Talking Leaders

Delighted to share this classic phoenix-from-the-ashes story, created for the team at ApconiX as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations. Back in 2013, AstraZeneca announced it would close its research facility at Alderley Park in Cheshire, UK—a surprise, if not a shock, to many. Suddenly, staff were faced with an unexpected career-defining decision: relocate to Cambridge, or walk away and pursue something new. After careful thought, discussion, and planning, Mike, Richard, and Ruth chose the latter—striking out on their own to found ApconiX. In this one-off anniversary podcast, the three founders and members of the team reflect on the journey from fledgling start-up to a global, multi-award-winning company. As I researched and planned the episode, it became clear this story was best told by those who lived it. So I took a ‘silent interviewer’ approach—structuring questions and coaching contributors so their answers could stand on their own, without the listener needing to have heard the questions. I’m r