Episode Guest

Jack Parsons interviews Nathan Coe, the Chief Executive Officer of Auto Trader UK, where he has been a driving force behind the company’s operational and technological evolution for over 18 years. Since joining the company, Nathan has held several senior leadership roles including Operations Director and Product & Technology Director, where he oversaw critical functions such as product development, marketing, data, and technology.

Appointed CEO in February 2020, Nathan brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and digital transformation, built on earlier roles in corporate development at Telstra and Sensis. His tenure reflects a deep commitment to innovation and efficiency within the automotive marketplace sector.

Episode Timestamps

0:00 – Meet Nathan Coe: CEO of Auto Trader & His Duvet Flip

0:31 – First Jobs, Family Background & Early Career Aspirations

2:09 – From PWC to Purpose: Moving Beyond Money-Driven Goals

3:36 – Proving People Wrong & Embracing the Inner Rebel

5:00 – Was There a Grand Career Plan? (Spoiler: No)

6:45 – Breaking into Competitive Graduate Roles

8:44 – Tips for Interviews, Standing Out & Being Authentic

11:20 – What Auto Trader Looks for in Candidates

12:58 – The Importance of Teamwork, Collaboration & EQ

14:45 – Inside Auto Trader’s Quirky Culture & Values

17:01 – Inclusion as a Strategy, Not Just a Policy

19:14 – Longevity at Auto Trader: 10-Year Avg. Tenure

20:45 – Nathan’s First Car (and Why the Window Fell In)

22:33 – Buying Your First Car: Insurance, Costs & Tips

25:00 – How Auto Trader Helps You Buy Smarter with Tech

26:51 – The Tank Listed on Auto Trader (Yes, Really)

28:30 – Content Responsibility & Platform Trust

30:00 – Behind the Scenes: AI & Data Science at Auto Trader

31:36 – Career Paths at Auto Trader: Tech, Product, B2B & More

33:30 – From Magazine to Digital: A Tough but Bold Transition

35:12 – Launched Before Google: Auto Trader's 1995 Website

36:49 – Why Owning Cars Still Matters in the Digital Age

38:41 – Making Car Buying Seamless with Tech

40:22 – What’s Next for Auto Trader? The Digital Future

42:36 – Impacting Millions: Auto Trader’s Reach in the UK

44:10 – Leadership Philosophy: Care Deeply, Stay Grounded

45:51 – Advice on Resilience: No One Promised It’d Be Easy

47:29 – Nathan’s Duvet Flip: Empowering Others to Break Limits

49:00 – Closing Thoughts & A Legacy of Impact

Episode Partners

✈️ easyJet

Explore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest

Ross McColl is Head of Consultancy at Halo Service Solutions (HaloPSA), where he leads enterprise software implementation and client success strategies. With over six years at Halo, he’s held roles across consultancy and APAC delivery. His background includes experience in finance, retail, and fundraising, bringing a well-rounded and client-focused approach to software consultancy.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction: Ross McColl & Halo PSA

01:10 - Early Jobs: Paper Rounds & Resilience

02:45 - What Is a “Rough Job” & Why It Builds Character

04:00 - Motivation to Work Early & Earning Mindset

05:15 - Defining Hard Work: Productivity Over Hours

06:50 - How to Stay Focused and Work Smart

07:50 - The Power of Asking for Help

09:00 - Embracing Questions Early in Your Career

10:30 - From Economics Degree to Tech Industry

11:45 - Joining Net Help Desk (Now Halo) & First Impressions

13:00 - Leadership Vision at Halo & Paul Hamilton’s Influence

14:00 - Culture at Halo: Sports Team Energy & Collaboration

15:50 - The Halo Training & Progression Journey

17:00 - Failing the First Project and Bouncing Back

18:40 - Resilience and Growth at Halo

19:50 - Ross’s 6-Year Journey from Graduate to Manager

21:00 - Leading by Example, Not Title

22:20 - Hands-On Culture: Even the CEO Codes

23:30 - Flat Structure & Open Communication at Halo

24:50 - A Life Lesson from the CTO: “The Answer's Out There”

26:00 - Why Join Halo: Opportunity, Travel & Innovation

27:15 - Empowering Graduates to Lead & Create

28:00 - Final Question: Ross’s Duvet Flip

28:50 - Closing Thoughts & Gratitude

Episode Partners

Check out the latest from Halo:

https://halograduates.com and https://www.instagram.com/halonextgen/

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates.

The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support. Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/