Michael Tobin shares his tales of bold leadership, business transformation and building a legacy beyond profit with humility and meaning.

From rescuing RedBus from bankruptcy to selling it for £3.5 billion, and pioneering sustainability in data centres before it was ”a thing”, Mike’s story is a blueprint for visionary thinking, fearless decisions, finding time and relentless execution.

Now heading up the board for some dozen companies and a major voice in tech investment, private equity, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Mike shares rare behind-the-scenes stories – plus his unique philosophy on integrating work, life, charity, and impact.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, CEO, or future leader, this episode delivers real-world insights – how attitude trumps CVs, achieving mission-driven success, and why leadership is about creating more leaders.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Mike Tobin took a failing business and turned it into a £3.5 billion industry giant
  
• Why data centres are the next energy dilemma and sustainability in this sector is a must
  
• Mike’s method for choosing which companies to back and why attitude in people beats a CV
  
• How to balance multiple board roles, books, philanthropy and home life
  
• The power of integrating your personal and professional life without compromise
  
• Plus Mike shares how shark dives, homeless sleepouts and 40 marathons in 40 days define his thoughts on leadership and finding time
  

Key moments in this episode:

01:17 – Intro to Michael Tobin CBE  

02:36 – Falling into Data Centres by Accident 

03:26 – From Near Bankruptcy to £3.5 Billion Exit

05:50 – Pioneering Sustainability in Tech (Before It Was Cool)  

08:00 – Leaving Corporate Life & Starting Tobin Ventures  

08:45 – How Mike Chooses Which Companies to Back  

09:25 – Why Attitude Beats CVs 

11:11 – Why a Team You Can Trust is Key

12:16 – What Drives Mike; Purpose, Action & Legacy

13:59 – Why Changing Your Commitment Helps You Find Time

14:42 – Creative Charity Ideas That Actually Work  

16:57 – The Reality of Homelessness from a CEO’s Perspective  

19:09 – Forget Strategy, Get Results and Creating Leaders

20:30 – Facing Fear: Shark Tanks & Team Building  

22:53 – Live Love Work Prosper – a Mantra for Integrating Work and Life

24:45 – Mike’s Thoughts on The Importance of Building Relationship and Trust with Professional Service Providers Such as SRLV

 

Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode.

 

Since the time of recording, Michael Tobin has been appointed a CBE for his services to charity at a national level, a promotion to his previous OBE. We would like to congratulate him on this further honour.

 

About the podcast

Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families.

Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, leadership, top tips and trends – from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are shaping global industries and friends of our business. As with everyone we work with, they are really not “just a number”.

 

Disclaimer: This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP’s own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.