Published: January 25, 2023 | Updated: 26th January 2023
Nick Ashley-Cooper (Lord Shaftesbury) has shared his unique life story on the award-winning family business podcast, It Runs In The Family.
In the episode, he opens up about his family’s legacy, overcoming tragic loss, and focusing his energy on creating positive change through charitable work.
Nick began his multi-faceted career in New York as a DJ and Music Producer before unexpectedly being placed at the helm of his family’s estate.
After the sudden death of his father and older brother just six months apart, he was required to take on the custodianship of the land and St Giles House at Wimborne St Giles.
As the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, Nick has taken a unique approach to the role, renovating not just the architecture, but the family’s legacy for generations to come.
Liz Willingham, pictured left, Founder and MD of Liz Lean PR and Podcast Co-host, said: “Listeners will appreciate Nick’s openness as he discusses the tragedy that has shaped his life and landed him in the position he is in today.
“He expresses his enthusiasm to continue a positive legacy and shares how he has achieved that to date.
“In the wake of Spare, by Prince Harry, we’re sure that listeners will find this an interesting listen.”
As part of his redevelopment of St Giles House, Nick has creatively transformed a basement room into a club-style space.
It gives the property a unique selling point as a wedding and events venue.
He has also taken on philanthropic work, including his role as Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, a local grant-giving charity that supports worthy causes across south-east Dorset.
On embracing his inherited duty, Nick said: “I feel that in some part, given the opportunities I’ve had, that I’ve always felt a sense of responsibility to give back and create space and time in my life to get involved in charities and help the community that I live around.”
Podcast Co-host Leila Willingham, pictured right, who is also Associate Business and Account Director at Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR, said: “While this may not be an obvious family business, this is almost the ultimate family business.
“You are literally born into it.
“As heir and guardian of St Giles Estate in beautiful rural Dorset, Nick has a fascinating story to tell.”
It Runs In The Family is currently ranking at number 152 in the Great Britain entrepreneurship podcast chart as well as number 12 in the top international family business podcasts and number three in the UK, according to Feedspot.
Outside the UK, the It Runs In The Family podcast is attracting listeners in 42 countries including the United States, Canada, Russia, Germany, France and Australia.
A new episode of It Runs In The Family is released every other Wednesday and is available to download and stream on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
