Why Life's A Pitch with Dominic Colenso

My guest for this episode is Mark Richards. Mark is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in building successful businesses and iconic brands.  Based in Charleston, South Carolina, he’s the founder and CEO of Alphidia, a dynamic product development company specialising in bringing niche-focused brands to market. With a passion for invention and product development, Mark has spearheaded the creation of over 400 innovative products, leveraging his keen eye for identifying lucrative business opportunities. His expertise lies in rapidly launching products and optimising their presence across major online marketplaces, including Amazon.com, Home Depot, Target and Walmart.   Mark and I met just over a year ago through a mutual friend and I was immediately taken by his passion for entrepreneurship and his practical approach to building businesses so I’m thrilled to have him on the show to share his story.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 04:34 Face-to-face conversation  07:59 Adapting to fluctuating cash flow; entrepreneurial spirit 11:02 Studying Philosophy  15:44 Product pitching 18:10 Persisting, listening, learning, evolving 27:22 Amazon allowed easy product launch and testing 31:44 Successful business endeavour 36:44 Equal conversations and solving problems 37:40 Approach with confidence and mutual benefit 41:05 Choosing strong businesses 43:54 Overnight success actually takes long-term commitment 49:14 Why personal brands are often more powerful than big brands 50:56 Partnering with influencers Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Mark:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwrichards/  X: MarkWRichardsX Instagram: mark.w.richards Website: https://www.alphidia.com/  Look out for: Mark’s upcoming book launch in Summer 2024 - "There is a Fortune in Your Followers" If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://pitchingwithimpactpersonal.scoreapp.com/   Or our free Presenting With IMPACT scorecard here: https://presentingwithimpact.scoreapp.com/ 

My guest for this episode is Steve Payne. Steve is a keynote speaker, speech writer, performance coach, professional actor, and the founder of the Academy of Coaching and Training. He is one of very few certified Master Trainers of Neuro Linguistic Programming worldwide and he’s the co-author of the critically acclaimed book, ‘My 31 Practices’. Steve’s been an important mentor to me over the years since I first attended one of his NLP courses back in 2011. I’ve been privileged to learn from and work with him ever since and we now regularly collaborate on leadership and sales training programmes. Steve is an absolute master coach and facilitator and I’m delighted to have him on the show to share his wisdom and experience.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 04:30 Shy actor, secretary, unexpected challenges at school 07:50 Working in South Africa  10:50 Contract struggles 14:32 Becoming an actor and childhood dreams 19:55 Hired based on vision 23:50 Realising the power of flexibility 26:49 NLP origins  29:51 How body posture influences confidence and performance 33:32 Building strong connections through active listening 37:07 Understanding values  49:19 Developing the habit of stepping back, reflecting perspective Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Steve:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-payne-29169914/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.payne.94651  X: @StevePayneCoach Instagram: stevepayneofficial Website: https://www.taoct.uk/ACThome  Look out for: NLP Trainers Training - June 5 days live Public Speaking Training in Marbella - June If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://pitchingwithimpactpersonal.scoreapp.com/   Or our free Presenting With IMPACT scorecard here: https://presentingwithimpact.scoreapp.com/ 

My guest for this episode is Janice B Gordon. Janice is a Customer Growth Expert and an absolute rockstar speaker, educator and consultant. She started out as a sales rep, rising through the ranks and learning her craft until she eventually became a visiting Fellow at Cranfield School of Management. She now helps CEOs and Sales Leaders expand key customers, create productive sales teams, and implement proven customer-centric revenue growth strategies. She’s been recognised by LinkedIn Sales as one of 15 Innovating Sales Influencers to Follow and she’s the host of the top 10 Sales Podcast Scale Your Sales.  I first met Janice several years ago on the speaking circuit and I love her energy and passion for her topic, so I’m excited to have her on the show to share her story and experience.   If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.   You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 03:25 Successful academic path 09:29 Finding passion 12:43 An efficient, system-driven thinker  15:03 Creating outfits  17:08 Success in America 22:38 Drawing the line with human connection in business 28:46 Cranfield experience  32:45 Sales-focused on buyer experience rather than self-promotion 34:56 Improving understanding through audience awareness in sales 37:41 Treating people like lifelong friends fosters connection 42:12 Character and aligning with future goals 44:22 Prioritising relationships and having strategic conversations 52:34 Former introvert Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Janice:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-b-gordon/  X: https://twitter.com/JaniceBGordon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicebgordon/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScaleYourSalesJBG/  Website: https://scaleyoursales.co.uk/  Visit: https://janicebgordon.com/resources/ or DM me that you heard me on Why Life's A Pitch to request a consultation call to discuss how to avoid the trap of having the wrong salespeople in the wrong seat for fear of not being able to find the right salesperson. If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://pitchingwithimpactpersonal.scoreapp.com/   Or our free Presenting With IMPACT scorecard here: https://presentingwithimpact.scoreapp.com/ 

My guest for this episode is Caspar Berry. Caspar started his working life at the age of 16 as an actor in the BBC drama Byker Grove with “Ant and Dec” before accepting a place at Cambridge University to study economics. He went on to write and direct for television and film but left it all behind at the age of 26 to move to Las Vegas and become a professional poker player. Returning to the UK 3 years later, he built and sold a highly successful production company. He’s presented poker for Sky Sports and was the poker advisor for the James Bond movie Casino Royale in 2006. He’s now a highly sought after advisor to some of the largest organisations in the world speaking on risk and decision making.  I first met Caspar back in 2018 when we were speaking at a conference together. He’s a master storyteller and has a knack for simplifying the complex so I’m delighted to have him on the podcast to share his knowledge. If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 05:57 Channel Four film development  09:45 Life-changing audition at Tyne Theatre and Opera 10:35 Loved stage, excelled in economics. 16:48 Success comes from specialisation, focus, dedication and diversity 19:40 Poker in Las Vegas 25:20 Preparation and mentors 29:37 Luck is negligible in the long term 31:46 Leaving poker behind 36:39 Reframing decision-making approaches in corporate settings 39:24 Embracing volatility for gains 44:02 Challenging the idea of risk in business 49:21 Psychology and assessing trust probability Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Caspar:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casparberry/  X: @casparberry Instagram: @casparberry Facebook: Caspar Berry If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://pitchingwithimpactpersonal.scoreapp.com/   Or our free Presenting With IMPACT scorecard here: https://presentingwithimpact.scoreapp.com/ 

My guest for this episode is Paul Clayton. A professional actor for over 40 years, Paul has appeared in some of the most well known British shows of all time, from Dr Who, to Coronation Street, Drop The Dead Donkey and The Crown. He’s probably most recognisable for playing Ian Chapman, Sophie’s Dad in the hit comedy Peep Show. And more recently he’s been gracing our screens as Dennis in the new Disney+ series of the Full Monty. A published fiction and non fiction author and an accomplished theatre director, Paul has also worked with some of the biggest brands on the planet staging their corporate events.  I first met Paul over 20 years ago during one of my early forays into the corporate training world. He’s a master storyteller and an absolute expert when it comes to helping people perform under pressure, so I had to get him on the show to share his wisdom.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 03:59 Discovering authenticity and confidence as an actor 07:01 Early career experience in theatre 11:10 Passion for performing and societal pressures 17:00 Actor struggles  21:47 From Yorkshire window cleaner to successful actor 24:11 Importance of pride and creativity in acting careers 30:30 Judy Dench: laughter, fun, and wit onstage 32:12 20th anniversary of Peepshow 37:17 Talking Cancer study 41:14 Be yourself, don't emulate others in business 43:29 Embracing fallibility and natural skills in the spotlight 48:50 Importance of storytelling and evoking emotions 50:19 Storytelling workshops Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Paul:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-clayton-3482572/   X: @Claytoncast Instagram: @Claytoncastgram Website: www.paulclayton.biz  If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Gitanjali Trevorrow-Seymour. Like me Gitanjali started her working life as an actress until her career took an unexpected segue into financial services! Over the course of 15 years she rose into leadership roles helping her organisation and team navigate the challenges of the global financial crisis. Leaving her corporate career behind, she’s now an award winning executive coach and has been recognised as one the UK’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs. As founder and CEO of High Definition You, Gitanjali and her team now work with leaders of global organisations, to achieve their mission of creating a world full of Possiblists. Gitanjali and I have collaborated for several years now and I wanted to share her infectious energy and curiosity with you on the podcast.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help the show reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-) 00:00 Introduction 04:19 Presence and connection are key to successful engagement. 08:03 Discovering the love for acting 11:46 Moving to London for acting and banking 14:50 Considered a lawyer’s career as an alternate route for acting 16:00 Australian working holiday visa  19:44 Returning after 11 years 22:38 Request for podcast support and audience expansion 28:07 Exploring curiosity and the human experience 29:38 Awareness and open mindsets in the coaching journey 32:26 Actress turned neuroscientist 35:43 Curiosity drives research on positive mindset strategies 40:20 Striving for perfection 43:09 Realising the heaviness of your thoughts 46:47 Self-realisation leading to liberation 51:24 Fascination with quantum physics and shifting focus towards science 54:35 Disliking the "what do you do?" question 56:17 Improve your pitch with the personalised report. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Gitanjali:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linkinwithgitanjali  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gitanjali_hdyou  Facebook: @Gitanjali Trevorrow-Seymour Website: www.highdefinitionyou.com  If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is David Hieatt. David has built brands from nothing with next to nothing, just by understanding a few basic rules of how to sell his story. One sentence at a time. Bankrupt at 16 and thrown out of college at 18. He joined Saatchi and Saatchi at 21 and after a decade or so, he left advertising to go back to Wales and build his own brands. He started howies in 1995. Sold it to Timberland. Left. Started The DO Lectures, which was voted one of the top 10 ideas festivals in the world by the Guardian. He now runs Hiut Denim with his wife Claire bringing jeans manufacturing back to their hometown of Caridigan.  I first met David when I attended the Do Lectures back in 2017 and was blown away by his passion for doing good in the world and his ability to make things happen. I’m delighted to have him on the podcast to share his wisdom and his amazing story. If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-) 00:00 Introduction 08:48 Confidently spoke, succeeded in sealing the deal. 11:35 Obsessive passion for a meaningful hobby. 12:53 Persistence in pursuing passions reaps unexpected rewards. 18:11 Navigating difficult decisions, learning from experience. 19:11 Metaphor for life: choosing easy vs. hard. 22:41 Challenges of manufacturing and financial strain. 26:39 Defiance in pursuing genuine passion despite age. 29:39 Pursue what you love and value. 32:54 Struggle of launches, but persistent ideas emerge. 38:41 Words hold power; learn to write. 42:37 Morning routine sets the tone for productivity. 45:24 Write, edit, focus, and refine your work. 46:41 Embracing recovery and giving advice to self. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow David:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhieatt/  X: @davidhieatt Instagram: @davidhieatt The DO Lectures: https://thedolectures.com/speakers/david-hieatt/  Hiut Denim: https://hiutdenim.co.uk/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=691549064767&tw_campaign=21046122871&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw88yxBhBWEiwA7cm6pW0W0bxx8CGyo7dh48pQMMaFSGvbZUiCP2a1UzQW95ExW_XMdGoiTRoCoV8QAvD_BwE  If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Simon Hazeldine. Simon works internationally as a keynote and conference speaker, sales transformation consultant and as a sales and negotiation trainer. He has spoken in over thirty countries and his client list includes some of the world’s largest and most successful companies. Simon has a master’s degree in psychology and is the bestselling author of ten books that have been endorsed by a host of business leaders including multi-billionaire business legend Michael Dell. He’s also the co- founder of one of the UK’s leading sales podcasts “The Sales Chat Show”.  I first heard Simon speak back in 2017 and loved his no nonsense approach to sales and pitching so I’m delighted to have him on the show to share his wisdom.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 1:31 Pitching for a Job 3:31 The Importance of Preparation  6:23 The Deal That Got Away 8:08 Asking for Feedback 10:58 The Desire to Grow 13:49 Career Journey 16:48 Lessons from Door-to-Door Sales 20:42 Transition to Talent and Leadership Development 23:30 People's Capacity and Desire to Grow 26:38 Approach to Gathering Knowledge 29:29 The Bare Knuckle Series 29:35 Early Experiences in Security and Karate 31:02 Testing and Applying Sales Principles 32:13 Transition to Neuroselling 34:34 Fundamental Principles of Neuroscience in Selling 37:52 The Importance of Emotional Connection 38:33 Establishing Comfort and Rapport 40:10 Preparing for a Pitch or Presentation 42:07 Making a Positive First Impression 45:56 Creating a Strong Ending 51:00 Avoiding Common Pitching Mistakes 54:01 Advice for Young Professionals Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Simon:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhazeldinesalestransformationsalesperformance/  X: https://twitter.com/search?q=%40simonhazeldine&src=typed_query  Website: https://www.simonhazeldine.com/  If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Paul McVeigh. Paul was a professional footballer for nearly 20 years, playing for clubs in the English Premier League such as Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City. He also gained 40 caps internationally for Northern Ireland. He made over 300 appearances and was a key member of 2 Championship winning teams, rising to the pinnacle of English soccer. Paul is also the author of the ironically entitled “The Stupid Footballer is Dead”. After his playing career Paul worked as a sports psychologist and was the first person ever to play in the English Premier League and qualify with a Masters in Psychology. Paul now works with some of the biggest organisations in the world to help their teams and leaders master their metal game and performance.  Paul and I met on the speaking circuit several years ago and I’m delighted to have him on the podcast to share some lessons from arguably the most ruthless industry on the planet!  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-)  00:00 Introduction 05:08 Challenges and Disappointments in a Football Career 10:49 The Need for Constant Pitching in Sports 26:58 The Power of Visualisation in Performance 28:49 Introduction and the Power of Yoga and Visualisation 36:43 Applying Lessons from the Football Pitch to the Boardroom 41:38 The PACE Framework for High-Performing Teams 46:26 Improving Mental Performance and Beliefs 52:36 Advice to the 11-Year-Old Self and Embracing the Journey Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Paul:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmcveighkeynotespeaker/  X: https://twitter.com/search?q=%40paulmcveigh77&src=typed_query  Instagram: @paulmcveigh77  Website: https://paulmcveigh.com/  Paul’s book ‘The Stupid Footballer Is Dead’: https://paulmcveigh.com/tsfid-pauls-book/  If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Phil M Jones.Phil is the best-selling author of 7 business books and one gorgeous children’s book… He started his first business at just 14 years of age and is the youngest recipient of the “British Excellence in Sales and Marketing” award. A sought after advisor to global brands and creator of the most listened to non-fiction audiobook of all time, he's a firm believer that almost every problem could be prevented or solved if more people just knew EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY. I first met Phil several years ago when we were both speaking at a sales conference. His content was world class and I immediately went out to buy his book and discover more about his approach. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him speak several times since and every time we’ve had the opportunity to chat I’ve been blown away by his generosity and his desire to help and share. He’s a sales and pitching master so you’re in for a real treat.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe.  It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy!00:00 Introduction 06:17 Crisis as a catalyst  08:20 Starting out as a speaker  11:00 Doing more than was asked 15:01 Building a “hot” brand 17:51 Pitching isn’t a monologue 23:30 Mastering the moments  28:40 Curiosity + empathy = trust  32:14 Leaving a legacy  34:24 Giving people the steps to success 38:53 The power of asking for help.  Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Phil:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmjones X: https://twitter.com/philmjonesuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philmjonesuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philmjonessales/ Website: - https://www.philmjones.com/ If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

Today’s guest is Dr Linda Shaw. Linda holds a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience, specialising in unconscious processing of emotion and behavioural change. She’s also an author, entrepreneur and past president of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. As the founder of Brain & Behaviour, Linda now works with senior leaders and their teams to use the neuroscience of behaviour to unlock their natural genius and to communicate their ideas more effectively. I’ve known Linda for several years now and not only is she an absolute expert in her field but she also has boundless energy and an infectious zest for life which infuses everything she does so it’s a privilege to have her on the show to share her wisdom.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe.  It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 06:07 The pitfalls of confusing language 07:11 A childhood fascination with communication and consciousness 11:43 From Cabin Crew to business owner 18:22 Running with joy 25:35 The power of oxytocin 29:28 Learning from a golden retriever 35:59 How to boost productivity 41:42 Stimulating curiosity  44:59 Focus on the positive rather than immediate pain. 48:27 Maintaining rapport 49:24 The dark side of oxytocin 54:49 The stressful side of evolutionary biology 55:59 Kids and mobile phones Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Dr Lynda Shaw:  Linkedin: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/lyndashaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynda.shaw.14 Website: https://drlyndashaw.comIf you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Katie Posner. Katie is joint Artistic Director and CEO of Pains Plough the UK’s leading new writing theatre company. She’s an experienced and award winning theatre director and who’s beautiful productions have toured the UK and overseas. In 2023 she won a fringe first at the Edinburgh Festival for her production of Strategic Love Play which is transfering to the Soho Theatre in May 2024. For her next directing project she’s taking the helm of the debut play from acclaimed novelist Philippa Gregory. ‘Richard My Richard’ opens at Shakespeare North in March and is definitely one to watch!  I first met Katie back in 2013 and am in awe of how she has grown her directing career, taking over one of the UK’s leading theatre companies and guiding it through the pandemic whilst also managing to be an amazing mother, wife and friend. She’s got so much wisdom to share when it comes to pitching, storytelling and leadership and I’m thrilled to have her on the show.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe.  It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 04:11 Reflections on resilience and personal growth. 09:16 Performer's itch leads to teaching and directing. 12:22 The importance of following your instinct.  15:48 Advocating for equity and authentic representation. 17:30 Discovering the power of mentorship. 25:00 The elements of a great pitch.  32:19 Personal growth as a leader. 38:12 Leading with kindness amidst challenges and vulnerability. 40:47 Everything we do is part of a story. 47:00 Working with Phillipa Gregory.  50:06 Collaborating to amplify your vision. 53:29 Embracing your journey. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Katie: X: https://twitter.com/katieposner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieannsaraposner/ Other Links: https://painesplough.com/ https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/richard-my-richard/ https://sohotheatre.com/events/strategic-love-play-2/ If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Andrew Pancholi. Andrew specialises in using mathematical cycles to forecast events in geopolitics and markets. He’s the creator of the highly acclaimed Market Timing Report and is co-author of the bestselling book Zero Hour. Also a commercial airline pilot, Andrew has a deep knowledge of risk management based on aviation safety and applies these concepts to trading and portfolio management. He consults to some of the largest banks and institutions in the world and advises government agencies and the military. He also sits on the board of the Foundation For The Study of Cycles set up by the US Presidency in 1941.  I was first introduced to Andrew last year and was fascinated by his ability to identify patterns and accurately forecast future events so wanted to get him on the show to talk about his experience and how it relates to the world of business and pitching. If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible. You don’t want to miss this! Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction. 03:08 Getting a job in 5 hours. 09:27 Looking for patterns. 12:16 Markets show sentiment and reflect events. 16:19 The power of mentors. 22:52 Learning from history to anticipate future threats. 24:47 Importance of situational awareness in business communication. 27:58 Recognise, understand, and anticipate to grow. 30:01 Building a business alongside the day job. 35:54 Meeting resistance to patterns and cycles. 39:20 Pattens business owners and sales people should be aware of. 41:23 Paying attention to our energy and rhythms. 45:53 Global issues, illness, and determination led to an exciting collaboration. 50:33 The predictability of human behaviour. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Andrew: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpancholi X: https://twitter.com/AndrewPancholi  Website: www.markettimingreport.com Youtube: @markettimingreport If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

Today’s guest is Alexis Kingsbury, an award-winning entrepreneur, with two software businesses and a consulting practice, serving over 600 organizations around the world, including well known brands such as Sony, 3M, Swarovski, Fitness First, and Pepsi. Alexis is a good friend and a self confessed process geek who’s helped me loads over the years to improve the way I run my business. I’m excited to have him on the show to share his insight on everything from the process of a winning pitch to how to recruit and grow high performing teams.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible. You don’t want to miss this! Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Getting down on one knee. 08:59 Effective communication and business development. 12:00 The nine-year-old entrepreneur.  13:09 Being persistent. 17:17 Dealing with rejection.  20:46 Optimizing processes, adding value, and reducing redundancies. 23:53 Delegating tasks to free up time for growth. 26:33 Create processes for scalable sales. 29:30 Hiring and managing great people. 34:30 Structuring how you manage others. 38:00 Recruiting on values.  44:20 Taking six weeks off.  48:01 The four stage of delegation. 57:35 Stop iterating things that are already working. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Alexis:  Linkedin: Alexis Kingsbury X: @Alexiskingsbury Website: www.AirManual.co  Podcast: www.Destressyourbusiness.com If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Caroline Flanagan.Caroline is a career progression coach, keynote speaker and host of the Caroline Flanagan Podcast and the Legal Imposters Podcast. She’s also the author of Be The First: People of Colour, Imposter Syndrome and the Struggle to Succeed in a White World which was a Business Book Awards finalist in 2022. A magic circle trained ex-City lawyer, Caroline works with international law firms, banks and global organisations to increase the number of people of colour in leadership. Her mission is to help you break through bias, break down barriers and be the change you want to see in the world. I first saw Caroline speak a few months ago and was blown away by her energy and her story so I had to have her on the podcast to dig a little deeper and find out more about her amazing journey. If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible. You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy! :-) 00:00 Introduction 05:05 Confidence from early success, connecting with others. 08:17 The challenges of 1980s London. 11:23 Early experiences of standing out and facing racism. 13:48 Inherited inner strength from a strong-willed mother. 16:46 The importance of self-help and coaching. 20:37 Facing rejection and taking a different path. 23:34 Countering negative assumptions. 28:29 Curiosity and self-doubt. 35:29 Becoming a mother. 37:10 Unexpected motherhood, chaos and embracing change. 47:00 Being the first. 49:55 Writing a book 52:37 Identify impostor syndrome with practical examples. 56:09 Embracing your journey. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Youtube: https://bit.ly/3Zt27Qq Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Caroline:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineflanagan00/ X: https://twitter.com/flan_caroline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_flanagan_ Website: https://carolineflanagan.com If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

My guest for this episode is Nick Hunt. Nick has walked and written across much of Europe. He is the author of three travel books – Outlandish, Where the Wild Winds Are and Walking the Woods and the Water – and has recently published his debut novel, Red Smoking Mirror. His books have twice been finalists for the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year, and have been translated into five languages. His articles have appeared in numerous publications including The Guardian, The Irish Times, and Geographical and he is also an editor and co-director of the Dark Mountain Project.  I first discovered Nick's travel writing this summer, transfixed by his epic walk from the Hook of Holland to Istanbul in Walking The Woods and the Water and I knew I had to have him on the show to discuss his adventures and the art and craft of storytelling.  If you enjoy what you hear please leave a review, like, comment and subscribe. It would mean the world to me and will help this podcast reach as many people as possible.  You don’t want to miss this!  Enjoy :-) 00:00 Introduction  02:15 Pitching my first book 07:17 Childhood imagination and the birth of a writer. 11:12 Losing your self consciousness. 16:53 Realizing life is short, committing to dreams. 19:58 Unplanned journey for adventure and spontaneity. 23:59 Overcoming fears while traveling through Eastern Europe. 26:32 Mountains, sheepdogs and personal reflection. 31:36 Learning perseverance amid sublime and painful days. 36:12 Making a living as a writer. 38:55 Discovering new perspective on storytelling during lockdown. 42:44 Principles for telling powerful stories.. 48:20 Overcoming fear of storytelling through personal anecdotes. 49:58 Crafting writing: detail, senses, hooks, and endings. Listen on:  Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3sYoIbg⁠  Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ⁠  Follow Dominic:  LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/3LxpimH⁠  X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/48n3Me4⁠  Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml⁠  Follow Nick:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hunt-79b0a11a X: https://x.com/underscrutiny?s=20 Website: https://nickhuntscrutiny.com If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ⁠

In this episode of “Why Life’s A Pitch” I'm honoured to be joined by my friend and colleague Claire Dale. Claire is the creator of Physical Intelligence, author of the book by the same name, and a former contemporary dancer and choreographer. She now combines her background in dance with neuroscientific research to help decision-makers and leaders improve their performance across numerous fields. In this candid conversation she shares her fascinating journey, from dancing on stage to pitching in the boardroom, and how physical intelligence has played a key role in her success. We delve into the science behind our physiology, how our body language affects decision-making and  the importance of resilience and adaptability in our lives. This episode is certainly an enlightening journey into the world of physical intelligence and its impacts. So, sit back, relax and prepare to understand how your own body contributes to your success! 00:00 Introduction. 03:18 Starting with the body.  07:40 Dancing in the womb.  12:25 Auditioning with resilience.  13:59 Diversity in dance. 18:15 From dancer to founder of Physical Intelligence. 20:29 Joining the corporate world. 25:18 The original pitch.  26:40 The oxytocin dopamine balance. 29:46 Learning the science. 33:00 The clarity of writing a book 36:55 Using the breath. 41:44 Stretching for high performance. 43:27 Importance of breath in stressful situations. 51:16 Delay breakfast, prioritise nature, and embrace yoga. 53:58 Staying present and focused is crucial Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3sYoIbg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ Follow Dominic: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxpimH Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX Instagram: https://bit.ly/48n3Me4 Website: https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml Follow Claire: Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3GjnBpX Instagram: https://bit.ly/3sSkthQ X: https://bit.ly/40ZLYT7 If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ

Today's guest is a philosopher, entrepreneur, teacher, and above all, a relentless pursuer of human potential - I’m delighted to have Brian Johnson with me on the podcast.  Brian's impressive journey includes building and selling two major social platforms way before Facebook existed. Now, he's the founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation. His aim? To inspire 51% of humanity to flourish by 2051. Brian’s work is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and modern science, and he is passionate about cultivating human consciousness. In this episode, Brian takes us on a journey through his past experiences, challenges, and what led him to where he is today. He shares how he navigates adversity, why he pushes for a life filled with authenticity and purpose, and how he inspires others to activate their heroic potential. From a ealy passion for studying greatness, to creating multi-million dollar startups and living a philosopher-like life in the process, Brian embodies what it means to strive for one's best self and to truly serve something greater than oneself. Stay tuned as we explore the world of Brian Johnson, offering you an opportunity to discover not just what makes great people great but also, what can make YOU great too. I hope you enjoy!  00:00 Introduction/ 04:14 A winning pitch at UCLA. 07:40 Dropping out of Law School. 11:17 From nerd to founder.  14:07 Following your bliss.  19:46 Balancing personal growth, ambition, and team empowerment. 23:07 Focused energy on important goals; saying no. 26:54 Becoming your best self. 29:26 Building reliance when the going gets tough. 30:47 Using antifragility to grow stronger through challenges. 33:11 An unexpected letter.  38:11 Overcoming anxiety when speaking in public 44:20 Creating a support team. 48:27 Being your best self, moment-to-moment. 49:39 The power of storytelling. 56:23 Advice for a younger me. 57:45 The role of the body when shaping the mind. Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3sYoIbg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ Follow Dominic: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxpimH Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX Instagram: https://bit.ly/48n3Me4 Website: https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml Follow Brian: Youtube: https://bit.ly/3SYG42E Instagram: https://bit.ly/3sSrQpm LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3GlrElS Facebook: https://bit.ly/3GhPfUk If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ

In today's episode, I’m joined by the incredible Rob Gardner. Rob is an entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of various successful ventures, including Reddington and Mallow Street. He's also the co-founder and co-CEO of Rebalance Earth, a startup that aims to make nature the most valuable asset class on the planet.  After studying geography at Oxford University, Rob navigated the finance industry and eventually started his own pensions consultancy from his bedroom at the age of 27. His passion for making a difference then led him to co-found Redstart, a financial education charity that aims to teach kids about money management. Through his charity work and his books, "Save Your Acorns" and "Freedom," Rob has empowered thousands of individuals to take control of their financial futures. Now, with his latest venture, he’s taken on an arguably even more important challenge. In a frank and open discussion, we dive into the importance of feedback, resilience, and the power of storytelling in pitching and communication. Plus, Rob reveals more about his mission to protect and restore nature through innovative investment strategies. Get ready for an inspiring episode filled with valuable insights from a remarkable entrepreneur. Join us as we dive into Rob Gardner's fascinating journey on Why Life's A Pitch! 00.00 Introduction 01:54 Nature as a valuable asset; twin risks: climate change, biodiversity loss. Urgent need to reverse nature loss. New business Rebalance Earth makes investing in nature easy for pension funds. 04:26 Business pitches require clarity, energy, and teamwork. 08:52 Teachers' son suffers, finds purpose in banking. 09:46 Unaware of finance.14:49 We aimed to revolutionise pensions like Jamie Oliver. 18:47 Starting with Stuart, Dylan, our CTO, and Angela, our COO, we hired more people as our business grew. Then the global financial crisis hit. 22:42 Making time for training led to growth. 25:30 Shifting mindset about pensions with analogy. 28:23 Intuition led to joining an impressive pitch team. 32:26 Retirement savings must increase; individuals lack knowledge. 35:01 Study impacts kids, parents, and schools. 39:37 Famous athletes spend a million dollars in one day. 43:10 Accelerated learning, multiple courses, powerful pitches. 44:24 Quitting a job led to learning and applying. 49:15 Reframe nature's value, pay for its service. 51:07 Travelling in Argentina exposed me to poverty. Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3sYoIbg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ Follow Dominic: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxpimH Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX Instagram: https://bit.ly/48n3Me4 Website: https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml Follow Rob: Website: https://www.rebalance.earth/ Twitter: @robertjgardner Instagram: @robertjgardner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjgardner/

In today's episode of Why Life’s A Pitch, I’m joined by the talented Faye Dorn. An executive TV producer and BAFTA winner, Faye takes us on a journey through her career in the entertainment industry. From her humble beginnings as a receptionist at Company Pictures working on “Shameless”, to her success as an executive producer of Apple TV's "Bad Sisters," Faye shares valuable insights and experiences that will inspire and educate. We discuss the importance of preparation, how to build trust, and the art of tailoring pitches to make a lasting impact. This conversation is not just a peek behind the curtain of TV production; it's a masterclass in harnessing the power of narrative to move and inspire. Faye's story is proof that with determination and a passion for storytelling, it’s possible to fulfill your dreams. 00:00 Introduction. 01:40 Getting back into work after becoming a mum. 05:59 Finding a mentor in unlikely circumstances. 07:09 Getting inspired. 10:26 Working on Shameless. 13:39 The role of the TV producer.  17:27 Enabling the creative process. 19:54 Creating a bond of trust. 23:33 Climbing the ladder of success. 29:08 Becoming a mentor.  31:28 Tailor your pitch to the audience. Know your market. 35:55 The Merman dream team.  38:22 Winning a BAFTA. 44:10 Accepting the award.  Listen on: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3sYoIbg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Zrs2rJ Follow Dominic: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxpimH Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Rr3BIX Instagram: https://bit.ly/48n3Me4 Website: https://bit.ly/3Lr47ml Follow Faye: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Smk4hL If you want to improve the way you pitch and communicate take our free Pitching With IMPACT scorecard here: https://bit.ly/3rfxKjJ