The Beautiful Business Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Chloe interviews Professor Nancy Doyle, the founder of Genius Within, to discuss neurodiversity and the incredible work her organisation is doing. They explore Nancy’s personal journey, the origins of Genius Within, and the concept of neurodiversity, including the growing awareness of self-diagnosis and the idea of a ‘spiky profile’ in neurodivergent individuals.

Nancy shares insights into how these spiky profiles—where abilities and skills vary significantly—can appear in areas such as literacy versus verbal skills or fine motor control versus literacy. The discussion also delves into the importance of evolving language and terminology in the neurodiversity field.

Nancy explains how workplaces can become more inclusive and supportive by understanding these differences. She suggests leveraging assistive technology, tailoring strategies for reading and writing tasks, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Aligning job roles with actual skills rather than relying on standardised assessments is key. Nancy advocates for personalised work environments and communication styles that enhance both productivity and well-being for neurodivergent employees.

Takeaways

• Neurodiversity refers to the diverse range of neurological functioning in human beings.
• A neurodivergent individual has an unusual neurotype, resulting in a spiky profile of strengths and weaknesses.
• Diagnosis is not necessary for workplace support under the Equality Act, but it may be required for educational support.
• Self-diagnosis can be valid and should be trusted, but misdiagnoses can occur.
• Labels and language in the field of neurodiversity are evolving, and it is important to be open to change and respectful of individual preferences.
• Affinity groups and employee resource groups can provide support and advocacy in the workplace for neurodivergent individuals.
• Inclusivity, support, and understanding are crucial for creating a positive and empowering environment for neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergent individuals may have a spiky profile, with significant differences in abilities and skills.
• Understanding and accommodating these differences is crucial in the workplace.
• Assistive technology and strategies can support individuals with reading and writing tasks.
• Creating a supportive and inclusive culture is essential for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
• Job requirements should align with the actual skills needed for the role.
• Personalised approaches to work environments and communication styles can enhance productivity and well-being for all employees.

Simon Dixon and Aporva Baxi, the creative masterminds behind DixonBaxi, share their journey of nearly three decades navigating the world of design and branding. Get ready for an engaging conversation that goes beyond conventional business wisdom, as Simon's love for Northern Soul music and Aporva's vintage Nintendo game collection reveal the authentic personalities driving their dynamic leadership. From their early days hopping between global cities to the formation of their core values, we uncover the secrets that have led DixonBaxi to become a beacon of innovation and success.

We delve into the foundational principles that define DixonBaxi's ethos, underscoring the power of humility and clarity in leadership. Simon and Aporva discuss their "do and won't do" list, a guiding tool that has kept their company grounded and principled for 24 years. Through anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how bravery in creativity means more than pushing boundaries—it's about making principled choices and fostering a safe space for clients to explore bold ideas. This is a must-listen for anyone aiming to understand how calculated risks and a steadfast value system can lead to genuine originality and impactful work.

In the latter part of our conversation, we focus on the hacker mentality and the importance of quick execution in the modern creative landscape. Simon and Aporva highlight the democratisation of creativity through platforms like TikTok and YouTube, making it an exhilarating time for new agencies. We also explore their philosophy of building a beautiful business driven by passion and fulfilment, rather than traditional metrics like awards. Their experiences with high-profile clients underscore that it's the process and the joy of meaningful work that truly counts. Join us to learn how DixonBaxi continues to create a balanced, innovative environment that nurtures creativity and celebrates impactful design.

In our second podcast episode with Stephen Moffitt from We Are Atmosphere,  we look at how to create visionary leadership amidst global uncertainty. Our host, Yiuwin Tsang, and Stephen talk about the critical skills of leaders which include being able to adapt to uncertainty and guide senior teams through the process of envisioning the future and embracing any necessary personal changes. 

Stephen emphasises the delicate balance between visionary and relational leadership during times of change, stressing the significance of shared vision and collaboration among senior leadership teams. Furthermore, he explores the importance of incorporating generational perspectives into business leadership, advocating for the involvement of younger generations in shaping the future of work. 

Listen to this podcast to learn more about:

- The leadership mindset and adapting to uncertainty with a clear vision
- How to create open and adaptive business models
- How to balance visionary and relational leadership
- Why future scenarios and generational perspectives in business leadership are so important
- Why leaders should develop humility and curiosity to effectively navigate change
- Why leaders should prioritise building rapport and gaining insights by talking to people around them

About Stephen Moffitt

Stephen describes himself as an "intrapreneur" and strategic advisor working with companies pivoting toward delivering digital or data products and services. He has experience in starting new digital ventures for both private and public sector organisations across a range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, media and publishing. He also consults on digital transformation strategies to create adaptive businesses that can thrive in uncertainty.

Stephen has a BA in communications from Temple University and a PhD in Law from Birkbeck, where his research was on developing a paradigmatic framework to analyse the disruptions taking place in copyright law. In addition to his academic publications, he has published articles on transformation and data, as well as given talks in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. He is also a published poet and author and his science fiction novel, Sea of Dreams, imagined a future Data Age.

On the podcast this week we bring you the second part of our conversation with Dene Stuart, founder of The Exceptional Leader Academy. Hosted by Yiuwin Tsang, this episode looks at how learning to lead before leading others is essential because it lays the foundation for effective leadership. Leadership involves guiding and inspiring others, which requires a deep understanding of oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals.

Leading oneself first enables leaders to set a positive example, make sound decisions, and effectively navigate challenges, ultimately earning the trust and respect necessary to lead others successfully.

Dene’s career and experiences make for fascinating and insightful listening. Tune in now to learn more about:

- Leadership development and effective decision-making
- Managing pressure in leadership roles
- Effective communication and leadership
- Leadership skills and delegation for business growth
- Intentional leadership development


About Dene Stuart

Dene Stuart has over 30 years of commercial, leadership, and management experience, having held director roles within major national and regional media companies.

Managing large teams in multi-site offices gave Dene the broadest possible range of employment, team, motivational, and performance issues to deal with and was the key to his interest in personal development and performance. 

Dene is a licensed behavioural analyst and has a BSc in Management Science from The University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology. He is the author of various books including ResourcefulMe and The Thinking Revolution.

In this week's podcast, join Yiuwin Tsang and Ritam Gandhi, founder of Studio Graphene,  in this enlightening conversation that unravels the layers of B Corp certification, sustainability in digital product development, and the pivotal role they play in shaping the culture of a global agency. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about:

- B Corp certification and its impact on a global agency's culture
- B Corp certification and sustainability in digital product development
- The motivation for pursuing B Corp certification as a force for good 
- The certification journey and the added complexity of being an international business with multiple locations
- How the process has refined their mission and values through external validation, leading to clearer definition and alignment
- How the leadership team's education and openness on sustainability issues has driven employee passion and alignment
- How to drive business growth through sustainability and purpose

About Ritam Gandhi

For a decade, Ritam worked as a consultant for the likes of Accenture and Bank of America and Merrill Lynch before, in 2014, going on to found Studio Graphene – an agency that specialises in developing blank canvas tech products. 

Working with many startups alongside some more established companies, the London-based agency plans, designs and builds amazing tech products for its clients. What’s more, Ritam and the team also use their experience and expertise to help leaders grow their businesses.

In this week’s podcast host Yiuwin Tsang talks to Stephen Moffitt from We Are Atmosphere about building adaptable businesses, overcoming fear of change, and the practical steps you need to take for success.

They discuss the great shift happening in society, driven by technological, climate, economic, and geopolitical changes and how Stephen believes this shift will lead to a very different future than the present, with unpredictable outcomes and challenges for businesses and society as a whole.

This is a wide-ranging episode that covers:

• The long-term impacts of climate change and migration on businesses
• The future of online advertising and privacy concerns
• Adapting business strategies for an uncertain future
• Overcoming fear of change in business - the importance of being creative, communicating better and being explicit about what businesses are doing in response to change

About Stephen Moffitt

Stephen describes himself as an "intrapreneur" and strategic advisor working with companies pivoting toward delivering digital or data products and services. He has experience in starting new digital ventures for both private and public sector organisations across a range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, media and publishing. He also consults on digital transformation strategies to create adaptive businesses that can thrive in uncertainty.

Stephen has a BA in communications from Temple University and a PhD in Law from Birkbeck, where his research was on developing a paradigmatic framework to analyse the disruptions taking place in copyright law. In addition to his academic publications, he has published articles on transformation and data, as well as given talks in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. He is also a published poet and author and his science fiction novel, Sea of Dreams, imagined a future Data Age.

In this week’s podcast, our host Yiuwin Tsang was joined by the founder of The Exceptional Leader Academy, Dene Stuart. Dene has a wealth of experience in helping leaders to achieve their full potential and in this podcast shares insights on how to embrace vulnerability, cultivate essential soft skills, and leverage time for sustained success in business. He also emphasises the necessity for leaders to develop self-awareness to navigate uncertainty effectively.

Dene also highlights the often undervalued soft skills in business, stressing their impact on reducing costs and enhancing productivity. The episode examines the challenges of managing and measuring these skills, urging leaders to recognise their tangible impact on businesses of any size.

Listen to the podcast to learn more about: 

• How to embrace vulnerability in your leadership development
• How to develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness and set yourself apart from the majority who don't lead well
• How to better leverage your own time, and delegate tasks for business success
• How to build emotional resilience through mindfulness and self-reflection 

About Dene Stuart

Dene Stuart has over 30 years of commercial, leadership, and management experience, having held director roles within major national and regional media companies.

Managing large teams in multi-site offices gave Dene the broadest possible range of employment, team, motivational, and performance issues to deal with and was the key to his interest in personal development and performance. 

Dene is a licensed behavioural analyst and has a BSc in Management Science from The University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology. He is the author of various books including ResourcefulMe and The Thinking Revolution.

In this, the second episode with Tomasz Dyl of GottaBe! Marketing, Yiuwin Tsang tackles the issue of diversity and how agencies need to better understand and connect with their multicultural audiences. 

They discuss the strategies needed to build authentic connections with ethnic communities through immersion and understanding nuances, traditions, and challenges. This in turn can provide insights that are crucial for effective marketing.

Listen to this episode of The Beautiful Business Podcast to learn more about: 

• Building relationships and audience focus
• Exploring ethnic nuances in communication: Post-Covid and BLM
• Marketing to ethnic minorities for better ROI: Insights and recommendations
• Multicultural ethnic marketing strategies and collaboration
• The future of multicultural ethnic marketing

About Tomasz Dyl

Tomasz founded GottaBe! Marketing, in 2008 and over the years has established it into a leading marketing agency, specialising in providing innovative and tailored marketing solutions to clients in various industries.

In 2022, Tomasz was awarded the ‘Business Leader Award’ at the 2022 South Coast Business Awards, presented to leaders who elevated their business or supported the local community. GottaBe! were also nominated for a further two awards: Small Business of the Year and Business Leader of the Year and in 2023 won ‘Independent Agency of the Year’ at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards.

In this episode of the Beautiful Business podcast, our host Yiuwin Tsang and Chris Shaw from We Are Atmosphere talk about creating disruption in the consultancy world and overcoming challenges in a saturated market. 

Chris Shaw highlights the challenges faced by consultancy businesses in the current economic climate, including standing out and identifying pressure points in clients' businesses. Chris and Yiuwin look at ways in which consultancies can develop strategies for business success as well as future-proofing the business through adaptability and creativity.

Listen to the podcast now to learn more about: 

• The growing importance of sustainability in business, with a focus on purpose-driven approaches and authenticity
• Future-proofing businesses by analysing four areas: society, technology, planet, and ways of working
• Creating scenarios to help businesses adapt to rapid change and recognise opportunities, even if change is too fast to predict
• The importance of adaptability in business, particularly in the face of existential threats like climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions
• The challenges of disruptive change in business, including a lack of time and energy to focus on the future, and a tendency to prioritise short-term goals over long-term planning
• How consultancy leaders should focus on adaptability and being open to new ways of thinking, rather than getting stuck in traditional methods
• The importance of creativity and adaptability in business to stay ahead of new developments and meet sustainability challenges

About Chris Shaw

Chris is a creative at heart, having spent the last 20 years helping business leaders around the world maximise growth and achieve the results they really want, all against the backdrop of change. During his career, he has built an extensive playbook containing more than 200 unique tools, frameworks and insights all designed to simplify the complex nature of business and facilitate creative thinking.

Having successfully built and exited both a management consultancy and a creative agency in the last 10 years, Chris has used his blend of commercial experience and academic insight to accelerate the growth of organisations in a wide range of sectors including SaaS, Finance, Security, Media, Manufacture, Education, Logistics, Marketing, Travel and Professional Services.

He has recently ventured into the realm of horror fiction having signed a five-book publishing deal in the young adult space. 

In this week’s episode of The Beautiful Business Podcast we were delighted to welcome Tomasz Dyl, Founder and Managing Director of GottaBe! Marketing to talk about his experiences of starting an agency at just 17 years of age!

Our host Yiuwin Tsang talks to Tomasz about his experiences in starting out very young, taking risks and learning from mistakes, which has helped build a strong and resilient business today. They discuss how the drive to overcome obstacles and see results kept Thomas going as he tried to bridge the gap between Polish and UK communities and offer unique services in a niche market.  

Listen to the podcast to hear more about: 

• The importance of inclusivity in marketing, particularly in reaching ethnic minority communities in the UK
• The benefits of being an "upstart" brand, open to new ideas and able to adapt to change
• The importance of finding the right people for the right roles in a growing business, especially those who can empathise with the target market
• The importance of being part of the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) movement and making a difference in people's lives

About Tomasz Dyl

Tomasz founded GottaBe! Marketing, in 2008 and over the years has established it into a leading marketing agency, specialising in providing innovative and tailored marketing solutions to clients in various industries.

In 2022, Tomasz was awarded the ‘Business Leader Award’ at the 2022 South Coast Business Awards, presented to leaders who elevated their business or supported the local community. GottaBe! were also nominated for a further two awards: Small Business of the Year and Business Leader of the Year and in 2023 won ‘Independent Agency of the Year’ at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards.