The Hack Podcast

Unlocking Leadership Potential with the 5 Voices: Insights from Lydia Jourdain of GiANT London In today's fast-paced business world, understanding and leveraging your leadership strengths is essential for personal and team success. This week on the Think Cloud's Hack Podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul are joined by Lydia Jourdain, a Partner at GiANT London, to explore how the innovative GiANT OS platform and its unique Five Voices tool are revolutionising leadership across industries. Lydia Jourdain brings over 17 years of leadership experience, having served as a teacher, coach, mentor, and director across multiple sectors, including finance, law, clinical research, and the arts. Her deep passion for helping individuals discover their true nature and leadership potential has made her a transformative force for teams and leaders alike. Lydia Jourdain: Leadership Expertise with a Personal Touch. Her background in education and leadership, combined with her experience in various industries, allows her to provide a holistic approach to leadership development. Through the GiANT OS platform, she empowers individuals to unlock their unique potential and confidently lead in all areas of life.

As a personal finance professional passionate about cybersecurity, Daniel Williams has spent years navigating the complex landscape of financial and digital security. His insights illuminate a vital truth: cybersecurity is not merely a technical concern but a cornerstone of business integrity and success. Businesses of all sizes and entrepreneurs must prioritise robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, reputation, and future growth. Leon and Dean join Dan in this podcast to explore business, cybersecurity, personal development, and productivity in depth. Tune in to catch this insightful discussion.

In the dynamic arenas of business and organisational growth, harnessing a team's collective power remains one of the most influential factors dictating success. Team leaders, business managers, and HR professionals increasingly recognise the critical importance of assessing team performance not as a bureaucratic checkpoint but as a strategic lever to unlock the full potential of their workforce. In this Episode of the 100x Leader, Leon Paul and Dean discuss 'Team Performance Assessments' and how all problems are rooted in one of five key leadership areas. Tune in to find out how to identify and solve them in this inspiring podcast.

We are back; it is 2024 (we are a bit late to the party), and we cannot wait! New year, new resolutions and fresh starts. We are excited to bring you our first podcast of the year, filled with motivation and inspiration for the year ahead. In this episode, Leon, Dean, and Paul will delve into the significance of setting realistic goals, discovering your greatest strengths, and maintaining motivation throughout the year. We will also provide valuable insights on making your resolutions stick and avoiding the pitfalls of old habits. Join us as we explore these topics to enhance your personal growth and success.  It's 2024, and we're thrilled to kick off the new year with a bang. It's all about new beginnings, setting resolutions, and embracing fresh opportunities. Today, we are delighted to bring you our first podcast episode of the year, packed with motivation and inspiration to fuel your journey. In this exciting episode, we have a powerhouse trio - Leon, Dean, and Paul - ready to dive into the importance of setting realistic goals, uncovering your unique strengths, and staying motivated throughout the year. Along the way, we'll share valuable insights on how to make those resolutions stick and avoid falling back into old habits. We aim to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need for personal growth and unparalleled success. So, grab your favourite beverage, get comfortable, and join us as we embark on this insightful exploration. Let's make 2024 a year of incredible achievements and limitless possibilities.

Join Leon, Dean, and Paul in this enlightening podcast, where they guide you on the path to recognising and conquering sources of drama and gossip that have the potential to undermine your team dynamics and relationships. This principle applies to all circles of influence and is crucial for optimal performance. However, it holds particularly true for you as a leader and your team. Creating an expectation where individuals are encouraged to address issues directly with the person involved is one of the best things you can do for your company culture. Empower your people with tools to express their thoughts and experiences constructively. Reinforce the idea that it is everyone's responsibility to act as a Firewall when approached with an issue about someone else. By advocating for the highest possible good of your team and its members, you demonstrate respect by addressing differences directly. Tune in and prepare to enhance your communication skills and foster a healthier environment for collaboration! https://www.think-cloud.co.uk/blog/tag=the%20hack%20podcast/

Maximising Performance: Lead Organisations Worth Following Effective leadership has emerged as an indispensable catalyst for success as businesses constantly evolve and adapt to the rapid changes of the modern world. In today's era of thriving organisations, it is more important than ever for leaders to adopt a new mindset and approach focusing on maximising performance. In this week's podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean discuss the qualities and characteristics that make a lead organisation worth following. From effective communication and fostering a positive company culture to open-mindedness and adaptability, the conversation delves into their key traits and those that leaders must possess to thrive in today's business landscape.

In this episode of the Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean engage in an insightful conversation with Furqan Alamgir, Chief Executive Officer at Connexin. Furqan shares his journey as an entrepreneur and how he grew Connexin into one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK. He also discusses the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame them to achieve success. One of the key topics discussed in this episode is the importance of collaboration and connectivity in today's digital age. Furqan highlights how Connexin plays a crucial role in providing connectivity solutions to businesses, cities, and communities. He also talks about their innovative approach to smart infrastructure and its potential to transform how we live and work. They also explore people, processes, and technology as the three fundamental elements of a prosperous enterprise. Furqan highlights the significance of passion and curiosity as crucial factors for success. Tune in to hear Furqan Alamgir's story and learn more about the future of connectivity. Keep an eye out for Connexin as it continues to expand and revolutionise the technology industry.

Our latest podcast features Leon, Paul, and Dean as they share their collective wisdom on the concept of 'intentional transfer planning' - a strategic approach to effective delegation designed to foster real growth within your team. The three bring unique perspectives, offering invaluable insights into how leaders can identify the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities they need to transfer to their team members. This conversation is not just about delegation; it's about empowering your team, boosting productivity, and driving your organisation forward using tools to support delegation effectively. The concept of intentional transfer planning is two-fold: understanding the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities you need to delegate and how best to communicate this information meaningfully. Whether you're a fledgling manager or a seasoned executive, this podcast promises to be enlightening, engaging, and full of practical tips you can apply to your leadership style. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and dive into the nuances of intentional transfer planning!

Welcome to our Hack Podcast, where we have the pleasure of featuring the only Nick Espinosa joining us from across the pond. We are thrilled to have Nick here with us after Leon and Dean had the privilege of collaborating with him in Amsterdam as part of IT Nation Evolve. Imagine sitting at a dinner table, and someone leans over and asks Nick, What is it that you do?" Nick's response is always intriguing. He looks them straight in the eye and says, "I lie to you." They usually say really, and he replies 'no'. Of course, this usually catches them off guard, but it's just his way of injecting humour into the conversation. In reality, Nick is deeply involved in cyber security, with his company specialising in cyber warfare, cyber terrorism, infrastructure, and government compliance. And it's not just limited to the US government; they also handle compliance on a global scale, including GDPR. Nick's expertise extends beyond his company Security Fanatics; he is a regular contributor to Forbes, a seasoned TED talk speaker, and even hosts a syndicated radio show in the USA. Nick's job title says it all, he thrives in the fast-paced world of cyber security. He always seeks new challenges and never likes to be bored. Join us as we deep dive into the fascinating world of Nick Espinosa and gain insights into the ever-evolving realm of cyber security.

As we embark on Think Cloud's 20th Anniversary, it's time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible journey that has led us here. Over the last two decades, Think Cloud has pioneered ground-breaking solutions, driving digital transformation across industries and borders. Today, we are thrilled to have Scott Clark, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Think Cloud, join us in the studio for our Hack podcast. Join Leon, Dean, Paul, and Scott as they delve into the fascinating story of how it all began.  Scott envisioned taking a start-up from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in Managed IT and Cyber Security Solutions. With his passion for continuous innovation, he and his award-winning team have developed a service that exists to help customers succeed through the adoption and use of digital technology. We invite you to listen in and celebrate this significant milestone with us as we share our stories and insights on the journey so far. Full Blog on www.think-cloud.co.uk

In this week's The Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean are joined by Josh Connolly and Ed Jenneson to delve into self-reflection and emotional release. Together, they explore how these practices can empower individuals to become exceptional in life and business. They also delve into the profound impact of self-awareness and finding a deeper sense of purpose. Josh and Ed graciously share their personal experiences, highlighting the significance of these principles for today's well-being. Tune in as we ask our 10 thought-provoking questions specifically to Josh and hear why they believe self-reflection and emotional release through activities such as breath work are essential for creating meaningful relationships, developing resilience, and becoming the best version of yourself.

In this week's podcast, Leon and Paul talk to Phil Ascough- a multi-talented professional who works as a journalist, author, media and PR consultant assisting small businesses, charities, and other organisations in obtaining publicity, specialising in the arts, culture, and sports. He has a passion for the city of Hull and has spent eight years on the board of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, including acting as President between 2017-18. The episode kicked off with Phil taking us down memory lane, recalling his early days in journalism, which has stood him in good stead for his other roles. Additionally, he pursues recreational writing and has authored around half a dozen books, including Never Mind the Drop Goal: The Unofficial Rugby World Cup Quiz Book, Never Mind the Penalties: The Ultimate World Cup Quiz Book, and Never Mind the Tigers: The Ultimate Hull City Quiz Book. https://www.waterstones.com/author/phil-ascough/136313 Full Blog At www.think-cloud.co.uk

Managing our attention span is one of the biggest challenges, as our attention is constantly pulled in different directions. We are constantly bombarded with notifications from our devices, emails, texts, and social media. It is easy to get distracted and lose focus on what we are trying to accomplish. Fortunately, some strategies can help us become more "indistractable," which means being able to filter distractions and stay focused on the task or activity at hand. In today's podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss practical ways to avoid distractions. Leon shares his thoughts on a book called Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal, which he thinks is a game-changing read. Full Blog go to www.think-cloud.co.uk

In today's fast-paced world, people often find themselves overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. In this engaging podcast, our hosts Leon and Dean chat with Ed Jenneson and delve into the power of discovering yourself and incorporating self-discovery as an essential tool for dealing with these challenges and achieving a balanced life to improve our mental well-being and cultivate resilience for personal growth. Ed Jenneson is a recognised leader in employment law; he advises on all aspects of employment law. He has been helping clients navigate legal and HR matters for over 20 years with a passion for people and human-centric solutions. In the podcast, Ed shares his insights into his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia and explains how important it is to create a space for self-reflection to develop emotional intelligence and handle life’s challenges more effectively. He emphasises the importance of addressing our behaviour, thoughts and feelings to help improve our performance, relationships and work-life balance. Full Blog on www.think-cloud.co.uk

Part 2... In the second episode of the 100x podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean emphasize the importance of leaders simplifying their approach to team management. As Sherpas guide their teams up the mountain of success, leaders must first clear the path and then provide guidance along the way. The guys discuss various strategies to assess oneself as a leader and evaluate your team, ultimately leading to focus and momentum in achieving shared goals. By breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps and providing support, leaders can help their teams achieve success. Delegating tasks, setting priorities, and encouraging individual growth create a positive work environment that fosters continuous learning and improvement. These strategies also lead to better employee engagement, retention, and performance. Leaders who embrace the challenge of empathy, delegation, and prioritisation and celebrate successes with their team can create an environment of growth and learn essential for reaching the next level of that mountain! Tune in to our latest episode and discover how to simplify leadership challenges and maximize opportunities for your team's success. #leadership #teammanagement #growthmindset #100xpodcast For a full Blog, Go Over To www.think-cloud.co.uk

In today's 100 x podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean emphasise the importance of simplifying leadership opportunities and challenges to add value to one's team. As Sherpas, leaders need to clear the path for their team and guide them. The strategies mentioned in the podcast help assess oneself as a leader and your team in a way that leads to focus and momentum in climbing the mountain together. During the podcast, the guys emphasise the importance of leaders taking a simplified approach when leading their teams. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller manageable steps and providing the right kind of support, leaders can help their teams reach new heights of success.  Furthermore, delegating tasks and setting priorities can help increase productivity and efficiency while encouraging individual growth and development helps create an atmosphere of continuous learning and improvement. These strategies can help foster a positive work environment, leading to better employee engagement, retention, and performance. By embracing the challenge of leadership through empathy, delegation & prioritisation and celebrating successes together, leaders can foster an environment of growth and learning, which is critical to getting others to the next level of that mountain! Part 2 will be out soon... For a full Blog Go Over To www.think-cloud.co.uk

As a leader, business owner, or entrepreneur, you know that change is inevitable - and often painful. You might resist or even dread making changes to your workflow or processes because, deep down, you fear the outcome won’t be successful. But what if we told you that resistance to change could provide positive opportunities for growth and success? By learning how to spot signs of resistance and find ways of dealing with it effectively, you can gain skills that will improve your organisation's overall performance in the long run.  In this edition of the 100 x podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean discuss overcoming resistance to change and how mastering this process can help take your company from good...to great! Identify the source of resistance; what types of resistance is the team currently facing? It is essential to understand the different types of resistance the team may face to identify the source of resistance. Are they barriers, hurdles or gaps?  Barriers refer to an external block or obstruction that prevents change from occurring that you cannot get around, such as a lack of resources or technology. Hurdles are internal factors which can create doubt and hesitation in making changes, the things you have to avoid, like fear of the unknown or a lack of belief in the success of the process. Gaps mean that something is missing that needs to be filled in before moving on. Some examples of hurdles the boys addressed included prohibition, or limiting beliefs that stop people from achieving success; inhibition, or a sense of apprehension and anxiety around a specific task; and inertia, or a lack of motivation to make the change. Once you have identified the type and source of resistance, it is essential to understand why it is there in the first place. This can be done by looking at risk aversion, cultural norms, financial implications, and psychological effects. Full Blog on Think-cloud.co.uk

In this edition of the Hack Podcast, Jon Alexander speaks with Leon, Dean and Paul about his journey in the marketing and advertising industry, where he sold some of the world's biggest brands. Eventually, he realised he was trapped in a narrative that didn't align with his beliefs - the Consumer Story. In his book Citizens, written alongside New York Times bestselling author Ariane Conrad, Jon outlines how to redefine our roles as citizens and create a better world for ourselves by shaping our communities, organisations, and nations through collaboration, care, and creativity to benefit everyone. The Power of Citizenship Citizens trace the history of humanity from kings and empires to our current consumer-driven story, illustrating that, as individuals, we have always been citizens by nature. It provides us with the tools we need to reinvent our organisations, politics and even our species to confront the challenges of this age. It encourages us to discover what we must do to succeed - both individually and collectively and asks some fundamental questions; What are we doing to ourselves when we tell ourselves we're Consumers 3000 times a day? What would it look like to put the same creativity and energy into involving people as Citizens? What would you do at this time if you truly believed in yourself and those around you? The headlines of our time are enough to make anyone feel helpless. But everything changes when we think and act like Citizens, not Consumers. Full Blog o our website Think Cloud

The idea of 'change' affects every business at some point. Whether introducing a new product, adapting to market trends or responding to customer feedback - change is simply a part of doing business. In this week's 100 x podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss the change equation and how to apply it in your industry. Change can be incredibly beneficial - helping us grow and take our team to the next level. On the other hand, it also has its challenges, especially for leaders of people who must navigate an ever-changing environment. Using the Change Equation to help ensure you're making the most effective and efficient changes possible can be beneficial. The Change Equation The Change Equation is an equation used to calculate how successful a change process will be. Executing this equation helps create a strong foundation for implementing positive changes in a timely and cost-effective way while also being able to identify possible problems before they become more significant issues. They are many models used in change management. We use a formula similar to the Beckhard-Harris example, which considers Dissatisfaction, vision, and the natural next steps to provide the least resistance. Here's an example of how the equation looks: Change = D X V X N > Resistance The first side considers Dissatisfaction with the status quo (D), which refers to the current state of affairs and what you may be dissatisfied with. A vision of the future (V)  is the desired outcome that you want to reach. Natural Next Steps (N)  indicates creating an action plan to move from the current state to the desired effect to overcome Dissatisfaction and make this vision happen. By looking at each of these variables and how they interact, it becomes easier to create an effective change equation.

If Bob Burg were to describe himself at a dinner party, he would say that he speaks at conferences and conventions and writes books on personal development, sales and communications skills. In our latest podcast hosted by Leon, Dean and Paul, special guest Bob Burg reveals that the best way to achieve lasting financial success is by refocusing on customer service and satisfaction; this outlook brings greater joy and helps business owners reap higher rewards. He has assisted companies, sales leaders, and their teams for three decades to convey their value proposition better while selling with minimal resistance at higher prices. He also empowers them to develop a booming business through endless referrals. The American Management Association has duly awarded him as one of their 30 Most Influential Leaders, and Richtopia also declared him among the Top 200 Most Influential Authors in the World. Read the full blog at www.think-cloud.co.uk