Working On It

In this episode, Brad interviews financial advisor Doug Bennett, known as the "goals guy," to discuss the transformative power of goal setting. Drawing from his personal experiences, including overcoming financial struggles and the loss of his parents, Doug shares insights on the importance of writing down goals and how it can influence one's subconscious. He emphasises the significance of physical writing over digital methods, explaining how it helps prioritise what truly matters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Physically writing down goals, rather than typing them, creates a direct link to the subconscious, helping to prioritize and focus on what truly matters. This practice can lead to achieving significant milestones over time.

Facing financial challenges, such as nearing bankruptcy, can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Learning from tough experiences and maintaining relationships can provide support during difficult times.

Establishing a solid financial foundation involves participating in company pension schemes, securing life insurance, and considering income protection. These steps are crucial for long-term financial security.

Adopting a mindset of abundance and believing in one's potential can lead to greater achievements. Writing goals as if they have already been accomplished can create a sense of urgency and motivation to reach those goals.

Focusing on traditional investment strategies, such as buying and holding assets, is essential for building wealth over time. Avoiding impulsive spending and prioritising savings can lead to financial freedom and a more secure future.

BEST MOMENTS

"Don't give up. There's always somebody. You need to do what you need to do."

"The writing down gives your subconscious the instruction you've already achieved it."

"You should really be saving about 15% of your monthly wage."

"If you cut your cloth, don't go chasing everybody else."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.

In this episode of Brad interviews communication expert Andy Bounds, who shares his insights on how to influence and sell without sounding overly salesy. Andy introduces the concept of "afters," emphasising the importance of focusing on the outcomes and experiences that clients will gain from working with you. Andy discusses the significance of storytelling in sales, explaining how personal experiences shape effective communication. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"What they care about, the afters. In other words, after you, why are they better off?"

"Facts tell, stories sell."

"If you want other people to really latch on to what you do, you've got to let them know why they will be better off after you."

"Your job is to enhance the condition of the other person."

"If you want to see someone again at the end, you don't say, When shall we meet again? Change it to, How soon can we meet again?" 

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

What if you could break free from the 9-5 & forward your life 30%?
In this episode, Ben Knight shares his journey from traditional work to financial freedom through smart business strategies and investing.

Ben talks about:
↳ Low-Risk Options to Invest Your Money
↳ Why day trading is risky and not for beginners.
↳ Why business and investing beat working a 9-5 job.

↳ How Ben pivoted from traditional business to trading.
↳ Why the market crash can be an opportunity, not a threat.
↳ How an international business degree can open doors globally.
↳ How medium-term investing (months, not hours) reduces stress.

↳ Why pensions often fail to beat inflation and what you can do instead.
↳ The importance of starting with low-risk investments like the S&P 500.

↳ How to invest in world-leading companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft

(00:00:00) Intro

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In this episode, Brad interviews Ben Knight, the founder of Trade Tribe, dives deep into his personal journey and the philosophy behind his unique approach to investing. He shares the pivotal mindset shift that drove him away from the traditional 9-to-5 path, crediting his early exposure to his entrepreneurial grandfather. Ben outlines his educational journey, including his intentional pursuit of an international business degree to facilitate living abroad, and how these experiences broadened his perspective. He also breaks down his "5 minutes a day" investing strategy, which he developed to gain back time lost to intense, stressful day trading.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Ben's primary drive from a young age was to avoid the traditional corporate grind, a desire that sparked his interest in business and investing.

He used his university education strategically to live abroad (Florida, Spain, Canada), which he credits with opening his mind and challenging his pre-conceived notions.

Ben created a streamlined, medium-term investing strategy focused on a few minutes of daily action to maintain a consistent income stream without sacrificing his time.

He highlights that while compounding builds wealth, negative habits and stress (like trying to "day trade") compound into burnout and financial losses, illustrating his "either way you pay" mantra.

Ben argues that conventional retirement saving (like a 3% yielding pension) is a "guaranteed loss" against real inflation, and learning to invest for higher double-digit returns is essential to growing wealth.

BEST MOMENTS

"It was always a way to not get into a 9-to-5 career. I was so desperate to not have that lifestyle that I saw so many people around me hating."

"In life, there's always a cost to every action and inaction, and you always just choosing which price you'd prefer to pay. Either way, you pay."

"Getting into like day trading and expecting to be good is like kicking a football for the first time and then expecting to play in the Premier League the next weekend."

"If you're making 3% and you learn something to get to 15%, that's five times more you're making per year. It's an unbelievable amount."

"The times of crashes and recessions, that's when the most millionaires are made. Knowing what to do when there is a crash is the most valuable thing that you could possibly have."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

Today, Brad sits down with Chris Archer as he shares his journey from building and selling CA Windows Systems to founding SME Success Group. Chris discusses the importance of aligning business goals with personal values, the emotional complexities of selling a business, and the dual feelings of disappointment and elation that come with such a significant transition. He emphasises the necessity of implementing effective systems within a business to ensure consistency and reliability, allowing entrepreneurs to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Establishing effective systems within a business is crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in operations. Systems allow businesses to produce repeatable and predictable outcomes, which is essential for building customer trust and satisfaction.

Business owners should have a basic understanding of financial metrics such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about pricing, cash flow management, and overall business health.

A successful business must focus on understanding and serving its customers. This involves developing strategies for customer attraction, conversion, and retention, ensuring that the business meets the needs and expectations of its target audience.

Curiosity and a desire for progression are vital traits for entrepreneurs. Being open to new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in business practices.

Business owners should have a clear strategy for their future, whether it involves exiting the business or evolving it to better serve their lifestyle and goals. Planning for the future helps prevent stagnation and ensures that the business aligns with personal aspirations.

BEST MOMENTS

"A business should serve your life, not own it or disrupt it or ruin it."

"If you can tell someone with confidence and conviction why what you're doing matters, it's much more believable."

"Systems grow businesses, people run systems."

"If you're doing something you know you can do well, all you've done is just created yourself a job."

"What you're not changing, you're choosing."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

You spend most of your life at work but are you and your team truly happy there? If not, you’re part of the 80% of people who feel disconnected, unmotivated, or stuck.
In this full episode, Paula Mitchell, Company Culture Expert and author of Cracking Culture, breaks down how you can build a stronger, happier, and more productive workplace, starting with 4 secret pillars of company culture!

Here’s what you’ll learn:
◼️ How to build your company culture around 4 essential pillars.
◼️ Why your leadership style directly shapes team behavior.
◼️ The difference between old-school and modern leadership.
◼️ How to keep your culture strong as your business scales.

◼️ Why only 20% of people enjoy their jobs and how you can change that.
◼️ The real balance between process, behavior, and leadership.
◼️ How trust, empathy, and feedback transform your team’s performance.
◼️ Why communication is the biggest culture challenge and how to fix it.
◼️ How emotional intelligence and reflection make you a better leader.
◼️ What it takes to build a culture that lasts through growth and change.

We Cover:
(00:00:00) Intro: The Unforgiving Business Treadmill & Low Employee Engagement

If you lead a team, build a business, or want your workplace to thrive, this episode will help you create a culture people love to be part of.

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Brad interviews Paula Mitchell on the challenges and triumphs of building company culture and leadership in the ever-evolving business landscape. Drawing from her experiences as a co-founder of multiple companies and her journey from a failed lawyer to a successful entrepreneur, Paula shares insights on the importance of trust, the impact of leadership on culture, and the necessity of continuous personal and professional growth. They touch on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace happiness, the significance of mentorship, and the need for leaders to create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute to the culture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Company culture is significantly influenced by leadership, but it can also be shaped by team members. A strong culture requires clear communication of values and behaviours, allowing everyone in the organisation to contribute positively.

Trust is a complex concept that leaders must extend generously to their team members. While it takes time to build, it can be fragile, and leaders should communicate openly about any issues to maintain a healthy trust dynamic.

Personal and professional growth should not be limited to climbing the corporate ladder. Mastery in one's current role or exploring new interests can lead to fulfilment and engagement. Leaders should encourage this mindset among their teams.

Leaders often get caught in the daily grind, making it essential to carve out time for reflection and strategic thinking. This practice can help organisations adapt to changing cultures and improve overall employee satisfaction.

Having mentors or advisors can help individuals navigate the overwhelming amount of information available today. Engaging with someone who has experience can provide valuable insights and guidance for personal and professional development.

BEST MOMENTS

"If your leadership aren't kind of pulling in the same direction, aren't aligned in what the message is, then sadly, the knock-on effect is that the culture is affected for everybody."

"What the fuck? Like, how can that be that we spend so much of our time in work and it can be so poor for so many people?"

"Trust takes years to build, but moments to break. I just think I don't like the moments to break bit."

"I think it's important for the leaders to be the ones that extend [trust] first and to extend it generously."

"We forget how freaking wonderful it is to get better at shit because we are not quite as deliberate about it as we were in our early years."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

Olympic weightlifter and your personal health coach Byron Munford shares how you can train smarter, not harder by making small progress each time.

Discover how your body thrives on balance, recovery, and steady growth.
Learn how your small daily actions compound into massive fitness and life results.

This episode will help you build structure, focus, and discipline to reach your full potential.

We cover in this full episode:
◼️ How to structure a balanced workout week.
◼️ The six pillars of health that drive performance.
◼️ Why “small progress” builds massive long-term results.

◼️ Lessons from David Goggins on discipline and mindset.
◼️ How busy entrepreneurs can train effectively in 20 minutes.
◼️ The link between health, focus, and productivity.
◼️ Many more valuable, science-backed insights.

We Cover:
(00:00:00) Intro

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In this episode, Brad interviews Byron Munford, a leading expert in personal health and fitness, who shares his journey from a young martial artist to a competitive weightlifter and health coach. They take a look at the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind for service-based business founders looking to scale their operations without burning out. Byron discusses the significance of strength training, nutrition, and mindset, emphasising that health is wealth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A healthy body and mind are essential for service-based business owners to scale their businesses effectively and enjoy their lives. Prioritising personal health can lead to better decision-making and overall well-being.

Both athletes and executives share a commonality in their mindset and resilience. Understanding and accepting pain as part of the process is crucial for growth and overcoming challenges.

Incorporating strength training into any fitness routine is vital for maintaining muscle mass, bone health, and overall physical function. It should be tailored to individual capabilities and needs.

Protein is a critical nutrient for muscle repair and growth. The amount needed varies based on body composition and activity level, with leaner individuals requiring more protein. Whole food sources like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are recommended over processed protein products.

Mastering the six pillars - exercise and movement, nutrition and hydration, sleep, mindset, stress management, and recovery - can significantly enhance overall health and quality of life. Each pillar plays a crucial role in achieving optimal well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you believe you can do it, you will. If you don't, you won't."

"Pain is perception. Pain to one person is life. If you can't accept that every bit of pain you feel is bad, you will never progress."

"Strength training is essential. If you don't do it, you'll lose muscle mass, and your bones will degrade."

"You can't do any of that if you haven't got a healthy body and mind."

"The average person will only ever contract 30% to 40% of their max muscular units. Elite athletes can tap into a greater percentage."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week

Business Consultant Stephen Read reveals the TRUTH about how calm leadership, strategic planning, and confident pricing can transform your business — sharing the mindset shifts that separate thriving companies from those stuck in chaos.

Stephen is a highly respected business leader and consultant who’s helped companies achieve sustainable growth across the UK, US, and the Middle East. In this episode, he shares the lessons behind building strong teams, scaling with purpose, and developing the confidence to charge what you’re truly worth.

He explains:
◼️ Why calm, consistent leadership drives better decision-making under pressure.
◼️ How quality over quantity creates stronger sales and happier clients.
◼️ The difference between ambition and real, actionable planning.

◼️ Why premium pricing often leads to higher profits and better customers.
◼️ The surprising contrasts between UK, US, and Middle East business mindsets.
◼️ The 3 KPIs every business owner should track weekly.
◼️ How AI will reshape learning, creativity, and opportunity by 2030.

(00:00:00) Intro

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