How James Cole Built Two £100M Cruise Businesses (and Started One During a Pandemic)

Decription

What does it really take to build not one, but two £100M+ businesses—and still enjoy the ride?

In this episode of Focus on the Fun Stuff, Emma sits down with James Cole, founder of Panache Cruises and Cruise118, to unpack the bold moves, brutal setbacks, and game-changing strategies behind his incredible journey.

You’ll hear:

-How James survived a near business collapse during the 2008 recession

-Why he started a second luxury cruise brand during the middle of a pandemic

-The systems he uses to scale internationally—without losing the culture

-Why personal wellbeing and putting your team first fuels sustainable success

-The “one bite at a time” mindset that keeps his massive 2030 vision on track

Whether you’re scaling your first business or dreaming bigger for your next chapter, James’s story is packed with practical insights and serious inspiration.

Hit play and discover how to stay resilient, build for the long term, and focus on the fun stuff—no matter what comes your way.

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Hey there! I’m Emma Mills

With over 16 years of experience as an Executive PA and now a business owner supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, I understand the impact of having the right support around you to focus on what truly matters.

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