Another Excuse | Entrepreneurship, Business, Insights, Fears

Logan Merrick is the co-founder of Willbound, a company helping founder-led businesses hire elite talent from the Philippines.

In this episode, we talk about why most offshore hiring fails, what founders get wrong about delegation, and how Logan rebuilt after burning out and publicly crashing his first company.

He shares the lessons from running a lean 7-figure e-commerce brand, how that led to building Willbound, and why the quality of your hires determines how fast, or how painfully, you scale.

Whether you're hiring your first operator or trying to build a remote team that actually works, this episode will help you rethink how you approach talent.

Topics We Cover:

• Why most founders approach hiring the wrong way

• The myth of cheap offshore labor

• How Logan accidentally started a recruiting company

• His public business failure and how he rebuilt

• What “buying back time” actually looks like

• How to identify and attract top 1% global talent

• Common mistakes founders make when building remote teams

• The mindset shift from chasing growth to building leverage

Logan:

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Willbound:

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Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – How Logan built Willbound from solving his own hiring pain

05:00 – Why most offshore hiring fails

08:00 – What top talent in the Philippines actually looks like

12:00 – The recruiting system Logan built from scratch

16:00 – The biggest hiring mistake founders make

20:00 – Why Logan doesn’t chase hypergrowth anymore

24:00 – Lessons from scaling a 7-figure brand with a 10-hour workweek

28:00 – Burnout, ego, and rebuilding after public failure

33:00 – What motivates Logan now

37:00 – Building a personal brand after disappearing from the spotlight

41:00 – Tips for building a lean, high-performance remote team

47:00 – Why systems and great people matter more than hustle

52:00 – Advice for early-stage founders on hiring and delegation

58:00 – Byron and Logan reflect on audience-building and motivation

01:05:00 – Logan’s closing question for Byron

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In this episode, I sit down with Sam Winsbury, founder of Kurogo, a leading personal branding agency working with founders and CEOs. Sam shares how he built Kurogo from a solo freelancing gig into a 15-person team generating 30–50 inbound leads a month through content.

We cover:

• Why personal branding is still underrated in B2B

• How Sam landed his first clients and scaled his offer

• What positioning actually means, and why most founders skip it

• The pricing lessons that took Kurogo from £500 retainers to revenue-share deals

• Hiring mistakes, growth pains, and why a big team isn’t always better

• How he manages a fully remote team across 3 continents

• What’s next for personal branding: podcasts, newsletters, and real authority

• Behind the scenes of launching his new podcast, Success Clues

Whether you’re building an agency, growing your personal brand, or thinking about how to stay relevant as content gets more competitive, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Sam:

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Kurogo:

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Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:17 – What Kurogo does

02:03 – The story behind the name

03:11 – Why Sam skipped the 9-to-5

06:16 – From ghostwriting to full-service

08:38 – How his pricing strategy evolved

10:04 – When the business started taking off

11:17 – Early lessons from LinkedIn

13:37 – ROI from personal branding

15:13 – Downsizing, AI, and staying lean

16:40 – Building systems while scaling

19:13 – Learning from clients

21:43 – Remote culture & team dynamics

23:30 – Sam’s current role in the business

25:12 – Where personal branding is heading

27:18 – What’s still hard at this stage

29:28 – Sam’s personal content process

31:38 – Launching the Success Clues podcast

34:55 – Why I started my own podcast

38:02 – Owning your audience

39:51 – Hardest moment as a founder

42:25 – Identity shifts and self-belief

48:38 – What he’s building with Kurogo

50:01 – What he’d do differently

51:19 – Why most middle management is useless

52:14 – Final questions

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David Walsh is back on the pod, and this time, Limelight isn’t just an idea. It’s a fast-growing B2B creator marketplace that’s helping brands like HubSpot, Xero, and Webflow tap into niche creators for measurable growth.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why cold outreach is dying — and what’s replacing it

• The power of niche creators in B2B marketing

• How Limelight is using AI and data to scale partnerships

• David’s no-BS approach to startup building

• Fundraising lessons from a second-time founder

• What most startups get wrong about product design

• The underrated skill every founder needs

David doesn’t hold back. If you're building a startup, scaling a brand, or rethinking how to do marketing in 2025, this one’s for you.

Connect with David:

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Limelight

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Subscribe for more conversations with founders who’ve been there, built that, and kept going.

New episodes every week.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Limelight's Growth

03:14 Building a Core Team

06:08 Strategic Shifts in Scaling

09:01 Hiring and Company Culture

11:47 Raising Capital and Investor Relations

15:00 Raising Capital: The Necessity and Strategy

17:49 Crafting the Perfect Investment Deck

20:52 The Importance of Speed in Product Development

23:55 Prioritizing Features: Aligning with Business Goals

27:06 Leveraging Influencers for Brand Growth

30:07 Measuring Campaign Success: Metrics That Matter

32:46 Navigating Challenges in B2B Marketing

35:56 Lessons Learned: The Entrepreneurial Journey

38:48 The Future of Business: Distribution and Brand Value

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How do you build a drinks brand from scratch with zero experience, no industry connections, and giants like Bud Light as your competitors?

In this episode, James Smith shares how he and his brother turned a simple idea (healthier, low-sugar vodka sodas) into Arrowtown, a drinks brand that's making serious waves.

From disastrous first batches and legal threats to bootstrapping sales by hand-delivering cases around their hometown, James opens up about the messy reality of entrepreneurship.

We cover:

• Why their initial lack of industry experience became their greatest strength.

• The grassroots marketing strategy that got them into regional stores.

• How they've managed to compete successfully against billion dollar global brands.

This conversation proves that sometimes, not knowing the "right" way is exactly what you need to find your own path to success.

Subscribe for more founder stories, actionable insights, and honest conversations.

Connect with James & Arrowtown:

Arrowtown Drinks

James Smith

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AeroTown

02:55 The RTD Market Landscape

06:08 Consumer Trends and Health Consciousness

08:53 The Journey of Starting AeroTown

12:02 Networking and Learning from Others

15:03 The Importance of Naivety in Entrepreneurship

18:01 Building a Brand with Family

20:57 The Genesis of AeroTown

24:09 Transitioning from Idea to Launch

26:53 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence

29:48 Reflections on Running a Business with a Sibling

34:48 Family Dynamics in Business

38:59 Grassroots Beginnings: The First Sale

47:13 Challenges and Setbacks

50:03 Bootstrapping and Funding Strategies

55:07 Future Aspirations and Growth

58:27 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Brought to you by Cue Studios, empowering founders to share their story clearly, consistently, and creatively.

Learn more

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In this episode, I sit down with Tom Ridges, founder of Herdify, to explore how understanding human behaviour and herd mentality can revolutionize your marketing strategy.

Tom shares his incredible journey, from spending £70K on a failed app to discovering a unique way of using behavioural science and herd dynamics to help businesses pinpoint exactly where their customers are.

We dive deep into why traditional demographic marketing often fails and how Herdify achieves jaw-dropping results by tapping into the conversations customers are already having.

Tom also candidly reveals key lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of transitioning from consulting to SaaS, and why curiosity and action-taking are critical for entrepreneurial success.

If you're tired of wasting money on ineffective marketing or want to uncover the hidden force driving consumer decisions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

What You'll Learn:

• How herd mentality impacts customer behaviour (and how you can use it)

• The marketing "secret weapon" behind Herdify's success

• Tom's journey from costly failures to building a thriving startup

• Practical advice for early-stage founders and marketers looking to stand out

Connect with Tom:

LinkedIn

Herdify Website

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share to help more listeners discover the show!

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Herdify

02:01 Understanding Audience Behavior

06:02 Targeting Innovators and Disruptors

08:02 The Journey of Building Herdify

12:12 Defining Success in Business

15:10 The Importance of Curiosity

18:09 Building Relationships with Customers

19:48 The Qualities of a Founder

24:03 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

29:09 Lessons from Failure

32:06 Challenges in Sales

35:15 Navigating Early Sales Challenges

40:06 The Importance of a Strong Team

42:29 Key Hires and Their Impact

48:47 Long-Term Vision for Herdify

50:49 Overcoming Product Perception Challenges

55:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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In today's episode, we try something new.

Byron is joined by Nick Daniels, and we reflect on our experiences and insights from the past year, discussing life hacks, technology, productivity, and mindset shifts.

We share personal anecdotes and practical tips that have significantly impacted our lives, emphasizing the importance of intentional habits and reframing perspectives to enhance well-being and success.

We also discuss the importance of taking action as a key differentiator for success, how to transform everyday frustrations into gratitude, and the lessons learned from past failures.

It's so important to focus on effectiveness rather than just being busy, leveraging AI for learning, and utilizing automation tools to improve workflow.

Our discussion also covers health and fitness hacks, including meal prepping and optimizing sleep for better health.

In other words, it's a lot. We cover a lot of ground, but there's something in there for everyone.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Finding a balance between consumption and action

• Sleep hacks

• Boosting productivity

• Reframing challenges

• Comparison

• Impacts mental health

• Focusing on effectiveness

• Using AI tools

• Meal prepping

• Building a personal brand

• Habit stacking

• The ABC method

• Anti-goals

• Non-negotiables

Nick:

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Spotify

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Chapters

00:00 2024 Recap: Reflections and Insights

02:29 Life Hacks for Productivity

08:17 Tech That Transforms Daily Life

15:21 Enhancing Focus and Productivity

20:05 Small Habits, Big Impact

22:28 Mindset Shifts and Mental Models

33:00 Taking Action: The Key to Success

33:59 Transforming Frustrations into Gratitude

38:53 Learning from Past Failures

45:06 Focusing on Effectiveness Over Busyness

49:04 Leveraging AI for Learning

55:14 Automation Tools for Efficiency

58:45 Health and Fitness Hacks

01:04:51 Optimizing Sleep for Better Health

01:05:51 The Power of Sleep and Nutrition

01:08:06 Daily Habits for Mental Clarity

01:10:41 Building a Personal Brand

01:18:50 New Year's Resolutions and Personal Growth

01:26:16 Effective Habit Formation and Goal Setting

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In this conversation, Byron and Matt Wheeler-Barrett discuss the inception and mission of Unyfy, a B2B personal branding agency.

They explore the significance of personal branding in today's digital landscape, the importance of building relationships with clients, and the impact of social media trends.

Matt shares insights on leveraging AI for content creation and reflects on his early entrepreneurial experiences, emphasizing the lessons learned and the realities of running a business.

The discussion culminates in thoughts on growth, responsibility, and future aspirations for Unyfy.

In this conversation, Matt Wheeler-Barrett shares his journey in entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of building momentum, the distinction between dreamers and starters, and the challenges of team building and capacity management.

Matt also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of mentorship and networking in achieving success.

Highlights:

• Personal branding is essential for standing out in a competitive market

• Building relationships

• AI optimizing content creation

• Early entrepreneurial experiences

• Networking crucial for finding opportunities and partnerships

• Entrepreneurship requires discipline

• Attention is a key currency

• Investing in people

• Reinvesting in your business

• Execution and action are what separate dreamers from starters

• Offer value for free to build relationships

• Persistence is key in finding clients and opportunities

• Mentorship and networking

Matt:

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Unyfy:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Unifi and Its Mission

03:02 The Importance of Personal Branding

05:50 Building Relationships and Client Engagement

08:48 Navigating Trends and Hacks in Social Media

12:04 The Role of AI in Content Creation

15:02 Lessons from Early Entrepreneurship

17:49 The Journey of Building Unifi

20:55 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

23:52 Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations

27:58 Building Momentum in Entrepreneurship

30:54 The Difference Between Dreamers and Starters

33:22 Navigating Tough Decisions in Business

34:16 Team Building and Capacity Challenges

35:49 Leveraging AI in Business Operations

39:07 Empathetic Leadership and Team Dynamics

43:41 Long-Term Vision for Unify

45:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

49:13 Finding Mentors and Building Connections

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In this episode I'm joined by, James Fleming, Managing Director of Power Within Training.

We discuss the unique approach of his leadership development company, focusing on motivational intelligence.

He shares his journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding human motivation and adapting leadership styles for the modern workforce.

James reflects on the challenges and growth his business experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significance of resilience and support in overcoming doubts and achieving success.

In this conversation, James shares his journey in leadership training, emphasizing the importance of overcoming excuses, transforming challenges into opportunities, and the significance of storytelling in gaining buy-in from participants. He discusses his vision for global expansion, lessons learned from business failures, and the ongoing battle with imposter syndrome. James encourages listeners to take action against their fears and highlights the rewarding nature of the hard path in entrepreneurship.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Motivational intelligence

• Effective leadership requirements

• How leadership has to adapt to a changing world

• Early entrepreneurial days and challenges

• Asking the right questions.

• People need to feel involved to truly engage in their work.

• Leadership development

• Believing in your vision is essential for long-term success

• The biggest excuses

• Lessons from business failures

• Managing fear

• Nothing good happens in the comfort zone

• The rewarding hard path

• What if you could?

James:

LinkedIn

The Power Within Training:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Power Within Training

03:04 Understanding Motivational Intelligence

05:56 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

12:00 Adapting Leadership for the 21st Century

17:11 Growth Through Adversity

24:54 Overcoming Doubts in Early Entrepreneurship

30:54 Vision for Global Expansion

32:20 Overcoming Common Excuses

33:40 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

34:50 Lessons from Business Failures

37:45 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

42:08 Building Buy-In Through Storytelling

46:56 Taking Action Against Excuses

49:51 The Hard Path to Success

51:43 The Journey of Starting a Podcast

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In this episode, Libby Swan discusses her journey with Axioned, a technology services firm, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

She shares insights on scaling a business, managing diverse teams, and the impact of AI on operations. Libby emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the privilege of starting a business.

The discussion also touches on the significance of help and mentorship, the process of manifestation, and the essential human skills needed in today's business landscape.

In the episode, we discuss:

• Axioned

• Entrepreneurship requirements

• Managing stress

• Working with a spouse

• Company culture

• AI tools

• The privilege of starting a business

• Vulnerability in leadership

• Seeking help

• Manifestation

Axioned:

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Libby:

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Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Action and Its Mission

04:03 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

06:58 Scaling Challenges and Team Dynamics

10:01 Navigating Company Culture Across Borders

13:08 The Impact of AI on Business Operations

15:58 The Privilege of Entrepreneurship

19:01 Leadership Evolution and Vulnerability

21:56 The Role of Help and Mentorship

24:50 Manifestation and Intentional Living

28:01 The Importance of Being Human in Business

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Join us for another episode of Another Excuse!

In this conversation, Kevin Tewis discusses his marketing consultancy, Starbridge, and its unique approach to audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of understanding demographics and utilizing data effectively.

We explore the role of events in marketing, the impact of generational differences, and the significance of trends. Kevin also shares insights on the evolving landscape of platforms like TikTok and the necessity of creative testing in marketing strategies.

He shares his journey from a nervous teenager seeking creative opportunities to a successful entrepreneur in the music and marketing industries. Discussing the importance of community engagement, networking, and education in building confidence and achieving entrepreneurial dreams.

The need for specificity in networking requests is so important and so is continuous learning to enhance one's professional skills.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Starbridge and how it works

• Creating entertainment legacies

• Understanding your audience

• Technology's role in how we consume content

• The importance of data

• Testing marketing strategies

• Entrepreneurship begins with passion

• Overcoming fear

• Networking

Kevin:

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Website

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Chapters

01:00 Introduction to Starbridge and Its Unique Approach

03:53 Understanding Audience Engagement and Marketing Strategies

07:00 The Role of Events in Marketing

09:58 Navigating Generational Marketing Challenges

12:52 The Importance of Data in Marketing

16:00 The Impact of Trends on Marketing Strategies

18:45 The Future of TikTok and Its Marketing Potential

28:59 Exploring Community Engagement and Business Opportunities

30:24 The Journey into Entrepreneurship Begins

33:08 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

38:16 The Power of Networking in Business

45:29 Building Confidence Through Education and Knowledge

48:30 The Podcasting Journey and Its Impact

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