

What It Takes with Olly Fawcett
Olly Fawcett
What does it take to build something? What does building something take from you? In this podcast, we speak with the founders and owners of some of the most incredible brands and businesses to find out the truth about what it takes to build a brand from the ground up, and as founders what going through that process teaches you.
Olly Fawcett is the founder of 303, a creative performance marketing agency working with premium brands. Over the last 10 years, he has spent time inside some amazing brands as they have grown and now is sharing those insights through What It Takes.
Olly Fawcett is the founder of 303, a creative performance marketing agency working with premium brands. Over the last 10 years, he has spent time inside some amazing brands as they have grown and now is sharing those insights through What It Takes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 8, 2026 • 6min
CLIP: Why Classic Cars Are the Future of EVs | Founder of Everrati
Justin Lunny is the Founder & CEO of Everrati, a company redefining iconic cars into high-performance electric vehicles.In this episode of What It Takes, Justin breaks down how he went from fintech entrepreneur to building one of the most unique automotive businesses in the world, restoring classic cars into EVs for clients including tech billionaires, Hollywood figures, and collectors.Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35Follow Justin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlunny/

Apr 6, 2026 • 1h 24min
Innovation Built a $500M Pipeline With Zero Marketing | Justin Lunny Founder of Everrati
Justin Lunny is the Founder & CEO of Everrati, a company redefining iconic cars into high-performance electric vehicles.In this episode of What It Takes, Justin breaks down how he went from fintech entrepreneur to building one of the most unique automotive businesses in the world, restoring classic cars into EVs for clients including tech billionaires, Hollywood figures, and collectors.We cover:- Why Everrati turned down certain clients (and cars)- How they built a global brand with zero marketing- The reality of building cars with 5.2 billion data points- Why EV adoption has been misunderstood- And how they’ve built $500M+ in B2B opportunity without tryingChapters0:00 – 30-year career before Everrati3:40 – Selling his first business5:04 – Finding the right business partner6:33 – The idea: iconic cars turned electric7:28 – The moment that sparked it9:59 – What starting actually looked like11:10 – Hiring top engineers with just a vision14:21 – 2 years to build the first car15:50 – The funding reality18:36 – First prototype & early momentum20:08 – The PR moment that changed everything21:20 – Who actually buys these cars32:30 – The reason behind turning customers down41:02 – Selling a lifestyle, not just a car52:05 – $500M pipeline with zero marketing56:40 – Inside a custom EV build1:06:05 – What people get wrong about EVs1:12:08 – Why some car brands won’t survive1:22:19 – What it really takes to build a brandFollow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Follow Justin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlunny/

Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 31min
The Chef Who Turned Pain Into Purpose | Kirk Haworth
Kirk Haworth has been through every challenge the hospitality industry can throw at someone.From training in some of the world’s best kitchens, to having his career completely stopped by chronic illness, to rebuilding everything from the ground up.In this episode, Kirk shares what it actually takes to operate at the highest level in hospitality and what happens when that level comes at a cost.We go into the realities of kitchen culture, the physical toll of the industry, and the moments that force you to rethink everything. You'll learn about standards, pressure, and what it really means to start again when you’ve already put years into something.Chapters:00:00 Who is Kirk Haworth?01:15 Early career in top kitchens04:30 The reality of kitchen culture07:10 Pressure, standards, and leadership in hospitality10:45 When health started breaking down14:20 Working through chronic pain and fatigue18:05 The moment everything collapsed21:30 Hitting rock bottom mentally25:10 Rebuilding from zero29:40 Rethinking food, health, and performance33:15 Starting again with a new philosophy37:20 Building Plates and a new kind of kitchen41:50 The future of hospitalityFollow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Kirk:https://www.instagram.com/kirk_haworth/

Mar 9, 2026 • 1h 36min
How I Built AllSaints From Scratch | Stuart Trevor (Founder Story)
Stuart Trevor is the founder of AllSaints and one of the most influential figures in British fashion. In this episode of What It Takes with Olly Fawcett, Stuart shares the extraordinary story behind building AllSaints into a global fashion brand, his early career designing for Reiss, and why he walked away from the company at its peak.From growing up on a council estate in Dundee to dressing some of the biggest rock bands in the world, Stuart reveals the creative mindset that drove his success and how ADHD, risk-taking and instinct helped shape his career.We also explore the realities of the fashion industry, the rise of fast fashion, and why Stuart is now building a new sustainable brand that produces no new clothes, using only upcycled garments.This is a fascinating conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and what it really takes to build a global brand.00:00 Stuart Trevor Interview – Building AllSaints, Reiss & Sustainable Fashion01:28 Growing Up in Dundee & First Fashion Experiments05:28 David Bowie, Punk Culture & Early Style Inspiration09:38 ADHD, School Struggles & Creative Thinking13:54 Discovering Fashion College by Accident18:24 Learning Tailoring & Entering the Fashion Industry21:48 Winning the Paul Smith Competition & Early Recognition26:01 Getting His Break at Reiss31:01 Designing Menswear at Reiss at Age 1835:54 Why Stuart Trevor Left Reiss39:47 Founding AllSaints & The Brand Name Story45:10 The First AllSaints Collection in Paris49:55 Building the AllSaints Retail Concept53:55 Why AllSaints Became a Cult Fashion Brand58:21 Dressing Rock Stars & Peak AllSaints Years1:02:22 Why Stuart Trevor Left AllSaints in 20071:07:37 Building Bolongaro Trevor1:12:56 How Fashion Changed in the 2010s1:17:37 Fast Fashion, Waste & Industry Problems1:23:04 Creating a Brand That Produces No New Clothes1:27:54 Upcycling & The Future of Sustainable Fashion1:31:53 Advice for Young Fashion Founders1:34:37 What’s Next for Stuart Trevor

Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 20min
From Banker to Stand-Up Comedian: The Story Behind the Success of Eshaan Akbar
From Bollywood dance choreographer… to HSBC speechwriter… to one of the sharpest comics in the UK.Eshaan Akbar breaks down what stand-up actually teaches you: reading rooms, earning trust, surviving bad gigs, and why “bombing” is often an audience warm-up problem (his words… 😅).If you’ve ever felt like you’re starting late, pivoting careers, or trying to build confidence in rooms that weren’t made for you, this one lands.Chapters 00:00 Who is Eshaan Akbar?01:20 The pre-comedy life04:26 Why comedy started (a course, not a dream)05:51 Family, immigrant pressure, and dad’s support08:16 First open mic, March 201409:13 Mum’s sudden death + comedy becoming a lifeline14:27 Therapy 10 years later + what finally made him face it19:19 The grind years: unpaid gigs, long drives, learning every room29:24 Kings Lynn: the gig that turned ugly 41:38 How he writes: no scripts, built on-stage + reading rooms46:19 Crowd work, social media, and comedy’s new era58:32 Opening for Mickey Flanagan + the O2 arena realityFollow Eshaan: https://www.instagram.com/eshaanakbar/Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 33min
Tricks To Having a Consistently Creative Mind - Ben Hanlin
In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with magician, TV presenter, and content creator Ben Hanlin to explore the magic behind creativity. From his journey breaking into the entertainment industry to starring in Tricked and captivating audiences worldwide, Ben shares the highs, the challenges, and the secrets that have fuelled his success. He also reveals practical tricks for unlocking creativity—whether you're a performer, entrepreneur, or just looking to bring more originality into your work. Follow Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hanlin-66508b142/ https://www.instagram.com/benhanlin/https://www.tiktok.com/@benhanlin?lang=en Follow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
Starting a Market Leading Premium Brand from a Shed - Raissa De Hass
In this episode of What It Takes, we sit down with Raissa de Haas, the dynamic co-founder of Double Dutch Drinks, a brand that's taken the beverage industry by storm with its premium mixers. Raissa shares the incredible journey of how she and her twin sister, Joyce, started their business from scratch, turning a passion for craft cocktails into an award-winning drinks company.Raissa opens up about the challenges they faced as young entrepreneurs in a competitive market, from securing initial funding to scaling production while maintaining quality. She reveals the key moments that shaped their success, including building relationships with top-tier bartenders and creating a distinctive brand identity in a crowded space.Raissa also delves into what it truly takes to run a thriving drinks brand. From leading with innovation to staying resilient in the face of setbacks, she shares her top strategies for scaling sustainably, fostering a strong company culture, and continuing to push boundaries in the drinks industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the secrets behind building a globally recognised brand, this episode is filled with actionable insights on what it takes to succeed.Follow Raissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raissa-de-haas-02740a61/ https://www.instagram.com/doubledutchdrinks/?hl=enFollow Olly: https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 45min
Claire Williams: What It REALLY Takes To Run Williams F1
Williams F1 is a team full of history and success. They have also had their own struggles in their time as a business and as a Formula 1 team.
When Claire Williams took over the team, she had some incredible success with the team in 2014/15, but as new regulations came into play, she was hit with many challenges. So what does it take to drive a Formula 1 team forward, in the hard times and the good times?
Follow Claire:
https://www.instagram.com/clairewilliams_official/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairewilliamsofficial/
Follow Olly:
https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/
Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35

17 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 49min
20 Years of Trial and Error to Find Success – Adam Byatt
Adam Byatt, a seasoned chef with a journey from apprentice to the operator of six high-end restaurants, offers a compelling look into the culinary world. He dives into the importance of sacrifice and dedication, sharing stories of his challenging climb through the ranks. Adam discusses how embracing discomfort can fuel growth and emphasizes the significance of cultural fit in restaurant environments. Additionally, he reflects on the evolution of team dynamics and management over his career, highlighting the need for a strong team culture and personal fulfillment in the kitchen.

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 17min
How Her Condé Nast Experience Powered Lucy Cleland's Magazine Triumph
Lucy started her publishing career at Conté Nast after landing her first role in their new client focussed publication department. After becoming bored of the lack of challenges Condé provided her she found her self on a ranch in America trying to write while living a peaceful life.
Fast forward a few years, and just before the 2008 global economic crash, she launched a a magazine with her now husband, that is still running today, so how did she do it?
Follow Lucy and Country & Town House:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-cleland/
https://www.instagram.com/countryandtownhouse/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@UCiE95hXklR6uGGDYL4ddHWw
Follow Olly:
https://www.instagram.com/olly.303/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ollyfawcett303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-fawcett-668566177/
Get frequent behind the scenes updates from Olly: https://whatittakes.kit.com/51cd36dc35


