GoCompare founder Hayley Parsons OBE: "I wanted to create the MOST annoying ad possible!"

The Starting Line with Rich Leigh

Coming from a council estate in Wales to creating a multi-billion pound industry and two of the most famous brands in the UK, Hayley Parsons OBE is a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur.

In this rare interview, Hayley talks about how she created Confused.com while working at Admiral, and how being overlooked for the CEO role was "the best thing that ever happened" to her, as it spurred her on to create GoCompare.

Hayley went on to build and sell GoCompare for £100m, creating one of the most memorable characters in all of advertising in the process - Gio Compario - remarking "I wanted to create the most annoying ad possible!"

Since selling, Hayley became the first woman to serve on Cardiff Rugby's board when she was appointed a non-executive director.

She wrote a passionate and much-publicised letter to the Welsh Rugby Union, in which she highlighted "a long-standing and deep-rooted culture of toxicity and bullying", and called for change and for the CEO to step down. She said, "I believe the board, in its current state, does not possess the expertise and experience to run the WRU, which is essentially a £100m company."

In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about a drunken visit to 10 Downing Street, obsession, curiosity and more.

About The Starting Line Podcast

From a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.

At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.

By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.

Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and more. Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define your potential.

Join me every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.

Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at startinglinepod.com and follow us @startinglineshow on social platforms. Email [e-mail] - with guest suggestions or just to say hello.

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