Bulletproof Entrepreneur

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Jodie and Jenny are cofounders of a hugely successful agency called The Marketing Pod, and 11 years ago they decided to tread that well-known entrepreneurial path, took a big risk and walked away from a comfortable corporate life to start their business.

Why? Because, as is often the case, they were frustrated that what they were looking for didn't exist, and they knew there was a demand.

They also wanted to create something that was more in line with their own lifestyles and that reflected their personal values and culture.

So many lessons and words of wisdom in our conversation, and plenty of encouragement to take the entrepreneurial leap and follow your passion. As they say ‘Life’s too short not to give it a go.’

• We discussed the importance of finding great mentors and advisers  - and why getting on a business accelerator or growth programme was such an important part of their success.
• They explained why niching down and becoming known as the ‘go-to experts’ for a specific sector is essential and why most entrepreneurs struggle with that as they see shiny new opportunities everywhere that they have to say ‘no’ to - trust me I can relate to that one!
• And the underlying secret of their success, which is all about the people and the culture in their business  - easy to say, hard to do— which is why their advice is so helpful if you're building your own business.

You are going to get so much out of this conversation. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the energy, positivity, and wise words of Jodie Williams and Jenny Hughes.

Links

The Marketing Pod

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-williams-themarketingpod/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-hughes/

The Entrepreneurship Centre - Cambridge Judge Business School

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business Paperback – Illustrated, 19 April 2012

Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) Hardcover

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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To celebrate the landmark 25th episode of the podcast, I was delighted to be able to speak with the Co-Founder and CEO of BrewDog, James Watt.

BrewDog is valued at over $1,500,000,000 and is one of the UK’s leading Unicorn companies... However, it’s been far from a smooth ride.

Having decided that a career as a lawyer ‘in a cheap suit doing glorified admin’ wasn't for him, he spent several years working on a North Atlantic fishing boat and that’s where a lot of his business resilience came from.

We discussed many areas of business but these stood out:

• Marketing; He shares some incredible stories about the crazy stunts that BrewDog created to gain publicity. Some were wildly successful and some less so - but they all got tons of attention for the brand.

• The value of constraints: He tells the story of their pitch to the TV show Dragon’s Den and what happened next. It’s a masterclass in creativity and how to use constraints to your advantage.

• A powerful vision: James is crystal clear about his values and that of the company, the team and the community that they’ve created. And he doesn't hold back on defining the vision - total world domination!

James is a world-class storyteller, a rebel, a leader and undoubtedly a Bulletproof Entrepreneur.

You are going to love this conversation- ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr. James Watt. 

Links:

https://www.brewdog.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-watt-21a5a912b/?originalSubdomain=uk

James Watt - BrewDog CEO - YouTube

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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Henry is the co-founder of the fast-food restaurant chain Leon with the unforgettable strapline ‘If God did fast food..’

From humble beginnings, with one small shop in Carnaby Street in London to a national and international brand which eventually sold for a reported £100 million Henry is undoubtedly a bulletproof entrepreneur.

During our conversation, he explained:

• How they came up with the memorable name Leon and the vital importance of getting your business name right from the outset.
• What he believes to be the two most important attributes that any entrepreneur must have to succeed .
• The value of narrative and storytelling to help grow your media presence and generate new customers.

And as we were wrapping up the conversation, Henry provided us with one of the best definitions I've ever heard of what True Wealth really is.

His new book, "Ravenous," has just been published and is a seriously good read if you're interested in learning about our food system and how to optimise for maximum energy  - something that every entrepreneur needs to do.

Links

Henry Dimbleby

LEON

Ravenous: How to get ourselves and our planet into shape

Billionaire Issa brothers buy Leon for £100m | Evening Standard

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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One of the original ideas behind the podcast was to create a repository of essential insights, experiences, and information. A knowledge hub that you can dip in and out of whenever you needed to be reminded of key issues throughout your business journey.

One thing is certain and that is that you’ll need to work with a lawyer at some point, and judging from conversations I’ve had with previous guests, understanding the role of a corporate lawyer, and finding a good one is a vital part of the process.

I’ve known today’s guest, James Crotty of Foot Anstey for a few years. I worked with him on a transaction where I was buying another wealth planning business a couple of years ago.

I got to know James and his team and found them to be supremely professional, of course, but equally as important, they were very human and recognized the emotional strain that owners are under as a transaction proceeds.

So, I was keen to get him on the podcast to share his experience and his wisdom.

What we have is a masterclass covering all the legal aspects involved in selling your businesses, - from before there’s even a deal on the table, right through to well after the sale has concluded and you're on to your next adventure.

James reveals his 8-step process, breaks it down in detail and outlines what to expect and how to prepare for the experience.

Towards the end, he explains a new service that he’s recently launched that, I believe every business owner who thinks they may sell at some point should look at.

The episode is a bit longer than the others, but there’s a lot involved in the legal process.

Exploring the essential legal information, you need to know before selling a business, ladies, and gentlemen I give you Mr. James Crotty.

Links:

https://www.footanstey.com/our-people/james-crotty/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-crotty-0b8a5062

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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I’ve been following an anonymous account on Twitter for some time, and I’ve really enjoyed a lot of the content and thoughts shared on some of my favourite topics such as  entrepreneurship, mergers & acquisitions, and intelligent investing.

The Twitter handle is an anonymous one - The Secret Accountant, but I can now officially reveal the identity of this mysterious business expert as being none other than Mr Craig Richardson.

There’s a good reason for the nom de plume which he explains during our conversation, but the headline relates to a new book that he recently published called "How Do You Really Sell Your Business" - which is obviously right in the sweet spot for you if you’re a bulletproof entrepreneur and a fan of this podcast.

And the good news is that to celebrate this episode, Craig AKA The Secret Accountant has slashed the price it sells for on Amazon for the next few weeks!

So, as soon as you’ve listened to this episode, jump over to Amazon, and grab your copy - the link is in the show notes.   

Now Craig’s got an incredibly interesting back story. He’s been a poacher turned gamekeeper turned poacher again and is reluctant to call himself an entrepreneur – he says that if indeed he is an entrepreneur, he’s an accidental one!

He started by qualifying as a chartered accountant in the corporate finance team at KPMG and it was there that he caught the bug of working with founder owners. He just loved helping them grow their companies and plan a successful sale and exit.

But then came a change of strategy at KPMG and their desire to focus on bigger corporate clients. So, Craig decided to leave to be able to continue to work with SME business owners, which is where his passion always was.

Since then, he’s spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs successfully grow, improve, and sell their businesses and now runs his own company where he continues to advise, consult, and invest in companies and their owners.

I found it fascinating listening to him explain that the skills required to take a company from £1m to £5m turnover are different to those needed to take a company from £5m to £10m and then to £20m and above - some great insights wherever you are on that scale.

He also talks of the importance of what he calls the magical entrepreneurial dust that only a founder is capable of sprinkling over his company and why they should focus on this more than some of the more regular day-to-day roles 

And as someone who's worked with business owners and continues to support them, he breaks down the key attributes which are essential in an ideal ‘Trusted Adviser’ relationship which is designed specifically for entrepreneurs.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Craig Richardson AKA The Secret Accountant

Links

The Secret Accountant (@TheSecretAcct) / Twitter

Craig Richardson - Non Executive Director - BIL Group | LinkedIn

DSW Consulting

PHD Industrial Holdings

How do you really sell your business - Book offer

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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You've heard of a ‘horse whisperer’, perhaps a ‘dog whisperer’, but you’ve probably never heard of a ‘seller whisperer’ - but that’s exactly what Denise has become known as.

With a background as a mental health professional turned lawyer who went on to build her own legal practice, she then sold her business. Rather unsuccessfully, in her own words.

During this time, she learned a lot of lessons and has now carved out a role  as a specialist adviser, coach, consultant, speaker, and writer on the complex subject of selling your business - the emotional journey as well as the business journey.

I've often referred to the content of this podcast as being at the intersection of business, money, family and life and, honestly, no one is better qualified to speak on that precise intersection than Denise.

One of the best storytellers you're ever likely to encounter, she is the author of an incredible book called The Seller’s Journey, which is essential reading for anyone who's building a business and anyone who advises business owners.

Denise reminds us that, whether you like it or not, you are leaving your business one day. It’s not ‘if’, it's ‘when’ - and the worst thing that you can do for yourself, your business, your employees and your family is to be unprepared.

In a wide-ranging conversation, we cover a lot of issues including.

1. What are the key attributes to look for in a trusted adviser and someone that will help you navigate the challenging process before, during and after the business sale?
2. Understanding something she calls “O-MY Syndrome” and how to avoid the hidden road bumps that will kill your deal.
3. A process to help you get clear on everything that your work currently provides for you - other than money and financial security. Understanding this and preparing for life after your sale is essential in ensuring a successful transition.

Towards the end, Denise shares a deeply personal story which will help you focus on what's truly important in your own life.

A wonderful conversation with a lady who's been there, seen it, done it and come out the other side - and now spends her life sharing her insights and wisdom with other entrepreneurs.

The links to her book, website and contact details are all in the show notes.

I give you -  Denise Logan

Links:

https://deniselogan.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniselogan/

https://twitter.com/DeniseLoganUSA

https://deniselogan.com/the-sellers-journey/

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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Alan Smith

www.capital.co.uk

www.bulletproofentrepreneur.net 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapital

Twitter @alanjlsmith 

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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As we kick off Season 2 of the podcast, I’m taking the opportunity to share a little of my own journey, both personal and professional.

For most of us, our childhood experiences shape our thoughts and actions as we get older and I’m no exception. A happy childhood in Scotland was interrupted by some personal and family challenges that have been influential on me and the decisions I’ve taken. 

A very average student who dropped out of college attracted to the bright lights and big city of London, I could be described as an ‘accidental entrepreneur’. 

I love hosting this podcast and I hope you get value out of listening to it.

Get in touch to give me feedback, ideas, and recommendations for future guests.

Welcome to the Bulletproof Entrepreneur - it’s great to have you along for the ride.

Alan Smith

www.capital.co.uk

www.bulletproofentrepreneur.net 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapital

Twitter @alanjlsmith 

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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Robin is a journalist at the Financial Times and is the editor of the popular column Alphaville.

He’s also the author of a fabulous new book called Trillions.

As a business owner, one thing is certain - you’re going to leave your business one day. Whether that’s through a sale of the company or through retirement and you’re going to need to know how to best invest your capital to provide for your family’s long-term future.

This conversation with Robin will provide you with clear directions as to how to stack the odds in your favour and give yourself the highest probability of financial success.

Amongst other things we discuss

• The rise of index investing and how the evidence in support of it is now overwhelming.
• Warren Buffett’s famous bet with a Wall Street hedge fund manager. 
• His thoughts on crypto and bitcoin - well worth listening to.

And towards the end of the conversation, he explains exactly what he would do if he were a successful entrepreneur looking to invest the proceeds of a business sale or retirement fund.

Robin spends most of his time studying and writing about the markets and the players that participate in them. That’s some insight that you don't want to miss.

Links

Trillions: How a Band of Wall Street Renegades Invented the Index Fund and Changed Finance Forever Hardcover – 14 Oct. 2021

FT Alphaville | Financial Times

Dimensional Investing

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners

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I’ve described this podcast as being ‘inspired conversations at the intersection of money, business, family, and life’ and none better sum up that complex blend than the one I had recently with Brian Portnoy.

Brian is a coach, consultant, entrepreneur, and author of one of the best books I’ve ever read on all things financial and our behaviour around money. - The Geometry of Wealth.

A recent study confirmed that 73% of people say money is the most stressful factor in life - more stressful than death, politics, or religion - and it’s either the first or second most important issue behind divorce.

As a business owner, you're going to be dealing with money issues every day and if you do have a liquidity event through a business sale or external investment then you need a playbook to help you manage the issues.

This conversation is a highly practical source to help you navigate the uncertain terrain ahead. During the interview, Brian explains:

• How to define true wealth and how you can define it for yourself
• A 3-step mental model to help you build a path to achieve it 
• How to consider the question How Much is Enough?

And towards the end of the conversation, he provides a detailed breakdown of a process that every business owner must undertake way before they sell their business or retire - don’t miss that, it’s pure gold.

Links:

The Geometry of Wealth: How To Shape A Life Of Money And Meaning Paperback – 11 Jun. 2018

Shaping Wealth

Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today , Hershfield, Hal - Amazon.com

The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything=have Everything Paperback

Eudaimonia - Wikipedia

This podcast is produced by Tribunista

Sponsored by Capital Partners