SHOW NOTES

Geoff Dyckes opens this episode of Insightful Edge reflecting on a recent seven-day trip to Egypt where his new drone was confiscated!

This time, Geoff’s book recommendation is “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling.

Geoff welcomes back entrepreneur and small business mentor John Lamerton to discuss his upcoming book “Retention First”.

John explains the importance of obsessing over existing customers and contrasts relationship-led small businesses with corporates that treat clients as numbers. 

Geoff and John discuss referrals, fair pricing, simple follow-ups, and research suggesting retention gains can significantly boost profits.

00:00 Spring and Egypt Trip

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

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Guest Info - 

John Lamerton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlamerton/

One Percent - https://bigidea.co.uk/one-percent-club/

Book Recommendation

Factfulness - by Hans Rosling

SHOW NOTES

On this episode of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dyckes recommends the book "Fire in the Hole" by Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy and PXG.

Geoff then chats with Ian Dibb, founder of Wayfinder Advisory (mentoring and consulting early-stage founders), founder of the Cornish Diamond Company, and a contributor to Man Down, a UK men’s mental health charity.

Ian recounts building and fundraising for a software startup that failed to find product-market fit, leading to burnout, anxiety, and strain on his family life.

In March/April 2025, he closed the business, explaining that this brought him immediate relief and renewed energy. He explains the pressure founders feel after raising capital, often driven by fear of letting investors down despite investors understanding early-stage risk.

The conversation explores changing definitions of success, the limits of money, valuing time with family, focusing on happiness in the present, and building a legacy through helping others.

00:00 Welcome back and Geoff’s recent exploits

01:58 Book recommendation: 'Fire in the Hole' by Bob Parsons

04:19 Meet this episode’s guest: Ian Dibb

05:20 The experience of founding a business that ultimately failed.

08:37 Using the scars: mentoring other founders

14:37 Redefining success

18:44 Man Down: men's mental health support

23:00 Money Talk: financial literacy and teaching the next generation

24:10 Ian’s advice to his younger self

29:31 Final takeaways

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Guest - Ian Dibb 

linkedin.com/in/iandibb

Book Recommendation

Fire in the Hole - Bob Parsons.

Redefining Success with Phil Allen

In this episode of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dyckes welcomes special guest Phil Allen.

Phil discusses his career as a “pyrotechnician”, running a special effects business with his brother.

They delve into the evolution of success, life goals, and the importance of work-life balance.

Phil recounts his journey from wanting to climb the corporate ladder to focusing on a lifestyle business that affords him more personal time and satisfaction.

He shares insights on investment, risk-taking, and the significance of learning from failures.

Phil also reflects on past lessons and gives advice to his younger self, emphasizing emotional intelligence, exploring the world, and the value of diverse experiences.

The episode also touches upon the importance of financial planning and achieving the right balance between saving for the future and enjoying the present.

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Geoff’s New Year, New Car

02:16 Podcast Recommendation: Grapes and Greens

03:16 Introducing Phil Allen: Special Effects Expert

03:33 Phil's Journey in Special Effects

05:58 Business Coaching and The 1% Club

08:37 Defining Success and Lifestyle Business

17:01 Challenges and Learning from Mistakes

26:57 Financial Planning and Life Goals

28:33 Advice to Younger Self

33:31 Conclusion and Book Recommendation

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

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Guest - Phil Allen 

LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-allen-b423541b/

In this episode of the Insightful Edge Podcast, host Geoff Dyckes discusses 10 key behaviours that can significantly improve one's financial wellbeing.

Geoff’s book recommendation this episode is 'Mission Total Resilience' by Ant Middleton, which emphasizes mental strength and resilience.

Geoff moves on to his 10 Behaviours to Build a Better Financial Life.  Each behaviour is illustrated with real client stories to showcase its importance.

Geoff concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt one behaviour that resonates with them to enhance their financial life.

00:00 Welcome to the Insightful Edge Podcast

00:35 Current Financial News: Targeted Support from Banks

02:14 Book Recommendation: Mission Total Resilience by Ant Middleton

03:56 Introduction to the 10 Behaviours for a Better Financial Life

04:32 Behaviour 1: Focus on What You Can Control

06:18 Behaviour 2: Spend with Intention, Not Impulse

07:36 Behaviour 3: Build a Financial Safety Net

09:19 Behaviour 4: Make Small Steps Towards Long-Term Goals

11:03 Behaviour 5: Keep Your Financial Life Simple

12:17 Behaviour 6: Filter Out Noise and Distraction

13:57 Behaviour 7: Protect the Essentials

16:13 Behaviour 8: Automatic Good Behaviours

18:34 Behaviour 9: Invest Calmly and with Purpose

21:22 Behaviour 10: Remember That Money is a Tool, Not the Finish Line

24:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Kickstarting Series Two: Summer Highlights and Key Takeaways from the 2025 Budget

In the first episode of 'The Insightful Edge' Series Two, host Geoff Dyckes tells Phil Boyle about what he has been up to since finishing season one of the podcast.

The episode then dives into a detailed analysis of the 2025 budget, discussing its implications on income tax, dividends, pensions, property investments, electric vehicle taxation, and more.

Geoff provides insights and recommendations for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those planning for the future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial planning and staying informed about fiscal changes.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:39 Geoff's Summer Adventures

03:31 Book Recommendations

04:43 Budget Headlines and Key Points

06:11 Impact on Taxes and Fiscal Drag

08:19 Effects on Pensions and Investments

12:56 Changes for Small Business Owners

17:12 Electric Vehicles and New Taxes

19:12 Pensions and Inheritance Tax Changes

22:30 Making Tax Digital (MTD)

25:32 Mansion Tax Explained

28:13 Key Takeaways

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In this final episode of Series One of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dyckes becomes interviewee as former guest Phil Boyle moves from behind-the-scenes to in front of the microphone for a role-reversal interview.

Geoff shares his recent golfing adventures at Woburn Golf Club and Birch Grove, and talks about his return to Reformer Pilates.

After a book recommendation from Geoff, the conversation delves into Geoff's professional journey from his early days at HSBC to running his own firm for 25 years, and now focusing on providing personalised financial planning.

Geoff emphasizes the importance of balancing work with personal life, sharing how he lives by the values he advises his clients.

Series two will be along soon and Geoff would welcome feedback on series one and contact from anyone with guest ideas for series two or an interest in sponsoring the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:51 Phil Boyle takes on the role of interviewer

01:11 Golf Adventures and Experiences

03:39 Exploring Reformer Pilates

04:47 Updates on Work and Clients

09:15 Book Recommendations

10:55 Geoff's Career Journey

24:26 Living his Advice to Clients

27:43 Conclusion and Future Plans

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

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Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes

Altitude Coffee Bar

www.altitudesurrey.co.uk

Geoff's Book Recommendation -

Anything You Want - Derek Sivers

SHOW NOTES

In this episode of the Insightful Edge Podcast, financial life coach Geoff Dyckes shares his passion for helping people achieve financial independence and live the lifestyle they desire.

He discusses his recent travels and a book recommendation, 'Never Enough' by Andrew Wilkinson, exploring themes of wealth, fulfilment, and security.

Geoff emphasizes the importance of cashflow planning and provides insights into affordable financial advisory services.

The episode also features an interview with his wife, Lauren, who talks about her diverse career journey from travel writing to running a coffee shop, and her life experiences.

They discuss the value of experiences over material possessions and offer reflections on living a fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome to the Insightful Edge Podcast

00:58 Personal Updates and Yorkshire Adventures

02:09 Book Recommendation: Never Enough by Andrew Wilkinson

05:51 The Importance of Cashflow Planning

10:03 Interview with Lauren: A Journey of Creativity and Entrepreneurship

29:15 Lauren's Tips for Her 14-Year-Old Self

32:38 Final Thoughts and Podcast Updates

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

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Guest Info - 

Lauren Dyckes 

Altitude Coffee Bar

www.altitudesurrey.co.uk

Geoff's Book Recommendation -

Never Enough - Andrew Wilkinson

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Geoff Dyckes shares his passion for helping clients achieve financial independence and live their desired lifestyle.

Geoff explains the difference between a financial advisor and a financial life coach, emphasising his role in helping clients find clarity and confidence in their financial decisions.

Geoff provides a detailed account of his coaching process, 'Aligns,' to guide clients from uncertainty to clarity. He also shares a podcast recommendation and upcoming plans for future episodes.

00:00 Welcome to the Insightful Edge Podcast

01:11 Recent Sporting Highlights and Personal Stories

02:33 Client Success Stories

05:20 Podcast Recommendation

10:17 Understanding Financial Life Coaching

14:17 The Aligns Process Explained

17:30 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

18:18 Sponsor Message and Closing Remarks

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550

Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes

Altitude Coffee Bar

www.altitudesurrey.co.uk

Geoff will be holding a Mind Money Cafe Sessions either at Altitude, or over zoom. Email for availability.

Geoff's Podcast Recommendation -

Diary of CEO - Simon Cowell - 2hrs 15 mins.

Show Notes

In this episode of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dykes explores the concept of wealth in uncertain times, emphasising that true wealth aligns with one's purpose rather than reacting to market fluctuations or political changes.

He recommends Carl Richard's book, 'The Behaviour Gap,' for its insights into common financial mistakes driven by human behaviour and the importance of planning over prediction.

Geoff introduces three client types—Claire, Raj, and Charlotte—to illustrate how different financial mindsets and how their financial buckets look and the impact on one's life and the importance of having a balanced financial plan.

The episode concludes with practical advice on managing money effectively and an invitation to join Geoff's Mind Money Cafe sessions and subscribe to his newsletters.

00:00 Introduction to Insightful Edge

00:42 Defining Wealth in Uncertain Times

01:34 The True Meaning of Financial Planning

02:57 Book Recommendation: The Behaviour Gap

03:56 Understanding the Behaviour Gap

05:29 Key Takeaways from The Behaviour Gap

10:01 The Concept of the Money Bucket

12:33 Client Stories: Real-Life Financial Planning

19:19 Final Thoughts and Resources

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550

Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes

Altitude Coffee Bar

www.altitudesurrey.co.uk

Geoff will be holding a Mind Money Cafe Sessions either at Altitude, or over zoom. Email for availability.

Geoff's Book Recommendation -

The Behavior Gap - Carl Richards

SHOW NOTES

Understanding the Value of Financial Planning with Anthony Birch

In this episode of the Insightful Edge Podcast, host Geoff Dyckes, provides valuable insights into the true value of financial planning beyond mere valuations.

He delves into the components of a comprehensive financial strategy, including clarity, strategy, education, and accountability.

Geoff also shares a compelling case study of a couple, Lisa and Steve, who achieved early retirement through effective financial planning.

This week's guest, Anthony Birch of Anthony Birch Health and Safety, recounts his journey from leaving school with minimal qualifications to owning a successful health and safety consultancy.

They discuss the importance of robust retirement planning, balancing work and personal life, and the significance of seizing opportunities.

00:00 Welcome to Insightful Edge Podcast

01:00 Understanding Value in Financial Planning

02:18 The Importance of Cost and Charges Transparency

03:47 A Real-Life Financial Planning Case Study

06:56 Book Recommendation: Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life

09:11 Interview with Anthony Birch: From Insurance to Health and Safety

13:19 Anthony Birch's Career Journey and Insights

20:17 Advice for the Younger Generation

23:27 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550

Guest Info - 

Anthony Birch

Website www.anthonybirchhealthandsafety.co.uk

Email [email protected]

Altitude Coffee Bar

www.altitudesurrey.co.uk

Geoff's Book Recommendation -

Change your Paradigm, Change your Life - Bob Proctor