In this weeks podcast we hear from the amazing Jack 'The Lad' Hayes. Head of programme delivery at The LoveLocalJobs Foundation CIC, an ambassador for Rivervale leasing and a Breakfast show host MORE radio. This was only the second episode of the 24 hour podcast and I could have talked to Jack for 24 hours. He spoke so openly, honestly and with genuine authenticity it was truly inspirational and powerful, this episode blew me away.

In this fascinating episode Jack talks about:

💥 A painful and difficult period in his life

💥 How at a cross roads at 29, he grabbed an opportunity that changed his life

💥 The belief he has that where you have come from has nothing to do with where you can go.

💥 How he is helping to inspire young people through the Dare to Dream Programme

He discusses some of the challenges he has faced in his life from being bullied in school to the period in his life from 2019 to 2020 where he left the Breakfast show after 15 years, lost a dear friend, his beloved mum passed away and had to witness his dad suffer a heart attack just a week after losing his soulmate. His wife had pneumonia and his eldest son collapsed and was rushed to hospital. It was a really powerful conversation and I am so grateful to Jack for sharing this with me. He talks passionately about the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and how being kind, humble and a good person is ultimately our most valuable currency. You can tell how much he loves his role being part of the LLJ Foundation and how they are changing young peoples lives and giving them the belief to Dare to Dream.

Jack's rule for living a fulfilled life:

💥 Choose the people that you let into your life carefully..

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/59hk5SC_R9s

Find out more about the Love Local Jobs Foundation ➡️ https://www.lovelocaljobsfoundation.com/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of these bonus episode releases from the 24 hour podcast challenge, I speak with Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plus X, Mat Hunter. Mat aims to build the infrastructure for innovators and entrepreneurs that will help to grow great companies, provide productive and stimulating employment for diversely talented people and drive economic growth across the UK.

Mat has worked for more than 25 years in the world of human centred innovation. Formerly Partner at global design innovation agency IDEO, and Chief Design Officer of the UK Design Council, he brings a wealth of experience in supporting startups, scaleups and corporate innovation teams, dealing with issues of health, the environment, employment and other pressing innovation challenges, as well as engaging with academia and government.

In this fascinating episode Mat talks about:

💥 Building an innovative community

💥 Understanding the problem you are trying to solve

💥 People's attitude towards innovative collaboration

He discusses in depth the nuance behind really solving the pain points of a problem and asking the question, are you making something that is like a vitamin, a nice to have, or a painkiller and really solving a problem that will have a major impact? Mat's clear passion for entrepreneurship and innovation was a genuine joy to talk about and the perfect way to kick off the 24 hour podcast challenge.

Mat's rule for living a fulfilled life:

💥 Get fired up by what fires you up and do what you love...

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/6ufK__uLvNI

Connect with Mat Hunter ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathunter/

Find out about Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

24 Hour Podcast Series Produced by H2 Productions ➡️ https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest on the podcast this week is Ricky Whiting an SEO expert, an author, Studio Director and founder of Itty Bitty.co.uk. He also was in an advert for the flagship Nintendo Mario Bros Game. He was the first person to play the game in the UK and the adverts were used in Europe with over 1.3 million views.

Ricky is one of the most positive, enthusiastic, energetic people I have had on the podcast. He discusses how at a young age he lost his best friend and he made a promise to himself and Russ that he would not take life for granted and have a positive outlook. That mindset helped him to start and build his own businesses. Him and his wife started their company Itty Bitty, an online baby boutique business when he left his previous employment, his wife Kate was made redundant and they had just started a young family. He refers to this period as 'The Wall', as they needed to generate an income to put food on the table and Since opening their doors for business, Itty Bitty has managed to tap into this gap and carve out its own space online with an unrivalled range of styles for babies and kids up to 16 years old.

In this brilliant episode Ricky talks about how they have grown to over 100,000 followers on social media and how he helps other businesses now with their marketing and SEO from the knowledge and expertise they have gained through Itty Bitty. As he says the proof is in the pudding with what we have created from scratch and he shares some great hints and tips with us, the 3 Ps, People - Profit. - Process and how important it is too put people first. He also talks of his desire to stay as far away from 'The Wall' as possible and his vision for future Rick. It is a truly inspiring, uplifting episode packed with energy, enthusiasm and some great takeaways.

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/OrhLhVHBYiE

To find out more about Itty Bitty ➡️ https://www.ittybitty.co.uk

To connect with Ricky Whiting ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-whiting/

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago I was lucky enough to have the inspirational Jo Myles on the podcast. During the conversation we spoke about her career in the creative industry, with the likes of Alexander McQueen, a buyer for Laura Ashley and Warehouse managing large teams and £40 million pound budgets. Her company 3 Blonde Bears that she founded in 2007 won numerous awards and after Winning the make awards in 2012 and being selected by Lord Young & Sir Terry Healy to be a founding member of Enterprise 250 and in 2013 saw Joanna being recognised as one of the most creative founders in the UK.

Jo talks about her journey through the ups and downs of running 3 Blonde Bears, her battle with Cancer, food markets, Baking, how her passion for Art saved her and led her on a new path. Her amazing can do attitude and Moto JFDI. We also discussed the idea and concept of the Sussex Contemporary art exhibition. Fast forward to this year and her and her partner Jason are in their second week of the amazing Art Exhibition at the i360. The Sussex Contemporary free-to-visit exhibition that specifically showcases the county's creativity. All art is chosen by a selection panel of leading experts. The art is available for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going to Table Talk Foundation. As Jo states in the interview JFDI... Just F*****G Do it... and she has done just that and made this idea become a reality.

This is a truly inspiring episode from one of the most inspirational people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

The episode is also now on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/ELJtsD-pjfU

You can find our more about the Sussex Contemporary Here ➡️ https://www.thesussexcontemporary.co.uk/

Connect with Jo Myles Here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-myles-artist/

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a bonus episode with Rob Duce, CEO at Outside The Box Events LLC & Chief Executive Officer for "Theatre by QE2".

Rob a formally a qualified Chartered Accountant with Touche Ross talks about how is entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at a young age, selling lemonade and other items outside his house. He spoke about the death of his his father in 1985 during his A-Levels and how this shaped his life to try and make the most of every day, an ethos he has lived his life by. He has built up small business from scratch and sold to listed plc and now living in Dubai runs a small but beautifully formed company, specialising in after dinner events and black tie events. His advice and ethos is simple... Carpe Diem, Seize the day,

⭕️ There is a piece of cake for everyone 🧢

🟥 Life is short you should try and make people happy and smile 🧢

🔺 Carpe Diem, Seize the Day 🧢

Everyone has a story to tell...

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/D8e5YOv9LgA

Find out more about Rob Duce click here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-duce-33a530a/

OUR SPONSORS

Creative Pod ➡️ https://www.creativepod.uk.com/

EMC Corporate Finance ➡️ https://www.emcltd.co.uk/

Preston Insurance Brokers ➡️ https://prestoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/

Plus X ➡️ https://plusx.space/

Produced by H2 Productions ➡️ https://h2productions.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Chris Goodman, Co-Founder & Director of Focus Group, a UK Comms & IT business. Employing over 800 staff across 9 offices, Focus Group delivers innovative solutions to over 30,000 businesses, and has annual revenue in excess of £130m. 

For two decades his leadership experience in the IT and telecoms sector covers everything from the development of effective sales teams, cohesive people and culture strategies and robust financial analysis, together with having led and completed numerous M&A and private equity transactions.

He remains deeply committed to ensuring Focus Group has a positive and sustainable impact on those in and around our community, leading on agendas such as employee wellbeing and business culture. 

Despite such huge success over the past two decades, it has come with sacrifices, along with his on battle with mental health. Today on World Mental Health Day, he shares his story with us in this truly open and honest conversation. To share a quote from his blog, 'It's good to squawk'

Chris shares how during his life he had followed the script, worked hard, built a multi-million pound business but after realising his dreams and achieving financial freedom he felt unfulfilled, because he'd failed to invest in the most precious commodity...himself!

This is a truly eye opening episode that will resonate and hopefully have a great impact on many people on a journey of self discovery, as it did on me.

Chris is a truly inspirational business leader and one I learnt so much from during this episode. He recently founded the Focus Foundation, a charity designed to connect the Focus Group community of employees, customers and industry partners in order to make a positive impact on people’s lives. By Chris also sharing his story, he is doing just that.

Everyone had a story to tell... Happy Listening

Watch the Episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/EMPngHvf-SA

Read Chris's Blog Here ➡️ https://www.mysquawk.co.uk/post/where-does-your-ladder-lead

OUR SPONSORS

Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Lyndsey Clay, a Qualified Coach, Networking Champion and Social Concierge, who is passionate about connecting people through supporting local businesses to create lasting personal and professional relationships, right here in Brighton & Hove.

Lyndsey's fascinating journey into entrepreneurship started during lockdown, but this is not just a story about business, as Lyndsey shares her personal journey through infertility, miscarriage, IVF and divorce, and how her experiences over the last few years have impacted her sense of self and of belonging. 

Lyndsey shared how during some dark times, her road to recovery started by listening to others' stories, realising she was not alone, and in March 2017 she started a blog on Instagram promoting her newfound ethos with the motto:

For me her story highlights that when life does not go according to plan, if you have enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards life and embrace it, you can change direction and find true happiness. She has started something extremely special with Connected Brighton as she builds her community, and I wish her continued success. 

Everyone has a story to tell... Happy Listening 🎧

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/Brtw4hBuT-E

Find out more about Connected Brighton ➡️ https://www.connectedbrighton.com/

OUR SPONSORS

https://picturebookfilms.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Marc Convey, former MD of 23D and Co-Founder at Thrive Now, a collective movement connecting a community of people who desire to create a better world by being better, happier humans.

Marc's story is truly inspiring, he talks about how his life changed at 14 when he suffered severe burns in an accident in Ireland, how he nearly died twice and how that first day back in school after the accident was the one of toughest of his life. Yet his determination and positive attitude to make the most of life took him on a journey into the world of poker to starting his own business 23D in 2017. Then during Covid after losing nearly 90% of planned revenue in a week he had to once again adapt and pivot. As he has learned so many times in life, opportunities can present themselves in even the bleakest of circumstances.

Fast forward to 2022 and on a journey of self discovery Marc decided to step away from 23D and is now in a place where after 30 years since the accident he feels he has got everything he needed back from life, to finally even up the score with what the universe had thrown at him at 14, and he is ready to truly ThriveNow.

This is truly one of the most inspirational episodes I have recorded and I thank Marc for sharing his story with me.

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/H4JVRYwaE94

Find out more about Marc Convey ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-convey/

Find out more about ThriveNow ➡️ https://www.thrive-now.org

OUR SPONSORS

https://picturebookfilms.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I was joined by my co-host, SBT Sports Editor Laurence Elphick for our Sports edition of the podcast. We had the great pleasure of chatting with the inspirational Aneela Rose, founder of Rose Media Group and GB Powerlifting gold medalist.

Aneela, from Burgess Hill, has been running her own successful PR agency for 18 years. However her sporting journey began after the London 2012 Olympics when she was inspired to start throwing the javelin again after a 25 year break, but after repeated shoulder injuries she was advised to take up strength training to help her shoulder. Her coach quickly realised that she was ‘freakishly strong’ and encouraged her to enter a powerlifting competition. She switched from spear throwing to lifting heavy weights and the rest is now history!

In this truly amazing episode we hear from this incredible women about her sporting journey from starting out in powerlifting to winning a gold medal at the British Powerlifting Finals in May 2018, at the Bodypower Expo, NEC Birmingham. We discuss some of the challenges she has faced along the way, in both her business and her sporting life, how she manages to juggle between family life, running a successful PR agency and being a team GB powerlifting-powerhouse. Her laser focus, grit and determination to achieve her goals is truly inspiring and this amazing episode is one not to be missed..

Watch the episode on YouTube ➡️ https://youtu.be/dkRK28MNgJc

Find out more about Aneela Rose ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneelarose/

OUR SPONSORS

https://jamesrossjewellers.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Guest on the podcast this week is Fiona Anderson. She has been helping entrepreneurs to kick start and launch their businesses for many years. After a long career as a relationship and business development director with Royal Bank of Scotland she spent 2 of those years involved in setting up and managing an entrepreneurial accelerator working with over 1,000 entrepreneurs at all stages of growth from pre-revenue to high growth and scale businesses. The accelerator  helped generate around £12m of turnover and £7m of Investment.

Through management of the key partnerships with University of Sussex and Brighton university the accelerator created internship opportunities and generated over 300 jobs within Brighton. 

After moving back to Cape Town where she grew up in 2018 for a few years, in October 2020 she returned to the UK, and the Sussex Business community is lucky to have her back. 

This brilliant episode is a fascinating story from someone that has been entrenched with the Entrepreneurial community for many years. Fiona discusses what it was like growing up in South Africa during the apartheid before coming to the UK to start a career in banking. Then during the launch of entrepreneurial spark she supported thousands of start ups and entrepreneurs as we find out some of the key traits she looked for throughout the initiative. We delve deep into a tough period for Fiona when she returned to South Africa in 2018, a move that didn't work out and she hit an extremely low point in her journey. But through resilience and a strong network, that she had built up right here in Sussex, she returned to Brighton and is looking once again to support entrepreneurs and start ups with her new role at Plus X. 

To find out more about Fiona Anderson Click Here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-anderson-uk/

OUR SPONSORS

Check out our sponsors Picture Book Films ➡️ https://picturebookfilms.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.