Fear plays a bigger role in leadership than most of us want to admit. In this episode, Mike Konrad shares the conversation that revealed his fear-based decision making — and how that moment became the turning point that reshaped his leadership, his business, and ultimately, his life.

From being dismissed by his employer to building a company that has lasted more than 30 years, Mike opens up about the internal shifts behind his external success. He talks candidly about ego, bravado, revenge, approval, self-awareness, and the uncomfortable process of learning to lead differently.

If you’re navigating growth, change, or the uncomfortable realisation that what once worked no longer does, this conversation will speak to you.

• The surprising ways fear shows up in leadership decisions
• The mentor conversation that changed everything
• How fear-based thinking shapes cash flow, choices, and culture
• Making peace with the worst-case scenario
• Why early leadership traits often become later limitations
• The “starter fluid” analogy for ego, bravado, and urgency
• How Mike shifted from proving himself to serving others
• Why true leadership requires self-awareness and humility
• The mindset shift from doing everything yourself to trusting a team
• Redefining success as freedom — not validation
• What leaders at the early, frantic stage need to hear

01:26 The fear-based decisions hiding in plain sight

03:49 Becoming aware of the “lenses” shaping choices

09:50 Making peace with the worst to break decision paralysis

12:24 The conversation that sparked his business

19:50 How rejection triggered motivation and identity

23:54 The complicated emotional mix behind early leadership

30:39 When your strengths become your liabilities

33:06 The “starter fluid” metaphor for the early years

36:57 From smartest in the room to “stupidest in the room”

38:42 Redefining success as freedom

45:26 Leading less from proving, more from serving

47:03 Advice for leaders in survival mode

Mike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a global leader in electronics reliability solutions, and the host of two podcasts:

• Reliability Matters
• The Reluctant Entrepreneur

He writes and speaks widely on leadership, business growth, and the mistakes that shape us.

• Website: mikekonrad.com
• Podcast: reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.com
• Aqueous Technologies: aqueoustech.com

Please follow Conversations That Grow, share this episode with someone who’d love it, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations that spark growth.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nigel Cumberland — leadership coach, co-founder of The Silk Road Partnership, and author of several bestselling books including 100 Things Successful Leaders Do.

Nigel and I get into:

• The pivotal conversation that helped him redefine who he was
• His early career as a very young finance director
• Why mistakes became his greatest teachers
• Imposter syndrome & how he learned to handle it
• Culture clashes and the importance of understanding differences
• The evolution of leadership across decades
• Why leadership starts with self-awareness
• Leadership beyond titles — influencing in everyday life
• Why leaders today are more overwhelmed than ever
• His framework: Grounded • Connected • Purposeful
• The biggest thing leaders need to unlearn
• The one leadership principle he believes changes everything
• The hidden cost of poor leadership
• How leaders can stay human in a very digital world

This is an honest, insightful, deeply human conversation about leadership — the kind that helps you rethink the way you show up in your work and life.

Nigel’s Website

👉 https://nigelcumberland.com/

Nigel’s Books

👉 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nigel-Cumberland/author/B0034P71X2

LinkedIn Learning Courses

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/nigel-cumberland

Speaking Enquiries

👉 https://www.wsb.com/speakers/nigel-cumberland/

00:00 Intro

01:04 The conversation that changed Nigel’s life

04:30 Resetting your identity after a big career shift

05:53 Mistakes that shaped him as a young leader

09:10 Imposter syndrome in early leadership roles

10:50 Culture clashes and understanding differences

14:05 Why self-awareness matters more than ever

16:40 Leadership beyond titles and formal roles

18:50 Role modelling at home and at work

19:22 The rise of empowerment in leadership

20:00 Helping people see themselves as leaders

23:00 Leadership in a disrupted, digital world

24:30 Grounded, Connected, Purposeful framework

29:44 What leaders struggle with most today

30:50 What people crave in leaders

34:21 Leading with a full tank: self-care and burnout

38:09 The most important principle healthy leaders live by

41:20 When bad leaders survive — and why they shouldn't

42:26 Closing thoughts

The best growth often starts with a meaningful conversation — thank you for being part of this one.

The principal theme of this podcast episode centres on the notion that mere job performance is insufficient for career advancement. I engage in a dialogue with Andrea Wasserman, founder of Executive Express, who elucidates the invisible rules that govern professional progression, particularly for new graduates. Andrea emphasizes the critical importance of communication and executive presence, asserting that individuals must actively showcase their achievements to cultivate recognition in increasingly competitive environments. Furthermore, we explore the concept of "style flexing," which entails adapting one's approach based on the dynamics of the workplace. This conversation serves as a vital resource for listeners seeking to enhance their influence and navigate the complexities of career development effectively.

Links referenced in this episode:

• theexecutiveexpress.com
• linkedin.com/in/andreawasserman
• instagram.com/theexecutiveexpress
• tiktok.com/@theexecutiveexpress
• substack.com/@theexecutiveexpress

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

Do you think your organization could become more inclusive so your employees find it safe & easy to turn up to work everyday?

Tune in to today's episode of Push To Be More where Gloria Ewe from AU Consulting shares how they're redefining diversity and wellness in the workplace. Join us as we explore their philosophy and learn how she went from being a mother of two at the age of 17 to having a successful career in Aviation to co-founding her management consulting firm. You wouldn't want to miss out on this inspiring episode!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Gloria discusses how becoming a mother at a young age shaped her into a resilient person and given her valuable life skills, surpassing any corporate role she's had, and suggests the idea of a "life experience resume" to highlight the importance and impact of personal experiences beyond a traditional career path.
• Gloria became a flight attendant at 18 while raising two children, choosing a career to build a future for her family. She attributes her success to surrounding herself with supportive family and having a structured, adaptable mindset.
• She explains that "Au" in AU Consulting means "about you, about us" in Maori, and represents the proverb "I'm you and you are me." The consultancy focuses on supporting companies and clients with their people's future needs in a holistic way, addressing the four pillars of wellbeing: physical, mental, spiritual, and family. The goal is to recognize which pillar needs support and take actions to bring it back up again.
• Gloria is drawn to creating safe spaces for the future generational workforce with diverse talent, and believes that businesses should allow their employees to be their full, authentic selves in the workplace. The key mistake that companies make is not creating an environment where people feel free to express themselves physically in language, dressing, and personal style.
• Gloria recharges her batteries by spending time with her family and learning new skills, such as riding a motorbike.
• She aims to partner with global organizations to have a greater impact on improving organizations' performance. The biggest barrier is restricting thinking to New Zealand and making connections with the right people. Making time to ensure the strategy keeps moving forward is essential.

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ABOUT GLORIA

Gloria Ewe is a passionate New Zealand entrepreneur, co-founder of AU Consulting, a trailblazing minority-owned management consulting firm. With over 20 years of experience in learning and development, Gloria has made a name for herself by helping clients transform their digital learning capabilities and fostering diversity and inclusion strategies. Drawing from her unique journey as a young mother, her successful career in aviation, and her unwavering resilience, Gloria champions innovative lifelong learning and cultural engagement practices. Her ultimate goal is to create a lasting legacy of social good and maintain a competitive commercial edge for her clients and the community.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Did you know that your biological age can be much higher than your actual chronological age due to various factors? 

Tune in to today's episode of Push to be More where our special guest, Jack Latus from Latus Health shares his secrets to success. From gym-owner to 5th biggest provider in occupational healthcare, Jack shares his journey of resilience, persistence, and self-belief in overcoming industry naysayers. Join us as we explore his innovative approach to improving healthcare outcomes through a focus on employee well-being and his personal journey of reducing biological age through cutting-edge protocols.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Latus Health is a tech-enabled B2B occupational health provider in the UK, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, focusing on health needs from a statutory and well-being perspective, and aiming to improve efficiency and healthcare outcomes through digital solutions. The company was founded by Jack and his brothers, who combined statutory requirements with proactive wellness and well-being offerings, which allowed them to become a disruptive player in a competitive market.
• Jack believes that the traditional way of delivering occupational health services is boring, but his company is disruptive and focuses on improving healthcare outcomes and making employees healthier. He is excited about being in the game of business and changing the way the world heals.
• He talks about his challenge in convincing others of his vision for occupational healthcare. He overcomes this challenge by recruiting key players, including a chief medical officer and tech experts from other industries, to help disrupt and improve the industry. Their goal is to deliver all of their services remotely, which requires finding and integrating the best technology.
• He emphasizes resilience, persistence, and self-belief as important qualities to deal with naysayers. He advocates for playing the long game and remaining focused on the end goal rather than engaging in arguments or getting over-leveraged. Bootstrapping may result in slower growth but can pay off in the long run, as evidenced by Jack's company becoming the 5th biggest provider in the UK in just a few years.
• Jack maintains his health by focusing on maintaining muscle mass and VO2 max, which are important indicators of longevity. He achieves this by doing resistance and CrossFit training, pure VO2 max work, and playing tennis.
• He reduced his biological age through a protocol involving intermittent fasting, cold and hot therapy, red light treatment, and a supplement stack, among others, that focused on improving his cell's mitochondria and epigenetic clock. While he was able to reduce his biological age by 4.6 years, he felt that the key benefit was the sustainable difference it made in how he felt and performed.

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ABOUT JACK

Meet Jack Latus - a disruptor and innovator in the healthcare industry, who has overcome significant challenges through bootstrapping and disrupting the heavily regulated healthcare industry. As CEO of Latus Health, he is changing the way the world heals, consolidating the market, and providing high-level health testing for executives. Jack is committed to living well and has a data-driven approach to his health, including a six-month longevity protocol that reduced his biological age by 4.6 years. Join us as we discuss his challenges, personal well-being, and vision for the future.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Are you struggling with your brand marketing and distinguishing yourself from other brands? 

Tune in to this week's episode of Push To Be More where Matt is joined by guest Caroline Polson from TwoScoops, a purpose-driven advertising agency that helps clients move beyond selling products/services and embrace their role in shaping a better future. Caroline shares how a friend approaching her with the idea of branding with positivity led her to start TwoScoops. Caroline discusses how some of her clients have hidden stories that can be shared to bring out the positivity in their brand and how her team dig deep with their clients to find the angles that make them unique and stand out amongst the competition, even if they're tricky to find. Tune in now to learn how you can approach branding in a positive and unique way!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Caroline left her job at the University of Canterbury and started TwoScoops with a friend who proposed a positive approach to marketing and advertising. They believe that promoting positivity and telling good stories about brands will naturally engage audiences. They have been successful so far and have received positive responses from clients.
• When starting a business, it's important to plan everything, including your company's purpose and brand positioning, financial needs, and support systems such as lawyers and accountants. Timing should also be considered, but being brave and willing to put in the work can lead to great rewards such as work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
• Caroline discusses how she has balanced running her business with family life post-COVID, explaining that her kids are resilient and supportive, and that running her own business has given her more flexibility to be present for her family. She highlights the benefits of being able to work from home and using new systems to be productive while also being able to switch off.
• Caroline manages her work life balance by planning and prioritizing her time. She utilizes the time she has as best as she can and makes it happen. She recognizes that there are busy seasons and takes time to recharge her batteries through exercise and family activities.
• TwoScoops helps businesses discover their unique positive stories and elevate them through workshops and exercises, even if it means identifying hidden stories that may have been overlooked. They work to find authentic ways to showcase diversity and inclusivity, ultimately helping businesses attract talent and grow.

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ABOUT CAROLINE

Meet Caroline Polson, a marketer-turned-purpose-driven-entrepreneur. She worked at WingNut Films for Peter Jackson on King Kong before moving to several advertising agencies and then client-side at the University of Canterbury. In 2022, she launched TwoScoops, a purpose-driven advertising agency that helps clients move beyond selling products/services and embrace their role in shaping a better future. When she's not running the business, she's a mom of two young boys who loves outdoor adventures like skiing, boating, and swimming around beautiful coast of her native New Zealand.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Is money the real measure of a person's success or is there more to life than that?

In this episode of Push To Be More, Matt is joined by Chris George who debunks the misguided notion that success is solely based on financial gain. Chris reflects on how he shifted his mindset to find true passion and love in doing what he loves and shares the importance of identifying what success truly means for you. Tune in to discover Chris' insights into staying motivated and consistent to achieve true success!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Chris discusses his passion for giving back by speaking at different universities and inspiring college students to identify what they're good at and move forward with that. He emphasizes the importance of finding true passion and love in your work and identifying what success means to you, rather than believing that making a lot of money equates to success. 
• Success for Chris is measured in four areas: health, career, friendships, and family. He checks in with these areas daily and if they are all in the green, he considers himself successful. He sees past experiences, even divorce, as learning experiences that have led him to where he is now in his career and personal life.
• Chris believes that giving back is the fifth element to his personal list of important values, and it is what fuels his heart the most. He believes in the importance of giving more than taking. 
• Chris says that staying motivated comes naturally to some people and they don't need external motivation. For others, it's important to find inspiration, but the key is to figure out what you're good at and double down on it. Consistency and building habits are crucial for staying motivated, and ultimately, if you want something, you have to go out and get it yourself.
• Chris recharges his batteries by spending time with people who have nothing to do with work or business. He also plays sports and loves to find peace in the moments when work is not on his mind.

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ABOUT CHRIS

Chris George is a successful serial entrepreneur who's launched and managed seven businesses, including Gentleman's Box and Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA). He's also the founder of Certified, a streetwear brand on a mission to donate 100M meals to Feeding America through its signature line of hoodies. Chris is a sought-after speaker who's shared his insights on entrepreneurship and business at events like Digital Summit and SubSummit, and he hosts a video series, No Excuses with Chris G., featuring notable guests like Gary Vaynerchuk and Ryan Hogan. Chris is passionate about giving back and regularly supports purpose-driven businesses and initiatives.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Are you feeling weighed down by emotional baggage? Did you know that by acting out your thoughts and feelings, you can better understand and heal from past traumas?

In this episode of Push To Be More, our speical guest John Faisandier joins Matt to delve into the world of psychodrama - a powerful tool for working through emotional struggles. John, a former priest turned emotional expert, explains how this technique can help entrepreneurs become more spontaneous and creative. But psychodrama isn't just for business - John also emphasizes the importance of using this technique to strengthen personal relationships. Tune in now to find out more!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• John went from being a Catholic priest to a psychodramatist after experiencing a health crisis and feeling constrained by the structured environment of teaching. He found self-development through therapy with a priest and pursued psychodrama as a way to help himself and others. It took him 10 years to qualify and he eventually left the priesthood to work as a full-time psychodramatist.
• He talks about his experience of transitioning from a priest to a new identity and how the change in status brought newfound freedom and appreciation for serving others.
• He worked as a psychodramatist with drug and alcohol patients in a residential hospital setting, where he helped people deal with intense emotions from their past through corrective role-playing experiences. He learned how to manage himself and others in these intense moments, which led him to develop a course on Thriving Under Fire (TUF).
• John discusses the importance of connecting the body and mind in therapy, reframing past experiences instead of just "getting over" them, and learning emotional management skills to handle difficult conversations and manage one's own feelings. He emphasizes that the unconscious drives behavior, and that addressing emotional moments requires not only conscious effort, but also the right tools and training.
• Learning simple steps in emotional management can make a significant difference in customer service, business communication, and personal relationships. John's ultimate agenda is to help people have successful relationships at home.
• John recharges his batteries by doing his own work and dealing with his own demons. He allows his feelings to come and go, is non-judgmental about himself, and has someone he can talk to when needed. He focuses on good sleep & eating habits, appropriate workouts, fun activities with friends and maintaining good relationships.

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ABOUT JOHN

John Faisandier is a former Catholic priest turned entrepreneur, trainer, and author. His mission is to help people manage their emotions in the workplace and in life. With over 20 years of experience in this field, he's developed a successful program that's been recognized with training awards and is implemented globally. John's diverse career background, including teaching, counselling, and mediation, informs his work and his passion for storytelling. He is a frequent contributor to industry magazines and professional journals and has authored a book called "Thriving Under Fire: Turn Difficult Customers into Business Success."

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with debt? Then don't miss out on this latest episode of Push to be More where our special guest Neil Morecraft from Digital Directive shares his personal journey of declaring bankruptcy to finally becoming financially educated. Neil reveals how he turned his life around with his "Power of Six",  a balanced approach to achieving success. Tune in now to discover his powerful insights and practical tips for transforming your life!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Neil declared bankruptcy in 2015 and struggled with debt and a lack of direction in his career. After seeking mentorship and reevaluating his priorities, he created a system of categorizing and prioritizing his life and business goals, focusing on mindset and well-being before money. This approach has led to increased happiness, contentment, and productivity in his life.
• Neil shares his experience of fostering his nephew, who has ADHD and Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and how it has been a difficult yet rewarding experience. He discusses the challenges of fostering and the impact it has had on his family, but acknowledges the importance of providing love and affection to children who may not have had it before.
• Neil discusses his power of six, focusing on mind, body, personal, lifestyle, business, and money. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing these areas in order to achieve personal growth and transformation, and shares his own experiences of tackling each aspect through mindfulness, exercise, communication, and setting achievable goals. Taking action in these areas can lead to a compound effect and an overall feeling of improvement and success.
• Neil reflects on his journey of personal growth and transformation, which involved facing difficult truths, making tough decisions, and finding his true purpose. He emphasizes the importance of figuring out what you really want in life and having the courage to pursue it. Despite the challenges, Neil feels fulfilled and blessed with his current lifestyle and has no plans to retire.
• Being honest with yourself and having the courage to take bold actions can lead to personal and professional growth, even if it means taking a risk to pursue a new opportunity. The responsibility to make these choices ultimately falls on the individual.

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ABOUT NEIL

Meet Neil Morecraft, a high-energy Technology Entrepreneur and Performance Marketer who has been transforming businesses for over 25 years. He's the owner/operator of Digital Directive, a full-service digital agency and technical consultancy that serves high-growth businesses worldwide. Neil has experienced it all - raising, founding, exiting, dissolving, and liquidating seven companies, dealing with personal struggles, and declaring bankruptcy in 2015. But he bounced back and developed a methodical and straightforward approach to work-life balance that anyone can adopt. Neil's a strategic thinker who brings a big-picture perspective to every challenge, and he empowers people to reach their highest potential. Whether you're starting out or looking to grow your business, Neil can help.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

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Are you struggling to build self-confidence and find your feet? Continuous self-improvement gives you the edge for optimal performance because you get to know your strengths and maximize them in all spheres of life.

Join us for this episode of Push To Be More where Manish Mak a.k.a Mak from Formula Media shares his journey of overcoming fear of judgment and gaining self-confidence to find his identity and establishing his own successful business! 

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Mak's biggest challenge was confidence, particularly in his early twenties when he entered the media and music industry. He overcame this challenge through pushing himself out of his shell and being in the limelight, despite his introverted nature. His entry into the BBC Asian Network was part of a deal with his record label, and he found the experience of being on the radio and connecting with millions of listeners to be both rewarding and emotionally challenging.
• Mak discusses the importance of believing in oneself and embracing feedback in order to overcome fear and build confidence, which is an evolving process that never stops. It is important to enjoy the journey and understand that different challenges require different approaches.
• Despite tough times and personal challenges, Mak launched his business Formula Media in 2019 and secured a pro bono project for the Prince's Trust, which became an award-winning campaign, by pulling together support from friends and colleagues and committing to seeing it through no matter what.
• Mak stays motivated and recharges himself through discipline and balancing two sides of himself - one that is always focused on growth and building, and the other that is more relaxed and calm. He practices hot yoga, goes to the gym, practices breathing techniques, does meditation, spends time with loved ones, and tries to minimize drinking to maximize his productivity.
• Mak plans to focus on utilizing AI to take away laborious tasks and open up time for creative thinking while applying media for good and diversity. He also aims to establish a bigger purpose for Formula Media.

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ABOUT MAK

Meet Mak, a media marketing expert with a passion for pushing boundaries and finding new and emerging media channels. With over 12 years of experience working with some of the world's largest advertising agencies and clients, Mak has overcome many challenges in his career, from making the decision to become an entrepreneur to navigating the relentless pace of the media industry. He's led global media strategy for brands like Coca-Cola, Sony, and Shell, and has won multiple industry awards for his work. 

Mak is also a DJ and music producer, with a love for music that has influenced his career in media. He is the Founder and CEO of Formula Media, a cutting-edge agency that's focused on using data-driven media advertising to make a positive impact in the world. Mak is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is interested in the intersection of media and technology, particularly in areas like AI and machine learning.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Looking for inspiration to push through the challenges of entrepreneurship? Join us for a journey of perseverance as we explore how the words and life of Winston Churchill shaped one entrepreneur's path to success.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Mark Buchanan who shares valuable insights about the power of determination, discipline, and courage, and how to overcome the temptation to settle for mediocrity. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Mark's diverse experiences and logical approach to problem-solving have shaped his leadership and business strategy. He enjoys consulting and coaching, focusing on empowering individuals and harmonizing their efforts to achieve business success. He believes that people are fascinating and all have unique stories and cultures.
• The biggest challenge for Mark is finding a balance between having a strong sense of self and humility, which allows him to be confident in his beliefs but also open to the perspectives of others. He acknowledges that this balance takes time and practice, and that it is important to always be open to the possibility that his beliefs and opinions may be incomplete or incorrect.
• Mark explains the concept of 4DX, which is a set of four disciplines of execution that help businesses achieve their goals. The four disciplines are painful behavior patterns that require discipline but lead to positive outcomes. The concept comes from the Franklin Covey organization famous for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which provides a foundational platform for 4DX.
• Most people start with good intentions, but over time, they fall back to their default ways due to lack of discipline and familiarity. To achieve above-average success, one needs phenomenal determination and courage, and mutual accountability is pivotal to staying on track. Groups of people working towards a shared vision outperform individuals working alone.
• Mark finds spending time alone in nature and photography to be energizing and centering, helping him recharge and repair. He also finds meditation and prayer helpful in reminding him of his own smallness and insignificance, which reduces stress and helps him focus on his part in a bigger picture.
• Mark is involved in starting a new fair trade company called We Are Fair Trade, which is the successor to Trade Craft in its mission. He was inspired to take on this challenge due to his involvement with Tradecraft and the importance of the fair trade mission. The new company aims to use digital opportunities to continue the mission and involve a younger audience in ethical practices.

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ABOUT MARK

Mark has had a remarkable career, spanning multiple sectors and roles. Starting as an electrical engineer, they moved on to become a leader in the charitable sector before transitioning to consulting, coaching, and founding his own company. With experience working with clients in 60 countries, he has become an expert in leadership, problem-solving, and instilling a culture of strategic execution. His passion for social responsibility and sustainability led him to found We Are Fair Trade Ltd, and he's also a Churchill fan who never gives up. When not working, he can be found on his motorbike or pursuing his other hobbies like photography.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Most of us try to eat a healthy diet and detox regularly. But have you ever wondered, what are we detoxing from or why we need to? Whether you have or haven't, this episode of Push to be More is a must listen for everyone!

Matt is joined by Emma Bianco, the founder of Pure Earth Collection, a multi-award-winning eco children's brand. Emma shares her journey of growing her business by 350% while juggling pregnancy, a newborn, and two small children. She shares her passion for non-toxic and sustainable living and talks about of the dangers of micro-plastics in our everyday lives, particularly among children and what we can do to be safe.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Emma started her journey towards a healthier lifestyle after experiencing health complications in her twenties. She discovered that many common, ultra-processed foods are unhealthy, and started to eat a healthier, organic diet. Later, after becoming a mother, she realized that products marketed for babies are often full of toxins, microplastics, and other harmful substances. Emma now advocates for healthier product options and encourages people to make simple swaps to reduce toxins in their homes and in their lives.
• Emma talks about the challenges and biases she faced as a woman when trying to raise funds for her startup, particularly as a mother. She shares how investors questioned her abilities to run a business and be a mother at the same time, and how she responded by being transparent and determined, eventually growing her business by 350%.
• Emma discusses the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, and shares her strategies for prioritizing her children while still succeeding in her career. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries around technology use to create a healthy environment for her children.
• Emma recharges her batteries by balancing alone time with time spent with family and friends. Even though she has a lot going on with her business, family, and newborn, she tries to find at least 30 minutes to an hour each day for alone time and exercise to refresh herself.
• Emma's vision for her business is to continue to grow by at least 120% year on year over the next five years by providing sustainable and organic products. She wants to inspire other brands to push towards sustainability and inspire more women to start their businesses. She also addresses the issue of greenwashing and emphasizes her company's commitment to transparency and truthfulness.
• Microplastics are harmful to human health, especially babies and children. The tiny particles can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, getting into the bloodstream and even breast milk. To reduce exposure, individuals can open windows, vacuum and dust, and phase out synthetic plastic-based fabrics in favor of natural materials.

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ABOUT EMMA

Emma is the founder of multi award-winning eco children's brand Pure Earth Collection which has achieved 120% YoY growth over 5 years. Last year, alongside juggling pregnancy, a newborn and two small children she grew the business by a massive 350%. She is an advocate of non-toxic and sustainable living having experienced health issues in her early 20s which led her to research and learn a lot about environmental toxins in our everyday lives.

Before setting up Pure Earth Collection Emma had a 10 year career in finance focused on Africa. Including working in corporate finance, private equity and consultancy all focused on financing and promoting business across sub-Saharan Africa to help boost private sector markets across the continent.

Emma is a creative at heart, with a mathematical and business brain and a passion for health and wellness. She feels particularly strongly about helping to spread awareness of the dangers of...

We can sometimes feel that we need to do something big to make a difference whereas that's not true. Vaishali Shah joins Matt in this episode to talk about her family legacy of giving back and what she does to keep it alive. 

Join us as we unlock the secrets of The Power of One and learn how you too can make a difference in the world, one step at a time! You won't want to miss our conversation with this inspiring entrepreneur!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Vaishali talks about her motivation for using her businesses to give to charity and how it was influenced by her upbringing in a family that emphasized giving back, as well as the support of her father who mentored and inspired her. 
• Some personal challenges that she faced were her parents' divorce and moving from Jersey to Paris and now, starting from scratch again in Dubai, which pushed her out of her comfort zone and made her more resilient, helping her become a more business-minded and entrepreneurial individual.
• Vaishali enjoys running two businesses as it provides variety. She niches within each business, focusing on cultural and multicultural wedding stationery for Ananya Cards and food, hospitality, and lifestyle for Creative ID. This helps her manage social media and focus her marketing efforts.
• To maintain her energy and creativity, Vaishali practices self-care activities such as visiting spas and traveling to exotic locations. She also enjoys listening to podcasts and wants to start journaling and meditating on a daily basis.
• Vaishali hopes to create a community called "Chai and conversation" for like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners to talk about charity and support each other's efforts in making a positive impact. 

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ABOUT VAISHALI

Vaishali is an award-winning entrepreneur who has been running two successful businesses for over 20 years. As the founder of Creative ID, a branding and marketing consultancy, and Ananya Cards, a luxury stationery brand, Vaishali has helped businesses all over the world connect with their ideal clients and create purposeful, aspirational content. She is also a dedicated supporter of sustainability, diversity, and charity work, donating 10% of her profits to important causes.

As an industry expert, Vaishali has been featured in global wedding publications, blogs, and media, and her work at Ananya Cards has been creating sophisticated wedding and event stationery for celebrations rich in personality and culture for 17 years. When she's not busy changing the world and running two successful businesses, Vaishali enjoys relaxing in a spa, exploring the newest art exhibitions in the city, and traveling to beautiful places. 

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

This podcast episode revolves around the crucial distinction between one's identity and the business they operate, with a particular emphasis on the necessity of dissociating personal worth from business performance. I elucidate the pivotal realisation that many entrepreneurs conflate their self-esteem with their business success, leading to emotional turmoil during challenging times. By learning to view the business as an independent entity, we foster a healthier mindset that enables more rational decision-making and mitigates emotional distress. Throughout the discussion, I share personal anecdotes that illustrate the evolution of my entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the support of mentors and loved ones in navigating the complexities of business leadership. Ultimately, we explore how embracing uncertainty and prioritising personal well-being can lead to sustained growth and fulfillment in both business and life.

Links referenced in this episode:

• www.cjammarketing.com
• linkedin.com/in/bedadjamshidi

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

How can a digital agency stay relevant in the age of Artificial Intelligence?

Andrew Armitage, a digital marketing expert, award-winning agency founder, and bestselling author joins Matt for this episode to share his insights on  staying competitive as a digital agency to provide value to clients. Tune in to discover valuable insights on running and growing your business in this age of AI.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Andrew had a fascination for tech since he was a teenager, and had an entrepreneurial streak in the family. He combined his creative skills with his corporate experience to start his own digital agency in 2006. With hard work, dedication and an understanding of the complexities of development, he has been able to build it into a multi award-winning company.
• Andrew discusses the challenges of running a digital agency in the age of AI, such as recruitment, lost pitches, adapting to technology, and dealing with feast-and-famine cycles. He also emphasizes the importance of attitude and aptitude when recruiting and maintaining discipline in order to succeed.
• In the digital marketing industry, staying ahead of the curve is a challenge in the age of AI. Andrew suggests that digital marketers need to use AI for more menial tasks, but also be aware of its risks and lack of context. He urges people to develop both technical and soft skills, as well as focus on developing relationships with clients in order to succeed.
• Andrew discusses the importance of holistic website planning to avoid wastage and ensure digital properties are sustainable, iterative and have longevity. He also explains why he wrote a bestselling book on the topic, which serves as a useful tool for clients when meeting prospects.
• Andrew finds balance in his life by taking part in activities such as biking, walking, running, and spending time with his family. These activities provide him with an escape from the busyness of life, allowing him to recharge and reflect on his goals and direction.
• Andrew plans to continue to grow his digital agency by focusing on providing great work for good clients and creating a good environment for his team, while staying a team of 10-12 members at most.

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ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew Armitage is a digital marketing expert, award-winning agency founder, and bestselling author with over 20 years' experience in the industry. As the founder and director of A Digital, he oversees a talented team of eight and has built bespoke websites and applications for top companies like ExxonMobil, the NHS, Windermere Lake Cruises, and James Cropper plc.

Andrew's bestselling book, "Holistic Website Planning," offers actionable insights and strategies for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge through digital marketing. He also hosts The Clientside Podcast, where he shares insights from senior digital leaders on the impact of digital on people, culture, and performance.

Outside of work, Andrew loves exploring the beautiful Lake District on foot or by bike. His passion for helping businesses succeed through digital marketing is matched only by his love for the great outdoors.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Success as an entrepreneur doesn't come easy. You have to be able to balance work and life while juggling a million other things. But it is achievable.

Join us for this episode of Push To Be More where Jim Martin from Align Digital shares the valuable lessons he's learnt while trying to find the elusive work-life balance and becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Jim found it difficult to work as a marketer in Argentina, so he resorted to his family's book publishing business. After some time working there, Jim and his wife moved to New Zealand where he had to start from the bottom again.
• After arriving in New Zealand, Jim was surprised by the amount of days off given to employees. With time he adapted well to the Kiwi lifestyle such that he can no longer imagine returning to a life with excessive working hours and no holidays.
• He switched from agency life to an entrepreneurial life, as he could better manage his time and work on his terms. He has learned to check his ambitions and set achievable milestones.
• Jim started his own business, Align Digital with partners he knew from the agency. However, when agencies weren't paying for their services and relationships between partners became strained, he dissolved the partnership and relaunched his company. To compete more effectively, he decided to build a team and expand his services.
• Jim emphasizes that there is no one "magic bullet" to competing with younger individuals in the industry. Consistency is key--bringing a patient and long-term mindset can lead to success.
• Jim regularly sets aside time for his family and friends. He also tries to spend special quality time with each of his kids. He has found that structuring his life around these regular activities gives him the sense of balance he needs.

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ABOUT JIM

Jim is a Communication Sciences graduate from Argentina who has found his passion for marketing and moved to New Zealand in search of the illusive work-life balance. He kickstarted his career at ACG Education, playing a role in growing the company to was later sold for 500M NZD. After this success, he moved on to an international marketing agency where he led a team of 16 and achieved remarkable growth. Jim then founded Align Digital, a consultancy that helps SMEs optimize customer journeys and conversions. Align Digital has assessed over 1000 sites and created 500 landing pages to date, and is now launching a new startup called 'Conversion Club' to train marketing teams.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Depression. A lot of people suffer from it in silence and feel like they're the only ones going through it. But that's not true. 

Darren Bennett from Fortem Property joins Matt in this episode to share about his journey of dealing with depression and finding success in the property business amid the current economic climate.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Darren has found having a long-term therapist or mentor to be a huge help in dealing with his struggles with mental health. Breaking down goals into achievable targets helps provide positivity.
• Therapists can help condition the mind in the same way physical exercise conditions the body. There is a stigma around males seeking help, but it is important for men to reach out for assistance.
• Brexit brought an opportunity in the form of devaluation of British sterling, however mortgage rates have since increased. To deal with the situation, Darren switched his business model to focus more on property management for residual income and stability.
• There is a lot of money circulating in the system currently due to Government support, which may influence property prices. Darren predicts that interest rates will come down, but not to the levels they were before.
• Darren loves to travel and recommends traveling and living abroad to those who can work remotely. He also exercises regularly to keep fit.

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ABOUT DARREN

Darren is an entrepreneur with itchy feet and loves to travel. He co-founded the Fortem Property with Omar and has been supporting international clients in the UK real estate market since 2012. He’s worked with a host of developers, landlords and investment agencies, and this experience has given him an excellent, all-round understanding of how to achieve success with property. He and Omar formed the business resolving to offer clients something new and different: better opportunities in the market, greater accountability and responsiveness, and ready access to genuine, honest advice.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

It seems like everywhere we look these days people are trying to do more and be more. But more isn't always better and it isn't about how much you're doing but its about delivering quality, the value you are adding, and being able to enjoy the things that matter most in life. 

Tune in to this week's episode where Ross Hetherington from Snapify Marketing shares about his journey of finding the job that he enjoys doing, the challenges he's had to face and the lessons he's learnt along the way.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Ross left his first job in marketing to launch Snapify, a Snapchat marketing agency as it was a great opportunity for businesses to reach younger demographics. The agency created filters for bars, clubs, restaurants, festivals and other businesses that would only show up within a certain radius.
• When deciding on a social media strategy, Ross says it is important to focus on one or two channels and do them well rather than trying to be everywhere at once. Businesses should choose their focus platform depending on their target audience.
• LinkedIn is a powerful platform that should be taken seriously by businesses. Personal profiles on LinkedIn are more effective than company pages at the moment. Ross suggests focussing on building connections with relevant target audiences, rather than emphasizing quantity.
• Ross faced personal challenges when navigating university and post-university life. He found it difficult to decide between going the same route as everyone else or something different. He took on different roles to identify what he did not like in order to narrow down his focus.
• Ross has found that attitude is more important than aptitude when hiring new staff. Learning from mistakes is an important part of the process. He says that people who are keen to learn and question things, even without experience, can make great hires.
• As an introvert, Ross needs time away from work to recharge and focuses on activities such as taking a walk, meditating, reading and journaling. He loves playing and watching football as well.

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ABOUT ROSS

Ross is the founder and CEO of Snapify Marketing which is a Digital Marketing Agency in Liverpool that helps clients all over the world to sell more products, get more leads, sell out events & find their audience online. Before setting off on his own adventures, Ross worked in a large agency helping clients dominate Google. Now, he finds himself expecting his first child, building his first home office and cot, both major DIY projects and is an avid LFC fan and like many of us is struggling with his LFC identity this season.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

A lot of people never reach their potential because they don't know how to find that leader inside them. In today's episode of Push To Be More, Erin Meads shares her secrets to discovering her superpowers and becoming the best possible version of herself.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Erin regrets that children today have less freedom and innocence than she did in her childhood. She is mindful to create an environment for her own child that isn't based on fear so they can grow up feeling secure and lead a successful adult life.
• Erin has recently begun to understand the importance of understanding her strengths, blind spots, and internal motivations. She always had an inquisitive nature as a kid and it has been reignited in recent years. Her questioning helps her create solutions for long-term cures instead of quick fixes or bandaids.
• Erin took tests such as Myers Briggs and HBDI to gain insight into her strengths. She encourages people to look at these results with an open mind in order to understand how they affect them personally. As a leader, she emphasizes the importance of talking about self-awareness on a daily basis in order to support each other within teams or groups.
• Erin shares an example of coaching a nurse who was making decisions based on fear instead of what she wanted to move towards positively. She suggested that companies should focus on leading with positive actions towards desired outcomes instead of trying to avoid negative ones.
• To recharge her batteries Erin does Pilates which allows her to switch off from technology for some time; getting out in nature also helps with this process. As well as these activities Erin uses an app to help turn the brain off at night and listens to podcasts or meditates.

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ABOUT ERIN

Erin has spent over 20 years working in Healthcare. Spending her first few years working as a Registered Nurse travelling across New Zealand and Australia, the ‘itch’ to make a greater impact for people’s experiences in health care led her down the path of working in leadership roles from her mid 20’s… humbling, challenging and rewarding!

In recent years, after a few surprising life events, Erin has been on a journey to really understand who she is. This has enabled her to further expand her skills and lean into her superpowers for how she best leads and supports teams and individuals in their workplaces.

Erin thrives on supporting organisations, individuals and teams through change and creating opportunities where others may see obstacles. Having years of experience leading and working across multiple organisations in Healthcare, Erin has had to navigate many ‘glass walls’ to continue her pursuit of achieving impactful results that focuses on ‘the cure not the band aid’.

Erin is also a wife, mother to a very special little boy and step mum. She loves a great coffee, pilates and is hugely passionate about all things sunscreen!

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

We sometimes think that living a life of legacy means becoming famous or wealthy, but that's not always the case. In fact, there are many ways to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Chandra Selvadurai joins Matt in today's episode of Push To Be More to talk about the challenges he's had to face in life (including a few near death experiences) and how they've given him a constant motivation and push to make every moment count and leave a legacy behind!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Chandra was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and moved to the UK, then Australia before settling in New Zealand. He met his wife Amanda on a blind date while living in New Zealand and they will celebrate their 30th anniversary next year. They have two grown children - Logan and Anjuli.
• A key challenge came in 2019 when Chandra collapsed on a train from Manchester to London. He was lucky enough that two young doctors heard the call from the guard and got him off at Milton Keynes where he was able to recover before returning home safely after being deemed "incompatible with life" by medical professionals.
• Chandra experienced a near death experience at the age of six when he fell into a large drain in Malaysia. An orthopedic surgeon said they had to amputate his right leg or else he would die. A friend of their family, who was also an orthopedic surgeon, heard about this and offered to help them instead. He saved Chandra's life. This gave him motivation to push himself forward as well as encouragement from his parents: never give up, always move forward, be good people.
• Chandra draws energy from interactions with people and strives for a situation where both parties are better off. He believes in spending time with those who have the same energy and says that life is too short to not enjoy what you do, or interact with people who don't mean something special to him.
• Chandra believes that organic growth, leveraging existing partnerships and relationships, looking for new types of businesses to bring on board and pursuing growth by acquisition are the four elements necessary for successful growth. He is also motivated by leaving a legacy through his work which will live on in the hearts of people he works with as well as those who come after him.

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ABOUT CHANDRA

Chandra is a seasoned business executive with a strong background in international pharma and MedTech businesses. He is the MD of Pharmaco - a company that is here to improve lives by delivering exceptional healthcare products which make a profound difference to people’s health and well-being.

Chandra is known for strategic thinking combined with a tactical approach to drive business results, as well as team motivation, collaboration and communication skills at all levels of the organization - and if that's not enough - he is just a top bloke, has a beautiful family and loves to drive old Jags...what's there not to love about him?!

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

A lot of people seem to think that in order to be successful, they have to give up all other aspects of their life, but that's not true. In fact, finding balance is one of the most important things you can do if you want to grow a successful business.

Join us for a brand new episode where Brendon Macdonald from Digital Smile Design talks about his journey, the lessons he learnt as an entrepreneur and how it helped him grow and be successful in life.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Brendon & his wife started their business over 10 years ago when a large publishing company left Europe after the 2008 crash. They started to sell advertising for their magazine and eventually bought out the other partners in the dental publication. As digital media became more popular they decided to start Yello Veedub as a social media marketing agency with 50+ dental clients including DSD who later bought their agency.
• Brendon talks about the challenges he faced when he went from having his own agency and making all the decisions himself to working for DSD as an employee.
• Brendon experienced an identity crisis with his business, Yello Veedub. He was constantly in a fight for survival and had no time to reflect or grow as an individual. After the sale of Yello Veedub, Brendon began focusing on four main pillars: balance, being, business and body.
• There are three key areas to meaningful growth: autonomy, mastery and purpose. Brendon realized he was holding his team back by providing all the answers himself instead of allowing them autonomy and self-discovery. Becoming a coach was one of the biggest learning moments for him - working on the business rather than just within it had huge impacts on both his own productivity and morale within his organization.
• Brendon suggests focusing on balance in order to maximize business performance. He recommends listing activities that are classified as working in the business and assigning a percentage of time towards them. He also emphasizes building processes, delegating tasks, and creating autonomy within the team to free up more time for long-term planning.
• People are always looking to move up and have more success, defined however they see fit. This can be a difficult mindset to break out of, but it is possible. Brendon has gone through many changes in the past few years and shares that it was difficult at first because he had to get used to not being in charge all the time. He has since learned how to better communicate with those around him and present his ideas in a way that is more effective.

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ABOUT BRENDON

Brendon is an astute problem solver who strives for excellence and executes plans with care and determination. He inspires others with his discerning nature and conscientious, measured approach.

Brendon Macdonald is Sales & Marketing Director at Digital Smile Design (DSD) where he took this position when DSD acquired Yello Veedub, his Sales & Marketing Agency in 2018. Yello Veedub, a Full Service Sales & Marketing Agency in 2015, specializing in the dental market. Before this he was involved in several social media consulting and e-commerce businesses focusing and specialising in the global health sector.

Brendon has extensive experience in brand & online digital strategies in the B2B & B2C healthcare & e-commerce sectors. He has a Bachelor of Economics from Rhodes University (2003) and worked in investment banking for a number of years before starting his own businesses in the retail sector before his last venture with Yello Veedub.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

A lot of people might think that when you go through something like cancer, your life is over. But that's not true. 

In this podcast episode, Jayne Moore shares the lessons she learnt as she became more and more resilient in personal life as well as in business even after a second cancer diagnosis. From leading without getting paid, to dealing with conflict, Jayne has a wealth of experience to share which you would not want to miss out on.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Jayne began her career in administration and retail before moving to London. She was offered a job at Harrods, where she learned about people from all walks of life, including celebrities such as Princess Diana and Joan Collins. She was then headhunted by Lancaster for an ambitious role with the company that required her to move to Birmingham. That is where she met her future husband.
• Jayne had a short stint in radio, which led to her running a small local station called KCI. She lost her voice on the first day of work and was eventually diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She talks about how being the youngest in a family of six, she lacked confidence and always thought she needed someone else's help to succeed. But Karren Brady inspired and challenged her to realize her true potential.
• Jayne believes that if you need to use someone's skills, they need to be paid for it. She does not like using students as volunteers to grow her business. She is proud of the Kickstart scheme which has enabled 80% of participants to consider full-time employment. Her husband being ex-military inspired her to build a support system around those transitioning out of the military into civilian life.
• Jayne talks about how they recruit people. She says that they do not encourage a CV because it doesn't help create diversity and inclusion. Instead they want applicants to sent them a video or animation and express themselves in ways that a CV cannot capture. Additionally, speaking on the phone is encouraged since it shows one's ability to communicate effectively which is important when working with clients or influencers.
• Jayne shares her struggles with cancer and menopause and how her team helped her take some time away and get through the tough times. She found strength in the idea that pain is growth, likening it to how lobsters grow by getting uncomfortable before breaking out of their shells into something new.

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ABOUT JAYNE

Jayne Moore is the founder and Chief Executive of Jayne Moore Media Group. She is a successful award-winning entrepreneur and business leader.

Jayne established Moore Media in 2011 and has developed it from a traditional public relations consultancy into a full multi-media communications agency, and this has equipped her to deliver the full breadth of PR, social media, and branding needs of clients in the digital age. 

During lockdown 2020, Jayne developed I Am Moore to be a government gateway for the Kickstart scheme, successfully placing almost 300 young people into employment.

In addition to this, Jayne launched My Odd Job Guys, a handy person service working to place Ex-forces and blue light personnel into work and generating work placements for young people who have been affected by unemployment and homelessness. 

Jayne is passionate about ensuring that challenging topics are communicated effectively. As a former magazine editor, she has an expert rep in reputation management and crisis management. She also gives her time to lead a number of organizations outside of work. 

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

For most people, failure can be quite discouraging but failure is only a stepping stone to success. With the right attitude, you can achieve anything you want in life.

Tune in to this episode of Push to Be More where Ryan Flannagan from Nuanced Media shares his incredible journey of delivering pizza with an MBA to conquering Amazon!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Ryan talks about how he coped with failure at the start of his entrepreneurial journey. He recommends focusing on what you can control, understanding that things happen for a reason, and getting up every day to keep moving forward. He also talks about how important it is to have a win-win mindset when it comes to business relationships.
• Matt and Ryan discuss the idea that going through tough times makes a person stronger, how taking risks is a part of being an entrepreneur, and staying true to your morals is important, especially when things are tough.
• Experience is a highly valuable asset in business. Knowing what not to do is as crucial as knowing what to do, as is focusing on the things that will make you money, rather than wasting time on things that won't.
• Ryan talks about his major goals in life - to provide value, be financially independent, stay physically healthy, and be a great husband/father/citizen.
• Ryan believes that exercising for at least 30 minutes a day is key to resetting your metabolism and being the best version of yourself. Meditation and focusing on his goals are also important elements of self-care for him. He believes in the power of affirmation, or taking time to appreciate what you do have in your life.

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ABOUT RYAN

Ryan is the CEO of Nuanced Media, and has spent more than fifteen years in eCommerce, multi-channel digital marketing, and third-party marketing places. He has worked with hundreds of companies to establish best practices, focusing on the 20 per cent that produces 80 per cent of the revenue.

Ryan is a passionate thought leader in the eCommerce industry. He has been interviewed and quoted by Buzz Feed, Modern Retail, as well as many other news outlets - including the eCommerce Podcast.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

David Perry is a firm believer that the ability to relate in conversation on a whole host of different topics will create opportunities for meaningful connections that can help you grow your business. 

Join us for this episode of Push to be More as he shares his thoughts on leadership, how he deals with challenges and the importance of learning something about everything and everything about something!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• David moved to England in the early 1990s. He got involved with the game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which was a huge success and led to Playmates Toys funding his own video game company, Shiny Entertainment. From there, he went on to have an incredibly successful career in video games, e-commerce businesses, and more - all thanks to taking advantage of opportunities as they arose.
• David discusses the idea of levelling up. In a video game, every little thing you do progresses you towards the next level. This keeps people playing. In life too, sometimes people get stuck and don't move forward If they don't know what the next stage is, or can't see themselves getting closer to a goal.
• According to David, titles are not important in a company. He talks about how to use the idea of levelling up in leadership by finding 10Xers (talented people who just work it out) and hiring those who think outside the box.
• David talks about the importance of continuous growth and learning new things, even if they don't seem immediately relevant. He recounts a story of how he got free servers for his startup by cold-calling companies from Wikipedia and how such attitude gets things done.
• Learning something about everything and everything about something is a philosophy David consciously adopted which has led him to some amazing opportunities in his life.

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ABOUT DAVE

David Perry is an innovative leader in the gaming industry whose technology has shaped how we see gaming today and in the future. His work with Gaikai led to Sony PlayStation acquiring his company to establish itself in streaming video games from the cloud - PlayStation Now.

David now finds himself as the CEO of Carro, a partnership e-commerce network designed for Shopify brands. By teaming up with other companies in the same space, over 30,000 brands using Carro are able to improve brand recognition, sales volume and acquire new customers.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

In this revealing episode of Conversations That Grow, serial entrepreneur Jose Berlanga shares 40 years of hard-won business wisdom. From surviving a childhood accident that left him with third-degree burns to building and losing multi-million dollar companies, Jose's candid insights on leadership, growth pains, and finding purpose will change how you think about business success.

Find Jose's books on Amazon:

• The Business of Home Building
• Dirt Rich
• Look out for "Quantum Entrepreneurship" coming soon

If you're thinking about using conversations to grow your own business through podcasting but don't have time to handle all the moving parts, we can help! Visit podjunction.com to learn more.

📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

A lot of people seem to struggle with this idea of being true to themselves and often times end up doing things they don't want to do or compromising their values just to fit in or please others.

In this episode, Chris Ivers shares why it's important to stay true to yourself, how to strike the right work-life balance and what to do when the going gets tough. 

Here's some of the great great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Chris talks about her experience transitioning from a big agency to running her own small business. She says that when you run your own business, you suddenly have an appreciation for all the different facets involved in keeping it afloat.
• One of the keys to success for creatives is learning how to walk away from their work and take breaks in order to avoid burnout.
• The global financial meltdown of 2008 impacted Chris's advertising agency and it was difficult to keep the business running during that time. But she is proud of her team and herself for making it through.
• Getting the right people around you, particularly around finance, to help set up and run your business from a financial standpoint is Chris' advice to business owners.
• Chris enjoys being outside and spending time on her farm in New Zealand. She likes to stay active, and enjoys diving, fishing, swimming, and walking. She is a creative person who appreciates art galleries and live theater.

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ABOUT CHRIS

Chris has been a Director of her own advertising and brand strategy agency for over 15 years, and understands what it takes to build a successful business. Getting the right people and giving them an inspiring vision, creating teams that know where they are heading, and feeling passionate about what they are achieving is what she strives to deliver. If you get this right, growth follows.

Chris is an unusual combination of left and right-brain thinking with a career that is truly a creative background: one where new ideas, complex problem solving, and critical thinking were a daily occurrence.

She was born and bred in New Zealand and loves the country. She believes businesses can deliver not only economic success, but social success and works hard to help New Zealand and the Kiwis succeed.-----------------------

For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Ready to discover the hidden wisdom of "just keep turning up"? Check out this episode with guest Andrew Kelly on the power of curiosity and unstoppable motivation! This inspiring journey is guaranteed to help you move forward one step at a time.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Andrew became interested in cycling in his early teenage years. He went on to pursue this passion and raced competitively in Australia and Europe, but had to stop due to a burst appendix, which almost killed him. but looking back, he feels happy about how things turned out.
• He shares how the lessons learned from road cycling - such as the importance of conserving energy and always showing up - have impacted his life.He credits his coach with teaching him the "great secret" of just turning up, which has led to success both in his career and personal relationships.
• He attributes his success to curiosity, something that drives him to constantly seek out new information and knowledge.
• Andrew is an avid reader and considers reading a valuable pastime because it requires imagination and effort. It also helps spark new ideas and fuel curiosity.
• Talking about his work with the Antarctic Science Foundation, Andrew shares how Antarctica is a huge repository of information that could help us understand our moment in time and build strategies to mitigate climate change.

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ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew Kelly started his career with eight years in banking and at the same time, competed at an elite level in Road Cycling. It was here that Andrew learned the importance of preparation for racing, training, visualisation, strategy, analysis, persistence, tenacity, determination, accountability…and, as we are talking about today - the unsexy wisdom behind the idea of just keep turning up.

He went on to build and sell an advertising agency before heading to the third sector captivated with the idea of doing good in society. Across two decades, he has witnessed the power of generosity by facilitating transformational gifts to Youth Off The Streets, The Smith Family, The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), the Society of St Vincent De Paul and Children’s Medical Research Institute.

Andrew is now the CEO of The Antarctic Science Foundation, which creates connections between philanthropists and researchers to enable catalytic scientific research on the Icy Continent and is an Observer on the Australian Antarctic Science Council.

He still cycles around 300km per week, plays the piano and guitar, reads lots of books but his self-proclaimed favourite role is simply being a dad!

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Are you ready to become a more intentional and authentic leader? Learn from our guest, Brett Curry's inspiring stories, practical strategies, and expert advice on leading with integrity and staying rooted in your values.

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Brett Curry has been in the digital marketing industry for a long time and has seen many changes. Throughout his journey, he has learned many lessons - one of the most important being to hire people who will fit into the company culture. He also believes in training and supporting employees so they can reach their full potential.
• Brett highlights the importance of being authentic as a leader. People can tell when you're not being genuine and that if you have the right team, they will appreciate your transparency.
• Brett discusses the importance of delegation in parenting and business. He and his wife always wanted a big family and they have eight kids who are being homeschooled. They believe that having a strong relationship is key to their success as a family.
• In order to stay centered, Brett has restructured his diet, regulates his sleep, and uses a five minute journal. What really matters in life is something that Brett learned at a young age after losing his mother to cancer.

-----------------------

ABOUT BRETT

Brett is a seasoned entrepreneur, digital marketer and podcast host. He leads an 8-Figure ad agency of Google, YouTube and Amazon marketing rockstars. Brett is also the father of 8 children, and a basketball coach.

-----------------------

For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Resilience is not something to be learned, but something to be discovered. It requires an inner sense of knowing and can be developed through the experience of facing challenges and pressure. Whether it's conquering your day-to-day tasks or striving for a bigger goal, resilience is the key to success. 

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Entrepreneurship is about more than just having a good idea--it's also about being confident and resilient. It can be difficult for entrepreneurs to find the right team members who complement their skillset, but it's essential in order to create a successful business. Resilience is key in entrepreneurship--without it, businesses are likely to fail.
• As an entrepreneur, it is important to be able to work in the front line and understand what the real problems are. It is also important to have a mind that is resilient and can tolerate ambiguity. Part of being an entrepreneur is learning to be a leader. A leader is someone who works in the front line and has enough capacity to take on other people's problems.
• Matt and Simon discuss the importance of core values and how they can help you understand when it is time to move on from a situation. For Simon, one of his core values is people. He loves being around people and finds them essential for success. However, he also recognises that as he gets older, he may need to find ways to recharge that don't require so much face-to-face interaction.

----------------------------

ABOUT SIMON

Simon has spent over 40 years of creating and delivering projects and figuring out this whole entrepreneurial thing! Starting out life as a dentist, moving into the sun-bed and eventually the health spa game he sold it all and moved to NZ. Now he creates change and development in peoples lives and their business, with 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring. He's also been doing a lot of short-term change assignments in the health sector.

----------------------------

For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

A lot of times we get held back by our limitations, but the truth is that most of these limitations are self-imposed and mind over matter. In this episode, Ram Gidoomal shares his journey of going from a rich boy to a refugee and then coming full circle to succeed in ways beyond his imagination. His story is nothing short of inspiring!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Ram Gidoomal is a British author, businessman, and philanthropist who has written several books, including his most recent one - The Silk Road. He decided to write this book to highlight the issues facing young Asian women and the differential treatment between men and women in their community.
• Ram was born into an Indian immigrant family of silk traders in Kenya and enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Mombasa. As he turned 17, his family endured devastating second deportation, to London. Starting from scratch, his family worked hard and eventually became very successful.
• In 1987, Ram visited the slums of Bombay and was shocked by what he saw. He joined hands with Steve Chalke to initiate Christmas Cracker, a project that aimed to raise 1 million pounds for 200 youth groups across the UK. The project ended up raising nearly 5 million pounds over 7 years.
• In 2000, Ram was approached to run for Mayor of London by a new Christian Democrat party. He agreed to run, and his campaign shifted the political agenda to focus on the needs of the carless, homeless and jobless. Gidoomal proposed issuing a 500 million pound bond to regenerate East London, and today social impact finance has reached over a billion pounds in London.

----------------------

ABOUT RAM

RAM GIDOOMAL was born into an Indian immigrant family in Kenya and has worked for over 30 years at board and senior management level in the private, public, and voluntary sectors. At present he is, among other things, Chair of Cotton Connect. Author of several books, and recipient of Honorary Doctorates from three UK universities, he is included in High flyers 50 - the 50 most eminent people of Indian origin living and working outside India. In 1998 he was appointed a CBE by HM The Queen.

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For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

Leading a business is not an easy feat and the organisation changes only as fast as the slowest person there. Ian Finch, the CEO of Mando joins Matt in the first episode of Push to be More to share his learnings on how to build a sustainable future and growing a little bit better each day!

Here's some of the great stuff that we cover in this show:

• Mando is a digital agency that focuses on technology and change. They offer services such as managed services, professional services, and consultancy services. They have a few programs of work every year with a relatively small customer base.
• In their first year, the company picked up a one-page website and some brochureware. They landed their first competitive pitch with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and delivered a successful project. This led to more work with bigger brands, including Sony and Final Fantasy. The company then developed their own technology and partnered with other companies to create an e-learning system which then opened the door to working with even bigger clients who were looking for a combination of experience design, best-of-breed technology, and systems support.
• In the early 2000s, after the dot com bubble burst, the company decided to focus on design and problem solving instead of just media and games. They also changed their sales strategy from trying to sell anything to treating sales more like project management and facilitation. Recently, they have been focusing on becoming more vertical in terms of market proposition and building intellectual property.
• In his forties, Ian realizes that less is more. He says he has four rooms in his life: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. He tries to do something mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally every day to stay balanced.

----------------------------

ABOUT IAN

Ian Finch is CEO of Mando, a digital agency focused on engineering positive change in organisations through specialist product development teams. Ian is also a husband and dad, mental health advocate, a big fan of outdoor pursuits and a yoga devotee.

----------------------------

For complete show notes, transcript and links to our guest, check out our website: www.pushtobemore.com.

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Meredith Walker, founder of Fortifying Roots and strategic consultant. Meredith shares her extraordinary journey from becoming a caregiver at 23 for her quadriplegic mother to developing leadership expertise that transforms businesses.

Meredith reveals how this profound personal experience shaped her approach to authentic communication and decision-making. She explains her philosophy that "80% of people's day-to-day work is controllable, but the 20% is where you unlock their true creativity potential that drives your business forward."

We explore how leaders can set clear expectations while leaving room for creativity, why focusing on controllable factors during challenging times builds resilience, and how understanding what motivates each team member creates alignment with company goals.

Meredith also shares her passionate commitment to mentoring youth, helping them see their potential beyond current circumstances. Her inspiring message reminds us that our circumstances don't define success - our decisions do.

Links referenced in this episode:

• fortifyingroots.com
• mwalkerthetalker.com
• podjunction.com

📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Chris Vaughan shares how his father's simple advice—"happiness is the goal"—transformed his entire approach to business and life. After climbing the corporate ladder and "flying high" in consulting, Chris realized he was achieving everyone else's goals but his own.

This powerful conversation explores how Chris applied his philosophy background to create a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps nonprofit associations rediscover their authentic mission. He reveals the surprising blind spots organizations have (most have never experienced their own member journey!), why "we've always done it this way" blocks transformation, and how leaders create organizations in their own image—for better or worse.

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or seeking more meaning in your work, Chris's insights on aligning success with happiness will challenge how you measure achievement. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who want to grow without losing their soul in the process.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sequenceconsulting.com
• podjunction.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sequence Consulting

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this conversation with Michael Davis, founder of Speaking CPR, we explore how truly listening can transform your business and leadership. Michael reveals how he discovered that clients valued him most for his listening skills, not his expertise, changing his entire approach to business.

We dive into practical techniques for becoming a better listener, including the power of seeking clarity, embracing silence, and using storytelling to create "mental movies" that engage emotions, not just intellect. In a world where everyone is rushing to speak, Michael shares why slowing down to understand others makes you stand out "like a magnet."

Whether you're leading a team, building client relationships, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively, this episode offers valuable insights that can immediately improve how people respond to you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• speakingcpr.com
• podjunction.com
• 52storytellinginsights.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Speaking cpr

Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn.

Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

This episode centers on the essential role of meaningful dialogue in leadership and the impact of personal experiences on professional development. We delve into the insights shared by Mike Schentrup, a retired police captain and founder of Advanced Police Concepts, who reflects on his extensive career in law enforcement and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Notably, Mike emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior as a leader, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond mere authority and requires genuine engagement with others. We also explore how effective communication, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, fosters trust and cohesion within teams. Ultimately, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how our conversations shape not only our careers but also the communities we serve.

Links referenced in this episode:

• AdvancedPoliceConcepts.com
• podjunction.com
• linkedin.com/in/mikeschentrup

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Advanced Police Concepts
• University of Florida
• Gainesville Police Department

Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon

In this powerful episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, author, and speaker whose life is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.

Terry shares his extraordinary 13-year journey battling a rare form of melanoma after being told he had just two years to live. He reveals how finding "meaning in misery" has helped him persevere through multiple amputations and experimental treatments.

Drawing from his unique background in law enforcement and his ongoing cancer battle, Terry offers profound insights on building trust, influencing others during crisis, and leading with empathy. He explains why "leaders eat last" and how shifting focus away from ourselves during hardship can provide unexpected purpose.

Whether you're navigating business challenges or personal setbacks, Terry's wisdom on resilience, trust-building, and meaningful connections will transform how you approach leadership when everything feels like it's falling apart.

• Terry's website: motivationalcheck.com

Sadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this eye-opening conversation, host Sadaf Beynon sits down with Christina Langdon, a former media executive who spent two decades climbing the corporate ladder, including 19 years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and as CRO at Fast Company.

After facing a life-changing leukemia diagnosis just as she was pivoting to a new career path, Christina's perspective on success underwent a dramatic transformation. Now, as a coach and consultant, she helps leaders tap into what she calls "human AI" – awareness and imagination – to create more meaningful success and avoid burnout.

Links mentioned:

LinkedIn: Christina Langdon

Instagram: @christinalangdonbosslady

Website: kite-labs.com or christinalangdon.com

Sadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we chat with Drew Donaldson, strategist and founder of GroHaus.

Drew shares why building relationships trumps talking business, revealing his unconventional sales approach that lets clients speak uninterrupted for the first 15 minutes. He takes us through buying out his business partners while his wife was six months pregnant, and how he immediately turned the company profitable by cutting unnecessary expenses.

Drew offers fresh perspectives on contentment versus complacency, meaningful happiness versus status symbols, and why truly understanding your customers drives business success.

Links Mentioned:

• GroHaus.org

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Sadaf Beynon sits down with Anastasia Ristovska, co-founder of Next Generation and Books At Ease, to explore the deeper conversations that helped her shift from control to trust—and from doing everything herself to building high-performing, empowered teams.

Anastasia shares two pivotal conversations: one that forced her to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a business owner, and another with a team member who challenged her to trust more and let go. These moments reshaped her leadership, led her to create a 90-day training system, and helped her grow two companies without burning out.

If you’ve ever struggled with delegation, micromanaging, or trusting your team, this episode will speak directly to you.

• Why micromanaging is rooted in fear, not ego
• The conversation that shifted Anastasia’s identity from doer to leader
• How trusting your team creates long-term growth
• What it takes to train your team to work independently
• How to lead without knowing all the answers
• Why leadership isn’t a destination—but a daily practice
• The mindset shift that stops you from being the bottleneck

• booksease.com
• nextgeneration.eu
• linkedin.com/in/anastasia-ristovska

This is the podcast where we explore the conversations that shape who we become as leaders and people. Because growth starts with the conversations we’re willing to have—especially the ones we have with ourselves.Companies mentioned in this episode:

In this episode, we dive deep with Matt Blair, COO and founding partner of REI Capital Growth. Matt shares how a single rainstorm conversation with his father in an empty Dallas apartment sparked a business that's revolutionizing how small balance investors access commercial real estate opportunities.

We explore how conversations have shaped both Matt's business and personal life - from the month-long phone calls that formed the foundation of his relationship with his now-wife, to the persistent debates that helped refine their investment model through multiple SEC rejections.

• REI Capital Growth: reicapitalgrowth.com
• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

In this episode of "Conversations That Grow," Dr. Ken Gembel reveals how a single conversation with an automotive CEO completely changed his career trajectory. The founder of Luck Unlimited (which stands for "Laboring Under Complete Knowledge") shares powerful leadership insights from manufacturing trenches to motocross tracks.

Ken unpacks his unconventional approach to problem-solving, why he values listening to frontline workers, and how true success comes from passionate engagement rather than comfortable mediocrity. His story reminds us that behind every successful person isn't just "luck" but disciplined labor and complete knowledge of their craft.

A must-listen for anyone wanting to transform their leadership approach and build teams that actually want to show up for work.

Links Referenced:

Instagram: @LuckUnlimitedApparel

Instagram: @LuckUnlimited

"Luck It With Lexi" podcast

🚀 Big news! Push to Be More is transforming into something new—welcome to Conversations That Grow!

After three years of deep conversations with business leaders, Matt Edmundson reveals why it’s time for a change. In this special episode, Matt sits down with Sadaf Beynon to share the surprising insights he’s gained about vulnerability, connection, and the magic that happens when people open up on a podcast.

Listen as they announce exciting changes, including Sadaf stepping into the host role and the podcast’s sharper focus on how conversations fuel business growth and influence.

Don’t miss this honest chat about the power of meaningful dialogue—and why even the best things sometimes need to evolve. Hit subscribe and get ready for what’s next!

---

0:00 - Welcome and introduction to special announcement

1:50 - Matt reflects on the history of Push to Be More

4:18 - What Matt learned from hosting the podcast

11:36 - The surprising vulnerability of podcast conversations

15:32 - Announcement of the podcast's name change

20:15 - Introducing Sadaf as the new host

22:38 - The new guiding question for "Conversations that Grow"

27:20 - Information on how to stay connected with the show

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If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

Ever wondered why everyone else seems so confident when you don't? Join Sadaf Beynon as she speaks with Therese Gopaul-Robinson, who reveals the shocking truth that 78% of leaders struggle with confidence issues. From crying in her car before work to transforming organizations with her "security stacking" method, Therese shares the three-step framework that helped one company improve performance metrics from 16% to 82% in just one year. Discover how to build your confidence muscle and transform not just your leadership, but your entire organization.

---

• Why confidence isn't a personal issue but a business concern that affects entire organizations
• How to "borrow belief" when you can't find confidence within yourself
• The three-part "security stacking" method for building sustainable confidence
• Why 78% of leaders struggle with confidence despite outward success
• How one leader's confidence transformation improved company metrics from 16% to 82%

• Therese Gopaul-Robinson's website: www.theresegr.com
• Therese's LinkedIn profile: www.LinkedIn.com/in/Therese-Gopaul-Robinson
• Therese's Instagram: @therese_gopaulrobinson
• Push to Be More website: www.pushtobemore.com
• PodJunction website: www.podjunction.com

---

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

When transplants move to Greenville, South Carolina, they often find a beautiful city but struggle to find connection. Enter Hunter Patrick, a former geometry teacher turned real estate agent who engineered an unconventional solution to urban loneliness. In this conversation, Hunter reveals his deliberate approach to building happiness in a city of strangers, sharing how his community has grown from casual meetups to holiday celebrations and lasting friendships. Discover why he left teaching, how he's applying lessons from his college days to create meaningful connections, and why being kind might be the strongest thing you can do.

---

What You'll Learn:

• Why traditional social groups might be limiting genuine connections
• How to intentionally build community in a city of transplants
• The relationship between kindness and strength in leadership
• Why specific hobby groups often miss the mark on connection
• The power of giving people your undivided attention
• How to maintain authenticity while pursuing growth
• Ways to balance risk-taking with personal values

---

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

---

Links referenced in this episode:

• PushToBeMore.com
• podjunction.com
• Hunter's Email - hunter.t.patrick@gmail.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Push to Be More
• Podjunction
• Greenville Happiness

Want to push yourself to greater heights in business and leadership? Join Matt Edmundson as he talks with Glenn Poulos, a serial entrepreneur who built and sold multiple successful companies by mastering the art of human connection. From getting his sales team out of the office and in front of customers, to leveraging AI while maintaining the personal touch, Glenn shares actionable insights for anyone looking to grow their business and deepen their impact. Discover how combining timeless leadership principles with modern tools can help you achieve greater success and meaning in your entrepreneurial journey.

---

Leadership requires maintaining the human touch, even as technology advances. Glenn emphasizes that while AI and digital tools are valuable, they should enhance rather than replace personal relationships. True leadership means being present with your team and customers, creating genuine connections that technology alone cannot replicate.

Success comes from being "a pleasure to do business with." Glenn built his business around this principle, ensuring every interaction, from answering phones to meeting clients, focused on creating positive experiences. This approach not only drove business growth but created lasting relationships that transcended traditional business boundaries.

Growing businesses requires strategic thinking about equity and partnerships. Glenn shares valuable insights about when to partner, when to go solo, and how to make smart decisions about sharing equity. His experience selling multiple companies provides practical wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.

Personal growth and business success are interconnected. Glenn's story demonstrates how maintaining interests outside of business - from DJing to pickleball - contributes to overall leadership effectiveness and personal fulfillment. His commitment to continuous learning, especially with emerging technologies like AI, shows how leaders can stay relevant while honoring timeless principles.

---

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

---

Links referenced in this episode:

• pushtobemore.com
• podjunction.com
• glennpoolis.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• NWS
• Podjunction
• Gap Wireless

In this episode of Push to Be More, host Sadaf Beynon interviews Belinda Clemmensen, CEO and founder of Women's Leadership Intensive, about empowering female leaders and addressing systemic challenges in the workplace. Belinda shares insights on the unique hurdles women face in leadership roles, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and her personal journey as an entrepreneur. The conversation explores strategies for sustainable leadership, the evolution of DEI initiatives, and the need for a more integrated approach to gender equity in the professional world.

---

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro and guest introduction

5:52 Challenges faced by women in leadership

12:34 Origins of Women's Leadership Intensive

16:23 Unique challenges for women in workplace

22:43 Adapting leadership approach for individuals

28:12 Systemic challenges and DEI pushback

33:01 Bridging divides and finding common ground

37:33 Recharging and staying resilient in impactful work

41:18 Personal growth and sustainable work-life balance

44:38 Closing remarks and contact information

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Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Authentic Leadership:

Belinda Clemmensen highlights the importance of leading in a way that aligns with one's personal values and strengths. She believes that leadership is an inside job, encouraging individuals to lead as themselves rather than conforming to traditional expectations.

2. Value Diversity in Learning:

Belinda underscores the significance of diverse learning environments. By bringing together individuals from various industries and backgrounds, her open-enrolment programmes create a rich tapestry of perspectives. This diversity enhances learning and broadens participants' understanding, making it a key component of effective leadership development.

3. Prioritise Self-Care and Reflection:

Belinda advises leaders to listen to their bodies and prioritise self-care to maintain resilience. She emphasises the role of reflection and writing in staying connected to one's experiences and emotions. This self-awareness helps drive meaningful change and supports sustainable, balanced living.

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If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

Amer Tadayon, a modern Renaissance man, shares his journey as an engineer turned tech innovator, filmmaker, and musician. He discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with business operations in his AI-powered video production platform, Lucihub. Amer reflects on the lessons learned from past ventures, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right investors and team members. He shares insights on leadership, problem-solving, and personal growth, drawing from influences like his mother, football coaches, and a pivotal math professor. Amer's story highlights the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining a creative outlet to recharge. His experiences offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs on navigating the complexities of building and scaling businesses while striving for personal development.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritise and execute daily tasks

Amer emphasises the importance of setting three key tasks each day and ensuring they're completed, no matter what. This approach helps maintain focus and drive the business forward, especially for those with ADHD who may struggle with execution.

2. There's good money and bad money in business

Amer advises entrepreneurs to be cautious about accepting investments. He stresses the importance of finding investors who can add value beyond capital, such as through contacts and networks, rather than those who might have detrimental terms or motives.

3. Learn from failures faster

Amer recommends analysing failures promptly and applying the lessons learned. He emphasises the cost of repeating mistakes and the value of using past experiences to inform future decisions and actions in both personal and professional spheres.

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

In this episode of Push To Be More, host Matt Edmundson chats with Andrew Hartshorn, an expert in helping businesses prepare for exit. They discuss the challenges of selling a business, the importance of work-life balance, and how the definition of success changes with age. Andrew shares insights on achieving freedom through business and the value of enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the destination.

---

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

5:08 If you could interview anyone, who would it be?

10:50 From business owner to exit expert

16:14 The emotional side of business exits

29:53 Defining growth as freedom

41:05 Success vs significance

46:09 Outro and contact information

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Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritise Freedom Over Wealth:

Andrew highlights the importance of valuing freedom and time over mere financial gain. He states, "Most people want money, but they don't realise the reason they want wealth is because that will give them the freedom to do what they want." This underscores the idea that true success is about having the liberty to choose how you spend your time, rather than just accumulating wealth.

2. Prepare for Business Exit Early:

Andrew advises business owners to get their businesses ready for sale well in advance. He mentions, "Get your business ready for sale so you can sell it when you're ready. You've got to put that effort in beforehand." This preparation not only ensures a smoother transition but also provides peace of mind and freedom when the time comes to exit.

3. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination:

Andrew encourages enjoying the process rather than solely focusing on end goals. He notes, "A lot of people always focus on the end result... And you can lose five years doing that." By taking time to reflect and appreciate the journey, individuals can find greater satisfaction and avoid losing years to relentless pursuit of future targets.

---

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

The conversation in this episode serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of personal experiences on professional journeys. Steven Pettigrew and Jamie Simpson, seasoned business investors, join host Matt Edmondson in a candid discussion about their paths to entrepreneurship and their work with Monopoli Capital. The episode opens with light-hearted introductions that quickly shift to the heart of the matter: what it takes to revitalize struggling businesses. Steven shares his early life growing up in an entrepreneurial environment, detailing the lessons learned from his family’s business that once thrived but ultimately faced collapse. This pivotal moment forced him to reassess his identity and approach to business, inspiring him to become a turnaround specialist.

Jamie shares insights into his individual podcast journey, “Get Rich or Cry Trying,” and how it complements his partnership with Steven. Their discussion highlights the balance between personal growth and professional development, showcasing how their different backgrounds enrich their business strategies. This episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, making it a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business.

Takeaways:

• The importance of clear communication and expectations in business partnerships to avoid misunderstandings.
• Social media's impact on mental health, especially among young girls, is alarming.
• Building relationships with your children's friends can create a safe and supportive environment.
• Daily wins can create momentum and confidence, pushing you toward your long-term goals.
• Taking time for self-care, such as exercise, is essential for maintaining productivity.
• Investing in personal development and learning new skills keeps entrepreneurs engaged and motivated.

Links referenced in this episode:

• monopolycapital.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnaroundexpert/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpettigrewinvestor/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Monopoli Capital
• Olympus
• Olympus Airways
• Juventus Football Club
• EasyJet

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

In this episode, Sadaf Beynon is joined by Shelley Rosetta, a sales and business development leader with more than 30 years of experience. Shelley opens up about the mentors, conversations, and experiences that shaped her leadership — the good, the painful, and the transformative.

We explore:

• The leaders who believed in her when she didn’t
• Why great performers often struggle as new leaders
• The mindset shift from “doing” to “developing others”
• How accountability begins at the top
• Why mentorship has quietly disappeared in many workplaces
• How identity, empathy, and self-awareness shape the way we lead
• Why leadership is about showing up, not titles
• How to lead from wherever you are

This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the star of the show — it’s about creating space for others to grow.

Connect with Shelley:

Email: srosetta@solomoncoil.com