Business Without Bullsh-t

EP 356 - We are doing some hefty metaphorical redecorating at BWB at the moment (remodelling for our American friends). That means that we will be using the next few weeks to look back into our catalogue and republish some choice episodes. Conversations that we think are as relevant today as they were when they were first released. First up Martin Wolf CBE - Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator at the FT.We kicked off 2023 talking to Martin about the state of the Nation and his thinking will give you a helpful lens to hold up to UK current events such as the budget, democratic reform and how our future is shaped by the economic choices that we make now.And Martin's keen eyed analysis and clear headed assessment of the current state and future of the British Economy, Political Realm and our role in the world when it comes to trade is as relevant now as when we first sat down in 2023.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Martin Wolf01:14 Revisiting the UK's Economic Identity Post-Brexit02:05 Current Global Challenges08:09 The UK's Economic Strengths and Weaknesses11:02 Regional Inequality and the Future of British Cities15:53 The Challenges of Long-Term Policy Making28:57 The Role of Education and Skills in Economic Growth34:07 The Future of British Industry and Innovation44:02 Evaluating Productivity Measures44:36 The Complexity of Data Presentation45:12 The Importance of Honest Data46:30 Navigating Economic Uncertainty48:31 Understanding Modern Monetary Theory55:18 The Impact of the Energy Crisis01:00:58 Brexit and Global Trade01:11:59 The Future of UK Politics01:28:39 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 355 - Sky and NBC ring announcer known as Big Mo is in the quiz seat for the B.O.B quiz showdown - personal trainers, corporate gifting, universal basic income and the significance of Super Bowl ads all make the draw for Kody's views - are they Business or Bullshit?Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kody Mommaerts00:43 Personal Trainers: Business or BS?02:20 Corporate Gifting: Sincere or Fake?03:44 Business Accelerators and Incubators04:17 Right Wing Politics and Universal Basic Income05:04 Lunch Provided for Employees: Bullshit or Benefit?05:41 Search Engine Optimisation and Family Business06:34 Crypto and Digital Nomads07:20 Drinking at Lunch and Workplace Humour12:29 Lobbying and ChatGBT14:46 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 354 - This week we catch up with broadcaster, entertainer and tech entrepreneur Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts.  Kody combines being “Big Mo” the ring announcer for Boxxer on Sky and NBC with being the COO of SaaS scale up Sports Thread.We chat about why the most important skills for any role are really hard to put in the job description, why being distinctive, putting time and effort into standing out is as important in business as it is in entertainment and why the rapid rate of change in both combat sports and tech means that the areas have more in common than you would think.We also discover that no-one in the podcast studio knows the name of Liverpool FCs home stadium. (hint producer Dee: it’s not Old Trafford).Chapters:00:00 BWB with Kody 'Big Mo' Mommaerts01:08 Meet Big Mo02:03 The Journey of Sports Thread Inc.02:58 The Role of a Ring Announcer04:18 The UK and USA Sports Connection10:05 The Art of Ring Announcing25:54 The Complexities of Boxing Promotions31:51 Fighters and Promotional Companies32:24 Marketing and Promotion in Boxing33:11 The Business of Boxing35:42 Personal Journey and Public Speaking38:14 The Art of Communication46:31 Cultural Differences in Business Communication49:13 Innovating Boxing Entertainment52:05 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Kody01:00:02 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 353 - Financial literacy expert Andrew Craig jumps in the seat to take on Andy's quiz card debate.They also delve into Universal Basic Income, the future of digital nomads, the relevance of ESG investing, the role of lawyers in business, and the potential of decentralised autonomous organisations.Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Andrew Craig00:30 Personal Trainers and ChatGPT01:17 Corporate Social Responsibility03:27 Venture Capital and Incubators05:14 Universal Basic Income08:35 Insurance and Alternative Investment Market10:47 Digital Nomads and ESG Investing13:38 EBITDA and Lawyers15:09 Decentralised Autonomous Organisations16:57 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 352 - In a very timely episode, with our politicians talking about growth, budgets and black holes, we talk to author, investor and founder of Plain English Finance Andrew Craig about:> How Britain has shot itself in the foot through a series of dreadful regulations.> Why the awful state of the British economy is a function of the parlous state of the British stock market.> How improving overall financial literacy could help that.We don’t actually talk about black holes, but we suspect that one might be created somehow if Andrew ever met our previous guest Gary Stevenson in a pub.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig01:12 Meet Andrew: Financial Expert and Author01:59 The Challenges of UK Financial Services02:52 The Impact of Regulation on Investment07:14 The Decline of the London Stock Market08:22 The Role of Financial Literacy and Investment31:14 The Rise of Passive Investing35:09 The Crypto Conundrum37:46 The Allure of Quick Riches and Financial Illiteracy39:06 The Importance of Financial Education39:41 Jordan Peterson and Mental Health40:50 Historical Progress and Capital Markets41:36 The Role of Biotech in Solving Global Issues41:52 Celebrating Human Progress43:49 The British Psyche and Economic Challenges50:31 The Press and National Unity56:35 The Impact of Immigration and Refugees58:04 Capital Markets and Government Finance01:00:50 The Future of Biotech and Personalised Health01:02:48 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Andrew01:08:46 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 351 - Copyright lawyer Julius Stubbs jumps in the quiz seat to give Andy's business quiz cards a piece of his mind - office nap pods, Brexit, universal basic income and kangaroo insurance all make the shortlist (Julius's AUS story will have you in tears!)Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit Julius Stubbs01:10 Team Building Exercises: Business or BS?01:58 LinkedIn?02:22 The Insurance Rant04:12 Universal Basic Income?06:28 In-Office Fitness Classes. Who's in?06:44 Diversity Quotas Debate07:13 Brexit08:46 Silicon Valley and Business Investments09:03 Government Grants and R&D Tax Credits10:20 Formal Directors Meetings10:45 Free Ports and Regulators11:16 Digital Nomads and Remote Work13:14 Balancing Flexibility and Collaboration15:04 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 350 - The founder of I Am Stobbs, a specialist trademark and brand attorney firm, talks us through why even the youngest businesses should be thinking about their IP, but should spend the bare minimum on protecting it until they really need to.  And when the point that they really need to protect it is likely to be.We also get into why AI is the biggest challenge facing IP, trademark and copyright law right now and why graphic designers and photographers might want to think about getting a different job as a result.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Julius Stobbs01:15 Meet Julius, founder of Stobbs02:02 Understanding IP in Business03:00 The Importance of IP Strategy04:53 Commercial Approach to Legal Services06:49 Challenges in IP Protection08:56 Global IP Protection and Strategy32:06 The Future of IP and AI38:43 The Subtlety of Artistic Skill39:39 AI's Impact on the Art Industry40:24 Employment Challenges in the AI Era42:18 The Debate on New Employment Laws43:56 Tax Loopholes and Economic Policies46:01 Academia vs. Entrepreneurship53:30 Legal Services vs. Client Interests59:23 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Julius01:03:57 Advice for Founders and Entrepreneurs01:07:28 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 349 - Female Angel Investor Sarah Turner jumps in the quiz seat this week to take on Andy's list of business conundrums - business attire, pitch decks, conferences and offshore tax havens all make the shortlist!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Sarah Turner00:43 Conferences: Business or Bullshit?01:06 Offshore Tax Havens Debate02:41 Flying Business Class: Worth It?03:31 Unlimited Holidays?04:23 Charities: Business or Goodwill?05:14 The Strangeness of Wealth05:30 The Apologetic Rich05:59 Celebrating Success06:22 Drinking at Work06:38 Family Dynasties and Business07:08 Thought Leadership07:34 Dressing for Success08:25 Creating Effective Pitch Decks09:17 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 348 - Just 3% of angel investments in Europe went to all female founding teams last year. Last time we checked, half the population was female (women also own 50% of the wealth in the UK!). Sarah Turner, CEO and cofounder of investment network Angel Acadame, gives us an education about how we can redress the balance and get rid of the Silicon Valley style macho bullshit..We talk about how the Government fundamentally misunderstands the value of entrepreneurs, why nobody, left or right, is really listening to business and why it’s perfectly OK to pitch for investment when you are pregnant.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Sarah Turner01:15 Meet Sarah: CEO and Co-Founder of Angel Academe02:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Female-Led Startups03:31 The Importance of Female Angel Investors05:33 Unconscious Bias and Communication Differences07:16 The Silicon Valley Model and Female Entrepreneurs07:57 FemTech Unicorns and Gender Disparities09:11 Angel Academe's Mission and Operations10:26 The Role of Women in Investment and Business18:18 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship26:54 The Current UK Investment Climate32:05 Addressing Misconceptions in Business Law32:52 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs33:55 Small Business Struggles with HMRC36:05 Angel Academe: Mission and Vision38:16 Gender Dynamics in Investment41:01 The Importance of Adequate Funding42:41 Best Practices for Angel Networks46:59 Success Stories from Angel Academy53:46 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Sarah56:58 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 347 - Med Tech expert Michael Branagan-Harris jumps in the quiz seat alongside Andy to plough through Andy's list of business terms .. or are they? Brexit, corporation tax, Bitcoin, unlimited holidays and drinking at lunch all make the shortlist! Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Michael Branagan-Harris00:42 Royal Warrants and Brexit01:25 Brexit's Impact on Business02:35 The Future of UK Healthcare 06:41 Bitcoin, Drinking at Lunch and Unlimited Holidays07:42 Challenges in the MedTech Industry09:35 Charities and Pharma Influence12:45 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 346 - We chat with the founder & CEO of Device Access - who help MedTech companies gain market access and regulatory approval - about how over regulation can stifle innovation and lead to an adverse impact on patient care and outcomes.Michael Branigan tells us about:Why US companies aren’t interested infringing their devices to the UK anymore (hint it’s cos we are tiny)Why regulation is stifling innovation, and how that is bad for all of us, but particularly the NHSHe also mentions Brexit, but not for the reasons that you’d expect.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Michael Branagan-Harris01:51 The Changing Landscape UK MedTech02:46 Impact of European Medical Device Regulations04:46 Challenges in the MedTech Industry05:55 Gov Initiatives and Their Shortcomings07:28 Understanding Medical Device Regulations14:42 The Role of NICE and Market Access28:56 The Future of MedTech and Market Strategies35:22 Affordability vs. Innovation in Healthcare37:00 Challenges in Medtech vs. Pharma37:39 Navigating the NHS Procurement Process38:59 Leveraging Data for Healthcare Solutions41:53 Global Perspectives on Healthcare Systems49:20 The Role of MedTech in Modern Healthcare52:12 Independent Clinical Evidence55:34 Quick Fire Round - Get to Know Michael01:00:06 Wrap Up and Advice for Entrepreneursbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 345 - Shazam co-founder Dhiraj Mukherjee jumps in this week's quiz seat playing judge and jury to Andy's random list of business topics - investment TV shows, work-life balance and climate change activism all make the shortlist! Are they business or bullshit? Pull up a chair, press play and find out.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Game00:29 Investment TV Shows: Business or Bullshit?02:19 The Early Bird Catches the Worm03:11 Share Options: Motivating Employees04:24 Work-Life Balance in Startups08:21 The Role of Regulators09:47 Hockey Stick Growth in Startups10:20 Silicon Valley: The Hub of Innovation11:22 Climate Change: A Generational Challenge18:09 Brexit: A Sad Move for the Country19:22 Imagining a Unified World21:47 Conclusion and Farewellbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 344 - We catch up with Dhiraj Mukherjee, the man who successfully steered Shazam to a $400m sale to Apple, to talk impact investing, augmenting our behaviour with AI tools and why, given the rate of technological change, being taught how to learn is more important than being told what to learn.Dhiraj also takes Andy’s impromptu music quiz, we think he did OK, he thinks his son will be disappointed.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Dhiraj Mukherjee01:09 Meet Dheeraj01:42 Impact Investing and Tech for Good03:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech05:24 Gender Diversity in Technology08:16 The Role of AI in Recruitment13:33 Climate Action and Renewable Energy17:41 The Evolution of Shazam21:19 The Journey of Entrepreneurship30:32 The Future of AI and Technology35:25 Empowering Leadership In Teams37:18 Agile Development and Business Flexibility38:28 The Role of AI in Software Development39:15 The Art of Continuous Learning42:27 The Future of Education with Tech51:35 Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Business52:55 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Dhiraj01:03:12 Warp Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 343 - Oil markets expert and CEO of Onyx Capital Group, Greg Newman is in the the quiz seat to discuss and debate various business terms: office spaces in the metaverse, Xmas bonuses, flying for meetings, drinking at work and offshore tax havens are all on the table. "Business or Bullshit?" is the question!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Greg Newman00:37 Office Spaces in the Metaverse: Yay or Nay?00:58 Xmas Bonuses02:12 Who Still Flies for One Meeting?02:43 The Reluctance to Use Telephones03:15 Drinking at Lunch: A Trader's Perspective05:09 Offshore Tax Havens and Tax Fairness08:11 Conferences and the Oil Industry10:49 The Importance of Integrity in Business11:43 Balancing Work and Family12:44 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 342 - Oil. love it, hate it or just want to use less of it? Like it or not you can’t avoid it.We chat to Greg Newman, CEO of Onyx Capital Group, who helps us to unpick our planet’s tricky relationship with black gold. We talk democratising derivatives, tricky transitions and how increased transparency can help to build a fairer energy future.We also graciously allow Greg to plug his book 'World of Oil Derivatives' (OK, it’s a good book, you should read it)Chapters:00:00 BWB with Greg Newman01:06 Meet Greg - CEO of Onyx Capital Group02:00 Understanding Oil Derivatives02:15 The Financial vs. Physical Oil Market03:29 The Role of Financial Contracts07:34 Hedging and Price Stability14:12 Greg's Journey in the Oil Market15:02 The Impact of Regulation on Oil Trading16:42 The Rise of Mandara25:02 The Future of Oil and Market Efficiency29:33 Global Oil Market Challenges30:00 The Role of Market Efficiency31:10 Trading Dynamics and Market Influence31:33 Transparency and Market Fairness33:37 Democratising Oil Trading35:40 The Impact of Sentiment on Prices37:44 Regulation and Market Self-Regulation38:05 The Future of Oil and Renewables56:34 The Role of Petrochemicals56:54 The Problem of Oil and Lubricants57:03 China's Strategic Moves in Petrochemicals57:45 Tech Advancements and Market Shifts58:00 The Impact of COVID on Market Trends58:09 Challenges Faced by Oil Companies59:05 Investment Shifts and Market Realities59:40 The Role of Media and Public Perception01:00:15 Engaging Retail Investors01:01:13 Understanding Oil Contracts and Market Dynamics01:01:56 Personal Insights and Reflections01:07:39 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Gregbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 341 - The Apprentice former contestant and Forbes '30 under 30' honouree entrepreneur Bianca Miller Cole jumps in the quiz seat discussing Andy's list of terms and concepts - founder's egos, mandatory lunch breaks, unlimited holidays, and family dynasties are all up for debate!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Bianca Miller-Cole00:33 Debating Founders' Egos01:03 The Role of Money in Business02:15 Mandatory Hour-Long Lunch Breaks03:23 Unlimited Holidays: Pros and Cons04:43 Equal Paternity Leave07:58 The Importance of Contracts09:29 Family Dynasties in Business10:47 The Art of Bluffing in Business11:36 Thought Leadership12:50 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 340 - Bianca talks about how she went from ‘first loser’ on The Apprentice to being an award winning entrepreneur featured on Forbes 30 under 30.We chat about society’s attitudes to failure and gender, how this impacts people professionally and why personal branding helps to improve your confidence in the workplace.  Bianca also talks about balancing career and motherhood, and how family and personal connections are important for both.Andy also forgets the American word for braces.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Bianca Miller-Cole00:49 Meet Bianca: Entrepreneur and Author02:12 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship05:02 The Apprentice Experience06:38 Understanding Personal Branding13:29 The Importance of Confidence in Business20:30 Training and Development in Small Businesses29:31 Bianca's Diverse Business Ventures36:30 Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure39:12 The Role of Personal Branding40:32 Entrepreneurship and Taxation46:18 Public Speaking and Confidence Building49:30 Gender Dynamics in the Workplace55:19 Balancing Work and Personal Life56:50 Long-Term Goals and Mentorship59:14 Frustrations with Taxation and Governance01:06:08 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Biancabusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 339 - Notorious Australian comedy act Wankernomics aka Charles Firth and James Schloeffel jump in the quiz seats this week vetting Andy's business terms as either business or bullshit: flying business class, spending time with kids versus building a business, offshore tax havens, and more is paddled on the table.Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Wankernomics 00:34 Face-to-Face Meetings: Business or Bullshit?02:30 Flying Business Class: Worth It?03:45 Conferences: Business or Bullshit?04:16 Balancing Work and Family05:30 Offshore Tax Havens: Myths and Realities08:05 Drinking at Lunch: Good Idea?09:05 Working from Home vs. Office10:03 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 338 - Charles Firth and James Schloeffel otherwise known as Wankernomics are an Australian comedy act famed for their (piss)take on today’s absurdities of workplace culture, capitalism, and the corporate world.Our unfiltered chat exposes the concealed incompetence behind business jargon and workplace language. We discuss generational and cultural differences in communication, the role of humour in office dynamics, and insights from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We talk about how to navigate corporate jargon with a comedic edge, the power of humour in dealing with life, and why comedy censorship qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Wankernomics00:42 Meet James and Charles01:32 The Absurdities of Workplace Jargon03:25 The Origins of Corporate Buzzwords06:32 Emails and Passive Aggression13:42 Cultural Differences in Business Communication18:52 The Role of Humour in the Workplace23:22 The Edinburgh Fringe Experience25:51 Future Plans for Wankonomics30:57 The Brutal Nature of Comedy Feedback31:30 The Unique Environment of Comedy32:05 Comedy vs. Other Art Forms32:58 Breaking Down Business Silos34:01 The Role of Social Media in Comedy34:38 Comedy in Different Markets35:53 The Art of Business Meetings38:14 British Hospitality and Productivity44:33 Personal Relationships in Business45:36 Challenges and Cock-Ups in Comedy46:13 The Role of Agents in Comedy53:25 The Bullshit in Comedy57:38 Humour in Difficult Times01:00:03 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 337 - Former CEO of Porsche, BMW and Lamborghini, Kevin Gaskell jumps in the quiz seat to discuss and debate various business practices - from TikTok to corporate gifting, from metaverse offices to B Corp certifications, Kevin shares his wise and candid views.NDAs, alternative investment markets, and physical meetings vs. virtual ones also make the shortlist.Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kevin Gaskell00:37 TikTok: Business or Bullshit?01:07 Corporate Gifting: Building Relationships01:39 Metaverse Office Spaces: Real or Fake?02:27 Understanding B Corp and ESG03:42 Sweat Equity: The Entrepreneur's Dilemma04:58 NDAs: Necessary or Not?05:35 Alternative Investment Markets (AIM)06:17 Christmas Bonuses08:14 Asking Favours: The Right Way10:03 E-Meetings: The Future of Work?12:13 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark