Episode Guest

Meet Mark Hassan-Ali, COO at N Family Club, interviewed by Jack Parsons (UK's Chief Youth Officer).

Mark Hassan-Ali is a strategic and people-focused leader, currently Chief Operating Officer at N Family Club. With a career spanning global consultancies, agencies, start-ups, and multinationals, he brings sharp commercial acumen and a passion for inclusive, high-growth cultures. Since joining N in 2020, Mark has helped scale the business across operations, people, sales, and marketing. A trusted advisor and Fellow of the CIPD, REC, and RSA, he’s committed to driving meaningful, purpose-led change.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - You can always lead with kindness

00:27 - Meet Mark Hassan-Ali, COO at N Family Club

01:26 - What's on Mark’s mind in a fast-growing business

02:46 - Managing overwhelm and staying focused

03:58 - Personal life plans vs society’s expectations

05:17 - How to avoid shiny object syndrome

06:50 - The power of your "Square Squad"

08:29 - Who’s in Mark’s personal support circle

10:22 - Mark’s school days and early lessons

11:44 - Dressing as a dolphin at 18

12:49 - Work values vs company values

13:46 - How to have tough conversations with kindness

15:10 - Examples of real kindness at work

16:46 - The importance of not blindsiding people

17:48 - Interviewing with kindness

18:55 - The problem with rigid interview structures

19:59 - Humanising business culture

21:00 - Culture isn’t posters, it’s behaviours

22:01 - A culture that shines in tough times

23:34 - Culture is non-negotiable at N Family Club

25:04 - How N Family Club began and grew

26:34 - Scaling to 40 nurseries since 2020

27:38 - Building and evolving the operations playbook

28:50 - Why leadership hires are key

30:10 - From 15 brand ideas to 2: focus wins

31:33 - Constantly evolving to avoid complacency

32:24 - Looking globally for inspiration

33:01 - What makes N Family Club special

34:03 - Why language and titles matter

35:05 - Inside a nursery: team structure

36:05 - Mark’s respect for early years educators

37:00 - Creating career opportunities for all

38:06 - Flexibility for every lifestyle

39:00 - Changing how early years careers are seen

40:22 - The need for greater recognition in the sector

42:34 - Why early years is so valuable

43:00 - Why you should join N Family Club

44:20 - Mark’s advice for job applicants

46:00 - Be yourself, do your research

47:17 - Avoid the “spray and pray” job hunt

48:20 - There’s always a way – slow down

49:10 - Mark’s duvet flip – impact through people

50:02 - Staying focused on the one-pager

Episode Partner

N Family Club is rethinking careers in early years education by giving educators the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve. We’re challenging industry norms and building a culture where people can thrive. With nurseries across London, the South East, and the West Midlands, we’re always looking for passionate people to join the N Family.

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/