If you strip away the job titles, the deals, the pressure, and the prestige what’s left of you?
That’s the question Ian Penrose has lived his way into.
In this episode of Unlocking Human Potential, Ian joins Andy Hosgood to reflect on his time as CEO of Sportech and the complex journey of leadership, identity, success… and what happens after it all.
The Hidden Cost of High-Performance Roles
From the outside, it looked like the dream: a global role, big responsibilities, influence, and prestige.
But Ian shares a quieter truth:
“You give a lot of yourself away in those roles. You get pulled into a rhythm where your value is measured in outcomes, not in who you are.”
The cost?
Relationships. Peace. Self-connection.
Even health, at times.
It’s not that leadership is bad.
It’s that if you’re not conscious, it starts to consume you.
The Identity Shift Nobody Talks About
When Ian left his CEO role, he faced something he didn’t expect:
A void.
The meetings stopped.
The emails slowed.
The calendar emptied.
And he was left with a confronting question:
Who am I when I’m not “the boss”?
It’s a question many leaders quietly carry — and most avoid.
But Ian leaned into it.
He reflected. He reset.
And he began rebuilding a life driven not by pressure, but by presence and purpose.
Redefining Success On Your Terms
One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation is how Ian now defines success.
It’s no longer about acquisition, power or financial growth.
It’s about:
- Making decisions with intention
- Saying yes to things that feel right, not just strategic
- Prioritising health, family and meaning
- Using experience to serve and guide others
It’s a quieter, wiser version of success and one more leaders are craving.
Lessons for Leaders Still in the Game
For those still deep in the trenches of high-stakes leadership, Ian offers honest advice:
- Protect your identity. You are not your role. Your value goes beyond your outputs.
- Look after your body. It will send signals before burnout hits. Don’t ignore them.
- Stay curious. Always ask, “Is this path still serving me?”
- Build life outside the boardroom. So you don’t lose yourself when the role ends.
- Stay human. Success doesn’t require you to harden. Vulnerability is strength.
What’s Next After You’ve Done It All?
This is where Ian’s story really hits home.
After stepping back, he didn’t just fade out he leaned in.
He explored mentorship, board roles, advisory work but also gave himself space to simply be.
He discovered joy in slowing down, in thinking deeply, in contributing more intentionally.
“I’m not finished. I’m just beginning a different chapter one that’s driven by values, not validation.”
That’s what real legacy looks like.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a podcast episode about business.
It’s about becoming.
About unbecoming.
About remembering who you are beneath the titles.
Ian’s story is a call to all leaders to reflect not just on what they’re building, but on who they’re becoming in the process.
Because in the end, your legacy won’t be your LinkedIn profile.
It will be how you made people feel, the culture you created, the self you preserved and the permission you gave others to live more honestly.
🎧 Listen now to Unlocking Human Potential and take a deep breath.
This is leadership worth remembering.
About Ian
Ian is a lifelong football fan who climbed the ladder to lead international companies.
He is a seasoned executive in the sports, technology, and gaming industries, and a proud Preston North End supporter who recently achieved the ultimate fan dream by becoming his beloved club’s Chairman.
Over two decades at the helm of two London-listed companies – Arena Leisure PLC and Sportech PLC – he turned challenges into triumphs.
Ian even helped rescue Sportech from the brink of collapse (over £100 million in debt) and transformed it into a thriving business that returned the debt and an extra £200 million to shareholders – talk about unlocking performance!
Along the way, he’s worn many hats: he’s a board director at Playtech, one of the world’s largest gaming technology companies, and serves as Vice-Chairman of Weatherbys (providing tech services to the horseracing industry).
He even helped preserve football’s heritage as Chairman of the National Football Museum.
Ian is proof that you can aim high in business without losing your down-to-earth passion.
He brings a unique blend of serious know-how and a playful spirit – exactly the kind of balance we love on this podcast.
With his track record of leadership and a lifelong enthusiasm for sport, Ian embodies the spirit of unlocking human performance.
Get ready for an inspiring, engaging (and humorous) conversation with Ian Penrose!