The Grown UP Business Podcast

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but learning to collaborate with AI in ways most entrepreneurs haven't even considered? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Julie Holmes — inventor, tech founder, and AI expert who has spent over 25 years in enterprise technology. Julie shares her journey from building cat traps as a kid to creating innovative products like the HeyMic (the first Bluetooth microphone for phone videos) and now helping entrepreneurs harness AI to scale faster, serve better, and lead smarter. Together, Paul and Julie unpack why most people are still just dabbling with AI, the difference between using AI and being empowered by it, and how founders can apply an AI-first mindset to build grown-up businesses that scale sustainably. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to stop outsourcing their thinking to technology and start using AI as the ultimate leverage tool. Key Takeaways Why most people are using AI wrong — and how to shift from user to empowered professional The 20-60-20 framework: how to collaborate with AI without outsourcing your ingenuity Why vibe coding is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs build products and solve problems The difference between mechanical and meaningful — and when to lean into automation vs human connection How AI-first thinking changes customer journeys, sales cycles, and business operations Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO — and what you need to do now Why the most valuable skill isn't coding — it's problem solving, communication, and grit About the Guest Julie Holmes is an inventor, tech founder, and AI expert with over 25 years in enterprise technology. She is founder of Smarter HQ and the creator of the HeyMic, the first Bluetooth microphone designed for phone video, and author of 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for Sales Pros and 101 Tips, Tools and Prompts for AI Leaders. Julie specializes in helping entrepreneurs and business leaders become AI-empowered — using technology to enhance performance, not replace it. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one business process you're still doing manually and ask: how could AI enhance this — not replace it? Connect with Julie Holmes — https://julieholmes.com Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if the secret to achieving your biggest business goals isn't working harder — but reprogramming how your brain processes success? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Brian Mayne — creator of Goal Mapping, a proven 7-step system used by Microsoft, Disney, Coca-Cola, and over a million people worldwide. Brian shares his remarkable journey from losing everything at 29 — his business, his home, his marriage, and being over a million pounds in debt — to discovering the neuroscience-backed principles that transformed his life. From being unable to read or write until age 30, Brian rebuilt himself using personal development techniques and went on to create a global methodology that combines words and imagery to activate whole-brain goal setting. Together, Paul and Brian unpack the seven universal success principles, why most people set goals the wrong way, how to overcome limiting beliefs around money and achievement, and why changing your identity is the only way to create lasting transformation. This conversation goes deep into the science of affirmations, visualization, subconscious programming, and how to break free from cultural conditioning that keeps entrepreneurs stuck. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale faster, think bigger, and finally achieve the goals they've been chasing for years. Key Takeaways The 7 universal success principles that govern all achievement — and how to apply them Why most goal-setting methods fail — and the neuroscience behind what actually works How combining words (for the conscious mind) and imagery (for the subconscious) creates whole-brain activation Why affirmations must be personal, positive, and present tense to command the subconscious How to overcome limiting beliefs around money, success, and identity Why you can't out-perform your self-image — and how to reprogram it The 7-step Goal Mapping system: Dream, Order, Draw, Why, When, How, Who Why people support what they create — and how to get your team bought into the vision How to break out of negative spirals using physiology, not just mindset About the Guest Brian Mayne is the creator of Goal Mapping, a personal development system used by over a million people in 30 countries. His work has been adopted by Microsoft, Siemens, British Telecom, Disney, Coca-Cola, and schools worldwide. Brian is the author of four books including Goal Mapping, Life Mapping, Action Mapping, and Self Mapping. He has certified nearly 1,650 trainers globally and specializes in helping individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results by aligning conscious intention with subconscious programming. Next Steps Apply it now Identify one goal you've been struggling to achieve — and ask yourself: have I programmed my subconscious to support it, or sabotage it? Learn Goal Mapping Visit www.goalmapping.com to explore Brian's books, certification programs, and digital platform. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul's work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul's work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if scaling from 1 to 154 people in just 12 months wasn’t about working harder — but building smarter systems? In this episode of The Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins is joined by Richard Woods — three-time bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and creator of LinkedIn Breakfast. Richard shares how he scaled a business from a one-person operation to a 154-strong team in just over a year by systemising execution, building offshore teams, and applying disciplined leadership over distraction. Together, Paul and Richard unpack what a grown-up business really looks like — and why most founders stay stuck firefighting instead of leading. This episode is essential listening for founders and CEOs who want to scale fast without chaos, step out of operator mode, and lead with clarity. Key Takeaways How Richard scaled from 1 to 154 people in 12 months using offshore teams Why discipline beats dopamine when it comes to growth and focus The danger of coaching without accountability — and what actually drives results How simple CEO dashboards and numbers create freedom Why most founders stay reactive — and how to start leading strategically About the Guest Richard Woods is a serial entrepreneur, investor, keynote speaker, and author of The Million Dollar Sprint. After building and selling three businesses and appearing on The Apprentice, Richard cracked the code to scalable growth by combining coaching, systems, and fully trained offshore teams. His strength lies in making complex growth simple — and repeatable. SPECIAL SHOW OFFER - 1:1 with Richard Woods to look at how to effectively outsource the things you should not be doing yourself - Book a Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/LePXwEpmKlWpZpAS8ib6 Next Steps Apply it now Identify one area of your business you’re still doing yourself — and systemise or delegate it. Scale with Paul If this episode resonated, Paul’s work focuses on helping founders step out of the day-to-day and scale with structure and confidence. Book a call with Paul: https://www.paulavins.com/book-a-call Subscribe to the Scale-Up Newsletter: https://www.paulavins.com/newsletter-opt-in About Paul Avins Paul Avins is a scale-up business coach and founder of the Grown-Up Business framework. He works with founders and CEOs to help them move from operator to scale-up leader — building businesses that grow sustainably, scale beyond the founder, and create real enterprise value. Paul’s work focuses on disciplined leadership, high-performing teams, and systems that replace chaos with clarity. Level Up. Team Up. Scale Up. Fire Up.

What if working less could actually help you scale faster? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul chats with Ben Coomber, founder of Awesome Supplements and high-performance coach, about how he went from complete burnout and long Covid to running a multi-million pound business while working just 25 hours a week. Ben gets really honest about his journey from being a controlling, fear-driven CEO putting in 70-hour weeks to finally stepping back, hiring a proper COO, and figuring out that his best business ideas actually happen when he's nowhere near the office. They dig into why meditation isn't just wellness nonsense but actually a strategic business tool, how getting seriously ill with long Covid forced him to completely rethink leadership, and why freedom should be the whole point of building a business, not something you get after you've destroyed your health. If you're an entrepreneur burning yourself out trying to control everything, or you're wondering how you can actually scale without sacrificing your health and family time, this conversation is going to challenge everything you think about success. Key Takeaways Get "How to Live an Awesome Life" by Ben Coomber → Available on Amazon and all good bookstores How Ben went from fear-based leadership to running his business from a place of abundance and trust Why working 25 hours a week can actually be way more productive than 70 hours if you get it right When to exit a business before you lose passion and the value tanks How long Covid taught Ben that being healthy isn't just about the physical stuff Why meditation is really about paying attention to yourself and spotting where you need to do the work The five things every CEO should nail: sleep, nutrition, exercise, cutting out alcohol, and creating proper space How to stop being an operator and start thinking like an investor in your own business Why hiring a brilliant COO might be the smartest move you make for scaling About Ben Coomber Ben Coomber is a high-performance coach, speaker, and founder of Awesome Supplements, which has won 21 awards and grown to multi-million pound revenues. After building nutrition coaching businesses and training teams of coaches, Ben launched Awesome Supplements focusing on products that actually taste good and work. Ben wrote "How to Live an Awesome Life" and used to host The Awesome Human Podcast. His whole thing is helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses without wrecking their health, relationships, or sanity in the process. He's a dad of two and reckons businesses should give you the life you want, not eat up your entire existence. Resources & Links Try Awesome Supplements with CEO15 discount code — Awesome Supplements Connect with Ben Coomber — Ben Coomber | LinkedIn Follow Paul Avins — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 sleep habits from this episode you'll implement in the next 72 hours and test how they impact your performance. Think Bigger: Ready to treat sleep like the business asset it is? Start tracking your sleep data and building your strategic wind-down routine tonight. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working more hours — but sleeping better ones? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, business strategist Paul Avins sits down with Sammy Margo, chartered physiotherapist, bestselling author of "The Good Sleep Guide", and founder of SmartPhysio — a successful 27-person physiotherapy practice in London. Discover how Sammy went from working 15-hour days as the first female physiotherapist in professional football to building a thriving healthcare business while mastering the science of sleep optimization. This conversation reveals why sleep isn't a luxury for entrepreneurs — it's a strategic advantage. Together, Paul and Sammy unpack the 10 evidence-based sleep strategies that can transform your cognitive performance, decision-making ability, and business results. From sleep architecture and strategic wind-downs to bedroom optimization and caffeine timing, this episode provides practical tools for high-performing entrepreneurs who want to scale their businesses without sacrificing their health. If you're a business owner struggling with fatigue, making poor decisions due to sleep deprivation, or wondering how to maintain peak performance while scaling, this episode is essential listening. Key Takeaways How sleep quality directly impacts entrepreneurial performance and business decision-making The 10 strategic sleep optimization techniques every CEO should master for peak cognitive function Why tracking your "sleep architecture" with wearables can unlock better business performance How to create a strategic wind-down routine that transitions your brain from work mode to recovery Sleep cycle science: Why 4-6 complete 90-minute cycles are crucial for entrepreneurs The bedroom environment formula: Cool (16-18°C), dark, quiet, and clutter-free spaces for optimal rest Strategic caffeine and alcohol management to maximize sleep quality without sacrificing productivity How power napping strategies can boost afternoon performance for business leaders Why "lose the snooze" — and how the snooze button destroys sleep quality and morning productivity About Sammy Margo Sammy Margo is a chartered physiotherapist, sleep optimization expert, and founder of SmartPhysio, one of London's premier physiotherapy practices with 27 team members. She pioneered her field as the first female physiotherapist to work in professional football at Barnet FC, and has worked with elite athletes across the world. Sammy is the bestselling author of "The Good Sleep Guide" (featuring a foreword by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson), and regularly contributes sleep and wellness content to major UK publications including Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Observer. She has appeared on QVC, consulted for Dreams Beds, and speaks at high-level business events about the connection between sleep optimization and executive performance. Her expertise combines sports physiotherapy, sleep science, and business scaling — making her uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs optimize their health while building successful companies. Resources & Links Get "The Good Sleep Guide" by Sammy Margo — Available on Amazon and all good bookstores Progressive Muscle Relaxation video by Sammy — PMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation) Learn more about SmartPhysio — smartphysio.co.uk Connect with Sammy Margo on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/sammymargo Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 sleep habits from this episode you'll implement in the next 72 hours and test how they impact your performance. Think Bigger: Ready to treat sleep like the business asset it is? Start tracking your sleep data and building your strategic wind-down routine tonight. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't working harder — but hiring smarter? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Graham Brown — former military medic turned recruitment expert with over 24 years of experience, author of the upcoming book Too Many Hats, and one of Team Purple's specialist coaches in team dynamics and executive search. Graham shares his remarkable journey from serving in the Gulf War as a trumpet-playing medic to building a 39-office recruitment franchise, surviving a painful business collapse, and emerging as one of the UK's leading experts in helping CEOs find their perfect second-in-command. Together, Paul and Graham unpack the brutal truth about why most CEOs fail at hiring, the three pillars of successful recruitment that most founders ignore, and why 50% employee engagement is costing your business hundreds of thousands in lost productivity. They dive deep into the seven types of COO, the difference between competency-based and traditional interviewing, and why understanding energy profiles is the unlock to building high-performing teams that scale. If you're a CEO drowning in operational work, struggling to find the right leadership team, or wondering how to hire someone who can actually take weight off your shoulders instead of adding to it, this conversation is essential listening. Key Takeaways From Gulf War medic to recruitment expert: How Graham's military background shaped his approach to building resilient, high-performing teams The brutal reality of franchising: Why Graham scaled to 39 offices before deciding to shut it down and start again The three pillars of successful hiring: Skills & ability, natural energy alignment, and culture & values fit — miss one and you've got a problem Why most CEOs aren't ready for an A-player — and how to know when you actually are The seven types of COO: Executor, Change Agent, Other Half, Mentor, Heir Apparent, MVP, and Partner — and how to choose the right one for your stage of growth Competency-based interviewing vs traditional interviewing: How to dig deeper and test for what really matters The 50% flow problem: Why half your team is operating at half capacity — and how that's costing you £600K+ per year in lost productivity Why talent acquisition should be treated like customer acquisition — with the same level of strategy, marketing, and investment The TEAM framework: Trust & Transparency, Empower & Energize, Alignment & Accountability, Measurement & Metrics, Safety & Security How to know if you need a COO, Chief of Staff, Operations Manager, or EA — and why hiring the wrong role at the wrong time can be a disaster About Graham Brown Graham Brown is a former military musician and medic who served in the Gulf War before transitioning into recruitment over 24 years ago. He founded the first ex-military recruitment agency in the UK in 2001 and has since helped over 10,000 service men and women transition into civilian careers. Graham built and scaled a recruitment franchise to 39 offices before navigating a painful business restructure that taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, team dynamics, and the importance of hiring right. He's now a specialist executive search consultant focusing on helping scale-up CEOs find their perfect COO or second-in-command. As one of Team Purple's expert coaches, Graham specializes in team dynamics, profiling, and leadership development. He's the author of the upcoming book Too Many Hats, which unpacks everything he's learned about helping CEOs escape operational overwhelm by building the right leadership team around them. Resources & Links Get free team dynamics resources → teamdynamics.com Download Graham's free e-books on recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding → teamdynamics.com Connect with Graham Brown on LinkedIn → Graham Brown | LinkedIn Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights → Paul Avins | LinkedIn Read Second in Command by Cameron Herold → Available on Amazon Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you'll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think Bigger: Ready to stop wearing too many hats and build the leadership team that sets you free? Download Graham's free hiring guides at teamdynamics.com Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

Think you're ready to sell your business? Think again. Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — second only to marriage and kids. But how do you know when you’re actually ready to sell? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins speaks with Ken Gorman, Regional Director at Transworld M&A and author of three books on selling businesses, to uncover the reality behind preparing your company for a successful exit. Together, they break down the myths, including why most business owners aren’t ready to sell, how accountants can unknowingly sabotage deals, and why 75% of businesses that go to market never sell at all. Ken shares his personal story from California to London and his 8+ years in sell-side M&A, with over 60 closed deals under his belt. If you’re a CEO or founder thinking about exit planning or simply wanting to build a grown-up business worth buying, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways The “Switch in the Heart”: You’re ready to sell when the emotional shift happens — the moment you know it’s time to do something else in life. Profit is the #1 Value Driver: Buyers don’t buy passion, they buy predictable profits — and your job is to maximise and prove them. Get yourself out of the business: If the company can’t function without you, it isn’t ready to sell (or worth as much as you think). The truth about deferred deals & earnouts: Why the “wedding cake” model of deal structures (cash, deferred payments, earn-outs, rolled equity) matters, and how to protect yourself as a seller. Accountants can derail deals: Not through incompetence — but because they often lack deal experience, especially around working capital negotiations. 75% of sales fail: Selling is as much about EQ as IQ — success depends on managing people, egos, and expectations at every stage. Not all buyers are equal: You don’t want just a buyer, you need the right new owner who can fill the leadership void you leave behind. About Ken Gorman Ken Gorman is a seasoned M&A Advisor, Certified Business Valuer, and Regional Director at Transworld M&A, one of the world’s largest global dealmaking firms. With over three decades in business across the US, UK, and Europe, Ken has personally been involved in 100+ project teams and 60+ closed transactions. He specialises in helping owner-operators prepare their businesses for sale, find the right new owners, and secure life-changing exit deals — all while keeping heart and human dynamics central to the process. Resources & Links Grab Ken’s book “Selling Your Business” — Selling Your Business Connect with Ken Gorman on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about Transworld M&A — Transworld Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about selling in 2–3 years? Start now. Building enterprise value takes time — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

From family start-up to global brand: the Wolf Eyewear growth story. Paul Avins sits down with CEO Tom Wolfenden to unpack the exact moves behind building a world-class sales team, scaling across borders, and keeping values intact while chasing exponential growth. Discover how Wolf Eyewear scaled from a family business into a global brand with 2,000+ retailers. CEO Tom Wolfenden shares lessons on sales teams, culture, and scale-up strategy with Paul Avins. What does it take to transform a family-run brand into a global scale-up with thousands of retail partners—while never losing sight of your values or community? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Tom Wolfenden, CEO of Wolf Eyewear Group, to unpack how he took over the family business and steered it towards ambitious growth, culture, and global expansion. If you’re a CEO ready to quadruple your business, build a world-class sales team, and expand across markets without losing culture, this is your playbook. Key Highlights Mindset matters: The bold shift from hustler to scale-up CEO. Sales engine = growth engine: Why building and leading a 17-person sales team unlocked Wolf Eyewear’s growth. Resilience in crisis: How they survived Covid by loaning over £500k of stock to support customers — building loyalty money can’t buy. Leadership at scale: How to deal with underperforming team members while protecting business culture. Investment in yourself = investment in the business: Why Tom doubled down on coaching and retreats to accelerate Wolf Eyewear’s expansion. This isn’t just a story of scaling eyewear. It’s a blueprint for any ambitious CEO who wants to build a grown-up business that wins globally About Our Guest – Tom Wolfenden Tom Wolfenden is the CEO of Wolf Eyewear Group, a UK-based independent eyewear company stocked in over 2,000+ retailers and expanding internationally. Known for bold design and strong community values, Wolf Eyewear is a flagship example of how a family business can scale into a global brand—without losing its heart. Resources & Links Connect with Tom Wolfenden on LinkedIn – Tom Wolfenden | LinkedIn Explore the Wolf Eyewear Group brand – UK Eyewear Brand | Wolf Eyewear for Independent Opticians Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn – Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat – The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to build your own “grown up” business that scales globally? Explore free resources at ScaleUpCoaching.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What happens when a five-year-old girl changes the entire course of your life? In this thought-provoking episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with High-Performance Coach and former JP Morgan derivatives head Rich Waterman to explore one of the most powerful transformations you’ll hear on the show. Rich shares the moving story of Leonor — his friend’s young daughter whose battle with a terminal illness became the catalyst for his life’s work. Helping to raise emergency funds for her treatment opened his eyes to the power of community, commitment, and the extraordinary impact of turning pain into purpose. Together, Paul and Rich unpack how entrepreneurs can channel suffering into fuel for growth, how presence is the new currency of leadership, and why sometimes the shortest lives leave the greatest legacies. If you’ve ever wondered how to reframe setbacks into rocket fuel, or how to build a business and life truly aligned to your legacy, this episode is essential listening. Key Takeaways Turning Pain into Purpose: The most powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth is learning how to transform suffering into service. The Power of Commitment: Rich’s moment of saying “we’ll make this happen” for Leonor’s treatment shaped his philosophy on leadership and focus. Past, Present, Future Model: How to reframe your thinking by using the past as a resource, the present as practice, and the future as full-colour vision. Presence is Leadership: Top performers plateau when they fail to manage switching “on” and “off.” Learning to be present is now a strategic advantage. Legacy is not Time-Based: The measure of a life well-lived isn’t length, it’s the scale of impact on others. Leonor remains a profound example of this truth. About Rich Waterman Rich Waterman is a High-Performance Coach, mentor, and speaker with a unique background that bridges finance, sport, and psychology. After a decade as Head of Derivatives Structuring at JP Morgan, Rich went on to launch sports analysis businesses working with the England Rugby World Cup-winning team and international cricketers. He later became the first UK-based Senior Trainer for Tony Robbins, coaching teams and teaching leadership at global events. Today, Rich runs Get Rich Coaching, helping entrepreneurs, executives, and athletes unlock performance, presence, and purpose. Resources & Links Connect with Rich Waterman — richwaterman.com Connect with Rich Waterman on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about selling in 2–3 years? Start now. Building enterprise value takes time — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

“How can one video generate $12 million in 10 months?” That’s exactly what happened for Jason Graystone — and in this episode, he reveals to Paul the mindset, money frameworks, and freedom principles that made it possible. Jason is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Graystone Education, and he’s on a mission to help people become Always Free — creating lives of freedom through smart money systems, mindset mastery, and intentional action. In our conversation, Jason breaks down exactly what Always Free means, and why mental, mobility, and financial liberation must all align if you truly want lasting independence. We go deep into building assets (both tangible and intangible), how to delegate effectively, and why defining what freedom means to you personally is the real unlock. This episode isn’t about hustle hacks — it’s about clarity, leverage, and building a business and life around your values so you can live with purpose. Key Takeaways: A single video can change everything — Jason’s $12M YouTube case study proves the power of effective assets. Financial literacy is an essential life skill — freedom begins with understanding how money works. Delegation and knowing your true value are the levers that unlock scale and sustainability. Freedom has three dimensions: mental, mobility, and financial — all must be developed in tandem. Assets create independence — whether intellectual property, digital content, or recurring systems. Defining your personal goals and values is what ensures business growth aligns with fulfillment. Resources & Links Grab Jason's book “Always Free” — Selling Your Business Follow Jason to learn more — Jason Graystone - YouTube Learn more about Jason Graystone — jasongraystone.com Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Tired of chasing revenue but never feeling free? Stop trading time for money. Freedom starts when you build assets that generate income without you. Start building the life you want now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What do you do when 12 years of building gets wiped out overnight? For Nicolas Manuel, Founder of Aim Graphics London, that nightmare became reality. After building a multi-million-pound family print and signage business, a combination of bad debts, soaring material costs, and the Russia-Ukraine war led to its collapse almost overnight. But instead of staying down, Nick fought back. Within just 12 months, he rebuilt from zero to seven figures — all while carrying the weight of personal guarantees, family responsibility, and the lessons of painful failure. In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Nicolas to reveal the hard-earned lessons of resilience, scaling under pressure, and why systems and financial controls are non-negotiable for any founder who wants to survive and thrive. Key Takeaways Collapse to Comeback: Why business failure doesn’t have to define you — it can fuel your most successful chapter. Systems over Stress: The hidden cost of not having financial forecasting and operational controls in place. Rebuilding at Speed: How Nicolas rebounded to seven figures in under 12 months by focusing on core systems, leverage, and team culture. The “Yes Team” Mentality: Why building a client-first, can-do culture is the ultimate differentiator when scaling. Resilience is a Skill: Health, mindset, and being part of a supportive community are what get you through the darkest days of entrepreneurship. Sales First: Founders should delay stepping out of sales too early — being able to sell remains the ultimate survival skill. About Nicolas Manuel Nicolas Manuel is a creative entrepreneur and the founder of Aim Graphics London and Trade Workspace Films, businesses dedicated to simplifying print, signage, and production services with speed, flexibility, and a client-first culture. Starting as a teenage apprentice in the signage industry, Nicolas worked his way into the high-pressure world of London’s creative agencies, serving major brands from Nintendo to Virgin. After co-founding and growing his own family print business to nearly £3m turnover, he endured the devastating collapse of the company during Covid’s aftermath and the global cost crisis. Learning from failure, Nicolas rebuilt stronger and faster — scaling Aim Graphics back to seven figures in just 12 months, with a renewed focus on systems, forecasting, and the “Yes Team” mindset that defines his client relationships. Resources & Links Connect with Nicolas Manuel on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Discover Aim Graphics London — aim-graphics.co.uk Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights — linkedin.com/in/paulavins Build a grown-up business at the Scale Up Retreat — paulavins.com Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Do you have the right systems and forecasting in place, or are you relying on luck? Start strengthening your foundation now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What if growing your business 10x wasn’t just possible…but actually EASIER than growing 10% at a time? In today’s inspiring conversation, Paul sits down with David B. Horne, founder of Add Then Multiply, to talk about scaling through Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and shifting to a growth mindset. David shares his remarkable story of driving a business from £1 million to £28 million in just three years using the power of strategic M&A. Together, they explore why most founders think too small, uncover how AI is transforming the deal-making landscape, and walk through David’s practical FACE methodology — Fund, Acquire, Consolidate, Exit — a framework that helps ambitious leaders scale faster and smarter while setting up for an exit. Key Takeaways 10x growth is often easier than 10% — real results show scaling £1m → £28m in 3 years through acquisitions. M&A isn’t just for corporates — founders miss opportunities by assuming it’s “off-limits.” Build your deal team early — specialist accountants & lawyers are critical to navigate the complexity. Consolidation is where success is won or lost — integrating culture, systems and people decides deal value. AI is reshaping deal flow & due diligence — smart founders can leverage it for competitive advantage. About David B Horne David B. Horne is the bestselling author of Add Then Multiply and Funded Female Founders. As the Founder of Add Then Multiply, he helps entrepreneurs scale through ambitious growth strategies involving funding, acquisitions, and exit planning. Over his career, he has: Raised more than £110 million in funding Completed over 30 acquisitions and exits Become a #1 Amazon bestselling author (twice) Delivered his TEDx Talk, “The Fight For Fairer Funding”, now seen by more than 3 million people Founded Funding Focus, a social enterprise fighting to close the gender and diversity gap in funding access He’s on a mission to make M&A and growth strategies accessible to every ambitious founder — not just corporates. Resources & Links Connect with David B Horne on LinkedIn — David B Horne | LinkedIn Learn more about David B Horne — Add then Multiply Find out if you are funding-ready — The Funding Fitness Index Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to scale smarter and faster? Start now — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life! 📚 Special Bonus from David Horne: Want to dive deeper into David’s financial framework for scaling? Get a FREE copy of his bestselling book Add Then Multiply (just cover shipping).

What really happens when you step into Dragons’ Den? For most entrepreneurs, pitching on BBC’s Dragons’ Den is the ultimate high‑stakes moment. For Emma Burke, founder of LACEEZE, that moment became a turning point in her journey, as she stepped into the Den, faced the Dragons, and walked out with an investment deal that put her grassroots sports brand on the fast track to growth. In this candid conversation with Paul Avins, Emma reveals the highs and lows behind the headlines – from running a multi‑million pound cleaning company, through the pain of business failure, to reinventing herself in the world of sport with an innovation solving one of football’s simplest but biggest problems. Beyond the Den lights and the deal, the discussion dives into the inner journey of entrepreneurship: knowing when to pivot, learning how to bounce back stronger, and why sharing your authentic story is as powerful as building the business itself. Key Highlights Building a successful business demands consistency, adaptability, and grit through challenges. Delegation is critical to free up the founder’s time for higher-value, strategic growth. Sharing your personal journey and engaging authentically builds a relatable brand that attracts loyal customers. Exposure through platforms like Dragon’s Den can enhance credibility, visibility, and open doors to new partnerships. Listen in for a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective on what it truly takes to grow a brand from kitchen table idea to a household name in grassroots sport. About Our Guest – Emma Burke Emma Burke is the founder of LACEEZE, one of the UK’s fastest‑growing grassroots sports brands, dedicated to solving everyday problems for young athletes. After securing investment on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, Emma has taken LACEEZE from start‑up idea to a business on track for seven‑figure revenues—all while keeping her mission of supporting grassroots sport at the heart of the brand. Resources & Links Connect with Emma Burke on LinkedIn — Emma Burke | LinkedIn Explore the Laceeze's brand — Laceeze | Soccer Accessories Follow Paul Avins for scale-up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Ready to build your own “grown up” business? Explore free resources at ScaleUpCoaching.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

What’s it like to sell your business to a billionaire? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Andrew Scott, Founder and CEO of the Ascot Group, serial entrepreneur, investor, and the previous owner of Business Leader magazine, which he successfully sold to billionaire Richard Harpin. Andrew’s story is one of resilience and reinvention: from arriving in the UK aged 18 with no money or qualifications, to scaling his companies to multi-million turnover, building a respected media brand, and ultimately selling it at a premium valuation. Together, Paul and Andrew uncover the mindset, strategies and lessons behind scaling fast, building brand equity, and thinking global – plus what it’s really like negotiating with billionaires. If you’re a CEO or founder aiming to scale faster, increase brand value, or prepare your business for a world-class exit, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Billionaires move at speed: Deals get done fast – but you must have systems, numbers, and information ready on demand. The 3 Levers of Scale: Everything comes down to lead generation, sales conversion, and customer retention. Brand drives multiples: A strong brand reputation can dramatically increase the price buyers are willing to pay. Good isn’t enough: To scale, you must be willing to break your own business model and reinvent before growth stalls. Lifestyle vs scale-up: Decide if you want comfort or if you want to build enterprise value – the identity shift matters. Health = wealth: Scaling is a full-contact sport – staying physically and mentally fit is essential for resilience. Think global, not local: UK entrepreneurs must widen their horizons to capture true market scale. About Andrew Scott Andrew Scott is the founder and CEO of the Ascot Group and a portfolio of multimillion-pound businesses across marketing, tech, media, home improvement, and property. He is best known for creating Business Leader magazine, which he scaled into the UK’s leading media brand for entrepreneurs before selling it to billionaire investor Richard Harpin. A true self-made entrepreneur, Andrew arrived in the UK at 18 with no money and no qualifications, but went on to build and sell multiple companies while mentoring business leaders and speaking internationally. His upcoming book, Imposter Millionaire, shares his journey from setbacks and adversity to building enduring business success. Resources & Links Connect with Andrew Scott on LinkedIn — Andrew Scott | LinkedIn Learn more about the Ascot Group — ascotgroup.co.uk Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down 3 specific strategies from this episode you will apply in the next 72 hours. Think Bigger: Want to increase your company valuation or prepare for exit? Download free resources at paulavins.com. Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life! 📘Watch out for Andrew’s new book → Imposter Millionaire (coming soon)

What does it take to turn one product into an 8‑figure global brand and become a category king? In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins talks to Paul Sherratt, founder of gloveglu, about how he scaled from a kitchen‑table side business to a dominant global brand now selling in 55 countries. At 50 years old, Paul made the decision to go all in, remortgaging his house to chase a vision. Today, gloveglu is the category leader in a niche most people ignored. Paul Sherratt is the founder of gloveglu, a global soccer brand that started with a single glove grip spray for goalkeepers. He has built the business past 8 figures in revenue, developed a global distribution network, and grown a community of over 1.3 million social followers. He has also created the FIND IT Framework to help founders identify, claim and dominate their categories, and is building a goalkeeper education and training business alongside his brand. Key Takeaways The FIND IT Framework: Frame, Identify, Niche, Differentiate, Innovate, Test. Why narrowing focus creates faster growth than chasing broad markets. The mindset shift at age 50 that changed everything. Critical hires and systems that took gloveglu from £500k to multi‑millions. How TikTok and YouTube became powerful scale engines. Leadership lessons from handling the sudden loss of a team member. The difference between running a business and building a grown up business with systems and scalability. About Paul Sherratt Paul Sherratt is a sports entrepreneur and the founder of gloveglu, an 8‑figure global brand in the goalkeeper market. Starting with one product, Paul has built a category‑dominating business sold in more than 55 countries, backed by a large online following. He is also developing a worldwide goalkeeper education platform and launching the Find the Gap Podcast to help other founders leverage category creation. Resources & Links Connect with Paul Sherratt on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about gloveglyu — gloveglue Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

There’s an epidemic of short-term thinking right now on LinkedIn and it’s killing people’s chances of actually building networks that create long-term value. In this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul sits down with Mike Jones, CEO of Beep2B and one of the UK’s leading experts in LinkedIn social selling. Mike has generated over £100 million in revenue for himself, his clients and partners in the last 15 years using LinkedIn as a platform for relationship-led growth, not spam tactics. Together, Paul and Mike pull back the curtain on what really works right now on LinkedIn and why most of the training and cold-message “hacks” out there are complete rubbish. If LinkedIn is already part of your marketing (or you know it needs to be), this episode will give you the strategic framework to turn it into seven figures of opportunity. Key Takeaways The 7 behaviours every entrepreneur must master to generate seven figures on LinkedIn How to build long-term asset value in your network instead of chasing short-term metrics Why sending “spray and pray” spam messages kills your brand — and what to do instead The role of AI and automation in outreach (and where it undermines trust) Why trust-based conversations and hand-raiser questions will always outperform pitch-heavy DMs How treating your network as a strategic investment compounds into opportunities years later About Mike Jones Mike Jones is the CEO of Beep2B, a LinkedIn marketing productivity company helping world-class businesses grow faster through authentic digital relationships. He combines tactics, training and technology to free up leaders from wasting time on LinkedIn and instead give them a consistent pipeline of inbound leads, strategic partnerships and high-value opportunities. Resources & Links Connect with Mike Jones on LinkedIn — Mike Jones | LinkedIn Learn more about Beep2b — B2B Marketing & Lead Generation - Beep2B Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter

What does it really take to grow a business from a side‑hustle into a multi‑million‑pound, award‑winning brand? In this episode, Paul Avins talks to Sheena Marsh, founder of Oxford Garden Design and RHS Gold Medal winning garden designer, about her journey from the classroom to building one of the UK’s top garden design companies. Sheena shares her honest story of overcoming bullying, facing financial fears, and making the terrifying leap from solopreneur to CEO. Today, her company turns over more than £2 million a year, employs 30+ people, and works with dream clients creating beautiful, wildlife‑friendly gardens. Whether you run a service business, a creative brand, or you’re ready to scale past seven figures, Sheena’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, focus and resilience. Key Takeaways Why the hardest moment of Sheena’s career became the foundation of her success The identity shift of hiring employee number one — and why it changed everything The danger of chasing money over alignment (and the costly mistake it caused) How to say no to the wrong clients so you can attract the right ones Why a predictable business is better than an exciting one if you want freedom The power of pruning — how to cut back distractions, people and products to grow stronger Why financial dashboards and a CFO are essential once you pass seven figures How passion fuels profit — and why your energy disappears if your heart isn’t in it The branding impact of winning high‑profile awards like RHS Gold and People’s Choice About Sheena Marsh Sheena Marsh is the Founder of Oxford Garden Design, one of the UK’s leading garden design and landscaping companies. Starting her career as a teacher, Sheena took the bold leap into entrepreneurship after adversity pushed her to follow her passion for gardens and design. Over the last 20 years, she has transformed Oxford Garden Design from a small solo venture into a multi‑million‑pound business with over 30 employees, delivering award‑winning garden and landscape projects across the UK. Sheena is also a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gold Medal Winner, and her company won the coveted People’s Choice Award at RHS Malvern, making history by taking home four awards for a single show garden. Today, Sheena is recognised not only for her stunning designs, but also for her leadership in running a true “grown‑up business” — one that’s predictable, profitable and no longer depends on her day‑to‑day presence. Beyond business, Sheena is on a mission to educate homeowners on how simple changes in their gardens can help wildlife and biodiversity thrive. Resources & Links Connect with Sheena Marsh on LinkedIn — linkedin.com Learn more about Oxford Garden Design — Oxford Garden Design Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Want to grow your business to the next level — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter Level Up: Book a Call with Paul and Get ready to level up your business and transform your life!

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Health, AI, and Becoming a Scale Up CEO In this powerful episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, Paul Avins sits down with Carly Meyers, Founder & CEO of Made For More AI, to explore the critical link between entrepreneurial health, automation, and sustainable business growth. Together, they unpack the harsh truth most business owners ignore: Too many entrepreneurs trade their health today for wealth tomorrow, only to pay the price later in burnout, breakdown, or business stagnation. Paul shares his own high-stakes health crisis that forced him to confront this very mindset, while Carly talks about how building automated systems not only saves time but can also free up entrepreneurs from the constant firefighting trap, giving them space to take care of themselves and focus on high-level growth. At the heart of this discussion is a game-changing message: in order to scale to 7 and 8 figures, entrepreneurs must evolve beyond being “operators” and fully embrace the identity of a true Scale Up CEO. With raw honesty and practical insight, Paul and Carly challenge the old narratives of hustle culture and provide a refreshing reminder that health and business are not mutually exclusive—they are deeply intertwined. Key Takeaways The pivotal transition from being an operator to adopting the identity of a Scale Up CEO is non-negotiable for sustainable growth. Health isn’t a “someday fix”—entrepreneurs must invest in it now to avoid burnout and build longevity. Immersive environments like retreats and summits create the breakthroughs that can save you years of wasted time. A supportive peer network is a secret weapon against the isolation and self-doubt of entrepreneurship. True success in business is not just financial but also about quality of life, energy, and long-term fulfilment. About Carly Meyers Carly Meyers is the Founder & CEO of Made For More AI, an innovative consultancy helping service-based businesses harness the power of AI and automation to streamline operations, reclaim their time, and scale profitably. Often described as an AI Growth Architect, Carly has a rare gift for simplifying complex technology so that even the most non-technical entrepreneur can implement it with confidence. Her frameworks have helped founders transform clunky manual processes into scalable, systemised growth engines, freeing them to focus on strategy, impact, and revenue. Carly’s entrepreneurial journey has been fuelled by one core belief: you don’t have to sacrifice health, family, or freedom to grow a thriving business. A sought-after business coach and keynote speaker, she regularly shares the mindset shifts and automation strategies that allow entrepreneurs to build businesses that are both profitable and sustainable. Resources & Links Connect with Carly Meyers on LinkedIn — Carly Meyers | LinkedIn Learn more about Carly — Carly Meyers - AI Growth Architect Follow Paul Avins for Scale Up insights on LinkedIn — Paul Avins | LinkedIn Transform your business at the Grown Up Business Retreat — The Grown Up Business Retreat 2025 Next Steps Action Now: Write down the 3 actions from this episode you’ll apply in your business over the next 72 hours. Think bigger: Thinking about scaling your business — get your free resources at Paul Avins Scale Up: Get actionable tips from Paul in your inbox every Saturday, Subscribe to Scale Up Saturday Newsletter

How to Build and Leverage a High-Performing Team for Business GrowthIn this episode of the Grown Up Business Podcast, host Paul Avins shares his recent experiences, including mastermind sessions and preparing for the Grown Up Business Awards. He presents an insightful interview with Michelle Cairns from Your Property Podcast, where they discuss the importance of building the right team to scale your business. Paul dives into the specific roles and energies needed at different growth stages, the value of consistent action, and reveals tips for effective networking and team-building. The episode includes strategies for recruiting talent and leveraging technology for productivity and concludes with an invitation to a free training on using team and tech to scale your business.00:00 Welcome to the Grown Up Business Podcast00:04 Year-End Masterminds and Awards00:43 Interview Introduction: Michelle Cairns00:58 The Importance of Team for Business Growth02:56 Paul Avins' Coaching Journey08:16 The Power of Consistent Action14:46 Setting Big Goals and Intentions24:30 Building a Successful Team28:18 Buying Back Your Time28:21 Finance and Bookkeeping28:39 Digital Marketing and Branding28:55 Recruitment Strategy30:36 Understanding Your Profile31:00 Building the Right Team32:11 CEO Mindset33:05 Prioritizing Tasks34:40 Networking Strategies36:21 Effective Networking Tips47:06 Consistency and Clarity in Networking48:00 Current Projects and Future Plans50:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Grownup Business Podcast, Paul Evans sits down with Kevin Chapman, a renowned executive and performance coach, and co-founder of the Physical Intelligence Institute. The discussion dives into how entrepreneurs can unlock their peak performance by tapping into their physical intelligence. From managing performance anxiety to understanding the role of neurochemistry in emotional states, this episode provides actionable insights for balancing work and life through strategic state management. Kevin shares practical tools such as breathwork, dynamic movement, and cognitive flexibility, emphasizing the critical role of physical intelligence in overall success. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their performance, manage stress, and maintain successful relationships both at work and home.00:00 Introduction to the Grownup Business Podcast01:02 Meet Kevin Chapman: Executive and Performance Coach02:44 Understanding Physical Intelligence04:46 Managing Performance Anxiety06:56 The Power of Breathwork27:03 The Role of Serotonin and Gut Health37:29 Balancing Health and Entrepreneurship40:13 The Entrepreneur's Genetic Drive40:38 The Importance of Recovery41:13 Dopamine and Entrepreneurial Behavior43:33 Celebrating Wins and Building Trust45:19 Balancing Speed and Pace48:50 The Power of Vulnerability01:01:08 The Role of Physical Intelligence01:07:42 Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs