Sales Leader Secrets

What does it take to scale a bakery into Ireland’s largest vegan cookie supplier starting from your mum’s kitchen at 21? In this inspiring episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Aisling Tuck founder and CEO of Naked Bakes, who shares her journey from passionate home baker to entrepreneur and emerging sales leader.

From experimenting with vegan recipes to overcoming a steep learning curve in leadership and finance, Aisling opens up about the realities of running a fast-growing business. She discusses building a team from scratch, the impact of lockdown, and learning to set the right culture from the top. Plus, hear how Naked Bakes’ products make a real difference for customers, and why empathy and networking are essential for success.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction: Aisling’s journey from Dublin kitchen to scaling a business  

06:42 Rushed hiring due to stress led to mismatches

09:46 It's about the people: Working with an amazing team and making a difference in customers' lives.

11:20 Balancing your time and work stress is challenging; downtime is essential for productivity.

14:34  Future plans and launching new products

18:14 Never leave anyone on a sinking ship

23:32 Networking is essential for growth

24:36 Prioritise empathy with team and customers.

If you loved hearing Aisling’s honest reflections, make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode of Sales Leader Secrets. 

Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

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Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

​

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

​

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

​

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

​

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Aisling Tuck:

Aisling Tuck is an entrepreneur from Dublin and the founder of two food brands shaping the future of plant-based baking in Ireland. She began studying Commerce International at UCD but left to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. After gaining hands-on experience in hospitality both in Ireland and abroad, she launched her first baking venture from her parents’ kitchen in 2018 at the age of 21.

Since then, she has scaled the business into one of Ireland’s leading producers of plant-based bakery products. Today, she supplies nationwide supermarkets and foodservice partners, has a strong presence in the independent coffee sector, and continues to grow online. Along the way, she has also led the opening of a retail location, built a dynamic team of 10, and created award winning products that have become favourites among plant-based and non-plant-based consumers alike.

Connect with Aisling:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislingtuck222/

Website: https://nakedbakes.ie/

Produced by Winter Audio

What does it mean to lead with trust and transform an organisation for the future? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Anne Unsworth, Head of Retail Operations at Dee Set: Complete Retail Solutions, master practitioner of NLP, and a passionate champion of people in commercial teams.

Anne’s journey is a lesson in resilience and curiosity. From building her career at Master Foods (Mars), through two decades at Tactical Solutions supporting iconic brands in retail, to leading ESG strategy and championing diversity, her approach is founded on integrity, transparency, and the belief that people are at the heart of every successful business.

If you’re interested in leading sustainable change and tapping into the power of communication, make sure you tune in.

Here are the highlights: 

00:00 Introduction: Anne’s career journey from hospitality to field marketing

02:09 What is field marketing in retail?

03:17 Leading ESG: sustainability and social responsibility

05:10 Focusing on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

06:52 Anne’s first management role and building relationships

07:32 How team meetings shaped her approach to leadership

08:45 Learning every day in ESG

12:39 The core leadership values: trust, transparency, and integrity

13:58 How personal adversity shaped Anne’s leadership journey

16:42 Discovering NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and its impact

17:51 Why the language we use matters in sales and leadership

22:11 Training Tactical teams in NLP for confidence and communication

23:31 Building team resilience and delivering change projects

25:43 Advice for sales leaders: be authentic, encourage debate

27:25 Anne’s sales leader's secret.

Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

​

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

​

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

​

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

​

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

​

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Anne Unsworth:

With 25 years in the Grocery Retail industry, I have built a successful career in account and field performance management. Working with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and brands.

I’ve also led large-scale change management projects within company  operations and sales teams using NLP to drive success.

Always passionate about personal and professional growth, I made the most of my commuting time during Covid-19 to dive into NLP, becoming a certified NLP, TLT® & Hypnosis Practitioner in 2019, a Master Practitioner in 2021, and NLP Trainer that same year. 

I am the founder and director of Clear Path Success, delivering NLP training to companies in the FMCG sector and beyond.

Outside of work, I’m a  devoted mother and wife, a keen runner, and an enthusiastic traveller, always looking for my next adventure.

My advice to you all is Trust Your Unconscious mind and seize every opportunity.

Connect with Anne:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-unsworth-3474992/

Produced by Winter Audio

What’s it like to build a career around changing the way we think about disability? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks with Esi Hardy, founder of Celebrating Disability and a leading voice on inclusion.

Esi’s path has been far from typical. From training as an actress and working in performing arts in LA, to moving into health and social care, she’s now running her own business helping organisations and individuals create spaces where disabled people can thrive.

If you’re interested in leadership with purpose and building workplaces where everyone belongs, this episode is worth a listen.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:50 Starting a business after leaving charity work

06:42 Driving disability inclusion with Homes for Students

09:53 Learning leadership through early challenges

13:04 Building inclusive hiring practices

18:48 Choosing value-driven clients and redefining authenticity at work

22:40 Building a value-led pipeline through SEO and exploratory calls

28:36 Disability activism shifted my mindset

33:09 Faking It, Making It

Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

​

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

​

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

​

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

​

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

​

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Esi Hardy:

Esi Hardy is the founder and Managing Director of Celebrating Disability, a consultancy established in 2017 to promote disability inclusion in workplaces. With a background in public services, social care, and the charity sector, Esi has consistently focused on advocating for the rights of disabled people. Her diverse career path includes experiences as a theatre actress and a psychodynamic counsellor, all unified by her commitment to disability advocacy.

As she has cerebral palsy and identifies as a hybrid wheelchair user, Esi draws on her lived experience to highlight the barriers faced by disabled people. This perspective enriches her consultancy work, enabling organisations to implement strategies that foster truly inclusive environments.

Celebrating Disability offers tailored services, including disability inclusion training, consultancy, and guest speaking engagements. The consultancy takes a pan-disability approach, addressing a range of impairments including neurodiversity, sensory impairments, and long-term health conditions. In addition to Esi, services are delivered by associate trainers, each with their own lived experience of disability, who bring diverse insights to every session.

Connect with Esi:

Website: https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/

Produced by Winter Audio

What does it take to lead a team of over 2,500 people and still keep things grounded? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Ella Cookson, a standout leader at Tropic Skincare. Ella’s story is one of resilience. After a tough few years, she rebuilt her confidence and has gone on to support thousands of ambassadors across the UK.

Ella talks honestly about the ups and downs of leadership, how she’s grown her team, and what’s helped her stay true to herself along the way. You’ll hear how Tropic has shaped a fresh approach to direct selling, and why community and recognition matter more than ever.

If you’re leading a team or thinking about taking that step, this one’s for you.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

05:45 Preservative-free natural skincare (the tropic difference)

09:17 Empowering women through skincare sales

11:45 Empowering team leadership

15:00 Letting go of control

19:31 Using human design to unlock your power

22:06 Understanding your team

25:01 Empower and celebrate your team

28:59 Sales leadership secrets revealed

Join us each month between August and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Ella Cookson

I’m a mum of two young kids, a skincare enthusiast, and a proud ambassador for Tropic Skincare. I’m part of Tropic’s Diamond Advisory board, which means I get to help shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing ethical beauty brands, while also supporting an incredible team of women to build flexible businesses around their lives.

Ever thought a farm field could turn into a five-star getaway? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Joanne Collinge, a former teacher who traded the classroom for a life on the family farm in Lancashire. What started as a challenge to bring in extra income has grown into Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping, a rural retreat with serious charm.

Joanne shares how she built the business from scratch, using creativity, second-hand materials, and sheer determination. With no background in sales or marketing, she learned as she went, often with her daughter by her side guiding her through social media.

Listen to hear how Joanne turned a side project into a standout brand, what it’s really like running a business with your family, and why keeping it personal has made all the difference.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

02:08 A career crossroads, from the classroom to the farm

05:14 Glamping begins: A naive idea, and taking a bold leap

07:58 Growing with grit: Building with scrap and story

10:32 Leading as a family: roles, respect, and Rr16:43 Standing out in sales: Marketing & ‘Four in a Bed’ fame

19:34 Values-driven leadership: respect, autonomy, and mistakes welcome

22:15 Looking ahead: vision, sustainability, and boutique growth

Join us each month between July and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Joanne Collinge

Joanne is a former teacher turned entrepreneur who left the classroom to create a one of a kind glamping site built from upcycled materials on her family farm. Passionate about sustainability and the great outdoors, Joanne's innovative retreat has won multiple awards and even been on TV.  She thrives on connecting people with nature. 

Find out more: https://www.littleoakhurst.com/

Have you ever wondered how a small food startup with just four people became one of the UK’s leading names in the food-to-go industry? In this episode of Sales Leaders’ Secrets, Amanda Downs sits down with Lee Personius, founder and CEO of Tugo.

From humble beginnings in a rundown trading estate, Lee has grown Tugo into a £22 million business and he’s aiming to double that in the next decade. He shares how he secured early investment, won over big customers, and maintained a close-knit team culture along the way.

Tune in to learn more about leadership, growth, and why celebrating with pizza matters more than you think.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

05:16 Early stage mistakes and growth

06:56 Startup journey with key support

11:23 Balancing family feel & performance

13:47 Why some people are built to be entrepreneurs

18:39 Developing a softer leadership style over time

21:48 Reliable support in tough times

24:28 Caution in crisis

27:54  Be clear on what you do

Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Lee Personius: 

Lee Personius is the Founder & CEO of Tugo Food, a forward-thinking foodservice company on a mission to make great food more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable. Tugo works with partners across the food industry to deliver smart, flexible food solutions that meet the demands of modern service without compromising on quality or values.

Under Lee’s leadership, Tugo has grown into a purpose-driven business that doesn’t just talk the talk. They’re proud to be a certified B Corp, a Gold-accredited Investors in People organisation, a Times Best Places to Work honouree, and a National Living Wage Employer. That people-first, sustainability-focused mindset is baked into everything they do—from product innovation to company culture.

With over 20 years of experience in business leadership and a deep passion for doing things differently, Lee brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to how companies can grow with integrity. In this episode, we’ll dive into his journey, how Tugo is reshaping foodservice, and what it means to build a company that’s both commercially smart and ethically sound.

Produced by Winter Audio.

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan). 

Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets. 

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training

08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000

12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling

14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives

17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling

25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values

28:35 Unlocking potential through leadership.

Join us each month between May  and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Babette Ogden:

I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing opportunity.

Connect with Babette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babette-ogden-5a515317/

Are you ready to redefine your sales leadership approach? Join your host, Amanda Downs, as she sits down with Katey Coleman, Associate Director at Carl Zeiss. With over seventeen years of experience, Katey shares her journey from being a young sales manager at only 20, to leading cross-functional teams today. Discover her secrets to maintaining team engagement, fostering emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of stakeholder management. Whether you're on the cusp of your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode is full of insights that will elevate your sales leadership. Tune in and unlock new strategies to empower your team and achieve business success!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Keeping remote teams engaged

08:46 The importance of understanding the people around you

13:49 Advice for effective stakeholder management

18:24 Leading with authenticity and vulnerability 

23:53 Katey's tips for future sales leaders

Join us each month between April and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Katey Coleman:

With over 17 years of commercial leadership experience in the fast-paced FMCG sector, Katey Coleman has mastered the art of driving exceptional business results while leading with authenticity.

Throughout her distinguished career, Katey has successfully led field teams, national account managers, and entire commercial functions for some of the industry's most prestigious blue-chip manufacturers. Today, she brings this wealth of expertise to the optical industry, where her strategic vision continues to create meaningful impact.

What truly distinguishes Katey is her unwavering commitment to authentic and vulnerable leadership. She firmly believes this approach represents not merely a passing trend, but the future of effective leadership. Katey genuinely walks the talk—driving performance while leading with heart and fostering environments where teams thrive through genuine connection.

What drives successful sales leaders to embrace change and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks to Pete Gillett, a pioneer in CRM systems and lead management, to uncover the secrets behind leading customer connections and fostering team motivation. Discover how Pete's journey to becoming a dynamic sales leader offers invaluable insights into nurturing a productive workplace culture and leveraging the power of personalised marketing in the digital age. Get ready to be inspired by a leader who not only champions innovation but also values the importance of a supportive and health-conscious team environment.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:44 COVID impacted fundraising significantly

08:53 B2B marketing often neglects lead management despite high exhibition spending

13:23 They appreciate constant change and development.

16:46 We allow flexible operation with clear objectives, focusing on outcomes and direction despite changes.

17:49 Leaders should slow down and focus on listening to others 

23:15 Lead with fairness, honesty, and hard work

27:04 Just do it; success often follows overcoming initial fear and loneliness.

27:53 Choosing a business partner requires complementary skills to ensure success and avoid conflicts.

32:10 Personalised handwritten notes stand out and are valued over generic emails. 

Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Pete Gillett:

Pete Gillett is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and industry leader with over four decades of experience in database marketing and CRM. He is the CEO and founder of Zuant, a pioneering company launched in 2007 that specialises in CRM applications for mobile devices. Under Pete’s visionary leadership, Zuant has become a leading provider of tools that enable businesses to capture, manage, and analyze customer data in real-time, enhancing marketing communications and sales performance.

In addition to his role at Zuant, Pete is also the Managing Director of Marketpoint Global. Since 1982, Marketpoint has been delivering powerful, data-driven marketing solutions designed to maximize sales and marketing performance for clients across various industries. Pete’s work at Marketpoint reflects his commitment to innovation and his straightforward approach to achieving optimal results.

Curious about the secrets behind a thriving family business in the world of vitamins and supplements? Amanda Downs sits down with Holly Thallon Steenson, the Managing Director at Viridian Nutrition, the UK’s leading brand in pure vitamins and supplements. Holly shares her unique journey from event management to stepping into her family's business, emphasising the importance of values, curiosity, and championing causes that matter. This episode offers invaluable sales insights and motivational advice. Join us and learn how to cultivate purpose, passion, and success in your business journey!

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:56 Transitioning to a family business

10:30 Team communication during times of change

14:54 Overcoming self-doubt with mentorship

19:48 Cultivating a connected company culture

24:31 Leadership and family in business

Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Holly Thannon Steenson:

Holly has grown up in the natural products industry and carved out her own career in business and events management, before following in the footsteps of her mother and Viridian Nutrition Founder and Co-owner Cheryl Thallon into the ethical vitamin company. With her hands-on approach to retail and technology, and enthusiasm for the specialist natural products sector, Holly is making her own mark at Viridian. She regularly gives presentations and industry insights into good practice to support and enhance specialist health retail offering.

Holly’s values and beliefs are firmly rooted in sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical health solutions, which form the Viridian mission. Her fresh approach enables her to connect with the current wave of ethically conscious shoppers. In 2024, on the company’s 25th anniversary, Holly stepped into the role of second generation managing director, continuing the Viridian mission of nourishing health and happiness for everyone via the specialist independent food stores.