A Little Bit Radical: Business | People | Planet – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, Rob is joined by Jambu Palaniappan, the CEO of Checkatrade, to discuss the evolution of the platform, the future of the UK tech sector, and his journey from Silicon Valley to leading a British startup. Jambu shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the home improvement industry, his leadership philosophy, and how he balances ambition with effective decision-making. This conversation also delves into Jambu’s views on encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK and the importance of being comfortable with failure and ambiguity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jambu’s Background and Journey to the UK: From growing up in Silicon Valley to his early career at Uber, and what led him to Checkatrade.
• Leadership at Checkatrade: How Jambu approaches leading a well-established British brand with a focus on innovation, radical candour, and empowering his team.
• The Future of Checkatrade: Plans for expanding the platform’s value for both consumers and trade members, including the launch of a new consumer app and improved lead management tools for trades.
• UK Tech Sector and Entrepreneurship: Jambu’s optimistic view on the UK’s potential in tech innovation and the need for a cultural shift towards embracing risk and failure.
• Balancing Work and Life: Jambu’s personal routines, including fitness and family time, that help him maintain balance and focus as a leader.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The importance of writing down ideas to gain clarity and seeking feedback from industry experts to build conviction.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Comfort with ambiguity will get you really far—it's something we as a society need to get better at."
• "We have a responsibility to think bigger, to ask how we can create 10 times or even 100 times more value."
• "There's a lot of power in writing things down; it brings clarity and helps you gain conviction in your ideas."

Follow Jambu and Checkatrade:

• Jambu Palaniappan on LinkedIn: Jambu Palaniappan LinkedIn
• Checkatrade Website: Checkatrade

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn
• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

In this episode of A Little Bit Radical, host Rob Fawkes talks with Bruce Taylor, the Founder and President of Enviro Stewards, an engineering consultancy focused on sustainable development. Bruce shares his journey from a traditional engineering career to founding a company that not only improves business efficiency but also significantly contributes to global sustainability efforts. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of leading decarbonisation projects for major companies like Unilever and Maple Leaf Foods, as well as Bruce's deep commitment to international development work in countries like South Sudan and Uganda.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bruce’s Early Life and Career Path: How feeling like an outsider as a teenager and a “pre-life crisis” in his mid-20s shaped his approach to life and work.
• Founding Enviro Stewards: The motivations behind starting his own company, integrating volunteer work into the business model, and encouraging his employees to do the same.
• Decarbonization Strategy with Unilever: Insights into spearheading Unilever’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2027, and how deep conservation measures can drive significant savings and sustainability.
• Success Stories and Challenges: The strategic approach Bruce uses to help companies like Maple Leaf Foods and others achieve carbon neutrality while saving millions.
• International Development Work: The impact of Enviro Stewards' projects in South Sudan and Uganda, focusing on long-term sustainability and capacity building rather than traditional charity models.
• Leadership in Sustainability: The critical role of leadership and overcoming inertia in achieving sustainability goals, and the importance of empathy and understanding company culture.
• Global Responsibility: Why it’s crucial to think beyond local investments and consider the broader global impact, especially in developing countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Sustainability isn’t just about reducing harm—it’s about creating a positive impact that benefits both the environment and society.”
• “Deep conservation first is the best way to go because that’s what generates the savings to pay for the rest of the journey.”
• “The problem with Africa is in our head—the way we think about helping can actually create damage if we’re not careful.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Bruce Taylor’s TEDx Talk: Watch here (Include link to the TEDx talk)
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Follow Bruce and Enviro Stewards:

• Bruce Taylor on LinkedIn: Bruce Taylor LinkedIn
• Enviro Stewards Website: Enviro Stewards

Stay Connected with Rob and 'A Little Bit Radical':

• Rob Fawkes on LinkedIn: Rob Fawkes LinkedIn
• A Little Bit Radical Newsletter: Sign Up Here

Fiona Ras-Jones, founder of Mission Works, supports businesses with a purpose and those who want one to deliver impact through profitably solving a social or environmental challenge. In this conversation, Fiona shares her journey from being awakened to social and environmental challenges in her early life, to taking action through exploring different paths. She discusses the challenges of scaling social enterprises and the need for support and infrastructure. Fiona also highlights the importance of purpose-driven businesses and the birth of Mission Works.

In this conversation, Fiona Ras-Jones discusses the B Corp movement and the importance of going beyond B Corp certification. She explains that B Corp is more than just a box-ticking exercise and highlights its comprehensive approach to social and environmental impact. Fiona also introduces Mission Works and the concept of mission-led businesses, which aim to profitably solve social or environmental challenges. She emphasises the need to define and measure the problem a business is trying to solve and offers advice on getting started with a radical idea.

Key Takeaways

• Mission Works supports businesses with a purpose to deliver impact through profitably solving a social or environmental challenge.
• There is a need for support and infrastructure to help social enterprises scale.
• Purpose-driven businesses have the potential to make a significant impact.
• Fiona's journey highlights the importance of being awakened to social and environmental challenges and taking action to create positive change.
• B Corp is a comprehensive certification that goes beyond social and environmental impact and includes governance, worker treatment, community engagement, and customer relations.
• B Corp should be seen as a starting point for businesses, not the end goal. There is much more beyond B Corp in terms of deep impact and continuous improvement.
• Mission-led businesses have a clearly defined and measurable problem they aim to solve, and they align their business model and strategy to achieve impact and profitability.
• When exploring a problem to solve, businesses should consider their unique abilities, industry expertise, customer needs, and social and environmental challenges within their industry.
• Mission-led businesses can achieve both purpose and profit, and there is an imperative to grow in order to create a larger positive impact.
• It is important to focus on product-market fit and start with a minimum viable product that solves a problem, and then iterate and add more ethical, social, and environmental benefits over time.

Fiona on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-ras-jones/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Want to appear? podcast@standingongiants.com

In this conversation, Jo Haywood, founder of Skylark Media, discusses her journey as a former BBC producer and her mission to use video as a force for good. She shares her early inspiration from her biologist mother and her desire to make a positive impact on the environment. Jo reflects on her work producing groundbreaking films on climate change in the early 90s and the challenges of raising awareness at a time when few people cared about the issue. She then explains how she founded Skylark with the goal of changing the purpose of business to prioritise people and the planet. Jo highlights some of Skylark's impactful campaigns and videos, including their work with Buglife and their films on hydrogen power.

Jo discusses her award-winning collaborations, the importance of building a different type of media business, and the value of B Corp certification. She shares insights on overcoming established thinking, empowering employees, and the need for radical innovative thinking. Jo also emphasizes the importance of finding happiness without consuming power and the need to educate women for a more sustainable society. Her advice for someone with a radical idea is to be ready, shoot, and aim, and to not get caught up in overthinking and delaying action.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• Video can be a powerful tool for storytelling and raising awareness about important issues.
• The mission and values of a business should come before the work. It's important to have a clear story and purpose behind your work.
• The environmental movement has gained traction over the years, and businesses are now recognising the value of incorporating sustainability into their messaging.
• Videos have the potential to make a significant impact, whether it's securing funding for a cause or influencing government decisions. Collaborations and awards can bring recognition and success in the media industry.
• Building a different type of media business requires a systemised approach and a focus on customer service.
• B Corp certification can lead to positive changes in working practices and a more sustainable business.
• Overcoming established thinking and giving everyone a voice can foster innovative thinking and drive positive change.
• Finding happiness without consuming power and educating women are important for a more sustainable society.

Jo on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johaywood/

Visit: https://www.skylarkmedia.co.uk/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

David Schluter, founder of Fluid IT, shares his journey from his early life influences to founding his company and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of mental health and his experience with burnout, as well as the impact of hiring people from challenging backgrounds. He also highlights the role of Lord Evans, former head of MI5, on his advisory board. In this conversation, David shares his experiences of running a business as a vehicle for change. He discusses the journey of one of his employees, Gary, who overcame significant challenges to become an exceptional manager. David emphasizes the importance of taking a chance on people and how they can pay you back in unexpected ways. He also highlights the joy and freedom of doing business differently, focusing on kindness and cultural development. David believes that business should bring life and positive impact throughout the entire journey, not just at the end. He advocates for treating people generously and embracing slow business as the way forward.

Key Takeaways

• Reflecting on your journey and finding your reason for continuing is important in business.
• Creating a supportive work environment where people can bring their authentic selves is powerful.
• Hiring people from challenging backgrounds can provide opportunities for growth and transformation.
• Having an advisory board with diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights and accountability.

David on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschluter/

Visit: https://www.fluid-it.com/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Host: Rob Fawkes

Producer: Lukas Blasberg

Richard Dickson, co-founder of Play It Green, discusses the importance of questioning the status quo. He shares his experience with neurodiversity and how it has shaped his perspective. Richard also talks about becoming more radical and overcoming challenges in his personal and professional life, including stepping into the MMA ring in his 40s. He introduces Play It Green and its mission to help businesses reduce their environmental footprint, repair the planet through tree planting, and re-gift funds to good causes.

Chapters

(00:01) Sustainable Business and Neurodiversity Journey

(13:10) Creating a Climate Positive Workforce

(21:19) Promoting Sustainability in Business Communities

(28:37) Systemic Change for a Sustainable Future

Richard on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardiandickson/

Visit playitgreen.com

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Want to appear? podcast@standingongiants.com

Join us for this inspiring episode as we dive into the fascinating world of Emma Locke, Change and Communications Lead at Perfetti Van Melle. Emma shares her unique insights on driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in a global company, her passions outside of work, and how these experiences shape her approach to leadership.

We discuss:

• (00:01) Introduction to Emma Locke and Her Commitment to Diversity
• (01:07) Emma's Early Life Experiences Shaping Her Strong Character
• (03:14) The 'People First' Mentality in Business
• (04:18) Emma’s Passion for Cars and Motorbikes
• (10:03) Leading a Business: Similarities to Motorbike Riding
• (20:49) Initiating Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
• (30:37) Addressing Menopause in the Workplace
• (35:58) The Importance of Kindness and Compassion in Leadership
• (40:22) Wrapping Up: Reflections on Leadership and Change

Connect with Emma:

• Emma Locke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmallocke/

Learn more about Perfetti Van Melle:

• Visit: https://www.perfettivanmelle.com/

Connect with Host Rob:

• Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Interested in joining the conversation?

• Reach out at: podcast@standingongiants.com

How much coffee have you drunk today? We had the pleasure of sitting down with Holly Kragiopoulos, co-founder of Northstar Coffee, who shared her powerful story of forging a new path for the coffee industry amid looming shortages and environmental challenges. Our conversation traversed her personal journey, from the influence of her father's research to her transformative experiences in Australia, and how these have shaped her approach to the business and parenthood.

We discuss:

(00:01) Rethinking Coffee, Work, and Parenthood

(07:32) Coffee Supply Chain and Motivation

(18:48) Challenges Facing the Coffee Industry

(30:59) The Impact of B Corp Accreditation

(36:25) Importance of Empathy and Accountability

Holly on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-kragiopoulos-53501156/

Visit: https://www.northstarroast.com/en-gb

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Want to appear? podcast@standingongiants.com

Amy Polly is the self-styled 'Mindfulness Rebel'. In a world of very serious, very blue, mental health information, she is a welcome shot of pink. She's the former Strategic Lead for Mental Health & Wellbeing for the Fire Service, and has since worked with organisations like Heineken, Bupa, Sweaty Betty, National Grid and many others. She's on a mission to make mindfulness more accessible and inclusive and joins us for this conversation where we discuss:

• Her grandfather’s addiction to alcohol and how it informed her behaviour to always try and make people smile
• The importance of her supportive parents and having a support network
• How she’s embraced thinking differently as an adult
• How she left a solid, 19 year career in accountancy to start working for herself in mindfulness and wellbeing
• The shift she felt working for the Fire Service, contributing to a bigger picture 
• The extreme challenges of creating wellbeing programmes in the Fire Service
• The measures she brought in to support fire fighters
• The basics of creating a mentally healthy workforce and how it’s not the things you might think
• Her connection to mindfulness and how it became a passion of hers as a proactive measure for wellbeing
• Personal days and bringing the human elements to business
• How Mindfulness isn’t ‘hippy dippy stuff’, it’s brain training
• Some myth busting around Mindfulness
• Amy leads Rob through a mindfulness exercise 
• Rob’s reflections after the exercise
• Her advice to leaders for embedding wellbeing in their businesses
• How motherhood is the hardest thing she’s ever done and her ‘Mindfulness for Mums’ programme
• The loneliness of being a mum and the taboo of talking about birth trauma
• Rob shares a rather unfortunate parenting story and how it informed his perspective on parents in business
• The ‘return to the office’ push and the potential negative impacts for some of the workforce

Follow Amy on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amypolly/

Visit: amypolly.com

Follow Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Sign up the the 'A Little Bit Radical' Newsletter here: https://share.hsforms.com/1wJzfsT5RR7melJbfDfpsLw4sran

Surf’s up! Often called the ‘British Patagonia’, Finisterre are one of the most respected names in sustainable fashion. Headquartered in St Agnes, Cornwall, Finisterre produce long-lasting, repairable products inspired by the sea. We’re joined by CMO Bronwen Foster Butler for this episode. She discusses:

• The dramatic circumstances of her birth in the Canadian wilderness
• The effect of having a peculiar name and how she ‘likes to play in the edges’ of life
• How she became a parent to a daughter during COVID and how that provided an impetus to become more radical 
• Her experience in a previous role of being asked ‘whether she wanted a promotion, or to become a parent’
• Finisterre’s approach to flexibility and inclusion
• Working for a boss who is a CEO and a RNLI helmsman
• Her commitment to ‘how you get the job done’ not ‘when you get the job done’
• ‘Sea Tuesdays’ - where the whole team get an hour to connect with the sea
• The founding story of Finisterre and the mission to create products that serve cold-water surfers, whilst preserving the ocean
• The very first product the founder, Tom, created
• Their partnership with the last Merino Wool shepherd in the U.K.
• How the wetsuit industry is partly responsible for ‘Cancer Alley’ in the USA, with the production of chloroprene - connected to Neoprene
• How they are reinventing wetsuits, moving away from petrochemical neoprene, to YULEX rubber
• Launching the world’s first YULEX wetsuit rental programme
• Finisterre’s repair service - a challenge to fast fashion
• The shocking reality of where most of our charity shop clothes go
• Her reaction to the U.K. government rolling back environmental policy
• Dealing with Climate Anxiety
• Her approach to leading her team through their Pride campaign, in the face of online trolling

Bronwen on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwen-foster-butler-73a31923/

Visit: finisterre.com

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Want to get in touch? Email podcast@standingongiants.com