What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but mastering the mental and physical strategies that elite performers use to stay at the top of their game? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins continues his conversation with Jim Steele — CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, author of Unashamedly Superhuman, and performance consultant who has spent over 25 years helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes unlock their potential without burning out. This powerful second part dives deep into Jim's personal journey of completing an Ironman triathlon after three years of setbacks, injuries, and a global pandemic. Jim shares the exact recovery protocols, breathwork strategies, and nervous system hacks he used to finish the race feeling better at the end than at the beginning. Together, Paul and Jim unpack the science of oscillation, why recovery is not a luxury but a necessity, how to use peripheral vision to calm your nervous system under pressure, and why most entrepreneurs are burning out because they never learned how to recharge. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to perform at their peak, build sustainable energy systems, and understand that adaptation beats endurance every single time. Key Takeaways How Jim completed an Ironman triathlon solo during lockdown — and what he learned about performance under pressure The two goals every challenge needs: an end goal and a performance goal Why being in flow is exhausting — and how to build recovery into your day The oscillation model used by special forces: stress, recovery, stress, recovery Why a one-hour speech can have the same physical strain as a two-hour run How to use active recovery breaks to recharge cognitively and physically between high-stakes calls The peripheral vision hack that drops your heart rate in 60 seconds and switches off your stress response Why burnout doesn't happen overnight — and how to prevent it with daily protocols The power of non-sleep deep rest, breathwork, and ice baths for nervous system regulation Why the more you can adapt, the less you have to endure About the Guest Jim Steele is CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, a leadership and performance consulting organization specializing in helping entrepreneurs, executives, and elite athletes achieve peak performance without burnout. Jim is the author of Unashamedly Superhuman and has over 25 years of experience working with global organizations, sports professionals, and high-performing teams. His work focuses on the science of performance, mindset mastery, and building sustainable strategies for clarity, momentum, and well-being. Next Steps Apply it now Schedule three 10-15 minute active recovery breaks into your day. Walk outside, do breathwork, or engage your peripheral vision. Notice the difference in your energy and focus. Learn more from Jim Steele Get your copy of Unashamedly Superhuman and discover the frameworks elite performers use to stay at the top of their game. Available on Amazon here https://amzn.eu/d/0bskT9l6 Join Jim at Scale-Up Summit 2026 Jim will be speaking at Scale-Up Summit on April 29-30, 2026. Secure your ticket now at https://www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/ Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but mastering the mental and physical strategies that elite performers use to stay at the top of their game? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Jim Steele — CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, author of Unashamedly Superhuman, and performance consultant who has spent over 25 years helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes unlock their potential without burning out. Jim shares his remarkable journey from leaving school at 16 feeling like a failure, to spending a decade in corporate sales, to working alongside personal development giants like Tony Robbins, Stephen Covey, and Brian Tracy. Together, Paul and Jim unpack the science of performance, why most entrepreneurs are sitting on a list of interferences they can't let go of, and how to build psychological resilience in high-pressure environments. Jim reveals the simple equation that transforms performance, why competency doesn't predict success under pressure, and how to build recovery strategies that prevent burnout before it happens. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to perform at their peak, lead with clarity, and build businesses that scale without sacrificing their health, relationships, or sanity. Key Takeaways Why the education system wasn't built for entrepreneurs — and how to reframe your strengths The performance equation: Performance = Potential – Interference How to identify and eliminate the interferences holding you back from your goals The power of the filter: If you can't accept it, affect it. If you can't affect it, accept it. Why competency doesn't guarantee performance — and what actually does How your emotional state determines whether your skills show up under pressure The oscillation model used by special forces: stress, recovery, stress, recovery Why recovery isn't a luxury — it's a necessity for sustainable performance How to close out your day to set yourself up for success tomorrow Why focusing on what you can control is the ultimate performance hack About the Guest Jim Steele is CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, a leadership and performance consulting organization specializing in helping entrepreneurs, executives, and elite athletes achieve peak performance without burnout. Jim is the author of Unashamedly Superhuman and has over 25 years of experience working with global organizations, sports professionals, and high-performing teams. His work focuses on the science of performance, mindset mastery, and building sustainable strategies for clarity, momentum, and well-being. Next Steps Apply it now Write down every interference that's getting in the way of your goals. Then ask: Can I accept it or affect it? Focus your energy only on what you can change. Learn more from Jim Steele Get your copy of Unashamedly Superhuman and discover the frameworks elite performers use to stay at the top of their game. Available on Amazon here https://amzn.eu/d/0bskT9l6 Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but hiring smarter? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Graham Brown — former military medic turned recruitment expert with over 24 years of experience, author of the upcoming book Too Many Hats, and one of Team Purple's specialist coaches in team dynamics and executive search. Graham shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Gulf War as a trumpet-playing medic to building a 39-office recruitment franchise, surviving a painful business collapse, and emerging as one of the UK's leading experts in helping CEOs find their perfect second-in-command. Together, Paul and Graham unpack the brutal truth about why most CEOs fail at hiring, the three pillars of successful recruitment that most founders ignore, and why 50% employee engagement is costing your business hundreds of thousands in lost productivity. They dive deep into the seven types of COO, the difference between competency-based and traditional interviewing, and why understanding energy profiles is the unlock to building high-performing teams that scale. If you're a CEO drowning in operational work, struggling to find the right leadership team, or wondering how to hire someone who can actually take weight off your shoulders instead of adding to it, this conversation is essential listening. Key Takeaways From Gulf War medic to recruitment expert: How Graham's military background shaped his approach to building resilient, high-performing teams The brutal reality of franchising: Why Graham scaled to 39 offices before deciding to shut it down and start again The three pillars of successful hiring: Skills & ability, natural energy alignment, and culture & values fit — miss one and you've got a problem Why most CEOs aren't ready for an A-player — and how to know when you actually are The seven types of COO: Executor, Change Agent, Other Half, Mentor, Heir Apparent, MVP, and Partner — and how to choose the right one for your stage of growth Competency-based interviewing vs traditional interviewing: How to dig deeper and test for what really matters The 50% flow problem: Why half your team is operating at half capacity — and how that's costing you £600K+ per year in lost productivity Why talent acquisition should be treated like customer acquisition — with the same level of strategy, marketing, and investment The TEAM framework: Trust & Transparency, Empower & Energize, Alignment & Accountability, Measurement & Metrics, Safety & Security How to know if you need a COO, Chief of Staff, Operations Manager, or EA — and why hiring the wrong role at the wrong time can be a disaster About Graham Brown Graham Brown is a former military musician and medic who served in the Gulf War before transitioning into recruitment over 24 years ago. He founded the first ex-military recruitment agency in the UK in 2001 and has since helped over 10,000 service men and women transition into civilian careers. Graham built and scaled a recruitment franchise to 39 offices before navigating a painful business restructure that taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, team dynamics, and the importance of hiring right. He's now a specialist executive search consultant focusing on helping scale-up CEOs find their perfect COO or second-in-command. As one of Team Purple's expert coaches, Graham specializes in team dynamics, profiling, and leadership development. He's the author of the upcoming book Too Many Hats, which unpacks everything he's learned about helping CEOs escape operational overwhelm by building the right leadership team around them. Resources & Links Get free team dynamics resources → teamdynamics.com Download Graham's free e-books on recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding → teamdynamics.com Connect with Graham Brown on LinkedIn → Graham Brown | LinkedIn Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights → Paul Avins | LinkedIn Read Second in Command by Cameron Herold → Available on Amazon Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you'll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think Bigger: Ready to stop wearing too many hats and build the leadership team that sets you free? Download Graham's free hiring guides at teamdynamics.com Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

Think you're ready to sell your business? Think again. Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — second only to marriage and kids. But how do you know when you’re actually ready to sell? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins speaks with Ken Gorman, Regional Director at Transworld M&A and author of three books on selling businesses, to uncover the reality behind preparing your company for a successful exit. Together, they break down the myths, including why most business owners aren’t ready to sell, how accountants can unknowingly sabotage deals, and why 75% of businesses that go to market never sell at all. Ken shares his personal story from California to London and his 8+ years in sell-side M&A, with over 60 closed deals under his belt. If you’re a CEO or founder thinking about exit planning or simply wanting to build a grown-up business worth buying, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways The “Switch in the Heart”: You’re ready to sell when the emotional shift happens — the moment you know it’s time to do something else in life. Profit is the #1 Value Driver: Buyers don’t buy passion, they buy predictable profits — and your job is to maximise and prove them. Get yourself out of the business: If the company can’t function without you, it isn’t ready to sell (or worth as much as you think). The truth about deferred deals & earnouts: Why the “wedding cake” model of deal structures (cash, deferred payments, earn-outs, rolled equity) matters, and how to protect yourself as a seller. Accountants can derail deals: Not through incompetence — but because they often lack deal experience, especially around working capital negotiations. 75% of sales fail: Selling is as much about EQ as IQ — success depends on managing people, egos, and expectations at every stage. Not all buyers are equal: You don’t want just a buyer, you need the right new owner who can fill the leadership void you leave behind. About Ken Gorman Ken Gorman is a seasoned M&A Advisor, Certified Business Valuer, and Regional Director at Transworld M&A, one of the world’s largest global dealmaking firms. With over three decades in business across the US, UK, and Europe, Ken has personally been involved in 100+ project teams and 60+ closed transactions. He specialises in helping owner-operators prepare their businesses for sale, find the right new owners, and secure life-changing exit deals — all while keeping heart and human dynamics central to the process. Resources & Links Grab Ken’s book “Selling Your Business” — Selling Your Business Connect with Ken Gorman on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about Transworld M&A — Transworld Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about selling in 2–3 years? Start now. Building enterprise value takes time — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

From family start-up to global brand: the Wolf Eyewear growth story. Paul Avins sits down with CEO Tom Wolfenden to unpack the exact moves behind building a world-class sales team, scaling across borders, and keeping values intact while chasing exponential growth. Discover how Wolf Eyewear scaled from a family business into a global brand with 2,000+ retailers. CEO Tom Wolfenden shares lessons on sales teams, culture, and scale-up strategy with Paul Avins. What does it take to transform a family-run brand into a global scale-up with thousands of retail partners—while never losing sight of your values or community? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Tom Wolfenden, CEO of Wolf Eyewear Group, to unpack how he took over the family business and steered it towards ambitious growth, culture, and global expansion. If you’re a CEO ready to quadruple your business, build a world-class sales team, and expand across markets without losing culture, this is your playbook. Key Highlights Mindset matters: The bold shift from hustler to scale-up CEO. Sales engine = growth engine: Why building and leading a 17-person sales team unlocked Wolf Eyewear’s growth. Resilience in crisis: How they survived Covid by loaning over £500k of stock to support customers — building loyalty money can’t buy. Leadership at scale: How to deal with underperforming team members while protecting business culture. Investment in yourself = investment in the business: Why Tom doubled down on coaching and retreats to accelerate Wolf Eyewear’s expansion. This isn’t just a story of scaling eyewear. It’s a blueprint for any ambitious CEO who wants to build a grown-up business that wins globally About Our Guest – Tom Wolfenden Tom Wolfenden is the CEO of Wolf Eyewear Group, a UK-based independent eyewear company stocked in over 2,000+ retailers and expanding internationally. Known for bold design and strong community values, Wolf Eyewear is a flagship example of how a family business can scale into a global brand—without losing its heart. Resources & Links Connect with Tom Wolfenden on LinkedIn – Tom Wolfenden | LinkedIn Explore the Wolf Eyewear Group brand – UK Eyewear Brand | Wolf Eyewear for Independent Opticians Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn – Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat – The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to build your own “grown up” business that scales globally? Explore free resources at ScaleUpCoaching.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What happens when a five-year-old girl changes the entire course of your life? In this thought-provoking episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with High-Performance Coach and former JP Morgan derivatives head Rich Waterman to explore one of the most powerful transformations you’ll hear on the show. Rich shares the moving story of Leonor — his friend’s young daughter whose battle with a terminal illness became the catalyst for his life’s work. Helping to raise emergency funds for her treatment opened his eyes to the power of community, commitment, and the extraordinary impact of turning pain into purpose. Together, Paul and Rich unpack how entrepreneurs can channel suffering into fuel for growth, how presence is the new currency of leadership, and why sometimes the shortest lives leave the greatest legacies. If you’ve ever wondered how to reframe setbacks into rocket fuel, or how to build a business and life truly aligned to your legacy, this episode is essential listening. Key Takeaways Turning Pain into Purpose: The most powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth is learning how to transform suffering into service. The Power of Commitment: Rich’s moment of saying “we’ll make this happen” for Leonor’s treatment shaped his philosophy on leadership and focus. Past, Present, Future Model: How to reframe your thinking by using the past as a resource, the present as practice, and the future as full-colour vision. Presence is Leadership: Top performers plateau when they fail to manage switching “on” and “off.” Learning to be present is now a strategic advantage. Legacy is not Time-Based: The measure of a life well-lived isn’t length, it’s the scale of impact on others. Leonor remains a profound example of this truth. About Rich Waterman Rich Waterman is a High-Performance Coach, mentor, and speaker with a unique background that bridges finance, sport, and psychology. After a decade as Head of Derivatives Structuring at JP Morgan, Rich went on to launch sports analysis businesses working with the England Rugby World Cup-winning team and international cricketers. He later became the first UK-based Senior Trainer for Tony Robbins, coaching teams and teaching leadership at global events. Today, Rich runs Get Rich Coaching, helping entrepreneurs, executives, and athletes unlock performance, presence, and purpose. Resources & Links Connect with Rich Waterman — richwaterman.com Connect with Rich Waterman on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about selling in 2–3 years? Start now. Building enterprise value takes time — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

“How can one video generate $12 million in 10 months?” That’s exactly what happened for Jason Graystone — and in this episode, he reveals to Paul the mindset, money frameworks, and freedom principles that made it possible. Jason is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Graystone Education, and he’s on a mission to help people become Always Free — creating lives of freedom through smart money systems, mindset mastery, and intentional action. In our conversation, Jason breaks down exactly what Always Free means, and why mental, mobility, and financial liberation must all align if you truly want lasting independence. We go deep into building assets (both tangible and intangible), how to delegate effectively, and why defining what freedom means to you personally is the real unlock. This episode isn’t about hustle hacks — it’s about clarity, leverage, and building a business and life around your values so you can live with purpose. Key Takeaways: A single video can change everything — Jason’s $12M YouTube case study proves the power of effective assets. Financial literacy is an essential life skill — freedom begins with understanding how money works. Delegation and knowing your true value are the levers that unlock scale and sustainability. Freedom has three dimensions: mental, mobility, and financial — all must be developed in tandem. Assets create independence — whether intellectual property, digital content, or recurring systems. Defining your personal goals and values is what ensures business growth aligns with fulfillment. Resources & Links Grab Jason's book “Always Free” — Selling Your Business Follow Jason to learn more — Jason Graystone - YouTube Learn more about Jason Graystone — jasongraystone.com Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Tired of chasing revenue but never feeling free? Stop trading time for money. Freedom starts when you build assets that generate income without you. Start building the life you want now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What do you do when 12 years of building gets wiped out overnight? For Nicolas Manuel, Founder of Aim Graphics London, that nightmare became reality. After building a multi-million-pound family print and signage business, a combination of bad debts, soaring material costs, and the Russia-Ukraine war led to its collapse almost overnight. But instead of staying down, Nick fought back. Within just 12 months, he rebuilt from zero to seven figures — all while carrying the weight of personal guarantees, family responsibility, and the lessons of painful failure. In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Nicolas to reveal the hard-earned lessons of resilience, scaling under pressure, and why systems and financial controls are non-negotiable for any founder who wants to survive and thrive. Key Takeaways Collapse to Comeback: Why business failure doesn’t have to define you — it can fuel your most successful chapter. Systems over Stress: The hidden cost of not having financial forecasting and operational controls in place. Rebuilding at Speed: How Nicolas rebounded to seven figures in under 12 months by focusing on core systems, leverage, and team culture. The “Yes Team” Mentality: Why building a client-first, can-do culture is the ultimate differentiator when scaling. Resilience is a Skill: Health, mindset, and being part of a supportive community are what get you through the darkest days of entrepreneurship. Sales First: Founders should delay stepping out of sales too early — being able to sell remains the ultimate survival skill. About Nicolas Manuel Nicolas Manuel is a creative entrepreneur and the founder of Aim Graphics London and Trade Workspace Films, businesses dedicated to simplifying print, signage, and production services with speed, flexibility, and a client-first culture. Starting as a teenage apprentice in the signage industry, Nicolas worked his way into the high-pressure world of London’s creative agencies, serving major brands from Nintendo to Virgin. After co-founding and growing his own family print business to nearly £3m turnover, he endured the devastating collapse of the company during Covid’s aftermath and the global cost crisis. Learning from failure, Nicolas rebuilt stronger and faster — scaling Aim Graphics back to seven figures in just 12 months, with a renewed focus on systems, forecasting, and the “Yes Team” mindset that defines his client relationships. Resources & Links Connect with Nicolas Manuel on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Discover Aim Graphics London — aim-graphics.co.uk Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights — linkedin.com/in/paulavins Build a grown-up business at the Scale Up Retreat — paulavins.com Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Do you have the right systems and forecasting in place, or are you relying on luck? Start strengthening your foundation now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if growing your business 10x wasn’t just possible…but actually EASIER than growing 10% at a time? In today’s inspiring conversation, Paul sits down with David B. Horne, founder of Add Then Multiply, to talk about scaling through Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and shifting to a growth mindset. David shares his remarkable story of driving a business from £1 million to £28 million in just three years using the power of strategic M&A. Together, they explore why most founders think too small, uncover how AI is transforming the deal-making landscape, and walk through David’s practical FACE methodology — Fund, Acquire, Consolidate, Exit — a framework that helps ambitious leaders scale faster and smarter while setting up for an exit. Key Takeaways 10x growth is often easier than 10% — real results show scaling £1m → £28m in 3 years through acquisitions. M&A isn’t just for corporates — founders miss opportunities by assuming it’s “off-limits.” Build your deal team early — specialist accountants & lawyers are critical to navigate the complexity. Consolidation is where success is won or lost — integrating culture, systems and people decides deal value. AI is reshaping deal flow & due diligence — smart founders can leverage it for competitive advantage. About David B Horne David B. Horne is the bestselling author of Add Then Multiply and Funded Female Founders. As the Founder of Add Then Multiply, he helps entrepreneurs scale through ambitious growth strategies involving funding, acquisitions, and exit planning. Over his career, he has: Raised more than £110 million in funding Completed over 30 acquisitions and exits Become a #1 Amazon bestselling author (twice) Delivered his TEDx Talk, “The Fight For Fairer Funding”, now seen by more than 3 million people Founded Funding Focus, a social enterprise fighting to close the gender and diversity gap in funding access He’s on a mission to make M&A and growth strategies accessible to every ambitious founder — not just corporates. Resources & Links Connect with David B Horne on LinkedIn — David B Horne | LinkedIn Learn more about David B Horne — Add then Multiply Find out if you are funding-ready — The Funding Fitness Index Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to scale smarter and faster? Start now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life! 📚 Special Bonus from David Horne: Want to dive deeper into David’s financial framework for scaling? Get a FREE copy of his bestselling book Add Then Multiply (just cover shipping).

What really happens when you step into Dragons’ Den? For most entrepreneurs, pitching on BBC’s Dragons’ Den is the ultimate high‑stakes moment. For Emma Burke, founder of LACEEZE, that moment became a turning point in her journey, as she stepped into the Den, faced the Dragons, and walked out with an investment deal that put her grassroots sports brand on the fast track to growth. In this candid conversation with Paul Avins, Emma reveals the highs and lows behind the headlines – from running a multi‑million pound cleaning company, through the pain of business failure, to reinventing herself in the world of sport with an innovation solving one of football’s simplest but biggest problems. Beyond the Den lights and the deal, the discussion dives into the inner journey of entrepreneurship: knowing when to pivot, learning how to bounce back stronger, and why sharing your authentic story is as powerful as building the business itself. Key Highlights Building a successful business demands consistency, adaptability, and grit through challenges. Delegation is critical to free up the founder’s time for higher-value, strategic growth. Sharing your personal journey and engaging authentically builds a relatable brand that attracts loyal customers. Exposure through platforms like Dragon’s Den can enhance credibility, visibility, and open doors to new partnerships. Listen in for a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective on what it truly takes to grow a brand from kitchen table idea to a household name in grassroots sport. About Our Guest – Emma Burke Emma Burke is the founder of LACEEZE, one of the UK’s fastest‑growing grassroots sports brands, dedicated to solving everyday problems for young athletes. After securing investment on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, Emma has taken LACEEZE from start‑up idea to a business on track for seven‑figure revenues—all while keeping her mission of supporting grassroots sport at the heart of the brand. Resources & Links Connect with Emma Burke on LinkedIn — Emma Burke | LinkedIn Explore the Laceeze's brand — Laceeze | Soccer Accessories Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to build your own “grown up” business? Explore free resources at ScaleUpCoaching.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What’s it like to sell your business to a billionaire? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Andrew Scott, Founder and CEO of the Ascot Group, serial entrepreneur, investor, and the previous owner of Business Leader magazine, which he successfully sold to billionaire Richard Harpin. Andrew’s story is one of resilience and reinvention: from arriving in the UK aged 18 with no money or qualifications, to scaling his companies to multi-million turnover, building a respected media brand, and ultimately selling it at a premium valuation. Together, Paul and Andrew uncover the mindset, strategies and lessons behind scaling fast, building brand equity, and thinking global – plus what it’s really like negotiating with billionaires. If you’re a CEO or founder aiming to scale faster, increase brand value, or prepare your business for a world-class exit, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Billionaires move at speed: Deals get done fast – but you must have systems, numbers, and information ready on demand. The 3 Levers of Scale: Everything comes down to lead generation, sales conversion, and customer retention. Brand drives multiples: A strong brand reputation can dramatically increase the price buyers are willing to pay. Good isn’t enough: To scale, you must be willing to break your own business model and reinvent before growth stalls. Lifestyle vs scale-up: Decide if you want comfort or if you want to build enterprise value – the identity shift matters. Health = wealth: Scaling is a full-contact sport – staying physically and mentally fit is essential for resilience. Think global, not local: UK entrepreneurs must widen their horizons to capture true market scale. About Andrew Scott Andrew Scott is the founder and CEO of the Ascot Group and a portfolio of multimillion-pound businesses across marketing, tech, media, home improvement, and property. He is best known for creating Business Leader magazine, which he scaled into the UK’s leading media brand for entrepreneurs before selling it to billionaire investor Richard Harpin. A true self-made entrepreneur, Andrew arrived in the UK at 18 with no money and no qualifications, but went on to build and sell multiple companies while mentoring business leaders and speaking internationally. His upcoming book, Imposter Millionaire, shares his journey from setbacks and adversity to building enduring business success. Resources & Links Connect with Andrew Scott on LinkedIn — Andrew Scott | LinkedIn Learn more about the Ascot Group — ascotgroup.co.uk Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down 3 specific strategies from this episode you will apply in the next 72 hours. Think Bigger: Want to increase your company valuation or prepare for exit? Download free resources at paulavins.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life! 📘Watch out for Andrew’s new book → Imposter Millionaire (coming soon)

What does it take to turn one product into an 8‑figure global brand and become a category king? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins talks to Paul Sherratt, founder of gloveglu, about how he scaled from a kitchen‑table side business to a dominant global brand now selling in 55 countries. At 50 years old, Paul made the decision to go all in, remortgaging his house to chase a vision. Today, gloveglu is the category leader in a niche most people ignored. Paul Sherratt is the founder of gloveglu, a global soccer brand that started with a single glove grip spray for goalkeepers. He has built the business past 8 figures in revenue, developed a global distribution network, and grown a community of over 1.3 million social followers. He has also created the FIND IT Framework to help founders identify, claim and dominate their categories, and is building a goalkeeper education and training business alongside his brand. Key Takeaways The FIND IT Framework: Frame, Identify, Niche, Differentiate, Innovate, Test. Why narrowing focus creates faster growth than chasing broad markets. The mindset shift at age 50 that changed everything. Critical hires and systems that took gloveglu from £500k to multi‑millions. How TikTok and YouTube became powerful scale engines. Leadership lessons from handling the sudden loss of a team member. The difference between running a business and building a grown up business with systems and scalability. About Paul Sherratt Paul Sherratt is a sports entrepreneur and the founder of gloveglu, an 8‑figure global brand in the goalkeeper market. Starting with one product, Paul has built a category‑dominating business sold in more than 55 countries, backed by a large online following. He is also developing a worldwide goalkeeper education platform and launching the Find the Gap Podcast to help other founders leverage category creation. Resources & Links Connect with Paul Sherratt on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about gloveglyu — gloveglue Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but building a brand so distinctive that customers can't help but remember you? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by James Goolnik — award-winning biological dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of Optimal Dental Health. James shares his remarkable journey from building Bo Dental, a seven-figure practice with purple chairs and a 12,000-strong newsletter, to selling it for a significant exit — and then starting all over again, scaling from zero to £1 million in just 13 months. Together, Paul and James unpack the power of branding, the importance of standing out in a crowded market, and why consistency beats complexity every time. James reveals how he built a newsletter subscriber list of 4,000 people in his first year, why bleeding gums are a serious warning sign most people ignore, and how simple daily habits like tongue scraping can transform your health. He also shares the reality of working for someone else after selling your business, why most exits fail if you stay longer than a year, and how he used vision boards to sell his house at the exact price he wanted. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build a business that scales beyond them, create a brand that commands attention, and understand what it really takes to exit successfully — and start again. Key Takeaways Why standing out with bold branding decisions can transform your business and attract your tribe How James built a newsletter list of 4,000 subscribers in 12 months — and why this is critical for any business The power of recurring revenue and digital footprint in making your business attractive to buyers Why bleeding gums are not normal — and what your mouth reveals about your overall health The simple daily habits that can improve your taste, lower your blood pressure, and boost your energy What biological dentistry is — and why it's the future of holistic oral health How AI and live saliva diagnostics are revolutionizing patient engagement and behavior change The reality of working for someone else after selling your business — and why one year is the limit How to scale from zero to £1 million in 13 months: consistency, focus, and community The power of vision boards and manifestation — how James sold his house at his exact target price About the Guest James Goolnik is an award-winning biological dentist, entrepreneur, and founder of Optimal Dental Health. He is a former President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and one of only four accredited biological dentists in the UK. James is the author of two books: Brush: A Powerful Strategy to Make You and Your Dental Business Shine and Kick Sugar, a beautifully illustrated guide to waking your taste buds and boosting your health. James specializes in helping people understand the connection between oral health and overall physical health, using evidence-based, holistic approaches to dentistry. Next Steps Apply it now Start your day by scraping your tongue three times — once in the middle, once on the left, once on the right. Notice the difference in taste and energy within 48 hours. Learn more about Optimal Dental Health Visit James's practice and discover how biological dentistry can transform your health. Connect with James on LinkedIn to follow his journey and insights. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

There’s an epidemic of short-term thinking right now on LinkedIn and it’s killing people’s chances of actually building networks that create long-term value. In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul sits down with Mike Jones, CEO of Beep2B and one of the UK’s leading experts in LinkedIn social selling. Mike has generated over £100 million in revenue for himself, his clients and partners in the last 15 years using LinkedIn as a platform for relationship-led growth, not spam tactics. Together, Paul and Mike pull back the curtain on what really works right now on LinkedIn and why most of the training and cold-message “hacks” out there are complete rubbish. If LinkedIn is already part of your marketing (or you know it needs to be), this episode will give you the strategic framework to turn it into seven figures of opportunity. Key Takeaways The 7 behaviours every entrepreneur must master to generate seven figures on LinkedIn How to build long-term asset value in your network instead of chasing short-term metrics Why sending “spray and pray” spam messages kills your brand — and what to do instead The role of AI and automation in outreach (and where it undermines trust) Why trust-based conversations and hand-raiser questions will always outperform pitch-heavy DMs How treating your network as a strategic investment compounds into opportunities years later About Mike Jones Mike Jones is the CEO of Beep2B, a LinkedIn marketing productivity company helping world-class businesses grow faster through authentic digital relationships. He combines tactics, training and technology to free up leaders from wasting time on LinkedIn and instead give them a consistent pipeline of inbound leads, strategic partnerships and high-value opportunities. Resources & Links Connect with Mike Jones on LinkedIn — Mike Jones | LinkedIn Learn more about Beep2b — B2B Marketing & Lead Generation - Beep2B Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter

What does it really take to grow a business from a side‑hustle into a multi‑million‑pound, award‑winning brand? In this episode, Paul Avins talks to Sheena Marsh, founder of Oxford Garden Design and RHS Gold Medal winning garden designer, about her journey from the classroom to building one of the UK’s top garden design companies. Sheena shares her honest story of overcoming bullying, facing financial fears, and making the terrifying leap from solopreneur to CEO. Today, her company turns over more than £2 million a year, employs 30+ people, and works with dream clients creating beautiful, wildlife‑friendly gardens. Whether you run a service business, a creative brand, or you’re ready to scale past seven figures, Sheena’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, focus and resilience. Key Takeaways Why the hardest moment of Sheena’s career became the foundation of her success The identity shift of hiring employee number one — and why it changed everything The danger of chasing money over alignment (and the costly mistake it caused) How to say no to the wrong clients so you can attract the right ones Why a predictable business is better than an exciting one if you want freedom The power of pruning — how to cut back distractions, people and products to grow stronger Why financial dashboards and a CFO are essential once you pass seven figures How passion fuels profit — and why your energy disappears if your heart isn’t in it The branding impact of winning high‑profile awards like RHS Gold and People’s Choice About Sheena Marsh Sheena Marsh is the Founder of Oxford Garden Design, one of the UK’s leading garden design and landscaping companies. Starting her career as a teacher, Sheena took the bold leap into entrepreneurship after adversity pushed her to follow her passion for gardens and design. Over the last 20 years, she has transformed Oxford Garden Design from a small solo venture into a multi‑million‑pound business with over 30 employees, delivering award‑winning garden and landscape projects across the UK. Sheena is also a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gold Medal Winner, and her company won the coveted People’s Choice Award at RHS Malvern, making history by taking home four awards for a single show garden. Today, Sheena is recognised not only for her stunning designs, but also for her leadership in running a true “grown‑up business” — one that’s predictable, profitable and no longer depends on her day‑to‑day presence. Beyond business, Sheena is on a mission to educate homeowners on how simple changes in their gardens can help wildlife and biodiversity thrive. Resources & Links Connect with Sheena Marsh on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about Oxford Garden Design — Oxford Garden Design Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Want to grow your business to the next level — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Health, AI, and Becoming a Scale Up CEO In this powerful episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Carly Meyers, Founder & CEO of Made For More AI, to explore the critical link between entrepreneurial health, automation, and sustainable business growth. Together, they unpack the harsh truth most business owners ignore: Too many entrepreneurs trade their health today for wealth tomorrow, only to pay the price later in burnout, breakdown, or business stagnation. Paul shares his own high-stakes health crisis that forced him to confront this very mindset, while Carly talks about how building automated systems not only saves time but can also free up entrepreneurs from the constant firefighting trap, giving them space to take care of themselves and focus on high-level growth. At the heart of this discussion is a game-changing message: in order to scale to 7 and 8 figures, entrepreneurs must evolve beyond being “operators” and fully embrace the identity of a true Scale Up CEO. With raw honesty and practical insight, Paul and Carly challenge the old narratives of hustle culture and provide a refreshing reminder that health and business are not mutually exclusive—they are deeply intertwined. Key Takeaways The pivotal transition from being an operator to adopting the identity of a Scale Up CEO is non-negotiable for sustainable growth. Health isn’t a “someday fix”—entrepreneurs must invest in it now to avoid burnout and build longevity. Immersive environments like retreats and summits create the breakthroughs that can save you years of wasted time. A supportive peer network is a secret weapon against the isolation and self-doubt of entrepreneurship. True success in business is not just financial but also about quality of life, energy, and long-term fulfilment. About Carly Meyers Carly Meyers is the Founder & CEO of Made For More AI, an innovative consultancy helping service-based businesses harness the power of AI and automation to streamline operations, reclaim their time, and scale profitably. Often described as an AI Growth Architect, Carly has a rare gift for simplifying complex technology so that even the most non-technical entrepreneur can implement it with confidence. Her frameworks have helped founders transform clunky manual processes into scalable, systemised growth engines, freeing them to focus on strategy, impact, and revenue. Carly’s entrepreneurial journey has been fuelled by one core belief: you don’t have to sacrifice health, family, or freedom to grow a thriving business. A sought-after business coach and keynote speaker, she regularly shares the mindset shifts and automation strategies that allow entrepreneurs to build businesses that are both profitable and sustainable. Resources & Links Connect with Carly Meyers on LinkedIn — Carly Meyers | LinkedIn Learn more about Carly — Carly Meyers - AI Growth Architect Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but attracting the right people to your team? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins shares a powerful solo session originally recorded for Your Property Podcast with host Michelle Kerns. Paul unpacks exactly who you need on your team at each stage of growth — and why the next level of success you're chasing is usually just one person away. Drawing on 20 years of coaching experience and insights from working with over 550 companies, Paul reveals the three fundamental things that separate six-figure earners from seven-figure business owners: knowledge, skills, and network. This conversation goes deep into how to identify the right people for your business model, when to hire versus when to outsource, how to use AI and technology to scale faster with fewer people, and why building your network before you need it is one of the most valuable investments you'll ever make. Paul also shares the exact recruitment formula he uses with clients to ensure every hire pays for itself — and how to avoid the costly mistake of trying to do everything yourself. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop being the bottleneck in their business, build a high-performing team around them, and scale with structure and confidence in 2025. Key Takeaways The three things standing between you and your next income level: knowledge, skills, and network Why the next level of success is usually one person away — and how to find them The difference between internal and external teams — and when to use each Paul's recruitment formula: how to ensure every hire pays for itself within three months Why buying skills is often faster than learning them yourself How to use team and tech together to scale faster with fewer people The power of networking: why connecting with five people a day can generate six figures a year How to identify which roles to hire for first based on friction and energy drain Why building your network before you need it is a strategic superpower The one-minute pitch formula that opens curiosity and conversation Next Steps Apply it now Identify one role or skill set that would free up 10 hours of your time per week — and ask yourself: can I generate double what it would cost to bring that person in? Free Training Access Paul's brand new training on how to use team and tech to scale in 2025: https://scaleupcoaching.com/keynote Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: Search Paul Avins (he's the only one!) Explore team resources: https://teamdynamics.com About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't just mindset or strategy — but mastering the intelligence hidden in your body? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Kevin Chapman — professional executive and performance coach, communication specialist, and co-founder of the Physical Intelligence Institute. Kevin shares how our internal chemistry and neurochemistry largely dictate how we think, feel, and behave — and why most entrepreneurs are unknowingly sabotaging their performance by ignoring their body's intelligence. Together, Paul and Kevin unpack the science behind physical intelligence, how to strategically manage your internal state to access peak performance, and why understanding your body's chemistry is the ultimate competitive advantage for scale-up CEOs. From managing performance anxiety and stress to unlocking creativity, resilience, and high-performing leadership, this conversation reveals practical, science-backed techniques that every entrepreneur can use immediately to perform at a higher level — in business and at home. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop sacrificing their health for wealth, master their state, and lead with clarity, energy, and sustainable performance. Key Takeaways What physical intelligence is — and why it's the third missing intelligence after IQ and EQ How your internal chemistry (cortisol, dopamine, oxytocin, testosterone, serotonin, DHEA) dictates your performance The fastest way to manage nerves and performance anxiety — through your body, not your mind Why pace breathing (5 seconds in, 5 seconds out) increases cognitive function by 62%, reduces stress by 46%, and improves sleep by 33% The difference between assertiveness and aggression — and how testosterone plays a role How to reverse negative chemistry in your body using posture, movement, and breath Why celebrating wins, showing vulnerability, and recognizing your team raises oxytocin and builds trust The power of interoception — feeling your emotions in your body to build capacity, resilience, and empathy Why walking for 20 minutes makes you 45% more likely to have a creative idea How to shift from work state to home state in seconds — mastering state balance, not work-life balance Why entrepreneurs sacrifice their health for wealth — and how to break that pattern About the Guest Kevin Chapman is a professional executive and performance coach, communication and impact specialist, and co-founder of the Physical Intelligence Institute based in the United Kingdom. He trains practitioners and partners in over 50 countries and has worked with companies including Jaguar Land Rover, the Dubai government, Shell, and Mars to help their leaders navigate extreme change. Kevin was also brought in as a consultant when Lehman Brothers collapsed and works with charities addressing knife crime and trauma. He specializes in helping leaders unlock peak performance by mastering their physical intelligence — the ability to detect and strategically manage internal chemistry to access clarity, resilience, and sustainable high performance. Next Steps Apply it now Check in with your body twice today. Ask yourself: what's my current mood? Where do I feel it in my body? Practice 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out pace breathing for just 5 minutes. Learn Physical Intelligence Visit the Physical Intelligence Institute: https://www.physicalintelligenceinstitute.com Explore the Body Smart digital program to build science-backed habits that change your state and performance. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't fighting change — but learning to navigate it with clarity, resilience, and a better mindset? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Professor Paul McGee — Sunday Times bestselling author, international speaker, and creator of the SUMO philosophy (Shut Up, Move On). Paul McGee shares his remarkable journey from losing his job due to chronic fatigue syndrome to becoming one of the UK's leading voices on resilience, mindset, and managing change. Together, Paul and Paul unpack why most people stay stuck in victim mode, how to process disappointment without wallowing in it, and the seven powerful questions that help you shift from reaction to response — even in the toughest moments. This conversation goes deep into the psychology of change, the difference between your "red cap" emotional brain and your "blue cap" reflective brain, why hippo time (feeling bad) is okay but temporary, and how entrepreneurs can stop complaining and start competing. Whether you're dealing with economic uncertainty, team challenges, personal setbacks, or just the relentless pressure of running a business, this episode will equip you to show up, take responsibility, and move forward with confidence. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build mental resilience, lead through uncertainty, and stop letting external events dictate their outcomes. Key Takeaways Why hippo time (feeling bad) is okay — but it's a detour, not a destination The difference between digesting disappointment, processing pain, and sitting with sadness How to stop wearing the victim t-shirt and take back control of your response Why E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) is the formula that changes everything Understanding your red cap (emotional, reactive brain) vs blue cap (reflective, logical brain) The bridge between react and respond: reflection The 7 SUMO questions that help you shift from stuck to solution-focused thinking Why managing your mental diet is as important as managing your business strategy How small wins and daily disciplines determine your destiny — not motivation Why showing up (even when you don't feel like it) is the ultimate leadership move About the Guest Professor Paul McGee is a Sunday Times bestselling author, international speaker, and Visiting Professor at the University of Chester. Known as "The SUMO Guy," Paul has written 13 books including the global bestseller SUMO (Shut Up, Move On), which has sold over half a million copies worldwide. He has spoken in over 40 countries and works with organizations to help leaders, teams, and individuals build resilience, manage change, and create better futures. Paul specializes in making psychology practical, memorable, and actionable — with no bull, just brilliant insights. Next Steps Apply it now Ask yourself: what t-shirt am I wearing right now — victim or victor? And what's one response I need to change to influence a better outcome? Connect with Paul McGee Visit www.thesumoguy.com or follow him on social media @thesumoguy Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to surviving the 2025 Budget isn't just cutting costs — but planning smarter, faster, and with real clarity? In this emergency episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Jeff Lermer, the UK's leading tax accountant and advisor for successful entrepreneurs, to break down the 2025 Budget — and what it really means for business owners, employers, and CEOs. Recorded live just 24 hours after one of the longest and most tax-heavy budgets in recent history, Paul and Jeff cut through the noise to deliver a clear, practical debrief. They unpack the £40 billion tax grab, the brutal rise in employer National Insurance, the capital gains tax changes, inheritance tax shake-ups, and what founders need to do now to protect their wealth, reduce their liabilities, and scale sustainably in a tougher economic climate. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who employ people, own assets, plan to exit, or want to build a business that thrives — not just survives — in the face of sweeping legislative change. Key Takeaways Why employer National Insurance rising from 13.8% to 15% (and kicking in at £5,000 instead of £9,100) is the biggest hit to business owners How the cost of employing someone on minimum wage just increased by 10.67% overnight Why the Employment Allowance increase to £10,500 softens the blow — but only for smaller teams How moving key team members into a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) could save you tens of thousands in tax Capital Gains Tax rises: from 20% to 24%, and Business Asset Disposal Relief increasing to 14% then 18% Why there may be an M&A rush between now and April 2025 Inheritance Tax changes: business and agricultural property relief capped at £1 million, with 50% relief thereafter Why pension funds will now be subject to Inheritance Tax from April 2027 — and what that really means Why VAT on private school fees from January 2025 is just the start of a broader charitable status shake-up How to extract funds from your company more tax-efficiently using loans, not dividends Why this budget will accelerate AI adoption, outsourcing, and productivity — not just payroll cuts About the Guest Jeff Lermer is the UK's number one tax accountant and advisor for successful entrepreneurs. With over 15 years working alongside Paul Avins and decades of experience helping business owners retain their wealth, Jeff specializes in tax-efficient planning, capital gains strategy, inheritance tax mitigation, and smart extraction planning. His mission: help founders keep more of what they earn — legally, strategically, and sustainably. Next Steps Apply it now Review your payroll costs, salary structures, and extraction strategy in light of the Budget changes — don't wait until April. Connect with Jeff Lermer Follow Jeff on LinkedIn for ongoing tax insights, planning tips, and updates as the Budget changes take effect. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't adding more people — but understanding where technology can actually solve your biggest bottlenecks? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Paul McGillivray — seasoned entrepreneur, software development expert, and author of the brand new book Scope to Scale. Paul shares how he and his wife built a seven-figure software business over 24 years, working with global brands like Sony, Volvo, and Tesco — while also helping small startups and scale-ups unlock growth through smarter systems. Together, Paul and Paul unpack the critical difference between AI and automation, why most founders are overwhelmed by tech decisions, and how to identify the one process in your business that's holding everything else back. This conversation dives deep into the SCOPE framework — a proven methodology for strategizing, clarifying, optimizing, prototyping, and executing tech solutions that actually scale. You'll learn how to involve your team in the process, avoid scope creep, and use AI as a lever for growth — not a threat to your people. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop firefighting, eliminate bottlenecks, and build systems that create capacity instead of chaos. Key Takeaways The critical difference between AI and automation — and when to use each Why most businesses are running on fixed systems instead of evolving ones How to identify the biggest bottleneck in your business using Theory of Constraints The SCOPE framework: Strategize, Clarify, Optimize, Prototype, Execute Why duplication and single points of failure are warning signs you've outgrown your tech How to involve your team in tech decisions so they become evangelists, not resisters Why hiring more people to solve operational problems is expensive and inefficient How AI agents and small language models will create your digital workforce Why you're Batman and AI is Robin — not the other way around About the Guest Paul McGillivray is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Remote, a seven-figure software development studio with a 24-year track record of helping businesses solve operational bottlenecks through custom tech solutions. Paul and his wife have worked with global brands like Sony, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Tesco, as well as countless startups and scale-ups. He is also a coach for Dent Global and the KPI Accelerator, and the author of Scope to Scale — a practical guide to identifying where technology can unlock growth in your business. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one process in your business where duplication or manual workarounds are slowing you down — and ask: what would the ideal version of this look like? Get the book Grab your copy of Scope to Scale on Amazon — including exclusive bonuses, assessment tools, and resources: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scope-Scale-Paul-McGillivray/dp/B0DQV4YZDK Connect with Paul McGillivray Learn more about Remote and how Paul helps businesses scale through smarter systems: https://www.remote.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the biggest obstacles to scaling your business aren't market conditions or competition — but five critical mistakes you don't even know you're making? In this special episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins delivers a high-energy, high-impact masterclass originally presented to a room of investors and entrepreneurs who are buying and scaling businesses through acquisitions. Paul breaks down the five biggest mistakes that kill growth, waste time, and cost money — whether you're buying a business, scaling your current one, or planning your exit. This isn't theory. This is battle-tested strategy from 17 years of coaching founders, investing in businesses, and scaling companies through startups, pandemics, and rapid expansion. From understanding where your business sits on the S-curve to building irresistible offers, creating digital assets, profiling your team for maximum performance, and planning your exit before you think you need one — Paul covers the frameworks that separate businesses that plateau from those that scale sustainably and profitably. This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, investors, and CEOs who want to avoid costly missteps and accelerate growth with clarity, confidence, and proven systems. Key Takeaways Mistake #1: No Written Strategy — Why 80% of businesses fail without a clear plan, and how a strategic roadmap helps you say no to distractions The S-Curve Framework — How to identify where a business is on the growth curve and what to do at each stage: startup, team up, level up, and scale up Mistake #2: No Clear Customer Journey — The four-step framework every business needs: Know, Like, Trust, Transact The Four Keys to a Compelling Offer — How to create irresistible offers using opportunity framing, risk reversal, value stacking, and urgency Mistake #3: Not Creating Assets — Why cash follows assets, and how digital and physical assets (CRMs, videos, brochures, products) drive long-term value and exit multiples Mistake #4: Building the Wrong Team — Why profiling your team is non-negotiable, and how the right people in the right roles can unlock hidden revenue overnight The 50% Hiring Formula — When and how to hire without overextending: if you can afford 50% of their salary for three months, hire them Mistake #5: No Exit Plan — Why you need two exit plans: one for the business and one for the roles you need to step out of to scale The 72-Hour Rule — Ideas are perishable. Execute within 72 hours or kill the idea About This Episode This training was recorded live at a private event for investors and entrepreneurs and has never been released publicly before. Paul moves fast, covers a ton of ground, and delivers actionable frameworks you can apply immediately — whether you're buying businesses, scaling your own, or preparing for exit. Next Steps Apply it now Write down three actions you'll take in the next 24 hours as a result of this episode. Use the 72-hour rule: execute or kill the idea. Join the Scale-Up Saturday Newsletter Get weekly tips, tools, and insights to help you scale faster without the trial and error. Subscribe: https://scaleupcoaching.com/newsletter Attend a Scale-Up Boardroom Spend a day with Paul in an intimate boardroom setting (just 5 people) and apply this framework directly to your business. Learn more: https://scaleupboardroom.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but stepping out of your office and into a room that transforms your thinking? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Francis Rodnio to share the vision, strategy, and philosophy behind Scale UP Summit 2026 — a two-day event designed specifically for founders and CEOs who are ready to move from operator to Scale Up leader. Paul unpacks why he created Scale UP Summit three years ago, what makes it fundamentally different from every other business event, and why the biggest mistake founders make right now is staying frozen in fear instead of getting educated, connected, and equipped. This isn't an event about marketing tactics or surface-level strategies. It's a structured journey through the exact skills, mindset shifts, and systems you need at every stage of growth — from building a lead machine to scaling with acquisitions, from hiring your first COO to becoming superhuman as a CEO. Paul shares real stories from past attendees who scaled from £50,000 to £250,000 in a year, clients who've sold businesses for over £140 million, and why this year's lineup — featuring experts on AI-powered sales, M&A, team building, personal branding, and performance optimization — is built to help you transform, not just learn. This episode is essential listening for any founder or CEO who wants to understand where they are on the scale-up journey, what skills they need to master next, and how to build a grown-up business that runs without them. Key Takeaways Why Scale UP Summit was created — and what makes it different from every other business event The structured journey: how each speaker builds on the last to create a roadmap for sustainable growth Why mindset is the biggest constraint to scaling — and how to shift from operator to CEO thinking The skills you need at each stage: from lead generation to team building to acquisitions Why the event you have to battle to get to is the one that will change your life the most How AI is disrupting every business model — and why education is your only defense Real stories: how attendees have scaled from £60k to £250k and beyond in 12 months Why content, connections, and coaching make Scale-Up Summit a transformation, not just an event About Scale-Up Summit 2026 Scale UP Summit is a two-day event for founders and CEOs scaling businesses from £500k to £10m+. Held on April 29–30, 2026, it brings together world-class speakers, expert coaches, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs committed to building grown-up businesses that scale sustainably and create real enterprise value. Only 100 tickets are available — and over 40 have already been reserved for existing clients. Next Steps Join Scale-Up Summit 2026 Secure your ticket now at https://www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Apply it now Identify one skill you need to master at your current stage of growth — and commit to learning it in the next 90 days. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the fastest path to seven figures isn't working harder — but getting laser-focused on who you serve, what you offer, and how you sell? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins shares three proven strategies that any entrepreneur can use to scale their sales to a million dollars — and beyond. Originally recorded as part of a collaborative book project, this conversation breaks down the exact steps Paul has used with over 550 clients across 147 industries to generate over £100 million in exits. From niching down your dream customer avatar to creating irresistible offers that pull instead of push, to building scalable sales systems that work without you — Paul walks through the blueprint that has helped businesses double, triple, and scale to seven figures in 12 months or less. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop guessing, start converting, and build a sales engine that scales predictably and profitably. Key Takeaways Why niching down is the fastest way to scale — and how to identify your dream customer avatar The A-B-C-D customer grading system that reveals who to serve and who to fire How to create three high-converting offers: lead magnet, conversion, and continuity Why irresistible offers reduce risk, create scarcity, and generate demand tension Real-world examples: how a glove glue brand hit £2.2M and a recruitment firm scaled to £1.3M in 12 months The Magic Matrix: a simple system that generated one client an extra $1 million in 12 months Why changing the buying environment builds trust and explodes lifetime value How to use AI to test offers, automate follow-up, and scale faster with less effort The golden rule: Serve hard, sell easy Why your health and mindset are the foundation of sustainable business growth Next Steps Apply it now Identify your dream customer avatar using the A-B-C-D grading system. Then ask: what's one irresistible offer I can create this week? Download the full book Get access to the full collaborative book featuring Paul and 24 other world-class marketing and sales experts — link in the show notes. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: Search Paul Avins Free resources and tools: https://scaleupcoaching.com Learn about the Grown Up Business Retreat: https://grownupbusinessretreat.com About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to building a £100 million business isn't following the plan — but staying curious, resilient, and willing to start over like a beginner? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Simon Leslie — serial entrepreneur, author, and owner of Eastbourne Borough Football Club. Simon shares his remarkable journey from building a global travel publishing business that scaled to £100 million in revenue across every country in the world (except Antarctica) to buying and transforming a football club. He unpacks the mindset shifts required to scale internationally, the art of selling without fear, why White Belt Thinking keeps you sharp, and how belief — not realism — is what drives extraordinary results. Together, Paul and Simon explore why opportunities are gift-wrapped in problems, how to sell by transferring enthusiasm rather than features, why most entrepreneurs quit too soon, and what it really means to play the long game. This conversation goes deep into resilience, negotiation, leadership under pressure, and why your life story — the dash between birth and death — should be worth reading. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to think bigger, sell better, lead with passion, and build something truly memorable. Key Takeaways Why a grown-up business is full of problems — and why that's a good thing How Simon scaled a business to £100 million without a formal business plan The mindset shifts required to go from startup to global scale Why selling is like a job interview — and how to transfer enthusiasm, not features The three limiting beliefs that kill sales performance: product's not good enough, too expensive, and hiding behind email Why persistence and consistency beat tactics every time How Simon sold the same business four times — and what he learned from each exit Why White Belt Thinking — thinking like a beginner — keeps you sharp and adaptable How building trust at every level unlocks high performance in teams Why opportunities are gift-wrapped problems — and how to unwrap them The dash between birth and death: why your life story matters more than your business plan About the Guest Simon Leslie is a serial entrepreneur, author, and owner of Eastbourne Borough Football Club. He co-founded a global travel publishing business that scaled to £100 million in revenue, operating in every country except Antarctica, before selling it four times across multiple capital events. Simon is the author of There's No F in Sales and White Belt Thinking, and is passionate about using business as a force for good — whether through building high-performing teams, transforming football culture, or inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one problem in your business right now — and ask yourself: what's the opportunity hidden inside it? Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to a successful business exit isn't just about the money — but about building something worth handing over? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Simon Morton — founder of Eiffel Presentations, the man Microsoft turned to for PowerPoint expertise, and author of the new book The Guide to Transitioning from Boss to Benefactor. Simon shares his remarkable 18-year journey from starting out at his kitchen table to building a multi-million-pound presentation agency with over 40 people — and ultimately exiting through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Together, Paul and Simon unpack the realities of scaling a people-business, the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, why most presentations fail, how to build a leadership team you can trust with your legacy, and what it really takes to transition out of your business without regret. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to understand what a grown-up exit looks like — and how to build a business that can thrive long after you've stepped away. Key Takeaways Why most presentations fail — and the five biggest mistakes people make with PowerPoint How to shift from creating slides to crafting compelling stories that drive action The power of visualization and goal mapping — and how one picture kept Simon from the pub and landed a million-pound client Why building the right team is more important than scaling sales — and how to spot talent everywhere How to know if you're just tired or actually ready to sell — and why getting that wrong could be your biggest regret What an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is, how it works, and why it might be the smartest exit strategy you've never considered Why you need distance from your business — physically and mentally — to lead it well The emotional reality of exiting — grief, identity shift, and what comes after Why building a business that can run without you is the ultimate measure of success About the Guest Simon Morton is the founder of Eiffel Presentations, a multi-award-winning presentation agency that has worked with Microsoft, Adobe, KPMG, and hundreds of leading organizations worldwide. Known as the "Prince of PowerPoint," Simon specializes in helping businesses cut through the noise and communicate with clarity, impact, and humanity. After 18 years of building Eiffel, Simon successfully transitioned the business to his team through an Employee Ownership Trust. He is the author of The Guide to Transitioning from Boss to Benefactor and is now focused on writing, storytelling, and helping other entrepreneurs navigate their own exit journeys. Next Steps Apply it now Ask yourself: could my business operate — and grow — without me? If not, what's the first step to making that possible? Get Simon's Book Grab a copy of The Guide to Transitioning from Boss to Benefactor to explore whether an Employee Ownership Trust could be the right exit strategy for you. Connect with Simon Morton on LinkedIn Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't doing more — but doing the right things with ruthless focus? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Pete Wilkinson — ultra-athlete, MBA graduate, and creator of the 1-3-5 System and Reclaro, the execution software helping companies translate strategy into daily action. Pete shares how his corporate background, MBA studies, and Ironman training led him to design a framework that solves one of business's biggest problems: the gap between strategy and execution. Together, Paul and Pete unpack why most strategies fail, the difference between being busy and being productive, and how to measure what actually matters — leading indicators, not just lagging ones. They explore why most businesses try to do too much, how clarity on outcomes drives alignment, and why training your team is non-negotiable if you want to scale sustainably. This episode is essential listening for CEOs and founders who want to stop firefighting, start leading strategically, and build businesses that execute with discipline and focus. Key Takeaways Why most strategies fail — and the three reasons execution breaks down The difference between efficiency (doing things right) and effectiveness (doing the right things) How to identify and measure leading indicators that predict success — not just lag measures like sales and profit Why clarity on outcomes is the foundation of alignment across your team The 1-3-5 System: one vision, three objectives, five key results — and why simplicity beats complexity Why most businesses don't invest in training their teams — and how that costs them growth How endurance sport mirrors business — and why treating business like an ultra-marathon changes everything Why energy, recovery, and focus are competitive advantages in scale-up leadership The courage to say no: why doing less with more focus unlocks faster growth About the Guest Pete Wilkinson is the creator of the 1-3-5 System, author of Unstoppable: Using the Power of Focus to Take Action and Achieve Your Goals, and founder of Reclaro — execution software that helps businesses turn strategy into action. With an MBA and a corporate background in energy, Pete has spent years studying what separates businesses that execute from those that stall. He is also an ultra-athlete who has completed Ironman triathlons and trained with UK Special Forces, applying the principles of endurance sport to business performance. Next Steps Apply it now Ask yourself: are you being efficient or effective? Focus on doing the right things first — then get efficient at them. Learn more about the 1-3-5 System Visit reclaro.com to explore the software, book a discovery call, or access free templates and resources. Connect with Pete Wilkinson on LinkedIn Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't more leads — but a clearer value proposition and smarter use of AI? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Barnaby Winter — one of the UK's leading brand strategists, creator of the Brand Bucket methodology, and a marketing expert who has helped build over 450 brands globally. Barnaby shares his journey from becoming one of the youngest MDs in the UK's top 200 companies to developing the Brand Bucket framework that has transformed how businesses define their value proposition, connect with buyers, and scale sustainably. Together, Paul and Barnaby unpack why marketing is now the lead discipline at the board table, how to build a brand that sits on your balance sheet, the critical difference between personal brand and business brand, and why AI is the ultimate tool for augmentation — not replacement. This conversation goes deep into value proposition design, psychographic profiling, the shift from broadcast to relationship-led marketing, and how AI can accelerate growth when used strategically. Barnaby also shares powerful stories from working with brands like Marie Curie, ETRADE, and Virgin — and why most founders get branding catastrophically wrong. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build a brand that scales, attract high-value buyers, and use AI to enhance — not replace — human creativity and customer relationships. Key Takeaways Why marketing is now the lead discipline around the board table — and what that means for grown-up businesses The four pillars of a powerful value proposition: behavioral style, benefits, beliefs, and what you want to be famous for Why it's like, know, trust — not know, like, trust — and how emotion drives all buying decisions The critical difference between branding (how you show up) and brand (the relationship you build) Why personal brand can limit your ability to scale — and how to build a business brand that works without you How to use psychographics (not demographics) to deeply understand your target market Why brand sits on the balance sheet — and how it drives enterprise value at exit The difference between automation and augmentation in AI — and why augmentation is where the real value lies How to brief AI using your value proposition to create content, images, music, and customer experiences that align with your brand Why AI should free your team to create deeper customer relationships — not replace them About the Guest Barnaby Winter is a brand strategist, marketing expert, and creator of the Brand Bucket methodology — a proven framework for building go-to brands that scale. With over 35 years' experience, Barnaby has been responsible for creating and repositioning more than 450 brands globally, including work with Marie Curie, ETRADE, Virgin, and many high-growth scale-ups. He is the author of three books, including his latest, How to Become a Go-To Brand, and is a Freeman of the Company of Entrepreneurs. Barnaby specializes in helping businesses define their value proposition, connect with buyers at a psychographic level, and use AI strategically to enhance marketing, customer experience, and growth. Next Steps Apply it now Grab a coffee and a sticky note pad — write down everything that's good about your business, then distill it into your behavioral style, benefits, beliefs, and what you want to be famous for. Connect with Barnaby Winter LinkedIn: Search for Barnaby Winter (with a Y) Website: https://www.barnabywinter.com Book: How to Become a Go-To Brand Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but starting your day with more intention? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Kat Thorne — morning routine expert, keynote speaker, and host of The Positive Habits Podcast. Kat shares her powerful story of nearly losing her life in 2016 — and how that wake-up call forced her to completely redesign her relationship with health, habits, and high performance. Together, Paul and Kat unpack why so many entrepreneurs sacrifice their wellbeing in pursuit of success, how toxic morning routines silently sabotage performance, and why small, consistent habits create the foundation for sustainable scale. This conversation goes deep into the psychology of habit change, the neuroscience of sleep and recovery, why your phone is destroying your energy, and how movement, gratitude, and intentional mornings can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum in your business and life. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to perform at their peak without burning out — and who understand that health is the ultimate wealth currency in entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways Why most entrepreneurs are running on autopilot — and how to break the cycle The toxic morning routine that nearly cost Kat her life Why getting your phone out of your bedroom is the single best decision you can make How 10 minutes of daily movement builds confidence, energy, and momentum Why rest and recovery are as important as execution — especially for long-term performance The 3-2-1 evening routine method that optimizes sleep and mental clarity Why journaling (or thought logging) helps you take control of your mind How gratitude stacking at the end of each day rewires your brain for positivity Why keeping promises to yourself builds unshakeable confidence The power of focusing on just one habit for 21 days — and why that's enough to start About the Guest Kat Thorne is a keynote speaker, morning routine expert, and host of The Positive Habits Podcast. After a life-threatening health scare in 2016, Kat completely redesigned her approach to health, habits, and high performance. She now works with ambitious entrepreneurs and corporate teams to help them build sustainable routines that unlock energy, clarity, and long-term success. Kat is on a mission to help people stop sacrificing their wellbeing for short-term wins — and start building lives they genuinely love. Next Steps Apply it now Choose just one habit from Kat's top five and commit to it for 21 days: 1. Get your phone out of your bedroom 2. Move your body for 10 minutes every day 3. Consume positive content for 10 minutes daily 4. Drink water before caffeine every morning 5. Journal or log your thoughts to clear mental clutter Connect with Kat Thorne Listen to The Positive Habits Podcast on all major platforms Follow Kat on LinkedIn and Instagram Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to building a seven-figure business by age 24 isn't working harder — but mastering the fundamentals of attention, personal branding, and relentless execution? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Liv Conlon — entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of two seven-figure businesses by the time she was 24 years old. Recorded live at the Grown-Up Business Retreat, this behind-the-scenes Q&A session captures Liv answering every question from the audience — and sharing strategies that most entrepreneurs never implement. From building a personal brand that generated over a million in revenue with zero ad spend, to writing two books in under 10 days combined, to running a multi-million pound business while working 10-hour deep work sessions starting at 4am with a four-month-old baby — Liv's approach shatters limiting beliefs about what's possible. Together, Paul and Liv unpack why personal branding is the fastest path to scale, how she turned a £1,000 direct mail campaign into £87,000 in sales, the exact structure she used to write her books, how she systematized her business to move to Spain, and why most people fail to take action even when they know exactly what to do. This conversation is raw, tactical, and unapologetically honest about what it takes to build a grown-up business that scales. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop making excuses, start executing at a higher level, and finally break through the barriers holding them back from serious growth. Key Takeaways Why personal branding is the fastest way to scale — and how Liv built a million-pound business with zero ad spend The exact 45,000-word book structure: 15 chapters, 3,000 words each, 10 subheadings of 300 words How a £1,000 direct mail campaign generated £87,000 in mastermind sales — and why direct mail outperforms digital The power of deep work: how Liv runs two seven-figure businesses working 10-hour focused sessions daily Why 99% of UK entrepreneurs won't put their face out there — and why that's your biggest opportunity How to systematize your business so you can step away without it falling apart Why recording for the delete button removes the fear of creating content How working for free as a mentor's intern fast-tracked Liv's success at 16 Why the best investments are often the ones that didn't work — and what a $25,000 glass of water taught her The mindset shift from "hard work equals success" to leveraging systems and recurring revenue About the Guest Liv Conlon is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author of Too Big For Your Boots and Stage Your Boss, and founder of two seven-figure businesses built before the age of 24. She started her first business at 16 with no funding or experience, scaling it to over a million in revenue by age 21. Liv is also the founder of the Too Big For Your Boots charity, which teaches entrepreneurship to young people in schools. She specializes in personal branding, direct marketing, and building scalable service-based businesses. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area where fear of putting yourself out there is costing you growth — and record one piece of content this week. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but learning to harness the most transformative technology of our generation before your competitors do? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Piers Linney — former Dragon from BBC's Dragons' Den, serial entrepreneur, investor, and technology visionary. Recorded live at the Scale-Up Summit, this special Q&A session follows Piers' keynote presentation on AI and wealth creation. Together, Paul and Piers unpack the practical applications of AI in business today, why most founders are still just scratching the surface, and how to position yourself and your company ahead of the exponential curve that's already leaving the harbour. Piers shares his insights on everything from nuclear fusion and the death of the internet as we know it, to how AI agents will revolutionise sales, marketing, recruitment, and customer service. He reveals why the businesses that embrace AI now will capture blue ocean opportunities — while those that wait will struggle to ever catch up. This conversation goes deep into the strategic, operational, and even philosophical implications of AI — including the risks, the regulation challenges, and why the human experience will become more valuable than ever. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to understand not just what AI can do — but how to implement it strategically, protect against cyber threats, and build businesses that scale faster, serve better, and stay ahead of disruption. Key Takeaways Why you won't lose your business to AI — but you will lose it to someone who uses AI better than you The difference between using AI as a tool and being empowered by it through context and training How to implement AI strategically: start with low-complexity, high-ROI workflows first Why AI agents will replace the internet as we know it — and what that means for sales and marketing The exponential curve: why being a week late to AI adoption could mean never catching up How to use AI in recruitment, customer service, operations, and decision-making right now Why cyber security and internal policies around AI are non-negotiable The future of work: why hairdressers and plumbers may earn more than hedge fund managers How M&A strategies and business valuations will shift as AI becomes an operating system for acquisition targets Why the human experience will become the ultimate premium — and how to protect it in your business About the Guest Piers Linney is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den. He has built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses across technology, cloud infrastructure, and AI. Piers is now co-founder of an AI consulting and implementation firm that helps businesses adopt AI agents, build intelligent operating systems, and scale faster through technology. He specialises in helping CEOs and founders understand not just what AI can do — but how to deploy it strategically for competitive advantage and long-term wealth creation. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one repetitive or mundane workflow in your business and ask: how could AI automate or augment this process? Watch the full keynote Access Piers Linney's complete Scale-Up Summit presentation on AI and wealth creation — link available below this episode for a limited time. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't just about strategy and systems — but about the people you surround yourself with? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Terry Fisher — serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and former CEO who has built and sold five businesses, navigated both spectacular successes and devastating failures, and learned how to leverage the power of networks to create extraordinary outcomes. Terry shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business at 18 to running Thomas Cook, nearly buying it for £500 million, and selling a music app to Snapchat for over $100 million in just 18 months. Along the way, he opens up about the dark period after his first business failure, why taking on outside investors can be a double-edged sword, and how surrounding himself with the right people — from supportive partners to strategic co-investors — became the key to his biggest wins. Together, Paul and Terry unpack why knowing your exit matters from day one, how preemption clauses keep partnerships honest, why gut instinct beats spreadsheets when choosing who to back, and how building genuine relationships unlocks doors that money and strategy alone never could. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale faster by building smarter networks, choosing the right partners, and understanding that success is rarely a solo journey. Key Takeaways Why surrounding yourself with the right people is more valuable than any business plan How Terry nearly bought Thomas Cook for £500 million — and why the board said no The first time Terry took on outside investors — and why it led to his first business failure Why preemption clauses in shareholder agreements keep everyone honest and protect value How a music app went from struggling to raise money at a $5M valuation to selling for over $100M to Snapchat Why knowing your exit from day one changes every decision you make in your business How gut instinct and meeting the people behind the pitch drives Terry's angel investment decisions The importance of getting back on the horse after failure — and why the journey matters more than the destination About the Guest Terry Fisher is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and former CEO with over 30 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting businesses. He has built and sold five companies, served on the board of Thomas Cook, and invested in multiple startups across tech, music, energy, and finance. Terry specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale through strategic networks, smart partnerships, and disciplined execution. He splits his time between London and California, mentoring founders and backing the next generation of high-growth businesses. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area where the right connection or partnership could unlock your next level of growth — and take action to build that relationship. Connect with Terry Fisher Follow Terry on LinkedIn and Instagram for insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and scaling businesses. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to building a billion-pound business isn't avoiding mistakes — but learning to execute with relentless precision, even when everything goes wrong? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Gerald Ratner — the entrepreneur who built the UK's largest jewelry empire, scaled to over 2,500 stores worldwide, and became one of the most talked-about business figures in modern history. Gerald shares his remarkable journey from taking over a struggling family business losing £34,000 a year to creating a retail powerhouse valued in the billions. He reveals the strategic brilliance behind his acquisitions, including how he acquired H. Samuel (three times the size of his business) through a merger that gave him control, and how he expanded into America by buying the best operator in the market rather than exporting a UK formula that wouldn't work. Together, Paul and Gerald unpack the principles of execution excellence — why acquisition beats organic growth, how to price for competitive advantage, why controlling supply creates premium value, and how to turn around a business by bringing back the right people. Gerald also shares candid insights on leadership, resilience, and how he deals with public criticism decades after one infamous speech. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale through smart acquisitions, build a business that dominates its market, and develop the mental toughness to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at you. Key Takeaways Why acquisition is a faster, smarter path to scale than organic growth — and how to structure deals using equity instead of cash How Gerald acquired H. Samuel (three times larger than his business) by positioning it as a merger, then taking control Why expanding into America required buying the best operator in the market — not exporting the UK model The power of one key person: how bringing back the right buyer turned a £34,000 loss into a £2 million profit Why pricing strategy is the most important lever in any business — and how Gerald used competitive pricing to dominate the watch market How Rolex built a premium brand by copying De Beers' scarcity model — and why controlling supply creates value Why you don't need permission to execute — and why forgiveness is easier to get than approval The importance of surrounding yourself with ambitious peers who challenge you to think bigger How to develop mental resilience and keep moving forward despite public criticism and setbacks About the Guest Gerald Ratner is a legendary British entrepreneur who built Ratners Group into the world's largest jewelry retailer, with over 2,500 stores across the UK and US, including H. Samuel, Ernest Jones, and Watches of Switzerland. At its peak, the business was valued at billions and employed thousands of people. Gerald is known for his bold acquisition strategy, competitive pricing innovation, and remarkable resilience. Today, he speaks globally on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the lessons learned from building — and rebuilding — a business empire. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area where acquisition could accelerate your growth faster than building organically — and explore what's available in your market. Ask yourself: what's the one hire or decision that could transform your business performance overnight? Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but optimising the one asset that drives everything: you? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Zed Mountford-Hill — UK registered pharmacist, founder of NutriZen Wellness Centre, and health optimisation expert who has spent 15 years in pharmacy before building a state-of-the-art wellness clinic from scratch. Zed shares his remarkable journey from working in a warehouse with no qualifications to becoming a pharmacist, then breaking free from the limitations of traditional healthcare to create a business built around prevention, data-driven health optimisation, and helping high performers thrive. Together, Paul and Zed unpack how he scaled from treating clients in a garden shed to running a 1200-square-foot wellness centre on track to hit half a million in revenue — all while battling long COVID, raising seven children, and refusing to take on investment until he truly understood what he'd built. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to understand how to start lean, test demand, scale sustainably, and build a grown-up business that runs without them — while also protecting the health and energy that makes it all possible. Key Takeaways How Zed went from zero qualifications to pharmacist to wellness entrepreneur Why he fell out of love with traditional pharmacy — and what he did about it The power of testing demand before quitting your job: how the shed became the launchpad How long COVID became the catalyst for NutriZen's core service offering Why glutathione and NAD+ are game-changers for energy, recovery, and performance The importance of starting with data: blood tests, genetics, and personalized health optimization Why Zed turned down multiple investment offers — and why that was the right call How to scale from working capital alone without debt or investors The three pillars of NutriZen's approach: Reset, Rebuild, Thrive Simple daily health hacks every entrepreneur should implement today Why prevention beats cure — and how to shift from reactive to proactive health About the Guest Zed Mountford-Hill is a UK registered pharmacist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of NutriZen Wellness Centre, a cutting-edge health optimization clinic in Milton Keynes. Zed specializes in helping professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, and high performers improve their energy, immunity, and performance through evidence-based treatments including IV nutrient therapy, NAD+ infusions, advanced blood testing, genetic profiling, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and red light therapy. His mission is to shift the narrative on healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive optimization. Next Steps Apply it now Start your day with 10–15 minutes of sunlight, hydrate with electrolytes, and delay your first coffee for at least 30 minutes after waking. Optimize your health with NutriZen Visit https://www.nutrizenwellness.co.uk to learn more about advanced blood testing, IV therapy, and personalised health optimisation. Follow NutriZen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrizen_wellness_centre?igsh=MWllOGdjNjNzYzExbQ== Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but getting the right financial expertise in your corner? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Matthew Mills — Chief Commercial Officer at the CFO Centre, a global leader in fractional CFO services operating across 17 countries with over 750 CFOs worldwide. Matthew shares how the CFO Centre has scaled from its launch in 2001 to become the pioneers of the fractional CFO industry — and why most entrepreneurs don't realize they need this support until they're already drowning in spreadsheets, cash flow crises, and sleepless nights. Together, Paul and Matthew unpack what a fractional CFO actually does, when the right time is to bring one into your business, and why having someone who's "been there, seen it, done it" sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with you can be the difference between scaling sustainably or selling your business for half its value. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop firefighting their finances, gain visibility over cash flow and profitability, and build a business that's genuinely exit-ready — whether they choose to sell or not. Key Takeaways What a fractional CFO actually is — and why they're different from accountants When the right time is to bring a CFO into your business (hint: it's probably sooner than you think) The three financial focus areas every CEO should prioritize: profitability, cash flow, and business value Why most entrepreneurs confuse revenue growth with real value creation The most common financial mistakes that kill business value during exit Why poor financial data can halve your business valuation during due diligence How the right CFO can renegotiate bank terms and unlock millions in cash flow Why selling your business might not be the answer — and how to fall back in love with it instead The emotional side of building value: time, peace of mind, and freedom aren't just financial metrics About the Guest Matthew Mills is the Chief Commercial Officer at the CFO Centre, a global network of over 750 fractional CFOs operating in 17 countries. The CFO Centre pioneered the fractional CFO model and specializes in helping scale-up businesses gain financial clarity, improve profitability, manage cash flow, and prepare for exit. Matthew brings a unique perspective to business leadership, having previously played professional football in the Premier League and Indian Super League before transitioning into the world of finance and business growth. He occasionally appears as a football pundit on Sky Sports. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one financial area where you lack visibility or control — and ask yourself: could a fractional CFO help me solve this faster than I can alone? Connect with the CFO Centre Visit www.cfocentre.com to learn more about fractional CFO services and book a free strategic review. Meet Matthew and the CFO Centre team Grab your ticket to the Scale-Up Summit and have a conversation with Matthew and his network: www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the biggest risk to your business isn't the new government — but your failure to adapt to it? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins brings together two of the sharpest minds in his community to unpack what the seismic shift in UK politics means for scaling entrepreneurs. Joining Paul are Jeff Lermer — one of the UK's most creative and entrepreneurial tax advisors, and the only lifetime achievement award holder in Paul's F12 Mastermind — and Guy Bartlett, founder of the Business Buyers Club, who has helped clients acquire tens of millions of pounds worth of businesses using strategic acquisition frameworks. Together, they explore how entrepreneurs should respond to political change, what tax shifts are likely on the horizon, where the opportunities lie in acquisition and exit strategies, and why now is the perfect time to reassess your business model. From capital gains tax planning to the rise of AI, employment law changes to the power of community — this conversation is packed with actionable insight for founders who refuse to be victims of change. This episode is essential listening for CEOs and founders who want to turn uncertainty into opportunity, protect their wealth, and position their businesses to thrive — no matter what the political landscape throws at them. Key Takeaways Why entrepreneurs must adopt a mindset of horizon scanning — looking beyond the political cycle How demographic shifts will impact recruitment, team culture, and business models over the next decade The three-stage process for responding to major tax or regulatory change without panic Why capital gains tax could rise from 20% to 45% — and what to do now if you're planning an exit How to use trusts and binding agreements to crystallise lower tax rates before they disappear Why the "how much is enough" question changes everything when selling your business The impact of employment law changes on zero-hour contracts, hiring, and firing Why housing, construction, and retail could see major shifts under Labour policy How AI and offshore teams are reshaping the cost and risk of employment Why you won't be replaced by AI — but you will be replaced by someone using it better than you The "beach number" framework: the 15 key stats every CEO should track to know if they've had a good week Why 32,000 business owners in their 60s are heading for exit — and what that means for buyers and sellers Why the secret to selling isn't the price — it's understanding your motivation and timeline About the Guests Jeff Lerma is one of the UK's leading entrepreneurial accountants and tax strategists, advising around 900 established, growth-focused businesses. Known for his proactive, creative approach to tax planning, Jeff specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate complex legislative change, maximize tax efficiency, and prepare for exit. He is the only lifetime achievement award holder in Paul Avins' F12 Mastermind. Guy Bartlett is the founder of the Business Buyers Club and a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in military operations and business leadership. Guy has helped entrepreneurs acquire and scale businesses worth tens of millions of pounds using strategic acquisition frameworks. He specializes in helping founders grow faster through buy-and-build strategies, understanding deal structures, and aligning acquisitions with long-term vision. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area of your business that could be impacted by political or regulatory change — and build a plan to adapt or capitalize on it. Connect with the Guests Jeff Lerma on LinkedIn | https://jla.accountants Guy Bartlett on LinkedIn | https://www.thebusinessbuyersclub.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to generating six or seven figures in new revenue isn't paid ads, cold calls, or networking events — but building a personal brand on the platform most entrepreneurs still underestimate? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Chris James — one of the fastest-growing influential speakers in the industry and creator of the Content to Clients program. Chris shares his journey from cold-calling in a call centre with no training and a ripped-up Yellow Pages to building a thriving coaching business that helps entrepreneurs generate consistent revenue using organic LinkedIn marketing. Together, Paul and Chris unpack why LinkedIn is still the most underrated platform for B2B growth, the four-step workflow that turns content into clients, and why most people are doing LinkedIn completely wrong — posting content and hoping people will come. This conversation goes deep into the power of personal brand, the difference between mechanical posting and strategic content creation, why video is massively underutilized, and how to reverse-engineer your LinkedIn activity to predictably generate calls, clients, and revenue. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build authority, attract ideal clients, and scale their business without relying on paid ads or outdated outbound tactics. Key Takeaways Why LinkedIn is still the most underrated platform for B2B entrepreneurs — and how to capitalize on it now The four C workflow: Content, Comments, Connections, and Conversations — and how to execute it daily The top five mistakes people make on LinkedIn (and how to fix them immediately) Why personal brand matters more than company brand — and how to leverage it for massive growth How to reverse-engineer your LinkedIn activity to predictably generate calls and clients Why video is the ultimate trust-builder — and how to repurpose long-form content across platforms The 20-mile march: why consistency beats creativity every time How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to convert visitors into leads and clients Why loving the process — not obsessing over outcomes — is the key to long-term success About the Guest Chris James is the creator of Content to Clients, a six-month program that helps coaches, consultants, agency owners, and freelancers build their offer, market it using organic content, and convert leads into high-ticket clients. With a community of over 100 entrepreneurs from around the globe, Chris specializes in helping business owners leverage LinkedIn and personal branding to generate consistent revenue without paid ads. His approach combines content strategy, outreach systems, sales frameworks, and world-class delivery — all built around sustainable, human-to-human marketing. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area where you're posting content but not engaging strategically — and commit to the four C workflow for the next 30 days. See Chris James live at Scale-Up Summit Chris will be delivering a full session on building and leveraging personal brand on LinkedIn at Scale-Up Summit on June 27-28 in London. Learn his proven strategies, get an actionable content plan, and discover how to turn LinkedIn into a revenue-generating machine. Register now: www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Connect with Chris James Follow Chris on LinkedIn for daily insights, video content, and proven strategies for building personal brand and generating clients organically. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your sales isn't hiring more salespeople — but fixing the systems and mindset that make them successful? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by David Angel — sales expert, entrepreneur, and specialist in helping businesses scale their revenue through smarter sales systems and stronger teams. David shares the brutal truth about why most sales hires fail, why salespeople aren't the silver bullet business owners hope for, and how to build a sales process that works on the good days and the bad. Together, Paul and David unpack the three biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to scale sales, how to interview salespeople properly (including the genius role-play technique that reveals who's real and who's just good at interviews), and why most business owners sell the way they like to buy — not the way their customers actually want to be sold to. This conversation goes deep into the difference between hunters and farmers, why sales skills erode over time without training, and how to onboard and develop a sales team that scales with your business instead of holding it back. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build a predictable, scalable sales engine without relying on hope, hustle, or hiring unicorns. Key Takeaways Why salespeople aren't a silver bullet — and what you need in place before you hire one The three biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling sales Why most business owners sell the way they like to buy — not the way customers want to be sold to How to spot a fake salesperson in an interview using role-play and real-world scenarios Why sales skills erode over time — and how to keep your team sharp The difference between hiring hunters vs farmers — and when you need each Why hiring two part-time SDRs can be smarter than one full-time closer How poor onboarding kills sales performance — and what to do instead Why the 1% daily regression principle destroys sales teams — and how training stops it How to re-engage warm leads using Trojan horse strategies About the Guest David Angel is a sales expert and entrepreneur who specializes in helping businesses scale their revenue through smarter systems, better hiring, and consistent sales training. Known for his no-nonsense approach and practical frameworks, David works with founders and sales teams to build processes that deliver results on repeat — not just when the stars align. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one part of your sales process where you're the bottleneck — and ask: could this be systemized or delegated? Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't just getting more customers — but keeping the ones you have so happy they become your most powerful marketing channel? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Geoff Ramm — keynote speaker, author of Celebrity Service, and the creator of a customer service philosophy now used in over 50 countries. Geoff shares the origin story of Celebrity Service — a concept born live on stage 22 years ago when one simple question changed everything: "What if a celebrity walked into your business tomorrow?" That question unlocked a gap most businesses don't even know exists — the gap between the service they think they're delivering and the service they would deliver if their next customer was George Clooney or Margot Robbie. Together, Paul and Geoff unpack why most businesses rate themselves an 8 out of 10 for service but deliver a 3 in real life, why product differentiation is dead and service is the new competitive advantage, and how tiny moments of thoughtfulness can create viral word-of-mouth that no marketing budget can buy. This conversation is a masterclass in turning customers into advocates — not through gimmicks, but through intentional, memorable experiences that cost nothing but mean everything. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop competing on price, start competing on experience, and build a business people can't stop talking about. Key Takeaways The birth of Celebrity Service — and the one question that reveals the gap in your service you never knew existed Why most businesses think they're an 8 out of 10 for service — but customers experience a 3 Why product differentiation is dead and service experience is the new competitive advantage How to stop just delivering what you promised and start creating moments worth talking about Why customer service investment should be as visible as your marketing budget — but rarely is The power of tiny, thoughtful touches that cost nothing but create viral advocacy Why "going the extra mile" and "exceeding expectations" are outdated — and what to do instead How to identify touchpoints in your business and sprinkle celebrity service magic into just two of them Why if you're not being tagged into posts based on your service, you're not giving service worth tagging About the Guest Geoff Ramm is a keynote speaker, author, and creator of the Celebrity Service philosophy — a customer service framework used by businesses in over 50 countries. He is the author of Celebrity Service: Discover the Gap in Your Service You Never Knew Existed (Second Edition) and specializes in helping organizations transform their customer experience by asking one powerful question: What would you do differently if your next customer was a celebrity? Geoff's work has helped businesses win awards, improve Net Promoter Scores, and turn customers into passionate advocates. Next Steps Apply it now Identify two customer touchpoints in your business and ask: what would we do differently if our next customer was an A-list celebrity? Learn more about Celebrity Service Connect with Geoff Ramm and explore his books, keynotes, and training programs. Join us at the Scale-Up Summit Geoff Ramm will be speaking live at the Scale-Up Summit on 27th–28th June in London. Grab your ticket now: scaleup summit.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but solving the cash flow puzzle that keeps you up at night? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Jamie Beaumont — CEO of Plater, a fintech company revolutionizing how small businesses access growth capital and manage cash flow. Jamie shares his entrepreneurial journey from running a recruitment business that struggled with chronic cash flow issues, to launching an HR tech startup during COVID, to pivoting into the finance space when he discovered a massive gap in the market. He explains how Plater has funded over 5,000 businesses with more than £50 million in lending — helping entrepreneurs pay their bills later and get paid faster, so they can focus on growth instead of survival. Together, Paul and Jamie unpack why cash flow is the silent killer of ambitious businesses, why banks fail small business owners, how growth capital is the missing piece in most scale-up journeys, and why entrepreneurs need to stop feeling embarrassed about needing funding. This conversation is a masterclass in understanding the difference between turnover, profit, and cash — and why only one of them keeps your business alive. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale without running out of money, access growth capital without the pain of traditional banks, and finally sleep at night knowing payroll is covered. Key Takeaways Why cash flow problems aren't a sign of failure — they're a normal part of scaling The brutal reality of invoice delays and how they cripple small business growth How Plater helps businesses pay bills later and get paid faster — without traditional bank hassle Why growth sucks cash — and how to fund scale without equity dilution or personal guarantees The difference between being profitable on paper and having cash in the bank Why UK banks are failing entrepreneurs — and what fintech is doing differently Real-world case studies: how businesses used Plater to unlock £8 million in funding and grow revenue by £12 million Why entrepreneurs need to stop managing cash and start leading growth How Jamie pivoted from a failing HR tech business to funding 5,000+ businesses in under four years About the Guest Jamie Beaumont is the CEO and founder of Plater, a fintech platform that helps small businesses manage cash flow by spreading bill payments over time and accelerating invoice payments. Since launching in 2020, Plater has funded over 5,000 businesses with more than £50 million in lending and processed over £220 million in applications. Jamie is a serial entrepreneur with a background in recruitment and HR tech, and is passionate about solving the cash flow challenges that hold ambitious business owners back from scaling. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one cash flow gap in your business that's holding you back from growth — and explore how funding could solve it. Learn more about Plater Visit www.plater.co to sign up for free and speak with Jamie's team about how Plater can help your business. Connect with Jamie Beaumont on LinkedIn to follow his journey and insights on scaling businesses. Join us at Scale-Up Summit Get your ticket to Scale-Up Summit and receive a complimentary 15-minute finance review with the Plater team to discover how much funding your business qualifies for. Visit www.scaleupsummit.co.uk to secure your place. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but building the right systems in the right order? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Marianne Page — systems expert, former McDonald's executive with 27 years' experience, and author of three books on building scalable, repeatable business operations. Marianne shares how McDonald's opened a new restaurant every seven days in the 1980s using a blueprint that trained teams, ensured consistency, and scaled without chaos. Together, Paul and Marianne unpack the four critical system categories every business needs to scale successfully — and why most founders invest 60% of their energy in the wrong one. From sexy systems (marketing and sales) to security systems (finance and data), service systems (operational delivery), and the often-forgotten sticky systems (hiring, training, and feedback) — this conversation reveals why businesses that scale sustainably don't just systemise their operations, they systemise their people. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop firefighting, build a business that runs without them, and create real enterprise value through disciplined execution. Key Takeaways The four system categories every scalable business needs: Sexy, Security, Service, and Sticky Why most businesses over-invest in marketing and under-invest in people systems How McDonald's scaled by creating a blueprint that made following systems non-negotiable Why sticky systems (hiring, training, feedback) are the foundation of consistency and scale Why most SOPs fail — and how to make your team actually follow them How to shift recruitment from reactive hiring to always-on talent marketing Why investing in developing internal talent beats external hiring for long-term scale The difference between performance management and coaching — and why feedback is a gift, not a punishment Why entrepreneurs resist investing in people — and how to overcome short-term thinking About the Guest Marianne Page is a systems and operations expert with 27 years' experience at McDonald's, where she worked across multiple functions and saw first-hand how disciplined systems enable explosive growth. She is the author of three books: Process to Profit, Simple, Logical, Repeatable, and Mission to Manage. Marianne specializes in helping established businesses scale by building sticky systems that ensure consistency, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. She works with businesses from £500k to £30 million in revenue. Next Steps Apply it now Identify which of the four systems (Sexy, Security, Service, Sticky) you're neglecting — and commit to one action this week to strengthen it. Connect with Marianne Page LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: Marianne Page Books available on Amazon: Process to Profit, Simple, Logical, Repeatable, Mission to Manage Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but learning to collaborate with AI in ways most entrepreneurs haven't even considered? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Julie Holmes — inventor, tech founder, and AI expert who has spent over 25 years in enterprise technology. Julie shares her journey from building cat traps as a kid to creating innovative products like the HeyMic (the first Bluetooth microphone for phone videos) and now helping entrepreneurs harness AI to scale faster, serve better, and lead smarter. Together, Paul and Julie unpack why most people are still just dabbling with AI, the difference between using AI and being empowered by it, and how founders can apply an AI-first mindset to build grown-up businesses that scale sustainably. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop outsourcing their thinking to technology and start using AI as the ultimate leverage tool. Key Takeaways Why most people are using AI wrong — and how to shift from user to empowered professional The 20-60-20 framework: how to collaborate with AI without outsourcing your ingenuity Why vibe coding is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs build products and solve problems The difference between mechanical and meaningful — and when to lean into automation vs human connection How AI-first thinking changes customer journeys, sales cycles, and business operations Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO — and what you need to do now Why the most valuable skill isn't coding — it's problem solving, communication, and grit About the Guest Julie Holmes is an inventor, tech founder, and AI expert with over 25 years in enterprise technology. She is founder of Smarter HQ and the creator of the HeyMic, the first Bluetooth microphone designed for phone video, and author of 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for Sales Pros and 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for AI Leaders. Julie specializes in helping entrepreneurs and business leaders become AI-empowered — using technology to enhance performance, not replace it. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one business process you're still doing manually and ask: how could AI enhance this — not replace it? Connect with Julie Holmes — https://julieholmes.com Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to achieving your biggest business goals isn't working harder — but reprogramming how your brain processes success? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Brian Mayne — creator of Goal Mapping, a proven 7-step system used by Microsoft, Disney, Coca-Cola, and over a million people worldwide. Brian shares his remarkable journey from losing everything at 29 — his business, his home, his marriage, and being over a million pounds in debt — to discovering the neuroscience-backed principles that transformed his life. From being unable to read or write until age 30, Brian rebuilt himself using personal development techniques and went on to create a global methodology that combines words and imagery to activate whole-brain goal setting. Together, Paul and Brian unpack the seven universal success principles, why most people set goals the wrong way, how to overcome limiting beliefs around money and achievement, and why changing your identity is the only way to create lasting transformation. This conversation goes deep into the science of affirmations, visualization, subconscious programming, and how to break free from cultural conditioning that keeps entrepreneurs stuck. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale faster, think bigger, and finally achieve the goals they've been chasing for years. Key Takeaways The 7 universal success principles that govern all achievement — and how to apply them Why most goal-setting methods fail — and the neuroscience behind what actually works How combining words (for the conscious mind) and imagery (for the subconscious) creates whole-brain activation Why affirmations must be personal, positive, and present tense to command the subconscious How to overcome limiting beliefs around money, success, and identity Why you can't out-perform your self-image — and how to reprogram it The 7-step Goal Mapping system: Dream, Order, Draw, Why, When, How, Who Why people support what they create — and how to get your team bought into the vision How to break out of negative spirals using physiology, not just mindset About the Guest Brian Mayne is the creator of Goal Mapping, a personal development system used by over a million people in 30 countries. His work has been adopted by Microsoft, Siemens, British Telecom, Disney, Coca-Cola, and schools worldwide. Brian is the author of four books including Goal Mapping, Life Mapping, Action Mapping, and Self Mapping. He has certified nearly 1,650 trainers globally and specializes in helping individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results by aligning conscious intention with subconscious programming. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one goal you've been struggling to achieve — and ask yourself: have I programmed my subconscious to support it, or sabotage it? Learn Goal Mapping Visit www.goalmapping.com to explore Brian's books, certification programs, and digital platform. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if scaling from 1 to 154 people in just 12 months wasn’t about working harder — but building smarter systems? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Richard Woods — three-time bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and creator of LinkedIn Breakfast. Richard shares how he scaled a business from a one-person operation to a 154-strong team in just over a year by systemising execution, building offshore teams, and applying disciplined leadership over distraction. Together, Paul and Richard unpack what a grown-up business really looks like — and why most founders stay stuck firefighting instead of leading. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale fast without chaos, step out of operator mode, and lead with clarity. Key Takeaways How Richard scaled from 1 to 154 people in 12 months using offshore teams Why discipline beats dopamine when it comes to growth and focus The danger of coaching without accountability — and what actually drives results How simple CEO dashboards and numbers create freedom Why most founders stay reactive — and how to start leading strategically About the Guest Richard Woods is a serial entrepreneur, investor, keynote speaker, and author of The Million Dollar Sprint. After building and selling three businesses and appearing on The Apprentice, Richard cracked the code to scalable growth by combining coaching, systems, and fully trained offshore teams. His strength lies in making complex growth simple — and repeatable. SPECIAL SHOW OFFER - 1:1 with Richard Woods to look at how to effectively outsource the things you should not be doing yourself - Book a Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/LePXwEpmKlWpZpAS8ib6 Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area of your business you’re still doing yourself — and systemise or delegate it. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul’s work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul’s work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if working less could actually help you scale faster? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul chats with Ben Coomber, founder of Awesome Supplements and high-performance coach, about how he went from complete burnout and long Covid to running a multi-million pound business while working just 25 hours a week. Ben gets really honest about his journey from being a controlling, fear-driven CEO putting in 70-hour weeks to finally stepping back, hiring a proper COO, and figuring out that his best business ideas actually happen when he's nowhere near the office. They dig into why meditation isn't just wellness nonsense but actually a strategic business tool, how getting seriously ill with long Covid forced him to completely rethink leadership, and why freedom should be the whole point of building a business, not something you get after you've destroyed your health. If you're an entrepreneur burning yourself out trying to control everything, or you're wondering how you can actually scale without sacrificing your health and family time, this conversation is going to challenge everything you think about success. Key Takeaways Get "How to Live an Awesome Life" by Ben Coomber → Available on Amazon and all good bookstores How Ben went from fear-based leadership to running his business from a place of abundance and trust Why working 25 hours a week can actually be way more productive than 70 hours if you get it right When to exit a business before you lose passion and the value tanks How long Covid taught Ben that being healthy isn't just about the physical stuff Why meditation is really about paying attention to yourself and spotting where you need to do the work The five things every CEO should nail: sleep, nutrition, exercise, cutting out alcohol, and creating proper space How to stop being an operator and start thinking like an investor in your own business Why hiring a brilliant COO might be the smartest move you make for scaling About Ben Coomber Ben Coomber is a high-performance coach, speaker, and founder of Awesome Supplements, which has won 21 awards and grown to multi-million pound revenues. After building nutrition coaching businesses and training teams of coaches, Ben launched Awesome Supplements focusing on products that actually taste good and work. Ben wrote "How to Live an Awesome Life" and used to host The Awesome Human Podcast. His whole thing is helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses without wrecking their health, relationships, or sanity in the process. He's a dad of two and reckons businesses should give you the life you want, not eat up your entire existence. Resources & Links Try Awesome Supplements with CEO15 discount code — Awesome Supplements Connect with Ben Coomber — Ben Coomber | LinkedIn Follow Paul Avins — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 sleep habits from this episode you'll implement in the next 72 hours and test how they impact your performance. Think Bigger: Ready to treat sleep like the business asset it is? Start tracking your sleep data and building your strategic wind-down routine tonight. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working more hours — but sleeping better ones? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, business strategist Paul Avins sits down with Sammy Margo, chartered physiotherapist, bestselling author of "The Good Sleep Guide", and founder of SmartPhysio — a successful 27-person physiotherapy practice in London. Discover how Sammy went from working 15-hour days as the first female physiotherapist in professional football to building a thriving healthcare business while mastering the science of sleep optimization. This conversation reveals why sleep isn't a luxury for entrepreneurs — it's a strategic advantage. Together, Paul and Sammy unpack the 10 evidence-based sleep strategies that can transform your cognitive performance, decision-making ability, and business results. From sleep architecture and strategic wind-downs to bedroom optimization and caffeine timing, this episode provides practical tools for high-performing entrepreneurs who want to scale their businesses without sacrificing their health. If you're a business owner struggling with fatigue, making poor decisions due to sleep deprivation, or wondering how to maintain peak performance while scaling, this episode is essential listening. Key Takeaways How sleep quality directly impacts entrepreneurial performance and business decision-making The 10 strategic sleep optimization techniques every CEO should master for peak cognitive function Why tracking your "sleep architecture" with wearables can unlock better business performance How to create a strategic wind-down routine that transitions your brain from work mode to recovery Sleep cycle science: Why 4-6 complete 90-minute cycles are crucial for entrepreneurs The bedroom environment formula: Cool (16-18°C), dark, quiet, and clutter-free spaces for optimal rest Strategic caffeine and alcohol management to maximize sleep quality without sacrificing productivity How power napping strategies can boost afternoon performance for business leaders Why "lose the snooze" — and how the snooze button destroys sleep quality and morning productivity About Sammy Margo Sammy Margo is a chartered physiotherapist, sleep optimization expert, and founder of SmartPhysio, one of London's premier physiotherapy practices with 27 team members. She pioneered her field as the first female physiotherapist to work in professional football at Barnet FC, and has worked with elite athletes across the world. Sammy is the bestselling author of "The Good Sleep Guide" (featuring a foreword by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson), and regularly contributes sleep and wellness content to major UK publications including Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Observer. She has appeared on QVC, consulted for Dreams Beds, and speaks at high-level business events about the connection between sleep optimization and executive performance. Her expertise combines sports physiotherapy, sleep science, and business scaling — making her uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs optimize their health while building successful companies. Resources & Links Get "The Good Sleep Guide" by Sammy Margo — Available on Amazon and all good bookstores Progressive Muscle Relaxation video by Sammy — PMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation) Learn more about SmartPhysio — smartphysio.co.uk Connect with Sammy Margo on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/sammymargo Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 sleep habits from this episode you'll implement in the next 72 hours and test how they impact your performance. Think Bigger: Ready to treat sleep like the business asset it is? Start tracking your sleep data and building your strategic wind-down routine tonight. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but mastering the mental and physical strategies that elite performers use to stay at the top of their game? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins continues his conversation with Jim Steele — CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, author of Unashamedly Superhuman, and performance consultant who has spent over 25 years helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes unlock their potential without burning out. This powerful second part dives deep into Jim's personal journey of completing an Ironman triathlon after three years of setbacks, injuries, and a global pandemic. Jim shares the exact recovery protocols, breathwork strategies, and nervous system hacks he used to finish the race feeling better at the end than at the beginning. Together, Paul and Jim unpack the science of oscillation, why recovery is not a luxury but a necessity, how to use peripheral vision to calm your nervous system under pressure, and why most entrepreneurs are burning out because they never learned how to recharge. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to perform at their peak, build sustainable energy systems, and understand that adaptation beats endurance every single time. Key Takeaways How Jim completed an Ironman triathlon solo during lockdown — and what he learned about performance under pressure The two goals every challenge needs: an end goal and a performance goal Why being in flow is exhausting — and how to build recovery into your day The oscillation model used by special forces: stress, recovery, stress, recovery Why a one-hour speech can have the same physical strain as a two-hour run How to use active recovery breaks to recharge cognitively and physically between high-stakes calls The peripheral vision hack that drops your heart rate in 60 seconds and switches off your stress response Why burnout doesn't happen overnight — and how to prevent it with daily protocols The power of non-sleep deep rest, breathwork, and ice baths for nervous system regulation Why the more you can adapt, the less you have to endure About the Guest Jim Steele is CEO and founder of the Holistic Performance Lab, a leadership and performance consulting organization specializing in helping entrepreneurs, executives, and elite athletes achieve peak performance without burnout. Jim is the author of Unashamedly Superhuman and has over 25 years of experience working with global organizations, sports professionals, and high-performing teams. His work focuses on the science of performance, mindset mastery, and building sustainable strategies for clarity, momentum, and well-being. Next Steps Apply it now Schedule three 10-15 minute active recovery breaks into your day. Walk outside, do breathwork, or engage your peripheral vision. Notice the difference in your energy and focus. Learn more from Jim Steele Get your copy of Unashamedly Superhuman and discover the frameworks elite performers use to stay at the top of their game. Available on Amazon here https://amzn.eu/d/0bskT9l6 Join Jim at Scale-Up Summit 2026 Jim will be speaking at Scale-Up Summit on April 29-30, 2026. Secure your ticket now at https://www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/ Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but building a marketing system so predictable that leads flow in consistently, your sales team converts efficiently, and you finally stop being the bottleneck? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Francis Rodino — founder and CEO of Lead Hero, author of the number one bestselling book Lead Machine: The Nine Step System to Generate Consistent, Predictable Sales and Scale Your Service Business, and Go High Level Gold Award winner. Francis has generated over £120 million in tracked sales opportunities for clients and saved them more than 54,000 hours through automated, AI-driven sales systems. Together, Paul and Francis unpack why most founders stay stuck in firefighting mode, how to stop burning money on ads that don't convert, and why your biggest problem isn't lead generation — it's what happens after the lead comes in. Francis reveals the exact nine-step RED Method (Roadmap, Engine, Drive) that takes businesses from confusion to clarity, the five stages of buyer awareness that most entrepreneurs get completely wrong, and how to turn your CRM into a conversion machine using AI and automation. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to build a grown-up business that scales sustainably, generates predictable revenue, and runs without them being the bottleneck in every sale. Key Takeaways Why most businesses don't have a lead problem — they have a follow-up problem The five stages of buyer awareness — and why most entrepreneurs market to the wrong stage How to identify the real bottleneck in your sales process (and how to fix it) Why speed is the ultimate competitive advantage — and how AI gives you that edge The RED Method: Roadmap, Engine, Drive — a nine-step system to predictable revenue Why most agencies fail small businesses — and what to do instead How to use AI to turn a five-day quote process into a two-hour conversion machine Why your CRM is probably a mess — and how to fix it to unlock hidden revenue How to reactivate dormant leads and turn your database into a revenue goldmine Why you need two funnels: one for customers and one for talent How to apply marketing principles to solve your recruitment problem About the Guest Francis Rodino is the founder and CEO of Lead Hero, a performance-driven agency specializing in automated, AI-powered sales systems. He is the author of Lead Machine: The Nine Step System to Generate Consistent, Predictable Sales and Scale Your Service Business, a number one bestseller. Francis is a Go High Level Gold Award winner, SaaS Entrepreneur of the Year, and certified Go High Level admin. With over 20 years of experience in digital media, including roles at the BBC, Razorfish, and Omnicom Media Group, Francis has worked with global brands like Disney, Virgin, and Top Gear. He has generated over £120 million in tracked sales opportunities for clients and saved them more than 54,000 hours through automation and AI. Next Steps Apply it now Audit your sales process. Identify one bottleneck where leads are falling through the cracks — and commit to fixing it in the next 30 days. Learn more from Francis Rodino Get your copy of Lead Machine on Amazon and discover the nine-step system to predictable revenue. Visit https://www.francisrodino.com to learn more about Lead Hero and how AI-driven systems can transform your business. Join Francis at Scale-Up Summit 2026 Francis will be speaking at Scale-Up Summit on April 29-30, 2026. Secure your ticket now at https://www.scaleupsummit.co.uk Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/ Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.