Working On It

In this episode, Brad interviews Stephen Read in a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, business culture, and strategic planning with a focus on service-based businesses. Stephen shares his extensive experience in building and scaling companies across various regions, including the UK, US, Europe, and the Middle East. He emphasises the importance of nurturing talent within teams, the significance of a customer-centric culture, and the need for realistic business planning that goes beyond mere ambition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Effective leadership involves nurturing and developing team members, allowing them to excel and potentially surpass the leader. This approach fosters a supportive environment that contributes to overall business success.

A strong company culture is essential for success and should be cultivated from the top down. Leaders must lead by example and ensure that the culture aligns with both employee needs and customer expectations.

Business plans should be grounded in reality, outlining clear steps to achieve ambitious goals. It's crucial to break down objectives into manageable milestones and ensure that the team has the resources and support needed to execute the plan.

Maintaining a strong focus on customer needs is vital for business growth. As companies scale, they must avoid losing sight of their customers, as this can lead to a decline in service quality and customer satisfaction.

Businesses must be willing to adapt and evolve their strategies based on market conditions and internal capabilities. This includes being open to feedback, learning from failures, and adjusting plans to ensure sustainable growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I've always felt that if people want something and they push hard enough, they don't wait to be told or asked, they grab it."

"It's easier to be forgiven afterwards if you've done something or you've done too much than it is to ask permission in the first place."

"The leader of the business is central to a good culture. The leader has to lead by example."

"If you turn left or turn right, the price difference is huge, but the services for it isn't worth that."

"The UK is the hardest place to do business, I think, by some way."

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

This week, Brad is joined by Mandy McEwen, founder of Modgirl Marketing and Luminex, and a LinkedIn expert recognised as one of LinkedIn's top marketing voices. Mandy shares her journey from intending to be a school psychologist to accidentally launching a digital marketing agency. They deep dive into the current state of marketing, the dramatic shift caused by AI, and how you can leverage LinkedIn to build a successful personal brand and drive high-quality B2B leads. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Success in the challenging life of an entrepreneur is consistently linked to a relentless drive, passion, curiosity, and a "never say die" attitude, even when faced with zero initial returns.

LinkedIn acts as an instant trust-builder and personal story platform, allowing people to get to know you quickly. A strong, consistent personal brand is becoming increasingly crucial for visibility, especially as AI-driven search evolves.

The era of traditional SEO and Google search results is evolving, with AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI overview changing how people find information. To remain visible, content needs to be highly detailed, helpful, and optimized for both traditional search and AI, including creative methods like competitor list-style posts.

The most important elements of a compelling LinkedIn profile are an easily visible professional headshot, a headline that clearly states your value, a compelling "About" section that tells your story, and utilizing the "Featured" media section for links, testimonials, and high-performing posts.

To boost visibility and engagement, be active on the platform. LinkedIn's algorithm often rewards five to fifteen minutes of commenting on others' posts both before and after you publish your own content, as this signals that you are a genuine and active user.

BEST MOMENTS

“Honestly, I just kind of fell into it because I was obsessed with the internet back in the day. I literally went to Google and I typed in, 'How to make money online?'”

"I don't want someone to tell me that I have to punch a clock from 8 to 5 every day. I want to be free and make my own money and not have to rely on someone else."

"We almost have to have that delusional mindset, that, 'Yeah, these are my giant goals and you might think I'm crazy, but I'm going after it, you know, and I'm not going to stop.'"

"People work with people they know, like, and trust. That's just human nature, right? I'm telling everyone this when I train sellers: you have to be known, liked, and trusted, period."

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.

Gillian Palmer, Winner of Business Woman of the Year revealed strategy of building 100 MILLION Business and selling it on RIGHT TIME!

She is also an Entrepreneur of the Year & founder of "Lending Made Simple"
FOCUSED ON: Financial independence, embracing technology, and mastering the emotional and strategic side of entrepreneurship.

A leader who went from Xerox corporate life to building and selling her own nine-figure (100 MILLION) company, all while raising a family. Now, she’s on a mission to simplify business finance, help entrepreneurs secure funding, and show how the right mindset can turn challenges into growth.

She explains:
◼️ How to prepare your business for sale or funding
◼️ Why most business owners fail to embrace technology and AI
◼️ The emotional truth behind selling your company

◼️ How alternative finance is changing the business landscape
◼️ How Small Businesses Can Get Ready for FUNDING in 2026!
◼️ What every founder needs to fix before seeking investment
◼️ Why great entrepreneurs never stop learning or evolving

We Discussed:
(00:00:00) Intro & Key to Business Success

Follow Me On:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstaines/

Now, if you want to get a touch of create winning business teams Builder, I highly recommend watching my conversation with Neil, author and professional development expert: https://youtu.be/REbx4v4FrsU

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Neil Tuson, author, entrepreneur, and professional speaker, shares powerful lessons on personal growth, communication, leadership, mindset, team building, and how self-development can completely transform your life and business.

Neil Mullarkey is a renowned speaker and trainer who began his journey selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door before becoming a leading voice in personal development. From learning the art of public speaking with Dale Carnegie to building his own model for perfect teams, Neil teaches how to unlock your potential through self-awareness, humor, and lifelong learning.

He explains:
◼️ How to overcome fear of public speaking and self-doubt
◼️ Why personal growth begins with responsibility, not motivation
◼️ How to build balanced, high-performing teams that last
◼️ Why delegation, trust, and failure are keys to business success
◼️ How AI and psychology are reshaping the future of work

We are Gonna Discuss:
(00:00:00) The Perfect Management Team: The Vision Triangle Model

Follow Me On:
Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstaines/

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Sandra Porter (FCIPD), award-winning HR expert, shares powerful lessons on leadership, culture, people management, emotional intelligence, workplace balance, navigating new employment laws, and building teams that thrive through trust and purpose.

Sandra Porter is Managing Director of The HR Dept, with over 22 years of experience working with brands like Starbucks, O2, and Bank of Scotland. She helps business owners create compliant, people-first workplaces that drive growth, loyalty, and long-term success.

She explains:
◼️ How to fix toxic workplace culture and rebuild trust
◼️ What to do when your team stops communicating
◼️ How AI is changing hiring, firing, and compliance

◼️ How calm leadership and reflection prevent burnout
◼️ How small businesses can avoid costly HR mistakes
◼️ Why every business needs the right trusted adviser to grow

What We Discuss:
(00:00:00) Introduction: The Evolving World of Employment Law

Now at this point If you want to learn how a service based business work & how 1 innovative product can flip whole business model generating MORE revenue without spending extra money, then don't forget to check out this episode with Matt, UK Lead of Nordic Chem: https://youtu.be/eHjfh6NpUaw?si=l59Y2hCrzP4mWUAj

Follow me on:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstaines/

Have you ever heard about a Model for the “Perfect Team”?
In my next episode, Neil, Ex-Navy Officer gonna shares how to unlock your potential through self-awareness, humor, and lifelong learning building a Perfect Team" in my next episode!

So DOUBLE CHECK & Make sure you’re subscribed!

Matt Cooper, Multi Award-winning coating industry expert, shares powerful insights on: resilience after failure, business growth, problem-solving, trust-building, team leadership, and transforming the cleaning industry through technology and purpose.

Matt, UK Lead of Nordic Chem, turned a heart attack at 32 into a mission to “COAT THE WORLD" — making cleaning more sustainable, respected, and human.

He reveals:
◼️ The truth about customer service vs. customer experience
◼️ How engineering skills and problem-solving shaped his business success
◼️ The story behind Nordic Chem’s antimicrobial, ceramic coating technology

◼️ How sustainability and ROI align — saving labour, chemicals, and CO₂
◼️ Why discipline beats motivation and how to live by vision, not pressure
◼️ His journey through ADHD, Asperger’s, and leadership growth
◼️How he made his business 25% risk-free & time-saving

What We Discuss:
(00:00:00) Intro

If you own a small or medium-sized business and want to make it more cost-effective with high-quality HR services, don’t miss my next episode with Sandra — a human resources expert with 22 years of experience!

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Today, Brad interviews Neil Tuson, founder of Perfect Teams, a personality profiling system. Neil shares his fascinating journey from a marine engineer in the Navy to a successful entrepreneur and public speaker, highlighting key turning points that shaped his career. He discusses the importance of personal development, the value of learning from failures, and the significance of understanding different personality types within teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The transition from a career in engineering and the Navy to personal development highlights the importance of recognising one's strengths and seeking opportunities for growth. The realisation that public speaking could be mastered through training led to a significant career shift.

The exploration of various personality profiling systems, such as those based on Carl Jung's theories, emphasises the value of understanding different personality types in team dynamics. This understanding can help identify strengths and gaps within a team.

A successful team requires a clear vision (the "what"), mission (the "how"), and purpose (the "why"). These elements must be aligned to ensure that all team members are working towards the same goals and understand their roles in achieving them.

Trusting and investing in team members is crucial for growth. Training and allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes fosters a culture of responsibility and empowerment, which is essential for a thriving business.

Entrepreneurs must transition from working in their business to working on their business. This involves delegating operational tasks to focus on strategic growth, which can be achieved by building a capable team and creating systems that allow for scalability.

BEST MOMENTS

"Successful people do the things that failures don't like to do. It's where do you put your time and energy?"

"It wasn't that I couldn't; I'd never been shown how to. Everybody I meet who says they can't do something, I say, look, it's not you can't do it. You've not yet been shown how to do it."

"If you're running a business and you've got 24 to 30 people, you've got to find a way of bringing in somebody to run it for you."

"It's almost like all your previous experiences have been a template laid out for you, but the moment you said, 'I need to learn this,' you started a new journey."

"If you have those three, like a three-legged stool, you've got stability. If one of them's missing, it's going to fall over."

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 very first episode of Working On It, Brad sits down with Sandra Porter, a people development specialist with extensive experience in HR and personality profiling. She shares her journey from recruitment to becoming a senior HR partner at major companies like O2 and Starbucks. Sandra discusses the evolving landscape of HR, the impact of technology and generational shifts on the workforce, and the challenges business owners face in navigating employment legislation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sandra transitioned from recruitment to HR, starting with a background in psychology and gaining experience in various roles, including significant positions at O2 and Starbucks, where she served on the management board at a young age.

Recent changes in employment legislation and generational expectations are reshaping the HR landscape, presenting challenges for business owners who must navigate these evolving requirements while managing their operations.

Maintaining a strong company culture is crucial, especially when considering employment versus subcontracting. A cohesive team fosters collaboration and investment in personal development, which can be lost with a subcontracting model.

The concept of work-life balance is viewed as a fluid integration of work and personal life, where passion for work can coexist with personal fulfilment. Engaging in activities like walking can provide mental clarity and enhance creativity.

Regular reflection on experiences and outcomes is vital for personal and professional growth. This practice helps identify areas for improvement and prevents complacency, ensuring that time is used effectively and purposefully.

BEST MOMENTS

"There are so many changes in terms of technology that brings with it some implications from a HR perspective."

"I do think it's putting people off recruiting."

"I think it's very challenging... it does bring a lot of responsibility on the employer."

"I think sometimes it's almost a battle between your head and your heart."

"I can't bear the thought of wasting time."

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, Brad speaks with Matt Cooper about his journey from a garage door installation technician to a successful entrepreneur in the floor care industry with Nordic Chem. Matt shares his experiences with redundancy, a life-changing health scare, and how these events shaped his perspective on business and problem-solving. He discusses the innovative antimicrobial and ceramic coating products offered by Nordic Chem, emphasising their effectiveness in enhancing cleanliness and sustainability in various environments. The episode delves into the importance of trust, communication, and personal growth in leadership, as well as the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emphasising the importance of having a problem-solving attitude, the journey from garage door installation to floor care highlights how transferable skills can lead to innovative solutions in different industries.

A significant health scare at a young age served as a catalyst for personal growth and a shift in perspective, leading to a more proactive approach to life and business.

The importance of communication, trust, and relationship-building in business is underscored, with a focus on understanding client needs and delivering value through effective solutions.

The commitment to ongoing personal and professional development is evident, with a focus on learning from failures and using feedback to improve business practices and product offerings.

Establishing clear goals and regularly reviewing them is crucial for success. Utilising techniques like daily affirmations and strategic planning helps maintain focus and drive towards long-term objectives.

BEST MOMENTS

"I love being given a problem. I know it sounds absolutely ludicrous, but give me a problem and I'll find a way to solve it. That's just in my DNA."

"If that deal hasn't come across the line, we haven't done our job properly. Have we not explained the product properly? Have we not listened to the client properly?"

"Our motto is to coat the world. It's not ambitious at all, right? I see Nordic Chem playing a massive part in the commercial cleaning sector to solve problems."

"You mentioned before that you were sort of like working early mornings, late evenings. Is that still a thing? Do you still need that?"

"It's about solving those problems so that you can actually go chemical free, and you haven't got to haemorrhage hours doing monotonous tasks."

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 engages in an insightful conversation with Gillian Palmer, founder of Lending Made Simple. Gillian shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the corporate world with Xerox to building and selling her own businesses while raising a family. They delve into the mindset required for entrepreneurship, the importance of thinking outside the box, and the evolving landscape of finance and funding for businesses. Gillian highlights the significance of having a solid team, understanding the value of customer service, and preparing a business for potential sale or growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Successful entrepreneurs often possess an innate ability to think outside the box and remain tenacious. This mindset drives them to continuously seek new opportunities and solutions, even in challenging circumstances.

Building a strong team is crucial for delivering on promises made to clients. A business's success often hinges on its ability to execute effectively, which requires having the right people in place to support operations.

The finance industry has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of alternative funding options. Entrepreneurs should be aware of various financing avenues and the importance of maintaining a good credit rating, both personally and for their business.

When considering selling a business, it's essential to have a clear plan and to prepare the business for sale by ensuring it has strong systems, processes, and a capable team in place. Engaging with advisors can help navigate this complex process.

Selling a business can be an emotionally taxing experience, akin to significant life events such as moving or divorce. It's important to be prepared for the emotional ramifications and to seek support during the transition.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always say when I sell this one, I'm off to the beach. But funny enough, I was on holiday, and I was like, that's my next opportunity."

"If you're not moving forward, you're actually moving. If you're stagnant, you're moving backwards."

"You have to be a little bit of an outside the box thinker. You have to always be thinking about the next thing."

"It's all about people. That connection. Yeah. Relationships."

"You might have a business that somebody wants to get their hands on and it's an eye-watering amount of money."

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