If leadership is so important, how come we seem to be so bad at doing it?

This week, Carl talks to Peter Anderton, leadership and organisational specialist.  With clients such as Jaguar Landrover, Trelleborg Industrial Tyres, Huntsman Corporation, the NHS, Nottingham City Council and more, Peter has definitely go the t-shirt when it comes to being there and doing it.

An engineer by background, Peter spent a number of years working as a Production Manager, before moving into organisational development, and leadership training to create brilliant leaders and help employees and managers work together without getting in each other’s way.

Recommended Resources:

Ernesto Sirolli TED Talk

Brenne Brown – The Power Of Vulnerability

3 Sets of Power Questions – Text “2rules” to 01408 955020

Recommended Books:

Andy Cope & Andy Whittaker – The Art Of Being Brilliant

How to Connect:

Peter:

LinkedIn

Web  – Internal Alignment

Web – Discovery Expert

 

Can boosting your productivity free you up to build a better life beyond work? Or would this result in you simply filling the time you’ve saved with… MORE productive work?

This week, Carl talks to Graham Allcott, author of “How to be a Productivity Ninja” and founder of Think Productive – one of the world’s leading providers of productivity training.

It’s refreshing to know that Graham practises what he preaches (he’s just returned from a 6 month sabbatical). As Graham explains: “I don’t think you can have good productivity WITHOUT a good Work/Life balance – and vice versa.”

One of his biggest conclusions from his time away from work, is that humans are WEIRD – and that the challenge is, to understand and own your own ‘weirdness’ – and your own boundaries.

In this week’s episode, Graham and Carl talk about productivity and flow, the things that drive us, the perils of both “hustle” and comparing yourself with others – and how thinking about ‘being mortal’ can help keep everything in perspective. 

Recommended Books:

Status Anxiety

The War of Art

Being Mortal

Recommended Tools:

Think Productive Weekly Checklist PDF

Graham’s Book & Podcast:

How to be a Productivity Ninja

Beyond Busy

How to Connect:

Graham:

Web

LinkedIn

Twitter

Think Productive:

Web

Twitter

Facebook

YouTube

Could thinking like a toddler really help you grow your business?

Most entrepreneurs spend their time looking for BIG wins. But this week’s guest, Paul Lindley compellingly argues that it’s the ‘little wins’, that hold a number of important keys to growth.

Paul himself is no stranger to big success. A serial entrepreneur, he is the founder of leading organic baby food brand Ella’s Kitchen (named after his daughter) – and more recently, bathtime products brand Paddy’s Bathroom (named after his son).

In this week’s episode, Paul shares how thinking like a toddler can help unlock creativity and personal potential – not by learning new skills – but by rediscovering old ones.

In a world where many people are trying to solve personal, professional and societal problems using solutions that have repeatedly failed – Paul offers a vision of a more imaginative, free thinking and confident future, in which we (re)learn to explore, fail, and think divergently – enabling us to achieve new kinds of success.

There are some moments of reflection, too, as Paul (who, like our host Carl turned 50 last birthday) talks about how his priorities are changing, what’s next – and a commitment to business as a force for good.    

Recommended Books:

Delivering Happiness

Start with Why

Paul’s Book:

Little Wins

YouTube:

Do Schools Kill Creativity

Recommended Tools:

Spritzinc

How to Connect:

Paul:

LinkedIn

Twitter

Ella’s Kitchen:

Web

Twitter

Facebook

Paddy’s Bathroom:

Web

Twitter

Facebook

Does working longer hours always lead to greater success? Or should you prioritise your wellbeing and mental health, when looking to grow your business?

Traditional business narratives tell us to grab ANY opportunity to gain more revenue – and that the more hours you work, the more successful your business will become.

But, when the increased workload tips the balance – it can take you from leading a passion-led business you enjoy, to living a stressful nightmare, focussed solely on profit.

Is it worth it?

What if you could run your own business, without being buried under a mountain of anxiety?

Tom Hodgkinson is founder of The Idler, a magazine devoted to helping people lead more fulfilled lives; and The Idler Academy, which offers online and real world courses in the liberal arts and practical skills, from philosophy and ukulele to business skills and singing.

In this episode, Tom and Carl discuss how: finding a work life balance sometimes means choosing NOT to grow your business, the perils of investing more than is returned on social media, and the advantages of owning a lifestyle business, rather than being a “posh slave” to a traditional corporate job.

Recommended Books:

Do Nothing

Start It Up

Gods of Management

The Empty Raincoat

The Second Curve

Inspirational People:

Craig Sams

Tom’s Book:

Business for Bohemians

How to Connect:

Tom:

LinkedIn

The Idler:

Web

Twitter

Facebook

Tom is also offering a discounted one year print subscription to The Idler magazine (six issues for a one off payment of £27) to Twentisphere listeners. Use promo code 2001 at the checkout.

 

 

These days, there’s a lot of talk about personal and professional coaching in the UK – with over 80% of larger companies now using coaching in the workplace.

But can coaching – with its robust and energetic mixture of support and challenge, really help people succeed in life and at work? Or is it just a Jedi ‘mind trick’?

Kim Morgan has over 25 years experience of psychology and people development, across all sectors of public and private business – and was one of the UK’s first executive business and personal coaches.

Her company, Barefoot Coaching, pioneered the development of university-accredited coach education in the UK – and is now one of the most successful coaching (and coach training) businesses in Britain.

In this episode, Kim explains how she can (almost) walk into a business – and know who is being coached and who isn’t – and shares a powerful example, of how coaching can enable people to achieve impressive results.

Recommended Books:

Time to Think

Daring Greatly

Recommended Tools:

Coaching Cards

MyZento

Recommended Events:

High Growth Summit

How to Connect:

Kim:

Linked in

Barefoot Coaching

Web

LinkedIn

Twitter

Fancy going along to the Barefoot Coaching Winter Conference in London on Thursday 7 December? Use code TWENTISPHERE to get £10 off the ticket price on Eventbrite at:

 

How do you feel about other people in the same line of business, or area of work as yourself? Do you find yourself feeling resentful towards perceived ‘competitors’?

Competition is a fact of life, both in the workplace and in business. But comparison can have toxic consequences. Not just for our personal wellbeing, but also for our professional success.

But what if we truly believed that someone else’s success does not take away from our own, overcame our insecurities and negativity – and decided to embrace the idea of becoming positively and whole heartedly ourselves?

Cara Alwill Leyba previously worked in advertising with MTV – and had an office off Times Square. She is now a bestselling author, podcast host and life coach. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

In this episode, Cara and Carl discuss: the importance of being authentic and consistent, how your vibe attracts your tribe, and how making a ‘celebration list’ at the end of the day can help you manage your mindset – and celebrate your success. Wherever you are right now, on your personal or professional journey.

Recommended Books:

Big Magic

Think & Grow Rich

The Secret

Cara’s Books:

Girl Code

The Champagne Diet

How to Connect:

Cara:

Linked in

Web

Twitter

Instagram

 

Have you been thinking about trying to protect the IP in your business – but need to know what to do next? Maybe you need to work out what IP you already have in your business – and decide what to prioritise?

Many people in business find themselves in a bit of a quandry, when it comes to IP – but Emma Richards is here to help.

Emma works for the IPO (Intellectual Property Office) the government department, responsible for granting intellectual property rights in the UK.

In this episode, Carl takes the opportunity to get some advice for his own business – and Emma shares the various ways you can access online and in person information and support, to help you with any application.

As Emma explains, your IP doesn’t have to be the next rocket to the moon, to add significant value to your business.

Listen in, to find out more about:

The importance of acting quickly, to protect your inventions first – and using confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, when discussing your ideas with others.

How to get advice on protecting processes and applications – which use combinations of products and components you don’t own the IP for.

How to find out whether another brand already has a trademark covering the use of a name with regard to certain classes of goods and services.

What to do if you also need international IP protection.

How to Connect:

IPO:

Web

Twitter

Podcast

IP Health Check

IP Equip: FREE Intellectual Property Course

Events

Subscribe for Alerts

Emma:

Linked in

Twitter

Other Recommended Websites:

World IPO

European IPO

Anti Copying In Design (ACID)

 

Being in debt doesn’t carry the stigma it once used to. In fact, these days, it’s often just seen as the norm. As levels of personal debt in the UK continue to climb, some people take a very relaxed attitude towards debt into their business – or life at work.

In some cases, there may be justifiable reasons for payment being withheld – but all too often, we may find ourselves dealing with someone who either can’t – or won’t – pay.

Bad debts don’t just cause serious financial issues. As many of us know to our cost, they also often result in devastating breakdowns in personal and professional relationships.

As a child, this week’s guest, Claire Twells, wanted to become a jockey. But watching Ally McBeal on TV, when she was growing up, persuaded her to become a lawyer instead.

Claire is now a partner at Smith Partnership, a leading law firm in the East Midlands, where she is Business Development Partner – and Head of Debt Recovery.

In this episode, Claire explains how she’s compelled by a strong sense of professional justice. Sometimes revelling in being shouted at by debtors, she’s deeply committed to “fighting for what’s right”. Claire and her team help clients who haven’t received the money they are due, get paid – or get their money back.

Listen in to find out:

What you need to know about the person/company you’re dealing with BEFORE you do business with them.

The importance of protecting yourself and your business, with contracts and terms and conditions.

Why you shouldn’t ignore your intuition, if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right.

How you can get legal support with credit control, so you can get your money – and your life back.

Recommended Books:

Lean In

How to Connect:

Claire:

Linked in

Web

Smith Partnership

Web

LinkedIn

Twitter

Resources

Web

Activate Debt Recovery Service

How to get tough on Credit Control in 2017

Late payment interest and compensation

 

When it starts to look like your business is in trouble, how can a lawyer help make it better?

Robin Johnston helps businesses and their stakeholders, to identify and overcome ‘existential threats’ – and achieve the best possible outcome, in difficult situations.

Despite the stigma that can sometimes surround business difficulties, Robin explains how many distressed situations are not primarily due to management incompetence or market conditions – but rather the result of cashflow or supply chain issues – or simply from overtrading under conditions of business success.

Driven by his deep commitment to “leave things – and people – in a better state than I found them”, Robin explains how a solicitor, who understands the legal mechanics of rescue, can work together with you, your accountant and financial advisor, to provide the legal and financial help you need.

Listen in, to find out:

Why it’s vital to seek help early

The importance of a getting a forward thinking, big picture perspective

The duties of Directors of limited companies

The risks associated with having a ‘50/50’ business partnership

Why Brexit is prompting companies to get up-to-date legal advice on their contracts and Terms and Conditions

In this wide-ranging discussion, Robin and Carl also discuss the importance of Resilience in business – and how professional recruitment is changing, as companies move away from recruiting on ‘competence’ alone – towards increasingly valuing character, values, attitude – and trust.

Recommended Documents

The Companies Act 2006

The Insolvency Act

Recommended Books:

Black Box Thinking

The Personal MBA

The Speed of Trust (Recommended by Carl)

Recommended Podcasts:

The Art of Charm

The James Altucher Show

How to Connect:

Robin:

Web

Linked in

Twitter

Buckles

Web

LinkedIn

Twitter

Are you desperate to get the legal advice you need to protect your company – but worried that by picking up the phone to a law firm, you’re going to find yourself charged on a quarter hourly rate?

You’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve been trading without legal advice for 20 years – but worry that at some stage, you could be caught out, because you are not compliant – or you are exposing yourself to risk?

The good news, is that the best firms are doing things very differently these days – and offering all sorts of FREE help for clients, including:

Reviews of company websites – and standard Ts&C’s

Fact Sheets

Live Seminars

that give you an opportunity to benefit from their advice and expertise – without cost or obligation.

In this week’s show, Carl talks to Michelle Craven-Faulkner, Partner at Geldards law firm in Derby – and Head of the Commercial Team in the Midlands.

In this value packed episode, guaranteed to bust any stereotypical preconceptions you may have about Commercial Lawyers, Michelle’s contagious passion and energy – both for her profession – and serving her clients, shines through.

Listen in, to find out more about:

The two most powerful tools you can use to protect the Intellectual Property in your business (without talking to a lawyer)

The challenges and opportunities of Brexit – and the window of opportunity for companies looking to export.

More information about the FREE help available.

Recommended Contacts:

Department for International Trade (Exporting)

How to Connect:

Michelle:

Web

Linked in

Twitter

Geldards

Web

LinkedIn

Twitter

Click on the image below to download the Geldards Business Basics FREE Fact Sheet ‘Confidentiality & Copyright’