The Beautiful Business Podcast

Cemal Ezel is the founder of Change Please, an award winning social enterprise that helps people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives through work, housing, and wrap around support. A former commodities broker, Cemal’s turning point came during travels in Vietnam, where a silent tea house showed him business and social good can coexist. Since 2015 he has built a job first pathway that combines professional barista training, London Living Wage roles, fast tracked housing, and in house therapy then partners with major employers for onward careers. Operating across the UK and internationally, Cemal’s mission is to use trade (not aid) so capitalism becomes a force for good.This Episode CoversOrigin Story & The Rocking Chair Test: How a 29 year old “midlife crisis” and a Vietnam epiphany led to Change Please.Job First Model: Why work, skills, and a living wage (~£31k) are the fastest route off the streets paired with therapy, bank accounts, and onward jobs after ~6 months.Housing Without Friction: How Change Please removes barriers by paying deposits, underwriting rent, and paying landlords directly while people get established.Quality First, Then Impact: Only ~4% of customers go out of their way for “good.” The strategy is to win the other 96% with uncompromised coffee and service.Scale & Partnerships: ~370 partner/concession sites in the UK, 11 owned sites in London, and operations in 8 countries plus hiring pathways with global brands.Beyond Coffee: Mobile service buses (with partners like Colgate, HSBC, David Lloyd) and a new AI prevention platform with Southwark Council and the Centre for Homelessness Impact.Culture That Cares: “Outcomes over targets,” fitting the model to the person (not the other way around), and using surplus (not profit) to fund impact.Seeing the Whole Spectrum: What homelessness really looks like from redundancy and sofa surfing to abusive situations and long term rough sleeping and why connection matters.How Businesses Can Help (Today): Hire trainees, offer work experience, buy from social enterprises, and start small but do it with authenticity.The Future of Work: Why AI will reshape purpose and employment and how Change Please is preparing to adapt.LinksWebsite: changeplease.orgLinkedIn: Cemal Ezel

Peter Docker is a leadership teacher, author, and former Royal Air Force senior officer. After 25 years in the RAF (including flying world leaders at age 24 and leading air-to-air refuelling operations in the Gulf War), he moved into high‑hazard industry consulting before spending eight years working with Simon Sinek, co‑authoring the global bestseller Find Your Why. Peter’s own book, Leading from the Jumpseat, explores how leaders can create extraordinary opportunities by handing over control, building trust, and leading through love instead of fear. Today, Peter works with organisations across industries worldwide, helping leaders foster commitment, humble confidence, and belonging.This Episode Covers• Love vs. Fear: Why everything that truly matters is driven by one of these two forces—and how to spot fear’s four triggers (life, livelihood, status, reputation).• Commitment over Purpose: The power of turning values into a personal promise that inspires others, and why commitment drives culture more effectively than purpose statements alone.• Leading with Humble Confidence: How to be resolute on direction while admitting you don’t have all the answers, and how to tap into your team’s “collective genius.”• Belonging Unlocks Discretionary Effort: Why people go above and beyond when they feel safe, cared for, and part of something bigger.• Lessons from the Gulf War: How Peter united 200 people under one clear commitment, resulting in 479 successful missions—and what business leaders can learn from it.• From Noise to Signal: How to cut through distractions and make every role clearly connected to the bigger mission.• Checking Ego and Preventing Burnout: Why trusted advisors and rest are essential to sustaining good leadership.• Shifting Perceptions in Uncertain Times: How to reframe VUCA and AI from scarcity to possibility, unlocking creativity and innovation.• Creating Better Conditions, Even with a Bad Boss: What you can and can’t control, and how changing perceptions changes outcomes.• Practical Steps to Move from Fear to Love: Naming the trigger, reconnecting to what (and who) you serve, and embedding daily habits to reinforce commitment.

About the GuestDan Sodergren is a futurist, keynote speaker, and media commentator specialising in artificial intelligence, the future of work, and technology’s role in shaping society. With appearances on the BBC, Channel 4, and numerous podcasts, Dan is known for making complex tech trends accessible and engaging. A passionate advocate for ethical AI and human-centred innovation, he is also co-founder of Your FLOCK, a values-based people platform using AI to improve workplace culture. Dan’s mission is to help businesses and individuals understand and embrace the seismic changes brought by what he calls the fifth industrial revolution—a shift that could free us from repetitive work and allow us to become more emotionally intelligent, creative, and purpose-driven.This Episode CoversFrom Gaming to AI: How Dan’s early passion for computer games led him into the world of artificial intelligence.Automated Interns, Not Terminators: Why he describes AI as “automated interns” and how that mindset makes it less scary and more useful.Beyond ChatGPT: A practical guide to using multiple AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more) to get the best results.The 3% Rule: Why only a small fraction of users pay for AI, what that means for data privacy, and why “free” often comes at a cost.The Future of Work: Why many current jobs may disappear, how AI could make us more productive, and why emotional intelligence and creativity will matter more than ever.Therapy, but Not Really: The dangers of relying on AI as a companion or therapist, and why human relationships and mental health support remain essential.A Beautiful Business Future: Dan’s vision of a world where AI frees us to be better parents, better colleagues, and better humans—where businesses measure success not just in profit, but in social and environmental impact.LinksWebsite: www.dansodergren.com For a free digital copy of Dan's book: https://forms.office.com/r/8F12yzcunTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sodergren-futureofwork/

Welcome back to the Beautiful Business Podcast, brought to you by The Wow Company. In Part 2 of our Season 3 highlights, Chloe and Paul revisit even more standout conversations from across the series. From demystifying sales to the realities of succession, from happiness at work to building pioneering creative businesses, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and honest reflections.Episode HighlightsRyan Hall – Sales Coach & Author of Don’t Sell Ryan reframed sales as relationship-building, showing how curiosity, generosity, and trust are the true drivers of growth. His “don’t sell” mantra flips the script, proving that good business starts with being human.“Replace sales with relationship… it starts by talking to someone as a human, not a dollar sign.”Kelly Goodship – Managing Director, The Wow Company In a rare in-house conversation, Kelly opened up about stepping into the MD role and the fears, doubts, and imposter syndrome that came with it. Her candid reflections on succession, self-belief, and caring deeply for people resonated with leaders everywhere.“My fear is that I’m never going to do as good a job as you—but I won’t let that bottle up. I’d rather just call and talk it through.”Lord Mark Price – Former MD of Waitrose & Deputy Chairman, John Lewis Partnership Mark shared his lifelong mission to make work happier. He revealed the six fundamentals of workplace happiness, and why the relationship with your line manager is the single biggest factor.“None of the six things I talk about are expensive—yet they massively improve productivity and performance.”John “Sinx” Sinclair – Co-founder, ustwo Sinx pulled back the curtain on building a pioneering creative studio, balancing client services with breakout products like Monument Valley. He spoke openly about the tensions of diversification, the risks of seeing client work as ‘bread and butter,’ and why humility and simplicity matter most.“Clients don’t want to be the bread and butter—they want to be the cream cake. You have to love what you’re doing.”Practical TakeawaysRethink Sales Shift your mindset from closing deals to opening relationships. Trust and value come before transactions.Lead with Openness Succession planning isn’t perfect—but candid conversations and care for people create lasting trust.Happiness Drives Performance Pay and perks matter, but culture, recognition, and relationships are what make work truly rewarding.Balance Bread & Butter with Bold Bets Diversification can bring breakthroughs, but only if client service remains something you love—not just a means to an end. If you've enjoyed Season 3 so far, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favourite moments with us—we’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to the Best of Season 3 of the Beautiful Business Podcast, brought to you by The Wow Company. This season has been full of rich conversations, eye-opening insights, and practical wisdom from leaders across the business, sports, design, and tech worlds.In this special highlights episode, hosts Chloe and Paul look back at the most memorable moments from the season—covering everything from high-performance cultures to inclusive leadership and the future of work in the age of AI.Episode HighlightsMo Kanjilal – Co-founder, Watch This Space Mo offered a fresh perspective on DE&I, encouraging leaders to look beyond box-ticking and see inclusion as a powerful driver of commercial success. Her insights on blind spots in leadership, silent feedback, and cultural listening left a lasting impact.“If 60% of people respond to a survey, the real question is—why didn’t the other 40%?”Tim Foster – Olympic Gold Medallist & Leadership Coach Tim’s experience with elite rowing teams translates directly into business. His episode explored how trust and accountability fuel high-performing teams, and why culture allows even the most junior voices to be heard.“Trust is the foundation that allows hard conversations to happen—without conflict.”Dr. Jon Finn – Tougher Minds Founder & Performance Psychologist Jon shared timely advice on how to “AI-proof” your business and build teams ready for the future. He outlined the new roles of innovators, automators, and elite cognitive performers—making the case that our brains are the most valuable asset in a tech-driven world.“There’s been a race to roll out AI—but no one’s been thinking about the humans.”Melanie Wendland – Co-founder, Sonda Collective Melanie introduced us to the world of decentralised, self-managed teams and explained how structure, not hierarchy, is key. Her real-world examples from global design projects and holacratic governance made this episode a standout.“We manage the process, not the person. That’s how self-management thrives.”Practical TakeawaysListen Like a Leader Creating an inclusive culture means paying attention to what isn’t being said—especially from those who stay silent.Build Trust for High Performance Whether in sport or business, trust is what allows teams to speak up, challenge each other, and raise the bar.Prepare for the AI Era Invest in the cognitive performance of your people. AI can handle tasks—but only humans can think, create, and lead.Structure Empowers Autonomy Self-managed teams don’t mean chaos. With the right systems in place, freedom and accountability can go hand-in-hand. If you’ve enjoyed this season so far, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts or guest suggestions with us—we’d love to hear from you.

About the GuestDr. Jon Finn is a renowned expert in performance psychology, leadership, and behaviour change. With over 20 years of experience working across elite sport, education, and business, Jon is the founder of the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy and author of the best-selling books The Habit Mechanic and Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution.Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and behavioural science, Jon helps individuals and organisations build sustainable habits, boost productivity, and thrive under pressure. His pioneering work focuses on developing "habit mechanics" a practical framework that empowers people to better understand their brains, change unhelpful behaviours, and unlock peak performance.Through his extensive work with C-suite leaders, educators, elite athletes, and global businesses, Jon has positioned himself at the forefront of brain-based leadership and AI-readiness. His mission is clear: to future-proof people and organisations by helping them cultivate brain state intelligence and create cultures that support elite cognitive performance in a rapidly evolving world.This Episode CoversThe Power of Learning: Jon reflects on his own journey from struggling academically to becoming an expert in how people learn, adapt, and perform under pressure.What Makes or Breaks Performance: From professional sport to business, Jon explains why psychology and habit formation are more critical than talent or knowledge alone.Understanding Brain States: Discover the “three brain states” framework—recharge, medium charge, and high charge—and how balancing them is the key to health, happiness, and high performance.Brains Before Bots: As AI reshapes the workforce, Jon argues that your biggest asset isn’t your tech—it’s your people’s habits. Businesses must invest in helping their teams become AI-proof.The Habit Mechanic Framework: Learn how simple, science-based routines can radically improve sleep, stress, focus, and leadership.Why Knowing Isn’t Doing: We all know what we should do, but Jon shares how to actually make those changes stick.The Future of Work: From upskilling to creating brain-smart cultures, Jon lays out a roadmap for how leaders can help their organisations thrive through the AI transformation.LinksWebsite: Tougher Minds Free resources: Train Your Brain for the AI Revolution Books: The Habit Mechanic Social Media: LinkedIn

About the GuestJohn Readman is a trailblazing entrepreneur and CEO with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, martech, and scaling SaaS and agency businesses. As the founder of Modo25 and creator of ASK BOSCO, John is revolutionising how brands and agencies harness performance data to drive sales and optimise ad spend. Having worked with global giants like ASOS, Pepsi, BMW, Superdry, Honda, HP, Toyota, and Vistaprint, John has a proven track record of helping businesses amplify their online presence and e-commerce performance. His visionary leadership and commitment to innovation are at the heart of Modo25’s mission to reshape the digital marketing landscape.John pivoted from owning an agency to creating a SaaS product to address inefficiencies in client reporting and media planning, leveraging his experience in scaling agencies. He developed ASK BOSCO, an AI-driven analytics platform, to provide brands and agencies with actionable insights, benchmarking, and forecasting tools, ultimately enabling smarter growth strategies and better data utilisation.Dynamic and forward-thinking, John combines strategic expertise with a relentless drive to deliver results, cementing his reputation as a leader in marketing technology and performance-driven solutions.This Episode CoversSimplify Complex Topics: When approaching overwhelming subjects like digital marketing or SaaS (Software as a Service), breaking them down into simpler, more approachable ideas can make them easier to understand and implement.Transitioning Business Models: Moving from a traditional agency model to creating scalable software products can be challenging but offers opportunities for innovation and growth. Success requires careful planning and execution.Harnessing AI for Analytics: Artificial intelligence can transform business analytics by connecting various data points, providing competitive benchmarking, and optimising spending strategies for better decision-making.Prioritise Workplace Culture: Fostering a people-focused environment contributes to business success. Creating an exceptional workplace can improve employee satisfaction and attract top talent.Leveraging Collaborations: Building strong partnerships or collaborations can provide crucial support, whether financial backing, expertise, or shared vision, to help achieve strategic business goals.Integrating Passion with Work: Combining personal interests with professional goals can lead to fulfilling projects that align purpose and profit, like charitable endeavors or activities that build meaningful connections.R&D enquiries: Head hereLinks:Website: Modo25Website: ASK BOSCOSocial media: LinkedIn

About the GuestKelly Goodship, Managing Director of The Wow Company, brings nearly two decades of experience rooted in people, purpose, and progress. Joining Wow straight out of university, she rose through the ranks with a relentless focus on doing the right thing - especially for people. Becoming a mum to her two boys, shaped her leadership approach, driving her passion for flexible, family-first workplaces. Kelly’s commitment to honest, human leadership and operational excellence has positioned her as a trusted voice on culture, client experience, and creating workplaces where people genuinely thrive.Known for her warmth, clarity, and relatability, Kelly balances strategic leadership with hands-on client work and honest conversations about successes and challenges. She’s energised by topics like parenthood, leadership, and culture, inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones. Whether on stage, in a podcast, or in everyday interactions, Kelly leads with credibility, humility, and heart - focused on building a workplace where people feel excited to come to work.This Episode CoversThe Value of Early Work Experience: Starting work at a young age can teach critical life lessons such as the value of money, the importance of hard work, and self-awareness about professional preferences. Early exposure to the working world can shape attitudes toward career and responsibility.Long-Term Commitment to a Workplace: Staying with a company for an extended period can lead to deep familiarity with its culture, operations, and vision. Longevity at a workplace can provide a stable foundation for growth while maintaining a sense of belonging and purpose.Taking on New Leadership Challenges: Transitioning into a leadership role after years in a supporting role offers the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Despite its challenges, stepping into a higher position can renew motivation and add a new dimension to one’s career.Managing Leadership Anxiety: It is common for leaders to face fears of not meeting expectations or replicating past successes. One way to manage this is through open communication, seeking advice, and fostering honest discussions with trusted mentors or peers.The Shift from Team Player to Leader: Moving from being part of a team to leading it requires a shift in mindset. Applying prior experience within the organisation and developing communication skills to inspire and guide others can ease this transition.The Importance of a Supportive Environment: A smooth leadership transition is often backed by strong support systems, such as mentorship, open communication, and the ability to ask questions. Ongoing collaboration and guidance are key to success in any role change.LinksWebsite: The Wow CompanySocial media: LinkedIn

About the GuestBecky Simms is the Founder and CEO of Human First Collective, a collection of digital businesses that make space for human brilliance by embracing the evolving tech and AI landscape.Becky has been listed in the BIMA100 for the last five years, a list of the top 100 people shaping the future of the digital industry. Her two digital agencies focus on how understanding human behaviour can supercharge digital products and marketing strategies. She also spearheads a not-for-profit, Aspiration Digital, which inspires our future digital leaders.Becky is a member of the Government’s Digital Skills Council, providing industry knowledge and expertise to help solve the digital skills gap. This Episode CoversCustomer-Centric Marketing: Highlighting the importance of placing customers at the center of business strategies by combining creativity with practical, real-world solutions to meet their needs effectively.Experience with Business Acquisition: Insights into navigating the complexities of acquisitions and managing the challenges and opportunities that arise afterward, while maintaining core business values.Workplace Culture as a Priority: Understanding the significance of fostering and integrating a strong workplace culture to enhance team collaboration, morale, and long-term success.Adapting to Flexible Work Structures: Exploring strategies for balancing remote and hybrid work environments to support employee well-being and productivity in modern work settings.The Four-Day Work Week: Examining the implementation of a four-day work week, its advantages in terms of work-life balance, and the limitations or challenges it may present for businesses.Early Foundations of Leadership and Growth: Learning from lessons in leadership, the influence of role models, and the value of staying focused on long-term goals to achieve professional and personal growth.LinksWebsite: Reflect DigitalSocial media: LinkedIn

About the GuestRyan Hall is the founder of Friday Solved, a cutting-edge consulting firm reshaping how businesses approach sales. With over 23 years of experience in consulting and two successful business exits - including one to Accenture - Ryan has cemented himself as a leader in driving sustainable and scalable sales growth. His "Don’t Sell" philosophy and groundbreaking "Build It, Don’t Buy It" methodology empower businesses to ditch outdated sales tactics and design predictable systems built to last.Ryan’s expertise lies in building pragmatic frameworks, fixing broken sales engines, and coaching leaders to achieve laser-focused, results-driven strategies. He’s worked with some of the world's biggest brands, including HSBC, Sky, Deutsche Bank, Vodafone, and UBS, solving their toughest sales challenges with innovative and actionable solutions. Whether refining strategy, transforming culture, or crafting a future-proof sales engine, Ryan delivers high-impact results.At the core of his work is a passion for equipping CEOs, founders, and business leaders with the tools to thrive in competitive B2B markets. With a no-nonsense, results-first approach, Ryan is redefining how businesses think about sales—shifting the focus from relying on ineffective outsourced solutions to building dynamic systems that are scalable, sustainable, and entirely their own.This Episode CoversFostering Genuine Relationships in Sales: Prioritise authenticity by treating customers as individuals rather than financial targets. Consistency and effort in providing value without expecting immediate returns can lead to lasting business relationships.Crafting Effective Sales Strategies: A robust sales engine is crucial for successful business operations. Focus on developing efficient strategies for scaling, setting effective pricing models, and leveraging technology to drive growth.Understanding Evolving Sales Trends: Stay informed about how the sales industry has transformed over time. Adapting to these changes allows businesses to refine their sales approaches and remain competitive in a dynamic market.Pursuing Strategic Business Growth: Identify strategies that support business growth by selecting the right tools and forming valuable industry connections. Aligning operations with clear objectives can foster both profit and purpose.Balancing Financial Success with Purpose: Strive to harmonise business operations with meaningful goals alongside achieving financial success. Purpose-driven growth enhances overall business impact and sustainability.LinksWebsite: Friday SolvedSocial media: LinkedInBook: Don’t Sell

About the GuestMo Kanjilal is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, Tedx Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur. During a corporate career climbing the career ladder, she worked in multi-national technology corporations. She faced discrimination and had to fight her way to Senior Leadership roles. She led diverse, global teams across a range of technology sectors. She co-founded Watch This Sp_ce, a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion company. The company shows people the inclusion journey to new ways of working that include people and engage employees.Mo is a Tedx and conference speaker, and co-Author of The Inclusion Journey, published by Kogan Page. Mo’s story of fighting her way to the top of a corporate career and then giving that up to found her own business has seen her speak at many events and in the media. She has spoken at conferences, on TV and radio, and featured in corporate videos.She is a Charity Board Trustee at The Clock Tower Sanctuary, a charity for young people experiencing homelessness. She is a Mentor for the Girls Network charity and a Non-Exec Director for a healthcare social enterprise. From a South Asian background, she speaks about anti-racism, understanding differences, and how to empower people to feel valued and respected.This Episode CoversThe Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): DE&I is essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and organisational growth. It's not just a moral obligation but a business imperative that benefits both individuals and companies.The Role of Leadership: Effective leadership involves actively listening to diverse perspectives and encouraging open, honest communication. Strong leaders make informed decisions while ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.The Value of Inclusivity: Inclusivity goes beyond compliance or box-ticking - it creates environments that welcome diversity, support individuals' unique needs, and allow everyone to thrive together.Addressing Personal and Systemic Biases: Individual and organisational biases can hinder progress. Identifying and addressing blind spots is crucial for creating a fair, equitable experience for everyone.Advantages of an Inclusive Workplace: Diversity within the workplace leads to better decision-making, increased innovation, higher employee retention, and overall stronger organisational performance.Challenges and Opportunities in Driving Change: Tackling fears of change or resistance to DE&I efforts requires thoughtful conversations, education, and actionable steps. By focusing on solutions and progress, organisations can create meaningful and lasting impact.LinksWebsite: Watch This Sp_ceSocial media: LinkedInBook: The Inclusion Journey 

About the GuestMelanie Wendland is a pioneering design strategist with over 18 years of experience in service design and a decade applying design to global health challenges. Specialising in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, she combines design, behavioural science, and data to drive better decision-making and social impact. As co-founder of Sonder Collective, where she led as chairwoman until 2022, Melanie has spearheaded innovative approaches to tackle complex global health issues.Currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences, Melanie is a sought-after advisor, mentor, speaker, and lecturer on service design and social innovation. She has collaborated with world-leading organisations, including The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, and Merck for Mothers, to create transformative change in global health.This Episode CoversExploring Alternative Business Models: Businesses can operate beyond traditional hierarchies by adopting models like cooperatives, which emphasise shared ownership, democratic decision-making, and reinvesting profits back into the organisation to create sustainable and inclusive structures.The Role of Human-Centered Design: Human-centered design is a problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding the needs and experiences of people. By collecting insights, creating prototypes, and refining solutions, organisations can develop products and services that are effective, relevant, and meaningful.Addressing Complex Challenges Through Research and Design: Combining thorough research with thoughtful design can help solve large-scale societal issues. For example, blending qualitative interviews and quantitative data can inform strategies that directly address community needs or systemic problems like public health challenges.Decentralised Leadership and Decision-Making: Decentralised organisations demonstrate that leadership doesn't always require traditional hierarchies. By distributing roles and responsibilities based on expertise rather than position, these systems allow teams to operate flexibly while maintaining transparency and collaboration.Practical Strategies for Business Innovation: Gathering feedback from users or customers and analysing it effectively is crucial for innovation. Businesses can improve their offerings and customer experience by using structured processes to build solutions that reflect real-world needs.Integrating Structure and Creativity for Success: Effective organisations find a balance between creative freedom and structured systems. Clear processes for decision-making, transparent communication, and feedback systems enable teams to operate efficiently while fostering innovation and collaboration.LinksWebsite: Sonder CollectiveSocial media: Linkedin

About the GuestLord Mark Price is a celebrated figure in the business world, best known for his contributions to enhancing employee engagement and happiness. As the former Managing Director of Waitrose and former Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership. He is now the founder of WorkL, the leading global employee experience platform helping individuals to work happier and organisations to improve commercial performance by prioritising employee happiness.Mark is a member of the House of Lords, and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. His commitment to ethical business practices includes former chairmanship of The Fairtrade Foundation and Business in the Community, as well as his presidency of the Chartered Management Institute. He was also formerly Minister of State for Trade and Investment under David Cameron. Mark has written a range of business books on his Six Step Methodology, Employee and Customer Happiness, his new book Happy Economics explores the intricate links between employee engagement and economic performance.This Episode CoversThe Importance of Workplace Happiness: Happiness at work is essential for driving productivity and commercial success. Organisations with happy employees benefit from lower staff turnover, reduced sick leave, and improved customer service, all contributing to higher profits.Six Factors of Happiness at Work: To enhance workplace happiness, focus on six critical areas: reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, instilling pride, and ensuring job satisfaction. These factors are foundational to creating a positive and productive work environment.Culture and Management Matter: Organisational culture and management styles play a significant role in employee happiness. Companies that promote trust, recognition, and empowerment generally see higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.Cost-Effective Strategies for Improvement: Many strategies to improve workplace happiness, such as personalised recognition and empowerment, are low-cost. Implementing these can lead to significant improvements in employee morale and productivity.Global Perspectives on Workplace Happiness: Globally, workplace happiness varies, with countries like the UK scoring lower compared to developed nations the US. Understanding and addressing cultural differences in workplace practices can help improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity.Tailored Management Approaches: Recognising individual differences among employees is crucial. Effective management involves personalising support and empowerment to meet the diverse needs and preferences of employees, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and organisational performance.LinksWebsite: WorkLSocial media: LinkedInTake the free WorkL Happy at Work Survey here

John "Sinx" Sinclair is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Ustwo, a globally renowned digital product studio celebrated for its cutting-edge work in design, technology, and innovation. Founded  in 2004 alongside childhood friend Matt Miller (Mills), they started working together to explore and build digital products when they were just starting to become a thing.Ustwo grew rapidly, initially specialising in mobile design, and is now celebrated for its mix of client services, self-developed intellectual property, and joint ventures. Over two decades they have built a culture of trust, collaboration and honesty where everyone can inspire each other to bring out their most creative and considered thinking. They value diversity and inclusion, believing we work better when every individual brings their perspective to the table. An award winning agency, Ustwo’s accolades include a BAFTA for the cultural phenomenon ‘Monument Valley’ (launched on the stage of Apple’s WDWC) and were recognised at the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards. A true advocate for innovation and collaboration, Sinx and Mills made a groundbreaking decision in April 2022 to transfer the majority ownership of Ustwo to its employees under an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This move ensured that 62% of the company is owned by its current and future employees, reinforcing Ustwo’s independence, preserving its values, and unlocking entrepreneurial potential across the organisation. Ustwo employees, or "partners," now share a stake in the company’s success and are represented on the board, driving its future collectively.This Episode CoversHow Sinx transitioned from being a hands-on designer to a leadership role, implementing a leadership team, and eventually stepping away from day-to-day operations while maintaining a guiding presence.The transition of UsTwo into an Employee Ownership Trust model, how the model works, its implications for the company, and the pros and cons, including its impact on recruitment, client relationships, and the company's independence.Navigating the ups and downs of running a creative business, especially during uncertain economic times, the importance of staying engaged, adapting to market trends, and building strategies for sustainability.The importance of planning for leadership transitions and career progression to ensure continuity and growth.Sinx desire to leave a lasting legacy through UsTwo, focusing on producing impactful work, nurturing people, and proving the viability of the EOT model in creative businesses.Clarifying common misconceptions, such as the belief that employees run the company outright, and explaining the role of the trust and board in governance.LinksWebsite: UstwoSocial media: LinkedIn

In this special edition of The Beautiful Business Podcast, we bring you exclusive insights from BenchPress Live 2025, hosted by The Wow Company at London's iconic Banking Hall. This episode merges the highly anticipated release of Wow's annual BenchPress report with an engaging panel discussion focused on building people-centred businesses.Join your host, Chloe, alongside expert panellists:Mo Kanjilal, author of The Inclusion Journey and Co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce, providing actionable insights into embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) to enhance innovation and profitability.Kelly Goodship, Managing Director at The Wow Company, sharing first-hand lessons on building clarity of vision, effective communication, and nurturing a culture that prioritises people and performance.Nikki Gatenby, renowned author of Superengaged and Better Business on Purpose, offering practical strategies for creating measurable outcomes through vivid visions and lighthouse metrics.Highlights from this episode:The vital link between DE&I and commercial success - why genuine inclusion attracts talent and drives innovation.How to define and communicate your business vision clearly to motivate your team and boost profitability.Practical steps to turn key business numbers into 'lighthouse metrics' everyone can understand and support.Effective strategies to balance work-life commitments, foster accountability, and promote wellbeing across your team.Navigating the remote vs hybrid office debate to maintain a strong company culture and attract top talent.Enhancing employee engagement by understanding and supporting neurodiversity within your agency.Key takeaways:DE&I isn’t just a compliance exercise - it’s fundamental to innovation and profitability.Clear and continuously communicated visions inspire teams and drive measurable success.Profitability should be understood as fuel for growth, benefiting everyone, not just business owners.Success in modern business requires flexibility, empathy, and creative approaches to traditional work structures.Dive into this episode for essential insights and inspiration from industry-leading experts to drive meaningful change in your agency.Resources:The Inclusion Journey by Mo KanjilalSuperengaged (Nikki Gatenby)For more practical tips on building your own Beautiful Business, visit our content hub at wowco.uk/hub.

Patrice Gordon is a multi-award-winning professional renowned for her leadership expertise, honed through senior roles at British Airways, Royal Mail, and Virgin Atlantic. Transitioning from Commercial Finance to Commercial Partnerships, she successfully led the largest transatlantic airline joint venture.Driven by a deep curiosity about psychology and human behaviour, Patrice became an executive coach to empower individuals and organisations. Recognising the central role people play in organisational success, she founded her consultancy, Eminere, offering Executive Coaching, Group Coaching, and innovative Reverse Mentoring programmes designed to remove barriers and foster belonging in the workplace.Patrice is also a published author, with her book, "Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace," released in November 2022 by Hachette (US) and Little Brown Book (UK), further cementing her position as a leading voice in organisational development and inclusivity.This Episode CoversHow reverse mentoring can break down generational barriers and enhance innovation within businesses.The surprising impact of psychological safety on workplace dynamics and team effectiveness.Why traditional leadership styles may hold back organisational growth—and how to evolve them.Real-life insights from Patrice’s experience managing high-profile commercial partnerships at top airlines.Practical strategies leaders can use to genuinely promote diversity, belonging, and inclusion.LinksWebsite: Patrice GordonSocial media: Instagram, LinkedIn

Tim Foster MBE is an Olympic gold medal-winning rower, a former head coach of the Swiss national rowing team, and now Head of Performance for the League Managers Association. Best known for winning gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics alongside Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and James Cracknell, Tim has dedicated his career to understanding high-performance environments—both in elite sport and in business.After retiring from professional rowing, he successfully transitioned into coaching, guiding athletes and leaders in developing elite mindsets, team culture, and leadership strategies. His insights into trust, accountability, and pressure management offer valuable lessons for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders striving to build high-performing teams.This Episode Covers:What businesses can learn from elite sports environmentsHow to create a high-performance culture in your organisationThe five key functions of a great team (trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results)How to give and receive feedback effectively—without damaging trustThe psychology of pressure and how top athletes manage itWhy many business leaders struggle with delegation and letting goThe transition from elite performer to leader—and why so many fail at itWhat You’ll Learn:How to build trust and create a culture where healthy conflict is encouragedWhy accountability is the missing piece in many businessesThe biggest leadership mistakes and how to avoid themWhy self-awareness is crucial for long-term successLinks & Resources:Connect with Tim Foster MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfostermbe

Sabrina Chevannes is the founder of N0BS, a members’ club for ambitious entrepreneurs that also houses the No Bullsh*t Agency, a full-service creative agency. With over a decade of experience leading her agency, she has worked with major clients like NATO, Sony, and the NHS.Sabrina’s career is packed with accolades, including being named one of the British Interactive Media Association’s Top 100 Creatives to Watch for two consecutive years . Beyond the agency world, she’s an International Chess Master, a competitive international poker player, and has played chess for England in multiple Chess Olympiads .She’s also the force behind TEDxShoreditch, an international public speaker who has taken the stage in 12 countries, and a self-development leader at Forbes. On top of that, she’s a bestselling author, a podcaster, and an MBA lecturer .When she’s not leading her businesses or speaking on stage, you’ll find her spending time with her Chow Chow, Bella .This Episode Covers:Why so many agency owners are struggling – and what they’re doing about it.How AI and automation are reshaping the agency space.The growing divide between agencies and consultancies – and which model is winning.The hidden problem of talent retention and why great creatives are walking away from agencies.Why bigger isn’t always better – and how Sabrina pivoted her business to be more profitable and enjoyable.What You’ll Learn:The real reason many agency owners no longer want to run an agency.How client expectations have shifted – and why agencies must adapt or fail.The biggest mistake agencies make when trying to scale.Why niching and authenticity matter more than ever in a crowded market.Links & Resources:Sabrina’s Agency & Members’ Club: N0BSFollow Sabrina on Social Media: @SabrinaChevannesLearn More About TEDxShoreditch: TEDxShoreditch

About the GuestJess Baker is a highly accomplished psychologist, award-winning author, and expert in leadership and personal development. With over 15 years of consulting experience, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and an impressive set of qualifications (MSc, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CBPB) to her work. Her unique approach combines pragmatic solutions with imaginative thinking, making her a sought-after consultant for tackling complex organisational and leadership challenges.Jess is the co-author of The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People, which won a prestigious Business Book Award in 2023. The book has been celebrated globally, translated into multiple languages, and continues to inspire compassionate individuals seeking balance and impact in their personal and professional lives.Throughout her career, Jess has designed and delivered an extensive range of programmes, including leadership development, culture change, talent management, team-building, and employee engagement. Her work spans private and public sectors, where she’s helped leaders and teams thrive in fast-changing environments.Beyond consulting, Jess’s journey includes lessons from starting a few ventures and experiencing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also gained invaluable insights as a Senior HR Manager in the financial services industry. Her ability to blend real-world experience with psychological expertise allows her to help others navigate the demands of compassionate leadership while maintaining their own well-being.This Episode CoversUnderstanding the concept of the Dynamic Helper Archetype.Exploring the challenges of compassionate leadership.Insights from Jess’s book The Super-Helper Syndrome.Practical tips for becoming a healthier and more impactful leader.What You’ll LearnWhat the Dynamic Helper Archetype is and how it influences leadership.Key takeaways from The Super-Helper Syndrome book.How to balance compassion with boundaries in leadership roles.Steps to access free resources and quizzes for self-improvement.LinksWebsite: JessBaker.co.ukDynamic Helper Quiz: Discover your personal Dynamic Helper Archetype and reveal how you can become a healthier, more impactful leader. Takes less than 3 minutes.Award-Winning Book: The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People by Jess Baker & Vincent, available worldwide in several languages. Purchase here.Free Book Club: Join the free book club with resources like meditations and hot-topic discussions.Social Media: Follow Jess on all platforms: @JessBakerPsych

We’re back! The Beautiful Business Podcast kicks off Season 3 with a bang to celebrate the launch of the BenchPress 2025 Survey. This season opener dives into the challenges and opportunities faced by agencies in 2024 and what lies ahead in 2025.In the first episode of Season 3, Chloe and Paul are joined by industry experts Daniel Arhin from The Wow Company and business development advisor Ben Potter to reflect on 2024 and share their predictions for the year ahead.While 2024 began with optimism, many agencies faced challenges with revenue growth and profitability, influenced by global political uncertainty. However, the recruitment landscape offered a silver lining, with top talent becoming more accessible.The conversation explores:The transformative power of AI: Could it revolutionise agency growth in the same way the internet did?Strategic niching and specialisation: Ben Potter explains why agencies need to ditch generalist approaches and focus on their core strengths. By developing niche expertise, agencies can refine marketing, better understand client needs, and boost profitability.Reconnecting with purpose: A reminder for agency owners to align with their passion and determine whether to embrace leadership or bring in others to manage operations.Looking ahead to 2025, we discuss:The remote vs. in-office debate.Growth strategies amidst the rise in mergers and acquisitions.Aligning success with purpose and redefining goals beyond financial metrics.The episode wraps with actionable advice and a cautiously optimistic outlook for agencies in 2025.What is BenchPress?BenchPress 2025 is the UK’s largest survey of independent agency owners, offering key insights to guide you through the year ahead. It’s the ultimate benchmark tool, helping you compare your agency’s performance against others in areas such as hourly rates, profitability, sales, and emerging trends.How to get involved:Simply click here and “take part”.