Zero Lives Left Business, Career & Life Podcast

In Episode 64 of the Zero Lives Left Podcast Wayne is joined by guest James Perry.  They kick off in a deeply engaging conversation about self-recognition, personal growth, and the life-changing influence of travel. Wayne opens up about his struggle with acknowledging his own value and his reticence towards accepting recognition. In contrast, James shares his remarkable journey from a quaint village to the professional world of accountancy, and his transition to becoming a devoted full-time carer for his ailing parents. Throughout the episode, they dive into the critical importance of recognizing one's accomplishments, how travel can profoundly affect personal development, and the ongoing value of learning. With a spotlight on how technology is reshaping the field of accountancy, Wayne and James discuss the crucial role of building relationships, particularly for those who are introverted, and stress the importance of self-care to prevent burnout. Together, they navigate the complexities of life, underscore the importance of connecting with others, and advocate for the power of facing challenges head-on. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation: 🌟 Recognizing Small Wins: Acknowledging our achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for personal growth. Taking the time to appreciate our progress can have a profound impact on our mindset and well-being. 🌍 The Transformative Power of Travel: James shared his goal of visiting the seven wonders of the world and his experience with travel as a tool for personal development. Exploring different cultures and overcoming challenges through travel has had a profound impact on his life. 🔗 Building Relationships: We discussed the evolving role of accountants in the digital age and the increasing importance of building strong relationships and influence. Platforms like LinkedIn offer opportunities for introverted individuals to develop relationships virtually and in the real world.

In Episode 63, Wayne sits down with Lyn Warde who owns and operates Transport Compliance NILyn's primary goal is to help companies stay compliant and navigate the complex regulatory landscape. We discuss the challenges that many companies face in the haulage business and share valuable insights on how to overcome them.Lyn's business offers both training and fleet management. Transport Compliance NI educate and train businesses to upskill their staff and provide external support for companies without dedicated compliance teams. Their services include handling compliance tasks, filing, and providing regular updates on a company's compliance status. In a world with increasing regulations, it's essential for businesses to ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties that could jeopardize their livelihoods.But compliance isn't the only topic explored in this episode. Lyn and Wayne also touch on the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy in the transport industry. While digital technology has been embraced by most companies, the feasibility of fully autonomous vehicles is still being questioned. Instead, the focus is shifting towards finding the ideal renewable energy source for heavy-duty vehicles (HGVs), particularly in the context of large HGVs and the debate over using renewable energy.Lyn shares some of their experiences with electric vehicles (EVs) and highlights the logistical challenges of charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas or extreme weather conditions. They express a preference for hydrogen engines as a potential solution for HGVs, although they acknowledge the challenges related to hydrogen storage and transportation.Throughout the episode, Lyn emphasizes the importance of their company's personal approach and their commitment to being easily accessible to clients. They take pride in developing a close relationship with clients, understanding their specific needs, and providing personalized assistance. It's clear that their passion for helping others sets them apart from other companies in the industry.During the interview, Lyn also discusses the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the transport industry. These recent events have led to challenges such as an increase in paperwork and administration, shortages of drivers, and heightened demand for goods. Nonetheless, Lyn's company remains dedicated to supporting their clients and navigating these obstacles together.In addition to the interview, Lyn offers valuable advice for anyone interested in starting a business or pursuing a career in the HGV space. They share insights on the importance of software progression, driving automation, and the flexible career path that truck driving offers.To connect with Lyn on LinkedIn click here To find out more about Transport Compliance click here

On this episode of Podcasts, Wayne is joined by guest Sheila Docker. Sheila is passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their own health and wellness, as she has personally experienced and overcome inflammatory health challenges over the course of 30 years.Despite her health issues, Sheila has continued to pursue her love for travel and work. In this episode, Sheila discusses the changes she made to her lifestyle and the improvements she noticed in her energy, mental clarity, and physical appearance.She emphasizes the importance of basic nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindset in improving health. Sheila believes that many health challenges are a result of lifestyle choices and advocates for taking responsibility for one's own health.Additionally, she discusses her approach to eating, which includes a high protein, high fat, and low carb diet. The conversation also touches upon the benefits of intermittent fasting and the importance of prioritizing self-care for small business owners and entrepreneurs.Throughout the episode, Wayne and Sheila engage in a meaningful and informative discussion about health and wellness.As always if you have enjoyed this episode rate, review, and share the podcast, as well as connect with Sheila on LinkedIn for further guidance and access to resources.Link to website: The Primal Zone Link to Cookbook: The Primal Zone Cookbook

On this episode of Podcast, Wayne welcomes special guest Roger Gowdy to discuss various aspects of podcasting. The episode begins by emphasizing the importance of the recording environment and its impact on sound quality. They stress the need to prioritize the space over simply upgrading equipment. Listeners learn about achieving a dry studio sound, minimizing indirect sound, and maximizing direct sound by adjusting microphone placement.Consistency in podcasting is another topic covered. Wayne and Roger advise using an ideal listener avatar to guide content creation and discuss the significance of building a habit in listeners. They suggest setting a sustainable pace for podcast releases and using series or seasons to allow for batch recording and breaks. They also highlight how podcasting offers long-form content in a short-form-dominated world and allows for in-depth discussions.The episode dives into the role of AI technologies in podcasting, including using AI for planning, and generating guest bios, episode titles, and social media posts. While AI is considered a valuable resource, Wayne and Roger acknowledge its potential drawbacks.The conversation shifts to the current state of the podcasting market. Despite podcasting's popularity, the market is not oversaturated, with fewer than a million actively producing podcasts. They compare this to the number of YouTube channels and blogs, suggesting that starting a podcast now is similar to starting a blog in 2001.Wayne and Roger discuss the future of podcasting, highlighting its decentralized nature and its success in providing long-term content. They also address the role of Spotify in the podcasting landscape, with Spotify's investment and desire for exclusivity raising concerns for some.The episode provides recommendations for podcast hosts, including Buzzsprout, Lipsynch, and Captivate Pod, and advises against relying solely on Spotify. They explain that a podcast host is necessary to distribute episodes to various platforms like Apple podcasts, Google, Amazon Music, and Spotify. The cost of hosting platforms like Buzzsprout is mentioned, as well as the importance of choosing the right equipment and software for podcasting.Wayne emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the podcast concept before investing in equipment and provides questions to guide this decision. He also discusses the gradual growth of podcast listenership and the importance of focusing on creating value for the audience.Listeners are encouraged to take a multiplatform approach in marketing and promoting their podcast, repurposing content into different formats. AI tools like automated transcription are mentioned as helpful resources.Wayne shares information about his own podcast, Zero Lives Left Podcast, its aim to provide inspiration and actionable tips to listeners, and its recent expansion into live broadcasts on social media. Listeners are encouraged to share and rate/review the podcast to help it reach a wider audience.Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring and existing podcasters, covering topics ranging from sound quality to marketing strategies. Don't miss out on this information-packed episode on kickstarting your podcast.

This episode takes an insight look at my recent trips over to Brussels for the EU Citizens Panel on Virtual Worlds and Learning Mobility which took place over 2 weeks in April.Last year there were a number of conversations that took place to look at how to get citizens in Europe more involved in decisions that are being made about our future.  So over the past couple of months, they have been holding citizen panels on a range of different issues from food waste to the future of cities in Europe. 150 European citizens (picked randomly) from every different demographic and walk of life to go to Brussels over 3 weekends with one virtual meet-up.  The aim of the citizen's panel is to empower people to be involved in the decisions that impact everyone across Europe.Coming up later on in this episode we are going to hear from one of the EU representatives explaining what the Citizens Panel is all about & its objectives & I get the chance to have a chat with one of the Irish Citizens who have taken part.Grab a cuppa sit back and find out a little more like I did about how the Citizen Panel is helping shape the future of the European Union.

In this jam packed episode I chat with my good friend Tom Hughes.   Tom is Partner in Lean at Lumen Electronics, Cofounder at GembaDocs & 3rd Digital, Author of “Improvement Starts With I.”In the episode we start of by chatting about Tom's business & Career journey.  Tom has recently published his first book Improvement Starts With I: A practical guide to building an extraordinary lean culture.Tom chats about what exactly lean is & share the 5CsCandourCommitment CoachingConsistencyContinuous LearningFinally top shares his top 3 tips for people in business or starting out on their business journey.

In this episode I chat with Louise Brogan who's a LinkedIn Trainer. Louise is an international speaker and podcaster who talks to audiences about why, how and when they should be using LinkedIn in business.In this episode we chat about top ways to stand out on LinkedIn. Louise shares top tips for:StudentsGraduatesCareer MoversLouise shares her four pillars of using LinkedIn - optimising your profile, building a valuable network full of potential clients and customers, creating content that raises your visibility and the golden ticket to winning business on LinkedIn - how to use the messaging feature without spamming or being sleazy.We chat about new features coming to LinkedIn & the benefit of having a LinkedIn company page for your business. Louise shares some fantastic tips on how to raise your visibility to grow your network across LinkedIn. Louise is also running a 'Build your LinkedIn Strategy Workshop in Dublin on 27th of April more details can be found here if you'd like to grab a ticket. Promises to get a great opportunity to learn more.  Don't miss it 

In this episode I chat with Peter Doak from PDG Advertising based in Northern Ireland.  PDG Advertising launched in  2015 as  a creative and results focused digital marketing agency, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Our focus for a positive ROI for customers is our guiding light in delivering an Exceptional Digital Marketing Experience.We kick off the episode finding out a little about Peter's background and his reason behind setting up PDG - Peter chats about why simplification in digital is so important especial for the customer considering using digital advertising as a way to get in front of customers.  With so many social media platforms at our disposal it can be difficult to find out which platforms might be best for a business to use to start to compete for attention & get their product or service in front of customers.  Peter also shares a exercise he and his team use called 'Fish bowling' before they begin working with any new client & explains the importance of this exercise  Finally Peter shares his top tips for businesses considering using digital advertising in 2022 as well as 3 key tips for those interested in developing a career in digital marketing.  

In this episode I chat about conflict management with Dorcas Crawford.  After over 20 years as a litigation lawyer and several years conducting a high profile piece of litigation (Northern Ireland’s longest running civil trial) Dorcas Crawford, senior partner at Edwards & Co Solicitors, began to re-evaluate the whole area of dispute resolution and concluded that there was a better way. She trained as a mediator with CEDR in London in 2008 and has since conducted numerous commercial mediations and added workplace mediation and facilitation training to her CV. Conflict is something which we all experience at one time or another  - the thing about conflict which Dorcas explains is that it's costly, it's destructive, it drains resources and it impacts peoples lives.  There must be a better way... Dorcas shares her insights as well as some helpful tips in which businesses of all sizes can better manage conflict from the boardroom to right across the organisation.   

In this episode I chat with Henry McCrory who runs a very trendy and focused marketing agency, with one of his closest and lifelong friends Christopher Mc Clenaghan. Creative3 has a clear goal of growing brands and businesses. They have unconventional ideas, are disrupters and grow brands, that grows businesses.Henry has been though 2 recessions & now a global pandemic, he is a big believer everywhere we go we can make a difference, from the server at the coffee shop, to the big shot in the big office, we are no different.In this episode we cover things from building your personal brand on LinkedIn to feeding your potential market. The importance of looking after your mental health & wellness as well as having the right people in your corner. Henry talks about showing your customers what's possible. Sit back, grab a cuppa and listen in to some real honest business banter. 

In this episode, I chat with Gary Day who runs Garden of Music based in Warrenpoint.  Garden of Music believes that everyone should have lifelong access and opportunities to both music-making and music education. Garden of Music advocate for musical inclusion. They believe everyone is musical and should have equity to opportunities and provision.This episode was all about finding out more about Garden of Music, the impact it has & how it's helping making music more accessible for everyone.   Founder Gary chats about his early days in music to becoming one of the leading music practitioners in the UK and Ireland, with 20 years’ experience working in accessible and inclusive music-making and education.Gary talks openly about the importance of making music accessible & as inclusive as possible stating that 'music is in us all' We also chat about Gary's own business journey in which he shares 3 key tips when it comes to business Why are you doing it The importance of Networking Collobration for SuccessIf you're enjoying the show, don't forget to hit the Share button and Subscribe to get notified on future episodes..

In this episode, I chat with Lianne McCooey of McCooeys Coffee Shop, Newry. Lianne gives the full showdown on her experience working in the business industry - from pulling her first pint at the age of 10 to now running her very own coffee shop within the City of Newry. We talked about the challenges of opening your own business along with the highs and low's of opening a business in today's society. Lianne opens up, sharing her tips on creating the perfect online social presence and lessons learned on how sometimes failure can lead bigger successes. Lianne is a local celebrity around the Newry area, due to her witty and quirky content, and it's safe to say that this podcast included both these, along with a lot more. Our chat ended with inspirational advice from Lianne - don't be afraid to be a risk-taker, success takes time as not all things take off straight away and hard work and determination is key.     If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to hit the Share button and Subscribe to get notified on future episodes..  

In this episode I chat with Aaron Watson, Telephone On Hold Marketing, Voiceover, Audio Branding, Media Professional.For several years, Aaron has been delivering his distinctive and clear Northern Irish Voices for radio, TV, and advertising. Aaron specializes in telephone voiceovers for businesses in NI.. onhold marketing, auto attendant and so on.Working with clients all across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Aaron is one of Northern Ireland’s very few full-time voice artists working from his very own voice studio, located just outside Belfast.We kick off by chatting about Aaron's business journey and challenges along the way. Aaron shares an open and honest insight into this word as well as how he has been using Social Media in particular LinkedIn for this business.Aaron is a big ambassador of Northern Ireland PLC or 'Our Wee Country' as he calls it and the importance of helping others and giving back along the way.  Our chat ends by Aaron sharing some super useful tips for businesses on how to 'keep plugging'  If you are enjoying the show please don't forget to hit the share button and subscribe to get notified on our next episode.  

In this episode I chat with Ruth Young of Ruthless Media, which helps businesses to improve their social media presence & content.  Ruth starts off by chatting about her career and business journey to date as well as the work she did with Young Enterprise NIWe chat about the impact of Covid-19 on small businesses.  Ruth shares some insights and ideas on how businesses can continue to remain visible and how social media can push out content & help attract new sales opportunities.Ruth chats about the benefits of networking and how the BNI in particular has help her own business grow and develop.  Finally Ruth shares her top 3 tips for businesses durning Covid-19      

In this episode I chat with Nicola McGuinness founder of Lean In Newry.  Nicola is also Lean in Regional Leader an #IamRemarkable Facilitator as well as Research and Information Project Manager at Intertrade Ireland.  We kick off by chatting about the Lean in Newry Network and how it helps support a large network of women dedicated to achieving their potential through an inclusive, diverse and confidential support network.  Nicola chats about how the Lean in Network has help her overcome her own challenges with Imposter Syndrome.  As a trained #IamRemarkable Facilitator Nicola helps empower women and underrepresented groups to speak openly about their accomplishments in the workplace and beyond.  She shares her helpful tips and advice for businesses especially at this difficult time with Covid-19 as well as her 3 top takeaways;1: Networking & Visibility2: Have a Career Life without regrets3:Change the track in your head 

In this episode, we take a much-needed step back.  Our World has changed, as a result of the Covid-19 virus.  I chat with Joanne Callan on our first episode in which we start to explore Emotional Wellness and what this means.  Joanne is a Holistic Therapist & Well Being Coach. She a coach and an International Trainer for Relax Kids in Ireland and an Accredited Coach with The Institute for The Psychology of Eating. With over 15 years experience in the area of health and wellness, Joanne is passionate about holistic health, educating, empowering and supporting individuals and families to be the healthiest they can be. Joanne particular area of interest is in children’s physical and emotional health, women’s fertility and menstrual health along with Eating Psychology and mind, body, nutrition. Joanne chats about the importance of helping people understand how their body works and how to maximise our wellness & how can move to a place of acceptance.  Joanne also chats about the 'new sense of norm' and how at the end of the day it is important that we acknowledge that we are only humans.    

In this episode, I chat with Fiona Forman author, speaker, trainer, former teacher and facilitator in the areas of well-being and Positive Psychology.  We kick off by chatting about Fiona's journey to date from Teacher in the Classroom to setting up her own business and how she got starting in the area of Wellbeing & Positive Psychology.Fiona is the co-author of Weaving Well-Being, an international multi-level Positive Education program for primary school students. She is also the author of Wired for Well-Being, a program for secondary level students which is based on neuroscience and Positive Psychology.Fiona shares her thoughts on Positive Psychology and how it can help people and how it's especially important now due to the global pandemic coronavirus which is sweeping the world.  

Not getting paid in Business is hard.  You have delivered an excellent product or service and yet can't get paid.  But Credit Insurance is one way to prevent this from happening.  In this episode, I chat with Cormac Harty from Cormac Harty Insurance who acts as a Consultant in the Insurance Sector.   Cormac chats about what credit insurance is, how it helps and why businesses need to consider it.  We chat a little on the dreaded B (Brexit) word, Cormac shares his thoughts on the UK leaving the EU and we chat about some of the business success stories in the local area.  Cormac also shares his 3 helpful tips for someone considering starting a business in 2020 and he shares some useful tips for Students & Graduates which will help kickstart their career after college or university. 

Have you ever thought about expanding your Business or Brand overseas?  Ever thought that China or Hong Kong might be a great location?  The Chinese and Hong Kong market has great potential for international businesses seeking to expand and develop business relationships with 1.3 billion consumers in the region.   In this episode, I chat with Kristina Koehler-Coluccia Head of Business Advisory at Woodburn Accountants & Advisors wh specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. Woodburn Accountants & Advisors offer companies a one-stop shop approach to their corporate service’s needs. They offer market-entry advisory and ongoing corporate, accounting, tax and human resource services.We chat about some of the important things which need to be considered & researched before jumping right in & registering a business. Kristina shares her experience and knowledge on the importance of businesses getting the right advice from the start and ways to protect their business idea or IP.Kristina explains the importance of making a trip across to experience China and Hong Kong, the importance of setting up business meetings in advance, planning and preparation is vital to ensure you get the most out of the trip.  Finally, Kristina shares her top 3 tips for businesses considering expanding into China or Hong and sums up by stating that spending time researching and getting the correct advice will help save time and money in the long run.  She runs regular workshops and webinars to help educate businesses on a number of key topics and suggests those interested to reach out and get in touch.

In this episode, I chat with Emma Marmion Director of Prestige HR based in Newry.  Emma and her team at Prestige HR in Newry provide a full range of services for the SME sector right across NI/ROI and UK.  I start off by asking Emma about her Career journey to date how she ended up getting into HR and also how Prestige HR was born.  A core focus on this episode of the Podcast was Leadership an area which Emma has expertise in when it comes to helping SMEs.  Emma discusses what she feels are the most important traits for leaders in today's ever-changing world.  A core focus of our discussion on the podcast was wellbeing and how the important the wellbeing of both the leader and the staff are key to success within all organisations.  Emma is also VP of Newry Chamber an organisation which is the voice of businesses across the region we discuss BREXIT and the impact locally which we may have and the importance for all businesses to get into planning mode  - Emma shares ways which the local chamber in Newry can help.Emma wraps up by sharing her top 3 tops for Businesses and entrepreneurs to help grow and move a business to the next level.