Explore every episode of the podcast Curious Leadership with Dominic Monkhouse

Can AI revolutionise the way your business operates, or even redefine entire industries?

This special episode of Curious Leadership was recorded as a live panel at the CEO Summit 2025, where Dominic was joined on stage by guests Neil Marley, Kevin Bradley, Pedro Arriaga, and John Readman to explore how AI is driving business productivity and innovation across various sectors.

Neil reveals how Neologik pivoted from its roots in training technologists to harnessing AI for document automation, a strategic shift mirroring the evolving job market. Kevin brings a unique perspective on Omegro's strategic growth within Constellation, while Pedro shares how AI has supercharged productivity at his facilities management platform, Pego. John shares insights on AI's transformative role in digital marketing, moving beyond predictive analytics to empower data-driven decision-making at Modo25.

Our panellists offer their perspectives on how businesses can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, balancing the human role of integrating it into teams, and how to align employee mindsets with technological advancements. 

Hear about the rapid evolution of software development and how agile methodologies can accelerate innovation, including advice on overcoming tech debt, enhancing user interaction through voice prompts, and the competitive edge offered by quick MVP development and AI-driven platforms.

As AI continues to shape industries, we explore the need for education to prepare the next generation with skills in question formation, philosophy, ethics, and domain-specific expertise. 

Elaine Jobson is a dynamic CEO, board director, and culture strategist with over 30 years of experience scaling fitness and wellness brands across Australia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.  

As CEO of Jetts Fitness, she spearheaded the Management Buyout (MBO), restoring the brand to private ownership and founder-driven leadership. Under her guidance, Jetts has flourished, expanding into new markets and repositioning for sustainable, high-performance growth.  

Elaine’s passion for values-driven, high-performing cultures is at the heart of her leadership philosophy. Her book, High Performance Through Happy People, captures her insights on building thriving teams that deliver exceptional results.  

A sought-after keynote speaker, Elaine energises audiences at industry conferences, leadership summits, and corporate events, sharing expertise on leadership, culture strategy, franchising, and team performance. Known for her sharp operational and commercial acumen, Elaine is a proven leader in strategic growth, franchising, and culture transformation - making her one of the most impactful figures in the industry today.

In this episode, Dominic uncovers how the implementation of a Net Promoter Score (NPS) should be a business philosophy rather than just a survey. With Elaine providing insights on identifying detractors through customer feedback, the importance of delivering what she calls “brilliant basics”, and the significance of empowering her club managers and staff to enhance customer service to create a positive culture.

Elaine also shares the rapid growth and expansion of the Jetts Fitness brand, their franchise model, commitment to good profit, the evolving perception of fitness as a means for mental health, and looks ahead at opportunities in the global fitness market, particularly in emerging territories like India.

Discover

How Leadership Drives Growth: Strong leadership is essential for managing growth, stabilising operations, and adapting to changing business environments.

How to Build a Positive Culture: A happy, engaged workforce leads to higher performance and better organisational outcomes. Culture is a key driver of long-term success.

How Metrics Can Improve Performance: Tools like customer satisfaction scores provide valuable insights and help businesses refine their services to meet customer needs, fostering loyalty.

Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Expanding into new markets with growth potential requires strategic planning, market understanding, and partnerships to capitalise effectively.

How Scalable Business Models are Key: Structuring businesses to scale - for instance, through franchising or other replicable models - enables sustainable growth and adaptability across regions.

Book recommendations:

Elaine’s book High Performance Through Happy People is out now

Dominic’s book Mind Your F**king Business is out now

Joseph Michelli is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and organisational consultant who transfers his knowledge of exceptional business practices in ways that develop joyful and productive workplaces with a focus on customer experience. His insights encourage leaders and frontline workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their lives.

A Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Nielson BookScan, and New York Times #1 bestselling author. Joseph’s most recent book, All Business Is Personal, features proven strategies for boosting customer loyalty, engagement, and sustainable growth, and offers insights leaders can apply across industries to create high-performing, customer-focused organisations.

Joseph holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA). He is a member of the Authors Guild, an editorial board member for the Beryl Institute's Patient Experience Journal (PXJ), and is on the founders' council of CustomerExperienceOne. Other achievements include winning the Asian Brand Excellence Award and being named as one of the Top 10 thought leaders in Customer Service by Global Gurus. He received his master's and doctorate from the University of Southern California.

In this episode, Dominic explores the intersection of AI and human interaction, questioning the ability of AI to replicate genuine human care and creativity, and the complexities of customer experience, loyalty, and referrals. With Joseph advocating the necessity for CEOs to be passionate and unreasonable in their pursuit of exceptional customer service. He explores strategies for activating referrals, the importance of emotional engagement, and the design of customer journeys that foster loyalty. 

Joseph shares his insights on the transformation of patient experience in US healthcare, and the innovative approach that led One Medical to being acquired by Amazon. Emphasising the importance of redesigning processes to enhance care delivery, he highlights the cost reduction achieved through proactive health management and the role of technology in creating human-centric services. 

Discover

The Power of Emotional Connection in Business: Building an emotional connection with customers, beyond merely offering a product or service, fosters loyalty and helps establish a strong brand identity.

The Importance of Customer Experience: Exceptional customer experience can significantly impact a business's success. By fostering emotional connections and going beyond basic transactional value, businesses can create loyalty and referrals among their customer base.

Word-of-Mouth as a Powerful Marketing Tool: Customer referrals play a crucial role in business growth. Companies that focus on delivering exceptional experiences often benefit from organic word-of-mouth promotion, resulting in reduced sales and marketing costs.

Balancing Cost-Cutting with Customer Experience: While reducing costs is a strategy some businesses consider, focusing solely on cost can lead to commoditisation. Prioritising customer experience and value can differentiate a business and create long-lasting success.

The Influence of Net Promoter Score (NPS): Net Promoter Score is a useful metric for understanding customer loyalty and satisfaction. By asking customers how they found the business, insights can be gained that highlight the importance of customer recommendations and the overall impact of positive experiences.

Book recommendations:

Joseph’s book

James Dawson and Richard Doherty are seasoned professionals from the fintech and financial services industries, each bringing decades of expertise to their respective fields.

James Dawson, founder of Humble Technology, has over 21 years of experience in fintech. His career has been dedicated to addressing and overcoming the challenges fintech startups face in sales. James believes that many fintechs fail not due to a lack of funding but because they rely too heavily on relationship-driven sales rather than employing proven, science-backed methodologies. As a former Head of Europe at OpenFin, a leader in desktop interoperability, James successfully built high-performing teams and developed his own sales techniques. To share his strategic insights, James created the Fintech Sales FastTrack programme - a framework designed to help startups establish predictable and scalable revenue systems. In addition to his fintech achievements, James also owns Humble Grape, a wine bar and merchant that imports high-quality wines from 600 small vineyards across 22 countries, exemplifying his entrepreneurial versatility.

Richard Doherty, meanwhile, leads the technology practice for Asset & Wealth Management at Publicis Sapient, a prominent consultancy in financial services and digital business transformation. With over 20 years of experience in technology and financial services, Richard specialises in helping firms align their technological initiatives with business strategies. His expertise lies in implementing large-scale technological changes, including system overhauls, data transformations, and technology-focused innovations. Richard advises business leaders on building future-ready operating models that leverage technology to drive innovation, generate revenue, cut costs, and mitigate risks. By collaborating with both business and technology stakeholders, Richard fosters alignment that enables firms to ensure sustainable and expedited transformation in highly competitive markets.

Together, James and Richard exemplify leadership and innovation in their fields, uniting expertise in sales strategy, technology, and enterprise transformation to shape the future of fintech and financial services.

In this episode, Dominic explores methodologies used by founder-led sales to scalable sales operations. Learning that in the early stages of business development, a relentless focus on an initial product offering is essential. For example, for Amazon it was books and for Google it was search functionalities - even though their objective was expansion and market domination.

With James and Richard emphasising the importance of aligning sales strategies with marketing efforts, they encourage leaders to nurture a growth-oriented mindset among sales personnel. Hear their insights on the complexities of building successful sales engines that can withstand the rigours of today's competitive landscape.

Discover

Business Growth and Focus: Successful companies often start by focusing on a single, straightforward offering before expanding into larger and more complex operations. This focus is essential in the early stages to build a sustainable foundation.

Sales Transition Challenges: Transitioning from founder-led sales to scalable, enterprise-level sales processes is a significant challenge for businesses, especially in the fintech sector. It requires a particular skill set and mindset to scale sales effectively from small to large operations.

Collaborative Expertise: Leveraging the collaboration of industry experts with diverse professional backgrounds, such as consulting and financial services, can help scale businesses by addressing complex challenges and driving transformation.

The Importance of...

Mike Hicks' connection to investing in mid-market companies dates back to 1994, when he worked at the EBRD, contributing to the creation of the first private equity fund in Romania. After overseeing a joint venture between Creditanstalt Investment Bank and Advent International, he developed a keen interest in enhancing investor-management interactions, dedicating over 20 years to this pursuit.

In 2010, Mike founded Catalysis, following several years of leading a similar practice at Grant Thornton. With the support of skilled colleagues, he has managed over 375 projects since the company's inception, Mike advocates the importance of coachability and partnership in navigating the complex landscape of mid-market firms.

In this episode, Dominic explores the myths and realities of private equity as Mike dismantles common misconceptions about management and investment partnerships. Highlighting the nuanced dynamics between investors and business leaders, he explains that in smaller companies, collaboration often trumps the fear of management changes. 

Discover

The Role of Private Equity in Business Growth: Private equity plays a crucial role in providing funding for businesses, particularly those lacking tangible assets for traditional bank loans, such as tech companies. It serves as an alternative to the UK's shrinking bank funding market by offering equity, facilitating business growth, and providing management teams a pathway to personal wealth.

Misconceptions About Private Equity: Management teams often face misconceptions about private equity investment. Some assume operations will continue unchanged, while others fear losing control to investors. In truth, investors aim to add value and collaborate for improvements without seizing control of the business.

Team and Organisational Alignment: Aligning the management team’s capabilities with the business's needs is crucial. This match depends on the business model's complexity, market conditions, and growth goals. Businesses often require guidance to optimise their leadership teams to effectively meet these demands.

Governance and Strategy in Management: Effective governance should balance strategy formulation and operational execution without overwhelming management. Boards should prioritise maintaining this balance to ensure alignment with value creation rather than focusing solely on financial oversight. Keeping boards small and focused helps avoid operational inefficiencies.

Mistakes in Scaling Businesses with Private Equity: Common mistakes in scaling businesses post-private equity deal include neglecting due diligence insights, misunderstanding strategy, underestimating organisational inertia, confusing change activity with results, hastily making key personnel decisions, and suffering from unbalanced governance. Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for the success of private-equity-backed ventures.

Higher Multiples with Demonstrated Scalability: Businesses that can demonstrate scalability, such as sustainable growth and robust operational capacity, are more likely to attract higher multiples and favourable responses from investors during deals, highlighting the importance of long-term strategic planning.

Book recommendations:

Rory Sutherland - Alchemy

Kat Thorne is a positive habits international keynote speaker, teacher and consultant. Her life story of workaholism, breakdown and burnout inspires global audiences to make one small habit change. Former Global Commercial Director & CEO, after losing everything in 2016 due to a health scare, she had no choice but to start again. Kat now works with organisations, leaders and individuals around the world to create one small positive habit change that actually results in increased well-being & resilience.

Kat says “Burnout, anxiety, and stress are at an all-time high. People are the most important asset. The better people look after themselves, the better they perform in all areas of life. The result? A healthier, happier and high-performing work and home life”.

In this episode, Dominic explores how small changes can have a monumental impact on our personal and professional lives, with Kat challenging the outdated notion of separating work from home life, emphasising how intertwined they really are. An advocate of how quality rest shapes his energy levels and daily performance choices, Dom explains the impact of technology on his mood and productivity, highlighting the delicate balance between connectivity and wellbeing. 

We also explore how positive habits can transform work environments, and the power of how small yet consistent changes can improve team dynamics, health, and productivity. From breaking the cycle of multitasking in meetings to achieve genuine engagement, this episode provides actionable insights for both personal and professional growth. Whether it's encouraging kids to embrace creativity without screens or finding simple ways to be present, you'll come away with a toolkit for fostering meaningful change in every area of your life.

Discover

The Power of Morning Routines: Establishing a positive morning routine, like waking up early and dedicating time to self-care, can lead to significant improvements in both personal well-being and professional performance. Starting your day with intention sets a positive tone for everything that follows.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Implementing small, positive habits - such as engaging in just 10 minutes of physical activity each day - can be transformative. These manageable changes can lead to increased energy, improved mood, and greater productivity in both personal and work life.

Integrating Personal and Professional Life: Recognising the interconnection between personal habits and professional success is key. By fostering positive habits in your personal life, you can enhance your performance, satisfaction, and effectiveness at work.

Mindful Technology Use: Be mindful of how and when you consume information, especially through technology. Checking your phone or emails immediately upon waking can inject unnecessary stress and negativity into your day. Instead, create a morning practice that supports a positive mindset.

Overcoming Resistance to Change: While making positive changes, you may encounter resistance or negativity from others. Understand that this is a common challenge, and focus on the long-term benefits of your new habits. Staying committed despite external pressures can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.

Book recommendations:

Dominic’s book Mind Your F**king Business is out now

Keith Ferrazzi, founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, is a pioneering executive coach, thought leader, and New York Times #1 bestselling author. For over two decades, he’s transformed Fortune 500 companies, unicorn startups, and governments by challenging teams to break silos and embrace "teamship" over leadership. As the leader of the Greenlight Research Institute, Keith drives innovation in team performance and collaboration. His Radical Innovators Collaborative unites bold thinkers for groundbreaking ideas and best practices. A prolific writer featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and more, Keith’s books include Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, and the cutting-edge Never Lead Alone. In 2024, he received the prestigious Coaches 50 Award, honouring the world’s top executive coaches. Beyond coaching, he’s a philanthropist and strategic investor committed to driving meaningful social impact.

In this episode, Dominic explores innovative collaboration methods such as co-elevation and constructive conflict, the need for a shift from individual resilience to collective team resilience and the potential of AI in shaping future team structures. Keith shares anecdotes from coaching executive teams and the insights gained from his research on high-performing teams, highlighting the importance of collaboration, feedback, and a culture of candour in achieving team success. Hear his thoughts about moving away from traditional hierarchical models to more fluid, self-managed teams, advocating for a culture of openness and shared responsibility.

Discover

Shift from Leadership to Teamship - Leaders are encouraged to empower their teams to self-manage rather than controlling or micromanaging by transitioning from a traditional leadership model to "teamship" - where responsibility is shared across the team. This helps dismantle silos within organisations, fostering collective accountability and better performance.

Candour Over Conflict Avoidance - Radical transparency and open feedback are critical for high-performing teams. Avoiding conflict often leads to mediocrity, while embracing candid and constructive feedback leads to innovation and trust. Practical tools like "candour breaks" and stress testing enable teams to comfortably critique ideas and improve collaboration.

Asynchronous Collaboration and Agile Practices - Traditional meeting-centric collaboration methods are inefficient. Harnessing asynchronous collaboration (e.g., collecting input via shared documents) and agile sprints can make decision-making faster and more inclusive. This modern approach aligns team efforts around Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and prevents siloed working.

Redefining Teams Beyond Org Charts - Teams aren’t merely those on the organisational chart. Instead, they should be built dynamically around specific goals or KPIs. For example, solving a sales issue may require involvement from marketing, product, and finance—not just the sales department. This approach reduces finger-pointing and fosters cross-functional ownership.

Practices for Building Resilient and Celebratory Teams - High-performing teams focus not only on achieving results but also on maintaining team well-being. Practices like monthly "energy checks" ensure team members support one another during challenging times. Additionally, celebrating successes creates a culture of positivity and enhances morale. Peer-to-peer recognition is particularly impactful and energising.

Book recommendations:

Andrew McAfee - The Geek Way

It was a daily grind of ‘win the work, do the work, get paid for the work, only to have to find more work to replace the work’ that led David Hart (known as the ‘Agency to SaaS guy’) to sell his agency and embark on a new SaaS business.

After founding digital agency Codegent in 2004, by 2014, after acquiring another agency, Thin Martian, David felt like he was on the treadmill to nowhere. In 2016, he launched SaaS business, ScreenCloud, which hit 8 figures in ARR after only six years and continues to see strong growth year-on-year. The switch has created significant financial value for him and his co-founders, investors and staff. 

David now advises other agencies and early-stage SaaS founders on scaling their own products, He sits on five boards as a NED and is the author of Productized: Stop Selling Time and Transition to Selling SaaS. 

In this episode, Dominic uncovers the strategies and mindset shifts necessary to transform a service-oriented business into a thriving SaaS company. We explore the contrasting dynamics of hiring and growth between the agency and SaaS models and the critical role of building an experienced team to achieve rapid expansion. David lays bare the exhilarating yet daunting task of burning through investment to scale revenue, the importance of aligning with market needs and avoiding the pitfalls of launching products without demand.

Discover

Start by Testing Your Idea: Before creating a product, it's important to make sure people actually need it. You can do this by asking potential customers questions that get to the heart of their problems. A good product should either help people make money, save money, or solve an important issue they worry about.

Moving from Services to Products: David transitioned from running a company offering services to selling a product. This shift allowed his business to grow faster and become easier to scale compared to offering services.

Spending Money to Grow: To grow a software business like ScreenCloud, David had to spend money up front, especially to get new customers. Investors encouraged him to spend boldly to grow quickly, even if the business wasn’t immediately profitable.

Focusing on One Thing Is Key: David realised that trying to create multiple products at once made it hard to succeed. Instead, focusing on creating one strong product helped him and his team direct their time, energy, and resources more effectively.

Learning from Early Failures: Before ScreenCloud, David worked on many products that didn’t succeed. He learned that talking to potential customers early on and finding out if they’d actually pay for a solution are critical steps to avoid wasting time and money on ideas that won't work.

Book recommendations:

April Dunford - Sales Pitch & Obviously Awesome

Rob Fitzpatrick - The Mom Test

David’s book Productized is out now

Dominic’s book Mind Your F**king Business is out now

Maria Ross, a keynote speaker, author, strategist, and empathy advocate, believes cash flow, creativity, and compassion can coexist. Founder of Red Slice, she advises organisations on leveraging empathy for better engagement. She authored ‘The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries’ and hosts ‘The Empathy Edge’ podcast. A dynamic speaker, Maria has addressed top conferences like TEDx, The 3% Conference, and Salesforce, with her insights featured in outlets such as MSNBC, NPR, Forbes, and Huffington Post.

In this episode, Dominic explores empathy's role in leadership and business success. With Maria explaining how empathy can be cultivated, especially in education, and addresses the challenge of balancing empathy with performance. Maria introduces the five pillars of empathetic leadership - self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy - offering a framework to enhance empathy while ensuring high performance. They explore effective leadership, the role of decisiveness, joy, and empathy in workplace culture, and how leaders can make tough decisions without causing team stress.

Discover

Balance Empathy with Action: Empathy doesn’t mean avoiding tough decisions. Instead, it’s about acting compassionately while staying focused on goals. Gathering different perspectives helps make thoughtful choices, but avoid overthinking - decisiveness keeps progress on track.

Clarity and Transparency Build Trust: Clear communication is essential. Whether setting boundaries, making decisions, or solving problems, being explicit about your intentions reduces misunderstandings and creates trust. Explaining your rationale helps others feel heard and valued, even if they don’t agree with your decisions.

Empathy Can Be Learned and Strengthened: Empathy is a skill that can grow with practice. Similar to building a muscle, environments that promote listening, curiosity, and collaboration can nurture this ability. Making an effort to understand others’ experiences leads to stronger connections and better outcomes in every aspect of life.

Empathy Drives Problem-Solving and Innovation: Empathy allows you to understand others' needs, fears, and motivations, which can lead to better solutions in any situation. Empathy isn’t just about relationships - it’s also a catalyst for better decision-making and innovation.

Book recommendations:

Rob Volpe - Tell Me More About That

Dr. Adam Dorsay - Super Psyched

Robin Dreeke - Unbreakable Alliances

Anna Liotta - Unlocking Generational Codes

Maria’s books The Empathy Dilemma &

Kaihan Krippendorff is a world-renowned business strategist, innovation authority, and CEO of Outthinker Networks - a powerhouse of chief strategy and innovation leaders shaping the future of business. A former McKinsey consultant, he’s heralded as one of the top 30 global thinkers in strategy and innovation by Global Gurus and Thinkers50, with a proven track record of helping organisations generate over $3 billion in transformative growth.

The bestselling author of six books, including Outthink the Competition and Driving Innovation from Within, Kaihan’s latest work, Proximity, is a Next Big Idea Club must-read endorsed by thought leaders like Adam Grant and Malcolm Gladwell. He’s a go-to voice for innovation and strategy, regularly writing for Harvard Business Review and Fast Company and hosting podcasts like Outthinkers and The Chief Strategy Officer.

Kaihan has partnered with global giants like Microsoft, IBM, Procter & Gamble, and JP Morgan, while teaching at top institutions like Wharton Executive Ed and NYU. A sought-after speaker and media contributor, he inspires audiences worldwide, blending his global perspective and multicultural insights from his base in Miami, Florida.

In this episode, Dominic explores the intricacies of strategic thinking and the critical distinction between strategic planning and true strategy. With Kaihan highlighting the growing importance of proximity in value creation, focusing on how businesses can innovate closer to the moment demand arises. They also examine the shifts in various industries including the evolution of defence technology, the disruptive impact of 3D printing on manufacturing, the need to rethink inventory and production processes, and how AI is reshaping information delivery.

Discover

Proximity as a Strategic Advantage: How businesses can achieve competitive advantages by creating value closer to the time and location where demand appears. Examples include Coca-Cola's Freestyle machines and advances in 3D printing for customisable solutions.

Strategic Insights from Ancient Principles: The 36 strategic patterns derived from ancient Chinese fables, such as “Seize the Deer in the Headlights Moment” and “Embrace What’s Been Abandoned,” which empower businesses to outthink competitors and exploit overlooked opportunities

Shifting from Planning to Creation: Traditional strategic planning processes and shifts in focus toward narrative-driven strategy, emphasising the power of constraints in sparking innovative ideas.

Sustainable Innovation in Multiple Industries: How proximity can lead to both environmental and business advantages. Real-world examples of sustainability-driven innovations include hydroponic farming and lab-grown meat, to eliminating waste in production and inventory management.

Book recommendations:

Bruce Greenwald - Competition Demystified

Marcus Collins - For The Culture

Dr. Sandra Matz - Mindmasters

Kaihan’s books Proximity and The Art of the Advantage are out now

Dominic’s book

James Kerr is a writer, coach, and consultant who specialises in leadership, culture and mindset in high-performing teams. His global bestseller, 'Legacy' has been described by The Daily Telegraph as “the modern version of Vince Lombardi’s guides to coaching”, saying that "for those searching for genuine keys to team culture, it is manna from heaven".

James has worked with Tier One Special Forces, the English Premier League, international cricket, Formula One, America’s Cup, Major League Baseball, and Olympic pathways. He has guest lectured at Westpoint Military Academy, Sandhurst and Eton College and written for the BBC, Independent, Times and Guardian. His corporate clients have included Google, Spotify, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Co, Adidas, and Arc'teryx.

In this frank discussion, Dominic explores the synergy between individual leadership and collective vision, and the critical role of cultural evolution in maintaining relevance and potency. James shares how the iconic “Sweeping the Shed” mantra, revolutionised team culture at the All Blacks, and how these principles can be applied beyond the rugby field into business and everyday life.

Discover

The Role of Values in Sustainable Success: By embracing values such as humility, responsibility, and respect, the All Blacks created a foundation for long-term success, demonstrating that values-driven cultures outperform talent-driven ones.

The Power of Rituals and Symbols: The enduring significance of the Haka demonstrates how rituals and symbols can reinforce identity, unity, and purpose within a team.

Leadership Across Domains: The principles of leadership and cultural excellence are universal and can be applied across diverse fields, demonstrated by James’ work in sports, military, and business.

Neuroscience and Leadership: The interplay between neuroscience and performance underpins how understanding the brain's responses to fear and confidence can inspire leaders to strike a balance between challenges and support, fostering growth and accountability.

Book recommendations:

Viktor Frankl - Man's Search For Meaning

Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Coyle - The Culture Code

Jim Collins - Good To Great

James' book Legacy is out now.

Dominic’s book Mind Your F**king Business is out now. 

A message from Dom about some exciting changes coming to the podcast from next week.

In this conversation, Ben Hunt-Davis shares insight into what drives and empowers an Olympic gold-winning team. A Former Olympic rower turned successful entrepreneur, Ben is the author of the acclaimed book Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?

Tune in for invaluable insights from Ben’s illustrious rowing career, recounting the journey from consistently finishing at the bottom to clinching Olympic gold. Discover the transformative power of team alignment and purpose, the crucial role of feedback and trust, and the non-negotiable importance of shared goals—whether in sports or business.

This episode delves into the details of team dynamics, the impact of clear communication, and the courage to embrace discomfort for the sake of improvement. Tune in, and let’s make your business unstoppable!

Takeaways

• Finding team alignment and purpose.
• Fostering a culture that values collective success over individual glory.
• The pivotal role of clear goals and regular feedback in driving continual improvement.
• Everyone brings different strengths and life situations to the table. Leveraging those differences to optimise performance.
• Embracing open, honest feedback as a tool for growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Timestamps

(00:00) Title with Ben Hunt-Davis.

(01:05) Coining A Phrase.

(03:10) Uni Drop Out To Full-Time Athlete.

(08:01) How Clear Expectations Lead To Gold.

(11:27) Helping A Team Get Clarity and Purpose.

(13:52) Team Dynamics.

(17:44) Constructive Conflict.

(19:09) Improving Focus and Learning.

(22:34) Helping Others Improve With Uncomfortable Truths.

(25:19) Difficult Real-Life Scenarios.

(27:02) Quick Fire Questions.

(32:58) People a bit better inspire relatable progress.

(33:54) Dad advises but feels unqualified for career guidance.

About Ben Hunt-Davis

Ben is an experienced performance coach, facilitator and world-class keynote speaker. Ben has spent the last 20+ years specialising in translating his Olympic-winning strategies into everyday business success.

Specifically focusing on leadership and team development, Ben has designed and run training courses, conferences and events for more than 100 different organisations.

Ben and executive coach Harriet Beveridge published the best-selling book Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? in 2011. Their real-world application of Ben’s rowing crew’s strategies, habits, and mindset is world-renowned. The performance principles underpinning their story still shape the philosophy of our business today. Ben is an expert in galvanising executive teams and organisations behind a shared ‘Crazy Goal’.

Ben consistently leads and inspires teams to deliver exceptional results. He is a three-time Team GB staff member at the Summer Olympics and chair of organising committees for two international rowing events in the UK.

Follow Ben Hunt-Davis

Website: https://willitmaketheboatgofaster.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhuntdavis?originalSubdomain=uk 

X: https://x.com/olympianben 

Books by Ben Hunt-Davis

Will It Make The Boat Go Faster

Book Recommendations

James Holland books - https://griffonmerlin.com/ 

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your...

In this conversation, Chris Fenning – communications expert, coach and author – deep dives into transforming workplace communication. Tired of inefficient meetings? Chris suggests empowering all participants to take charge, seeking clarity on agendas, and addressing distractions head-on to boost engagement.

Chris offers his unique perspective on communication, including his methods for delivering impactful updates and simplifying complex topics. From his advice on honing email effectiveness to his insights on intertwining leadership skills with everyday exchanges, Chris offers valuable tools for ensuring your message is heard loud and clear.

Listen and get practical tips on breaking down the barriers to effective communication in the workplace and how to leverage AI's potential. Chris shares book recommendations and a fresh outlook that will leave you inspired. Whether you're an intern or an executive, this episode promises actionable strategies to revolutionise how you connect and convey your ideas. So, let's jump in and learn how to mind your f**king business more efficiently!

Takeaways

• Clarity is key for clear communication.
• Shared responsibility for effective and efficient meetings.
• How to handle distractions and bring conversations back politely.
• Positive problem solving to demonstrate competence.
• Top tips for effective email communication.
• Goal, Problem, Solution Communication Model.
• Public Speaking vs. Communication Fundamentals.

Timestamps

(00:00) Be More Effective in Communication with Chris Fenning.

(00:17) Early Life Crisis Leading To Comms.

(04:36) Learning How To Teach.

(06:48) Clear, Concise, and To-The-Point Methodologies.

(09:20) Asking The How.

(11:40) Goal, Problem, Solution.

(14:08) Safety in Mediocracy.

(18:16) Psychological Safety in Leadership.

(19:09) Delivering Bad News.

(21:05) Effective Emails and AI.

(26:55) Clear Communication in Questions.

(29:32) When Should Comms. Be Taught?

(32:42) Teaching Across Levels.

(34:41) How To Do Meetings Differently.

(39:35) Quick Fire Questions with Chris Fenning.

(41:40) Book Recommendations.

About Chris Fenning

Chris Fenning helps us master our communication at work. He helps experts talk to non-experts, teams talk to executives, and much more. Chris's practical methods are used in organisations like Google and NATO, and have appeared in the Harvard Business Review. He is also the author of multiple award-winning books on communication and training that have been translated into 16 languages. 

Find out how Chris can help you at www.chrisfenning.com 

Follow Chris Fenning

Website: https://chrisfenning.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fenning/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIXD8AIH-LUV-B1V5KJ4Ww 

Books by Chris Fenning

The First Minute: https://chrisfenning.com/books/#the-first-minute 

Effective Emails: https://chrisfenning.com/books/#effective-emails 

39 Ways to Make Training Stick:

Today we are re-sharing one of our most controversial episodes so far, with the man who's been called the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer, Benjamin Dennehy.

Benjamin joins Dominic as they discuss the art of selling and the common misconceptions about sales. This is truly a sixty-minute conversation that will change how you look at sales!

Benjamin explores the importance of self-confidence, being in control, and understanding the motivations behind prospects' questions. He emphasises the need for salespeople to focus on having meaningful conversations and helping prospects discover their needs rather than pushing products or services.

He also highlights the importance of hiring and training salespeople effectively and challenges the traditional sales approach of show up, throw up, and hope for the best. In this conversation, the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer shares his unconventional approach to sales and prospecting.

He emphasises the importance of getting prospects emotional and focuses on the purpose of a prospecting call. He also discusses the need for consultative selling and the importance of asking probing questions. The conversation covers topics such as the future of cold calling, the myth of 'people buy people,' and the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Sales is the art of conversation and enabling prospects to discover their needs.
• Good salespeople are self-confident and in control, while poor salespeople often beg and plead.
• Salespeople should focus on understanding the motivations behind prospects’ questions and avoid making assumptions.
• Hiring and training salespeople effectively is crucial for success in sales.
• The traditional approach of show up, throw up, and hope for the best is ineffective. The purpose of a prospecting call is to get the prospect emotional.
• Consultative selling requires asking probing questions and understanding the prospect’s pain points.
• Cold calling will become more challenging with the rise of AI, but there will still be a need for skilled salespeople.
• The myth that ‘people buy people’ is not entirely true; people buy people who are like them.
• Entrepreneurship requires taking risks and being willing to fail.
• Success in sales is about mastering a methodology and continuously improving.
• Salespeople should focus on critical thinking, communication, and emotional control.
• It’s important to know when to quit and when to persevere in business.

Timestamps

(04:00) Book Recommendations and the Misconception of Sales Books

(07:19) Why the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer is Hated

(09:08) The Problem with Traditional Sales Approaches

(23:19) The Art of Asking and Answering Questions in Sales

(28:44) Creating Comfort and Lowering Walls in Sales Conversations

(31:25) Getting Prospects Emotional: The Purpose of a Prospecting Call

(33:44) Consultative Selling: Asking Probing Questions and Understanding Pain Points

(35:42) The Future of Cold Calling and the Rise of AI

(39:03) The Myth of 'People Buy People'

(45:49) The Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

(50:40) Mastering a Methodology: Continuous Improvement in Sales

(51:33) Critical Thinking, Communication, and Emotional Control in Sales

(59:51) Knowing When to Quit and When to Persevere in Business

About Benjamin Dennehy

He’s been called the UK’s most hated sales trainer and the GOAT of cold-calling; Benjamin Dennehy is an engaging and entertaining trainer and speaker. He will shake up your thinking about your role and function in sales with humour, insight and psychology.

Benjamin is The UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer, but why?

Marketing of course. He made it up. There is no international body that measures hostility towards sales...

In this special episode, we hear from Dominic and other industry experts (Michelle Hulse, Director of Revenue Operations at PAX8, Paweł Nicał, a pioneering RevOps expert from Poland) from the UPGRADE'24 conference. 

Revenue Opertions is at the heart of this panel discussion. Listen in to how aligning sales, marketing, and finance creates a seamless customer journey. Michelle shares examples from PAX8 and how they revolutionised their lead handling with data-driven strategies. Dominic provides a walk through of the strategic implementation of OKRs and how RevOps can drive sustainable growth without the need for constant funding. Paweł discusses the critical metrics for RevOps success and the role technology plays in this unified approach.

Real-world examples are shared of optimising sales performance, leveraging AI for operational efficiency, and the philosophical underpinnings that make RevOps a game-changer across industries—from SaaS to any business with a recurring revenue model. Whether RevOps is a buzzword or the future of strategic alignment, this discussion reveals its undeniable impact on business agility and growth.

Takeaways

• Collaboration is Key: Revenue Operations joins the dots between Marketing, Sales, and Customer Experience providing a seamless workflow instead of silos.
• Strategic Growth through OKRs: Objectives and Key Results are significant for structuring tasks and teams.
• Tech and Innovation in RevOps: pioneering technology tool 'Clay,' which integrates various data sources and automates processes, enabling "all bound" operations.
• AI can automate data collection, but humans will always lead creative strategic decisions.

Timestamps

(03:35) Panel Introductions from Karol Popa: UPGRADE’24

(05:31) What is Revenue Operations?

(08:51) Is RevOps A New Way Forward or Just A Buzzword?

(13:53) When To Bring RevOps Into Business.

(18:03) Example of RevOps Teams in Pax8.

(22:13) Silo Focus Needs To Align.

(23:37) Steps To Start With RevOps In Your Business.

(26:33) Different Functions In A RevOps Team.

(29:00) Strategic Growth Opportunities.

(34:21) Aligning Teams With Data.

(38:03) Real Impact and KPIs.

(44:19) Segmentation of Ideal Partner Profile.

(49:16) Technologies For Effective RevOps.

(55:37) AI in Revenue Operations.

(58:22) Boldest Experiments Within RevOps.

(01:03:39) Use RevOps To Drive Innovation & Strategic Change.

About UPGRADE'24

The UPGRADE'24 conference took place on 21-22 November 2024 in Wrocław, Poland. Organised by ITCorner, the event focused on the technology sector and catered to business owners and C-level executives in the IT industry.

The conference addressed strategies for adapting to market changes, methods to enhance business growth and profitability, and opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange with industry leaders. Attendees participated in talks, workshops, and panels designed to help businesses stay competitive during rapid technological transformations.

For more information about UPGRADE'24, please visit www.letsupgrade.pl or search for #UPGRADE'24 on social media platform.

Follow UPGRADE'24

Website: https://letsupgrade.pl 

About Dominic Monkhouse

Founder of Monkhouse & Company, Elite Business Coach and CEO Mentor, author of two smash hit books 'Mind Your F**king Business' and 'F**k Plan B’ and Host of the Top 2% Global Podcast 'Mind Your F**king Business’; Dominic Monkhouse is on a mission to demystify business growth. As a Founder and CEO, he has a track record scaling up award-winning technology service businesses and has been called ‘Britain’s best boss’ for his habit of...

In this conversation, Kevin Dutton explores the fascinating world of cognitive flexibility and how adaptability in decision-making can pave the way to success in business. Known for his groundbreaking work on psychopathy, Dr Kevin Dutton is a British psychologist now working down at the University of Adelaide in Australia. He's the author of a number of books including, Flipnosis: The Art of Split Second Persuasion, Wisdom of Psychopaths, and A Good Psycho's Guide to Success (co-authored with Andy McNabb).

Kevin shares his unique perspective on psychopathic traits, likening them to a mixing desk of personality settings. We'll delve into his thoughts on "precision-engineered psychopathy," the benefits of certain psychopathic traits in professions, and the crucial distinction between "good" and "bad" psychopaths. From humorous anecdotes to profound insights, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions. Whether you're curious about how low empathy scores impact leadership or how Kevin's fearless nature led him to the brink of risk-taking, this conversation promises to enlighten and entertain.

Takeaways

• Cognitive flexibility is crucial and the importance of adapting decision-making strategies.
• Precision-engineered Psychopathy can be advantageous in specific professions, from surgeons to CEOs.
• Decoupling emotion from behaviour in difficult conversations
• Unpack the distinctions between harmful and beneficial psychopathic traits.
• Empathy types and their impact.
• Psychopath Quiz: Test where you fall on the psychopathy spectrum with Kevin’s personality test!

Timestamps

(00:00) Being a Good Psychopath with Kevin Dutton.

(04:17) Public understanding of psychology.

(05:19) Why study psychopaths?

(08:03) Kevin’s upbringing and journey.

(13:08) Defining “psychopath”: traits and stereotypes.

(18:12) Hot empathy and cold empathy.

(20:40) Quiz: Are You A Psychopath?

(26:21) Measuring psychopathic personality.

(28:07) Training traits and emotion regulation.

(33:42) Tips for making difficult conversations in business.

(37:49) Quick Fire Questions.

(45:41) Book Recommendations.

About Kevin Dutton

Professor Kevin Dutton, PhD, FBPsS, is one of the world’s foremost authorities on psychopaths. Having spent the last twenty years at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, he was appointed in 2022 as Australia’s first Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Kevin is the author of the acclaimed bestsellers Flipnosis: The Art of Split-Second Persuasion, The Wisdom of Psychopaths: Lessons in Life from Saints, Spies and Serial Killers, The Good Psychopath’s Guide to Success (with Andy McNab), and Black and White Thinking: The Burden of a Binary Brain in a Complex World. The Wisdom of Psychopaths saw him awarded a ‘Best American Science and Nature Writing prize, and Black and White Thinking was nominated by the Big Ideas Club as one of the must-read non-fiction titles of 2021.

Kevin’s work has been translated worldwide into over twenty-five languages, and his writing and research have been featured in Scientific American, New Scientist, the Guardian, the Times, Psychology Today, the New York Times, the Wall St Journal, the Washington Post, Newsweek, Slate, USA Today among other publications. He regularly publishes in leading international scientific journals and speaks at conferences around the world.

Alongside his academic commitments, Kevin also consults in the elite sport, business, and military sectors and often appears on radio, TV, and podcasts. He also co-hosts the podcast Psycho Schizo Espresso with Iron Maiden front man, Bruce Dickinson.

Find out more about Kevin and his...

Summary

In this conversation, Matt Phelan, the co-founder of the Happiness Index and author of "The Business Case for Happiness" and "The Happiness Index, " shares valuable insight into measuring emotions in the workplace. Matt challenges the old business adage, "If you can measure it, you can manage it," emphasising that understanding and supporting employee happiness leads to better performance.

Listen to this entrepreneur’s story, which led to pioneering the integration of happiness metrics in workplace culture. Highlighting Richard Branson's belief that employees come first, Matt introduces his data-driven approach to fostering workplace happiness and its significant impact on business outcomes.

The episode explores the complex relationship between measuring and managing happiness and the importance of emotional well-being in the workplace. Matt also offers book recommendations and practical advice for enhancing happiness at work, making this a must-listen for any leader eager to disrupt the norm and prioritise employee satisfaction.

Takeaways

• Mythbusting the business concept, “If you can measure it, you can manage it.”
• Understanding the correlation between happiness and productivity.
• Professor Jeremy Dawson’s fascinating NHS hospital research.
• Breaking down the Employee Net Promotor Score questions.
• Debating in the office or work-from-home models.
• Pixar’s global emotions framework.

Chapters

(00:11) From digital agency to workplace happiness with Matt Phelan.

(03:48) The Happiness Index V1

(05:54) Measure it and understand it better.

(07:52) Changing the value prop.

(09:23) Defining happiness as an understandable business metric.

(13:26) Employee Net Promoter Score questions.

(17:23) TED Talk - Super Chickens.

(20:22) Solving different problems from client to client.

(24:31) Are happier employees more productive?

(27:01) Happy Hospitals vs. Unhappy Hospitals.

(28:53) In The Office or Work From Home?

(31:40) Building Relationships.

(34:08) Quick Fire Questions with Matt Phelan.

(39:18) Book recommendations.

About Matt Phelan

Matt Phelan is the co-founder of the Happiness Index, an organisation that aims to understand what makes people happy at work and how that relates to their work performance. He is a self-confessed proud geek and a supporter of decent people.

Matt’s career started when he founded a digital marketing agency called 4Ps Marketing when he was 25 years old. After driving this agency to immense success, Matt and his partners sold the company and opted to double down their investment to go again.

The Happiness Index is a SAAS platform that helps organisations measure their key employee engagement and happiness drivers. 

Follow Matt Phelan

Website: https://mattphelan.co.uk/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/ 

X: https://twitter.com/MatthewPhelan 

Happiness and Humans Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7h6wCWnjsgOIZSR6h0DKbq 

Book Recommendations

Freedom To Be Happy: The Business Case For Happiness by Matt Phelan

The Happiness Index by Matt Phelan

Summary

Farley Thomas, the co-founder and CEO of Manageable joins today’s conversation and shares his revolutionary insights on empowering organisations through highly skilled management. 

Farley highlights the incredible impact of upskilled, confident, and competent managers on organisational success, and why traditional training methods often fall short, diving into the practical approaches his company adopts and drawing fascinating parallels between language learning and workplace skills training. 

Farley also unpacks the critical importance of practice and real-world application in management training, supported by eye-opening examples and personal experiences. From the harmful effects of untrained management on employee well-being to innovative solutions like the Leadership Capacity Profile, this episode is packed with actionable insights that challenge conventional leadership development, advocating for early-career focus and continuous learning that can transform the future of work.

Takeaways

• The concept of Empowerment and the importance of skilled management.
• Ineffectiveness of traditional training and the importance of practice over theoretical knowledge.
• The Impact of poor management on employees and Manageable’s approach on managers training.
• Differences between Managers and Leaders.
• Evaluating leadership capacity- a hypothetical scenario for discovering leadership potential among contributors.
• Skill development and behavioural change through practice.
• Redefining leadership and management roles- ​​reallocating training resources towards early career managers.

Timestamps

(02:15)  Introducing Farley Thomas - the Concept of Empowerment and effective management in organisations.

(14:01) Traditional Training vs. Practical Application.

(18:01) The five principles of Manageable’s effective training programs- the importance of data-driven efforts, bite-sized training, social learning, live sessions, and role models.

(24:00) The impact of Poor Management on Employee Well-Being.

(28:00)  Effective Leadership and Management Practices (Manager vs. Leader).

(34:01) Continuous learning and resource allocation for early career Managers.

(45:00) Thomas’ personal reflections and business advice (critique of work practices).

(54:02) Book Recommendations

(57:00) Final Thoughts and future vision.

About Farley Thomas

Farley Thomas is the co-founder and CEO of Manageable, the leadership-skills-focused EdTech firm on a mission to give everyone the gift of a great manager. 

Prior to founding Manageable in 2020, Farley established a highly successful executive coaching and leadership advisory practice in 2014. He has been advising and coaching CEOs and their teams across diverse industry sectors ever since. 

The core of his previous corporate experience was gained at HSBC, where he was CRO at HSBC Asset Management for over a decade, ultimately setting up and leading teams in over 30 countries worldwide. He has consistently been trusted to develop new initiatives, products and markets.

Follow Farley Thomas

Website: https://www.manageable.works

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farleythomas/

Manageable Conversations Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/manageable-conversations/id1586790766

Book recommendations

Summary

In this conversation, Marques Colston, a former NFL player transitioned to leading the boardroom playbook, dives into the dynamic world of sports and business ventures. Marques discusses his innovative investments in the sports value chain, including sports medicine, technology, and fan engagement. The conversation covers Marque's insights on the socioeconomic impact around stadiums, the rising popularity of lacrosse, and his hands-on approach to parenting. He also opens up about coaching his son's football team and the importance of instilling resilience in his children.

Marques also shares his football crossover strategy to finding sustainable and scalable investments, his philosophy on team dynamics, and the challenges athletes face when transitioning from professional sports. From founding Champion Venture Partners to raising a $100 million fund, Marques Colston's story is a testament to innovation and resilience.

Takeaways

• Marques’ investment portfolio focuses on the sports value chain.
• From athlete to investor, Marques seamlessly transitioned from the field to venture capitalism.
• Marques introduces his three levels of awareness—self, peripheral, and situational.
• Understanding team dynamics and individual roles can maximise collective performance.
• A focus on democratising investments, making it more accessible for others.
• Marques shares his parenting approach to build resilience.

Chapters

(00:00) From Football Field to Business Strategy with Marques Colston.

(03:43) Run down of Marques Colston’s 10-year football career.

(06:13) Introducing Champion Venture Partners, a fund that invests in sports companies.

(07:00) Democratising private investments for average investors.

(12:51) Humble beginnings and embracing challenges to strengthen growth.

(14:37) Sports teach resilience and self-awareness through adversity.

(16:59) Marques Colston’s career highlights include consistency.

(20:04) Motivation as an internal standard.

(21:50) Transitioning from professional football to next career.

(23:36) Early career investments built skills and confidence for the next steps.

(30:16) Evaluating scalability and sustainability of businesses.

(35:37) Creating access to opportunities in alternative investments.

(37:27) Changes to opportunities in the pandemic.

(40:10) Taking football team experience into executive coaching.

(45:12) Culture and leadership impact performance and rewards.

(46:06) Quick fire questions with Marques Colston.

(49:12) Book recommendations.

About Marques Colston 

Marques Colston is a former NFL star now leading wins in the business field of venture capitalists. He is a Founding Partner at Champion Venture Partners, a fund dedicated to innovative investment opportunities that generate meaningful returns in the sports ecosystem.

Marquesis humble about his outstanding 10 year career as a wide receiver for New Orleans Saints. He was the Saints all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and he played a key role in their super bowl victory in 2009. Since stepping off the field, he's seamlessly transitioned into the world of business applying the same Creating Separation mindset that defined his football career.

Over the last 15+ years, he has become a trusted leader in business strategy, private equity, and sports business, driving sustainable growth for companies across various sectors. He's passionate about supporting athletes in navigating the shift from professional sports to business, creating a pathway and holding the door open for those coming up behind him.

Marques wants to democratise investment capability, or the ability of people to invest in early-stage businesses. His current $100 million fund

Summary

In this conversation, Minette Norman, a seasoned leader and author, explores psychological safety, leadership myths, and managers' real impact on employee wellbeing. Minette shares her journey from technical writer to leading an enormous team of 3,500 engineers at Autodesk without learning any code. 

Minette has a genius way of simplifying the complex. She shares insight from her two books, The Boldly Inclusive Leadership and The Psychological Safety Playbook, giving you tangible how-to’s. Minette successfully navigated resistance to collaboration in her long-held position in Silicon Valley. From book recommendations to actionable insights for creating safe and productive work environments, this episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring leaders and curious minds alike.

Takeaways

• Debunking leadership myths and offering a model of vulnerability.
• Psychological safety fosters an environment where team members can openly ask questions, make mistakes, and share ideas without fear.
• Career pathway options for leaders and individual contributors.
• Building an inclusive workplace with the tipping point percentage.
• Offering the How-To guidance leaders are seeking.
• The importance of having an open mind in business.

Chapters

(00:00) Collaborating Ideas With An Open Mind With Minette Norman.

(03:08) Minette’s Journey From Technical Writer To Leader.

(04:59) Transforming Workspace Culture and Unify Teams.

(06:54) Overcoming Resistance To Collaborative Coding and Internal Competition.

(10:57) Importance of Yearly Summit In-Person Gathering.

(12:01) Adapting Meetings to Equalise Space & Include Quieter Individuals’ Insights.

(14:52) Reasons Behind The Boldly Inclusive Leader.

(17:36) Conceit of Leadership.

(21:47) Psychological Safety, Inclusion & Interpersonal Risk Taking.

(24:28) Co-Authoring Focused on How To Increase Psychological Safety.

(26:27) Asking For Other Points of View With An Open Mind.

(28:16) Learning From Mistakes.

(31:59) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Conference.

(35:17) Overcoming Affinity Bias To Embrace Diverse Groups.

(38:49) Loneliness in the Workplace.

(41:39) Quickfire Q&A with Minette Monkhouse.

(47:02) Book Recommendations.

About Minette Norman 

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the software industry.

Minette has extensive experience leading internationally distributed teams and believes that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Before starting her consultancy, her most recent position was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.

​Minette is a keynote speaker on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, collaborative teams, and empathy. Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognised leader with a unique perspective.

​Minette is the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook.

Minette holds degrees in Drama and French from Tufts University and studied at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris.

Follow Minette Norman

Website: https://www.minettenorman.com/

LinkedIn:

Summary

In this conversation, Alan Miltz, a renowned financial analysis and business strategy expert, shares insights into scaling up a business and improving its cash flow. He dives deep into the intricacies of financial management, from optimising cash flow and managing working capital to the fine art of pricing strategy.

Alan keeps the conversation simple, outlining how small 1% changes in one day can revolutionise a company's financial health. He offers his understanding of The Magic Number 200 and practical tools for improving cash flow and sustaining growth, even in challenging economic climates. Finally, Alan provides some excellent book recommendations for anyone looking to find hidden value in their business segments.

Takeaways

• Mastering the seven financial levers to enhance cash flow.
• Understand the power of incremental 1% improvements.
• Ensure your financial strategies are aligned with your bank's focus.
• Keep financial reports simple and relatable.
• Manage meetings so everyone understands the company’s story.
• Overcome the hesitation to raise prices.
• The Magic Number 200 explained simply.

Chapters

(00:00) Discussing Cash Flow, The Power of One and More With Alan Miltz

(05:13) Cash Flow Is Crucial In The Current Economy

(9:58) Seven Levers and Four Chapters In Business

(13:53) Management Team Responsibilities

(17:08) Cash Flow Burn 

(20:42) Relationship of Price vs. Volume to Cash Flow and Profit

(25:37) Identifying Profit Segments Using Cash Flow Ladder

(34:12) Magic Number of 200

(38:58) Cash Flow Story Software Tool

(41:02) Book Recommendations for Improving Business

About Alan Miltz

Alan Miltz has dedicated his life to helping business leaders and everyone in their team love the numbers. Revenue is vanity, Profit is sanity and Cash is king (or queen) are usually his opening words.

Alan is a co-author of Verne Harnish’s global best-selling book Scaling Up (having written the financial component of the book).

Alan believes that running a business is like managing a sports team: Everyone needs to know the score. Every business wants to scale up its profit, cash, and value. The Power of One, developed by Alan and the team at Cash Flow Story, is your company’s code. How many 1% or 1-day changes do you need to make to achieve your desired financial results?

Everything Alan has developed has had one common theme – to make the complex simple. As a founder of Inmatrix (known as Optimist software) in 1998, which is now the global standard for over 500 banks in more than 90 countries. More recently co-founded Cash Flow Story allowing non-financial individuals to easily analyse and improve business Profit, Cash & Value. This has helped 1000’s of businesses to scale 2xProfit, 3xCash and 10xBusiness Value.

Alan has been voted best speaker in Australia for TEC (the world’s largest CEO forum) and continues to speak at many CEO conferences globally, including the CEO syndicate in Australia, Entrepreneurs Organisation, and YPO. He also sits on the boards of 15 well-recognised companies globally.

Follow Alan Miltz

• Website
• LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

In this conversation, Nick Bradley - world-renowned author, speaker, and business growth expert - shares his insights on private equity, business exits, and the common myths and mistakes entrepreneurs make when preparing to sell their businesses. He emphasises the importance of leadership, understanding the dynamics of private equity, and the need for businesses to focus on growth and valuation strategies. Nick also discusses the impact of customer concentration on business value and the transition from being a business owner to an investor. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the significance of personal growth, defining success, and the role of culture in scaling businesses. Finally, Nick offers book recommendations that can aid entrepreneurs on their journey.

Takeaways

• Common myths about exiting businesses can lead to mistakes.
• Leadership plays a vital role in business growth and scaling.
• Understanding private equity dynamics is essential for business owners.
• Valuation is influenced by both tangible and intangible assets.
• Customer concentration can significantly impact business value.
• Preparing for a successful exit requires strategic planning.
• The transition from business owner to investor can be rewarding.
• Personal growth and defining success are key to a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters

(00:00) The Importance of Recording Interviews

(02:57) Navigating Private Equity and Exits

(05:56) Common Myths and Mistakes in Exiting Businesses

(08:53) The Role of Leadership in Business Growth

(12:00) Understanding Private Equity Dynamics

(15:06) Valuation and Growth Strategies for Businesses

(18:03) The Impact of Customer Concentration on Value

(21:01) Preparing for a Successful Exit

(24:04) The Transition from Business Owner to Investor

(27:00) The Evolution of Business Owners

(29:56) The Role of Culture in Scaling Businesses

(32:50) Defining Success and Personal Growth

(35:52) The Next Act After Exiting a Business

(38:59) Book Recommendations for Entrepreneurs

(42:07) Quickfire Questions with Nick Bradley

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

In this conversation, Jade Green discusses sustainable business growth through effective recruitment strategies. She emphasises the importance of understanding client needs, creating attractive job descriptions, and nurturing new hires. The discussion also covers the significance of company culture, purpose, and values in attracting and retaining top talent. Jade shares insights on the war for talent, interviewing techniques, and the ideal recruitment process, along with recommended readings for further understanding of these concepts.

Takeaways

• Sustainable business growth requires fixing people problems.
• There is always a war for A-plus players in the job market.
• Understanding the job to be done is crucial for recruitment.
• Selling the opportunity to candidates is essential.
• Culture is caught, not taught; leaders must model desired behaviors.
• What you permit in your organisation, you promote.
• Nurturing new hires is key to their success and retention.
• Defining purpose, mission, and values helps attract the right talent.
• An attractive employer brand is vital for recruitment success.
• Effective interviewing techniques can reveal a candidate's true potential.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Sustainable Business Growth

(02:53) The War for Talent

(05:47) Understanding Client Needs in Recruitment

(09:04) The Importance of Job Descriptions

(11:55) Recruitment Challenges and Solutions

(15:08) Interviewing Techniques for Success

(18:01) Creating an Attractive Employer Brand

(20:54) Executive Recruitment Strategies

(24:10) The Ideal Recruitment Process

(26:54) Nurturing New Hires

(30:03) Defining Purpose, Mission, and Values

(32:57) The Role of Culture in Recruitment

(36:10) Recommended Reading for Recruitment Success

About Jade Green

As a transformational teacher, best selling author, global speaker, and adventurer, Jade has built an international reputation as a hard-charging, rule-breaking, serial entrepreneur and high performance coach. As a certified trainer and facilitator for Mindvalley and The Genius Group (Entrepreneur Resorts/Entrepreneurs Institute/GeniusU), Jade combines world class content and methodologies with two decades of experience building businesses. Among other accolades, she has been honoured as one of StartUp Daily's Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs Under 40, received two Bronze International Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and her Search Firm, Velocity Consulting, was the very first business to receive investment from The Entourage Growth Fund.

Follow Jade Green

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Spotify
• X

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

In this conversation, Dan Pontefract discusses his journey as a leadership strategist, focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence, culture change, and the impact of nurturing curiosity within organisations. He shares insights from his experience at TELUS, where he helped transform the corporate culture and introduced innovative programs like the TELUS MBA.

The discussion emphasises the need for a unified leadership philosophy and the significance of treating employees with kindness and respect to foster a thriving workplace. In this conversation, Dominic Monkhouse reflects on the evolution of corporate culture and leadership, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a unified purpose within organisations. He discusses the identity crises faced by companies like Starbucks and Wells Fargo, highlighting the need for leaders to foster a culture of learning and development.

Dominic also shares insights from his books and recent readings, advocating for a more human-centric approach to leadership and work-life dynamics.

Takeaways

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Organisations often promote individuals without considering their EQ.
• Culture change requires a unified leadership philosophy.
• Learned helplessness can hinder organisational growth.
• Leaders should focus on developing their teams.
• A supportive work environment fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Work-life balance is not always achievable; it's about blooming.
• The canoe metaphor illustrates the need for aligned leadership.
• CEOs play a significant role in shaping organisational culture.
• Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.

Chapters

(00:00) Building Bridges: The Journey Begins

(03:14) Leadership Strategies: Transforming Organizations

(05:54) Culture Change: Lessons from TELUS

(09:11) The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

(11:52) Learned Helplessness: A Barrier to Growth

(14:47) Nurturing Curiosity: The Key to Engagement

(18:07) Creating a Unified Culture: The TELUS Leadership Philosophy

(20:53) Measuring Success: Engagement and Performance Metrics

(27:04) Reflecting on Leadership and Culture

(29:00) The Identity Crisis of Corporations

(31:22) The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

(33:42) Collaboration and Constructive Conflict

(35:59) The Shift from Know-it-alls to Learn-it-alls

(39:54) The Role of Leaders in Team Development

(40:50) Exploring the Books of Dominic Monkhouse

(44:30) Navigating Work-Life Dynamics

(46:51) Recent Reads and Inspirations

(49:39) Quickfire Questions and Insights

About Dan Pontefract

Dan is an award-winning author, leadership strategist, culture change expert, and renowned keynote speaker. His books and keynotes are a great starting point for transforming your team or corporate culture into a competitive advantage.

His five books include WORK-LIFE BLOOM, LEAD. CARE. WIN., OPEN TO THINK, THE PURPOSE EFFECT, and FLAT ARMY.

WORK-LIFE BLOOM won the 2024 Axiom Business Book Gold Medal in the Leadership Category and is one of the Thinkers50 Top New Management Books for 2024.

LEAD. CARE. WIN. won the 2022 Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal in the Leadership/Business category. It was a short-list finalist for the 2021 getAbstract International Book of the Year.

OPEN TO THINK won the 2019 getAbstract International Book of the Year and the 2019 Axiom Business Book Silver Medal winner in the Leadership Category.

Dan has presented at four different TED events and also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review.

Previously as Chief Envisioner and Chief Learning...

Summary

In this conversation, Dominic Monkhouse and Ben Arendt, author of 'How to Suck Less as a Manager: A Practical Guide to Making Your Team Less Miserable Today', discuss the challenges and nuances of effective management and leadership. They explore the importance of understanding team members, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of trust and autonomy. The discussion also touches on the impact of leadership on employee wellbeing, the significance of company values, and the lessons learned from both good and bad management experiences. Arant advocates for a more empathetic approach to leadership, encouraging managers to connect with their teams and prioritise mental health and engagement.

Takeaways

• Management is about continuous improvement, not perfection.
• Understanding your team's personal goals can enhance motivation.
• Mental wellbeing is crucial for productivity and engagement.
• Trust and autonomy are key to effective leadership.
• Company values should be authentic and practiced, not just stated.
• Not everyone is cut out for management roles.
• Effective communication can resolve conflicts and improve team dynamics.
• Leaders should invite skepticism and differing opinions to foster innovation.
• Self-awareness is essential for effective management.
• Leadership impacts employee wellbeing significantly.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Management Insights

(03:11) The Importance of Understanding Your Team

(06:00) Adapting to Change and Mental Wellbeing

(08:52) Trust and Autonomy in Leadership

(12:13) The Role of Values in Company Culture

(15:07) Learning from Bad Management Experiences

(17:48) The Transition from Individual Contributor to Manager

(21:08) The Impact of Leadership on Wellbeing

(23:57) Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution

(27:12) Final Thoughts and Recommendations

About Ben Arendt

Ben is the author of the Amazon best-selling “How To Suck Less as a Manager: A Practical Guide to Making Your Team Less Miserable Today!” and the founder of Depth Charge Consulting.

Ben’s years in the US government, CEB, and Gartner shaped his approach to serving leaders and their organizations. Through these experiences, Ben has supported hundreds of executives around the C-Suite, empowering leaders to achieve their goals, whether double-digit growth, improved employee experiences, or successful transformation.

At Depth Charge, Ben's two main customer groups include: Development-focused executives looking to improve manager quality at their organizations

GTM leaders seeking to improve sales efficacy, messaging, and commercial acumen.

Industry/Sector Expertise: Technology (incl/ SaaS), Energy, Retail, Manufacturing, Government, Education, Healthcare, Insurance, Financial Services, Professional Services, BioTech/Pharma, Nonprofit

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

The conversation explores the concept of high-performing sales behaviour and the challenges faced by sales professionals in the current market. It delves into the importance of understanding buyer indecision and the four key behaviours that help overcome it. The conversation also touches on the role of persuasion in sales, the need for sellers to adapt to changing buyer behaviours, and the potential retirement of salespeople who are not effective in their roles. In this conversation, Ted McKenna and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the importance of establishing trust and expertise in the sales process. They emphasise the need for sellers to own the flow of information and demonstrate their knowledge and experience to buyers. They also explore different profiles of business developers, with the activator profile being the most successful. Ted shares his thoughts on success, the most significant risk he's taken, and the worst business advice he's received.

Takeaways

• High-performing sales behaviour is defined as the top 20% of performers in a company, and it is important to study their behaviour to replicate their success.
• Buyer indecision is a common challenge in sales, and it is driven by fears such as options overload, analysis paralysis, and fear of failure.
• Sellers should be cautious about using persuasion techniques when buyers are indecisive, as it can backfire and make the situation worse.
• To help buyers overcome indecision, sellers should focus on understanding the depth of indecision, making firm recommendations, limiting excessive exploration, and managing risk.
• The sales profession needs to evolve and keep pace with changing buyer behaviours and preferences.
• There is still a need for salespeople, as buyers rely on them for guidance, assurance, and personalised recommendations. Establishing trust and expertise is crucial in the sales process.
• Sellers should own the flow of information and demonstrate their knowledge and experience to buyers.
• The activator profile is the most successful in business development.
• Success is measured by doing right by the people you love and finding joy in your work.
• Trying to be all things to all people is not effective in business.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to High-Performing Sales

(02:53) Defining High Performance in Sales

(06:04) The Role of Salespeople in Modern Buying

(09:05) Understanding Buyer Indecision

(11:48) The Jolt Effect and Overcoming Indecision

(18:00) Key Behaviors of Successful Sellers

(24:11) The Activator Advantage in Sales

(29:56) Professional Services and Selling Dynamics

(36:00) Books and Resources for Sales Professionals

(41:49) Personal Insights and Closing Thoughts

About Ted Mckenna

Ted McKenna is one of the world's leading experts in sales, business development, and customer experience and a co-author of the bestselling book The JOLT Effect: How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision and the upcoming book The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently (April 2025).

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Physician, physiologist, researcher, explorer, serial technology entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Well Founded Dr. Jack Kreindler shares his unique journey as both a physician and technologist, discussing the evolution of medicine through technology, the importance of teamwork in extreme environments, and the insights gained from his South Pole expedition. He emphasises the significance of gender differences in endurance and collaboration, and introduces a health program designed for founders to enhance their well-being and performance. The discussion also touches on future innovations in health and the role of technology in improving medical practices.

takeaways

• Dr. Jack's journey began at a young age with a passion for technology.
• The intersection of medicine and technology is crucial for future practices.
• Longevity is a rebranding of preventive and lifestyle medicine.
• Women often outperform men in endurance and teamwork in extreme conditions.
• Team dynamics play a significant role in success during challenging expeditions.
• The South Pole expedition provided insights into human performance under stress.
• Founders' health is increasingly recognised as vital for business success.
• The six-month health program for founders is designed for maximum impact.
• Open sourcing the methodology allows broader access to health insights.
• Future innovations in health may involve AI and human collaboration.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Jack and His Journey

(03:07) The Intersection of Medicine and Technology

(05:47) Exploring Longevity and Preventive Medicine

(09:03) Gender Differences in Endurance and Team Dynamics

11:54) Insights from the South Pole Expedition

(15:12) The Importance of Teamwork in Extreme Conditions

(18:06) Founders' Health Program and Its Impact

(20:59) Future Directions and Innovations in Health

About Dr Jack Kreindler

Physician, physiologist, serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and recently t

he mind behind The End of Ageing TedxLondonSalon, Dr Jack Kreindler has an impressive track record. I interviewed Jack at his ‘Centre for Health and Human Performance’ lab on Harley Street, an underground physiology and sports medicine boutique with a spa-like feel – filled with bikes, cardio machines and high-spec monitoring equipment.

CHHP is for those curious about their physiology – whether to optimise self-management of a chronic condition, enable elite sports performance or improve everyday functioning. I’m told the CHHP team treat the very sickest patients and athletes alike, training them to achieve their best possible physiological outcomes.

Sentrian Inc., a CHHP spin-out, is one of Jack’s latest technology projects. Sentrian is a cloud-based Remote Patient Intelligence company that aims to leverage the biosensor and machine learning revolutions to detect deterioration in patients’ health, before they become acutely unwell

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Arnie Malham, founder of CJ Advertising and Legal Intake Professionals, discusses the importance of workplace culture and the value of reading in personal and professional growth. He shares his experience with building a strong culture in his own companies and the impact it had on employee satisfaction and performance. Arnie also introduces the concept of the Better Book Club, a program he developed to encourage reading and personal development within organisations. He emphasises the role of leadership in shaping culture and provides a framework for creating a positive and thriving work environment. Arnie Malham discusses the importance of creating a strong company culture and shares insights on how to build and maintain it. He emphasises the need for leaders to prioritise their team's growth and development, and to be deliberate in shaping the culture they want. Arnie suggests giving cultural programs to champions within the organisation, rather than relying solely on HR or top leadership. He also highlights the significance of celebrating milestones and creating a history of success within the company. Arnie shares his own experiences and lessons learned from running his company for 10 years and offers book recommendations for further reading on culture and leadership.

takeaways

• Workplace culture reflects leadership and is crucial for employee satisfaction and performance.
• Reading is a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.
• The Better Book Club is a program that promotes reading and personal development within organisations.
• Leadership plays a key role in shaping and maintaining a positive work culture.
• A strong culture is built on core values, consistent actions, and a focus on growth and development. Leaders should prioritise the growth and development of their team members to create a strong company culture.
• Cultural programs should be led by champions within the organisation, rather than relying solely on HR or top leadership.
• Celebrating milestones and creating a history of success within the company is important for building a positive culture.
• Arnie shares his own experiences and lessons learned from running his company for 10 years.
• Book recommendations for further reading on culture and leadership include 'Double Double' by Cameron Harold, 'Uncontainable' by Kip Tindell, and 'Find Your Yellow Tux' by Jesse Cole.

Chapters

(01:10) Arnie's Expertise in Workplace Culture

(03:13) The Better Book Club

(06:25) Arnie's Background and Transition to Coaching

(10:11) Target Audience and Pain Points

(12:07) Arnie's Background and Introduction

(19:16) Arnie's Businesses: CJ Advertising and Legal Intake Professionals

(21:22) Creating a Strong Culture

(25:46) Arnie's Framework for Building a Great Culture

(28:08) Leadership's Role in Shaping Culture

(28:46) Prioritising Growth and Development for a Strong Company Culture

(30:00) The Role of Champions in Cultural Programs

(36:23) The Importance of Onboarding and Checklists

(41:10) Creating a Culture of Celebration and Milestones

(45:20) Lessons Learned from Running a Company for 10 Years

About Arnie Malham

Arnie Malham is an award-winning CEO/founder, 8-figure entrepreneur and best-selling author who helps progressive leaders create engaging and sustainable cultures within their organizations.

With more than 20 years as a successful entrepreneur, Arnie has founded and sold multiple businesses, including his most recent sale of a prominent advertising firm producing more than $60M in annual revenue. Through employing thousands of team members across three different companies, he has implemented simple, yet effective methods to create remarkable and sustainable cultures.

Arnie is an international speaker who has...

Summary

Josh Seiden & Jeff Gothelf join Dominic Monkhouse to talk about one of his favourite growth tools - OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

The discussion dives deep into the world of OKRs, highlighting their critical role in goal-setting and driving organisational alignment. The guests introduce their latest book, Who Does What By How Much?, which offers a fresh, customer-focused take on OKRs. They stress the importance of shifting from output-driven goals to outcome-based objectives that are tightly aligned with customer needs and behaviours.

A key theme of the conversation is the delicate balance between Business as Usual (BAU) activities and the implementation of OKRs. This episode explores how OKRs should not only complement existing operations but also help steer an organisation’s strategy. They discuss the ideal timeframe for setting corporate OKRs, with an emphasis on quarterly check-ins and measurable key results that track progress throughout the year.

The conversation also addresses practical challenges, such as fostering collaboration across teams and securing leadership buy-in, both of which are essential for successful OKR implementation. The speakers advise organisations to start small, gradually expand OKR adoption, and invest time and effort into their OKR process while still keeping an eye on BAU performance.

In addition to their insights on OKRs, the guests share personal book recommendations and reflect on their own definitions of success, rounding out a rich discussion that not only offers practical advice but also broader perspectives on achieving meaningful outcomes in today's customer-driven world.

Takeaways

• OKRs should be customer-centric and focused on outcomes rather than outputs.
• Aligning goals with the needs and behaviours of customers leads to better products and services.
• Strategic goals should be set for a year, while tactical goals can be set on a quarterly or monthly basis.
• The conversation and alignment around OKRs should be a two-way process, involving input from all levels of the organisation.
• Flexibility and customisation are key in implementing OKRs, as each organisation's needs and context may vary. Set quarterly check-ins and key results that can be measured throughout the year.
• Prioritise customer-centric goals and focus on changing customer behaviour.
• Start small and gradually expand OKR implementation.
• Allocate time and effort to OKRs while maintaining business as usual metrics.
• Facilitate collaboration and foster leadership buy-in for successful OKR implementation.
• Continuously learn and acquire new skills to enhance personal and professional growth.

Chapters

(03:13) The Power of Customer-Centric OKRs

(07:19) Balancing BAU and OKRs

(13:53) The Role of Strategy in OKR Implementation

(25:15) Setting the Timeframe for Corporate OKRs

(30:40) Setting Quarterly Check-ins and Measurable Key Results

(32:14) Prioritising Customer-Centric Goals for Changing Customer Behavior

(41:40) Challenges of Collaboration and the Role of Leadership Buy-in

(47:00) Starting Small and Gradually Expanding OKR Implementation

(49:16) Allocating Time and Effort to OKRs while Maintaining Business as Usual Metrics

(56:01) Continuous Learning and Personal Growth for Success

About Josh Seiden

Josh Seiden has been creating great technology products for more than 20 years. A UX design leader, Josh has worked in hardware and software, consumer and enterprise, mobile, web, and desktop. He was a Principal at Neo and,...

Martin Gonzalez, Principal of Organizational Leadership Development at Google, discusses the challenges and importance of people and organisational dynamics in startups. He shares insights from his book, The Bonfire Moment, and the workshops he runs for founders. The workshops focus on addressing the people factor in startups, including co-founder conflict, team culture, and building the right management team. Martin emphasises the need for founders to evolve from being chief bricklayers to chief architects as their companies grow. He also explores the question of whether founders should remain as CEOs or bring in professional CEOs. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling a startup and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit. It discusses the importance of codifying the founder's spirit without stifling innovation and the need for continuous self-reflection and self-awareness. The workshop described in the conversation focuses on creating clarity, having tough conversations, and addressing sources of conflict within the leadership team. The conversation also touches on the role of trust in team dynamics and the potential pitfalls of overemphasising trust-building activities.

Who is Martin Gonzalez

Martin Gonzalez is the creator of Google’s Effective Founders Project, a global research program that decodes the factors that enable startup founders to succeed. He also works closely with Google’s engineering and research leaders on org design, leadership, and culture challenges. Martin is a frequent lecturer at Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD, and has advised leaders across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He studied organisational psychology and behavioural science at Columbia University and the London School of Economics.

Takeaways

• The people factor is a major reason for startup failure, and founders often struggle with addressing people and organizational challenges.
• Founders need to evolve from being chief bricklayers to chief architects as their companies grow.
• Building the right team culture and management team is crucial for startup success.
• There is a need for more research on how founders can remain as CEOs and lead their companies through the scale-up phase. Scaling a startup while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit is a challenge.
• Codifying the founder's spirit can lead to a company of rule followers and a loss of entrepreneurial spirit.
• Continuous self-reflection and self-awareness are essential for effective leadership.
• Creating clarity, having tough conversations, and addressing sources of conflict are crucial for a healthy leadership team.
• Trust-building activities may not always address the root causes of trust issues.
• Recommended books for further reading: 'The Founder's Dilemmas' and 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things'.

Chapters

(00:29) Selective Upgrades and Performance Outcomes

(03:59) The Need to Change the World of Work

(08:04) Trusting Data Over Intuition

(13:07) The People Factor in Startup Failure

(15:31) Founder Obsession with Product and Lack of Tools for People Dynamics

(18:39) The Importance of Bullshit as a Founder

(23:24) Founder CEOs and the Transition to Chief Architect

(26:03) The Impact of Founder CEOs on Business Success

(26:43) Maintaining an Entrepreneurial Spirit

(28:08) The Challenge of Codifying the Founder's Spirit

(29:49) Creating Clarity and Addressing Conflict

(37:30) The Bullshit Circle and Real Talk

(45:38) Learning Leadership from Cult Leaders

(54:30) The Myth of External Enemies

About Martin Gonzalez

Principal of AI Talent Development at Google, Martin was previously a management consultant with the...

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of dyslexia and its connection to entrepreneurship. Jamie Waller, The dyslexic entrepreneur and advocate, shares his insights and experiences. He discusses the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals in the education system and society, as well as the unique strengths and traits they possess. The conversation also touches on the importance of changing the narrative around dyslexia and empowering individuals with dyslexia to pursue their goals. Waller emphasises the need for support and understanding, both in education and the business world. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Waller's upcoming adventures, including a trip to space. Jamie Waller, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur, discusses his plans to take a two-year trip around the world with his children and the challenges of balancing work and family life. He shares his experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, highlighting the importance of curiosity and being open to new ideas. Waller also talks about his struggles with sleep due to ADHD and offers tips for managing sleep challenges. He emphasises the need for kindness in business and challenges the myth that you have to be ruthless to succeed. Waller recommends the books 'Good to Great' and 'Strength to Strength' for personal and professional development.

Takeaways

• Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects individuals in various ways, but it is not a measure of intelligence.
• Dyslexic thinkers often possess unique strengths, such as explorative thinking and a strong sense of justice.
• Entrepreneurship can be a natural fit for dyslexic individuals due to their risk-taking mindset and ability to think outside the box.
• Changing the narrative around dyslexia is crucial to empower individuals and promote understanding and support.
• Supporting dyslexic individuals in education and the business world can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities for success. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but it's important to make time for experiences and adventures with loved ones.
• Curiosity and openness to new ideas are key traits for entrepreneurs and investors.
• Managing sleep challenges, especially for individuals with ADHD, can be aided by supplements like GABA and creating a conducive sleep environment.
• Kindness is an important quality in business; success does not require ruthlessness.
• Planning for life after exit is crucial for entrepreneurs to maintain purpose and fulfilment.

Chapters

(03:25) Exploring the Connection Between Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship

(08:27) Changing the Narrative: Empowering Dyslexic Individuals

(10:28) Unique Strengths of Dyslexic Thinkers

(19:37) Supporting Dyslexic Individuals in Education and Business

(25:45) Adventures and Challenges: Dyslexia and Personal Growth

(31:26) Taking a Two-Year Trip Around the World

(35:00) The Curiosity and Openness of an Entrepreneur

(38:03) Managing Sleep Challenges with ADHD

(46:55) The Importance of Kindness in Business

(52:09) Planning for Life After Exit

About Jamie Waller

Jamie was born dyslexic, with ADHD, colour blind, poor and raised in Bethnal Green, East London. Jamie benefited from the supportive efforts of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and the Prince’s Trust, both charities strive to improve the lives of underprivileged young people, and they remain dear to Jamie’s heart. Upon retiring from the Imps after eleven years of service at age sixteen, Jamie started his first business. Since then, he has launched and sold multiple businesses throughout the world demonstrating the limitless power of thinking differently as a dyslexic entrepreneur.

Jamie is the Founder and past Chair of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Network, sponsor of the

Summary

James Ashford shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of creating amazing customer experiences. He emphasises the need for systemization and continual improvement to deliver exceptional service. Dominic Monkhouse highlights the significance of sales in business success and the fear of rejection that holds many businesses back from increasing their prices. They discuss the value of simplifying the sales process and closing deals on the spot. James also shares his experience with Go Proposal, a pricing proposal software for accountants, and how it helped streamline the sales process. James Ashford shares his experience of building and selling his software business, GoProposal, and the importance of creating a sales culture and simplifying the sales process. He emphasises the need for businesses to focus on providing a great customer experience and highlights the value of being exit-ready. James also discusses the challenges he faced after selling his business and the importance of understanding the true reason why entrepreneurs do what they do.

Takeaways

• Creating amazing customer experiences is crucial for business success.
• Systemisation and continual improvement are key to delivering exceptional service.
• Many businesses fear increasing their prices due to a lack of self-worth and fear of rejection.
• Simplifying the sales process and closing deals on the spot can lead to faster business growth.
• Go Proposal, pricing proposal software, helps streamline the sales process for accountants. Instead of relying solely on a sales team, focus on creating a sales culture in your business.
• Simplify the sales process to provide a better customer experience and increase efficiency.
• Be exit-ready by systemising your business, having a playbook, and extracting yourself from day-to-day operations.
• Understand the true reason why you do what you do as an entrepreneur and honour that passion.
• Surround yourself with positivity and block out negativity to maintain a positive mindset.

Chapters

(02:51) Creating Amazing Customer Experiences

(10:04) Overcoming the Fear of Rejection and Increasing Prices

(19:07) Simplifying the Sales Process for Faster Business Growth

(22:50) Streamlining the Sales Process for Accountants with Go Proposal

(29:17) Creating a Sales Culture and Simplifying the Sales Process

(35:55) The Value of Being Exit-Ready

(51:51) Understanding the True Reason Why Entrepreneurs Do What They Do

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

Renan de Villiers, CEO and co-founder of OSS Ventures, discusses his niche in B2B SaaS for manufacturing. He explains that manufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP and highlights the importance of software in factories. Renan shares his experience as a former factory director and how it led him to start a venture builder and investment firm focused on SaaS B2B for manufacturing. He emphasises the challenges of scaling executive talent in mature companies and the need for better incentive packages in the VC world. Renan also discusses the state of the economy, de-globalisation, and the future of manufacturing. The conversation explores the importance of hardware in tech companies, the challenges of scaling businesses, and the myths and realities of venture capital. It also delves into the personal journey of the guest and his sources of inspiration.

takeaways

• Manufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP, making it a significant niche for B2B SaaS.
• Scaling executive talent is a challenge in mature companies, and better incentive packages are needed in the VC world.
• The US is decoupling from China, and there is a trend of reshoring and nearshoring in manufacturing.
• Energy and chip production are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry. Hardware will play a significant role in the success of tech companies in the future.
• Scaling a business involves two major breaking points: transitioning from founder-led chaos to a more structured approach and managing the challenges of communication and processes as the company grows.
• Founders need to be willing to adapt and change as their company scales, and sometimes, that means letting go of the chaotic energy that fuelled the early stages.
• Ideas do matter in business, but they are nothing without execution.
• Success in life is measured by the impact you have on others.
• Recommended books: 'No Rules Rules' by Reed Hastings and 'Hunger, Famine, and Wealth' by London philosopher.
• Recommended podcast: 'Revenue Builder' for insights on revenue generation in B2B SaaS.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Niche in B2B SaaS for Manufacturing

(02:11) Scaling Executive Talent in Mature Companies

(06:21) Challenges in Incentive Packages for VC-backed Companies

(13:22) The Decoupling of the US from China

(24:07) The Importance of Energy and Chip Production in Manufacturing

(25:55) The Role of Hardware in Tech Companies

(30:25) Scaling Challenges and Breaking Points

(32:17) Adapting as a Founder During Growth

(39:37) The Importance of Ideas and Execution

(45:22) Measuring Success in Life

(49:08) Timeless Inspiration from 'Meditations'

(49:53) Debunking the Myth: Ideas Do Matter

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

Tim Cameron-Kitchen, founder of Exposure Ninja, discusses the impact of AI on search and the future of Google. He highlights the emergence of Chat GPT and TikTok as potential threats to Google's dominance. Google responded by integrating AI functionality into its search engine, including Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Perspectives. Tim's agency was one of the first to figure out how to optimize for SGE. However, Google's release of AI overviews, which provide generative AI answers to user queries, received negative feedback. Tim believes that while AI can potentially disrupt search, Google is adapting to stay relevant. In this conversation, Tim Cameron-Kitchen and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the future of search engines and the role of AI in marketing and business. They explore the impact of generative AI on search engine results and the challenges faced by new search engines in competing with Google. They also discuss the use of AI in business operations, such as using AI models to analyse documents and transcripts for better decision-making. The conversation touches on the importance of video presence in remote interviews and the significance of attention to detail in online interactions. Tim shares his favourite books and podcasts for learning and offers insights into measuring success in life.

Takeaways

• The emergence of Chat GPT and TikTok poses potential threats to Google's dominance in search.
• Google has responded by integrating AI functionality into its search engine, such as SGE and Perspectives.
• Exposure Ninja was one of the first agencies to optimise for SGE and share the process with others.
• Google's release of AI overviews, which provide generative AI answers to user queries, received negative feedback.
• While AI has the potential to disrupt search, Google is adapting to stay relevant. Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize search engine results, but it has not yet posed a significant threat to Google's dominance.
• AI models like ChatGPT and Claude can be used to analyse documents and transcripts, providing tailored and fast results for complex queries.
• Video presence and attention to detail are crucial in remote interviews and online interactions.
• Success can be measured by the balance of health, family, and business, with a focus on avoiding regret in the future.

Chapters

(29:57) Threats to Google's Dominance

(31:49) Negative Feedback on AI Overviews

(34:04) Generative AI in Search Engine Results

(36:16) The Dominance of Google and the Challenges Faced by New Search Engines

(39:14) AI in Business Operations: Analysing Documents and Transcripts

(46:02) The Importance of Video Presence and Attention to Detail in Remote Interviews

(51:12) Recommended Books and Podcasts for Learning and Inspiration

(54:26) Measuring Success: Health, Family, and Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

🎙️ Get ready for a transformative episode of the Mind Your F**king Business podcast with Dominic Monkhouse! This week, Dominic sits down with leadership guru Kyle McDowell, author of the revolutionary book, 'Begin With We'. Dive deep into their dynamic discussion on overturning traditional corporate hierarchies and embracing a principle-based leadership style that champions collaboration and authenticity.

🌟 From Kyle's own radical shift from conventional management to leading with principles to tackling the pervasive challenges of toxic work cultures, this conversation is packed with insights. They explore the seismic impact of shifting from a 'me' to a 'we' mindset, underscore the importance of genuine connections within the C-suite, and dissect the destructive nature of office gossip.

💡 Plus, don't miss Kyle's breakdown of the 10 cardinal principles of leadership that could redefine your approach to team dynamics and personal accountability. Learn why embracing vulnerability and authenticity isn't just good practice—it's essential for creating a culture of excellence and trust.

🔥 Tune in as they reveal how true leadership means leading by example, owning your mistakes, and stepping up to challenges head-on. This isn't just another leadership discussion; it's a call to fundamentally change how you lead.

Takeaways

• Leadership principles are essential for creating high-performing teams and organizations.
• Collaboration is crucial in the C-suite and throughout the organization.
• There is often a disconnect between leaders' perceptions and the reality of their teams' experiences.
• Toxic work environments can have a detrimental impact on individuals and the overall success of the organisation.
• Creating a culture of excellence requires a focus on both internal and external service. Transitioning from a 'me' to a 'we' mindset in leadership is challenging but essential for building genuine connections with team members.
• Leaders should lead by example and avoid negative conversations about team members in their absence.
• The 10 principles of leadership outlined in 'Begin With We' include leading by example, taking action, owning mistakes, and embracing challenges.
• Relatability, authenticity, and vulnerability are key in building trust within teams.
• Leaders should focus on outcomes rather than activity and be open to challenging and being challenged by team members.
• Attention to detail is crucial for delivering exceptional experiences and establishing a strong brand.

Chapters

(02:58) The Power of Leadership Principles

(07:46) Collaboration in the C-suite

(13:20) Bridging the Disconnect Between Leaders and Teams

(21:33) Creating a Culture of Excellence

(25:36) The Challenge of Transitioning to a 'We' Mindset

(27:15) The Impact of Gossip and the Importance of Leading by Example

(31:33) Creating a Culture of Vulnerability and Support

(37:11) Focusing on Outcomes and Avoiding Busyness

(38:40) Challenging and Being Challenged for Growth

(39:37) The Power of Attention to Detail

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Dominic Monkhouse explores the importance of intentional leadership and creating a strong company culture with John DiJulius from The DiJulius Group

A recent survey of 4,500 UK workers by the Chartered Management Institute found that 82% of those in management positions are 'accidental managers', and have little training or qualifications. The problem is that to be an effective leader you need to develop a whole new set of skills and competencies. John and Dominic highlight the need for formal training for managers and the lack of training in areas such as difficult conversations and interviewing. Their conversation also delves into the concept of purpose in the workplace and the changing attitudes towards hustle culture. The recruitment process is discussed, emphasising creating a unique and engaging experience for candidates. The importance of knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is also emphasised. In this conversation, John DiJulius and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the importance of encouraging and believing in others to help them reach their full potential. They also talk about the power of positive thinking, the impact of personal experiences on leadership, and the value of creating a remarkable customer experience. John shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges and how he has used his experiences to inspire and motivate others. They also touch on the concept of making price irrelevant and the importance of treating customers and employees based on their individual needs.

Keywords

leadership, company culture, formal training, difficult conversations, interviewing, purpose, hustle culture, recruitment process, employee aspirations, encouragement, belief, potential, positive thinking, leadership, customer experience, personal journey, challenges, price irrelevant, individual needs

Takeaways

• Leaders should be intentional and create a strong company culture.
• Managers should receive formal training, especially in areas like difficult conversations and interviewing.
• The concept of purpose in the workplace is important for all generations.
• The recruitment process should be unique and engaging to attract top talent.
• Knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is crucial for employee retention. Encouraging and believing in others can help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.
• Positive thinking and a strong belief in oneself can overcome challenges and lead to success.
• Creating a remarkable customer experience is essential for business growth and customer loyalty.
• Treating customers and employees based on their individual needs is more effective than treating them how you would like to be treated.
• Making price irrelevant by focusing on the value and experience you provide can lead to loyal customers and increased sales.

Chapters

(00:00) Creating an Intentional Company Culture

(09:38) The Importance of Formal Training for Managers

(13:16) Redefining Purpose in the Workplace

(23:43) Supporting Employee Aspirations for Long-Term Retention

(31:13) Unlocking Potential: The Power of Encouragement and Belief

(36:45) Overcoming Personal Obstacles: A Journey of Resilience

(43:28) Creating Remarkable Customer Experiences for Business Growth

(49:08) Making Price Irrelevant: The Value of Customer Experience

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

The conversation explores three main topics: business model resilience, AI, and environmental sustainability. The accessibility and democratisation of AI tools have made a significant impact on innovation and value creation. AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers. The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency. However, the development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. In this conversation, Alex and Dominic discuss the potential of AI in innovation and business processes. They explore the idea of using AI to automate customer interviews and the impact it can have on the speed and efficiency of innovation. They also touch on the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for new business models that harmonize profit and impact. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of AI and the importance of regulation.

Keywords

business model resilience, AI, environmental sustainability, accessibility, democratisation, innovation, value creation, value propositions, AI tools, consulting processes, data sources, AI, innovation, business processes, customer interviews, speed, efficiency, environmental sustainability, business models, profit, impact, regulation

Takeaways

• The accessibility and democratization of AI tools have revolutionized innovation and value creation.
• AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers.
• The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency.
• The development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. AI can greatly speed up the innovation process by automating tasks like customer interviews.
• Businesses need to embrace environmental sustainability and find new business models that harmonise profit and impact.
• Financial sustainability and resilient revenue models are crucial for the success of a business.
• Experimentation with pricing and revenue streams is essential for business growth.
• The rapid pace of change in AI presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Regulation is necessary to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.

Chapters

(02:22) The Impact of AI on Innovation and Value Creation

(05:10) The Potential of AI in Proposing Value Propositions

(10:42) Challenges in Developing Better Value Propositions with AI

(30:30) Harmonising Profit and Impact: The Future of Business Models

(37:27) Financial Sustainability and Resilient Revenue Models

(42:28) Experimentation with Pricing and Revenue Streams

(44:19) The Challenges and Opportunities of AI

About Alex Osterwalder

Alex Osterwalder is ranked in the top 10 on the Thinkers50 list of management thinkers worldwide. He is passionate about simplifying the complex challenges that today's leaders face. Along with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas and other practical tools, which are now used by millions of practitioners around the globe.

Strategyzer, the company Alex co-founded, provides technology-enabled innovation services to leading organisations, including Colgate-Palmolive, MasterCard and Merck.

Alex spends most of his time advising leaders on how to scale their innovation efforts and get results. They already have the assets but lack the organisational design and innovation culture.

His books include Business Model Generation, Value Proposition Design, Testing Business...

Summary

Ken Rusk, the blue-collar entrepreneur, shares his insights on achieving success and living your best life. He emphasises the importance of having a clear purpose and maximising every opportunity. Ken believes that anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action. He also discusses the significance of creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking. Ken encourages people to be specific and actionable in their goals, and he shares his method of using visual representations to create a brochure for their ideal life. Ken Rusk discusses the importance of visualising and manifesting one's goals, the value of collaboration and support in achieving success, and the benefits of financial literacy and trade skills. He also shares insights on creating a positive work culture and the impact of giving back to the community. Ken emphasises the need for individuals to take control of their own lives and make responsible choices. He encourages young people to consider trade careers and challenges the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education. Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work environment and attracting entrepreneurial thinkers.

Keywords

blue-collar entrepreneur, purpose, maximising opportunities, vision, action, culture, entrepreneurial thinking, goals, specific, actionable, visual representations, visualisation, manifestation, collaboration, support, financial literacy, trade skills, work culture, giving back, self-reliance, responsible choices, trade careers, college education, positive work environment, entrepreneurial thinkers

Takeaways

• Having a clear purpose and maximizing opportunities are key to achieving success and living your best life.
• Anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action.
• Creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking is crucial for business success.
• Being specific and actionable in your goals is essential for making progress and achieving desired outcomes.
• Using visual representations can help create a clear vision and motivate individuals to work towards their ideal life. Visualize and manifest your goals to bring them into your life.
• Collaboration and support from peers can help in achieving success.
• Financial literacy and starting early with saving can lead to a secure retirement.
• Consider trade careers as they offer high demand and good earning potential.
• Create a positive work culture by recognizing and valuing employees.
• Giving back to the community can bring personal fulfillment and success.
• Take control of your own life and make responsible choices.
• Challenge the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education.
• Create a work environment that attracts entrepreneurial thinkers.
• Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work culture.

Sound Bites

• "Sometimes it doesn't necessarily matter what you do for a living, as much as it does what you do with what you do for a living."
• "I think a blue collar entrepreneur is someone that possesses probably nine or 10 characteristics, which we all have, but they're just driven by where they want to go in their life."
• "Surround yourself with entrepreneurial thinking, and your company will take off way further than you can take it yourself."
• "If I know my favourite colour, my favourite car, my favourite house, my favourite sport, my favourite hobby, my favourite spiritual moment, my favourite vacation, why am I not putting that out into the universe?"
• "You can't build a puzzle without the box. The box is the vision, the picture, the end, the goal,...

Summary

One of Dominic's favourite recordings yet! The conversation with Karin Hurt and David Dye explores the topic of workplace conflict and the importance of having productive conversations. They discuss the fear and discomfort associated with conflict, the need for connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment in resolving conflicts, and the power of using specific phrases to initiate and navigate these conversations. The conversation emphasises the positive aspects of conflict and the potential for growth and innovation that can result from addressing conflicts effectively. In this conversation, David Dye and Karin Hurt discuss the importance of de-escalating conflicts in the workplace and providing strategies for effective communication. They emphasise the power of phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to break the cycle of conflict and create a safe space for dialogue. They also highlight the significance of acknowledging emotions and using check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard. The conversation explores the benefits of teams that handle conflict well, such as fostering innovation and creating a united front. David and Karin share personal anecdotes and recommend books like 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.

Keywords

workplace conflict, productive conversations, connection, clarity, curiosity, commitment, phrases, conflict resolution, workplace communication, deescalating conflicts, effective dialogue, acknowledging emotions, understanding, team dynamics, innovation, collaboration, leadership

Takeaways

• Conflict is not inherently negative; it is a difference of perspective that can lead to innovation and problem-solving.
• Having productive conversations about conflicts requires connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment.
• Initiating conversations about conflicts can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth and improvement.
• Using powerful phrases, such as 'Tell me more' and 'What would a successful outcome do for you?', can facilitate productive conversations about conflicts.
• Conflict resolution requires understanding and addressing all parties' underlying needs and motivations. Use phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to deescalate conflicts and create a safe space for dialogue.
• Acknowledge emotions and use check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard.
• Teams that handle conflict well foster innovation and have a united front.
• Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful conflict resolution.
• Recommended books: 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.

Chapters

(02:59) The Need for Productive Conflict Conversations

(09:04) Connection and Clarity in Conflict Resolution

(13:38) Curiosity and Commitment in Addressing Conflict

(16:24) Using Powerful Phrases to Navigate Conflict Conversations

(24:04) Deescalating Conflicts: The Power of Effective Communication

(27:27) Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue: Strategies for Conflict Resolution

(29:29) The Benefits of Teams that Handle Conflict Well

(31:47) Innovation and Collaboration: The Role of Conflict in Driving Change

(36:37) War Stories: Examples of Conflict Resolution

(42:18) The Importance of Psychological Safety and Challenging the Status Quo

(46:38) Unpopular Opinions and Worst Business Advice

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary

This conversation between Ruth Wageman and Dominic Monkhouse delves into the critical elements of crafting high-performing teams.

Ruth and Dominic discuss the challenges of working with leadership teams and the need for clear purpose and interdependence.

Ruth talks about the ‘Six conditions for team effectiveness’, which include the essentials of creating a real team, clarity of team purpose, and a sense of team norms and values. The conversation highlights the importance of these conditions in driving team performance and the need for leaders to continuously revisit and adapt them. The third essential for building effective teams is having the right people. This means identifying the capabilities needed to achieve the team's purpose and finding individuals who can contribute those capabilities. It's important to have a team that is small enough to allow for effective collaboration and to have a diverse range of experience and perspectives. Collaborative skills are often overlooked but are crucial for effective teamwork. It's also important to create a supportive context for the team, including a sound structure for the work, supportive norms of conduct, and an organisational context that promotes teamwork.

Keywords team effectiveness, high-performing teams, leadership teams, purpose, interdependence, team norms, team values, teamwork, collaboration, purpose, capabilities, small team, diversity, supportive context, sound structure, norms of conduct, organisational context

Takeaways

• Creating a high-performing team requires clear purpose and interdependence.
• The six conditions for team effectiveness include creating a real team, clarity of team purpose, and a sense of team norms and values.
• Leaders need to continuously revisit and adapt the conditions for team effectiveness.
• Many teams lack clarity of purpose and are not truly interdependent, which hinders their performance.
• Building a great team requires a focus on the unique added value the team brings to the achievement of the organisation's mission. The right people are essential for effective teams
• Collaborative skills are often overlooked but crucial for teamwork
• A small team with diverse perspectives is ideal
• Creating a supportive context is important for team success

Chapters

(02:59) The Importance of Clear Purpose and Interdependence in Teams

(09:57) The Six Conditions for Team Effectiveness

(24:05) Creating High-Performing Teams: The Essentials and Enablers

(30:06) Revisiting and Adapting the Conditions for Team Success

(35:02) The Importance of Having the Right People

(44:21) Creating a Sound Structure for the Team

(54:39) The Role of Organisational Context

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

In this week's episode of MYFB, Dominic Monkhouse chats with Interview Valet's Tom Schwab about engaging with your customers to build a profitable business online.

They discuss the different approaches to podcasting, whether as a guest or a host, and the importance of targeting a specific audience. They also touch on the changing landscape of podcasting, including the inclusion of video and the repurposing of podcast content. Tom emphasises the value of meaningful conversations and the need to focus on quality rather than quantity. They also discuss the challenges of starting and maintaining a podcast and the benefits of being a guest on other podcasts.

Tom shares insights from his upcoming book, emphasising the need for effective connections and the power of storytelling. He also highlights the importance of positioning and focusing on the right audience.

Keywords

podcasting, guesting, hosting, specific audience, podcast evolution, video, repurposing content, quality over quantity, challenges, benefits, podcasting, business growth, book launch, podcast impact, measurement, marketing, relationships, sales, effectiveness, connections, storytelling, positioning, audience

Takeaways

• Consider whether to be a guest or a host based on your goals and target audience.
• Podcasting has evolved to include video and the repurposing of content.
• Focus on quality conversations and meaningful engagement rather than quantity.
• Starting and maintaining a podcast requires commitment and consistency.
• Being a guest on other podcasts can provide exposure, leads, and backlinks. There are millions of podcasts in the world, but only a fraction of them are currently active.
• Launching a book with a podcast can be a valuable strategy, especially when each episode dives deep into a chapter of the book.
• Measuring the impact of being a guest on a podcast is crucial for effective marketing.
• Podcast interviews can lead to faster sales cycles, higher initial prices, and less churn.
• Quality and quantity both matter in podcasting, but it's important to focus on the right audience and prioritize effectiveness over efficiency.
• Building relationships and telling great stories are key to success in business and life.
• Positioning and targeting the right audience are essential for business growth.
• Choosing who you work with is just as important as choosing who you drink with.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Embarrassing Podcasting Mistakes

01:12 Choosing Between Guesting and Hosting

03:40 Quality over Quantity

04:37 Challenges and Benefits of Starting and Maintaining a Podcast

08:28 The Value of Being a Guest

24:11 Launching a Book with a Podcast

26:06 Measuring the Impact of Being a Guest

27:56 The Power of Relationships in Sales

29:22 Effectiveness vs. Efficiency in Podcasting

32:07 Building Connections and Telling Great Stories

34:20 The Importance of Positioning and Targeting

37:42 Choosing Who You Work With

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

300 episodes on Dominic's catching up with guest #1 Evgeny Shadchnev, Executive Coach and Founder & ex-CEO of Makers Academy, to talk about that all-important decision: Do you stay on as founder CEO, or do you go and what happens next?

Evgeny's new book "Startup CEO Succession: a Founder's Guide to Leadership Transition" is out now

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of startup CEO succession and the importance of founders considering stepping down from their roles. The premise of Evgeny's new book is that founder-CEO succession is often the best thing for both the founder and the company. The conversation covers various aspects of CEO succession, including the need for founders to assess their fit for the role as the company grows, the different options for transitioning from CEO to another role in the company, and the challenges and benefits of employees setting their own salaries. The conversation also highlights the importance of having a clear understanding of the CEO's role and the need for open and early conversations about succession. The conversation explores the motivations and challenges of CEO succession in startups. It delves into the personal satisfaction derived from helping others and the shift in motivation when transitioning from a B2C to a B2B business model. The importance of open and early conversations about succession planning is emphasised, as well as the role of the board and the time required for a smooth transition. The conversation also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations and the need for adaptability.

Keywords

startup, CEO succession, founder, leadership transitions, stepping down, role fit, options, employee salaries, CEO role, open conversation, CEO succession, motivations, challenges, B2C to B2B, open conversations, board, transition, COVID-19

Takeaways

• Founder CEO succession is often the best thing for both the founder and the company.
• Founders should assess their fit for the CEO role as the company grows and consider transitioning to another role if necessary.
• There are various options for transitioning from CEO to another role in the company, such as becoming an executive chair or advisor.
• Employees setting their own salaries can lead to challenges in ensuring equality and can create administrative overhead.
• Having a clear understanding of the CEO's role is important for both founders and investors.
• Open and early conversations about CEO succession are crucial for a smooth transition. CEO succession in startups requires open and early conversations about the future of the business.
• Motivations for being a founder and CEO can evolve over time, from personal validation to making a meaningful impact on people's lives.
• Transitioning from a B2C to a B2B business model requires a different skill set and motivation.
• Succession planning should involve the founder taking charge of the process and driving it, rather than waiting for the board to initiate the conversation.
• CEO succession in startups takes time and should be approached with careful consideration and planning.

Sound Bites

• "Founder-CEO succession makes sense more often than it's actually happening."
• "Behaviors that are genuinely helpful at the early stage get in the way after 50."
• "The admin overhead of employees setting their own salaries was not worth the benefits."
• "I wanted to create something that I could point my finger to and say, I've done it."
• "Our customers regularly describe their experiences as life-changing."
• "That's one of the reasons why I work as a coach. It's essentially about meaningful, deep one-to-one conversations."

Chapters

(02:55) Assessing Fit for the CEO Role as the Company

The 300th Episode!

In this landmark episode of MYFB, Dominic Monkhouse talks with the man who's been called the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer, Benjamin Dennehy, to discuss the art of selling and the common misconceptions about sales.

This podcast is sixty-minutes that will change how you see sales. Benjamin explores the importance of self-confidence, being in control, and understanding the motivations behind prospects' questions. He emphasises the need for salespeople to focus on having meaningful conversations and helping prospects discover their needs rather than pushing products or services. He also highlights the importance of hiring and training salespeople effectively and challenges the traditional sales approach of show up, throw up, and hope for the best. In this conversation, the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer shares his unconventional approach to sales and prospecting. He emphasises the importance of getting prospects emotional and focuses on the purpose of a prospecting call. He also discusses the need for consultative selling and the importance of asking probing questions. The conversation covers topics such as the future of cold calling, the myth of 'people buy people,' and the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Chapters

(04:00) Book Recommendations and the Misconception of Sales Books

(07:19) Why the UK's Most Hated Sales Trainer is Hated

(09:08) The Problem with Traditional Sales Approaches

(23:19) The Art of Asking and Answering Questions in Sales

(28:44) Creating Comfort and Lowering Walls in Sales Conversations

(31:25) Getting Prospects Emotional: The Purpose of a Prospecting Call

(33:44) Consultative Selling: Asking Probing Questions and Understanding Pain Points

(35:42) The Future of Cold Calling and the Rise of AI

(39:03) The Myth of 'People Buy People'

(45:49) The Risks and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

(50:40) Mastering a Methodology: Continuous Improvement in Sales

(51:33) Critical Thinking, Communication, and Emotional Control in Sales

(59:51) Knowing When to Quit and When to Persevere in Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

This week on Mind Your F**king Business, we have the immense pleasure of learning from Tom Searcy, a renowned expert in B2B sales strategy and the mind behind Hunt Big Sales. With a rich background in operations and a track record of aiding companies in doubling their size by targeting large accounts, Tom brings a blend of practical experience and strategic insight. Having scaled companies from under $10 million to over $100 million in annual sales, Tom’s consultancy specialises in helping businesses between $5 million and $250 million in annual sales achieve extraordinary growth. His systematic approach to sales is essential knowledge for any organisation looking to capture big contracts and drive substantial revenue. 

In this episode, Tom shares the different stages of his process for successful sales, emphasising the significance of alignment and accurate problem identification before crafting proposals and closing deals. We delve into the power of personalised closing statements to reassure clients and differentiate from competitors, along with the importance of leveraging customer references to build trust and overcome objections.

Tom and Dominic discuss the challenges of being perceived as a risky option compared to larger competitors and how to address client fears to close deals effectively. 

If you struggle to stand out in this crowded marketplace, download, watch and listen to the full conversation today!

On today’s podcast: 

• Tom’s Stage-Gate Sales Process
• Removing the sales stigma
• How to maintain your credibility during the sales process

Follow Tom:

Hunt Big Sales

LinkedIn

The Secret to Big Sales

Recommended reading:

The Challenger Sale

100m Offers

100m Leads

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Is your marketing team making the most strategic decisions with their budget? Do your marketing efforts align seamlessly with the latest digital platforms? If you question whether your brand could benefit from an in-house marketing shift, today's episode of Mind Your F**king Business is essential listening.

This week, we get to learn from John Readman, a marketing visionary and founder of Modo25, a company dedicated to transforming the landscape of in-house marketing teams. John brings a wealth of expertise in crafting platforms that not only enhance the efficiency of marketing budgets across diverse digital platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok but also streamline complex decision-making processes with the help of AI-driven insights.

In this episode, John delves deep into the mechanics of successful in-house marketing, the strategic deployment of budgets, and the revolutionary impact of his technology, ASK BOSCO®. He shares invaluable advice on building robust marketing teams and discusses the transformative effect of predictive analytics in optimising ad spending across numerous channels. John also shares his dedication to philanthropy through his charity cycling initiative, Ride25, which supports an orphanage in Uganda.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur eager to reclaim control of your marketing strategies or a seasoned marketer looking to innovate, this conversation will give you essential insights to revolutionise your marketing approach.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• Cycling around the world for charity
• Bringing marketing services in-house
• The human element in business success

Follow John:

Ask Bosko® 

Modo25

LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

The Extra Mile

Multipliers

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, delves into the nuanced world of strategy, addressing its complexities in both personal and business spheres. In an engaging discussion, he highlights the scarcity of truly exceptional strategies and underscores the necessity of evaluating success progressively over time. Through his conversation with Dominic Monkhouse, Reeves elaborates on CEOs' critical role in executing strategies and the hurdles involved in preserving an innovative culture as organisations expand. He sheds light on why keeping strategies confidential can be beneficial, the adaptability required in strategic planning, and the risks posed by complacency and an inward focus.

This podcast highlights the vital role of imagination and creativity in spurring innovation and fostering organisational change. They dissect the challenges associated with implementing transformative ideas, emphasising the need to move beyond conventional procedures and navigate internal politics effectively. The power of storytelling and the ability to mobilise enthusiasm for new ideas are discussed as pivotal tools in driving change. The conversation touches on the importance of framing the right questions, the paradox of hierarchy and innovation, and the need for depoliticisation and depth of debate in business. Martin shares insights from his book 'The Imagination Machine' and recommends other books on innovation and strategy.

On today’s podcast: 

• Great strategies are rare and enduring success is hard to achieve.
• The role of CEOs in strategy execution is important but not the dominant factor.
• Secrecy in strategy is not as valuable as having robust and evolvable scripts.
• Complacency and internal focus can hinder innovation and change.
• Imagination is a crucial aspect of strategy and should be given more attention. Change is a strategic problem that requires understanding the forces of change and resistance and working on both sides of the equation.
• Imagination is triggered by surprise and the ability to detect anomalies and changes in the world.
• Selling ideas and driving change requires storytelling, galvanising energy, and making it clear why the change is in everyone's best interest.
• Mental models can limit creativity and innovation, and it's important to challenge existing mental models and embrace counterfactual thinking.
• Depoliticisation and depth of debate are crucial for effective strategy and innovation.
• Ambidexterity is the ability to balance the focus on running the current business with preparing for the future.
• Diversity is important for variation and selection, but it requires a focus on both ethical and evolutionary aspects.
• Curiosity drives innovation and learning, and listening is a skill that can be continuously improved.
• Simplicity and focus are more valuable than comprehensive and exhaustive lists of strategies and actions.
• The biggest myth in business is that it's mostly a financial equation when in reality, it's about serving human ends and using human means to achieve them.

Follow Martin:

Website

LinkedIn

Your strategy needs a strategy

Recommended reading:

Co-Intelligence: Living and working with AI

Are you ready to demystify the complex world of artificial intelligence in the workplace? Are you unsure about how AI can transform your business strategy and operational efficiency? If you're grappling with these modern challenges, then this week’s episode of Mind Your F**king Business should be the top one in your playlist.

This week we dive into the world of AI with the brilliant Asha Saxena, CEO and founder of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WILDA), and an admired technology veteran with 30 years of experience. As an innovator, author, and esteemed professor at Columbia University, Asha brings a wealth of knowledge in big data, analytics, and the transformative power of AI. She articulates the necessity of a role we'll soon come to know as the Chief AI Officer – a role tasked with marrying technology with business and strategic data implementation.

Asha goes beyong beyond the mere technicalities and explores the human side of tech. Her book, "The AI Factor," penned during the pandemic, aims to simplify AI concepts for business leaders and tackles the crucial issue of biases in AI models, which have far-reaching impacts on society. With Women Leaders in Data and AI, she promotes diversity in technology spheres and emphasises inclusive AI development.

Whether you're the head of a company contemplating using AI in your operations or a professional eager to upscale your skill set for a future integrated with AI, this episode will give you the insights you need for your journey.

On today’s podcast: 

• The role of tech leaders addressing gender bias
• AI in business strategy
• A peek into the future of Artificial Intelligence

Follow Asha:

Website

LinkedIn

The AI Factor

Recommended reading:

Good To Great

Great By Choice

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Sales and marketing strategies can make or break your business. That's why we invited no other than TEDx speaker, advisor and business author, Simon Severino for a new episode of Mind Your F**king Business.

In this episode, Simon unpacks the intricacies of coaching across multiple domains, from the sales floor to the spiritual journey, all aimed at accelerating both personal and professional growth. We'll explore the significance of clear communication within a team and why having a structured sales approach can mean the difference between closing a deal and watching it slip through your fingers.

Dominic and Simon also talk about creating "flywheels" to drive business, the power of role-play in sales meetings to boost confidence, and why training is as essential in business as it is in sports.

Simon also offers a treasure trove of advice for solo entrepreneurs—from establishing structured processes to reducing reliance on the founder within 90 days. He'll explain why some tech founders flounder with sales and how his strategies can turn the ship around and create a culture brimming with opportunities.

Whether you're a solopreneur, a tech founder struggling with sales, or simply someone passionate about mastering the art of business, this episode is tailored for you.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• How can solopreneurs focus on their Genius
• The Importance of role plays in sales
• 90 days cycles to accelerate a big business

Follow Simon:

Website

LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

The Power Of Moments

The Sales Acceleration Formula

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Today we have a very special episode for you. It’s the first of our newly branded Mind Your F**king Business podcast. 

If you are a leader struggling to steer your company through the complexities of transformation in the digital age, our guest this week will bring you the answers. John Rossman, former Amazon executive, and best-selling author, joined Dominic Monkhouse for a truly enlightening conversation.

Not just content with shaping Amazon's strategies, John co-authored Big Bet Leadership, a crucial playbook for leaders navigating the uncharted waters of major transformations.

In a riveting conversation, John dismantles the intricacies of innovative leadership, discussing everything from the dangers of "zombie projects" to finding your company's "fish hook in the eye." With insights drawn from his extensive background and expertise, John maps out the terrain of high-stakes decision-making with the precision and acumen that only a seasoned expert can offer.

Whether you're at the helm of an enterprise or simply intrigued by the mechanics of successful strategic changes, this episode will equip you with the insights to set your compass towards triumph in a hyper-digital landscape.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• The key elements and complexities of a Big Bet
• Finding your company’s ‘Killer Feature’
• Dealing with Innovation ‘zombie projects’
• Looking to the future of business

Follow John:

LinkedIn

Big Bet Leadership

The Amazon Way

Recommended reading:

Elon Musk

How big things get done