MindStyling for Entrepreneurs

In part two of our MindStyling End of Year Special, Amy chats with Becky about her decision to leave Interactive Scientific in 2019.  We reflect on:The gifts and challenges of being a start-up CEOThe unsustainable frenzy of a constant sprintSaying no to bad behaviour and toxic relationshipsHow do you know when it's time to walk away? Is a graceful landing possible?For Becky, a trusted mentor, supportive Chair, and compelling Vision Board played important roles in helping her to bring to a close her time at Interactive Scientific, and open the door to a raft of new opportunities.  Which of these are playing a positive role in your life at present?  How have endings brought you gifts over the past year?About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mindstylingpodcastHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: www.amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.com

As 2021 draws to a close, MindStyling enjoys two end-of-year special podcasts, reflecting on the gifts in endings.In part one, Amy Armstrong and Dr Becky Sage catch up with Nathalie Alpi to reflect on the acquisition of Cookies HQ.  We discuss:Pivoting and purposeWhen pressure is unsustainable and change is necessaryThe value of sleep!Creating space for opportunityNavigating an exit with values intactThe challenge of redundanciesReconnecting to joy and purpose at work each dayWe ask, how can you create hope for yourself in 2022?If you would like to hear more about Nathalie's experiences, enjoy our first interview with her published on 31 August 2020: 'Nathalie Alpi: Relationships are at the core of everything we do' https://themindstylingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1032514/5174497About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comGuest: Nathalie AlpiTwitter: https://twitter.com/natalpiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nat_alpi/

In today's Top Tips episode, Amy and Becky reflect on Kerstyn and Suzi's warning:"Don't kitchen-sink it: keep it simple. It's all about the problem."We muse how easy it is as entrepreneurs and instinctive innovators, to try to do everything, and be everything, to everybody.  Instead we think about:How to say no, and prioritise effectively.Finding the sweet spot where the needs of your customers, the needs of your audience, and your own needs overlap.The power of mastery and getting really good at one key area of focusAmy asks, when you say yes to one idea, what are you saying no to?  The 3 P’s can help you refine your focus and clarity on how to organise your resources:Projects: What projects do you need to abandon or postpone? What meetings will you no longer attend? What resources do you need to divert to the yes? People: What expectations do you need to manage? What relationships will be affected? Patterns: What habits do you need to break? What old stories or dated ambitions you need to update? What beliefs about yourself do you need to let go of?Finally, Becky flags the importance of taking others with you, and nurturing relationships when you implement change.Do you share our tendency to 'kitchen-sink' it?  How do you get clear on what to say yes to, and therefore say no to, too?  We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.  Please rate, review, and subscribe to The MindStyling podcast and newsletter. About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout MeeToo, founded by Kerstyn Comley PhD and Suzi GodsonWebsite: https://www.meetoo.help/how-meetoo-works

Kerstyn Comley PhD and Suzi Godson, soon to be PhD are co-founders of MeeToo, an app that allows people to talk anonymously about difficult things with other people of a similar age or experience. The MeeToo mission is to provide mental help to everyone, everywhere by delivering pre-moderated, anonymous digital peer support which is effective, accessible, cheap, safe and scalable.  Co-CEO Suzi Godson has been The Times sex and relationships columnist for 16 years and her books have been translated into fifteen languages. Co-CEO Kerstyn Comley  has twenty years experience in development, product and business management. Before starting MeeToo she founded a successful IT consultancy and co-led a project to open a new Free School. We discussed:Lean methodology and misconceptions around what an MVP isThe value of going slow whilst you still canGetting impact investmentHow writing a book helped their businessMental ill health and the impact of COVID on their businessAbout MeeToo:Website: https://www.meetoo.help/how-meetoo-worksAbout MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.com

In this episode Becky and Amy reflect on the criticality of Heather Lyons' Top Tip: "Hire really good people."No business leader would dispute the value of this; for founders, great hires are particularly important.  We muse on the common pitfalls around hiring for start ups.We emphasise the value of hire slow and fire fast:The wrong people can be extremely distructive, especially for small teams.Don't be scared to ask too much: get clear of what you are looking for.Don't assume others won't be as excited and motivated by the business' mission as much as you are.Get training and support in how to hire and how to manage well.Factor in time to build strong team foundations and nurture team growth.Take care not to feel obliged to give early supporters a share of the business or take a salaried role.Get creative with short contracts initially focused on discrete packages of work with clear KPIs.Importantly, take the long term view and work back from your vision for the business: design an organisation that allows you to be in your zone of genius!We would love to hear about your experiences with hiring. Please connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter using the links below; and subscribe to The MindStyling podcast and newsletter.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout Heather Lyons and Blue Shift CodingWebsite: https://blueshiftcoding.com

Heather Lyons is the co-founder of Blue Shift Coding, a company on a mission to empower young people to be more than tech consumers, to be digital creators!Heather originally trained as an architect, but had always worked in technology as a user experience (UX) designer. In 2013, Heather was approached by some mums who were keen for their children to learn to code. Heather had been teaching computer-based design at university level in London and had children of my own. She was also passionate about empowering children to create with code as opposed to simply consuming technology through yet another device. With this in mind, she set about teaching code. Their first term started with eight children in her garden! Those eight children all re-enrolled and they soon started running after-school clubs at a nearby girls’ school.Now Blue-Shift offers online classes, after school clubs, holiday camps and private tuition to lots of young people who are getting excited about being tech creatorsHow important it is to gather evidence for your productOpportunities to design better educationHow she helps her team avoid burnoutBuilding the right team and the value of a company scorecardFor more information on the Women in Innovation award: https://info.ktn-uk.org/p/2VFU-7DT/women-in-innovation-newsletter-sign-upAbout Blue Shift CodingWebsite: https://blueshiftcoding.comAbout MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.com

In this week's Top Tips episode, Becky and Amy celebrate Kate Dimbleby's Top Tip:"Ask yourself questions.  Keep talking to yourself because you'll find some really interesting answers.  Ask is that true?"As business leaders, an ability to step back and understand the context within which we are making decisions is invaluable for our personal and business' growth.Reflective Practice gives us the tools to gain perspective.  We ponder how to reflect  effectively:Where you are on the blame continuum? Are you assigning all fault to yourself for things which have gone wrong , or are you blaming everyone but you?!In a lean culture, learning is a metric for success: move away from blame towards lessons learnt.Move from being reflective to reflexive - take into account possible unconscious biases, and underlying assumptions.Consciously create a positive environment which supports good quality thinking.Check in with yourself: ask if your negative thoughts about yourself are really true? Take care to focus on what's working well.We discuss Rolfe's simple three step model to support reflection which moves you forward.  Ask:1.  What?  What was I trying to achieve?  What happened?  What were the consequences?  What patterns, habits, strengths, weaknesses have I demonstrated?2. So What?  What does this teach me?  What does this imply?  What other knowledge could I have brought to this situation?  What resources could I have used?  What could I have done differently?3. Now What?  What do I need to do to improve things?  What broader issues need to be considered?  What do I need to work on and learn about?  What shall I do differently going forwards?Move from big picture reflections, to the critical next step.  Keep asking those questions, positively and pragmatically!We would love to hear about your reflective practices and how you enable yourself to keep moving forwards. Please connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter using the links below; and subscribe to The MindStyling podcast and newsletter.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout Stornaway.io and Kate DimblebySign up: https://www.stornaway.ioTwitter: https://twitter.com/stornaway\_ioLinked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51624573/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stornaway.io/

Kate Dimbleby, co-founder of Stornaway.io has been working for 25 years as a producer, performer, singer, songwriter, teacher and facilitator. She has recorded 6 albums and has toured the world with theatrical music shows, working with world-class musicians, writers and other artists to tell stories about women's voices. Kate has developed a structure for writing and developing her ideas to allow for maximum creative freedom and flexibility particularly live on stage. This has informed the creation of the story map and writing tools for Stornaway.io - a ground-breaking interactive filmmaking platform that she launched in May 2020 with her husband filmmaker and technologist Ru Howe.  Stornaway.io's drag and drop authoring tools enable creators in Entertainment, Business, Learning and Agencies to easily craft and pre-vis compelling interactive video stories for delivery to websites, social media, VOD platforms and YouTube!We discussed:Moving from the music industry to a tech startup Getting out of the buildingReaching out to people we knowShifting cultures as you shift to different marketsWaiting for the right time to target you marketAbout Stornaway.io and Kate DimblebySign up: https://www.stornaway.ioTwitter: https://twitter.com/stornaway\_ioLinked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51624573/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stornaway.io/

In this week's Top Tip episode, Becky and Amy reflect on Alison Wood's Top Tip to add "in your opinion" to any advice you are given.  She urges us to remember opinions are not facts.  You get to collate opinions and decide what to do with them.  Becky and Amy reflect on:The importance of getting clear about your core purpose, big vision, and the steps on the journey.  The value of strategic objectives, and your thematic goal - i.e. your number one priority right now*.The courage required to say yes to your core purpose and no to everything else.The power of trusted advisors, and how to build that trust between you.  The risk of overwhelm when well-meaning experts are bombarding you with diverse and contradictory advice.Learning as a critical metric of success throughout the business lifecycle.We enjoy the idea of experimenting with the house-rule of 'one in, one out,' to help remind us to be mindful of which advice we take on and allow to influence the direction of our business.What's your approach to protecting yourself from the key ideas others want to introduce to your space?  How do you decide which to say "yes" to, and "no" to everything else?  We would love to hear your experiences and insights.  Please connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter using the links below; and subscribe to The MindStyling podcast and newsletter.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout Alison Wood and LilypadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilypads.uk/?hl=enOther links: https://www.lilypads.org.uk/links/

In today's episode, Amy and Becky reflect on Sam Woodham's top tip, to never underestimate your unique perspective.  "If you're lucky enough to have an idea, don't let it go. Give it a go."We discuss the challenges of how to stick with an idea, and persist against the odds as you transform it from just a niggle in your head into a service or product that people love and want to buy.As an entrepreneur doing something not done before, in a way not done before, validation is unlikely to come easily.We ask how to: Make peace with feeling uncomfortable when self-doubt is rampant.Make decisions based on objective information not just personal interpretation.Operate from the positive, intellectual part of the brain where you can make sophisticated decisions, rather than your limbic system designed to protect you from pain at all costs.We reflect on:The Five Why method of root cause analysis: ask "why?" five times, to drill down to the core issues behind any set-backs or challenges. The importance of building self-awareness so that you can identify when you are being triggered negatively.The five BASIC social needs of humans: Belonging (B), Autonomy (A), Status (S), Integrity (I) and Certainty (C).Not to quit on a bad day: wait until you've had a really great day, and make the decision then.Schedule time to reflect on any persistent concerns, and consciously create an environment that will support you to do your best thinking. We would love to hear your experiences of persevering through challenges to make your ideas a reality.  What has worked for you?  What have been your hardest battles?  How do you make the peace and space to listen and act on your ideas?  Please connect  with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter using the links below; and do subscribe to The MindStyling podcast and newsletter.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout The Divorce Surgery and Sam WoodhamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcesurgery/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DivorceSurgeryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-divorce-surgery-b946a3164/Website: https://www.thedivorcesurgery.co.uk/

Alison Wood is the founder of Lilypads, a social venture which aims to ensure menstruation is not a barrier to education through the sale of affordable reusable sanitary pads and provision of menstrual health education. She created Lilypads after learning that schoolgirls in Kenya were exchanging sex for sanitary pads, to remain in education. Through an innovative business model Lilypads subsidises their work internationally through the sale of a pad in the UK, this enables them to support girls most in need. We discussed:Why investment isn’t always the best routeHow to take advice mindfullyTaking risks in order to build a purpose led businessHow to block out the noiseThe value of having a vision you can believe inAbout MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout LilypadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilypads.uk/?hl=enOther links: https://www.lilypads.org.uk/links/

Samantha Woodham is an award winning family law barrister. With Harry Gates she co-founded The Divorce Surgery, which turns the traditional model of bitter adversarial legal proceedings on its head. Their unique model offers one lawyer for one couple, at a fixed fee many, many times lower than the average cost of legal proceedings.  The Divorce Surgery has won a raft of awards as a result including Winner of the Financial Times Intelligent Business award, The Lawyer Awards for Best client service innovation, Lexis Nexis Legal Awards, and Legal Innovation Awards.  This year, Citywealth has made Samantha their Powerwomen Champion of the Year Gold 2021, and most recently she has won a Women in Innovation award as an entrepreneur tackling society's challenges.We discuss:Transforming traditional narratives to remove the stigma of divorce and re-frame it in a positive light;High stress moments of speaking in court vs. live on BBC News and how to manage fear of public speaking;Maintaining your mental health in an intense, emotionally driven work environment where conflict is rife; The value of compartmentalization and balance for good mental health;The power of purpose and how it's those things which make you smile and want to get up in the morning which are what job satisfaction is all about. About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout The Divorce SurgeryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcesurgery/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DivorceSurgeryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-divorce-surgery-b946a3164/Website: https://www.thedivorcesurgery.co.uk/

In her interview with MindStyling, Deborah Coughlin, founder of Method X gives a rallying call to women, challenging us all to value ourselves professionally at a higher rate.In this episode, Amy and Becky recognise the gender pay gap is as critical an issue for entrepreneurs as it is for large corporate employees:Research in 2018 revealed that self-employed women in America earn 28% less than self-employed men. Another study shows men freelance creatives charge on average 47% more than women. We reflect on the importance of a positive, empowered money mindset for entrepreneurs.  Looking at how limiting beliefs ingrained from birth can hold us back, and what we can do to overcome them, we discuss:The risk of conflating ‘I’m not worthy’ with the fee you charge.How money means different things to different people: values and beliefs around money tend to be deep-rooted.How money works as an amplifier, enabling you to be more of who you are and do greater things than you’d be able to do otherwise.The importance of raising the right level of investment to enable your business to fulfill its optimum potential rather than just scrape by.We ask who are you to stay in the way of you? We discuss how to move from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and growth and recommend you:Ask for what you need, not what you can get by on. Price according to value added, not at an hourly rate. Ask for help from skilled mentors if you are working on shifting your mindset. Accept new behaviours around money will be uncomfortable at first.  Keep practising, keep learning, and lean into the experience. Celebrate your wins!Please share with us your experiences around money: is this an area of strength for you, or is it still a work in progress?  Perhaps it's an skill set you really struggle with?  We would love to hear your thoughts.   Please share your insights and experiences with us on Instagram, LinkedIn Facebook and Twitter using the links below. About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/ Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcast Twitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcast Website: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysage Twitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sage Website: www.beckysage.com About Method X and Deborah CoughlinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahcoughlin/ Website: https://www.methodxstudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/methodxstudios/ 

Deborah Coughlin is the founder of Method X, an organisation that is creating scalable prevention of poor mental health for the mass market.  Her mission is to democratise good mental health, and end the mental health poverty gap. Deborah is a creative innovator and entrepreneur who often subverts the usual way we look at things. She's a creator of stories, products, communities, and business. They're all designed to empower. In addition to everything else she's done, Deborah has presented for The Guardian, BBC and Radio 4.We discussed:Disruption and creative problem solving.The power and importance of talent diversity within a team.The value of incubators, and Deborah’s transformative Zinc incubator experience.Shifting from deep discomfort with money and a poverty/scarcity mindset, to raising pre-seed funding of £400,000 in the midst of the pandemic.Creating something out of nothing when you feel passionately it needs to exist; and the risk of building unsustainability rather than scale into the heart of a project.Human being as well as human doing, and how to make taking care of mental health part of your team's business routine.How can you be outspoken? How do you get down to your authentic voice? About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/ Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcast Twitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcast Website: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysage Twitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sage Website: www.beckysage.com About Method X and Deborah CoughlinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahcoughlin/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deborah-c-a7894b183Website: https://www.methodxstudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/methodxstudios/     

Helena's Top Tip is that there is no silver bullet out there.  Rather success is all about consistent force in one direction.In today's episode, Amy and Becky reflect on the importance of this insight, and how:Searching for your silver bullet can distract you from  doing the crucial work.It is the accumulative impact of all of your actions which turns the flywheel of your business: the individual action is  responsible for your results becomes impossible to determine.Alignment of your team in its understanding of your vision, values, behaviours, and objectives is crucial for your flywheel to start to move and gather momentum. The flywheel effect was first popularised by Jim Collins in his iconic book,  'Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't.'   We invite listeners to reflect on their personal or business' flywheel.  What are your drivers of momentum and how do they work together?   Amy adds in the powerful questions from the playbook set out by Patrick Lencioni in 'The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business.'   What are your answers to:Why do we exist?How do we behave?What do we do?How will we succeed?We'd love to hear your insights and reflections.  How does the flywheel play out in your business?  What else can you do to increase your focus of energy in one consistent direction?  Do let us know using the social media links below.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout TrueStart Coffee and Helena HillsInstagram: https://www.truestartcoffee.comWebsite: https://www.truestartcoffee.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestartcoffee

In the second part of our interview with Helena Hills from TrueStart Coffee. We dug deep into how the TrueStart team invested every penny they had to rebrand and ensure that the visual representation of the brand was truly reflective of the values, vision and energy that they wanted to convey. This unleashed a whole new trajectory for TrueStart and the team. About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout TrueStart Coffee and Helena HillsInstagram: https://www.truestartcoffee.comWebsite: https://www.truestartcoffee.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestartcoffee

Helena Hills is the founder of True Start Coffee, we talked about so much that we decided to  split this episode in two.....Next episode coming soon. In this episode we focused on the value of positive energy and ADHD. In part two we discuss rebranding and learning as you go when you build a business from scratch. TrueStart is feel-good coffee that exists to spread massive positive energy It is a Multi-award-winning challenger coffee masterbrand with vibrant, clean, healthy coffee for every occasion, at it’s core it is an ethical family business that puts people first.As well as being an energetic ethical CEO, Helena is extremely passionate about the importance of championing neuro-diversity We discuss: ☕Positive emotions and how to harness them☕The power of “clean coffee” (for those who aren’t allergic to caffeine) ☕How it started in a field in Taunton☕ How ADHD doesn't mean someone needs fixingAbout MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout TrueStart Coffee and Helena HillsInstagram: https://www.truestartcoffee.comWebsite: https://www.truestartcoffee.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestartcoffee

This week, Amy and Becky sit down to share stories and ponder on the challenges and wonders of finding and doing what comes from the heart.  First though, we start with the complexities behind Keri's rallying cry - 'you are not your circumstances.'We reflect that:Perspective and understanding of our circumstances can support us to shake off being defined by the constraints we face.How the question, "what's stopping you?" can throw a light on limiting beliefs and give us the choice to step beyond them.Becky invites Amy to reflect on her career journey to find purpose, from advertising, to television, to adult education and EdTech, to her current eleven year preoccupation with 'what helps humans shine?'Purpose can be found in many places, and there's not just one answer for each of us.   It could be in one or many areas. Perhaps in:a sector that resonates;a skill set that you love;a hobby rather than a money-earning venture; oran outcome you are passionate about.Research shows that our core motivations for work are not focused on salary, but rather the opportunities for:Mastery;Autonomy; andPurpose.Perhaps it is this 'MAP' which can help us plot a route out of our circumstances.Do you agree?  Is this your experience?  Please share your stories with us using the social media links below.  Are you managing to do what comes from your heart?  How have you managed to grow beyond your circumstances?  What helps you shine?  We would love to hear from you.About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout Keri Andriana and AmschelaWebsite: https://amschela.co.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/AmschelaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amschela/Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amschela-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amschela/

Keri Andriana is a multi award winning handbag designer, CEO & Founder of UK affordable luxury handbag brand Amschela. Following the loss of her 15 year legal career, Keri also experienced a relationship breakdown which resulted in the loss of her family home. Homeless, with two children the brand was created as Keri pondered on what to do next.Since launching in 2017  the brand has become a celebrity favourite and has appeared at London Fashion Week to The BAFTAs, and has caught the eye of high-end magazines, featuring as a Style Obsession for 2018; Vanity Fair UK (March 2018 Issue), Tatler, British GQ and cited by the coveted fashion bible; British Vogue (June 2018 Issue) as ‘one to watch’ in its Designer Profile pages. Keri was named as a Fashion Award 2020 Nominee as a leader of change. Other noted nominees were Rihanna, Naomi Campbell and mainstream luxury fashion houses such as Gucci & Louis Vuitton. In her spare time, Keri enjoys working with disadvantaged young persons seeking to enter the fashion industry via mentoring and internships within the brand. We discussed:Creating a secure future through creating a handbag line (with the support and motivation from her family;👜 Career transitions👜 Turning a passion into a business👜 How a legal career has helped Keri become a successful CEO👜 Letting your values drive your business decisions👜 Walking in your purposeAbout MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcastTwitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcastWebsite: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysageTwitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sageWebsite: www.beckysage.comAbout Keri Andriana and AmschelaWebsite: https://amschela.co.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/AmschelaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/amschela/Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amschela-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amschela/

Do you have laser focus?  This is Mel Rodrigues’ Top Tip for listeners.In this episode, Amy and Becky consider the value of focus at a macro and a micro level in business, and how neither is necessarily easy to achieve.  Sometimes it’s not even appropriate.Are you at the stage in your business cycle where you have sufficient information to be able to pursue strategic laser focus?Are money and impact to be found in the same place; or are they in entirely different directions, which is so often the case if you’re thinking disruptively or in an impact space.Is your team aligned or pulling in different directions?Perhaps you at the early stage of a start-up where your very focus is on defining your focus!We refer to Eric Reis’ classic book ‘The Lean Start Up’ and ‘The Start Up Owner’s Manual’ by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf.  In these learning is a key measure of success.  The lean methodology can be your guide as you find your answers to what is the best business model, market and product for you.We discuss the challenge of remaining on topic during team meetings, when ideas can come thick and fast.Research shows that when we are distracted by something, on average we take 23 minutes to return to the task we were originally working on.We recommend the use of an ideas list or ‘bucket’ to capture ideas on-the-hoof, to help you stay on topic.Amy outlines her prioritisation tool to help you identify which ideas to pursue quickly and easily.  For each idea assess their impact and ease of implementation. Prioritise the high impact, high ease ideas.Amy recommends Greg McKeown’s book, ‘Essentialism: the disciplined pursuit of less’ and his interview by Tim Ferris.  His core principle is decide on what matters most and say no to everything else.How you manage to achieve laser focus?  What helps?  What doesn't?!  Do you agree with our approaches?  Do you have better ones to recommend?  Please let us know using the social media links below. About MindStylingSign up for the MindStyling Newsletter: https://mindstyling.group/sign-up/ Instagram:  www.instagram.com/mindstylingpodcast Twitter:  www.twitter.com/mindstylingpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindstylingpodcast Website: mindstyling.groupHost: Amy ArmstrongWebsite: https://amyarmstrongcoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyarmstrongcoach/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyarmstrongcoachingHost: Dr Becky SageInstagram: www.instagram.com/drbeckysage Twitter: www.twitter.com/becky_sage Website: www.beckysage.comAbout Gritty Talent: Website: https://www.grittytalent.tv Twitter: https://twitter.com/grittytalent?lang=en Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/GrittyTalent/ Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gritty-talent/