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Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Simon Cowell was 'lost' for years after losses but one person 'saved' him
Talent show boss Simon Cowell has admitted he was 'lost' for years following the deaths of his parents as he shared the one thing that has changed his life completely Simon Cowell has emotionally opened up on the loss of his parents as he admitted his own son Eric was the one person to save him. The talent show boss, 65, is a proud dad to his 11-year-old son but has admitted it brings up pain about not having his own parents around. His father, Eric Philip Cowell, died aged 81 in 1999, followed by his mother, Julie, in July 2015, aged 90. Simon made sure to pay tribute to his beloved dad with his name choice for his son, who was born a year before his mum's death in 2014. The Britain's Got Talent creator's parents sadly missed out on huge milestones in Simon's life, including his impressive career as well as his engagement to partner Lauren Silverman. Simon has now admitted to being "lost" following the deaths of his mum and dad, up until his son was born. [Fatherhood has] had a huge impact on me because I loved my parents so much, and once they left, I was kind of lost for a while, and then Eric kind of saved me," he emotionally shared. He told People: "Because that love comes back a hundred times more powerful. I mean, it's extraordinary and it never goes. So I didn't expect that, and when it happened, it was like, 'Wow.' I mean, it's incredible." The former X Factor judge even confessed that becoming a father made his job easier. He said he now thinks of Eric when he is filming his TV shows and judges acts "through his son's eyes". In another bold confession, the music mogul revealed he has even become less career-focused now that he has Eric. "You realise that there are other things more important, actually, than your career," he said. Simon added: "If I wasn't where I am in my life today, I think it would feel quite empty." Last year, Simon heartbreakingly re-lived the torment of losing his parents as he revealed he was told his beloved father had died while he was working thousands of miles from home. The music mogul, then 40, was celebrating Westlife hitting No. 1 in the charts for the first time with Swear It Again when he discovered dad Eric had suffered a fatal heart attack. When Simon called his family to tell of his first success, his mother Julie couldn't bear to tell him the tragic news. Sensing something wasn't right, he called the family home again hours later - and it was left to younger brother Nicholas to tell him the terrible truth. Speaking to entrepreneur Steven Bartlett on his Diary of a CEO podcast, the TV star says he didn't know what he had left to live for when his mother also died in 2015. He said: "I thought my parents were going to live forever. The hardest thing about losing your parents is that you can't think of them after. It's too hard. "I would have swapped all my success to keep him around. They were my best friends, I told them everything. It's like how I feel for Eric, it's pure love."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
How long horny Brits really want sex to last for, according to a new poll – how does your love life compare?
Plus, ten most-searched sex positions in the UK - is your favourite amongst them? SEX O'CLOCK How long horny Brits really want sex to last for, according to a new poll – how does your love life compare? A NEW poll has revealed exactly how long Brits across the country actually want sex to last for - so how does your love life stack up? Although some people are choosing not to have sex at all - which you'll be aware of if you've been tuning into Channel 4 Virgin Island in recent weeks, there are plenty of those who still enjoy getting frisky in between the sheets. Advertisement 1 A new survey has lifted the lid on Brits' sex lives - so how does yours compare? Credit: Getty Of course, everyone and every relationship is different, and it's not realistic to expect that steamy period when you first start seeing someone to last forever. A recent survey also showed that most Brits - a whopping 48 per cent - get nookie once a week. If that's the case, then you certainly don't want that one time to be disappointing for anyone involved. Fortunately, we've now got a time to work against and it seems that stamina is the name of the game - if a new poll from ASDA online doctor is anything to judge by. Advertisement They asked people from cities across the UK how long they would want sex to last, rather than expect, and the total comes in at a rather impressive 23 minutes and 45 seconds, Lad Bible reported. Given that a sex expert spilled the beans on Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast that the average romp lasts just three to seven minutes, it perhaps may be a pipe dream for Scots in Glasgow who are wanting just shy of 30 minutes every time they get frisky. Meanwhile, Cardiff's demands are a little more understanding, coming in at 19 minutes and 45 seconds on average. Londoners want 23 minutes seven seconds, Manchester residents 22 minutes 13 seconds, and those in Birmingham 23 minutes 55 seconds. Advertisement The survey also asked participants to reveal what is preventing them from having more regular sex, with body insecurities and nerves about not satisfying your partner being a key issue for both men and women. The research asked men and women what the main reason they had avoided sex in the last year was, and the main hangups were weight (48 per cent) and performance anxiety (42 per cent). I'm an orgasm expert - the move you & your man need to make daily to keep desire high & SCHEDULING sex is essential too 44 per cent of women avoided sex because of anxieties about their body hair, while 34 per cent opted against it because of concerns of how their lady bits look. As for men, 36 percent of men avoided sex because they were worried about their penis size. Advertisement Amongst the most shocking findings saw that nine per cent of the participants admitted to thinking about their colleagues during sex, 12 per cent check their phone and nine percent of men have turned to AI for sex advice instead of having an open chat with their partner. The 10 most-searched sex positions in the UK The Eagle is searched for, on average, 150,730 times in the UK every month. Eagle 69 Missionary Cowgirl Reverse Cowgirl Standing Lotus Spooning Doggy Style Pretzel Dr Crystal Wyllie from Asda Online Doctor said: "Sometimes we feel the need to lie about our pleasure or sexual experience so that we don't feel judged. "But while it's a normal response, getting into the habit of being dishonest about our sexual habits can create emotional distance with a partner and make insecurities even worse. "Open communication is key for a happy, healthy sexual relationship, so being honest about how we're feeling is a great first step." Advertisement This comes after thousands of couples around the world revealed their favourite time to get nookie - and the least raunchy time. More than a third said they prefer to romp between 22:00 and 00:00, with 80 per cent agreeing that the ''sweet spot'' is specifically 22:09. The second most popular window of time for some action was between 20:00 and 22:00 (27 per cent). The least sexy time proved to be the early hours of the morning, with only a mere four per cent choosing to engage in the activity between 06:00 and 08:00.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LinkedIn co-founder: Startup founders talking about work-life balance are not …
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman has reignited debate over work-life balance in the startup world, declaring in a recent X post that founders who brag about achieving balance "are not serious about winning." The billionaire entrepreneur doubled down on his controversial stance that true startup success requires complete dedication and temporary sacrifice of personal time. "I actually think founders have no balance," Hoffman stated during a Stanford University guest lecture last month titled "How to be a Great Founder." He argued that successful entrepreneurs must be "all in" during their company's critical early years, warning that the startup journey is "super hard and there are lots of ways to die." Early LinkedIn culture demanded after-hours commitment Hoffman's philosophy isn't just theoretical—it shaped LinkedIn's early culture. In recently resurfaced comments, he revealed that during the company's startup phase, employees were expected to continue working after family dinners. "We said, sure, go home have dinner with your family. Then, after dinner with your family, open up your laptop and get back in the shared work experience and keep working," Hoffman explained in a podcast appearance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The approach appears to have paid off financially. Hoffman notes that approximately 100 early LinkedIn employees "don't need to work anymore" following Microsoft 's $26.2 billion acquisition of the platform in 2016. Hoffman's defense against critics of 'toxic' work culture Despite growing workplace wellness conversations since the pandemic, Hoffman remains unapologetic about his stance. "Work-life balance is not the start-up game," he said on the Diary of a CEO podcast, dismissing critics who label such practices as toxic. "The people that think that's toxic don't understand the start-up game, and they're just wrong," Hoffman argued. "The game is intense. And by the way, if you don't do that, eventually, you're out of a job." While Hoffman acknowledges this lifestyle "may only last for a couple of years," he insists that founders must remain "unbalanced" during the crucial company-building phase, keeping their minds constantly focused on business success. 7 Things You May Have Missed in the GTA 6 Second Trailer AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Broadcast Pro
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
MPTS 2025 marks biggest edition yet with record visitor numbers
The event delivered 100+ free-to-attend sessions across eight theatres, showcasing the insight and passion of more than 350 expert speakers and guest keynotes. The Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS) concluded its buzziest edition yet after two days of discussions, networking, and inspiration, drawing a record-breaking 13,000 attendees from 50 countries. Held on May 14–15 at Olympia London, the event brought together the UK's media and entertainment sectors in a landmark gathering that reflected both the challenges and the transformative opportunities facing the industry today. This year's MPTS featured a packed editorial programme with over 100 free-to-attend sessions spread across eight theatres. More than 350 expert speakers and keynote guests shared their insight, vision, and creativity, while the show floor buzzed with over 300 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing cutting-edge technology and the extraordinary talent that powers the UK's creative and technical sectors. The event kicked off with the keynote 'State of the Nation: Production,' which laid bare the sweeping changes reshaping the media landscape. 'TV doesn't exist anymore in the way we knew it,' said Kate Beal, CEO of Woodcut Media. Derren Lawford, CEO of Dare Pictures, added, 'We are in the middle of a decade of profound transition, and we're past the tipping point.' Both emphasised that traditional television now forms just one piece of a broader content ecosystem that spans creators, formats, and platforms of all kinds. High-profile speakers brought their perspectives to the main stages. Acclaimed producer and presenter Ross Kemp recounted his experiences documenting dangerous global conflicts and organised crime, underscoring the vital role of truth in storytelling. Georgie Holt of Flight Story, producers of the globally popular podcast Diary of a CEO, championed the rise of the 'Founder Creator'—a new era where content creators are bypassing traditional gatekeepers to build direct, monetizable relationships with audiences. Former NFL player and current broadcaster Jason Bell spoke about the changing nature of sports media, pointing to the success of documentary formats like Drive to Survive as key to expanding audience engagement by spotlighting athletes' personal stories. Hollywood editor Eddie Hamilton, best known for Top Gun: Maverick and multiple Mission: Impossible films, offered a behind-the-scenes look into the meticulous craft of blockbuster editing, describing days spent watching 10-minute scenes dozens of times to perfect the audience's visual journey through the frame. Representation and inclusion remained at the heart of MPTS, with organisers placing a strong emphasis on ensuring diverse voices and equal opportunities across the programme and the show floor. The event was widely praised for attracting a new generation of talent and fostering an environment that celebrates difference and drives meaningful change. Sustainability was another key theme, with the BAFTA-aligned Sustainability Series bringing vital discussions to the forefront. Industry experts including Jimmy Keeping (Sustainable Film), Nazia Zaman (Warner Bros. Discovery), Junaid Baig (Dimension Studio), and Claire O'Neill (A Greener Future) addressed the urgent need for environmentally responsible production practices. As the curtains closed on what has become the largest MPTS to date, the event left behind a powerful message: the future of media and entertainment lies in embracing change, championing innovation, and building inclusive, sustainable communities ready to meet the next frontier of storytelling. Sam Street, Marketing Officer, BAFTA Albert commented: 'MPTS is a really key moment in our calendar. It is always so great to connect with suppliers, companies, studios and creatives who share our common passion for sustainability within screen industries. It has also been really valuable to curate our sustainability series of panels across this year's show, we've had some really insightful discussions and emphasised the importance of environmental focus throughout the screen industries. 'We didn't need a machine to predict the high demand for news and information about AI. The brand-new ticketed AI Training programme and the expanded AI Media Zone drew exceptional attendance, with exhibitors such as Dot Group, Moments Lab and Software. Conversations in these packed-out sessions revolved around the impact of AI from ideation to VFX, featuring real-world insights and discussions on bridging the gap between theory and practice from speakers including Pete Archer, BBC; Jon Roberts, ITN and Damien Viel, Banijay Entertainment. 'With a record number of exhibitors already rebooking for 2026, MPTS continues to prove its value as the UK's number one event for media and production professionals, where brands, creatives and decision-makers come together to connect, collaborate and grow.' Jane Shepard, Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Sandisk, added: 'MPTS 2025 was a spectacular showcase of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds and cutting-edge technology in the industry. An unforgettable experience for all attendees.' Tom Rundle, Application Engineer, Yamaha Music, stated: 'It has been very busy for us. We have seen a huge mix of customers from the broadcast sector here, but also customers from the other industries which we serve, whether that's live or theatre who have deliberately come to the show to seek us out to speak to us. Will we be back next year? Yes, absolutely, this is the first year for us, so it was always a bit of a toe in the water, but it's been vastly more successful than we thought it was going to be.' Peter Alderson, Business Manager, Nikon, said: 'This is our second year at MPTS, we've gone a little bit bigger on our stands, almost doubling it, and I think it's definitely been worthwhile doing. We've partnered with RED, who we recently purchased, and MRMC so it's making a lovely statement about where we are in the market, and I think we're in the right place to make that statement here at MPTS.' Jennifer Hudson, Marketing Executive, Videndum, noted: 'This show is really important in our calendar – we attend nearly every year and find so much value in it. We get to meet with so many different professionals within the industry, and this year has been really, really positive for us. We've walked away with quite a few leads and made new relationships. It's a fantastic show, and we would thoroughly recommend anyone thinking about coming and having a stand here to definitely do it – you won't regret it.' Will Pitt, Head of Sales Solutions, Techex, remarked: 'My impression of the show is that it's been incredibly busy and very positive. Techex particularly specialise in solving some of the headaches that a lot of the broadcast industry is grappling with at the moment, namely, how they transition into an IP-led architecture from a legacy architecture and what that journey looks like. As such, our standards have been packed pretty much throughout the show to come and look at products, but also to come and talk about ideas and lean into what that journey looks like specifically for them. So not a generic journey, but specific to their drivers and their wants and needs in the short and medium term. We particularly like MPTS because it's London based and many of the engineers that we speak to and collaborate with are based here and therefore it's an easy journey for them to take half a day, a day out to come and investigate what we have to offer, but also to have those conversations. And so for organisations like WBD or Sky, the BBC, ITV, etc. They can come here quite easily and engage with us, spend some time talking in real life and not over teams or Zoom.' Charlotte Wheeler, Event Director, MPTS, noted: 'Without doubt, 2025 was the most stimulating, ahead-of-the-curve MPTS yet. At a time when we are seeing the industry under real pressure from budget cuts to talent shortages and perpetual change, the conversations and connections on the show floor were positive and demonstrated infectious community spirit. The level of attendance and the quality of attendees from across all sectors of the industry was incredible – not just stakeholders in technology but representatives from production and commissioning, the creator economy, those new to the industry and freelancers were all brought together by MPTS under one roof. 'A huge amount of work goes into making sure that there is equal representation across our extensive conference programme. I am proud that MPTS is one of – if not the – most diverse shows both in terms of attendees and panellists. 'Thank you to everyone for exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking, attending and engaging with the show to make MPTS such a thrilling success. We are already planning for 2026, which marks MPTS' 10th edition, so look forward to a landmark celebration!'
Metro
22-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Ignore the CEO influencers — not everybody's cut out to run a business
Jacqueline took over her the family business aged 19 (Picture: Supplied) Listen to article Listen to article Your browser does not support the audio element. From Steven Barlett's Diary of a CEO to Simon Squibb's What's Your Dream?, the UK laps up advice on how to become a business mogul. And after years of wage stagnation and a cost of living crisis, that's no major surprise. After all, who wouldn't want to ditch the 9-to-5 and make millions doing something they love? According to Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE however, looking up to influencers can set regular people up to fail. 'There really are leaders and followers,' the 57-year-old tells Metro. 'If you're an entrepreneur, you're born an entrepreneur — there is no making you into one. So starting up a business isn't everybody's cup of tea.' Her own entry into the world of business came at 19. When her father Joe died aged 51, the family waste management company was left in the hands of Jacqueline and her three older siblings. She claims entrepreneurs are born, not trained (Picture: Supplied) A lifelong Londoner and second-generation Irish immigrant, she slept in a cot in the family's one-bedroom flat until she was five, and was picked on because of her weight throughout her childhood. 'I didn't get on very well at school,' Jacqueline recalls. 'It was the era where, if you didn't get something, you got left behind. And I basically ran out of there at 16, sticking my two fingers up and saying, 'I don't need you'.' Her plans to work in childcare came to an end when she got the call her dad had died of a heart attack. And while her eldest brother was initially expected to take on his business, Jacqueline's knack for problem-solving saw her naturally falling into the role. She says: 'There was never a conversation, sitting around the table going 'you're gonna do this, you're gonna do that'. We just went into autopilot. We need to make sure mum's okay. And we need to get on with it.' Success takes hard graft and natural talent Once she realised where her talents could be best put to use, Jacqueline worked tirelessly on gaining qualifications and certifications that would set the firm apart. She also brought about numerous changes, from upgrading the company's lorries so they were safer for cyclists to ending its use of landfills and fossil fuels. Within the three decades she was at the helm, O'Donovan Waste went from a small firm worth £175,000 to an empire boasting a £22 million annual turnover. In 2023, she was made an OBE for services to Recycling, Safety and Industry (Picture: Supplied) But despite her success, being taken seriously in such a male dominated industry wasn't always plain sailing. The mum-of-one says: 'I'd walk into rooms with 20 fellas in there, and it's like Moses parting the Red Sea… 'In the early days, they used to insist on talking to a man, so I'd put them through to my brother Brendan – but little did they know I taught him everything.' Following the birth of her son in 2005, she also dealt with postnatal depression, which took more than three years to overcome, largely due to the support of her loved ones. While in many ways, Jacqueline believes these struggles have made her a better leader and parent, there's a high level of resilience required to be the boss — and it's not a lifestyle everyone can handle. Recent data shows that as many as one in seven new businesses fail within the first three years: 20% because they were outcompeted, 14% because of not having the right team, 7% because of disharmony among team or investors and 5% because of burning out or lack of passion (5%). 'There is a massive skill set to being a business owner,' Jacqueline says. 'You've got to be a therapist, you've got to know your numbers, you've got to be able to sell, you've got to be able to buy. There are so many hats — and you can't just go to the shop and buy them, I'm afraid.' She believes women need to quit apologising and back themselves more (Picture: Supplied) The cult of personality In her view, social media stars who pivot into business – such as Mr Beast, whose chocolate brand Feastables generated $251 million in sales in 2024 alone, or KSI, whose Prime energy drink (founded alongside fellow YouTuber Logan Paul) became an instant sell-out and hit $1.2 billion revenue within two years of launching – are wrongly held up as role models for would-be owners. The latter has been the subject of numerous business profiles, with one article describing him as an 'all-round entrepreneur', while reality stars including Molly Mae Hague, Alex George and Jack Maynard have all been featured on Diary of a CEO to share their advice on making it big. However, Jacqueline says many of these people 'got lucky' due to their personalities, and that 'doesn't make someone an expert in how to run a business'. 'These influencers are telling everybody that they can be an entrepreneur, and it's ruining youngsters today, because they all want to be like KSI or go on The Apprentice,' she adds. Signs you're not ready to commit full-time to your business You're clueless about business basics From balance sheets to marketing, Serge Santos – who quit his job as a physicist to start his own business – argues 'one of the most important steps on this journey is developing core hard skills.' If you don't have a grasp of how companies operate day-to-day, you're throwing yourself in at the deep in. You don't have the funds Entrepreneur, investor and business mentor Martin Warner writes in Startups Magazine: 'Without at least six months of expenses covered, entrepreneurs in the early cash-strapped stages of their startups make poor decisions that contribute to the failure of the business.' You don't know your market Before you leave your job, you should be confident your business has legs – either through extensive research or the fact you've already made it a success on the side. Martin claims those that fail to do this 'almost always fail, because they are unable fully to define their business or answer the key questions any investors will inevitably ask.' You don't have a strong enough support system Alongside family and friends to stand by your side through the inevitable ups and downs, Amy Porterfield, author of Two Weeks Notice: Find the Courage to Quit Your Job, Make More Money, Work Where You Want, and Change the World, says 'you'll need emotional support through a therapist, business coach, co-founder, or all three.' 'The life of entrepreneurship is intertwined personally and professionally,' she explains. 'You can't blame a boss or company for failures. This time it's on you.' You're in it for the wrong reasons 'Desperation to leave a job shouldn't be your motivation for creating your own business,' Amy adds. This sentiment is echoed by Matthew Capala, founder of Alphametic, who tells Forbes: 'If you are just wanting to call the shots because you do not like the leadership style of your boss, or the corporate culture is toxic, consider another job… Being an entrepreneur is not about calling the shots. Building a culture is exhausting if you are not 100% invested. Know your 'why'.' You aren't willing to consistently put the time in Givelle Lamano, owner of Lamano Law Office, recommends asking yourself whether you 'have the time and dedication to make this work—especially if it's your first business, you have little or no experience or you have a family to support.' Consider too, whether you can keep this up on a consistent basis, as founder Richard Fong notes: 'Early sales can deliver a huge confidence boost when starting a new venture, but it's crucial to ensure that success can be reproduced month-in and month-out.' You need stability According to Skye Robertson, Head of The Escape School, successful entrepreneurs 'accept uncertainty, act on what information they have access to today and trust their ability to create whilst reacting to unfolding events.' So if you want a stable routine and a regular paycheck, the business world probably isn't for you. Your people skills aren't up to scratch 'Networking and marketing are key,' says Stephie Althouse of Top-Notch CEO. 'For example, if you are an engineer and you want to open an engineering firm, of course, you need to be great at engineering. However, you need to be or get good at marketing and client acquisition — or hire someone who is. [Otherwise] your business endeavour will not be successful.' You're afraid to make mistakes Peter Shallard, the 'Shrink for Entrepreneurs', highlights that bad decisions are a necessary part of business ownership. But if you're too scared of getting it wrong, you won't learn how to get it right. 'The wannabes become real entrepreneurs when they realise the only 'secret' they're missing is the courage to act,' he says. She recommends people do their research and seek the advice of industry professionals before giving up the day-job. For many though, it's simply a bad idea altogether. Instead, Jacqueline proposes getting 'hold of the financial reins' in traditional employment by finding what you're good at and making yourself indispensable. 'Know your worth,' she adds. 'Because bosses know their staff's worth. We've had some who just used to clock in and think that they that's why they they should get paid, and it's obvious.' When asking for a promotion or pay rise, leave what you want at the door and state your case solely on the basis of what you bring to the company. 'What really annoys me is when people say 'I want to eat fillet steak instead of burgers, or I want to eat lobster instead of cod, because that'snothing to do with me,' she adds. 'You get it because you've earned it, because you've gone above and beyond in your role.' Women in particular are already at a disadvantage here though, with the ONS Human Capital Estimates report finding women are paid an average of £260,000 less than men over the course of their careers. In Jacqueline's experience, many women 'hide behind the word sorry' and end up being overlooked — often passing up opportunities because they've not got every single skill listed on a description, while 'a man that's got only three of them will go for (and get) the job.' Don't be afraid to shout about your successes to keep up, but bear in mind that although 'there's no such thing as a quiet leader' there's also 'a fine line between being confident and arrogant.' Jacqueline says: 'Treat people well on the way up, because you'll meet them on the way back down. I'm a firm believer in that one. And remember, it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.' As advice goes, it may not be as rousing as 'if you dream it, you can do it,' but it's probably a more realistic route to success for the majority of us. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ Arrow MORE: I started my period at 11 – heavy bleeding cost me months of school Arrow MORE: Four UK companies that offer 'life leave' – a perk employees actually want Arrow MORE: 'Knee knockers' are clogging the London Tube network and commuters are furious
