James Timpson OBE, CEO of the family-owned Timpson Group, manages over 2,000 UK high-street retail locations, including Timpsons, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielman, and The Watch Lab.

Beyond his business role, he chairs the Prison Reform Trust and offers guidance in both private and public sectors.

Alongside his colleague, Will Lankston, MD of Timpson Direct, James' leadership has seen Timpson thrive against the decline of the high street, prioritising employee happiness and customer service.

His book, The Happy Index, reveals the company's strategy of empowering employees, such as offering free dry-cleaning for job interviewees, birthday leave, and autonomy in store management.

James also invests in employee well-being, providing holiday homes and appointing a Director of Happiness, fostering a culture of kindness and trust.

His approach to business, focusing on empathy, employee empowerment, and community contribution, offers a model for creating a successful, inclusive company culture.

James's insights into building a future where companies genuinely care for their teams have made him a respected figure advocating for upside-down management and a more compassionate business world.