Founder Decisions Under Pressure: focus, speed, and avoiding false progress

Nasar Hussain is an entrepreneur, business leader, and mentor with over 20 years of experience building successful businesses from the ground up. As the Founder of ITC, Nasar has spent the last two decades helping organisations across the UK stay connected through the technology and telecommunications infrastructure that powers modern businesses. Starting with a vision and a determination to succeed, he bootstrapped the company without external investment, growing it into a trusted partner for organisations nationwide. Nasar believes that every great business needs strong foundations. Whether it's technology, strategy, systems, or people, he is passionate about helping businesses put the right building blocks in place to grow and succeed. Alongside leading ITC, Nasar works closely with start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs, mentoring founders and helping them develop clear strategies, strong operating models, and scalable business practices. He is particularly passionate about encouraging the next generation of business leaders to think big, take action, and turn ideas into reality. At Climb 26, Nasar will share lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, insights on building resilient businesses, and practical advice for young people looking to create opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve lasting success.

Sam White is the multi-award-winning Global Founder of Stella Insurance Australia (Chair and CEO respectively). Stella is a female-centric motor insurance business that's unapologetically led by women and designed for women with offices in Cheshire, England and Sydney, Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram, find her as a guest co-host on BBC Radio 4's 'Toast', or tune into her very own show with Radio 4 where she hosts 'Dough' to discuss the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart moneys going next. Sam is a regular business commentator in media and can be found discussing current business affairs on BBC's Morning Live and Wake Up To Money plus, Live with Ian King on Sky News. Sam cares passionately about diversity, equality, innovation and above all, making business human. Motivated by a desire to change the insurance industry for the better, Sam is a vocal advocate for levelling the playing field for women and championing female leaders within the industry. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Sam is a mum of two and married to Jennie, a divorce coach and children's book author promoting diversity in children's reading and play.

Hannah Duraid is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, investor, and community leader. She is the founder of The Great Escape Game, one of the UK's leading immersive entertainment businesses, with 17 escape rooms across the North, including a flagship venue at the Royal Armouries Museum. In 2023, Hannah launched Gameshow All-Stars, the UK's first game show-themed activity bar. Following its success in Sheffield, the concept expanded to Leeds, with a third venue planned for Nottingham in 2026. Passionate about bringing people together, Hannah co-founded Sheffield Business Runners & Walkers and Sheffield Business Padel, helping connect professionals through fitness, networking, and community. She is a Sheffield Chamber Councillor, a member of the Sheffield Stronger Together Leadership Group, and serves on the appeal board for Weston Park Cancer Charity's "See it. Treat it." campaign, supporting the charity's largest fundraising appeal in more than 30 years. Alongside her own ventures, Hannah invests in and supports growing businesses, helping founders turn ambitious ideas into successful brands.