Fail Forward

🎙️ Big Announcement! 🎙️ Today, I’m closing this chapter with gratitude and excitement for what's next. After 2.5 years and over 100 episodes, Fail Forward has brought incredible growth, connections, and insights. But now, it’s time for a change. As many of you know, a life-changing health scare last year made me reevaluate everything. I’ve decided to focus on my passion for the tree surgery industry. Introducing: The Tree Surgery Podcast! 🌳 Tune in for more interviews, industry insights, and valuable tips on tree surgery and arboriculture. Thank you for your unwavering support. This isn’t goodbye, just a new beginning. Let's elevate the tree surgery industry together!   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/  

In today's episode, we're shaking things up and recording from a different studio in London! I'm excited to introduce our special guest, Chloe Bisson. 🌟 Chloe's journey is truly inspiring – she started her career as an accountant at just 21 and swiftly rose to the position of director by the age of 24. 🚀   In this episode, we dive into Chloe's experiences of starting out young in the corporate world and the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. How did it feel to step into such a significant role at such a young age? What were the key moments that shaped her path?   Tune in to hear Chloe's incredible story and gain valuable insights from her journey. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!   Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.     Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

If you feel like you’re in the eye of the storm right now this one is for you.  Most things have a cycle of 90 days. This to will pass. When we go through challenging times, its this that shapes us, You may not know it but you are currently building resilience.  And you will go on to help others. This episode is for you. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

If you were asked what would you do differently, with everything you’ve learnt in business what would it be? This is exactly what I cover in this episode! For me the No 1 thing is learning. I buried my head for 10 years but I’m making up for it now. Work on yourself like you work on your business.  “The more you learn, the more you earn”. Secondly its all about mindset. We are our own worst enemy, what we tell ourselves we believe.  And finally, always make sure you surround yourself with the right people. Likeminded people will help you hit your goals! I’d love to hear what you would do if you had your time again? If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Respect the time you have. You can keep busy with many important things, but that doesn’t mean they are the best things for you.  In this episode I talk about moving yourself away from the £10 tasks in your business and onto the £1000 tasks. Always ask yourself “Is this the best use of my time?”  Most people when asked what they want to earn say they want to “earn £10k a month and work a 30 hour week”. That means an hourly rate of £83.33. So when you’re doing a £10 task ask yourself, is this the best use of my time? People can’t get out of their head to trust someone, hear how Henri instills trust from the get go. Always trust first. Inspire them to do the right thing. So if you’re struggling with the menial tasks, the first thing you can do today is get someone to do all your admin.  Your time is precious! Use it wisely in your business. Have a listen and - as always - I’d love to hear your thoughts.  If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/  

Life is a series of decisions, and in Episode 112 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the art of decision making.  Listen as I uncover what makes the basis for good decision making, starting with the importance of removing emotion from the equation and getting into a neutral state, where you can approach decisions more objectively. Additionally, the significance of data driven decisions must not be ignored and recognising the power of knowledge gained through education and mentorship. Finally, the benefit of stepping away from the situation to gain perspective.  Don’t make decisions after 6pm, after a bad night’s sleep and on an empty stomach! Set yourself up for the best decision.  And remember not making one, is still a decision. Tune in now and learn how to set yourself up for success in decision making. If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Chris's entrepreneurial journey began with leaving college at 16 and landing a job at HSBC's call centre where he discovered his knack for sales. A short stint as a stockbroker taught him that money doesn't buy happiness. Chris then found himself leading a team as manager of Natwest bank with little credibility at just 18 years of age, trying to persuade people who had been in the business for 30 years to listen to him. Find out how did it. With a £10k loan from his struggling parents and spotting the potential of Facebook ads, he launched his own mortgage business, fuelled by a determination to repay them. Chris is a serial entrepreneur and has owned many businesses, and today, he continues to run The Mortgage Hut, and one of Southampton’s top restaurants, Figurati. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasises perseverance, effective communication, and leading by example. The future for Chris is not about stepping away entirely, but finding harmony between work and leisure, preferrable in the sun! Key takeaways include mastering marketing, communication skills, defining your work ethic and embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. Tune in and discover how Chris's remarkable journey can ignite your own path to entrepreneurial success!  Chris’s businesses: https://figurati-southampton.co.uk/ https://www.themortgagehut.co.uk/ #EntrepreneurialJourney #SuccessStory #FailForward  

No one gives a sh*t about you!  What they care about is how your product or service can solve their problem now. In this episode I talk about dropping the jargon. Stop saying, “we do this, we do that, we’ve got this kit, the latest technology.” People don’t give a sh*t. They just care about what you can do for them! Drop the features and benefits. What problems do you actually solve? Back in the day I would sell to anyone who would buy from me. But working with mentors, I now know who my ideal client is so I can talk to them directly through everything we do.  And it draws people in. Who then eventually buy. Tune in now and let me know your thoughts! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/  

In Episode 109 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the analogy of success being a summitless mountain. Reflecting on an outdoor retreat experience led by CEO Adventurer, John Beamson last year, I draw parallels between facing challenges in the Scottish mountains and navigating business hurdles.   I share insights on the importance of appreciating the journey, embracing setbacks as part of the process, and finding beauty in the progress made. John told us to turn around and look back, and it was the most beautiful view, we had achieved so much. And this is what we do in business, we are so focused on the next thing we don’t appreciate how far we have come. So, let’s just enjoy this moment.   Recognise that sometimes we must go back in order to go forward. But always look back and see the beauty of what you’ve created. Then the next summit will appear.   But most of all enjoy the journey!   If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Sales! It’s the one thing people fear the most.  In Episode 108 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I tackle the essential skill that every business must master: sales. It’s all about output, the more you do the more you will create. I draw the distinction that marketing is NOT sales. Marketing lays the groundwork by attracting prospects, but sales close the deals and drive revenue. We’ve all experienced the clucky salesman who is trying to sell you something you don’t want or need. The first thing to get across is we are not like those sales people! We need to respect each other’s space and time.  Stop beating around the bush - people hate small talk! Stop thinking you are taking up their time, you need to believe that you are going to help your customer and provide value for the problem they face. Tune in now and start mastering the art of sales! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

In this episode I talk about burnout - how it affects us and our business. Working with 43 business owners in the tree surgery mastermind I now deal with so many who are in burnout.  But what is burnout? It’s when you put all your effort into your life and your business and you end up frazzled, overwhelmed, left with no energy, you feel numb and neutral about everything. It’s awful. So how can we avoid it when we are always on the go? Having gone through 3 of the toughest months since returning to work after my stroke, I share 8 tips with you in this episode. These are the things that I swear by and am currently doing myself.  Whether you're currently experiencing burnout or seeking proactive measures, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice that will help restore balance. Take a listen and as always, I’d love to hear what you think! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Episode 106 of the Fail Forward podcast is out now! Click the link in my bio to tune in today! In this episode of Fail Forward, I’m joined by Natasha Britton, a former beauty industry expert turned successful business coach. Natasha shares her journey of turning a passion into profit, overcoming obstacles and finding success in unexpected places. Natasha's story begins with her childhood dream of owning a salon, despite facing skepticism and becoming a mum at 17 she persevered. In 2013, she partnered with an investor turned business partner, and together they founded their first company.  However, Natasha encountered numerous obstacles along the way, from struggling to attract clients to accruing significant debt. Despite setbacks, she persisted, investing in marketing strategies and mentorship programmes to move her business towards success. A pivotal moment came when Natasha separated from her business partner, allowing her to redefine her business model. With renewed focus and determination, Natasha doubled her sales almost overnight. He entrepreneur spirit continued in lockdown, with the salon forced to close, she turned her mindset to setting up an online coaching business helping other salon owners. Natasha imparts invaluable advice on mindset, prioritising high value activities, strategic planning, streamlining systems and tracking performance. Through her coaching program, she now empowers all sorts of service based business owners to achieve financial freedom. Natasha's journey serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. Tune in to Fail Forward and learn how to turn your passion into profit with Natasha Britton! You can find out more about Natasha on her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/natbritton

In this episode, I interview Andy Taylor, who shares his journey from partnering with his dad’s fencing business to selling it for seven figures, and then setting up other businesses, offering valuable insights along the way. Andy's entry into a family business marked the beginning of relationship dynamics and growth hurdles. He emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between familial trust and professional conduct. Scaling the business posed challenges in establishing efficient systems and processes. However, personal growth emerged as a cornerstone of Andy's journey, with a focus on continuous self improvement through meditation and exercise. He candidly shares his struggle with negative self talk and depression, highlighting the power of seeking support and being open. Eventually, the process of selling the business proved to be a difficult and stressful experience for Andy. It didn’t go to plan, and in the essence of the podcast Andy learnt from these mistakes and has now set up a training school to help others who are embarking on selling a business. Find Andy on Facebook - Andrew Paul William Taylor.

Hot off the press – Dave Brailsford joins Manchester United. Fear not, you're still in the right podcast! Dave Brailsford, the mastermind behind Team Sky, transformed our nation from one of the worst cycling nations to one of the best.   His secret? Marginal gains. Dave's mission was simple: improve each aspect of the process by 1%. Bike frame, wheels, brakes, rider, sleep, food, clothes—nothing escaped scrutiny. And it worked, creating a powerful momentum.   This philosophy is crucial for anyone in their job, business, or day-to-day life. When striving for improvement, break it down. Big problems can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination and inaction. Break it into sections, focus on small improvements, and watch the compound effect take hold.   What marginal gains could transform your business? I'm eager to hear your thoughts.   All the best, Henri #MarginalGains #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur  

How much time do you lose blaming others or getting angry?   I used to get so angry when things would go wrong. I’d get home and rant at my poor wife Sarah. It was all such a big drama! I wasted SO much energy all the time.   This episode is about being accountable. I am where I am today because of my own actions and things that I have done. As soon as I stopped blaming other people and looked within and said, “what do I need to do?” things changed.   It’s about putting your ego aside. We waste so much energy getting angry over things we have no control over.    Work on yourself, what do you need to do?   Stop wasting time. Focus that energy on how to build yourself and your business. We have such a limited amount every day, use it towards something worthwhile. Anger is actually a great emotion when it can be channelled to your advantage.   But as always, what do you think? All the best,  Henri   #Anger #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur #BlameGame

Ever been labelled as… An anxious person? A negative person? A depressed person? That you’ve imposter syndrome? Yes?  Then this podcast episode is for you! I’ve felt all those feelings too. That I am winging it, out my comfort zone, stressed and sad. But just because you feel a certain way, it does not define you. When I started this podcast, I really felt imposter syndrome, but I did not let this define me, I just recognised that I felt it in certain moments. The problem is that when we give ourselves a label, we start to believe in them. We all have feelings, and they are either positive or negative. Its about using that sadness to find happiness. For example, what do you need to do to change your future which will make your past better? Your self-talk will define who you are and how you show up. Don’t magnify the negativity! This podcast is about recognising that “sometimes” in a moment you will have those feelings – its normal, it’s part of life – but does not need to define you.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode? All the best,  Henri #Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur  

Do you recall, I did a past episode on finding your winning formula? What do you need to do to be the best business owner, husband, dad, friend and how do you turn up as your best self? This episode focuses on what you need to do to create it. Don’t you find routine goes out the window at Christmas? In those two weeks you lose your rhythm, wake up at no set time, forget what day of the week it is. I found last Christmas I was a bit lost because of this. I got into a negative mindset, then I suddenly realised I had got out of a routine. The people who are disciplined and have a routine are consistent for their families and their business success. But how do you do this? You need to be selfish to be selfless! You can’t do it all the time but the people who create success are those who still turn up even though they can’t be bothered. They push through.  It takes 90 days to create a new habit. The first 30 days you’re motivated, but the tough part is between 30-60 days. How do you get through that bit? Don’t accept the routine that you’ve got, work out what you want that makes you feel good, keeps you focused and allows you to turn up as your best. Even if that involves trial and error. Move it from a chore to a habit in 90 days. Turn good intention into habit in just 90 days. Do you agree, have you managed to do this? I’d love to hear your thoughts!   All the best, Henri #Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur

Celebrating our 100th milestone episode!  Firstly, I want to personally thank you all, we are now No 1 in the Entrepreneurship Podcast charts and rapidly climbing all the other podcast charts. I have loved producing them and hearing how they have impacted your life and business. Over the past two years, we've explored topics like business, addiction, self-improvement and personal growth together. In this special episode, I delve into the power of collaboration through joint ventures and partnerships with business coach Jay Allen. We discuss key aspects such as the difference between partnerships and joint ventures, the risks of going into business with friends, shared control and budgeting and the importance of having an exit strategy. Remember, your business shouldn't dictate your life. Choose the life you want, and let your business serve that vision. To celebrate the 100th episode we’re offering a downloadable check list guide on what to consider when entering joint ventures or partnerships [here]. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to a hundred more episodes of growth, collaboration and making a positive impact together. Your support means everything, so please subscribe, review our podcast, and spread the word! With gratitude, Henri   #Episode100 #Entreprenuer #FailForward  

I left school with no exams, just this unconventional award at the school prom, “most likely to go to prison award”. My mum was so proud. This episode delves into the heart of the narrative of this whole podcast — the recognition that failure is part of the journey towards success.  Drawing from my experiences of business setbacks and overcoming drug addiction, I explore the concept of reinvention. Breaking free from the cycle of habits, stepping out of comfort zones all prompt the need for change.  I went through about a dozen counsellors for my drug addiction and the last one clicked with me he simply asked, “who do I want to be in 5 years” and he helped me set the intention for this new direction. Yes, you are going to have to deal with difficult things, we can blame other people, our situation, external factors and become the victim. But it’s all about acknowledging the value of difficult times, and never giving up. Dark times are part of the process. As always, let me know what you think. All the best,  Henri #Failure #NeverGiveUp #Entrepreneur

If you’ve recently been questioning, 'How do I charge less?' maybe now is the time to ask yourself, 'How do I charge more?' Dive into the realities of business finance in Episode 98, where I share my personal journey through the challenges of running a low-margin business. Money in the bank doesn’t always mean profit, especially in sectors like tree surgery.  We'll explore the traps of competing on price, the importance of distinguishing between cash flow and revenue, and why being the cheapest often leads to more stress. Learn the value of focusing on your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and delivering more value, rather than cutting prices. Understand the significant impact of effective sales and marketing, and why moving away from the lowest price can lead to a smoother, more successful business operation. The race to the bottom is never going to create success for anybody unless you’re a supermarket!  A crucial listen for anyone navigating the complex waters of business finance.  As always, let me know what you think. All the best, Henri.