By Warren Munson
5
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The podcast currently has 236 episodes available.
In this episode of the Evolve to Succeed podcast, Warren speaks to Martin Smith, the founder of Talent Drive, about his journey as an entrepreneur and running a recruitment group of businesses.
Martin shares his early experiences in recruitment, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growth of his company, Talent Drive. He discusses his aspirations to be a market disruptor and his passion for the procurement community.
Martin also talks about the expansion of Talent Drive into the accountancy and finance sector with the launch of Talent Finance and reflects on the growth and success of Talent Drive over the past four years. He emphasises the importance of focusing on the quality of people and building a trusted and valued team.
Martin discusses the future of the recruitment industry and the rise of ESG and sustainability. He also shares insights on workplace culture and transparent communication within a remote business. He envisions the future of Talent Drive as a growing international presence with a focus on diversification and a one-stop-shop service offering.
This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…
● The challenges of starting a recruitment business.
● Overcoming obstacles such as COVID-19.
● What it takes to be a market disruptor in the recruitment sector.
● The effects of branching out into various business sectors.
● The importance of people and building a trusted team.
● The importance of trust, transparency and open communication.
Chapters
00:00 Becoming an Entrepreneur
10:02 Starting on Your Own
19:15 Early Days of Talent Drive
23:24 Market Disruption
25:49 Ventures into Accountancy and Finance
26:18 Building a Team
27:47 Opportunities in Finance
29:41 Quality of People
30:05 Creating a Great Business
33:26 Personal Life
35:24 Being Grounded
37:17 Thriving
41:37 Technology in Procurement
42:59 Emotional Intelligence
43:56 Remote Businesses
48:42 The Future of Talent Drive
50:58 Defining Success
In this episode of the Evolve to Succeed podcast, Warren speaks with Jess and Terry, the joint managing directors of Rubicon People, about their journey. From starting out as employees to leading an employee-owned business.
For anyone navigating joint leadership responsibilities, you certainly don’t want to miss out on this, as Jess and Terry provide invaluable advice and experiences around working as partners to manage a team.
They also discuss the evolution of Rubicon People, the challenges faced in the recruitment industry, and the impact of transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust.
The conversation highlights the importance of good leadership, employee empowerment, and the future ambitions of the Rubicon People as they navigate the recruitment landscape.
This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…
Jess and Terry’s journey within Rubicon People.
The transition to employee ownership and its effects on business culture.
How leadership styles evolve and are influenced by previous leaders.
How employee councils can play a crucial role in decision-making processes.
The importance of trust and autonomy in empowering employees.
Financial Freedom Day.
The recruitment industry and the ongoing skill shortages.
Chapters...
00:00 Introductions
02:55 Rubicon People
06:14 Previous Owners: Lloyd and Jocelyn
08:52 Becoming Joint Managing Directors
12:13 COVID and Market Changes
14:58 Employee Ownership Trust
17:49 Initial Reactions to Employee Ownership
21:10 Employee Councils
23:46 Leadership Styles
27:10 Empowering Employees
30:01 Challenges in Recruitment
32:48 Advice for Transitioning to Employee Ownership
36:06 Financial Freedom Day
38:57 Succession
41:54 Final Thoughts
In this incredibly inspiring episode, Mark Darcy shares his personal journey, from a challenging childhood to a successful business career and a subsequent struggle with mental health.
After a long battle, Mark eventually made a positive transition and now focuses on helping others through the New Forest Wellbeing Group and the Youth Wellbeing Group.
During the episode, Mark explains his new philosophy on life, where he dedicates his time earning, serving and learning – which has helped him discover true happiness in life.
He also talks about the importance of listening and creating a loving environment where everyone is understanding and supports one another. Mark also envisions the next phase of his life - focusing on well-being and community support.
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…
● Seeking support and understanding one's own mental health.
● Transitioning from a challenging past to a fulfilling present.
● Helping others and creating a kind and loving environment.
● Finding balance in life by spending time earning, serving, and learning.
● Finding true happiness through meaningful experiences, not material possessions.
● Volunteering and getting involved in projects focused on mental health.
● Seeking professional help and prioritising one’s own mental health.
Chapters
00:00 Childhood
05:44 Business Career
11:09 Mental Health and Support
15:41 New Purpose and Helping Others
23:10 Community
25:10 Achieving Balance
28:03 Happiness
30:21 Basic Lifestyle
32:16 Are You Okay?
35:32 Life's Unexpected Challenges
36:29 Midlife Realisation
39:42 Loved Ones
41:40 Emotions and Openness
45:57 Avoiding Regret
49:50 Material Possessions
51:22 Pure Contentment
Adam Lewis, co-founder of BBD Boom, shares his journey of starting and running a remote business and the benefits of systems thinking. He emphasises the importance of understanding your co-founder and building a strong partnership.
Adam also discusses the challenges and rewards of remote work and the need for a strong company culture. He highlights the value of apprenticeships in growing a business and shares his insights on systems thinking and the tools they use at BBD Boom.
Adam concludes by discussing the future of the company and his personal definition of success.
The key takeaways from this episode of The Evolve to Succeed Podcast are:
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background of BBD Boom
03:19 - Starting a Business and Moving Away from Traditional Agency Model
04:15 - Challenges and Early Days of BBD Boom
05:34 - Lessons Learned and the Importance of Sales and Marketing Mindset
07:30 - Realisation of Success and Early Adoption of HubSpot
09:55 - Building a Strong Partnership and Company Culture
12:18 - The Value of Apprenticeships in Business Growth
16:28 - Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
27:22 - Implementing Systems Thinking for Better Efficiency
33:04 - Tools for Productivity and Business Performance
36:20 - Future Plans for BBD Boom and Personal Definition of Success
45:02 - Conclusion
In this episode, Warren Munson and David Mutton discuss the importance of creating a shared vision within a business.
They emphasise the need for businesses, especially in the early stages, to have a clear vision and purpose that is shared with the team and customers.
They also discuss the challenges of maintaining a shared vision as a business grows and offer practical tips for creating and communicating a vision.
The conversation highlights the benefits of having a shared vision, such as increased engagement and differentiation from competitors.
Takeaways
· Having a shared vision is crucial for businesses to understand what they are trying to achieve.
· In the early stages, the vision is often clear to the founder or co-founders, but it is important to share it with the team and potential customers.
· As a business grows, it is important to periodically reassess and communicate the vision to ensure alignment.
· Creating a shared vision involves open dialogue, involving key stakeholders, and communicating the vision in a simple and straightforward manner.
· A shared vision helps in decision-making and keeps the team motivated and aligned.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
01:00 - The Importance of a Shared Vision in Business
03:45 - Stand Out from Competitors with a Shared Vision
06:36 - Challenges of Maintaining a Shared Vision as a Business Grows
08:03 - Perfectionism Can Kill Vision
14:17 - Practical Tips for Creating a Shared Vision
23:13 - Benefits of Having a Shared Vision
28:24 - Conclusion and Call to Action
In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, Rupert Holloway talks to Warren about Conker Distillery and the challenges they have faced after a decade in business.
Rupert discusses the restlessness that led him to start his own business, the decision to bootstrap the business instead of seeking investment, and the impact of COVID-19 on the distillery industry.
Conker has evolved from being simply a gin brand to a spirit experience distillery brand, which has been driven by customer feedback and recognising that being the best at something doesn't always guarantee success, which in their case, was gin.
The company has grown the brand by emphasising its genuine, local craft and the fact that it operates its own distillery, distinguishing it from white label brands. Conker Distillery has adopted a two-pronged strategy: owning the local market with its Dorset gin and targeting the national market with its coffee liqueur.
With so many insights from one of the UK’s best distillery brands, you don’t want to miss this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast!
Takeaways
This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…
o Starting a business by setting big goals and taking risks.
o The risks and rewards of bootstrapping a business.
o Building a strong team for long-term success.
o Adapting to global challenges, such as conflict and pandemics.
o Creating memorable experiences for customers and focusing on consumer preferences to drive change.
o How Conker operates its own distillery, distinguishing it from white label brands.
o Sustainability and how Conker aims to be a positive contributor by 2030.
Chapters
00:00 - Catching Up with Rupert
02:21 - 10 Years of Conker Distillery
08:03 - Lessons Learned
14:52 - COVID-19
18:40 - Memorable Experiences
25:25 - Conker Spirits
31:25 - White Label Brands
34:14 - Two-Pronged Strategy
41:00 - Sustainability
44:43 - Proudest Moment
In today’s episode, Warren Munson interviews Julie Eddicott and Sally Percival, who are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime, as they row across the Atlantic.
Julie and Sally will be rowing from Gomera, Canary Islands, to Antigua, covering 3,000 miles in a 28.5-foot boat with two cabins and three rowing positions. The team consists of Julie, Sally, and their friends Mary and Ed.
They discuss their upcoming challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and the preparations they have been making. They discuss the physical training that is required to attempt such a feat and the mental aspect, as they will be dealing with isolation and enclosed spaces.
They also discuss the daily routine they will face on the boat, the safety measures, and their motivations for taking on this challenge and the charities they are raising money for.
If you would like to follow and support their journey, you can check out their website at: https://www.ebbflowatlantic.com/
Follow their social media: https://www.instagram.com/ebbandflow_row/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090553086293
For corporate sponsorships: [email protected]
This episode of The Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…
● Julie and Sally are preparing to row across the Atlantic from Gomera to Antigua, covering 3,000 miles in a 28.5-foot boat.
● Physical training includes rowing sessions on the rowing machine and weight sessions.
● The team will row in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, 24/7.
● Their biggest fears include jumping off the boat to clean the hull and the mental challenges of isolation and close quarters.
● Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean provides an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature.
● The support of family, friends, and sponsors is crucial in undertaking such a challenging endeavour.
● The daily routine on the boat involves rowing, eating, maintaining the water supply, and taking care of personal hygiene.
● Safety measures, such as wearing harnesses and life jackets, are in place to mitigate risks like capsize.
● The challenge is not just physical but also a test of mental resilience and self-discovery.
● The rowers are raising money for charities such as the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Rowing Across the Atlantic
05:13 The Team and Boat
09:30 Physical Training
16:04 Sleep Deprivation
26:53 Isolation
27:22 Disconnecting from Everyday Life
29:19 Family, Friends and Sponsors
34:34 Daily Routine on the Boat
37:40 Safety Measures
41:55 Physical and Mental Challenges
44:58 Charities
46:27 Sponsors
52:42 How to Support
On this episode, Warren interviews Jimmy and Suzie, the founders of one of the UK’s biggest iced coffee brands, Jimmy's Iced Coffee.
Jimmy and Suzie discuss their journey running a family business as brother and sister, from starting out with a coffee shop, auditioning for Dragon’s Den and distributing their iced coffee across the UK.
Their journey emphasises the importance of gut instinct, being true to oneself when building a brand and always having a positive outlook even when dealing with immense pressure.
They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, dealing with bureaucracy and what led to them selling the business.
With insights from the founders of one of the UK’s largest drink brands, you don’t want to miss out on this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast!
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…
· Trusting your gut instinct and being true to yourself when building a brand.
· Taking risks by trying unconventional marketing strategies.
· Not overlooking the importance of small wins.
· Seeking out mentors and listening to constructive feedback.
· Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
· Enjoying the journey and having valid reasons for doing it.
· Taking time to consider what you're doing and don't rush to get to the end.
· Building a great team.
· Making sustainability intrinsic to your business.
· Selling a business for financial security and personal freedom.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Starting Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
03:19 Naivety
04:22 Jimmy and Suzie’s Roles
06:09 Mistakes
08:04 Optimism
10:24 Brother and Sister in Business
13:36 Maintaining Relationships
14:30 Waitrose
23:46 Risks
26:01 Unconventional Marketing
29:43 Seeking Feedback
31:09 Being True to Yourself
35:09 Enjoying the Journey
36:34 Scaling
40:50 Sustainability
46:58 Selling Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
01:05:41 Family and Personal Pursuits
In this exciting episode, Warren Munson talks to Ben Boon, co-founder of Pom Pom London, one of the biggest rising luxury brands in the UK. Ben discusses the exceptional growth of Pom Pom London and the challenges he and his business partner Harry Griffiths faced.
The episode covers the brand's evolution, the secrets to their e-commerce success, and the sacrifices made to achieve growth. Ben shares insights into what it takes growing Pom Pom London, from building a community to expanding into America with TV shopping channels.
He discusses the emotional and analytical aspects of the business, family dynamics, and the pursuit of personal success. The episode also includes a special offer for listeners looking to purchase a handbag from Pom Pom London, so you won’t want to miss this!
This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…
● Pom Pom London has experienced exceptional growth, from a turnover of £38,000 in 2020 to a turnover of more than £24 million in 2023.
● E-commerce has been key to Pom Pom London’s success, with a strong focus on creative marketing, customer service, and aftercare.
● Ben Boon acknowledges the personal sacrifices made, including long working hours and the decision to stop playing professional hockey to focus on the business.
● The brand has an impressive community of half a million customers - emphasising quality, customer service, and a strong brand identity.
● An e-commerce brand expanding into retail can present challenges in working capital and logistics.
● Running an e-commerce business requires constant attention and the need to balance emotion and analysis.
● Ben and Harry’s families have played a significant role in the business's journey and success.
● Listeners can enjoy a special discount on handbags from Pom Pom London using a code mentioned in the episode.
Chapters
00:00 First Years
18:38 E-Commerce Success
23:57 Capacity
31:41 Personal Sacrifice
33:09 Challenges
35:30 Retail?
40:45 E-Commerce Insights
58:10 Family
59:53 Personal Success
"The period from 2000 to 2007 was undoubtedly my favourite period. And then the worst period was undoubtedly 2008 to 2009."
Summary
On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Matt Fleming, founder of AF Oliver.
Matt talks about his time in the PR and media industry, from selling vans and an advertising agency to co-founding Aylesworth Flemming.
He talks about the importance of building strong relationships, being fun to work with and always bringing high energy to meetings. He also discusses the significance of finding a niche and gaining knowledge in that area.
Matt reflects on the happiest and most challenging periods of his business, such as the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the emotional stress of making redundancies and the importance of having a support network.
Matt also reflects on the lessons he learned from the near-collapse of his business in 1990 and the impact it had on his personal life.
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:25 Building Relationships and Finding a Niche
14:56 The Importance of Energy and Expertise
24:46 Navigating the Process of Selling Multiple Businesses
26:31 Breaking Up for Better Value and Fit
27:00 Navigating Tough Times
27:56 The Importance of a Support Network
29:23 Lessons Learned from the Near-Collapse of AF Oliver in 1990
38:15 Resilience and Adaptability in Business
41:58 Debt and Leveraging in Business
43:53 Finding Purpose and Enjoyment in Work
48:38 Defining Personal Success
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