Why You Can't Sustain What You Don't Enjoy

Nick Baker left his successful consultancy after 25 years, burnt out from always being "on." He became a non-exec, convinced he'd never return to operational leadership. Then UK Padel came along, and he became CEO because he genuinely loved what they were building.

The lesson? You can endure anything temporarily, but you can't sustain what you don't enjoy.

About Nick Baker:

Nick is the CEO of UK Padel and former co-founder of Alpha FMC, which he took through private equity investment to a successful IPO. After spending 25 years in financial services and stepping back from executive roles, Nick found himself drawn back into operational leadership through his passion for racket sports and building something he truly believed in.

Together we unpack:

• Why genuine passion for your business isn't just nice-to-have; it's essential for long-term success
• How to know when it's time to step away and make yourself redundant the right way
• The secret to staying authentic as you scale (hint: stay involved in delivery)
• Why founder-led selling works so well and how to maintain that edge

👆 If you're a founder feeling disconnected from your business or wondering how to sustain your energy for the long journey ahead, this conversation will give you clarity.

About Nick Baker

Nick Baker is the CEO of UK Padel, which operates multiple padel clubs across the UK and runs the country's biggest national tournaments. He previously co-founded Alpha FMC, a financial markets consultancy that he grew over 25 years before taking it through private equity investment to a successful IPO. Nick is also an active angel investor, having backed over 75 startups, and serves as chairman for several businesses.

Connect with Nick Baker on LinkedIn.

More from James:

Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com