The Ultimate FD Podcast

Welcome to Day 5 of our 12 Days of Christmas - Magic Moments! 🎄🎅🏼 In this episode, Curtis and I explore the complexities of leadership and personal development through the lens of behavioral traits. The discussion centers around understanding innate characteristics such as energy levels, dominance, discipline, and competition, and how these traits can influence a leader's ability to succeed.  With insights drawn from neuroplasticity and behavioral psychology, the conversation challenges the notion of needing to change fundamental traits to achieve success. We delve into the idea that while some traits are less malleable, individuals can focus on refining interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and intellectual engagement to overcome personal and professional hurdles. Curtis shares experiences and examples of successful individuals who have leveraged a variety of traits to excel, regardless of whether they possess high energy or are risk-averse.  Furthermore, we shed light on how learned behaviors and life experiences can alter one's competitive drive and leadership approach, illustrating the multifaceted nature of personal growth and achievement. If you enjoyed this highlight of Episode #187, click here for the full episode.  

Welcome to Day 4 of your 12 Days of Christmas! We interrupt your Magic Moments to bring you a special Christmas Day episode! 🙌🏻🎄🎅🏼 In this exciting Christmas Day Special, I share personal and business insights from the turbulent year of 2025. I dive into the highs and lows that shaped my journey, offering a rare glimpse into the lessons that drove my personal and business growth over the past year.  I emphasize the importance of building a finance-first, highly leveraged, and lucrative business model. I reiterate the importance to any entrepreneur, to actively manage business complexities, legal challenges, and team dynamics, affirming that resilience and adaptability are critical to achieving long-term success.  Among the key lessons shared, I highlight the transformative power of aligning business growth with client value and how overcoming hardships can foster profound personal and professional growth. Merry Christmas! 🎄 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome to Day 3 of our 12 Days of Christmas - Magic Moments! 🎄🎅🏼 In this episode, Tej and I dissect the intricacies of company valuation. This episode delves into the essential concepts of equity value and enterprise value, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of these critical financial metrics. This episode provides keen insights into the factors influencing these values, making it an invaluable resource for business owners considering a sale or investment. We discuss the differences and significance of equity value and enterprise value in business. Enterprise value is discussed as the comprehensive worth of a business, judged by its profit engine. On the other side, equity value gives a clearer picture of ownership by detailing what the shares are worth after accounting for financial liabilities and assets like cash, debts, and more. This financial perspective is essential for understanding business valuation and for making informed decisions when buying or selling a business. The conversation also covers practical aspects of determining a company's sale value, starting from the enterprise value calculation, based on profit and industry-standard multipliers, and moving to adjustments based on the company's financial position. Listeners will get strategic guidance on how to effectively assess the valuation considerations, ensuring they are equipped for insightful decision-making in their business endeavors. If you enjoyed this highlight of Episode #188, click here for the full episode.  

Welcome to Day 2 of our 12 Days of Christmas - Magic Moments! 🎄🎅🏼 In this special holiday edition of the Ultimate FD podcast, Reza and I reflect on the significant moments of the past year, focusing on pivotal themes such as the true purpose of starting a business and the challenges it presents. He emphasizes the importance of balancing work and family, urging listeners to reevaluate how they use their time and the reasons they began their entrepreneurial journeys.  The episode embarks on enlightening discussions inspired by real-life scenarios faced by many business owners. Throughout the episode, Reza introduces the concept of value-based pricing as a game-changer for professional service firms. By sharing his personal experience transitioning from traditional time-based billing to a model that prioritizes outcomes and client satisfaction, Reza illustrates how businesses can significantly increase profitability.  With insights into client behavior and practical advice on implementing effective pricing strategies, this installment of the podcast is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to optimize their business models and achieve sustainable success. If you enjoyed this highlight of Episode #190, click here for the full episode.  

🎄WELCOME TO 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN THE FORM OF MAGIC MOMENTS!🎄🎅🏼 Over the next 12 days, we're sharing with you some of our best moments from the Ultimate FD Podcast. We're doing one of these episodes every single day into the brand new year, so make the most of it 🙌🏻 Tune in, have your short shop 10 minutes of inspiration whilst you're eating your Christmas pies and enjoying the festive break! 🎅🏼 In this episode, I catch up with Sean, a successful entrepreneur who shares his wisdom on financial growth and the pitfalls of luxury spending. This episode takes a deep dive into the lessons learned from Sean's financial journey, from owning a £10 million property portfolio to resisting the temptations of lifestyle inflation. In this installment, Sean discusses the importance of financial freedom and stability over fleeting material satisfaction. With personal anecdotes, such as his experience with owning a Range Rover, he highlights the costly mistakes one can make and how they can derail long-term financial objectives.  We explore how genuine happiness stems from stability and community, rather than status symbols.  This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to maintain financial discipline and prioritize long-term goals over short-term gratification. If you enjoyed this highlight of Episode #192, click here for the full episode.  

Join me as we kick off a festive series with the Ultimate FD Podcast's 12 Days of Christmas! In this exciting episode, I reflect on my Top 10 Lessons from 2025, showcasing some impressive achievements, such as recruiting 16 team members and surpassing sales targets. With a remarkable insight into 50 businesses, I promise listeners a treasure trove of valuable learnings.  This episode sets the stage for a series of daily episodes as part of our 12 Days of Christmas mini - series, featuring my most impactful moments and wisdom from the past year. I delve into the nitty-gritty of running a business in 2025. I emphasize the importance of a finance-first approach and how transforming setbacks into accelerated growth can propel a business forward.  As I revisit the fundamentals of marketing and share personal anecdotes about maintaining work-life balance, listeners can look forward to a rich tapestry of themes designed to inspire and empower. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I sit down with Tej Gill to unpack some seriously powerful tax and property strategies for business owners.  We dive into how using an OPCO-PROPCO structure can transform your inheritance tax planning and help you protect generational wealth.  Tej breaks down how tools like family investment companies and trusts can legally remove property value from your estate - massively reducing tax exposure.  We also get into smart VAT planning, showing how businesses can recover expenses they'd usually lose.  To end things off, we explore how using a SSAS pension to buy your business property can unlock even more tax efficiencies. If you're serious about building wealth the smart way, this episode is packed with gold. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this insightful episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, Damien Fogg joins me to delve into expert strategies and mindsets surrounding financial wealth and investment. Drawing from his extensive background in managing multi-billion-pound property trades and dealing with a vast array of asset classes, Damien shares thought-provoking Millionaire Money Matters, offering listeners practical advice on how to optimize their financial decisions.  Emphasizing the psychological aspects of wealth, he reveals his strategies for achieving a stress-free financial state and the subtle intricacies of being financially prudent - like the surprising benefits of renting versus buying a home and the implications of retirement planning with pensions. Damien's distinctive approaches challenge traditional financial wisdom, focusing on strategic leverage and time valuation. He articulates the exponential value of time, advocating for simplicity and focus when managing investments. Leveraging his own experience of early retirement and financial independence, we discuss the merits of property investment, diverse asset exposure, and the nuanced decisions that can safeguard and grow wealth.  We also untangle the complexities behind tax strategies and explore how the wealthy use alternative structuring methods to minimize tax liabilities legally.  This episode is a trove of practical financial guidance ideal for anyone aiming to enrich their economic strategies and achieve peace of mind with their assets.   👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I speak to property expert Phil about building wealth through service accommodation.  Phil reveals practical strategies for boosting occupancy, from weekend rentals to peak-season optimisation, while also sharing lessons learned from tricky guests and early missteps.  Packed with real-world tips on asset protection and smarter portfolio management, this episode is a must-listen for property entrepreneurs. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this transformative episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, I unveil a powerful strategy that skyrocketed my business's summer sales target by 180% with only half the clientele compared to the previous year.  I stress the importance of aligning the right product with the right client at the right price, a foundational tactic that promises to enhance profitability while minimizing workload. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to refine their business models and achieve greater financial success. Focusing on key themes such as profitability, client relations, and product alignment, I dive into the three critical aspects of business success: the right product, the right client, and the right pricing strategy. I emphasize the need for a singular, high-value product offering, a client base that values and prioritizes your services, and a pricing strategy that offers significant value compared to its cost.  This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to maximize the lifetime value of their clients and achieve sustainable growth. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, Josh sits down with Richard to explore profit-first strategies and the power of disciplined financial planning.  Richard shares how shifting from a sales-driven mindset to a numbers-first approach transformed his business, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.  From budgeting smarter to mastering accrual accounting, this conversation is packed with practical insights every entrepreneur can apply. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this episode of the Ultimate FD podcast, Tej Gill and I dive deep into the technicalities of buying a business from a tax accountant's perspective.  This conversation unveils the nuanced process of evaluating, offering, and closing business acquisition deals, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs eager to grow through acquisitions or position their companies for future buyouts.  It's a must-listen for those itching to understand the merger and acquisition landscape or ensure their business is acquisition-ready. Throughout the episode, we uncover critical aspects of the M&A process, from setting a deal criterion and crafting offers to dissecting balance sheets for potential deals. Tej shares his extensive experience in handling M&A, highlighting the importance of pre- and post-deal management to ensure profitable growth.  Here, we lay out the need for precise calculations and forecasts to secure a successful acquisition, stressing the imperative need for finding the right business fit, both financially and culturally. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, Julie and I explore why forecasting is vital for every business, no matter the size.  Julie breaks down how smart pricing strategies and forward-thinking financial planning fuel growth, sustainability, and long-term success.  From scaling challenges to planning an exit, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help entrepreneurs future-proof their businesses. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this episode of Millionaire Money Matters, I engage in a riveting conversation with Lewis Kemp, the founder of Lightbulb Media. With over 50,000 LinkedIn followers and a proven track record of scaling businesses through innovative marketing strategies, Lewis shares his invaluable insights into wealth creation, business growth, and financial literacy.  The discussion shines a spotlight on Lewis's five core money wisdoms, which range from avoiding lifestyle inflation to mastering the art of diversification. Each piece of advice is aimed at fostering both personal and business success, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Throughout the episode, Lewis delves into the nuances of professional networking, the significance of maintaining a disciplined approach to finances, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. He emphasizes the overarching importance of financial literacy, calling attention to the myths surrounding quick wealth schemes and stressing the long-term benefits of strategic planning.  Lewis also offers practical advice on how to efficiently use AI in marketing and maintain a strong personal brand, highlighting his own journey from humble beginnings to where he is today. As the conversation unfolds, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to build a business that not only flourishes but also enriches one's life. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, Tej and I break down the power of Alphabet shares and how they can transform business ownership.  Listeners learn how tailored share classes can assign specific rights, manage funding, and optimize wealth transfer.  Packed with practical strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking smarter business structures and inheritance planning. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this dynamic episode, I unveil the powerful Blitz for Christmas strategy, a game-changing approach for businesses to maximize productivity leading up to the holiday season. I explain how this strategy ensures that companies conclude the year on a high note and return in the new year with revitalized energy and a fresh outlook.  I pair the Blitz approach with the typical year-end slowdown, emphasizing the benefits of maintaining a high-performance culture. The episode delves into the mechanics of the Blitz for Christmas, describing it as a bonus-driven initiative aimed at accelerating business operations before the Christmas break.  I outline 5 essential steps to implement this strategy, from setting deadlines and targets to creating a motivating bonus scheme. By setting clear deliverables and incentivizing teams, businesses can eliminate backlogs and achieve more in a few weeks than they might in several months.  The conversation is peppered with insights into how this approach not only boosts business outcomes but also enhances employee satisfaction and team cohesion.   👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I share actionable strategies for personal budgeting and business profitability.  I explain how disciplined spending and understanding gross margins can boost both financial independence and long-term business success.  I also emphasize the power of working with high-standard clients to elevate service quality and accelerate growth. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

In this insightful episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, Tej and I delve into the world of 'Making Tax Digital' (MTD). This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, landlords, and sole traders in the UK, as it unpacks the new HMRC regulations requiring specific individuals to submit tax reports quarterly.  Explore the conversation to get a deep understanding of the implications, processes, and potential advantages of Being organized with MTD. We tackle the pros and cons of the upcoming changes starting April 2026, where landlords and self-employed individuals with substantial incomes will need to shift their tax submission habits. We explore the need for digital modernization by HMRC, the impacts on administrative workload, and how these changes could affect tax accountancy fees and professional relationships.  Armed with valuable insights, you will grasp how the MTD initiative is poised to provide better financial clarity and proactive tax management, which could translate into potential savings and efficiency gains.  With Tej's expert advice and my relatable anecdotes, we give entrepreneurs actionable strategies to stay compliant, take advantage of professional tax advice, and effectively manage their digital transition. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/   

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode, I break down return on equity (ROE) and why it's the most important metric for property investors.  I explain how to calculate ROE, assess your portfolio prudently, and compare property returns to alternatives like the S&P 500.  I also highlight why properties generating below 4% ROE may need to be exited, showing how smart decisions protect and grow your wealth. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.  

In this engaging episode of the Ultimate FD podcast, I interview Jamie Martin, the Managing Director of Correct Careers Coaching, about mastering the sales cycle for improved business outcomes.  Jamie leverages his extensive sales and psychology background to share insightful strategies for optimizing sales efforts. From understanding the full sales cycle, to the power of LinkedIn as a sales tool, Jamie provides a comprehensive breakdown of how businesses can increase their sales effectiveness by targeting the right customers and crafting tailored sales approaches. Diving deeper, the episode explores the nuances of maintaining a successful sales cycle and the critical role of mindset in sales success. Jamie emphasizes the importance of resilience and going back to basics when sales slow down.  We discuss how leveraging LinkedIn can significantly boost business development efforts, advising listeners on how to enhance their profiles, engage prospects effectively, and use tools like Crystal Knows.  Jamie's insights on closing sales revolve around creating urgency and personalized communication, ultimately transforming how you approach and connect with prospects. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit  👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/