Explore every episode of the podcast The Business Takeaway Podcast, Leadership & Business Advice
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Build a Brand People Actually Remember - Ep 36, T. Christian Helms, Helms Workshop | 21 Sep 2026 | 01:09:27 | |
Sponsored recommendation: Sponsored recommendation: How do you build a memorable brand when every competitor uses the same language, imagery and promises? T. Christian Helms explains why brand differentiation starts with honest research, clear positioning and a willingness to stop trying to please everybody. This is practical business advice for founders who want to stand out without relying on gimmicks or a cosmetic rebrand. Christian is the founder of Austin-based agency Helms Workshop, whose clients have included Jack Daniel’s, Disney, Harley-Davidson and Formula 1’s Circuit of the Americas. He works with global names and smaller founder-led businesses to turn brand strategy into a genuine commercial advantage. In this episode, Ben and Christian discuss the difference between being recognised and being remembered, why copying established competitors can make a young business disappear, and how a distinctive brand can support business growth. They also examine why a rebrand cannot repair a product or customer experience that no longer delivers what the business promises. Christian tells the story behind Austin Beerworks’ seven-foot 99-pack. The idea attracted international coverage and sent people following a delivery van around Austin, but it began with a practical problem: customers were confused by the beer’s original name. They also discuss where AI genuinely helps brand teams, why it can pull businesses back towards the category average, and what Christian learned when serious illness forced him to rebuild his life and company. In this episode:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Working with global brands and founder-led businesses 01:59 Using brand as an unfair advantage 06:26 Recognised versus remembered 07:28 Why copying competitors is death for a brand 08:26 Lateral thinking and the Apple example 12:07 Why a rebrand cannot fix a broken business 13:01 Building brand culture throughout a company 15:11 When customer perception contradicts the founders 19:14 Why customers love flawed products 22:50 How brands should respond when things go wrong 27:30 Audacity versus attention-seeking 28:32 The story of the 99-pack of beer 31:01 Making the pub joke real 32:50 Why a brand does not need everybody 33:35 Creativity and lateral thinking 38:38 Why people love the absurd 40:35 Ryanair and the limits of brand personality 44:38 Where AI helps — and where it fails 48:57 What digitally native creatives do differently 51:16 Why the idea must come before the tool 52:25 Diagnosing a broken brand 54:38 Christian’s forthcoming branding book 56:05 Rebuilding after serious illness 59:17 Christian’s business takeaway 01:00:27 Rapid-fire questions Guest linksComplementary episodes
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| Your Team Might Fear You More Than Respect You - Ep 35, Kyle McDowell, Begin With WE | 14 Sep 2026 | 01:03:31 | |
Sponsored recommendation: Sponsored recommendation: What happens when you’re getting results, but your team is afraid to challenge you? Kyle McDowell found out that the people around him feared him more than they respected him. Kyle had spent nearly three decades in corporate leadership. Honest feedback made him question the kind of leader he had become. He went on to develop the principles behind Begin With WE, then put them to the test while leading an organisation of around 15,000 people. In this conversation, Ben and Kyle talk about the gap between achieving results and leading people well. They get into why company values often fail to change behaviour, what happens when someone challenges a senior leader, and how you build a culture that can hold together as an organisation grows. In this episode:
The business takeaway Good results do not automatically mean good leadership. People need to see their leaders live by the standards they expect from everyone else, and feel able to speak up when something is wrong. Chapters 00:00 Kyle’s corporate career 03:49 “They feared me more than they respected me” 08:14 Creating the 10 WEs 15:35 Why leaders struggle to be challenged 17:39 Outcomes versus activity 23:19 Getting an organisation to buy into change 26:46 Creating culture across 15,000 people 38:58 Why company values fail 41:59 Can you outsource culture change? 49:54 Where to start with a dysfunctional company 55:27 Kyle’s ultimate leadership rule Guest LinksKyle's current is a bestselling author, leadership expert and speaker and centres his work around the 10 WEs. Kyle McDowell — Official Website Complementary BTA EpisodesDave Coull — How to Build a Strong Business Culture That Actually WorksDave tackles company culture, values and trust from the perspective of actually running an organisation; Kyle approaches the same territory through leadership behaviours and the 10 WEs. Listen to Dave Coull on Spotify Joshua Lifrak — They Didn't Win for 108 Years… Then Everything ChangedJoshua discusses organisational identity, culture, mindset and leadership through elite sport. It gives listeners a different setting for many of the same questions. Listen to Joshua Lifrak on Spotify Sam Tamplin — How to Scale a Business to 100 StaffMaintaining behaviour and leadership standards as an organisation becomes too large for the founder/leader to personally touch everyone. | |||
| Why More Growth Can Make Your Business Worse - Ep34, Cameron Magee, CEO avad3 | 07 Sep 2026 | 01:10:06 | |
Sponsored recommendation: Sponsored recommendation: What happens when growing your business stops making it better? Cameron Magee started working in event production as a teenager in Arkansas before building avad3 into a national US event production company. But his most valuable lessons aren't about AV or live events — they're about scaling a business deliberately and the leadership tips, management skills and ceo insights that come from that. In this episode, Cameron explains why he doesn't believe in growth at all costs, why he'll turn down customers that no longer fit the business, and how he's learned to separate ambition from simply becoming bigger. We also explore financing growth, business debt, hiring, company culture, delegation and the difficult transition founders make from doing the work themselves to leading the people who do it. In this episode:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:32 Discovering event production 05:16 Could this actually become a business? 08:49 Ambition versus contentment 11:12 Taking a local business national 15:56 Funding business growth 20:54 Making people and assets profitable 23:40 Scaling delivery across America 26:33 Learning world-class standards 30:30 When the founder leaves the tools 34:29 How big should the company become? 39:16 Hiring beyond friends and family 42:23 Culture, standards and accountability 46:38 Technology and operational change 49:30 Sustainability and long-term investment 53:46 The future of the business 59:41 Creativity versus bigger budgets 1:01:48 Cameron's Business Takeaway 1:04:51 Rapid fire GUEST LINKSCameron's current business and profile details are independently verifiable. avad3 describes itself as a nationwide event-production partner, and Cameron is publicly identified as its founder/owner. Cameron Magee — LinkedIn avad3 Event Production avad3 resources / content Their site also has a useful connection to Cameron's service-first point: the company explicitly explains that “avad” derives from a Hebrew term meaning “to work, do, serve,” and positions service as part of the brand. COMPLEMENTARY EPISODESSam Tamplin — How to Scale a Business to 100 Staff (Without Losing Control)Same industry background, but a useful contrast in scale. Sam's episode deals directly with reinvestment, leadership, systems and keeping culture intact while growing towards 100 people. Listen to Sam Tamplin on Spotify Dave Coull — Culture Isn't Words on a WallCameron's strongest leadership section is about what happens when people don't meet your standards. Dave's episode goes deeper into culture, trust, values and managing high performers whose behaviour doesn't align with the organisation. Listen to Dave Coull on Spotify Matt Turner — Building a Business Where People Actually Want to WorkThe natural follow-on to Cameron's discussion around transitioning from practitioner to leader and deciding what kind of organisation you actually want to build. | |||
| Being Good at Your Job Isn't a Career Strategy? — Ep 33, Kim Sawyer Executive Coach | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:55:11 | |
Sponsored recommendation: Sponsored recommendation: You can be brilliant at your job and still have no real strategy for your career. In this episode of The Business Takeaway Podcast, Ben Payne sits down with executive coach Kim Sawyer to explore why working hard, delivering results and accepting the next promotion isn't necessarily the same as building the career you actually want. This is the true advice any business person needs to hear! Kim argues that this can become particularly dangerous for successful people because, for a long time, the system works. You perform, opportunities arrive and your career progresses. Until eventually it doesn't. Ben and Kim discuss why people become defined by their current job title, why success itself can become a career trap, how to build professional relationships before you need something from them, and why founders can struggle with their identity once they sell the business they've spent years building. Kim also explains why your career needs time and attention completely separate from your current job. His ultimate Business Takeaway: Your job serves your career. Your career serves your life.In this episode
Chapters 01:04 — Meet Kim Sawyer 01:16 — An unconventional career: military, entrepreneurship and coaching 08:09 — Becoming CEO of your own career 10:32 — Why modern careers are increasingly unpredictable 12:28 — Why most people don't have a career strategy 15:04 — How different generations think about careers 18:04 — Why founders can struggle with business exits 20:29 — The two-hour career challenge 21:48 — The four pillars of Career Mastery 25:08 — Why your job description can limit you 26:27 — When success becomes the enemy 28:37 — Networking versus building social capital 31:27 — Why networking often feels uncomfortable 33:55 — The danger of simply relying on hard work 36:04 — Signs you've become stuck 38:04 — Who is responsible for your career? 40:19 — How to judge the next opportunity 42:40 — Why good employers shouldn't fear losing good people 44:38 — What limits careers most 46:05 — Reclaiming control of your time 48:18 — Why Career Mastery isn't traditional job-search coaching 49:58 — Kim's Business Takeaway 55:18 — Kim's special offer for listeners Guest linksKim Sawyer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkimsawyer/ theWealthSource Kim's articles and resources https://thewealthsource.com/author/kim-sawyer/ Kim is currently listed as President of theWealthSource and offers executive, business and career development coaching. His current profiles also verify the Houston-based practice and Career Mastery work. 🎁 Business Takeaway listener offerAre you a successful executive who aspires to more and wants to have a real say in what your future looks like? Kim is offering his $300 Career Mastery Session to the first three listeners who sign up, so schedule yours today! https://calendly.com/thewealthsource” Linking episodes: Erin Teter — Why Employees Stop Telling Leaders The TruthThis is the natural employer-side continuation. Kim asks how individuals manage their careers; Erin explores what organisations need to do to develop, retain and challenge their people. Spotify: | |||
| Your Logo Is Not Your Brand: Trust, AI and the Marketing Mistakes Businesses Make - Ep 32, Jason Clark CMO Tectonic | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:57:24 | |
Sponsored recommendation: Sponsored recommendation: What really makes a strong brand — and why do so many businesses still confuse branding with a logo? This week, Ben speaks with Jason Clark, Chief Marketing Officer at Tectonic and former owner of VIA Studio, about brand strategy, customer trust, AI in marketing and what makes businesses genuinely different. Jason explains why rebrands driven by ego or trends often fail, why good branding has to connect back to the commercial fundamentals of the business, and why AI can make marketing faster while also making companies look increasingly similar. They also discuss Jason’s journey from agency founder to CMO, why he now turns down projects even when the money is attractive, and the surprising finding that almost 75% of his agency’s new client leads came through referrals. In this episode:
TIMECODED CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Jason’s journey from agency founder to CMO 01:26 Why Jason began planning the sale years in advance 02:28 The emotional reality of selling a 20-year business 03:30 Structuring a five-year earnout 04:30 Protecting the team and culture after acquisition 05:32 Escaping the exhausting responsibilities of ownership 06:39 Why successful founders often end up doing work they dislike 07:21 VIA Studio’s work in branding, marketing and web development 08:49 How many CEOs truly understand branding? 10:21 A brand is what people perceive 11:42 The difference between a logo and brand strategy 14:22 Why internal branding can matter more than external branding 15:43 The warning signs that a business needs a rebrand 17:27 Why rebrands driven by ego or trends fail 19:23 Rebranding without changing the logo 22:32 Should a rebrand immediately increase revenue? 24:31 Why brand strategy must connect to the bottom line 26:06 How AI is changing branding and creative work 26:46 Why AI naturally produces average work 28:47 Authenticity, AI content and customer trust 30:13 Why AI-generated websites can undermine credibility 31:40 How Jason used AI to accelerate the sales process 33:44 How brand discovery is changing 35:00 Being discovered through large language models 36:35 Why nearly 75% of new business came from referrals 38:03 The fundamentals matter more than the latest trend 39:20 Building a brand system that can last ten years 41:43 Why every brand now needs multiple logo formats 43:18 Branding commercial, nonprofit and government organisations 46:43 Why brand strategy must come before website development 48:47 The projects Jason now refuses to accept 50:36 Where a business owner should begin before rebranding 51:31 Jason’s greatest business takeaway 52:38 Rapid-fire questions Enjoyed this conversation? Listen next: The Hard Truth About Building in a Niche Market — Mats Karlsson Branding, reputation and the relationships that build a resilient business. Links
Jason is currently listed as Chief Marketing Officer at Tectonic and former owner of VIA Studio | |||
| Your Business Sucks: Escape the Hamster Wheel Before It Breaks You - Ep 31, Peter Boolkah Scaling Up Business Coach | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:49:10 | |
Most people start a business because they want greater freedom, more control over their time and the opportunity to build a better life. But for many founders, the opposite happens. They lack finding the best business advice or business mentorship to really go forward. The business becomes increasingly dependent on them. Every important decision reaches their desk, customers expect their personal involvement and the team waits for their approval. The founder becomes trapped inside the company they created and they have many leadership challenges. In this episode, Ben speaks with business coach and author Peter Boolkah about why so many entrepreneurs become caught in what Peter calls the hamster wheel trap. Peter explains how founder dependency begins from the first day of a business, when one person takes responsibility for sales, marketing, finance, delivery and every operational decision. Unless that behaviour changes, the business continues to depend on the founder as it grows. They also discuss the personal cost of long-term entrepreneurial pressure, the danger of building a company without an exit plan and why a profitable business is not automatically a valuable or sellable business. Peter argues that business owners must deliberately create systems, develop leaders and transfer their knowledge if they want the company to operate without them. The conversation also explores why founders lose their original sense of purpose, how business education affects long-term success and why growth should never be pursued simply because somebody else appears to have a bigger company. In This Episode• Why businesses can take away the freedom they were meant to create • What Peter means by the hamster wheel trap • Why founders unconsciously create dependency • The hidden psychological pressure experienced by business owners • Why hard work cannot compensate for a lack of business knowledge • How systems and processes make effective delegation possible • Why some business owners need to close before they can rebuild • The difference between a profitable and exit-ready business • How to prepare a company to operate without its founder • Why founders should define their own version of success • The three characteristics Peter sees in strong leaders Key Business TakeawayBuild a business that gives you choices. That means creating systems, developing capable leaders and removing yourself as the essential point through which every decision must pass. A business that can work without you gives you the freedom to grow it, sell it, pass it on—or simply enjoy the life it was originally meant to create. 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Peter Boolkah’s background 00:50 Why Peter wrote Your Business Sucks 02:50 Why the book needed a provocative title 04:12 Can running a business become less stressful? 07:20 The social media illusion of entrepreneurship 08:55 Why founders cannot always share their pressure 10:36 Why business owners feel trapped 12:39 Understanding the hamster wheel trap 15:00 When your business owns you 16:43 The tragedy of an unplanned business exit 19:02 How many founders are trapped? 20:53 Business education in a rapidly changing world 23:16 Why founders make themselves indispensable 24:37 The founder control cycle 26:19 The most common weakness Peter sees 27:43 Why founders stop dreaming 29:39 When a business is too far gone 30:44 Building a profitable versus exit-ready business 31:31 Why the exit must work without the founder 32:40 Preparing the leadership team for a sale 34:36 What a founder-independent business looks like 35:34 Defining your own version of success 37:22 Installing a team and learning to let go 38:14 What happens when founders regain their freedom 40:11 The first step out of the hamster wheel 41:17 Feedback, coaching and outside perspective 42:01 The characteristics of great founders 42:29 Rapid-fire questions Link With Peter Peter Boolkah Website: boolkah.com LinkedIn: Peter Boolkah on LinkedIn Peter’s book — Your Business Sucks: Build a Business That Works Without Destroying Your Life Amazon UK: Buy Your Business Sucks on Amazon Similar Episodes: Steve BodenRecommended because the conversation explores building a company deliberately, strengthening its foundations and making strategic decisions rather than pursuing unmanaged growth. Erin TeterRelevant to Peter’s point that founder independence requires the right people, the right behaviours and a culture capable of operating without constant intervention. | |||
| AI Won’t Replace Your Team. Someone Using It Will — Ep 30, Ricardo Arcia CEO, Teravision Technologies | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:57:13 | |
Artificial intelligence promises faster delivery, lower costs and extraordinary productivity. But what happens when the people expected to use it do not trust it, do not understand it or believe it could ultimately replace them? In this episode of The Business Takeaway Podcast, Ben sits down with Ricardo Arcia, founder and CEO of Teravision Technologies and author of The Cognitive Leader. Ricardo founded Teravision more than 20 years ago and has grown the organisation into an international software business. Over the past two years, he has led an extensive AI transformation involving real engineering teams, live client projects and repeated experimentation. The results challenged some of the biggest assumptions surrounding AI adoption. Ricardo explains why isolated AI tools do not automatically create organisation-wide productivity, why experienced employees can be among the most resistant to change and why successful AI transformation depends more on leadership than technology. They also explore how software teams are becoming smaller, why leaders must give employees permission to become temporarily slower and why every technology leader Ricardo interviewed believed their organisation was already behind. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, CTOs, engineering leaders and business owners trying to understand how artificial intelligence will change teams, skills and organisational structures. IN THIS EPISODE • Why Ricardo began investigating AI-driven software development • What happened when three engineering teams were challenged to compress a seven-month project into eight weeks • Why junior engineers embraced AI but initially produced weaker results • Why experienced engineers were more sceptical • The difference between isolated acceleration and compound productivity • Why AI transformation is a people and leadership challenge • What Ricardo means by “cognitive leadership” • Why established companies should not expect instant 10x productivity • Whether AI will reduce the number of software engineering jobs • Why adaptability can become more valuable than existing technical expertise • How leaders can provide psychological safety during AI transformation • Why Ricardo gave engineers permission to introduce technical debt • Why teams need permission to become slower before becoming faster • How AI is changing the structure of software development teams • What Ricardo discovered after interviewing more than 150 technology leaders • Why every CTO believes they are behind • How companies can move beyond using ChatGPT for emails • Why AI implementation should be managed through 90-day loops • The role of a “Team Zero” in testing and transferring AI practices • Why coaching is essential to sustainable adoption • Which software roles could become more valuable • How AI could dramatically accelerate global innovation KEY TAKEAWAYS AI transformation is a leadership challenge The technology may be new, but the greatest barriers are human. Leaders must manage fear, uncertainty, professional identity and resistance—not simply distribute new software. Tools do not create transformation Individual employees may complete certain tasks more quickly, but those gains will remain isolated unless the entire process is redesigned around them. Productivity may fall before it rises Teams need time to learn, experiment and develop confidence. Expecting immediate gains can cause people to return to familiar working methods before new behaviours take hold. Adaptability is becoming a core hiring criterion Technical expertise remains important, but an employee who refuses to engage with new technology risks becoming less valuable than somebody with fewer existing skills and a stronger capacity to learn. Leaders must become comfortable with uncertainty AI systems and capabilities are developing too quickly for leaders to wait until every answer is known. The role of leadership is increasingly to create systems for experimentation, measurement and adaptation. Think in 90-day loops Rather than attempting to produce a fixed multi-year AI strategy, organisations should establish measurable 90-day objectives, test them, capture the learning and update their approach. TIMECODES 00:16 — Ricardo’s background and the creation of Teravision Technologies 02:05 — The experiment that began Teravision’s AI transformation 03:00 — Junior enthusiasm versus senior engineering experience 04:20 — Why isolated productivity improvements failed to compound 05:07 — The AI tools that started the journey 06:31 — Guardrails, risk and fears surrounding autonomous AI 08:45 — What it means to become a cognitive leader 09:50 — Why AI transformation is a people problem 11:39 — The biggest misconception CEOs have about AI productivity 13:10 — Will AI replace software engineers? 15:00 — Helping employees work through fear and uncertainty 16:30 — “AI will not replace you, but somebody using it might” 17:15 — How a ten-person software team could become a four-person team 19:16 — Why coaching is essential during AI adoption 20:30 — Giving engineers permission to introduce technical debt 21:20 — Why teams need permission to become temporarily slower 23:13 — How Ricardo’s own leadership had to change 24:20 — Making peace with permanent discomfort 27:55 — What Ricardo learned from interviewing 150 technology leaders 28:13 — Why every technology leader believes they are late 29:25 — How early we really are in the AI adoption cycle 31:31 — Moving beyond using ChatGPT to write emails 32:41 — Why AI transformation should happen in 90-day loops 34:57 — AI accuracy, architecture and the importance of context 38:00 — Why product definition is becoming the new bottleneck 39:10 — How software engineering roles are changing 40:48 — Brilliant traditional engineer versus adaptable AI engineer 42:50 — How a company should begin its AI transformation 44:00 — Training teams to use a shared AI language 45:00 — The “Team Zero” operating model 47:00 — Coaching teams through continuous behavioural change 48:18 — Which software roles could become more valuable 50:30 — How AI could accelerate global innovation 52:24 — Ricardo’s rapid-fire answers ABOUT RICARDO ARCIA Ricardo Arcia is the founder and CEO of Teravision Technologies, a software development organisation working with businesses on digital products and AI-driven software transformation. He is also the author of The Cognitive Leader: How to Drive Strategic AI Transformation in Software Development, informed by hands-on experimentation inside Teravision and more than 150 interviews with CTOs, VPs of Engineering and technology leaders. TheCognitiveLeader.com The Cognitive Leader newsletter The Cognitive Leader: How to Drive Strategic AI Transformation in Software Development will be published on September 29, 2026 ABOUT THE BUSINESS TAKEAWAY PODCAST The Business Takeaway Podcast goes beyond polished success stories to uncover the decisions, failures, leadership lessons and practical takeaways behind real businesses. Each episode gives founders, leaders and business owners ideas they can apply inside their own organisations. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Similar episodes which might be of interest: | |||
| Why Sustainability Isn't Costing Businesses Money... It's Making Them Money - Ep 29 Emily Coon, St Austells Brewery | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:57:19 | |
Can sustainability actually make your business more profitable? For many business leaders, sustainability is still seen as a cost. Something that's expensive, difficult to measure and only worth doing because regulations say you have to. Emily Coon believes that's completely wrong. As Sustainability Manager at St Austell Brewery, Emily has helped transform sustainability from a compliance exercise into a commercial advantage. In this episode of The Business Takeaway Podcast, she explains why sustainability isn't just about protecting the planet—it's about building stronger, more resilient businesses that grow for decades. From reducing waste and improving operational efficiency to strengthening supply chains and driving long-term profitability, Emily shares how sustainability can become a genuine competitive advantage for any organisation. One simple operational change alone saved the business more than £60,000 every year. Whether you're a business owner, CEO, founder, operations leader or simply interested in building a better business, this episode is packed with practical lessons that go far beyond sustainability. In this episode we discuss:• Why sustainability should be viewed as a commercial strategy, not a cost • How sustainability improves profitability and business resilience • Building a sustainability strategy that people actually buy into • Why culture beats policy every time • The leadership question every CEO should ask • How one simple change saved over £60,000 a year • Working with suppliers to create lasting impact • Why every employee should become a sustainability leader • Creating business strategies that still work 20 years from now • Why sustainability needs a complete rebrand Key Takeaways✔ Sustainability is one of the biggest drivers of operational efficiency. ✔ Businesses don't need perfect data before taking action. ✔ Long-term thinking creates stronger businesses. ✔ Culture creates sustainable change—not policies. ✔ The companies that adapt fastest will outperform those that don't. Timecodes00:00 Introduction 01:13 What does a Sustainability Manager actually do? 02:23 Building sustainability into a 175-year-old business 06:02 Why culture beats policy 08:37 Creating a sustainability strategy from scratch 10:17 Working with suppliers to reduce emissions 12:50 Does sustainability actually make money? 14:28 The £60,000 lesson from putting waste in the right bins 16:55 Setting business KPIs that actually work 20:35 What customers really think about sustainability 23:39 Climate change becomes personal 26:12 Creating change across 2,000 employees 29:30 Why sustainability needs a rebrand 35:13 Where should every business start? 39:09 The leadership question every CEO should ask 43:12 What governments are getting wrong 47:43 Emily's biggest achievement 48:58 Quick Fire Questions Links Related Episodes If you enjoyed this conversation, you'll also enjoy: • Erin Teter – Why hiring for culture beats hiring for skills. | |||
| The Business Behind Britain's Biggest Pantomimes - Ep 28 Steve Boden, Imagine Theatre | 27 Jul 2026 | 01:03:10 | |
W hat does it really take to produce one of the UK's biggest pantomime businesses? In this episode of The Business Takeaway Podcast, Ben Payne sits down with Steve Boden, Joint CEO of Imagine Theatre, to explore the commercial reality behind one of Britain's oldest and most successful entertainment industries. From managing 21 simultaneous productions and pioneering digital pantomime, to navigating the financial impact of COVID and balancing creativity with commercial decisions, Steve shares the lessons every business owner, entrepreneur and leader can learn from building a thriving creative business. Whether you're interested in business growth, leadership, innovation, theatre, live events or entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways that extend far beyond the stage. In this episode you'll learn:
Time Codes 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Steve's journey into the pantomime business 09:46 Growing from a small company to 21 productions 11:05 Reinventing pantomime with digital technology 16:45 Why digital sets changed the audience experience 17:42 Taking a major commercial risk on innovation 32:20 Why pantomime keeps theatres financially alive 33:20 How theatres and producers work together 46:02 Why great storytelling beats expensive technology 47:32 Balancing creativity with commercial reality 55:47 What Steve would do differently if he started again 57:04 Steve's ultimate business takeaway Key Takeaways
Resources & Links: Similar Episodes
Keywords Business Podcast, Leadership Podcast, Steve Boden, Imagine Theatre, Pantomime, Theatre Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Leadership, Creative Industries, Innovation, Commercial Strategy, Live Events, Business Owner, CEO Interview, Business Lessons, Business Takeaway Podcast. | |||
| Why Footballers Go Broke: The Money Lessons Most Players Learn Too Late - Ep 27 Alex Smithies, Brooks Sport | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:50:57 | |
In this episode, Alex Smithies, a former professional goalkeeper turned financial planner, shares his journey from the pitch to advising athletes on life after sports. Discover how the mindset around money and career longevity in sports differs from other industries, and learn practical insights to better prepare athletes — and anyone — for financial resilience and long-term success. In this episode:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Alex's journey from football to financial planning 02:10 - Reality check: Short-term thinking in football careers 05:46 - Injury as a catalyst: Planning for life after playing 08:08 - Lack of club support: The need for financial education in sports 10:50 - Peer pressure and materialism among players 12:56 - The emotional shock of retiring from sport 14:34 - The importance of early financial habits for athletes 18:13 - How clubs and leagues can improve athlete financial safety 20:34 - Financial realities across different leagues and tiers 23:35 - The importance of financial literacy from a young age 27:00 - Traits of players who transition successfully out of sports 31:42 - The call for mandatory financial education in academies 36:17 - First day of retirement: Emotional and practical advice 37:34 - The mindset of goalkeepers versus field players in retirement 39:01 - Evolving success: From on-field achievements to personal life 43:11 - One ultimate lesson from Alex’s career and lifeResources & Links: | |||
| How to Build a Strong Business Culture That Actually Works - Ep 26, Dave Coull CEO Stage Electrics Group | 29 Jun 2026 | 01:09:59 | |
How do you build a strong company culture that actually works? Dave Coull explores trust, leadership, company values and maintaining culture as a business grows. Company culture is easy to talk about. Putting some values on the wall, adding them to the website and telling people what the business stands for is the simple part. The much harder challenge is making sure those values are reflected in how people actually behave, how leaders make decisions and what employees experience every day. In this episode of The Business Takeaway, Dave Coull, CEO of Stage Electrics Group, joins Ben Payne to explore what it really takes to build and maintain a strong company culture. Dave shares his experience of leading an established business through growth and change, including the challenge of bringing different teams together through acquisitions. They discuss why trust and transparency matter, how leaders influence workplace culture through their own behaviour and why listening to employees becomes increasingly important as an organisation grows. The conversation also explores a problem many growing businesses eventually encounter: the culture that developed naturally when the company was smaller doesn't necessarily survive growth. More people, multiple locations, acquisitions and changing leadership structures can all affect how an organisation feels to the people working inside it. For CEOs, founders, business owners and managers, this is a practical conversation about organisational culture without the slogans. It's about what leaders actually do to build trust, create employee engagement and make company values mean something. In this episode, you'll discover:
The Business Takeaway
Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 02:16 - The core role of culture in organisational success 06:28 - Transitioning into the events and technology sector 09:22 - Building trust through humility and authenticity 12:44 - Leading technical teams without needing to be a technical expert 15:45 - Communicating effectively during COVID-19 and remote onboarding 19:43 - Protecting and evolving existing company culture during acquisitions 23:45 - Defining core values with employee input and ongoing reinforcement 28:58 - Handling cultural integration of new business units 32:04 - The impact of culture on employee engagement and productiveness 36:33 - The importance of continuous communication and transparency 39:39 - Maintaining culture across growing and distributed teams 44:11 - Managing high performers with misaligned values 48:41 - Major mistakes leaders make in shaping company culture 51:11 - Practical steps for honest and transparent leadership 55:20 - Creating an environment where challenging leadership is safe and encouraged 58:43 - Balancing honesty and confidentiality in leadership communication 62:24 - Building a legacy based on developing people and strong culture 65:49 - Final thoughts: leadership as a team enabler and culture creator 66:05 - Rapid-fire: Apple or Android? 66:17 - Preferred social media platform? 66:23 - City or beach getaway? 67:01 - Essential item for travel? 67:08 - Morning or night person? 67:30 - Build new or fix what's broken? 67:50 - Growth or profitability? 68:19 - Best advice ignored? 68:45 - The drink Dave would choose at a pub? Resources & Links:If you enjoyed this episode check out Matt Turners episode on our show This episode offers actionable leadership principles rooted in decades of experience—timeless lessons for anyone committed to building thriving, resilient organisations. | |||
| The Founder Changing How Theatres Sell Seats - Ep 25, Ryan Metcalfe CEO Preevue | 22 Jun 2026 | 01:10:36 | |
In this episode, Ryan Metcalfe, founder and CEO of Preevue, shares candid insights on the evolution of digital twins, the significance of failure, and how technology is reshaping theatre and entertainment industries. His journey demonstrates how strategic engineering, embracing errors, and an eye for innovation can disrupt even the most traditional sectors. This is a true lesson in business disruption! Key Takeaways:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Ryan reacts to a major product failure and values lessons learned 02:20 - Challenges of managing diverse roles across theatre and media 04:10 - Creativity meets sales: blending art with commercial goals in entertainment 06:00 - Evolution of visualisation in theatre and how digital twins are transforming productions 08:50 - Breaking the misconception of visualization as a gimmick in arts projects 12:00 - How detailed laser scanning creates accurate digital models for ticketing and design 15:30 - The rise of AI and emerging technologies, and their impact on the industry 18:00 - The importance of rapid testing and iterative development in tech adoption 20:30 - Ryan’s early entrepreneurial start at 18 and the importance of perseverance 22:00 - Building credibility: from small gigs to working on Harry Potter’s Broadway production 25:00 - The long timeline to prove new tech to industry giants like ATG 29:00 - The future of production visualizers and the formalization of this industry role 33:00 - Handling technological resistance and pushing the art forward with digital tools 36:40 - Innovation in venue data collection through COVID scans and the growth of ticketing tech 40:00 - The strategic approach to AI, balancing risks and opportunities in visualisation 43:00 - Lessons learned from running a business without prior experience or formal training 45:00 - The importance of being a jack-of-all-trades and building resilient teams 46:30 - Ryan’s reflections on leadership and the ongoing responsibility of founding and running a business Resources & Links:Connect with Ryan Metcalfe This episode is a masterclass in how a creative industry embraces technology, overcomes tradition, and pushes boundaries—both artistic and entrepreneurial. Ryan’s story underscores that innovation often starts with a simple idea, fueled by a willingness to fail, learn, and adapt. | |||
| The Hard Truth About Building in a Niche Market - Ep 24 Mats Karlsson CEO Stage Smarts | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:57:16 | |
In this episode, Mats Karlsson shares his journey from starting in stage lighting to developing innovative power distribution systems, navigating supply chain challenges, and the importance of brand and relationships in the entertainment tech industry. His experience highlights how resilience and strategic pivots can propel growth even during turbulent times and how any business in a small market can growKey Topics
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Mats and his diverse industry background 02:14 - The development of innovative discharge lamps and product successes 04:33 - Experiences negotiating with giants like PRG and lessons learned 06:28 - How industry pioneers like Rusty Bruchet shaped the lighting industry 07:44 - The transition from traditional to LED and the rise of new markets 11:09 - Launching Station Marts: From basement projects to international sales 14:17 - Navigating post-COVID challenges and decision-making in turbulent times 16:29 - The importance of understanding electrical systems globally 19:24 - How power distribution is vital for LED and video in modern productions 21:35 - Opportunities and challenges in North American and global markets 23:28 - The resilience built during COVID and strategic pivots in product offerings 30:38 - The significance of branding, appearance, and professionalism in industry reputation 32:39 - Future trends: virtual studios, AI, and technological advancements in the industry 37:30 - The importance of face-to-face relationships and industry networking 40:50 - Personal growth and leadership evolution over a decade 44:01 - The importance of communication, respect, and reputation in leadership 48:45 - Core lessons: quality, patience, and the value of strong distributor networks 54:49 - Industry professionalism and the importance of branding and presentation 58:10 - Reflection: What Mats would do differently if starting today 59:34 - Final insights: market understanding, persistence, and the power of relationships Resources & Links:Connect with Mats Karlsson: Want to listen to a similar episode - check out Sam Tamplins Episode here! The journey of Stage Smarts exemplifies how innovative thinking, strategic branding, and relationship-building can build a resilient global enterprise in the entertainment industry. | |||
| Why Employees Stop Telling Leaders The Truth - Ep 23 Erin Teter, CEO Teter People Consulting | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:12:08 | |
In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Erin Teter, a seasoned fractional CHRO, shares invaluable insights on how HR can be a strategic partner in scaling and managing modern businesses, guiding and helping leadership especially in the era of remote work and rapid growth. Her experience across private equity, tech, and startups offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of HR's role beyond compliance to true business impact. Key topics:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Erin Teter and her HR journey 02:20 - Common misconceptions about HR roles in business 04:15 - Strategic HR and its influence on business growth 06:42 - Signs of HR and management issues during rapid scaling 08:54 - The significance of internal communication and culture 11:00 - When and how HR policies should be implemented in small startups 13:37 - Structuring compensation and compliance considerations at scale 15:50 - Management cracks that appear as businesses grow 17:23 - Handling career plateauing and strengths-based development 20:07 - The biggest hiring mistakes in today’s competitive environment 22:40 - Using behavioral questions and scorecards effectively 25:21 - Managing wrong hires and quick termination strategies 28:35 - Hiring differences in private equity-backed versus small startups 32:33 - The changing landscape of job loyalty and retention 35:45 - Providing growth and challenge in startup environments 38:02 - HR’s role in remote and hybrid team management 41:23 - Building emotional connections in dispersed teams 44:51 - Recognizing and acting on HR blind spots 47:17 - HR’s balancing act: protecting the business vs. supporting employees 50:12 - The influence of AI on HR functions and decision-making 54:45 - Initial steps for founders facing big people challenges 58:28 - Erin's one golden rule for business success: perseverance and resilience Connect with Erin Teter:This episode provides a compelling look at why HR is a pivotal element not just for compliance, but for defining company culture, scaling successfully, and building resilient teams in the modern era. Whether you're in small startups or large scale-ups, Erin’s insights challenge traditional views and equip leaders to think differently about their people strategies. | |||
| They Didn’t Win for 108 Years… Then Everything Changed - Ep 22 Joshua Lifrak, Mental Performance Coach, | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:57:45 | |
In this episode, we explore how principles from professional sports, especially baseball, can transform business culture and individual mindset. Joshua Lifrak shares insights from his decades of experience in sport psychology, illustrating how mental resilience, defining organisational identity, strong leadership skills, leadership development and daily habits can lead to consistent success. Key Topics:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing lessons from baseball to business leadership 02:17 - How sports psychology evolved over the last 20 years 03:58 - From sociology degree to mental training in sports 06:45 - Building relationships before implementing mental skills 09:25 - Defining your organization’s or team’s identity 12:05 - The opportunity of the World Series and human development 14:50 - Handling setbacks and maintaining resilience in sports 15:53 - Using "Mile Zero" to reset daily performance 18:38 - Belief and determination as key factors for winning teams 20:48 - Celebrating success and managing victory momentum 24:08 - Overcoming a curse: the mythical story of the Chicago Cubs 25:18 - Differences and similarities across sports cultures 28:05 - Applying sports resilience to business environments 29:50 - Six steps to resilience and thriving in chaos 33:30 - COVID as an accelerant for personal growth practices 37:46 - Marginal gains and continuous improvement strategies 41:36 - Critical elements for cultivating high-performance teams 43:33 - Clarity as a cornerstone of effective teamwork 44:17 - Managing emotional setbacks: stepping away and resetting 48:19 - Starting small: the power of setting daily intentions 49:33 - What does “Win Today” really mean? 53:12 - The mindset shift for meaningful, quick transformations 54:17 - How the podcast and book connect to everyday life Resources & Links:
Connect with Joshua Lifrak: | |||
| Building a Business Where People Actually Want to Work - Ep 21 Matt Turner, Founder Clownfish Events | 26 May 2026 | 01:01:18 | |
In this episode, Matt Turner shares his candid journey from founding Clownfish Events to discovering new ways to lead and develop organisational culture. His insights highlight the importance of authentic leadership, self-awareness, and creating workplaces that foster joy, growth, and purpose. Whether you're scaling a team or contemplating your next move, Matt’s lessons underscore the power of intentional culture in business success. These are the leadership skills and business advice for anyone. Main Topics:
Key Insights:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:29 - Importance of subscriptions and reviews for growth 00:53 - Matt’s initial insights on leadership and culture 01:05 - Reflecting on Matt’s background and journey from DJ to entrepreneur 01:48 - Milestones of Clownfish Events’ growth and accolades 02:14 - The decision to leave and reassess life post-business 03:22 - The role of self-awareness and therapy in Matt’s transition 04:00 - Managing culture while scaling from 27 to 50+ staff 05:50 - Recognizing personal limits and evolving leadership style 06:46 - Building a company culture rooted in fun, purpose, and joy 07:35 - The importance of authenticity versus planned culture initiatives 08:54 - Journaling and self-reflection as tools for leadership clarity 09:53 - The pressure of scaling and radiation of founder’s identity 11:16 - Robbie Williams' "Better Man" philosophy and frozen leadership at 18 12:37 - Maturing as a leader and adjusting organizational expectations 14:47 - Defining Matt’s culture and how it influences Clownfish 15:41 - Culture measured by behavior when leaders are absent 16:08 - Balancing profit with a positive workplace environment 17:07 - The industry's demanding nature and the need for joy in work 18:33 - Creating memories and meaningful experiences through events 19:43 - The importance of fun as a core cultural pillar 20:07 - Authenticity from early days shaping a positive culture 21:27 - How external companies, like Octopus Energy, exemplify strong cultures 22:22 - Hiring, molds, and the natural development of a positive team environment 23:43 - Recognizing when culture isn’t working and adjusting dynamically 25:57 - Achieving industry recognition for innovation and culture 27:10 - Scaling culture in larger organizations – challenges and opportunities 30:02 - The critical role of leadership alignment in large companies 31:30 - Strategies for fostering connectedness in big organizations 33:52 - Humans’ tribal nature and the importance of shared purpose 36:44 - Success stories of companies that prioritize culture intentionally 37:34 - Building culture through thoughtful hiring and engagement practices 41:39 - The ongoing evolution of organizational culture, especially post-pandemic 43:16 - Lessons from life’s hardships and maintaining authenticity 46:15 - Growing a business into maturity and adapting to life stages 48:18 - How team members grow and leave a lasting legacy 50:03 - Reflections on sharing the journey openly and embracing external expertise 54:03 - Core leadership lesson: resilience during challenge and controversy 55:44 - The importance of sticking through tough times for growth 58:44 - The balance of innovation versus continuous improvement 59:35 - Challenging the status quo as a growth imperative 60:08 - Matt’s favorite personal refreshment: Coke Zero with lemon 60:23 - Final thoughts and gratitude Resources & Links:Subscribe to Matt's YouTube: youtube.com/@MattClownfish?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Matt on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/matt-turner-b5754330 | |||
| The Barber Who’s Saving Lives One Conversation at a Time - Ep 20 Tom Chapman, MD Hear to Talk Training | 19 May 2026 | 01:03:43 | |
In this episode, Tom Chapman shares his inspiring journey from a hairdresser to mental health advocate, highlighting how everyday conversations—especially in workplaces—can significantly impact mental well-being. Discover practical insights into fostering supportive environments, recognising early signs of struggle, and breaking down the stigma around mental health. This isn't about business strategy. This is about something that we should all be doing especially in the work place as part of the leadership of our businesses.
00:00 - Introduction: Tom Chapman’s journey from barbering to mental health advocate 02:20 - The moment that changed everything: learning about suicide and its ripple effects 05:07 - Founding Lions Barber Collective and the power of community connections 08:27 - Designing simple, impactful mental health training programs for diverse industries 11:09 - The unique conversational space of barbershops and their significance for men 13:05 - The importance of early intervention and how to recognize signs of struggle 15:28 - Moving beyond traditional mental health support: alternative approaches and communities 17:36 - The challenge of stigma and cultural barriers around men's mental health 19:52 - The role of leadership and storytelling in shifting mental health perceptions 22:08 - Societal changes influencing mental health issues, loneliness, and the value of human connection 25:40 - The importance of physical touch and face-to-face interactions in a digital age 28:30 - How workplace environments can better foster open conversations and early support 36:26 - The impact of organizational culture and leadership in mental health initiatives 38:43 - Effectiveness of peer conversations vs formal support structures 40:38 - The reality of corporate mental health programs and unlocking true engagement 44:48 - Culture and societal norms: the influence of different global perspectives 46:43 - Practical tips for organizations to initiate meaningful mental health conversations 50:01 - Personal resilience: the significance of vulnerability, honesty, and community support 54:38 - The importance of perseverance and hope in mental health recovery 56:08 - Taking action one day at a time: maintaining resilience amid challenges 58:52 - Light-hearted closing: Tom’s favorite places and simple joys amidst life's struggles Resources & Links:
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| Why Business Founders Hit the Scaling Ceiling — A COO's Fix | Episode 19 Derek Fredrickson - Founder & CEO, The COO Solution | 12 May 2026 | 01:00:56 | |
In this episode, Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The CEO Solution, dives deep into the strategic role of fractional CEOs and COOs during scaling. Discover what traits to look for in leadership teams, how to overcome common scaling pitfalls, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable growth. Derek provides true day to day Business advice, and the leadership challenges that go with that. Main topics:
In this episode:
Timestamps: 00:00 - The role of fractional CEOs and COOs in scaling companies 02:12 - What to look for day one as a fractional CEO 03:38 - Defining the North Star and growth objectives 04:50 - Uncovering underlying business issues and resistance points 05:47 - Assessing founder involvement and operational gaps 06:50 - Common traits of high-growth entrepreneurs 07:13 - The differences between entrepreneurs and operational leaders 08:03 - Transforming founder mindset from doer to strategist 09:24 - Signs that the CEO is the bottleneck 10:49 - Profile of effective COO traits 11:30 - The yin and yang of CEO and COO profiles 12:27 - Risk appetite versus stabilization in leadership 13:25 - Cultivating execution without babysitting 14:50 - Building structured systems and SOPs for scaling 15:41 - Overcoming founders’ resistance to process change 17:00 - When full-time leadership replaces fractional support 18:30 - Success metrics for scaling and operational efficiency 19:30 - The importance of team buy-in during transformation 20:32 - How leadership teams benefit from accountability and KPIs 22:48 - Implementing effective team accountability frameworks 25:55 - Striking the right balance with KPIs and metrics 26:34 - The "smoke signals" that indicate health of the business 28:35 - The critical KPIs for CEO overview and departmental health 30:56 - Why financial literacy is pivotal for visionary CEOs 32:14 - Transitioning from doer to leader: mindset shifts 34:30 - Common pitfalls in switching from founder-led to team-led models 38:16 - Where the biggest scaling obstacles appear 39:08 - The right scale for fractional versus full-time operational support 41:16 - Recognizing when growth is not feasible 43:47 - One key focus area on day one for new clients 44:47 - Embracing accountability and process in leadership culture 48:48 - Opening financial data to empower leaders 52:37 - The paradox of CEO autonomy versus strategic oversight 56:25 - The value of adding a COO or fractional leader in alleviating burnout 58:02 - The indirect benefits of scaling: reclaiming time and reducing stress 59:30 - A quick look at Derek’s favorite tools and tips 59:37 - Rapid fire: Resources & Links: | |||
| Leadership After Burnout | Starting Consulting Without the Corporate Chaos - Ep 18, Brad Nelms, Founder TekX | 05 May 2026 | 00:58:29 | |
In this episode, Brad Nelms, founder of TekX, shares his journey from a 20-year career in entertainment behind the scenes to launching his own consulting business. He discusses the real challenges and lessons learned along the way, including managing business operations, leadership challenges, adapting to industry shifts post-Covid, start up sales and leveraging technology like AI. Main Topics Covered:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Brad's background in entertainment and consulting 02:04 - What motivated Brad to become an entrepreneur 03:26 - Managing family life and transitioning from burnout 04:49 - Brad’s business model and his vision for flexibility 06:07 - Lessons from corporate roles about processes and infrastructure 07:01 - Challenges with payment processors and legal considerations 09:05 - Balancing work hours and discovering ADHD impacts 10:16 - How ADHD awareness has influenced Brad’s business practices 13:09 - The post-Covid challenges in entertainment and supply chain delays 14:59 - How industry shifts have affected supply and demand cycles 17:35 - Brad’s reflections on business success and revenue fluctuations 18:49 - Economic uncertainties and planning for volatility 23:36 - The impact of global crises on industry and personal safety 23:53 - Brad’s perspective on technology, AI, and data analysis 25:46 - The importance of scalable software solutions 36:39 - Advice on selecting the right tools for growth 40:16 - Mistakes Brad would avoid if starting over 42:21 - The effects of self-employment on quality of life 44:41 - Managing stress and the importance of support systems 45:00 - Brad’s advice for new business owners 47:25 - The value of reputation and networking 49:16 - The art of listening to customers and solving real problems 50:28 - Brad’s vision of success in five years 52:22 - Recognizing burnout and the importance of self-awareness 53:45 - Brad’s golden rule for success: reputation and time management 55:09 - Rapid-fire questions: preferences on tech, travel, lifestyle, and more Resources & Links: | |||
| How to Scale a Business to 100 Staff (Without Losing Control) - Episode 17, Sam Tamplin MD, TSL | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:13:49 | |
Building a Lighting Business: 20 Years of Growth, Ceo insights, Leadership Skills, and business culture with Sam Tamplin In this episode, Sam Tamplin shares insights from building TSL from a small lighting rental start-up to a nearly 100-employee company with international ambitions. Discover how strategic focus, investing in people and systems, and fostering a strong culture have driven his success over two decades. Key topics:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 02:00 - Sam's background and early career influences 05:20 - The importance of focus and specialization in long-term success 08:00 - The evolution of TSL and growth milestones 12:00 - Recognising the "business moment" and scaling challenges 16:00 - Delegation and offloading roles in a growing business 20:00 - Leadership changes as team size expands 25:00 - Financial discipline and reinvestment strategies 30:00 - Building systems: software, risk management, and operational tech 35:00 - Recruiting, culture, and managing people effectively 40:00 - Defining company values and embedding them into culture 45:00 - The impact of rebranding and visual identity evolution 50:00 - Balancing growth ambitions with consolidation and risk 55:00 - Industry challenges, learning from past projects, and strategic flexibility 60:00 - Planning for future growth: international markets and digital innovation 65:00 - Leadership lessons: managing scale, culture, and the importance of character 70:00 - Sam's personal golden rule and leadership philosophy 75:00 - Rapid fire: favourite tools, habits, and personal preferences 80:00 - Closing remarks and key takeaways Resources & Links:Want to listen to another episode about the entertainment industry? Listen to Matt Turners episode here This episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and industry professionals aiming to scale sustainably and cultivate a strong company culture. | |||
| The Leadership Challenges You Only Learn Under Pressure - Episode 16 Mark Andrew Fire Fighter | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:53:34 | |
Explore the unique insights from a retired firefighter and paramedic on leadership skills, decision-making, and team trust under extreme stress. Discover how core principles from emergency service leadership translate into effective business advice. In this episode:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Leadership lessons from fire service applicable to business 01:00 - Mark’s background in firefighting and writing "Leading Through the Heat" 03:37 - The significance of day-to-day leadership presence in emergency response 04:53 - Recognizing good and poor leadership traits early in a fire career 07:11 - How pressure reveals character: decision-making under heat 08:35 - Building team trust and decentralizing decision-making in crises 10:05 - Practicing skills and building muscle memory for unpredictable scenarios 12:33 - Lessons from after-action reviews: continuous learning and growth 15:50 - Maintaining trust in high-stakes environments: avoiding micromanagement 17:56 - How trust impacts team resilience and development 20:02 - Navigating command transitions and respecting hierarchy on scene 22:55 - Learning from leadership mistakes during critical incidents 25:56 - Managing egos and social dynamics during emergency responses 27:00 - Supporting mental health and de-escalation in trauma-heavy roles 31:25 - Identifying and nurturing future leaders in high-pressure teams 35:01 - Compassion in leadership: caring vs. weakness perception 38:38 - Promoting people by merit, not just ambition 41:36 - Lessons for business leaders about authenticity, care, and continuous learning 45:07 - Supporting mental health: peer support models and recognizing stress signs 46:09 - Advice to young Mark: delegation and trusting your team 50:04 - A leadership “golden rule”: care about your people and treat them well Resources & Links:Note: Practical leadership strategies from high-stress environments like fire services are highly applicable across industries. Use these insights to foster trust, decision-making agility, and mental resilience within your teams. | |||
| You're losing your credibility before you speak - Episode 15, Salvatore Manzi, Leadership Communication Coach | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:08:17 | |
Mastering the Art of Presentation and Authentic Communication with Salvatore Manzi. In this episode, Salvatore Manzi shares invaluable insights into public speaking, leadership communication, and how to show up authentically. Whether you're an introvert, a leader, or looking to improve your presentation skills, this episode offers practical tips to enhance your impact and connect more genuinely. Main Topics Covered:
00:00 - Introduction: Salvatore’s background in overcoming stage fright 02:45 - Connecting neuroscience with communication strategies 05:22 - Common challenges leaders face with public speaking 09:40 - Building relevance and passion in storytelling 11:38 - Balancing introversion and authenticity in presenting 14:32 - How appearance impacts credibility and authority 16:15 - Navigating social media presence for introverts 17:46 - Embracing imposter syndrome as growth fuel 19:11 - Using silence and pauses effectively in storytelling 22:15 - The delicate balance between data and storytelling 24:23 - Crafting powerful messages and structuring presentations 27:14 - Practical coaching on impactful pitches for large audiences 28:39 - The importance of consistency in daily communication 31:16 - Teaching presence and authenticity through body language 33:21 - The science of emotional trust and first impressions 37:32 - How to handle difficult, controversial, or high-stakes conversations 41:40 - Experimenting with behavioral continua: space, silence, stillness 45:36 - The power of intentionality and behavioral awareness 50:27 - Silence in negotiation and presentation—when to hold back 54:23 - Creating memorable takeaways with strategic pauses and repetition 58:07 - The evolving role of AI in communication and how humans can stay authentic 61:16 - Challenging misconceptions about polished speech versus natural humanness 66:20 - Favorite drinks, travel tips, and personal preferences 67:15 - Wrapping up: key lessons for aspiring leaders and speakers Resources & Links: Links to include: Book: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/clearandcompelling/ LinkedIn: Salvatore J. Manzi | LinkedIn His book is to be released in October. If anyone preorders the book and Salvatore the receipt, I will send them the e-book. (Note the e-book should be ready in the next two weeks) Pre-order US: B&N C&C Pre-order International: Amazon C&C | |||
| Stage to Success: Leadership Lessons in Resilience & Adaptability - Ep 14 Laura White, Pop-Up Global | 07 Apr 2026 | 01:03:30 | |
Discover how Laura White transitioned from a career on stage to leading creative solutions in the events industry, leveraging her performance background to excel in business development and project management. This episode offers insights into the value of resilience, business advice, business strategy in challenging markets creativity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. Main Topics Covered:
In this episode:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:00 - Laura White’s journey from singing to industry leadership 04:31 - How creativity informs bespoke event solutions 07:00 - The impact of COVID-19 on the entertainment sector 09:16 - Transitioning from performer to business professional 11:23 - The relevance of performance skills in sales and client interactions 13:40 - Learning from mistakes in the industry and the importance of persistence 16:01 - Client briefs, collaboration, and creative process variations 17:54 - Cultural differences in event planning across Middle East regions 22:02 - Navigating cultural nuances in the Middle East entertainment industry 23:16 - Challenges in live event budgeting and expectation management 25:20 - Demonstrating value and ROI in live entertainment to clients 26:15 - Leveraging performance and storytelling to enhance brand reputation 29:30 - Trends on TikTok influencing live event strategies 31:07 - The role of technology and AI in live entertainment experiences 33:00 - Memorable moments in entertainment and the emotional power of live shows 35:33 - Incorporating technology into live performances and shows 36:02 - Common industry inquiries, like themed entertainment, and how they evolve 37:28 - The scope and complexity of pop-up event schedules 39:52 - Maintaining health and stamina during intensive event seasons 43:23 - Planning and rehearsing for one-off shows and special events 45:42 - Stress and worry points for event organizers and performers 48:49 - How industry resilience carried companies through the pandemic 51:05 - Advice to Laura White from 10 years ago, lessons learned 53:40 - The importance of resilience, grit, and saying yes in career growth 54:43 - Managing rejection and maintaining resilience in sales and performance 56:25 - Key takeaway: "Say yes and figure it out later" 58:00 - Final thoughts on gut feeling, values, and strategic decision-making Resources & Links:
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| Crisis Leadership: When Listening Beats Talking - Ep 13 Jay Jacobson, Funeral Service Advocate | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:05:54 | |
In this episode, Jay Jacobson shares invaluable leadership skills and leadership challenges in high-stakes, emotionally charged environments like funeral homes and crisis situations, including a notable aircraft disaster. Discover how effective communication, emotional resilience, and integrity are crucial in guiding teams and families through difficult times. Main Topics:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of Jay Jacobson’s background in funeral service 00:31 - Personal stories highlighting leadership in crisis and tragedy 01:56 - Defining legendary leadership: focus on others' growth and morale 02:44 - The significance of slowing down amid crisis and reading non-verbal cues 05:11 - Handling family dynamics and conflict resolution in high-stress environments 06:49 - Applying team-building skills in both funeral homes and corporate settings 07:05 - Leadership example: United Flight 232 aircraft disaster response 09:32 - Convergence of crisis leadership and teamwork among funeral directors 10:52 - The importance of internal strength and continuous learning during crisis 11:22 - Early lessons of responsibility from childhood to professional life 12:49 - Modeling integrity through mentors and professional behavior 14:40 - Balancing personal well-being and professional excellence 15:32 - Non-verbal leadership: demonstrating respect and strength without words 16:09 - Pivoting and relying on team expertise during complex crisis situations 17:21 - Building trust quickly: observing honesty, eye contact, and sincerity 18:43 - Lessons from boardroom debates and managing different leadership styles 19:42 - The value of respectful disagreement and collaborative decision-making 22:47 - The impact of Crucial Conversations and creating safe dialogue spaces 24:00 - Managing situations with no good options: breaking problems into manageable tasks 25:49 - Building emotional connection and storytelling with grieving families 27:46 - The importance of active listening in leadership and crisis resolution 29:41 - Maintaining composure and professionalism under stress 31:32 - Using faith, reading, and personal development to stay balanced 32:30 - Staying current: the role of continuous learning in leadership 33:11 - Giving tough news compassionately but with clarity 37:12 - Handling employment changes with dignity and advanced planning 38:23 - Treating staff with respect and dignity in difficult leavetaking processes 40:25 - The significance of genuine relationships at work and in leadership roles 41:07 - Small decisions and integrity — the foundation of trust and character 45:01 - Insights from Washington Senate testimony: defending integrity under pressure 46:15 - Lessons on political manipulation versus genuine leadership 48:11 - Balancing transparency and discretion in leadership decisions 50:08 - The motivation behind Jay’s book, Lead by Legendary Example 52:00 - The emotional aftermath of personal crises and their impact on leadership 54:40 - The importance of work-life balance and being fully present 55:08 - Advice to younger Jay: leave unfulfilling jobs and seek growth 56:37 - How leadership has evolved with technology and generational shifts 58:25 - The personal impact of funeral service: making a lasting difference 60:02 - Leadership as a lifelong learning process: always seek knowledge 62:06 - Quick-fire questions on tech, travel, personality, and personal preferences 64:35 - Final thoughts and gratitude Resources & Links:
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| Production Futures: Diversity and Career Growth in Entertainment - Ep 12 Hannah Eakins, MD Production Futures | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:54:32 | |
Discover how Hannah Eakins has transformed entry into the entertainment production industry through her initiative, Production Futures. In this episode, we explore the evolution of industry careers, business strategy, innovations during COVID, and how diversity and social media are shaping the next generation. Key Topics:
Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Hannah Eakins and Production Futures 02:14 - Origins of Production Futures and its evolution over 10 years 03:54 - COVID's influence on industry engagement and digital transformation 04:31 - The industry’s pathways for newcomers: apprenticeships, training, and experience 06:00 - Changing perceptions of careers: parents, families, and education 07:37 - Diversity and inclusion efforts within production industry events 09:21 - How social media broadens outreach to varied demographics 11:11 - The impact of COVID on student confidence and resilience 12:30 - The role of practical experience versus formal qualifications in hiring 15:51 - Growing diversity: gender, ethnicity, and accessibility in entertainment production 17:08 - Building an inclusive community: marketing and outreach strategies 19:25 - Reaching home-educated youth and underrepresented communities 21:18 - Adapting marketing strategies for TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn 24:54 - The importance of authenticity and strategy in social media content 28:26 - Hands-on experience at Production Futures events and soft skills workshops 30:42 - The value of apprenticeship routes and early industry exposure 32:26 - COVID’s long-term impact on industry preparedness and resilience 35:49 - Hannah’s future plans for Production Futures over the next five years 40:00 - Rebuilding and growing post-pandemic: lessons learned and successes 44:18 - Changing industry norms around social norms, alcohol, and health 55:17 - Personal lifestyle choices: alcohol, sleep, exercise, and mental wellbeing 60:59 - The business takeaways: leadership, innovation, and embracing AI 62:20 - Rapid fire questions: favorite platforms, travel preferences, and personal habits Resources & Links:
Connect with Hannah: Note: The episode emphasises that industry success relies on experience, diversity, innovation, and community support. Hannah encourages young people and industry professionals to stay curious, adaptable, and committed to fostering an inclusive environment for the future of entertainment production. | |||
| Sales Mistakes in Retail | How Business Adapt Post-COVID - Ep 11 Greg Niven MD Headline Audio | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:01:28 | |
In this in-depth interview, Greg shares his journey from music retail to founding Headline Audio, discussing how the industry has evolved post-COVID, the importance of personal relationships in sales, and strategies for adapting to market changes. Gain insights into navigating challenges, building a brand, business strategy and maintaining a passion for music and business at the same time whilst learning from potential sales mistakes along the way. Learn about the sales mistakes from a business owner who's lived a huge amount of leadership challenges Key topics
Chapters 00:00Greg Niven's Journey in Music and Business 05:22The Impact of COVID-19 on the Music Industry 10:04Adapting to a New Retail Landscape 14:58Building a Brand in a Competitive Market 19:47Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change 24:53The Future of Music Retail and Technology 31:20The Importance of Personal Connection in Business 34:01Shifting Focus from Sales Numbers to Customer Relationships 38:59Balancing Work and Personal Life 39:48Navigating Business Challenges and Concerns 42:18Learning from Experience and Trusting Yourself 47:32Simplifying Business Operations for Success 54:16The Emotional Connection in Sales 56:43Maintaining Commercial Viability While Enjoying Work 59:20The Necessity of Innovation and Challenge Resources | |||
| From Near Collapse to Market Leader Episode 10 - Marcel Fairbairn, CEO GearNet Holdings | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:15:47 | |
In this podcast episode, Ben Payne interviews Marcel Fairbairn, the CEO and founder of GearNet Holdings, discussing the evolution of the entertainment industry, the importance of data analytics, business strategy, CEO Insights and the role of AI in transforming business practices. They explore the challenges faced during COVID-19 and how the industry adapted, emphasising the need for innovation and resilience in a niche market. In this conversation, Marcel reflects on the transformative impact of COVID on his business, emphasising the importance of adapting to change and focusing on customer needs. He discusses his evolving attitude towards risk and innovation, sharing lessons learned from significant business challenges. Marcel also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the necessity of understanding market viability and the importance of building a strong foundation for business growth. The discussion concludes with key takeaways from his extensive career, underscoring the value of customer focus and continuous improvement. | |||
| Print is not Dead - Episode 9 Fran Begaj, Commercial Director for Mondial Technology Media | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:09:37 | |
In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Fran shares her nonlinear journey to becoming the Commercial Director for Mondial Technology Media, discussing her experiences in the live events industry, the evolution of print media in a digital world, and the challenges of managing large-scale events. She emphasises the importance of passion in the industry, the coexistence of print and digital content, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. Fran also reflects on personal growth, the significance of awards in recognising industry talent, and her mantra of 'better not bitter' as a guiding principle in both personal and professional life. Takeaways Fran's journey to becoming a Commercial Director was nonlinear and filled with diverse experiences. The live events industry is driven by passion and community. Print media still holds value in the B2B space despite the rise of digital. Post-COVID, there has been a resurgence in print media as businesses adapt to new norms. Awards and recognition are crucial for motivating industry professionals. Event management requires careful consideration of guest experiences and logistics. AI is a tool that can enhance workflow but cannot replace human creativity. Personal growth comes from learning from failures and not being too hard on oneself. Building strong relationships in the industry is essential for success. The mantra 'better not bitter' serves as a guiding principle for Fran. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fran's Journey 03:49 The Evolution of Print and Digital Media 06:46 The Importance of Awards and Recognition in the Industry 09:55 Adapting to Industry Changes Post-COVID 12:44 The Role of Events in the Live Industry 15:59 Challenges in Event Management 18:40 The Emotional Impact of Live Events 21:45 Marketing Strategies and ROI 24:52 The Journey of Marketing Campaigns 28:00 The Creative Process Behind Events 30:42 Reflections on Success and Future Goals 40:42 The Journey of Growth in the Industry 41:45 Passion for Celebration and Recognition 42:37 The Role of AI in Marketing and Creativity 46:48 Human Experience vs. AI in Problem Solving 51:47 Managing Responsibilities and Stress Before Events 55:38 Decision Making: Gut Instinct vs. Calculated Risks 58:40 Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes 01:01:48 The Importance of Positivity and Energy in Work 01:04:02 Living by the Mantra: Better Not Bitter | |||
| Episode 8 - We're back! | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:02:43 | |
The podcast is making a comeback in 2026 with a lineup of great guests and a focus on discussing business challenges in the post-pandemic world, the evolution of technology, and the of course those all important take away's that we want to learn from! Want to be on the show? Drop us a line: pod@thebusinesstakeawaypodcast.com | |||
| What’s Changed in Work Forever — And Why Businesses Must Do More Episode 7 - Sharon Livermore, Kameo Recruitment | 01 Nov 2021 | 01:05:07 | |
Today’s guest is Sharon Livermore. Sharon is the owner and director of Kameo recruitment. Sharon talks to us today about the world o recruitment, the challenges of recruiting in and out of COVID and also the new expectations of staff in the post covid world. It’s really interesting to hear how things have changed in such times and trying to understand what the new “norms” will be Sharon also talks to us about the subject of Domestic abuse. Being a Domestic Abuse survivor Sharon now campaigns globally for businesses to adopt policies to help their staff if they find themselves in such a position. We’ll hear her story and her support for anyone who might be going through this at this time. https://kameorecruitment.com https://kameorecruitment.com/domestic-abuse/ https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/ https://www.eida.org.uk/become-a-member | |||
| Episode 6 - Rich Alderton, MD High Performance Change | 25 Oct 2021 | 01:11:59 | |
Today’s guest is Rich Alderton. Rich runs a business call High Performance Change here in Cambridge. Rich is a change specialist. Now before today you might not know what a change specialist is - but I hope you get a better take on this after today’s podcast and why people are perhaps so reluctant to change. Personally love change - and “keeping the status quo” isn’t something that I believe in, so it was great to talk through and here Rich’s ideas. Rich also talks to us about his life, some major upheavals he’s faced and how that’s reflected in the work he now does. Listening and talking to Rich it’s very easy to forget how fragile life is. We’re all focused on the day to day with work, but sometimes life really takes over and throws you some real personal challenges. Hearing what Rich has gone through really draws that into focus as we will hear. https://www.highperformancechange.com/ | |||
| Episode 5 - Lee Dennison, Head of Client Relationships at Creative Technology | 18 Oct 2021 | 01:06:32 | |
Today’s guest is Lee Dennison. Lee is Head of Relationships for a business in the entertainment industry as well as being heavily involved in our industries charity. Lee talks to us today about his journey as starting technician working on shows in the west end to today dealing with clients and customers on large scale projects. It’s a great listen! Today he talks through about stripping a lot of things back to basics. It’s very easy in todays tech world that we use “digital” skills as he calls it rather than the analogue skills. Find out about Lee’s views on those skills and what we he believes we need the next generation to focus on to give them the skills to move forward. Even if you aren’t the next generation I hope that you take something away from todays episode into your life or business or perhaps how you advise the next generation! Backup Charity - https://www.backuptech.uk/ Creative Technology - https://www.ct-group.com/ | |||
| Episode 4 - Daniel Colaianni, CEO of AIXR | 11 Oct 2021 | 01:01:55 | |
Today’s guest is Daniel Colaianni a tech entrepreneur who’s working in the Extended Reality world. I met him as a young lad who was helping businesses with bits of marketing content. However it was very clear to see that what ever he turned his hand to was quite brilliant and you could sense that he was going to go far. He’s talks to us today about the world of Extended reality. Now to you or I at this moment in time you probably don’t have a clue what that is – but join us on the journey to find out in depth how this is going to potentially change our lives! Daniel is an engaging and fascinating listen. I was blown away by some of the things he talked about and the maturity for someone so young to have a very clear picture on his business, business life and “take-aways” is highly impressive. I hope you can all learn something from him and what he has to say. ----- Daniel Colaianni is the Chief Executive of the Academy of International Extended Reality, a not for profit membership body dedicated to supporting companies grow using virtual and augmented reality and actively accelerating the immersive industry. Daniel built and leads an executive board made up of Facebook, Disney, Microsoft, Google, Boeing and more, to steer and execute global initiatives and strategy aimed at supporting growth within immersive enterprises. Starting from the young age of just 16, organising events sponsored by Amazon, Unity and more, as a college dropout, Daniel later exited from a self built marketing agency after 3 years of strategising and managing complex marketing campaigns for national UK brands. Focusing full time on VR & AR, Daniel has since built the largest internationally recognised award show for the immersive industry, sits on various committees advising companies on “XR” and has amassed a network of over 6,000 individuals and companies working daily with the technology. https://aixr.org/ | |||
| Episode 3 - Ian Mather, CEO of Cambridge United Football Club | 04 Oct 2021 | 00:51:23 | |
We're joined today by Ian Mather CEO of Cambridge United Football Club. Now I have to be honest here - I’m a big fan of the football club and a Season ticket holder. Ian talks to us today about his journey as starting as a lawyer before migrating to the role of CEO. The football business is like no other and has been hard hit like a lot of businesses during covid and it’s an interesting listen to hear how he took quick and swift action to protect the club and the challenges around they faced. What impressed me about Ian’s interview was his take aways. In todays world, technology is sometimes getting in the way of being decent person and communicating properly. It’s easy to just send an email, but sometimes an email just isn’t right and you need to actually speak with a human. Fairgame - https://www.fairgameuk.org/ Ian Mather on Twitter @ianmather10 | |||
| Episode 2 - Ben Bowles of CEG | 27 Sep 2021 | 01:02:06 | |
Welcome to the first full episode of the Business Take-Away Podcast featuring Ben Bowles from CEG. Ben talks about his business that provides lighting to the entertainment industry, how it was affected by the pandemic, and how despite all the challenges that it's come out the other side in a better place. It's a frank conversation where he could have lost his whole business if the banks hadn't supported it - but it's a great listen for any business leader! | |||
| Introduction to The Business Take-Away Podcast | 04 Sep 2021 | 00:03:18 | |
Welcome to the trailer and introduction to the Business Take-Away Podcast. Ben Payne the host of the podcast takes you through what the basis of the podcast is about and what he hopes you as the listener is going to gain from it! | |||