Jordan Farrar talks about unlocking the Digital World and SEio with Kirsty van den Byulk on The Wise Why.

In this engaging episode, we dive into digital marketing with special guest Jordan Farah from Acoker SEO. Based in Whitney, West Oxfordshire, Jordan brings his expertise to small businesses seeking a robust online presence through effective website design and traffic-driving strategies like pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimisation (SEO).

Key Points Discussed:

The role of a well-designed website in converting visitors into customers.

Demystifying SEO and pay-per-click advertising for business owners.

Keyword research is essential in aligning content with what potential customers are searching for online.

Jordan's Journey:

Learn about Jordan's unique path from military service to mastering digital marketing, which led him to find Acoker SEO.

His transition from army life to civilian career challenges and how audiobooks inspired his mindset shift.

Networking Insights:

Discover the value of informal networking events like Business Buzz hosted by Jordan himself.

Understand why one-to-one meetings post-networking can be instrumental in building meaningful business relationships.

Tune in as we explore these topics and more, gaining valuable insights from an industry professional who has navigated significant career shifts while maintaining a passion for connecting businesses with their target audiences online.

Contact Jordan: https://akoca-seo.co.uk/

Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

Chapters:

00:14 The Wise Why

00:34 Jordan Farrar

02:44 Digital Platforms

04:31 SEO

07:37 Jordan the Person

09:23 leaving the Army

11:26 Launching an E-commerce Business

13:41 Networking

14:35 Business Buzz

18:35 Seven Seconds

18:35 Mindset

22:53 Section Commander

25:24 3-2-1 Rule

27:31 Family Business

29:49 SEO and its relevance

31:59 Close

#networking #wordpress #businessowner

Louise Demetriou joins Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Way to talk about how a workplace culture will make or break a company and her journey to understanding the importance of neural pathways and how they underpin successful leadership.

Louise Demetriou is a seasoned neuro-based executive coach and founder of Culture Code. During this episode, she shares her beliefs on leadership and the significance of creating workplace cultures that align with core values.

Louise shares with Kirsty her inspiring journey from her humble beginnings in Yorkshire to her profound exploration of human behaviours through sociology and, eventually, finding her calling in Human Resources. They discuss how Louise's HR career began with a temporary role at Odeon Cinemas, which led her to senior positions where she was challenged to align with corporate values.

They also talk about the pivotal moment preceding the pandemic when burnout catalysed Louise's decision to leave her corporate job, which led her to a journey of self-discovery during lockdown and her immersion into the world of neurocoaching through TechPixies.

Throughout the conversation, Louise demystifies neural pathways, childhood belief formation, and the profound impact of challenging subconscious thoughts on decision-making. She also explains the importance of fostering company culture, which extends beyond HR's scope and echoes the behaviours of senior leadership.

Discover how Culture Code facilitates the establishment of robust cultural foundations while supporting burnt-out HR leaders through coaching. The episode concludes with a reflection on Louise's poignant relocation from London to York during lockdown, driven by a pursuit of familial connections and newfound happiness amidst initial adversities.

They also discuss the significance of mentorship and cultivating support networks, which are essential for navigating professional growth and personal fulfilment. Kirsty and Louise's conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, human behaviours, and workplace dynamics. It is an inspiring exploration of the profound impact of aligning work with core values.

Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

Contact Louise: https://louisedemetriou.com/

#leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #humanresources

Crystal Gregory talks with host Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Why podcast about growing your business online and how embracing change will empower you to succeed.

Crystal is an online business strategy expert focusing on empowering women to build courses and communities. Originally from Wales, she shares her journey from teaching to entrepreneurship and offers insights into how women entrepreneurs can elevate their businesses through strategic online presence.

The discussion delves into Crystal's expertise and her work in assisting women to create impactful online content. She shares insights on identifying unique strengths, overcoming fears and mindset issues when scaling a business, and introduces her CLEAR Method strategy framework for focused impact. Crystal also provides time management tips for maintaining balance, explains the importance of vision boards in visualising business goals, and shares her perspective on balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.

The conversation also explores how to pivot a business during the pandemic, the benefits of offering free advice, and the role of AI in online businesses. Crystal underlines the importance of human connection and authenticity, encouraging listeners to connect with her for further assistance in amplifying their online businesses. At the end of the episode, Crystal invites listeners to virtual coffee chats for strategy advice and summarises the listener takeaways, which include understanding niches, aligning values, embracing change, and building relationships.

Chapters:

00:16 Welcome to The Wise Why

00:34 Crystal Gregory

01:48 Empowering Women

03:40 Married to a Niche

05:56 Work, Life, Balance

09:05 Big Goals

10:24 What is Success

13:30 Legacy and Impact

15:35 Thoughtful Observer

17:45 Barefoot Doctor

19:40 Calls for Success

21:28 Hybrid Business

22:47 Your Professional You

24:51 AI and Business

26:13 Close

Contact Crystal: https://cleverx.com/@Crystal-Gregory

Contact Kirsty www.kvdb.co.uk

#womeninbusiness #femalefounders #startingabusiness

Simon Nichols, the visionary behind "It's Time 2 Thrive," engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Why. Together, they delve into the nuances of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, sharing their journeys of acceptance and understanding of their unique cognitive styles. This personal touch will resonate with our audience of HR professionals, managers, and employees interested in DEI initiatives. Kirsty openly shares her discomfort with the term and talks about empowering her daughter to accept her neurodiversity. In contrast, Simon shares how he normalises neurodiversity and neurodivergence in the workplace. The conversation covers personal experiences and debunks common myths surrounding neurodiverse conditions. They discuss the difference between "neurodiversity" and "neurodiverse." Neurodiversity refers to all forms of human neurological variation, while "neurodiverse" pertains to individuals who think differently due to specific diagnoses. Simon shares his experience with discovering his ADHD diagnosis at the age of 47 and how it provided clarity and understanding about past life challenges and strengths. Kirsty, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, talks about her struggles and triumphs living with these conditions. She emphasises the importance of tools like AI for assistance and highlights the need for personalised strategies. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about ADHD, including stereotypes about its origins, such as diet or video games. It emphasises its impact beyond mere disorganisation and how, when appropriately understood, it can foster unique abilities in focus and creativity. The discussion also touches on the importance of "Thrive," founded by Simon, amidst personal mental health battles to help others one person at a time. The organisation educates workplaces about making reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent employees and collaborates with Babcock to lead their innovative Aware webinar & champion workshop. Insights offered include the importance of language and how it shapes how we view ourselves within society's labels, the need for understanding individual thinking patterns and embracing diverse cognitive styles within professional environments, and the value of tools like Grammarly as aids but not replacements for personal judgment or learning efforts such as grammar education later in life. The episode underscores the transformative potential of support systems tailored towards diverse minds, personally and corporately. As DEI initiatives gain momentum across industries, companies must prioritise inclusivity through education programs like those offered by Thrive, which is a testament to progressiveness and practical application in today's workforce landscape. This emphasis on the positive impact of DEI initiatives will inspire our audience.

Chapters:

00:21 Open - Feedback

01:13 Personal Journeys

02:00 Get Rid of Myths

06:13 It is not a Disorder

08:13 Superpower Debate

10:06 Thrive Training

12:49 Accepting Help

16:44 Artistic Spelling

20:00 It's Time to Thrive

25:31 Babcock & Coca Cola

27:23 Advocating Neurodiversity

34:04 Read my Blog https://kvdb.co.uk/content-marketing/dyspraxia-and-dyslexia-my-journey/

37:01 Close

Contact Simon: https://itstime2thrive.co.uk/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

Stef van Boerkel joins Kirsty van den Bulk to discuss how to succeed in European e-commerce sales markets. Together, they delve into the complexities and challenges of launching products on Amazon and expanding across European markets, offering valuable guidance for small businesses and large corporations.

During their conversation, Stef and Kirsty touch on a range of crucial topics. They discuss the challenges of cross-border selling, the merits and drawbacks of distributor models versus direct sales, and offer advice tailored to small players. They also examine the shift towards localised distribution models, the impact of Brexit on UK-EU trade, and the role of cultural differences in business approaches.

Throughout the episode, Stef shares not just his professional insights but also personal anecdotes that underscore the practicality of his advice. Drawing on his experience assisting manufacturers with warehouse management systems and customer support, he emphasizes the importance of providing seamless localised shopping experiences for European customers. He also reflects on his Dutch upbringing, its influence on his work ethic, and the value of intuition in decision-making.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned from past experiences, both good and bad, and how these lessons shape future choices, particularly regarding career paths or business growth strategies.

Chapters:

00.00 Selling on Amazon

02:32 Tackling the European Market

05:33 The Evolution of Distribution Models

09:34 The Role of Distributors

10:45 Addressing Brexit

13:01 The Man Behind the Brand

15:51 Cultural Work Ethics

20:54 Inspiration and Driving Forces

23:29 Decision-Making and Following Intuition

25:49 Advice for the Younger Generation

27:20 KVDB and how it helps.

Contact Stef: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefvanboekel/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk#businessineurope #salesandmarketing #productsales

Aziz Musa talks with Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Why about his journey from being the youngest CEO to a social entrepreneur and how he saved his staff and students. Aziz is a Blackpool native with Sudanese heritage who started a venture to train the next generation in digital skills in Sudan, where such education was non-existent due to long-standing sanctions.During the conversation, Aziz shared his epiphany when he realised that his professional success was not adding value to the world. This realisation led him and his wife to establish a venture focused on empowering young people in Sudan with digital skills. The conversation also touched upon Aziz's challenges during the conflict in Sudan, which led him to relocate his family and employees to keep them safe. Despite such challenges, Aziz's agency continues its mission of empowering young people with digital skills in Sudan while adapting to new challenges.Aziz's journey is inspiring and shows resilience and compassion towards those who rely upon strong leadership during times of crisis. It is a call to action for anyone looking for more meaning in their careers or considering pivots towards socially impactful endeavours.

00:44 Aziz Introduces himself

01:50 Life as a CEO

03:12 Moving to Sudan

03:31 Microphone Feedback

06:31 Growing up in Lancashire

08:09 Reality of Sudan

10:22 When War broke out

12:26 Debating selfishness13:25 Mum Guilt

14:47 Escape to Egypt

17:29 My Dad, the Hero

19:27 Rascim

21:55 I Nearly Lost Everything24:29 Comments

26:40 Respecting cultures

29:08 Teaching and online courses

32:16 What next?

Contact Aziz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azizmusa/

Zoe Morrall, a former primary and computer skills teacher with 24 years of experience, talks with Kirsty van den Bulk on The Wise Why podcast.

Zoe shares her story on transitioning from education to entrepreneurship with Kirsty van den Bulk.

During the podcast, Kirsty and Zoe delve into their shared passion for technology and how they navigate changes in the field. Zoe opens up about her decision to leave teaching, driven by overwhelming stress and a solid desire to prioritise family time over work obligations. She also discusses her exploration of new avenues, including digital drawing, online course certification, and website design.

Zoe's experience inspired her to start Thrive After Teaching, a support network aimed at helping other teachers transition out of education. She also pursued coaching certification to refine her skills in assisting others professionally while learning web design.

Throughout the podcast, Zoe shares personal insights, including her experience with burnout as a teacher and the importance of work-life balance for working parents. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasising the benefits of joining communities related to their interests and investing in coaching to align their desired path with lifestyle goals.

Join Kirsty and Zoe as they explore these topics further and share their wisdom in this engaging episode of The Wise Why podcast.

Highlights:

00:27 Hello and Welcome

00:41 Zoe Morall

02:41 Cut Through Noise

05:03 Decision to Leave Teaching

07:33 Thrive After teaching

10:11 Starting School

12:08 A Teacher's Life

17:05 Mindshift

18:53 Find Your Tribe

22:24 The Computer Room

25:07 Stressful Moments

30:42 Close

Contact Zoe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoejanemorrall/

Rock Your Online Presence, Trio of Mini-Courses: https://kvdb.co.uk/online-courses-and-webinars-for-content-creation/

Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

#teaching #teachers #workingmom

Meet Mark Chandler, a multifaceted expert with a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments. Mark has an impressive career journey spans from acting to corporate roles at giants like BBC and Microsoft, startups, coaching, and even running Mastrick Productions.

Mark's emphasis on identifying and leveraging personal superpowers for productivity sets him apart. He believes that focus, memory, and emotional regulation are key drivers that can help individuals excel in their careers, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder post-COVID-19 or seeking efficiency as a startup founder.

Mark takes a holistic approach to productivity that centres on creating personalised systems tailored to individual strengths. His philosophy goes beyond conventional wisdom and champions the importance of mastering emotional regulation to enhance performance without compromising well-being.

Mark's insights into memory techniques are transformative for actors learning lines and business professionals aiming to improve engagement through active listening and visual communication. He reminds us that our fallible human memory can be honed into an asset with the proper habits.

In today's fast-paced and unpredictable world, Mark champions minimal planning coupled with resilience. He believes these two factors are crucial to adapting to life's constant ebbs and flows and achieving success.

If you're looking to change your career, seek guidance for your business, or overcome procrastination and perfectionism, Mark's practical, real-life solutions can help. His coaching philosophy emphasises learning/memory techniques and habit formation, and he has authored books on memory and productivity while researching 'superhuman productivity.'

Overall, Mark's story and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to unlock their potential and succeed personally and professionally.

Sure, here are the key points and recurring themes with timestamps:

Please find below the revised text:

Key Points:

1. Career Journey (00:00-01:30) - Mark Chandler has had a diverse career, ranging from acting to corporate jobs, startups, and coaching.

2. Memory Technique Influence (01:31-02:45) - An effective memory technique helped him to become a productivity expert.

3. Target Clientele (02:46-03:50) - His services are aimed at professionals who want to change their lives, founders/CEOs seeking business guidance, and individuals struggling with procrastination and perfectionism.

4. Productivity Approach (03:51-05:10) - He focuses on personal strengths and tailors productivity systems to suit individual needs. He also helps clients master emotional regulation.

5. Coaching Philosophy (05:11-06:20) - He offers practical solutions to real-life problems, emphasising learning/memory techniques and habit formation.

6. Authorship & Research (06:21-07:35) - He has written books on memory/productivity and researched 'superhuman productivity.'

7. Production Company Origin (07:36-08): The origin story of Mastrick Productions, his production company.

Recurring Themes:

A) Career Transitions & Strengths Leveraging

B) Memory/Productivity Techniques in Growth

C) Mentorship/Collaboration Impact

D) COVID-19 Career Effects & Adaptability

Significant Insights:

1. Memorization Strategy for Productivity (09:-10:)

2. Adaptability vs Planning(11:-12:)

3. Audience Engagement through Active Listening(13:-14)

4. Resilience through Seeking Help(15:-16)

#leadershipcoaching #leadershipdevelopment #memorytest #careertransition

Key Moments: 01:10 Holiday Season Enthusiasm Both speakers share their love for Christmas and the break it offers.03:30 Professional Background and Journey Tim Weaver discusses his transition from creative director to agency owner, focusing on niche markets.05:45 Business Focus and Strategy Emphasis on authenticity in branding as total experience and reputation management.08:20 Transition to Entrepreneurship Weaver is carefully planning his move into full-time entrepreneurship.10:35 Inspiration Sources Acknowledgment of family, networking events, online mentors, and industry peers as inspiration.12:50 Challenges and Learning in the First Year of Business Discussion on unpredictability, learning curves, attracting like-minded clients, and marketing complexities.15:40 Authenticity in Communication The importance of genuine communication in branding is highlighted.17:55 Future Goals & Reflections:** Weaver reflects on past achievements while looking forward to future challenges18:22 Marketing Scepticism: both sides express scepticism towards aggressive marketing tactics 19:33 Personal Branding Impact: Recognises personal brand effectiveness 21:02 Podcast Success: launching a podcast is considered one of the best decisions made despite initial reservations 22:16 Content Creation & Audience Interaction: content creation requires a minimum of 15 months to build traction; not all engaged audience members will interact visibly 24:29 Misconceptions About Video Marketing: Criticizes necessity advice video marketing, asserts various methods to create content without spending a lot of professional videos.25:47 Accessibility Camera-Shy Individuals: Acknowledges need for alternatives video marketing camera-shy individuals assures other practical options. 27:09 Authenticity Over Production: Discusses the importance of genuine, authentic content over highly polished professional videos, which occasionally deter audience engagement.28:31 Organic Marketing Authentic Engagement: Stresses preference for organic marketing strategies paid advertising, suggesting authentic engagement is valuable even comes smaller audience.29:52 Persistence Consistency: Emphasizes the need for perseverance in content marketing regardless of initial signs of engagement algorithm challenges.31:04 Valuing Quality Over Quantity Advises focusing on a smaller, more engaged audience rather than seeking a large, dispassionate following. 32:15 The 'Mic Drop' Conclusion Ends note agreement cultivating dedicated, engaged audience however small meaningful effective chasing mass appeal.

Join host Kirsty van den Bulk in a captivating conversation Ep 71 of 'The Wise Why' with her guest, Ant Parsons, as they explore the transformative power of active listening. Kirsty expresses gratitude for Ant's guidance and collaboration with OXLEP through ALP Synergy Limited, setting the stage for a rich dialogue.

Ant shares his entrepreneurial journey, unravelling the multifaceted nature of his venture supporting businesses in Oxfordshire and beyond. Dive into ALP Synergy's unique initiatives, from grants in scenic locales like the Forest of Dean to revitalising a water charity. Ant's resilience and Environment Agency background adds depth to the narrative.

The conversation delves into the fluid role of mentorship and the artistry of active listening. ALP Synergy's thriving business model, backed by a mission-driven team funded by the central government, takes centre stage. The episode takes a festive turn as Kirsty shares her Christmas wish for a dream farm project, embodying ambition and community spirit.

In contrast, Kirsty shares a heartfelt Christmas wish, envisioning someone turning dreams into reality for those facing life's storms, especially those without homes. Her aspiration to amplify this vision on 'Loose Women' reflects a deep commitment to positive change. Kirsty's journey from poverty to a degree underscores her mission to guide lost spirits.

The episode concludes with Kirsty's plea for support and an aspiration to seize the 'Loose Women' stage. Join us for this thought-provoking exchange, emphasising business savvy and attentive listening. Subscribe, like, and share for more wisdom and inspiration!

Find more about Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

Find more about Ant: ALP Synergy.

#businesssuccess #entrepreneurs #environmentalist #activelistening #ChristmasWish #TheWiseWhy #Inspiration