Amanda gets inside the minds of the most successful sales leaders so you can apply their secrets to your business and inspire your team to grow sales. Strive to become the best version of yourself with words of wisdom from some of the best in the business.
About Your Host:
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
About The Uspire Partnership
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Connect with Amanda:
Website: theuspiregroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/
Connect with Uspire:
Website: www.theuspiregroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/
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What does it take to scale a bakery into Ireland’s largest vegan cookie supplier starting from your mum’s kitchen at 21? In this inspiring episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Aisling Tuck founder and CEO of Naked Bakes, who shares her journey from passionate home baker to entrepreneur and emerging sales leader.
From experimenting with vegan recipes to overcoming a steep learning curve in leadership and finance, Aisling opens up about the realities of running a fast-growing business. She discusses building a team from scratch, the impact of lockdown, and learning to set the right culture from the top. Plus, hear how Naked Bakes’ products make a real difference for customers, and why empathy and networking are essential for success.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 Introduction: Aisling’s journey from Dublin kitchen to scaling a business
06:42 Rushed hiring due to stress led to mismatches
09:46 It's about the people: Working with an amazing team and making a difference in customers' lives.
11:20 Balancing your time and work stress is challenging; downtime is essential for productivity.
14:34 Future plans and launching new products
18:14 Never leave anyone on a sinking ship
23:32 Networking is essential for growth
24:36 Prioritise empathy with team and customers.
If you loved hearing Aisling’s honest reflections, make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode of Sales Leader Secrets.
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Aisling Tuck is an entrepreneur from Dublin and the founder of two food brands shaping the future of plant-based baking in Ireland. She began studying Commerce International at UCD but left to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. After gaining hands-on experience in hospitality both in Ireland and abroad, she launched her first baking venture from her parents’ kitchen in 2018 at the age of 21.
Since then, she has scaled the business into one of Ireland’s leading producers of...
S2, Ep 11: Leading Through Language with Anne Unsworth
Season 2 · Episode 11
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 28:55
What does it mean to lead with trust and transform an organisation for the future? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Anne Unsworth, Head of Retail Operations at Dee Set: Complete Retail Solutions, master practitioner of NLP, and a passionate champion of people in commercial teams.
Anne’s journey is a lesson in resilience and curiosity. From building her career at Master Foods (Mars), through two decades at Tactical Solutions supporting iconic brands in retail, to leading ESG strategy and championing diversity, her approach is founded on integrity, transparency, and the belief that people are at the heart of every successful business.
If you’re interested in leading sustainable change and tapping into the power of communication, make sure you tune in.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 Introduction: Anne’s career journey from hospitality to field marketing
02:09 What is field marketing in retail?
03:17 Leading ESG: sustainability and social responsibility
05:10 Focusing on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
06:52 Anne’s first management role and building relationships
07:32 How team meetings shaped her approach to leadership
08:45 Learning every day in ESG
12:39 The core leadership values: trust, transparency, and integrity
13:58 How personal adversity shaped Anne’s leadership journey
16:42 Discovering NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and its impact
17:51 Why the language we use matters in sales and leadership
22:11 Training Tactical teams in NLP for confidence and communication
23:31 Building team resilience and delivering change projects
25:43 Advice for sales leaders: be authentic, encourage debate
About Amanda Downs:About The Uspire Partnership:
S2, Ep 10: Leading The Disability Activism Agenda
Season 2 · Episode 10
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 • Duration 34:23
What’s it like to build a career around changing the way we think about disability? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks with Esi Hardy, founder of Celebrating Disability and a leading voice on inclusion.
Esi’s path has been far from typical. From training as an actress and working in performing arts in LA, to moving into health and social care, she’s now running her own business helping organisations and individuals create spaces where disabled people can thrive.
If you’re interested in leadership with purpose and building workplaces where everyone belongs, this episode is worth a listen.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 Introduction
04:50 Starting a business after leaving charity work
06:42 Driving disability inclusion with Homes for Students
09:53 Learning leadership through early challenges
13:04 Building inclusive hiring practices
18:48 Choosing value-driven clients and redefining authenticity at work
22:40 Building a value-led pipeline through SEO and exploratory calls
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
About The Uspire Partnership:
S2, Ep 09: Ella Cookson on Leading Freedom for 2,500 Women
Season 2 · Episode 9
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • Duration 30:14
What does it take to lead a team of over 2,500 people and still keep things grounded? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Ella Cookson, a standout leader at Tropic Skincare. Ella’s story is one of resilience. After a tough few years, she rebuilt her confidence and has gone on to support thousands of ambassadors across the UK.
Ella talks honestly about the ups and downs of leadership, how she’s grown her team, and what’s helped her stay true to herself along the way. You’ll hear how Tropic has shaped a fresh approach to direct selling, and why community and recognition matter more than ever.
If you’re leading a team or thinking about taking that step, this one’s for you.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
05:45 Preservative-free natural skincare (the tropic difference)
Ever thought a farm field could turn into a five-star getaway? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Joanne Collinge, a former teacher who traded the classroom for a life on the family farm in Lancashire. What started as a challenge to bring in extra income has grown into Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping, a rural retreat with serious charm.
Joanne shares how she built the business from scratch, using creativity, second-hand materials, and sheer determination. With no background in sales or marketing, she learned as she went, often with her daughter by her side guiding her through social media.
Listen to hear how Joanne turned a side project into a standout brand, what it’s really like running a business with your family, and why keeping it personal has made all the difference.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
02:08 A career crossroads, from the classroom to the farm
05:14 Glamping begins: A naive idea, and taking a bold leap
07:58 Growing with grit: Building with scrap and story
10:32 Leading as a family: roles, respect, and Rr16:43 Standing out in sales: Marketing & ‘Four in a Bed’ fame
19:34 Values-driven leadership: respect, autonomy, and mistakes welcome
22:15 Looking ahead: vision, sustainability, and boutique growth
S2, Ep 07: Lee Personius on Leading Growth, One Pizza At A Time
Season 2 · Episode 7
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 29:31
Have you ever wondered how a small food startup with just four people became one of the UK’s leading names in the food-to-go industry? In this episode of Sales Leaders’ Secrets, Amanda Downs sits down with Lee Personius, founder and CEO of Tugo.
From humble beginnings in a rundown trading estate, Lee has grown Tugo into a £22 million business and he’s aiming to double that in the next decade. He shares how he secured early investment, won over big customers, and maintained a close-knit team culture along the way.
Tune in to learn more about leadership, growth, and why celebrating with pizza matters more than you think.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
05:16 Early stage mistakes and growth
06:56 Startup journey with key support
11:23 Balancing family feel & performance
13:47 Why some people are built to be entrepreneurs
18:39 Developing a softer leadership style over time
S02, Ep 06: Leading Potential through Direct Sales with Babette Ogden
Season 2 · Episode 6
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 • Duration 30:16
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan).
Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training
08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000
12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling
14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives
17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling
25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values
S02, Ep 05: The Authentic Leader Lens with Katey Coleman
Season 2 · Episode 5
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • Duration 26:36
Are you ready to redefine your sales leadership approach? Join your host, Amanda Downs, as she sits down with Katey Coleman, Associate Director at Carl Zeiss. With over seventeen years of experience, Katey shares her journey from being a young sales manager at only 20, to leading cross-functional teams today. Discover her secrets to maintaining team engagement, fostering emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of stakeholder management. Whether you're on the cusp of your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode is full of insights that will elevate your sales leadership. Tune in and unlock new strategies to empower your team and achieve business success!
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
03:37 Keeping remote teams engaged
08:46 The importance of understanding the people around you
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
S02 Ep 04: Leading Customer Connections with Pete Gillett
Season 2 · Episode 4
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 36:11
What drives successful sales leaders to embrace change and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks to Pete Gillett, a pioneer in CRM systems and lead management, to uncover the secrets behind leading customer connections and fostering team motivation. Discover how Pete's journey to becoming a dynamic sales leader offers invaluable insights into nurturing a productive workplace culture and leveraging the power of personalised marketing in the digital age. Get ready to be inspired by a leader who not only champions innovation but also values the importance of a supportive and health-conscious team environment.
Here are the Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
06:44 COVID impacted fundraising significantly
08:53 B2B marketing often neglects lead management despite high exhibition spending
13:23 They appreciate constant change and development.
16:46 We allow flexible operation with clear objectives, focusing on outcomes and direction despite changes.
17:49 Leaders should slow down and focus on listening to others
23:15 Lead with fairness, honesty, and hard work
27:04 Just do it; success often follows overcoming initial fear and loneliness.
27:53 Choosing a business partner requires complementary skills to ensure success and avoid conflicts.
32:10 Personalised handwritten notes stand out and are valued over generic emails.
S02, Ep 03: Championing Health & Nutrition with Holly Thallon Steenson
Season 2 · Episode 3
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 31:51
Curious about the secrets behind a thriving family business in the world of vitamins and supplements? Amanda Downs sits down with Holly Thallon Steenson, the Managing Director at Viridian Nutrition, the UK’s leading brand in pure vitamins and supplements. Holly shares her unique journey from event management to stepping into her family's business, emphasising the importance of values, curiosity, and championing causes that matter. This episode offers invaluable sales insights and motivational advice. Join us and learn how to cultivate purpose, passion, and success in your business journey!
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
With 25 years in the Grocery Retail industry, I have built a successful career in account and field performance management. Working with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and brands.
I’ve also led...
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Esi Hardy is the founder and Managing Director of Celebrating Disability, a consultancy established in 2017 to promote disability inclusion in workplaces. With a background in public services, social care, and the charity sector, Esi has consistently focused on advocating for the rights of disabled people. Her diverse career path includes experiences as a theatre actress and a psychodynamic counsellor, all unified by her commitment to disability advocacy.
As she has cerebral palsy and identifies as a hybrid wheelchair user, Esi draws on her lived experience to highlight the barriers faced by disabled people. This perspective enriches her consultancy work, enabling organisations to implement strategies that foster truly inclusive environments.
Celebrating Disability offers tailored services, including disability...
About Amanda Downs:
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
I’m a mum of two young kids, a skincare enthusiast, and a proud ambassador for Tropic Skincare. I’m part of Tropic’s Diamond Advisory board, which means I get to help shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing ethical beauty brands, while also supporting an incredible team of women to build flexible businesses around their lives.
About Amanda Downs:
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Joanne is a former teacher turned entrepreneur who left the classroom to create a one of a kind glamping site built from upcycled materials on her family farm. Passionate about sustainability and the great outdoors, Joanne's innovative retreat has won multiple awards and even been on TV. She thrives on connecting people with nature.
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Lee Personius is the Founder & CEO of Tugo Food, a forward-thinking foodservice company on a mission to make great food more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable. Tugo works with partners across the food industry to deliver smart, flexible food solutions that meet the demands of modern service without compromising on quality or values.
Under Lee’s leadership, Tugo has grown into a purpose-driven business that doesn’t just talk the talk. They’re proud to be a certified B Corp, a Gold-accredited Investors in People organisation, a Times Best Places to Work honouree, and a National Living Wage Employer. That people-first, sustainability-focused mindset is baked...
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing...
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
With over 17 years of commercial leadership experience in the fast-paced FMCG sector, Katey Coleman has mastered the art of driving exceptional business results while leading with authenticity.
Throughout her distinguished career, Katey has successfully led field teams, national account managers, and entire commercial functions for some of the industry's most prestigious blue-chip manufacturers. Today, she brings this wealth of expertise to the optical industry, where her strategic vision continues to create meaningful impact.
What truly distinguishes Katey is her unwavering commitment to authentic and vulnerable leadership. She firmly believes this approach represents not merely a passing trend, but the future of effective leadership. Katey genuinely walks the...
About Amanda Downs:
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.
She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Pete Gillett is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and industry leader with over four decades of experience in database marketing and CRM. He is the CEO and founder of Zuant, a pioneering company launched in 2007 that specialises in CRM applications for mobile devices. Under Pete’s visionary leadership, Zuant has become a leading provider of tools that enable businesses to
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.
Holly has grown up in the natural products industry and carved out her own career in business and events management, before following in the footsteps of her mother and Viridian Nutrition Founder and Co-owner Cheryl Thallon into the ethical vitamin company. With her hands-on approach to retail and technology, and enthusiasm for the specialist natural products sector, Holly is making her own mark at Viridian. She regularly gives presentations and industry insights into good practice to support and enhance specialist health retail offering.
Holly’s values and beliefs are firmly rooted in sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical health solutions, which form the Viridian mission. Her fresh approach enables her to connect with the current wave of ethically conscious shoppers. In 2024, on the company’s 25th anniversary, Holly stepped into the role of second generation managing director, continuing the Viridian mission of nourishing health and...
