CEO STORIES · FOUNDERS & LEADERS · UK & US
The Story Behind the Company, Told by the Person Who Built It
A professionally produced private podcast of a founder’s or CEO’s journey, in their own voice. A legacy for the team, the board and the family, and the perfect gift for a CEO or founder who is retiring or moving on.
★★★★★ Rated on Trustpilot · Recommended by Forbes · Trusted by The Lancet, Gousto, Eurosport & Warner Bros
THREE WAYS TO TELL THE STORY
Choose the edition that fits the leader
Commission it for yourself, or as a gift from the board, the team or the family. Interviews are remote and scheduled around their diary.
ONE CONVERSATION
Founder Story
£995
Forbes-recommended company
5-star Trustpilot reviews
1-to-1 service
The essential story: how it started, the hard years, the turning points and what they have learned. Ideal for founders short on time.
- Planning call to shape the story
- One guided remote interview, up to 90 minutes
- Edited by ear into chapters, with music
- Private podcast and downloadable files
MOST CHOSEN
Leadership Legacy
£1,995
Forbes-recommended company
5-star Trustpilot reviews
1-to-1 service
The full journey, with the people who were there. A story the whole company can listen to.
- Everything in Founder Story
- Two interview sessions for the full story
- Short contributions from up to 3 colleagues, co-founders or family
- A highlight clip to share with staff or on LinkedIn
THE BOARDROOM EDITION
Executive Edition
£3,495
Forbes-recommended company
5-star Trustpilot reviews
1-to-1 service
The story to hear and to hold: the full audio series, plus a hardback book for the shelf, the office and the family.
- Everything in Leadership Legacy
- The interviews as a hardback book, in their own words
- A unique cover designed for them
- QR codes in each chapter to hear their voice
Not sure which edition fits? Book a free 15-minute consultation and I’ll help you decide.
WHY IT MATTERS
The founding story is a company’s most valuable story
Why it started. The near misses. The first hire, the first big client, the decision that changed everything. These stories shape a company’s culture, yet they usually live only in one person’s head, retold a little differently each time.
A CEO Story captures it properly, in their own voice. New starters hear where the company came from, investors and partners hear the conviction behind it, and the family keeps a record of what a working life was really about.
FOR FOUNDERS & CEOS
Your story, on the record
Use it to onboard new team members, to mark a milestone such as a 10th anniversary, exit or listing, or simply to make sure the story is told your way. You decide what stays private and what gets shared.
RETIREMENT & ANNIVERSARY GIFTS
A send-off they will never forget
When a CEO, chair or long-serving leader steps down, a CEO Story is a far more meaningful gift than a watch. The board, team or family commissions it, and colleagues can add their own short messages and memories.
HOW IT WORKS
Built around a busy diary
1. Plan. A short call to agree the themes, the people to include and how the story will be shared.
2. Interview. Relaxed, guided remote conversations by video or phone. No studio and no preparation needed.
3. Produce. I edit it by ear into a flowing story with chapters and music. You review it before anything is final.
4. Share or keep. Delivered as a private podcast and files, to share with the team, the board or the family as you choose.
CRAFTED PERSONALLY
Produced by a team trusted by leading brands
I am Jon Merrifield, founder of the Forbes-recommended Pure Podcasting. Since 2017 I have produced podcasts for organisations including The Lancet, Elsevier, Gousto, Eurosport, Hays and Warner Bros, and I bring over 20 years as an audio engineer and music producer. Every CEO Story is interviewed and edited by me, with complete discretion.
QUESTIONS LEADERS ASK
Everything you may be wondering
Is this a public podcast?
No. A CEO Story is private by default, delivered as a private podcast and files. You choose who hears it: the family, the leadership team or the whole company. If you later want a version for public release, I can prepare one.
How much of the leader’s time does it take?
Founder Story needs one interview of up to 90 minutes. Leadership Legacy and the Executive Edition use two sessions. Everything is remote and scheduled around their diary.
Can it be a surprise retirement gift?
Yes. The board, team or family can commission it and gather contributions from colleagues beforehand. The leader’s own interview is then arranged as part of the gift, at a time that suits them.
Who can contribute?
With Leadership Legacy and the Executive Edition, up to three co-founders, colleagues, clients or family members can record short contributions. I guide each one, so it takes them only a few minutes.
Can the company pay?
Yes. It can be paid personally or by the company, and an invoice is provided.
Is it confidential?
Always. Everything is handled with complete discretion and is never shared or published without your permission. An NDA can be signed on request.
How long does it take?
Most audio stories are delivered within a few weeks of the final interview. Executive Edition books take a little longer to design and print. If there is a retirement date or event in mind, let me know and I will plan around it.
Do you work outside the UK?
Yes. Everything is done remotely, so I work with leaders across the UK, the US and beyond.
BEGIN TODAY
