EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleaguesHow British politeness and vagueness confuses German teamsThe truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UKWhy Germans trust process while Brits trust personalityHow cultural differences can make or break international business dealsIf you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!01:18:04 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch? We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes.From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on:Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every timeHow to raise investment when the market is stacked against youThe truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneursBootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E”Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions.Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with John Stapleton 00:40 John's Background and Achievements01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality26:29 The Value of Failure28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John41:26 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
EP 406 - Economist and tax strategist Oriana Morrison pulls doesn't hold back in our chat about the UK economy, HMRC, tax avoidance, and inequality.Founder and CEO of ECNMX and trusted advisor to world champion athletes and entertainers, Oriana Morrison explains why HMRC is “shameful,” how tax is used as social engineering, and why Britain risks losing its top talent to fairer systems abroad.From the realities of sportswashing in Saudi boxing to the politics of envy driving the UK’s broken tax system, Oriana shares blunt insights you won’t hear from politicians, even or accountants.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Oriana Morrison calls HMRC “shameful”The hidden truth about tax, fairness and inequalityHow sportswashing in Saudi boxing really worksWhy Britain risks a Latin American-style economic collapseHow tax myths are driving talent and wealth out of the UKIf you want to hear about the future of Britain’s economy, the truth about tax and HMRC, and what it really means for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, pull up a chair and press play.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Oriana Morrison01:30 Sportswashing in Saudi?04:09 Economic Realities of Sports Consumption09:33 Oriana's Role and Expertise14:01 Tax and Economic Policies16:57 HMRC: Challenges and Criticisms 26:50 Global Economic Perspectives42:28 Insider Trading and Ethical Dilemmas42:54 Navigating Client Relationships and Global Networks43:37 Oriana's Story: The Band Fallout46:32 Legal Battles and Partnership Laws53:11 Lessons Learned and Client Challenges59:42 Social Media vs. Tax Advice01:04:48 Quickfire - Get To Know Oriana01:08:49 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!01:17:10 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare compared to the UK? In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale, Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy - and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.What you’ll learn:Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in ItalyThe North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments differHow family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that means for outsidersWhy bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scalingHow UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering ItalyWhere the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and creative industriesPerfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to navigate UK - Italy business differences.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy48:36 AI and Cultural Communication49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!50:22 Wrap UpWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
EP 404 - Can improv and humour make you a better leader - and even grow your bottom line? Neil Mullarkey (Comedy Store Players co-founder with Mike Myers, seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway and Austin Powers) shows how improv’s “Yes, And” mindset, listening with intent, and affiliative humour boost leadership, sales, creativity, and team culture.We unpack practical tools Neil teaches at London Business School and in boardrooms across 25+ countries: running better meetings and Zooms, building psychological safety, using Pixar-style “plussing,” navigating change, and why funny people make better leaders.What you’ll learn:How improv drives creativity, collaboration, and faster decisionsThe difference between affiliative vs. dis-affiliative humour (and why banter can backfire)Listening with intent: the leadership meta-skill that wins deals and trustRunning high-energy meetings (in-person & remote): chat prompts, quick polls, and participation hacksWhy “Yes, And” beats rigid scripts for sales, client work, and stakeholder buy-in*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Neil Mullarkey01:20 Neil's Journey in Comedy and Improv05:42 The Birth of Comedy Store Players08:12 Improv Techniques and Their Applications19:13 Improv in Business and Leadership24:05 Effective Meeting Strategies32:31 Innovative Meeting Strategies33:35 The Role of Improv in Leadership36:07 Handling Resistance and Transformation41:45 Humour in the Workplace47:32 Improv Skills for Personal Growth56:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Neil57:54 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me
EP 403 - AI is being sold as a miracle productivity tool, but is it actually killing our ability to think? We revisit our conversation with AI expert, author and speaker David Birss who explores the hidden dangers of generative AI - from outsourcing imagination to the slow erosion of human originality.We explore the myth of AI productivity, unpacking why most companies are implementing AI the wrong way, why “adequacy” is replacing excellence, and how the obsession with productivity is leading to burnout rather than breakthroughs. David explains his Sensible AI Manifesto, showing why businesses must use AI to augment skills, not automate talent.From ChatGPT in the workplace to the risk of Gen Z losing brain power, this episode covers the biggest questions around AI:Is generative AI replacing excellence with adequacy?How can AI increase output without destroying originality?What are the real risks of AI for business, education, and society?Could AI be weaponised - and are governments already falling behind?Essential listening if you’re searching for the truth about AI in business, creativity, and the future of work. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with David Birss00:43 Meet David - AI Expert and Innovator01:41 The Sensible AI Manifesto: Origins and Purpose03:24 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities04:16 The Impact of AI on Productivity and Workload10:17 The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations17:29 AI in Warfare and Global Security25:41 Training and Education: The UK vs. The US34:10 The Importance of Effective AI Prompting37:30 David's Multifaceted Career: Music, Comedy, and AI43:11 Spotting Opportunities in Technology44:03 Embracing AI and Art44:47 Developing Effective AI Prompts46:59 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI49:05 Dealing with Change and Innovation50:55 The Importance of Human Potential59:04 Quickfire - Get To Know David01:07:12 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 402 - Is the UK stock market dying or is it the biggest bargain in global investing? This week we welcome back investor and author Andrew Craig who argues that British equities are deeply undervalued and overlooked by international investors. From political uncertainty to structural challenges, Craig explains why the UK is seen as “on sale” - and why that could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We pack market misperceptions, long-term risks, and where savvy investors should be looking now. Essential listening for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone questioning the future of the UK economy.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig01:29 The Decline of the UK Stock Market06:08 Impact of Passive Investing on the Economy11:07 IPO Market Challenges13:01 The Role of Equity Markets in Innovation and Growth17:31 The Vicious Cycle of Economic Policies22:38 Global Comparisons and UK Economy Future34:45 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Wealth Creation38:03 The Impact of Amazon on Society39:30 The Role of Wealthy Individuals in Society41:33 Government vs. Private Sector Efficiency44:39 The Future of Technology and Innovation50:00 Challenges in the UK Infrastructure and Economy58:54 QUICKFIRE - Get To Know Andrew01:02:22 !BUSINESS or BULLSHIT QUIZ! 01:11:16 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 401 - Recent UK government changes to trust law could have major implications for wealth protection, estate planning, and business ownership. In Tax Without Bullshit pt. 2, Andy sits down with Oury Clark tax experts Jeremy Coker and Emma FlorentinLee to break down what the new rules mean, who they affect, and how to decide if a trust is still worth it. From common myths to practical strategies, this episode explains how trusts work in the UK, why they’re not just for billionaires, and how changing legislation could reshape their future. Essential listening for business owners, financial advisors, and families looking to safeguard assets.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*00:00 Tax Without Bullshit pt.2 - UK Trusts02:49 History of Trusts03:41 Structure of Trusts04:14 Types of Trusts and Their Uses09:03 Tax Implications and Misconceptions21:34 Global Perspectives on Trusts24:51 Trustees and Beneficiaries25:13 The Role of Trusts in UK Tax Residency26:36 Offshore Trusts: Myths and Realities28:53 Excluded Property Trusts Explained31:09 Complexities of Foreign Trusts41:58 Living Trusts and Their Implications45:57 Trusts in Business and Family Planning51:15 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 400 - Is confidence the real reason men succeed more in business - or are women holding themselves back? Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den success story Rachel Watkyn OBE joins us to share her unfiltered take on gender, ego, and the hidden dynamics behind success. From male “peacocking” and the confidence gap to the barriers facing female founders, she challenges what we think we know about business, identity, and leadership.Rachel opens up about her personal journey through childhood trauma, serious illness, and tackles big cultural questions - from the rise of modern gender ideology to the impact of dating apps, hookup culture, and why loneliness is becoming a silent epidemic among Gen Z.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Rachel Watkyn OBE01:34 Meet Rachel: A Journey of Resilience02:43 Quickfire - Get to Know Rachel05:16 Rachel's New Venture: Tackling Loneliness00:00 The Reality of Loneliness in Modern Society12:44 Personal Stories and Overcoming Adversity17:06 Gender Bias in Venture Capital Funding29:18 Changing Gender Roles and Societal Norms31:42 A Family's Complex History32:16 Unraveling Relationships and Secrets33:33 Impact of Social Shame34:37 Cultural Differences in Expression35:29 A Troubling Incident36:29 Childhood Challenges and Resilience37:03 Managing Stress and Wellbeing39:18 The Importance of Conversations43:18 Navigating Modern Challenges46:36 Business Insights and Advice49:40 Business OR Bullshit Quiz!58:49 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 399 - July's guests - Lucy Parker, Mark Field, Victoria Dunford, and Luis Gosalbez - discuss and debate the legitimacy our BOB quiz cards - drinking at lunch, corporate away days, in-office fitness classes, and universal basic income to equal paternity leave and corporate gifting all make the shortlist!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit QUIZ00:55 Debate: Drinking at Lunch04:49 Corporate Away Days: Business or BB?06:38 In-Office Fitness Classes08:54 Universal Basic Income Discussion12:16 Equal Paternity Leave14:01 Corporate Gifting: Business or BS?businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 398 - Spain looks like a dream for startups: sunny, affordable, and full of talent. But beneath the surface, founders face a slow, fragmented system that often blocks growth instead of enabling it. In this episode, lawyer, founder and managing partner of Metricson Luis Gosálbez explains why Spain’s business environment frustrates entrepreneurs, from endless bureaucracy to region-by-region politics and a risk-averse culture that kills momentum. Whether you're launching in Spain or expanding into Europe, this is what they don’t teach you in school - but should.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Business Without Baggage #2 - Spain's Hidden Business Rules00:19 Meet Luis Gosalbez01:36 Regional Differences in Spanish Business Culture08:15 Business Etiquette and Payment Practices09:25 Family-Owned Businesses and Hierarchies11:15 Impact of Historical and Political Context13:48 Collaborative vs. Individualistic Business Approaches16:35 Challenges of Employment Laws20:51 The Importance of Personal Connections29:21 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion30:00 The British Perspective on Money32:51 Building Spanish Business Relationships34:21 Navigating Bureaucracy in Spain37:20 Banking and Financial Regulations43:45 Living and Working in Spain44:54 Special Tax Laws and Incentives47:27 Buying Property in Spain49:41 Show and Tell: A Taste of Spain51:43 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 397 - In Moldova, thousands of disabled children and adults remain unseen - hidden away by a system that offers them little support. In this episode, Andy speaks to humanitarian and social entrepreneur Victoria Dunford, founder of MAD-Aid, who is fighting to bring dignity, inclusion, and opportunity to those left behind. From transforming hospitals to changing laws, discover how one woman is challenging stigma and building a future where no one is invisible*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Victoria Dunford 01:24 Quickfire - Get to Know Victoria01:36 Victoria's Early Career and Challenges05:10 The State of Healthcare in Moldova08:00 Founding MAD-Aid and Early Efforts14:12 Changing Legislation and Social Impact17:49 Fundraising and Building Trust20:15 The Ukraine Conflict and Moldova's Future21:45 Business and Charity Partnerships22:52 Building Connections23:17 The Benefits of Donating to Charity23:29 Challenges and Changes in Charity Regulations24:41 Transparency and Trust in Charitable Donations26:28 The Importance of Grassroots and Big Charities26:43 Encouraging Heartfelt Donations27:33 The Role of Charity Commissions29:11 Fundraising and Donor Engagement33:08 Healthcare Systems in Moldova and the UK37:44 MAD-Aid's Goals and Ambitions40:27 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Founders43:56 Challenges and Misconceptions in Charity Work44:47 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 396 - Are supermarkets controlling more than just prices? global food expert Mark Field reveals the hidden secrets of the food industry, exposing how Big Food shapes what we eat, drives up costs, and impacts sustainability. Learn how corporate power influences your choices - and what it means for the future of food.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Mark Field00:57 Meet Mark: A Food Industry Leader01:43 Quickfire - Get To Know Mark02:00 Mark's Career Journey and Insights07:46 The Impact of COVID-19 on Prof Consulting12:36 Global Trends in the Food Industry15:19 Challenges and Innovations in Food Logistics18:54 Brexit's Impact on the UK Food Industry23:27 British Farming and Seasonal Produce27:25 Vertical Farming and Future Technologies27:41 Energy Costs vs. Output in Food Production28:19 Future of the Food Industry by 205029:44 Changing Food Preferences and Social Eating30:56 Global Food Diversity and Supermarket Trends37:10 Sustainability and Business Growth in Food Retail42:34 AI's Role in Food Industry Transformation48:44 Advice for Entering the Food Industry50:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Food Retail54:06 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 395 - Can big business actually change the world or is it all just PR? Andy speaks to Lucy Parker, Senior Advisor at Brunswick and co-author of The Activist Leader, on why CEOs need to stop playing it safe and start thinking like activists. From Gordon Brown’s task force to boardrooms at Maersk and Walmart, Lucy shares how companies can bridge the gap between profit and purpose, and why the future belongs to leaders with a backbone.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Lucy Parker01:19 Andy's Intro03:04 Quickfire - Get To Know Lucy09:47 Lucy's Current Role at Brunswick10:25 Big Business Addressing Societal Issues14:27 Challenges and Misconceptions About Big Business22:44 Big Businesses Making a Positive Impact28:19 The Role of Regulation and Policy in Business35:11 The Future of Business and Societal Change44:51 Developing a Sustainable Mindset45:35 The Role of Leadership in Sustainability45:59 Challenges and Responsibilities of Modern Business49:16 The Complexity of Global Issues49:40 The Journey Towards Net Zero51:02 Transparency and Accountability in Business01:07:33 The Importance of Data in ESG01:13:40 Activist Leadership in Business01:23:18 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership01:26:12 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 394 - This week Andy meets Bernard Savage who leads professional services business development consultancy - size ten and half boots.We have a wide running chat about how AI means that now, more than ever, professional services firms need to embrace sales. Luckily it’s also going to free up their time to do it.I’m not sure he persuaded Andy that sales wasn’t a dirty word. But we definitely buy into his rallying call that if you just do the same things as everyone else, then, well you are not going to stand out and your business will die.Straight talking advice indeed.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Bernard Savage01:19 Andy's Views on Bernard04:02 Quickfrie - Get to Know Bernard06:33 The Reality of Professional Services12:45 Networking and Business Development21:17 Client Relationships and Commerciality25:15 Evolving Business Development Strategies25:53 Impact of AI on Professional Services26:24 The Dominance of London in Professional Services27:41 The Importance of Client Relationships30:28 The Role of LinkedIn in Professional Networking33:06 Regional Differences in Professional Services35:33 Northern England: Challenges and Opportunities48:38 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism51:24 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 393 - June's BOB quiz lineup sees Elizabeth Varley from the Department of Business and Trade, Silent Disco Company founder and CEO Toby Burns, and ex-Special Forces author and speaker Sarah Furness tackle topics including climate change, office nap pods, AI-created content, team-building exercises, and mandatory lunch breaks. Strap in!Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Business or Bullshit Quiz00:42 Climate Change: Business or Bullshit?04:21 Office Nap Pods: A Good Idea?06:29 AI Created Content: Boon or Bane?09:43 Team Building Exercises: Effective or Awkward?13:20 Mandatory Hour-Long Lunch Breaks: Yay or Nay?businesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 392 - This week we meet Sarah Furness, whose self described superpower is being “just enough of a bitch”. If you want to know what she means by that, stop reading and start listening.Sarah was the first female helicopter pilot to lead special forces missions in Iraq.These days she is bringing battlefield hardened insights to business problems, helping leaders to create healthy behaviours and environments in threatening or stressful situations.It’s a wide ranging conversation, covering everything from gender roles and sexism to mindfulness under extreme pressure and something called disco leg. But our main focus was on psychological safety and why it is important in the military and business.As Sarah says, “The only way we can learn from a mistake is if we talk about it, and we can’t talk about it if you’re punished for it”.The bit about disco leg is right at the end, if you want to skip to that to find out what it means.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Sarah Furness01:16 Andy's Intro02:33 Quickfire: Get to Know Sarah07:53 Sarah's Journey: From Military to Mindfulness17:05 The Power of Mindfulness in High-Stress Situations24:47 Learning from Failure: Military Insights for Business31:14 Creating an Optimum Environment for Psychological Safety32:02 Encouraging Bravery in Leadership32:13 Vulnerability in Leadership34:28 Navigating Shame and Self-Compassion38:01 Self-Awareness and Inner Work in Leadership43:48 Gender and Leadership: Moving Beyond Stereotypes49:47 Customer-Centric Business Practices52:20 Lessons from Military Leadership01:01:16 The Importance of Humor and Camaraderie01:02:25 Top Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs01:06:06 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 391 - This week we are joined by Toby Burns, immersive events pioneer and the man behind Silent Disco.He has some quite spicy things to say about how the UK treats entrepreneurship and flags an innovation that he would love to see the UK copy from China.Yep, we should copy China.You’ll have to listen in to find out how and why. But you will also get some real nuggets of business wisdom (in handy catch phrases). Such as “innovate or evaporate”, “diversify or die”.Most importantly, if you want to create continued success you need to create a great customer experience at every touchpoint.Let us know what you think in the comments.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*00:00 BWB with Toby Burns01:16 Andy's intro to Toby01:58 The Silent Disco Business Model03:57 Toby's Early Career and Family Business07:02 Customer Service and Business Philosophy14:16 Property Investments and Business Strategy16:55 Innovations and Future Plans30:16 The Turning Point: Scaling a Business31:01 Innovating in the Entertainment Industry32:52 Customer Service and Business Processes39:14 The Impact of Taxes on Business48:11 Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis54:15 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs01:03:12 Toby's Ultimate Party Line-Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 390 - Something a little different this week. We took BWB on the road to meet James Duckenfield, CEO of Glass Pharm and tour their state of the art facility for growing pharmaceutical grade cannabis.We learnt a lot of fascinating stuff - including that the only way that you are likely to die from cannabis, certainly medical cannabis, is if someone accidentally drops a ton of it on your head.Furthermore, this remarkable growing system is not just leading the way for growing medicinal cannabis, but its carbon negative approach and techniques are breaking new ground for horticulture in general.Listen in and learn.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB Live at Glass Pharms00:47 Andy & Medical Cannabis01:43 The UK Cannabis Conversation02:57 Tour of Glass Pharms Facility06:44 Cannabis Cultivation Techniques13:24 Regulations and Licensing18:59 Product Demonstration and Quality Control24:39 BWB with James Duckenfield CEO25:51 Medical Cannabis in the UK27:12 Public Perception and NHS Policies28:06 Cannabis and Chronic Pain29:31 Cannabis and Mental Health30:33 Global Cannabis Policies31:16 Personal Experiences with Cannabis32:28 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry33:09 The Endocannabinoid System35:24 Regulatory Hurdles42:01 Future of Medical Cannabis49:33 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
EP 389 - This week we meet Elizabeth Varley. As founder and former CEO of Tech Hub she has played a pivotal role in shaping London’s Tech scene. In her role with the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Program she continues to influence our start and scale up business culture today.As you’d expect she has a lot of hot tips for founders, some of which we weren’t expecting. Such as “undergoing therapy will make you a better leader”.Fantastic chat from someone who is able to come at your business growing pains in unexpected ways.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Elizabeth Varley01:26 Andy's intro to Elizabeth02:18 Elizabeth's Early Career and Lessons Learned09:28 Elizabeth's Role in the Global Entrepreneur Program13:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Global Expansion21:41 Brexit and Its Impact on Entrepreneurs23:55 Fostering the UK Ecosystem24:22 International Investment Trends26:27 Opportunities in Sustainability27:56 The AI Hype and Reality29:23 Journey to Becoming a Deal Maker32:34 Founding Tech Hub38:53 The Importance of Therapy for Founders44:44 Advice for Entrepreneurs47:43 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark