Published: April 14, 2026 at 7:03 am
James Cole is the latest guest on The Naked Founder podcast.
He’s the straight-talking founder and CEO of Panache Cruises and has a reputation for authenticity and honesty.
A two-time founder, he’s on track to build his second £100m turnover company, but this time it won’t be at the expense of his family or by turning to drink.
In this episode of the Naked Founder podcast, he discusses:
• How he nearly lost it all with his first startup Cruise118
• How stopping drinking on New Year’s Eve 2018 transformed his life
• Launching Panache Cruises during Covid
• Turning 50 by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity
• Growing to £50m turnover in five years
• Why his family will always come first
• Meeting his hero Sir Richard Branson
Listen here