Skip to main content

Episode one: How the Royal Albert Hall became a home to all with Chief Executive, James Ainscough OBE

There are few jobs cooler than Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, but with that comes a responsibility to uphold its culture, legacy, and long-term vision.

That tall order has been a responsibility and a pleasure for James Ainscough OBE, being a part of the Royal Albert Hall for over a decade. The fascinating pivotal moments he shares with us in this week’s podcast come from both his journey, and that of the hall itself...

Join us as we break down James’ golden balance of creativity and business savvy, his total devotion to collaboration, and why passion is the first step to great leadership.

To tune in:

Key takeaways from this episode:

  • James’ perfect balance of business and creativity serving him throughout his career.
  • The Royal Albert Hall’s ability to make its team feel at home.
  • Why you should derive genius from the best of those around you.
  • The Royal Albert Hall’s long-term view, and its aim of making the world a better place.
  • Passion being an irreplaceable, core quality in leadership.
"That's the journey we're on, and the way we're kind of talking about it now is we want to be the home of breathtaking moments and lasting memories for everyone. That, for me, has got everything in it—this idea of home, that everyone's welcome, that they truly belong here."

James Ainscough OBE

CEO, Royal Albert Hall

Subscribe here

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Coming up

Shakespeare Martineau

Sarah Walker-Smith,
CEO

Out 17th April

Institute of Imagination

Martin Allen Morales,
CEO

Out 1st May

Evidenza

Jon Lombardo,
Co-Founder

Out 15th May

Latest Episodes

Royal Albert Hall

James Ainscough OBE
CEO

Balancing business and creativity

Baker Tilly International

Francesca Lagerberg
CEO

Adapting to business cultural shifts

Venture Philanthropist

Paul
Donovan

"Me vs we": lessons in leadership

Griffith University

Nick Barter
Professor

Ditching profit for prosperity for long-term value

Relevate Power

Matthew Wenger
CEO

Navigating the clean energy transition

Implement AI

Piers Linney
Co-Founder

Become a "better you" by harnessing AI

Anthropy

John O'Brien MBE
Founder

The Anthropy story: lessons in leadership

CR Labs

Andrea Mandel-Mantello, CEO

Cesare Ragazzi’s revival: how to breathe new life into a brand

The Marketing Society

Sophie Devonshire, CEO

The art of excelling in a "squiggly career"

The Body Shop

David Boynton,
Former CEO

The crucible moments that reforge a leader