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What does it really take to turn big ambitions into extraordinary achievements?

Welcome to the Fastest 50 podcast, from Ward Hadaway. This is the podcast where we go beyond the headlines to uncover how ambitious founders and business leaders scale at pace, survive the hard moments, and keep growing when the pressure is on.

Inspired by years of meeting exceptional companies through our flagship Fastest 50 awards, this podcast digs into the stories that don’t always make the stage. The turning points. The risks. The setbacks that became breakthroughs.


Season 2 coming soon – Thursday 15 October 2026

Season 2 takes us to Yorkshire, with Al and Emma at the helm and a fresh line-up of fascinating stories to uncover. From pioneering technology and powering the future to building thriving businesses and putting Yorkshire on the map, expect big ambitions, bold visions and honest accounts of picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and coming back stronger. There are plenty of lessons to take away, wherever your ambitions lie.

And if you missed Season 1, our North East conversations are still available to enjoy.


Who would like this podcast

If you are a founder, business leader, investor, or simply fascinated by how successful companies grow, the Fastest 50 podcast is for you. Expect insight, inspiration, and ideas you’ll want to act on.

 


Series 2 coming soon

Sign up now to be the first to hear about the next series bringing exclusive insights from the UK’s most ambitious business leaders.

Meet your hosts

  • Returning for Season 2, Alistair McDonald, Business Development Director at Ward Hadaway, continues as host of the Fastest 50 podcast, joined by Emma Digby, Executive Partner of Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office and National Head of Commercial Litigation.

    Al brings his trademark curiosity, relaxed conversational style and willingness to ask the questions others might not. Emma adds a fresh perspective, drawing on her commercial experience and understanding of the challenges businesses face as they grow.

    Together, they get beyond the headlines to explore the people, decisions and defining moments behind business success, uncovering honest reflections, valuable lessons and practical insights along the way.


The Fastest 50 Podcast

Law firm Ward Hadaway celebrates entrepreneurial success and the people powering the North’s economy.