker David Micklem to explore what it really takes to unlock human potential in organisations—and why creativity might be our greatest untapped superpower.

David shares his unique journey from running iconic institutions like Battersea Arts Centre to becoming a “fixer” for arts organisations navigating change. Together, they dive into powerful ideas around leadership, storytelling, and how the role of people in society has evolved—from subjects to consumers to citizens.

💡 In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why modern organisations must move from hierarchy to participation
• How creativity isn’t a job title—it’s a human trait we’ve forgotten
• The importance of building daily creative habits (your “mental health gym”)
• What great leadership really looks like: “be yourself with skill”
• Why many leaders struggle to know who they truly are
• The impact of technology on our mindset—and how to reconnect with what matters
• Where hope actually lives in today’s chaotic world

From cultural democracy to the power of nature, this episode is packed with insight for leaders, creatives, and anyone looking to bring more energy, authenticity, and imagination into their work and life.

In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by James Sills — choir leader, speaker and founder of Gather Sing — to explore the power of singing, creativity, and connection.

James has spent years bringing people together through music, helping audiences rediscover something many of us lost along the way: the confidence to use our voice.

We talk about how singing builds trust, why so many adults stop singing as they grow up, and how creating shared experiences through music can transform teams, communities and organisations.

James also shares the story of being asked to speak at TEDx Manchester with just 48 hours’ notice, and why some of the most important opportunities in life come from saying yes before you feel ready.

This conversation is about permission, creativity, and the courage to start before everything feels perfect.

Whether you love singing, lead teams, or just want to build deeper connections with the people around you, this episode is full of insights.

In this episode of Who's Elvis Round Here, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society and author of Superfast: Lead at Speed and Love Work.

Sophie shares powerful insights on leadership, creativity, and how to bring more energy, optimism and humanity into the workplace.

From the story of a pioneering 19th-century entrepreneur who transformed the champagne industry, to practical advice on how leaders can create more playful, innovative teams, this conversation explores what it really takes to thrive in a fast-moving world.

You’ll hear why Sophie believes leaders should “act with audacity,” why humour is one of the most human leadership skills we have, and how the best organisations create environments where people feel energised, curious and able to do their best work.

If you’re a leader, marketer, entrepreneur or simply someone who wants to enjoy work more while making a bigger impact, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

What does Nelson Mandela dancing on stage have to do with leadership?

Why do most businesses spend their time looking everywhere… except at the donkey?

And what if the single most powerful tool in leadership isn’t strategy, structure, or AI — but belief?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Around Here?, I sit down with Scott Morrison — founder of The Boom and one of the most energising leadership minds I know.

We talk about:
- Creating “Dance Like Mandela” moments in your organisation
- Why movements beat mandates every time
- The difference between problems and puzzles
- Why “business as usual” might be the most dangerous phrase in leadership
- And how to make hope normal again

If you care about unlocking genius in your team, creating real momentum, and leading with energy instead of ego — this one’s for you.

Let’s get into it.

What does it really take to build a movement - not just a business?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here?, Chris Baréz-Brown sits down with Emma Sayle, founder of Killing Kittens, to talk about leadership, energy, and what happens when you trust instinct over business plans.

Emma shares how anger can be a creative force, why contagious energy matters more than job descriptions, and how releasing other people’s genius starts with letting go of control.

This is a bold, honest conversation about leadership, rebellion, and building teams that actually care.

If you’re leading people - or trying to change the world - this one’s for you.

What if the biggest thing getting in the way of your potential at work isn’t your talent, your role, or your boss — but a little voice in your head?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here?, I’m joined by the brilliant Helen Tupper, co-founder of Amazing If and one of the most human voices in the world of work today. We dive into squiggly careers, confidence gremlins, and those pivotal moments when something inside you says, “Now is the time.”

Helen shares the story of leaving a successful corporate career to follow a deeper sense of purpose, why confidence is the hidden unlock for so much potential at work, and how small experiments - not big grand plans - are what really create momentum. We talk about missed opportunities, learning like a lobster, and the quiet power of people’s ability to “go again,” even when things get hard.

This is a conversation about bravery, curiosity, and creating work that feels more alive. Practical, honest, and deeply human - exactly the kind of dialogue we need more of right now.

Settle in. You’re going to love this one.

What if confidence isn’t something you have… but something you train?

In this episode of Who’s Elvis Round Here, I’m joined by the brilliant Scott Ransome - coach, trainer, and ex-professional actor who helps people show up powerfully on video, on stage, and in the moments that actually matter.

We get into:
• The “Elvis moment” where you take the leap (even when it might flop)
• Why connection beats performance every time
• The four performance responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn
• How to shift from subconscious reaction to conscious response
• And why the inability to run away can be the greatest blessing for flow

If you want more presence, more impact, and more of you coming through - this one will light you up.