Gritty Leaders Podcast

In this episode Dom Gaynor, CEO of TeamSport, shares how he helped grow a small go-karting business from three small UK sites to an international business focusing on leisure and team building. Dom imparts his expertise with regards to growing and scaling the business via online marketing, new sales tactics and external investment.

In today’s conversation we learn how to retain core values whilst growing a business and why culture is key for sustainable growth. 

Get in touch: email Ben: [email protected] Email Ian: [email protected]

In this episode Emma Simpson shares her experience of becoming an ‘accidental leader’. At the age of 30, Emma was given the opportunity to salvage a problematic business. Through smart recruitment and corporate culture building, Emma was able to make the necessary changes to help her business thrive. Today Emma is a management coach and mentor to some of the leading brands in her field.

In today’s conversation we learn how to introduce practical team building exercises as well as open dialogues.

Get in touch: email Ben: [email protected] email Ian: [email protected]

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of the Gritty Leaders Podcast, we select our standout moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 37 where we discuss Ben’s key insights from his Master’s research on the psychology of coaching behaviour change. Tune in to this clip as we explore how the fastest learner wins.

Listen to the full episode here: https://grittyleaders.live/episode/ask-strategically-how-important-are-questions

Ben shares some key insights from his Henley Business School Master’s research on the psychology of coaching and behaviour change. What stood out was the power of asking good questions – and that they should arise naturally, not from a rigid framework or book. Tune in as we unpack more about Ben’s ‘aha moments’ from his thesis, the symbiotic relationship between coach and manager, the role of facilitative questions, getting comfortable with silence – and the lowlights of writing 20,000 words. 

Get in touch: email Ben: [email protected] email Ian: [email protected]

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of the Gritty Leaders Club Podcast, we select our standout moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 31 where we sat down to talk about getting the right people in and keeping the wrong people out. Tune in to this clip as we delve into the differences between hiring for strengths versus the absence of weaknesses – and what larger organisations can learn from startups when it comes to this.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://the-gritty-leaders-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/hiring-firing-part-1

In this week’s episode, Ian opens up about his battle with prostate cancer, which ultimately led to taking part in a gruelling half Iron Man. During training Ian quickly discovered his inner strength, as well as realising that he is a ‘starter-finisher’ when it comes to substantial challenges. Some of the key takeaways in this conversation are the importance of preparation, and the benefits of taking a risk.

Get in touch: email Ben: [email protected] email Ian: [email protected]

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of the Gritty Leaders Club Podcast, we select our standout moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 25 where we reviewed the art of 1to1 meetings. Tune in to this clip as we explore giving regular feedback and how to create the space to discuss the most important things. 

Listen to the full episode here:

https://the-gritty-leaders-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team-lencionis-classic

“The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do” – this comes from Steve Jobs’ iconic Think Different Apple campaign. The message still rings true today about creating radically different futures for businesses when we think beyond the status quo.

We explore attitudes towards risk-taking, asking “what if?” questions, building a culture of playing to win versus to lose, the role of playing devil’s advocate, and a visioning exercise that will bring clarity and ambition to the team.   

Resources:

Apple – Here’s To The Crazy Ones: https://youtu.be/9-ZB2O8azI8

‘Vivid Vision’ by Cameron Herold: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/161961877X

‘Good To Great’ by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0712676090/ 

Get in touch:

email Ben: [email protected] email Ian: [email protected]

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of the Gritty Leaders Club Podcast, we select our standout moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 22 where we delved into the good, the bad and the ugly about meetings. Tune in to this clip as we discuss how to structure a good meeting – and why more often than not we don’t need even need it.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://www.grittyleadersclub.com/e/meetings-the-good-bad-ugly/

In these ‘Shorts’ episodes of the Gritty Leaders Club Podcast, we select our standout moments from previous episodes. This one comes from episode 21 where we sat down to talk about building the Dream Team. Tune in to this clip as we delve into the mindset of acting as if you are the dream team today – and how that helps you keep oriented. 

Listen to the full episode here:

https://the-gritty-leaders-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/nightmare-team-dream-team