Business Without BS

https://www.youtube.com/@bwblondon

The Next UK Budget: What’s Coming for Your Taxes?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:12:42 -0000

#UKBudget #BudgetPredictions #Tax #BusinessWithoutBS #TheRebelAccountant

What’s actually going to happen in the next Budget, and what’s just noise?

In this special episode of Business Without BS, Andy Oury and Jemma Hotta put the rumours, headlines and tax speculation under the microscope and make their predictions for the upcoming Budget.

From pensions and capital gains tax to wealth taxes, property, inheritance tax and frozen thresholds, they break down what they think could change, what probably won’t, and the consequences those decisions could have for entrepreneurs, business owners and taxpayers.

Think of this as a conversation with your lawyer and your accountant, you just don't have to pay for it.Honest opinions, practical insights and no unnecessary jargon.

🎯 In this special episode, you'll hear:

• Why Andy and Jemma think pensions could be targeted

• Could Capital Gains Tax increase again?

• Will the UK actually introduce a wealth tax?

• Why a land value tax keeps entering the conversation

• Could stamp duty and council tax ever be replaced?

• Why frozen tax thresholds matter more than they might seem

• What could happen to dividend taxes and the self-employed

• Could inheritance tax be changed again?

• Why Andy believes the tax system needs long-term reform rather than constant tinkering

🔮 Their predictions?

Andy expects tax thresholds to remain frozen or become less generous, and doesn't expect a wealth tax.

Jemma expects further changes around pensions, but doesn't expect stamp duty land tax to disappear.

Now the question is: how much will they get right?

📌 About the hosts

Andy Oury is a Chartered Tax Adviser, Chartered Accountant and CEO of Oury Clark. Through The Rebel Accountant**, he challenges conventional thinking around tax, entrepreneurship and the economy.

Jemma Hotta brings the legal perspective to Business Without BS, cutting through the complexity behind the rules and what they mean in practice.

🎧 Listen to Business Without BS wherever you get your podcasts:

▶ Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-without-bs/id1528844106

▶ Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/6J1YMncmYCLODOKi8A0CFU

▶ Website
https://withoutbs.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the experts you'd normally have to hire.

UK Budget Predictions: What’s Really Going to Change?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:55:00 -0000

The UK Budget is coming — but what’s actually likely to change, and what’s just speculation?

In this special episode of Business Without BS, Andy Oury and Jemma Hossa break down their predictions for the upcoming UK Budget, looking beyond the headlines at the tax changes that could affect individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

From pensions and Capital Gains Tax to wealth taxes, property taxes, inheritance tax and frozen thresholds, Andy and Jemma look at the options available to the government, what they think could realistically happen and the potential consequences.

Could pensions be targeted? Will Capital Gains Tax rise? Is a UK wealth tax realistic? Could stamp duty eventually disappear? And are frozen tax thresholds already functioning like a tax rise?

Think of this as a conversation with your lawyer and your accountant — you just don’t have to pay for it.

In this episode:

• What could happen to pensions in the next Budget

• Capital Gains Tax — could rates rise again?

• Why wealth tax remains such a controversial proposal

• Stamp duty, council tax and the case for a land value tax

• Why frozen tax thresholds matter

• Inheritance tax and changing allowances

• The impact tax changes could have on entrepreneurs and SMEs

• Andy and Jemma make their Budget predictions

No political theatre. No unnecessary jargon. Just Business Without BS.

Building an Award-Winning Drinks Brand From Scratch | Maya Bedeau

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:45:00 -0000

What does it really take to turn an idea into a consumer brand, and convince investors to back you before you've even finished the product?

Maya Bedeau is the founder of 'Onest Energy, a natural energy drink created to bring more transparency to a crowded category. Just eight months after launching, 'Onest won Best Sports & Energy Drink at the UK Soft Drinks Awards, competing against established brands with significantly more history and money behind them.

Maya joins Andy Oury and Jemma Hotta to talk about what building a physical consumer brand actually looks like behind the scenes - from raising £225,000 in early investment and establishing a valuation before launch, to manufacturing, distribution, marketing and finding the right audience.

They also get into the importance of authenticity in founder-led marketing, why your audience needs to see themselves represented in your brand, choosing investors for more than their money, and why listening to too many opinions can sometimes pull a founder away from the original vision.

And, of course, Maya faces Business or BS, with takes on first-mover advantage, revenue vs profit, VC investment, Bitcoin and more.

Think of this as a conversation with your lawyer and your accountant, you just don't have to pay for it. Honest opinions, practical insights and no unnecessary jargon.

In this episode:

• Building a consumer brand from scratch

• Raising investment before having a finished product

• SEIS and early-stage startup funding

• How founders value a business before meaningful revenue

• Breaking into a crowded drinks market

• Finding and understanding your target audience

• Authenticity and founder-led marketing

• Building in public and putting your team on camera

• Choosing the right investors

• Why founders shouldn't listen to every opinion

• First-mover advantage and competing with established brands

• Revenue vs profit

• Business or BS

About Maya Bedeau

Maya Bedeau is the founder of 'Onest Energy, a natural energy drink brand focused on transparency and providing an alternative within the traditional energy-drink category. Before launching 'Onest, Maya spent years working inside another drinks startup, where she gained hands-on experience across marketing and the realities of running a small business.

Connect with Maya

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-bedeau-08951a109/

'Onest Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkonest/?hl=en

Connect with Business Without BS

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bwblondon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewoury/

Connect with Andy Oury

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewoury/

The Reality of Being a Sole Trader: No Safety Net, Just Get On With It | Giulio Miglietta

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 04:45:00 -0000

What does it really mean to work for yourself?

There are around four million sole traders in the UK, yet they rarely get the same attention as employees, startups or big businesses. No paid holiday. No guaranteed salary. No corporate safety net. You find the work, do the work, chase the invoice — and then do it all again. That's exactly the world this episode explores.

This week, Andy Oury and Jemma Hotta are joined by Giulio Miglietta, a multidisciplinary artist, craftsman and long-time sole trader.

Giulio's route into business was anything but conventional. He arrived in London with around £200, couch-surfed and occasionally slept at Victoria Coach Station while trying to create a life and career for himself. His goal was deliberately to get uncomfortable, find opportunities and learn how to make things work.

That journey eventually took him through graphic design, illustration and lecturing before developing his own multidisciplinary embroidery studio and distinctive creative practice.

The conversation gets into the reality behind self-employment: independence, uncertainty, finding clients, building skills, standing out in a crowded creative market and choosing a career where there isn't always a safety net.

And because this is Business Without BS, there's also plenty that has absolutely nothing to do with sensible business advice — including why an Italian prefers tea to espresso and whether Giulio needs to find himself a vice.

In this episode:

• Giulio's journey from Italy to London with just £200

• Couch-surfing, squatting and deliberately choosing discomfort

• How struggle helped him develop determination and spot opportunities

• Building a career through transferable skills rather than following a traditional path

• Going from graphic design and illustration to becoming a sole trader

• Why independence is such a big part of self-employment

• The reality of having no paid holiday or traditional employee safety net

• Whether social media has made it easier or harder for young creatives to build careers

• Why standing out matters more than ever

• The forgotten role of craftspeople and sole traders in the economy

• Tea vs espresso — and Giulio's questionable status as an Italian

This episode also ties into The Rebel Accountant's Sole Trader Anthem — a rallying cry for the millions of people working for themselves across the UK.

Think of Business Without BS as a conversation with your lawyer and your accountant — you just don't have to pay for it.

No unnecessary jargon. No corporate b****t. Just conversations about what running a business is actually like.

Tax Havens Aren’t What You Think | Tom Dugdale

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:45:00 -0000

Everybody has an opinion on tax havens. But how many people actually understand what they do?

This week on Business Without Bullshit, Andy and Gemma are joined by Tom Dugdale, a lawyer who has led Harneys’ Offshore Funds team in the UK for the last eight years, working across jurisdictions including the BVI, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Jersey and beyond.

Together, they get beyond the headlines and ask what tax havens — or international finance centres, are actually for.

Are they simply places for the wealthy to hide money? Or are they an important piece of the plumbing behind international business, investment funds and the global economy?

They discuss why offshore structures exist, the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion, why “zero tax” doesn’t necessarily mean no tax is ever paid, the role offshore jurisdictions play in investment funds and pensions, and whether tax competition actually puts a useful limit on governments.

They also get into the Panama Papers, offshore secrecy and transparency, regulation and anti-money-laundering rules, America’s unusual position in the system, and the surprising history of Britain’s own offshore territories.

And there’s a bigger question underneath it all:

What would global finance actually look like without tax havens?

No slogans. No easy villains. Just a proper look at how the system actually works.

🎙️ Business Without Bullshit

Featuring Tom Dugdale, Andy and Jemma.

Can Andy Burnham Fix Britain's Economy? | Special Episode

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:40:00 -0000

The UK has a new Prime Minister. Now come the big questions.

In this special episode of Business Without BS, Chartered Tax Adviser Andy Oury and commercial lawyer Jemma Hotta discuss the policies they hope Andy Burnham will prioritise to help Britain become a stronger place to build businesses, attract investment and drive long-term economic growth.

Think of this as a conversation with your lawyer and your accountant—you just don't have to pay for it. Honest opinions, practical insights and no political spin.

In this episode:

How can the UK attract more foreign direct investment?
What incentives should Britain offer entrepreneurs?
Can Britain compete globally in AI and innovation?
Should wealth creation be encouraged or taxed?
How can SMEs become the engine of economic growth?
What should Andy Burnham's first priorities be?
What policies would actually encourage businesses to invest?
How can Britain become more competitive internationally?

About the guests

Andy Oury

Andy Oury is a Chartered Tax Adviser, Chartered Accountant and CEO of Oury Clark. Through The Rebel Accountant, he helps entrepreneurs understand tax, build stronger businesses and challenge common misconceptions about the economy.

LinkedIn:

Jemma Hotta

Jemma Hotta is a commercial lawyer specialising in corporate law, international business and complex legal structures.

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemma-hotta/

Listen to Business Without BS

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-without-bs/id1528844106

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/6J1YMncmYCLODOKi8A0CFU

Website

https://withoutbs.com

Subscribe for more conversations with the experts you'd normally have to hire.

Tax Havens: A Deep Dive into Legitimacy and Ethics

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0000

The focal premise of this podcast episode centers on the pervasive misconceptions surrounding tax havens and their perceived utility for affluent individuals. I elucidate that the notion that wealthy citizens are evading taxes through offshore accounts lacks substantive foundation, as contemporary regulations have significantly curtailed such practices. We explore the historical context of tax havens, tracing their emergence to post-war fiscal policies, and discuss the intricate balance between legal tax optimization and ethical considerations. Furthermore, I emphasize that while there may exist specific scenarios where offshore entities could be beneficial, these instances are exceedingly rare and fraught with complexity. Ultimately, we advocate for a nuanced understanding of taxation, underscoring that the current UK corporate tax framework offers several advantages that should not be overlooked.

Takeaways:

The common misconception that wealthy individuals exploit tax havens to evade taxes is largely unfounded.
Tax havens are not as beneficial for individuals and businesses as public perception suggests.
The increasing regulation surrounding offshore accounts has made it exceedingly challenging to utilize tax havens effectively.
The UK provides a favorable corporate tax environment, which can serve as an attractive alternative to offshore tax planning.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Gary Stevenson
Tom Dugdale
Jimmy Carr

Why AI-first firms will outrun UK many SMEs with Ben Thompson, Employment Hero founder

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 430 — Investors are betting AI-native businesses will outrun traditional operators by stripping out human overhead.

Ben Thompson argues that the real divide in business is now AI-native versus everyone else. Legacy companies are still structured with humans at the centre, while fast moving AI-native firms start with agents and add people only where judgement is required.

This episode breaks down how AI-first businesses are built, why investors are pricing SaaS firms like they will not keep up, and what SMEs should actually do as AI shifts employment, recruitment and productivity. It also digs into UK and Australian policy choices that shape hiring.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Build an AI stack that puts agents at the centre of operations

• Rethink recruitment workflows using AI screening and interviewing

• Spot where employment regulation increases risk for SMEs

• Prepare for labour market disruption without panicking about automation

• Understand how tax policy influences where founders build companies

This episode is for founders and operators who want a grounded, practical view of how AI is reshaping work and where SMEs can still win.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 AI native businesses

02:00 Early work, first jobs

05:00 Building Employment Hero

10:00 Employment complexity and trust

15:00 Unions, awards and compliance

22:00 AI replacing labour

27:00 Building an AI stack

33:00 Recruitment, screening and agents

40:00 Remote work and scaling globally

48:00 Tax, capital gains and policy

55:00 Culture, work and incentives

1:02:00 Business or BS

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

Why most UK marketing fails without data, with Simon Leadbetter, former Knight Frank CMO

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 428 — Simon Leadbetter argues that most UK businesses are running on guesswork instead of evidence.

Marketing, he says, only works when you start by admitting the customer doesn’t care about you. In this fast, sharp conversation, Simon breaks down why instinct-led decisions misfire and why most firms operate without even basic knowledge of their audience.

Andy and Simon cover data, attribution, surveys, brand dilution, influencers, and why most online stats are bots talking to bots. It’s a full tour of how to actually understand a market before spending money on it.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Use research instead of hunches to choose channels

• Avoid cognitive bias when deciding who your customer is

• Apply the five‑stage ISTAR marketing process

• Test ideas cheaply with real UK sampling

• Improve your Net Promoter Score and act on detractors

Perfect for UK business owners who want marketing that works because it’s grounded in evidence, not noise.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Customers don’t care about you

02:00 Data vs instinct

05:00 What marketing actually is

09:00 Surveys, sampling and bias

13:00 Property, portals and real behaviour

17:00 The five‑stage ISTAR model

22:00 Channels, talent and capability

27:00 Bots, ad fraud and bad data

32:00 PR, email, social and direct mail

37:00 Brand complexity and consolidation

43:00 Mental availability and sales activation

49:00 Creativity, crazies and guerrilla ideas

55:00 Influencers, niches and trust

1:02:00 The one thing to do this week

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

The real cost of scaling a food & drink business with Kit Newell, Great Taste award winner

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 429 — Two brothers turn British honey into a fast‑growing drinks brand while fighting cheap imports and scaling on a shoestring.

Hive Mind Mead Co went from brewing in a garage to landing listings with Selfridges, Co‑op and top restaurants — all while protecting UK beekeeping and battling a drinks industry full of shortcuts. Kit explains the real cost pressures, the rebrand fight, and the constant juggle of production, stock and authenticity.

They dig into the practical decisions behind scaling a physical product: pricing under duty pressure, navigating retailers, managing 180 hives, and avoiding the traps that sink early‑stage drinks businesses. No fluff — just the reality of turning a hobby into a viable UK brand.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Price a craft product when duty dwarfs ingredients

• Decide when to rebrand and how to manage the pain

• Spot BS in food and drink manufacturing

• Use small batches as a smart marketing tool

• Scale a physical product without wrecking margins

Perfect for UK founders building a physical product or anyone curious about growing an authentic drinks brand without losing your soul.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Starting with too many products

02:30 From geologist and designer to mead makers

06:30 What mead actually is

11:00 Turning a hobby into a business

14:00 The rebrand fight: Y Valley Meadery to Hive Mind

18:00 Retailers, awards and credibility

23:00 Honey sourcing, supply and UK provenance

27:00 Bee health, climate and the rural economy

32:00 Alcohol duty and margins

34:30 Launching honey‑based soft drinks

38:00 Industry shortcuts and authenticity

43:00 Courses, community and brand building

46:00 Business or BS

55:00 Scaling a physical product

57:30 Where to find Hive Mind Mead

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

The hidden cost of going US GAAP with Katrina Nacci, cross‑border accounting specialist

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 427 — Preparing UK founders for the shock of needing US GAAP fast when American investors arrive.

Most founders only discover the real cost of US GAAP when an investor demands it. Katrina Nacci explains why the pain isn’t the accounting rules, but the sudden need for better systems, documentation and proper consolidation.

This episode breaks down the operational gaps that derail UK and European scale‑ups: revenue treatment, data hygiene, legacy systems, multi-entity chaos and how to avoid a six‑month panic. Practical decisions, not theory.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Map when US GAAP is actually triggered

• Fix weak processes before an investor audit

• Build documentation US auditors expect

• Handle multi‑entity, multi‑standard consolidation

• Decide when IFRS vs US GAAP matters commercially

For founders eyeing US money or expansion, this episode helps you avoid an avoidable mess.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 The hidden problem behind “we need US GAAP”

1:00 When US GAAP is actually triggered

4:00 Why statutory audits don’t prepare you

8:00 Revenue recognition and documentation gaps

12:00 What US auditors expect

16:00 How conversions really work inside a group

20:00 Systems, ERPs and multi‑GAAP reality

24:00 Cost, timelines and team size

28:00 IFRS vs US GAAP in practice

33:00 Cultural realities of US expansion

38:00 Preparing early and avoiding traps

45:00 War stories and common pitfalls

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

Why Teams Fall Apart and How to Fix Them with Kevin Gaskell, Turnaround CEO

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP [number] — Kevin Gaskell argues that clarity, accountability and attitude drive real organisational performance — not slogans or bureaucracy.

Kevin Gaskell explains why most struggling companies aren’t failing on product or market, but on leadership clarity. He argues that teams follow certainty, not noise — and that avoiding the ‘difficult bits’ is what actually sinks performance.

He breaks down how small teams outperform bigger rivals, why culture beats clever strategy decks, and the practical routines leaders can use to remove noise, raise standards and get their team moving in the same direction.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Build leadership clarity that teams actually follow

• Diagnose dissonance in a senior team

• Create accountability without fear

• Remove noise from daily operations

• Make difficult decisions faster

This episode is for UK founders and leaders who want to run a sharper, calmer, better‑aligned organisation.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Opening: why leaders fail

1:06 Extreme rowing and mental endurance

8:29 Resetting the mind through extreme challenges

10:02 Entrepreneurial intensity and burnout avoidance

10:42 Why companies really fail

14:32 Brand experience and operational clarity

15:40 Leadership dissonance and team alignment

18:02 Fixing culture through shared experience

20:22 Building visible plans and priorities

22:03 Respect, accountability and people management

26:20 Creating inspiration, not motivation theatre

30:59 Turning around a failing manufacturing business

38:34 Hard work, standards and UK working culture

44:19 What leaders should do this week

55:54 Business or Bullshit game

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

Why Most Accountants Stay Stuck Until They Ditch Clients with Richard Francis, Spotlight Reporting Founder

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 427 — Richard Francis argues that accountants who embrace advisory and human connection will outlast any AI wave.

Richard Francis lays out why advisory-led accounting beats compliance-heavy firms and why AI won't replace human judgement. He explains how accountants can create more value by asking better questions, choosing the right clients, and focusing on the future rather than the past.

He breaks down advisory models, client selection, forecasting, global scaling, and how to build tools that support better decisions without drowning in spreadsheets. The discussion includes AI’s real role in accounting and why trust and context remain the moat.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Build an advisory-led accounting model that clients stay for

• Decide which clients to drop to free capacity

• Use forecasting to steer SMEs toward better decisions

• Blend AI tools with human judgement safely

• Structure a global business without losing your sanity

For UK business owners and accountants who want practical thinking on advisory, client strategy and staying competitive in an AI-heavy world.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 AI vs human advisors

3:40 Richard’s early accounting career

9:40 Moving from compliance to advisory

15:20 Asking better questions

20:10 Building Spotlight Reporting

28:00 Advisory, tools and AI

35:00 The future of accountants

43:40 Client selection and the Dirty Dozen

50:20 Succession, exits and scale

57:00 Global teams and travel reality

1:04:00 Why advisory will survive AI

1:11:00 Quickfire: Business or BS?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Why Most Networking Fails with Daniel Levan-Harris, Mango Logistics Founder

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP — Daniel shows how to turn networking from a chore into a strategic advantage.

Daniel Levan-Harris argues that most UK founders fail at networking because they treat people as targets not humans. His approach is simpler: genuine curiosity, zero selling, and building relationships that compound for decades.

This episode covers practical ways to navigate a room, how to follow up properly, why CEOs must nurture broad networks, how neurodiversity shapes entrepreneurial thinking, and how Daniel built two very different businesses by spotting overlooked opportunities.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Build a network without chasing contacts

• Approach groups confidently and avoid awkward openings

• Follow up in ways that create long-term relationships

• Use neurodiverse thinking to spot commercial openings

• Apply delegation properly as a dyslexic founder

This episode is for UK founders who want a practical, human way to expand their network without the usual nonsense.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Opening: Daniel’s networking philosophy

03:30 Early career and confidence

07:40 Networking without the pressure

12:20 Following up and building trust

15:50 Neurodiversity and memory

21:10 Dyslexia as a business strength

26:20 Seeing opportunities differently

32:00 Why crickets? Entering edible protein

38:20 Farming, sustainability and food culture

45:40 Scaling Edible and environmental logic

50:00 Logistics, acquisitions and reality of tech

56:30 Electric fleets, greenwash and trade-offs

1:02:00 Quickfire: Business or BS?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

How UK Founders Get US Expansion Wrong with Sonia Kanjee, US Tax Expert

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0000

EP [number] — Expanding to the US without tripping state taxes or visa traps.

US expansion sounds exciting until you realise how easily it can go wrong. Sonia Kanjee breaks down why most founders misjudge when they're actually ready for America and how small missteps around people, sales tax and structure can snowball fast.

She walks through the three tiers of US entry, how state rules really work, when you must form a Delaware Inc, and the hidden compliance triggers founders routinely miss. This is a practical map for approaching the US market without burning money or credibility.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Decide when you're genuinely ready to open in the US

• Avoid economic nexus sales‑tax traps state by state

• Understand when one US hire obliges you to set up an entity

• Structure a clean UK–US group without future investor problems

• Track where your US revenue lands so you don't trigger avoidable filings

This episode is for UK founders eyeing the US market who want a grounded, practical view of what expansion actually demands.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Expanding to the US without blowing up your tax position

02:00 Sonia’s route into US tax and cross‑border work

05:10 When you’re genuinely ready to enter the US

08:20 Remote sales vs creating a taxable presence

12:10 Sales tax, economic nexus and SaaS treatment

16:20 Hiring across multiple states and compliance load

19:20 Contractors, dependent agents and testing the market

24:00 Visa realities when travelling repeatedly for business

29:40 The three tiers of US expansion strategy

33:20 Delaware Inc, lawyers and why setup matters

37:50 Trademarks, contracts and insurance for the US

43:10 LLCs vs C Corps and why UK companies should avoid LLCs

49:00 State tax allocation and how to track revenue properly

56:00 Treaty mechanics, withholding and W‑8BEN‑E

1:05:00 Interest on intercompany loans

1:12:00 Dormant entities and cleanup filings

1:17:00 Should founders relocate or hire locally?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

An Entrepreneur's Guide to Financial Reports - William Humphreys, partner at Oury Clark

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:30:00 -0000

EP - William Humphreys, partner at Oury Clark Chartered Accountants, explores and explains financial reporting, giving a clear picture of what company accounts are, and why understanding them is a foundational skill for entrepreneurs.

Andy and William run through the various components of statutory accounts, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement. Using a cinematic metaphor, they underscore the necessity of not merely viewing accounts as compliance documents but as vital tools for strategic decision-making.

Throughout the conversation, the importance of engaging with these financial documents regularly is underlined, to help cultivate a clearer understanding of a business's financial health and undertake proactive rather than reactive management. Being conversant in company financials is not just a matter of accounting but a fundamental aspect of effective business leadership.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Understanding how accounts inform business decisions
Seeing the balance sheet as a snapshot of a company's assets and liabilities
How continuous insight into a business's financial position beats waiting for year-end
The importance and considerations of cash flow management
How revenue recognition can impact perceived profitability
What the notes to the accounts really provide

This episode is for UK entrepreneurs and business leaders who want a comprehensive overview of financial reports and reporting standards.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:04 - The Director's Report: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

04:46 - Understanding the Balance Sheet

13:14 - Financial Statements, the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss

18:47 - Revenue Recognition

23:34 - Cash Flow and Financial Management

32:44 - Financial Statements: Key Insights and Analysis

37:45 - The Key Questions for Founders

41:03 - Bank Covenants and Charges

49:41 - Reporting Standards

53:34 - Understanding UK GAAP and IFRS

59:44 - IFRS 16 and its Implications

01:09:30 - Transitioning to US GAAP: Challenges and Insights

01:14:31 - Key Insights for Business Owners

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

How to Cure a Sick High Street with Bill Grimsey, ex‑Wickes CEO

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP [number] — Grimsey argues that corporate strategy starts with fixing leadership, not spreadsheets.

Bill Grimsey unpacks why UK high streets keep failing and why most boardrooms still dodge the real work: leadership, confidence and clarity. Starting with Hong Kong turnarounds and ending with British town centres, he explains why strategy dies when leaders avoid the truth.

The conversation covers motivating broken teams, mapping strengths instead of obsessing over threats, dealing with suppliers transparently, and why councils need 20‑year commercial plans to revive towns. It also dives into AI, customer experience, and the future of retail.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Rebuild confidence inside a failing organisation

• Map strategic strengths without wasting energy on distractions

• Use transparency to improve supplier relationships

• Assess whether your town’s leadership structure is fit for purpose

• Apply AI to improve customer experience rather than cut corners

This episode is for UK operators who want a practical view of strategy from someone who has actually rebuilt failing businesses.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Why the UK high street keeps failing

1:29 Fixing leadership before strategy

4:39 Park’n’Shop Hong Kong turnaround

11:04 Customer experience vs efficiency

17:25 AI’s real value in business

23:10 Supplier relationships and transparency

27:58 Turnaround at Wickes

33:50 Trust, confidence and respect

40:48 Business rates and tax structures

52:17 The Grimsey Reviews and town strategy

1:02:20 Independent retail: what works now

1:12:09 Tech, delivery and the future of retail

1:18:55 Pedestrianisation and town experience

1:20:41 Closing thoughts

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Does Manchester Beat London for Building a Business? - Adam Pope, Founder of Spencer Churchill Solicitors

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP — Adam Pope on why Manchester outperforms cities twice its size.

Manchester’s business culture is built on graft, confidence and doing things without waiting for permission. Adam Pope explains why the city’s attitude consistently turns small firms into serious operators and why founders underestimate the Northern Powerhouse region at their cost.

The conversation covers how Greater Manchester’s geography, talent pool, transport links and industrial heritage shape commercial behaviour, plus the practical realities of scaling outside London. We also look at hiring, governance, legal blind spots and how AI is already changing professional services.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Spot the cultural traits that drive Manchester’s commercial confidence

• Judge when to base operations inside or outside the city centre

• Avoid common legal and governance gaps that derail SMEs

• Use AI without weakening decision‑making or risk controls

• Build trust in a region where people value straight dealing

This episode is for UK founders deciding where to build, scale or expand — especially if you’re considering life outside the M25.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Manchester isn’t trying to be London

01:34 Industrial heritage and tech investment

04:02 Greater Manchester’s expansion

06:23 Culture, friendliness and swagger

10:11 Wealth, influence and the city’s vibe

15:21 Starting and hiring in Manchester

18:10 Northern Powerhouse and regional funding

22:47 HS2, infrastructure and wasted budgets

24:58 What high‑speed rail would really change

32:18 Scaling across the North

33:24 Trust, class and regional attitudes

39:04 Legal sector differences

48:35 AI, law and Adam’s Clause platform

57:13 Automation, headcount and future roles

1:03:43 Where SMEs go wrong legally

1:13:33 Business or Bullshit

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Why ESG Blew Up and What Leaders Do Next with Lucy Parker, Brunswick Senior Partner

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP — Lucy Parker explains why sustainability only works when leaders stop hiding in the castle and start engaging with the real world.

Lucy Parker argues that the real challenge in sustainability is leadership behaviour: large companies still operate as if they can stay behind the walls, even though stakeholders now expect open engagement and socially relevant decisions.

The conversation covers ESG’s collapse, system‑level change, supply‑chain realities, political headwinds, and how SMEs can act when resources are tight. The focus is practical: decision points leaders face, how to prioritise material issues, and why recalibration is normal rather than failure.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Decide which sustainability issues actually fall within your remit

• Shift from corporate‑centric thinking to socially relevant leadership

• Work with competitors without breaching competition rules

• Recalibrate sustainability targets without losing direction

• Spot where system‑level change is possible in your sector

This episode is for UK business owners who want clarity on sustainability without noise or posturing.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

0:00 Sustainability without BS begins

01:00 Tom’s intro and why leadership matters

02:20 Lucy’s role and the social value of business

04:40 What leaders still haven’t caught up with

07:00 Corporate‑centric vs socially relevant

09:40 Who owns responsibility for global problems?

12:20 Is ESG dead?

16:00 Data, measurement and unbundling ESG

20:20 The ESG backlash and political noise

25:40 Net zero, realism and recalibration

32:10 Supply chains, plastic and system constraints

38:40 Consumers, behaviour and plastic reality

44:00 Regulation, CSRD and where responsibility sits

50:40 System change and pre‑competitive collaboration

57:00 Leadership, conviction and next‑gen expectations

1:10:00 What SMEs can actually do this week

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Most Firms Get Marketing Wrong, Here's Why - Mark Palmer

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Mark argues most SMEs fail at marketing because they misunderstand the customer, the market and the value they actually provide.

About this episode

Mark Palmer dismantles the modern marketing fog: founders often make stronger marketers than the marketers they hire, most values pages are fiction, and copying competitors is a reliable way to shrink margins.

He argues marketing’s core job has not changed: understand the customer, understand the market, then build something worth buying.

The conversation covers value propositions, brand positioning, why digital natives miss the bigger picture, how to hire a marketer, where partnerships create real leverage, and why some brands mutate beyond recognition. Practical, direct and grounded in real examples.

About the guest

Mark Palmer is a brand consultant and best-selling author of The Work Smarter Guide to Marketing. He runs Maverick Planet, advising global brands and high-growth UK businesses on positioning and growth. He has shaped brands for Google, Vodafone, Lego, English Cricket and more.

Key moments

00:00 - Why Facebook profits from scam adverts
00:54 - How marketing became fragmented and misunderstood
03:55 - How to tell if someone actually understands marketing
05:10 - Why founders often outperform hired marketers
07:56 - The Unilever brand key and nine-question process
09:59 - How Grey Goose changed the vodka market
14:45 - Guinness Zero and the rise of low-alcohol positioning
16:58 - Why company values drift and lose meaning
19:01 - How large platforms get away with poor service
22:57 - What startups must prove to investors
27:26 - Why most marketers confuse tactics for strategy
34:41 - The power and risk of brand partnerships
44:53 - Five practical rules every founder should follow

Mentioned in this episode

Airbnb - Example of redefining a market rather than competing narrowly
Aperol Spritz - Used to explain category expansion and cultural trends
Apple - Case study in consistent positioning and product-led brand building
BBC - Referenced in discussion on value drift and public trust
Ben Grubbs - Ex-YouTube leader investing in creator-driven brands
BMW - Example of brand stretch, mutation and positioning discipline
Boeing - Used to illustrate gaps between stated values and behaviour
Burberry - Case study on repositioning and over-extension
Channel 4 Paralympics - Example of exceptional brand-building
Diageo - Later purchaser of Grey Goose
Good Good Golf - Creator-led brand built from YouTube
Grey Goose - Demonstrates market reframing and super-premium creation
Guinness / Guinness Zero - Example of using consumer trends to reposition
Hermes / Evri - Renaming after reputation issues
Lego - Example of brand stretch from toys to entertainment
London Business School - Where Mark teaches founders
Mac vs PC campaign - Classic Apple positioning example
Meta / Facebook / Instagram - Discussion on fraud, values and regulation
NatWest - Used to highlight poor customer experience
OpenAI - Values drift example
Pimm’s - Seasonal brand trapped by narrow positioning
QuickBooks - Clear value proposition case
Serious Fraud Office - Referenced in discussion on corruption patterns
Smirnoff / Absolut - Vodka category comparisons
Thames Water - Monopoly behaviour and brand issues
Ticketmaster - Friction and reputation example
Virgin Media - Values vs behaviour mismatch

Find the guest

LinkedIn:

Website:

Follow Business Without BS

Website: https://withoutbs.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bwblondon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bwblondon

X / Twitter: https://x.com/bwb_london

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-without-bs

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-without-bs/id1528844106

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6J1YMncmYCLODOKi8A0CFU

🎧 Business Without BS - straight talk from people who've actually built things.

How New UK Property Rules Hit Landlords and Renters - Jemma & Michael of Oury Clark

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:15:00 -0000

Oury Clark partners lay out how new UK property rules reshape renting, leaseholds and development in 2026 and beyond.

### About this episode

Three major UK property reforms land at once — renters’ rights, leasehold reform and commonhold — and Jemma and Michael from Oury Clark explain why these shifts change timelines, cashflow and asset planning for founders far more than headlines suggest. The tension: clearer protections for tenants and leaseholders versus increased friction and uncertainty for landlords and developers.

They walk through how notice periods, court delays, marriage value abolition, 990‑year extensions, business rates and proposed rent review bans really operate in practice. Founders get a practical read on what to plan, what to expect and what to avoid.

### About the guest

Jemma Hotter and Michael La Fuente are partners at Oury Clark, advising UK and international businesses on property, commercial and regulatory matters. They specialise in translating complex UK real estate rules into practical decisions for founders, investors and operators.

### Key moments

- [00:00] — Why three reforms hit the UK property system at once.

- [02:53] — How renters’ reform redistributes power between landlords and tenants.

- [07:00] — Why four‑month notices and court delays reshape landlord cashflow.

- [09:57] — New restrictions on discrimination, deposits and bidding wars.

- [14:50] — Why yearly rent reviews may trigger annual increases, not stability.

- [18:04] — Leasehold explained: value, mortgages and the 80‑year cliff.

- [27:00] — How 990‑year extensions and scrapping marriage value change pricing.

- [36:05] — Ground rent caps and who loses out when premiums disappear.

- [43:01] — Commonhold: how it works, why it never took off and what changes next.

- [52:00] — Business rates overhaul and what multipliers actually mean.

- [59:02] — Commercial rent reviews and the push to end upwards‑only clauses.

- [01:05:43] — Winners, losers and the unintended effects across the market.

### Mentioned in this episode

- **Doomsday Book** — Historical reference when discussing 999‑year terms.

- **Metro / Evening Standard** — Examples of media reporting on rental pressures.

- **Valuation Office Agency** — Body calculating rateable values.

### Find the guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oury-clark

### Follow Business Without BS

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bwblondon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bwblondon

X / Twitter: https://x.com/bwb_london

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-without-bs

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-without-bs/id1528844106

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6J1YMncmYCLODOKi8A0CFU

🎧 Business Without BS — straight talk from people who've actually built things.

Why your boss is the real AI threat - Dave Birss

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Dave Birss says you won't be replaced by AI - you'll be replaced by a leader who's been told the wrong story about it.

About this episode

Dave Birss is back on Business Without BS - author of the Sensible AI Manifesto, co-founder of the Gen AI Academy, and a man who's taught a million-and-a-half people how to use AI without setting their business on fire. He walks Andy and Andrew through what he calls a "corporate poopocalypse" — what happens when you apply AI to a business that hasn't cleaned up its own mess.

The episode covers the Sensible AI Manifesto's six points, the CREATE prompting framework, the three Cs for checking AI output, the adequacy trap, why judgment is the most undervalued skill of the next decade, and the practical playbook for rolling out AI across a team without sending the whole organisation into a panic.

About the guest

Dave Birss co-founded the Gen AI Academy with Helena, where they run AI training across governments, the UN, and Fortune 500 companies. He wrote the Sensible AI Manifesto and GPT Junior, the kids' AI book and video course now in over 100 schools. Before all that he spent his career in advertising and creativity, which is where most of his frameworks come from.

Key moments

[02:46] The Roomba poopocalypse - why AI applied to a dysfunctional business spreads the mess, not the productivity.
[05:46] Corporate barnacles - the institutional plaque costing every business 40% in fuel and speed.
[08:04] Sensible AI Manifesto Point 1: use AI to augment skills, not to outsource tasks.
[09:15] The two-list exercise: tasks that piss you off vs tasks you wish you could do more of. Only the second list is the real opportunity.
[12:11] AI slap - 96% of leaders think AI raises productivity, 77% of staff feel buried by unrealistic expectations.
[13:48] The adequacy trap - why AI users get stuck at "good enough" and never break through.
[22:51] The other five Manifesto points: use data responsibly, support employees, assign AI leaders, keep learning, always add a human layer.
[26:40] The CREATE prompting framework — Character, Request, Examples, Adjustments, Type, Extras.
[37:59] The three Cs for checking AI output: Confirm, Check, Craft. Why most people skip the third one.
[55:14] How business owners keep their thinking sharp: do the work on paper before you open the laptop.
[1:01:03] What humans still beat AI at - conceptualisation, creative voice, and judgment. The judgment one matters most.
[1:14:17] The line that pisses Dave off: "you won't be replaced by AI, you'll be replaced by someone using AI." His correction is sharper.
[1:18:09] The three-stage AI value pyramid — cost cutting → skill amplification → unlocking what wasn't possible before. 80% of companies are stuck on stage one.
[1:24:18] How to roll out AI across a team in an afternoon: align with business strategy, declare an AI amnesty, pave the desire lines.

Mentioned in this episode

Sensible AI Manifesto — Dave's six-point framework for applying AI without breaking your business. Currently being turned into a book.
Gen AI Academy - the training company Dave co-founded with Helena, working with governments, the UN and Fortune 500s.
GPT Junior - Dave's book and video course teaching kids how to use AI properly, currently in over 100 schools.
Perplexity - Dave's preferred AI tool for fact-checking because it gives you the sources.
Cal Newport - referenced for the long-form-reading argument and the case that children reading for pleasure is the strongest predictor of life outcomes.
Range (David Epstein) - the case for generalists over hyper-specialists; Dave says the book describes him.
Yann LeCun - recently left Meta over the limits of next-token prediction; arguing AI needs world models, not just language.
Roomba poopocalypse - the family-and-the-dog metaphor that opens the episode and frames the whole thing.
Marc Andreessen / lump of labour fallacy — the framing for why we systematically underestimate the new jobs that emerge from disruption.
RAF desire lines - the Nissan-hut path-paving story; Dave's metaphor for letting staff show you how AI is already being used.
Combinedly - the AI tool Andrew's firm is testing for client-sentiment analysis and email drafting.

Find the guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebirss/

Gen AI Academy: https://thegenaiacademy.com/

Follow Business Without BS

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bwblondon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bwblondon

X / Twitter: https://x.com/bwb_london

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-without-bs

🎧 Business Without BS — straight talk from people who've actually built things.

The Branding Mistake Costing You Customers — Matt Hunt

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Matt Hunt built a 300-million-ball business without a co-packer and without betting on supermarket shelves to do the work for him.

About this episode

Matt Hunt is 11 years into building The Protein Ball Company — 300 million balls sold, 14 export markets, 60,000 bags leaving Worthing every day. He's done it by manufacturing himself, hedging with private label and export, and — after Covid wiped out 80% of the business — rebuilding from the bottom up through gyms and coffee shops before going back to supermarkets.

Andy gets Matt into the detail: why private label is a hedge not a compromise, what a category buyer actually charges you for shelf space, and the graveyard exercise that Leeds agency Robot Foods ran to strip his branding down to "Ballsy by nature."

About the guest

Matt Hunt co-founded The Protein Ball Company with his wife Hayley in 2014. He also built OLUVS — the first olives-in-a-bag brand, sold live on QVC and supplied into airline catering with Ryanair, easyJet, Delta and United — and The Great British Porridge Company, which went on Dragon's Den, got offers from all five Dragons, and walked away on contractual terms. He specialises in scaling natural-ingredient food brands without handing control to a co-packer.

Key moments

[02:46] The single decision that built a 300-million-ball business: manufacture it yourself, don't hand it to a co-packer.
[07:04] "No one cares as much as you do" — why outsourcing production leaves your quality in someone else's hands.
[14:08] Cash flow is king. Money on the water, 90-day US terms, and why a million in receivables can still put payroll at risk.
[24:12] Building from the bottom up — gyms, coffee shops, office blocks (Cafe Nero, Nuffield, HSBC) before Tesco.
[27:10] How a category manager kills a challenger brand — the Organic Meltdown vs Lindt story at Waitrose.
[36:09] What a shopper decides in two seconds — colour, font, tone, not ingredient claims — and why the agency forced Matt to strip the front of pack.
[37:00] The graveyard exercise — Robot Foods' pre-mortem where Matt had to write his brand's obituary, list what killed it, and work backwards to stop it dying.
[39:55] Where "Ballsy by nature" came from — anger at the protein-bar category and pride in sourcing the best.
[52:34] When to say no to a private-label deal: conflict of interest, bad margin, or it dilutes your own brand. Why it's still 50% of the business.
[58:00] Plan A, Plan B, Plan C — why every ingredient now needs three sources, and olives are up 45% in a year.
[1:14:00] First-hire advice: keep your day job until the side hustle overtakes it. Hiring an office and staff too early is how you kill the thing.

Mentioned in this episode

Robot Foods — Leeds branding agency behind the "Ballsy by nature" rebrand and the graveyard exercise (a pre-mortem: imagine your brand has died, write its obituary, work out what killed it).
OLUVS — Matt's earlier brand. First olives-in-a-bag. Supplied into airline catering with Delta, United, Ryanair, easyJet.
The Great British Porridge Company — Matt's third brand. Went on Dragon's Den, got offers from all five Dragons, walked away on contractual terms.
QVC — where OLUVS sold live; older demographic, urgency-driven, better than people admit.
Whole Foods Market — US stockist, 600 stores, private-label arrangement.
Cafe Nero, Flying Coffee Bean, Black Sheep Coffee, Nuffield, Virgin Active — the bottom-up placement strategy.
Pets Corner — 150-store launch partner for the dog-treat line.
Joe Wicks' "Killer Bar" — parody protein bar exposing category additives; tailwind for natural brands like Matt's.
Perfect Ted, Trip Drinks — examples of brands that hit the shelf running with the right backing.
Stephen Bartlett — cited as the right-person-in-the-right-place factor behind Perfect Ted's scale.
Mr Beast — influencer chocolate bar, discussed as a cautionary tale on quality.
GLP-1 / Ozempic — why bite-sized dense-nutrition snacks are a growing category.

Find the guest

LinkedIn: [paste Matt Hunt's LinkedIn URL here — not stored in the Episodes sheet yet] The Protein Ball Company: https://theproteinballco.com

Follow Business Without BS

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bwblondon

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bwblondon

X / Twitter: https://x.com/bwb_london

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-without-bs

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/business-without-bs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/business-without-bs

🎧 Business Without BS — straight talk from people who've actually built things.

Red Teaming, Critical Thinking & How to Stress-Test Your Strategy with Marcus Dimbleby

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

EP 416 - What if your biggest business risk isn’t the market .. but your own assumptions?

Former RAF Wing Commander Marcus Dimbleby reveals how leaders can use red teaming, applied critical thinking and pre-mortems to dramatically increase strategy success rates.

We cover:

Why most business plans fail

The hidden danger of unchecked assumptions

How to run a red team session (even in a small company)

The “pre-mortem” technique that exposes fatal flaws

How to build real psychological safety

If you lead a team, run strategy or make high-stakes decisions — this episode will change how you think.

Why Fundraising Is Broken - How Founders Waste Time & Miss the Right Investors

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

EP 415 with guest co-host Andrew Craig.

Fundraising isn’t a numbers game, it’s a targeting problem.

In this episode, Shipshape VC founder Daniel Sawko explains why startups waste hundreds of hours pitching the wrong investors, how “zombie funds” distort the market, and why blasting your deck to 10,000 investors destroys focus.

We unpack information asymmetry, interest rate impacts, UK vs US capital markets, and how founders should actually build investor relationships.

If you're raising seed, Series A or beyond, this is your real-world fundraising masterclass.

Key themes:

Startup fundraising strategy

Venture capital

Raising seed funding

How to raise money for startup

VC mistakes

UK startup funding crisis, investor targeting

Dodge Woodall on Entrepreneurship, Hustle Culture and Bournemouth 7s Festival

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

EP 414 - Dodge Woodall reveals how he mortgaged his family home during the 2008 financial crisis to launch what became the 30,000-person Bournemouth 7s Festival.

From growing up above a pub to building and scaling multiple businesses, this is a raw masterclass in risk-taking, resilience, and real entrepreneurship.

We cover:

• Why entrepreneurship is an extreme sport

• Risk addiction and betting everything

• Scaling a festival brand without investment

• Why most people shouldn’t start a business

• The power of phone calls over emails

If you’re serious about business, leadership, or starting up - this episode is essential viewing.

The Real Impact of the Employment Rights Act

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

EP 413 - The UK’s new Employment Rights Act is being framed as a major step forward for workers.

But what happens when stronger protections collide with the realities of hiring, risk, and running a business?

In this episode, we sit down with leading employment lawyers to unpack the biggest changes: from the reduction in unfair dismissal thresholds to new restrictions on “fire and rehire,” and longer tribunal timelines.

For large corporations, these shifts may be manageable.

For SMEs - which create the majority of UK jobs - the implications could be far more significant.

We explore the unintended consequences of well-meaning policy:

Will businesses become more cautious about hiring?

Does reducing flexibility increase risk?

And could this ultimately impact job creation?

This is a grounded, practical conversation about how employment law works in the real world and what both employers and employees need to understand as the rules change.

Chapters:

00:00 New Rights - Big Risks

01:51 Meet Oury Clark's Employment Law Experts

02:07 Is It Good or Bad

03:15 Why This Act Exists

04:45 Top Changes Overview

05:03 Unfair Dismissal Cut

06:17 Tribunal Deadlines Extended

07:20 Sexual Harassment Duties

08:40 Fire and Rehire Ban

10:48 Redundancy Rules Tighten

12:21 Fair Work Agency Powers

13:23 April Changes Rundown

14:50 Unfair Dismissal Deep Dive

17:36 Hiring Gets Harder

19:44 Contracting and EOR Rise

28:34 Tribunals Backlog and ACAS

32:03 AI Fuels More Claims

36:59 Compensation Cap Removed

42:09 Any Upsides to Reform

44:25 Fire and Rehire Explained

45:12 Fire and Rehire Basics

46:04 Five Fair Dismissal Reasons

46:57 SOSR and Business Change

50:38 New Rules and Restricted Variations

53:23 Tribunals and Enforcement Delays

54:42 Performance Management Reality

56:47 Protected Conversations Explained

01:01:21 SSP Changes and Sickness Absence

01:05:20 Occupational Health and Return Plans

01:07:57 Sexual Harassment Duties Expand

01:14:51 Practical Steps Before April

01:19:14 Growth Concerns and Global Competition

01:24:29 Myths Rapid Fire

01:25:45 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Statutory Sick Pay, Employee Benefits & UK Employment Law Explained

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0000

EP 412 - How far should UK employers go when it comes to looking after staff?

In this episode we break down the real cost of being a “nice” employer - from UK statutory sick pay (SSP) and full sick pay policies to employee benefits, pensions, flexible working, and permanent health insurance (PHI).

With major UK employment law changes coming, SMEs face difficult trade-offs:

Is full sick pay worth the payroll cost?

Does unlimited holiday actually work?

Can generous benefits create legal risk?

Are employers responsible for employees’ long-term wellbeing?

Featuring insights from Oury Clark's employment lawyer Jessica Bass and financial adviser Freddie Pattenden, this episode is a practical guide for SME founders, directors, and HR leaders navigating sick leave, compliance, retention, and post-COVID workplace expectations.

If you run a UK business and want to balance competitiveness, fairness, and sustainability - this one’s for you.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Caring Without Going Broke

00:57 Meet the Experts

01:27 What Staff Really Want

03:38 Compliance Value Competition

05:28 PHI Income Protection Debate

11:22 Post Covid Flex and Mental Health

15:36 Legal Minimums Sick Pay Changes

21:54 Morality Consistency and Flex

26:15 Being Nice Can Backfire

29:10 Structuring Benefits and Contracts

32:09 Unlimited Holiday Pitfalls

32:51 Unlimited holiday pitfalls

34:50 Perks arms race

37:07 SMEs vs big firms

38:35 Pension basics explained

39:43 Qualifying earnings trap

42:41 Pensions and retention

47:17 Salary sacrifice demystified

54:43 Self employed pension gap

55:06 Death in service cover

57:15 Private healthcare reality

59:19 Tailoring PMI benefits

01:03:00 Managing premium increases

01:04:43 Virtual GP and AI support

01:06:16 Avoiding Benefit Red Herrings

01:08:14 Flexible Benefits Allowance

01:11:20 Renewals and Underwriting Traps

01:13:47 Flexible Working Rights

01:15:33 Office Returns and Discrimination

01:19:49 Mental Health Boundaries

01:21:46 Best Benefits and Compliance

01:27:10 Business or BS Quiz

01:27:55 Maternity and Paternity Debate

01:34:28 Wellbeing Apps and Final Wrap

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

After You Die - This Conversation Decides What Happens

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:16:00 -0000

EP 411 - Most families don’t just feel grief when someone dies - they feel anger.

Anger about the mess, the debt, the confusion, and the things nobody sorted out.

In this episode of Business Without BS, we have the conversation most people avoid - but absolutely shouldn’t.

We talk about what actually happens if you die without a plan, why love isn’t flowers and chocolates, and how a few uncomfortable decisions can completely change your family’s future.

This isn’t about being wealthy. It’s about being responsible.

We cover:

What happens if you die without a will (and why modern families are hit hardest)

Why unmarried partners are often left with nothing

Life insurance: what it really does, how cheap it can be, and when it matters most

Powers of attorney and the nightmare families face without them

Business owners, shares, and the chaos nobody plans for

Why “I didn’t get round to it” is one of the worst legacies you can leave

This conversation is uncomfortable, but it might be the most loving thing you ever do for the people you care about.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Wills and Life Insurance

01:14 The Consequences of Not Planning Ahead

02:05 Meet the Experts: Financial and Legal Advisors

02:37 Understanding Wills and Intestacy Rules

09:49 The Importance of Communication and Regular Updates

12:34 Life Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones

22:29 Power of Attorney: Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored

37:47 Understanding Income Protection

39:16 The Importance of Life Insurance

39:53 Building Financial Security

41:17 Starting the Conversation on Wills

44:21 Choosing the Right Executor

47:01 Navigating Probate and Inheritance Tax

51:47 Managing Digital Assets

01:06:08 Final Thoughts on Financial Planning

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

UK Nov '25 Budget - What It Means for Businesses, Individuals & Foreigners

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:44:00 -0000

EP 410 - Tax Without BS returns with a fiery but surprisingly hopeful breakdown of the November 2025 UK Budget.

Andy, Jemma and Emma from Oury Clark sift the good, the bad, and the “are-you-kidding-me?” of Britain’s latest fiscal plan

From scale-up salvation and EIS boosts, to SME heartbreak, Mansion Tax grumbles, pension puzzles, and the four-year foreign-income free-for-all.

It’s the only budget reaction that’ll make you laugh and rethink your life insurance.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Andy's Episode Synposis

02:29 Business Tax Positives

05:37 Funding Gaps and EIS

14:18 Business Rates and SME Challenges

18:16 Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief

23:58 Impact on SMEs and Entrepreneurs

33:12 Understanding Business Rates

34:04 Personal Taxes Overview

34:16 Employee Ownership Trusts Explained

37:54 Income Tax Threshold Freeze

38:55 Salary Sacrifice and ISA Changes

40:08 Financial Literacy and Investment Advice

43:44 Mansion Tax and Property Levies

48:42 Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion

55:48 Foreign Income and Gains Regime

01:00:32 Final Thoughts and Budget Reflections

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World Mental Health Day: Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua on Group Therapy, Masculinity and Vulnerability

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 409 - What happens when you strip away phones, comfort and pretence?

Therapist Jerry Hyde - often called “the most dangerous therapist in the world” - and filmmaker Mai Hua explore the raw truths of mental health, vulnerability and masculinity.

Released for World Mental Health Day, the conversation dives into why modern life keeps us disconnected, how radical retreats (no phones, no showers, no distractions) transform people, and why real healing means breaking the rules.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Jerry Hyde is called “the most dangerous therapist”

How radical retreats challenge comfort, technology and ego

The link between phones, distraction and mental health decline

Why vulnerability is strength in therapy and relationships

How group therapy transforms masculinity and human connection

If you’re interested in mental health awareness, therapy, and breaking free from modern distractions, this episode offers unfiltered insights and challenges conventional thinking.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Jerry Hyde and Mai Hua

00:40 Introducing Jerry and Mai

01:52 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability

04:03 The Power of Retreats

05:44 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

06:27 The Importance of Human Connection

08:50 Challenges of Modern Parenting

18:53 Understanding ADHD and Trauma

32:24 Gender Dynamics and Therapy

45:25 Therapy as a Lifestyle Choice

45:52 Challenges of Couples Therapy

47:02 The Art of Self-Inquiry

47:41 Collaborative Conflicts

48:09 Gender Differences in Therapy

57:44 Cultural Perspectives on Therapy

01:03:02 Making a Man: The Documentary

01:05:42 The Importance of Vulnerability

01:23:12 Therapy and Group Dynamics

01:25:17 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Why British Meetings Drive Germans Crazy

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 408 - What happens when British charm collides with German order in the workplace?

In part 4 of our Business Without Baggage series, we speak to professor and senior partner at GTK Germany - Manfred Klein - who breaks down the surprising differences - and hidden similarities - between the UK and Germany’s business cultures.

From awkward handshakes and endless small talk to rigid agendas and direct feedback, discover why British and German colleagues often clash in meetings, negotiations and everyday work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why German efficiency and precision frustrates British colleagues

How British politeness and vagueness confuses German teams

The truth about work - life boundaries in Germany vs the UK

Why Germans trust process while Brits trust personality

How cultural differences can make or break international business deals

If you’re doing business with Germany, managing international teams, or just curious about cross-cultural communication, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and a few laughs.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business Without Baggage part 3 - Germany

00:43 Meet Manfred - A Legal Heavyweight

01:16 The Importance of Formality and Punctuality

02:20 Setting and Following an Agenda

04:53 Work-Life Boundaries in Germany

17:05 Direct Communication and Feedback

29:14 The Role of Hierarchy and Family Businesses

39:25 Social Security and Employee Expectations

40:54 Understanding German Employee Benefits

41:25 Work-Life Balance in Germany

42:05 Challenges in the German Health and Pension Systems

42:54 Maternity and Parental Leave Policies

44:01 Declining Birth Rates and Social Security

46:26 Immigration and Cultural Integration

48:05 German Cultural Traits and Business Etiquette

49:15 Economic Challenges and Quantitative Easing

50:25 Direct Communication and Efficiency in Germany

57:00 Business Collaboration Between Germany and UK

59:16 Ease of Doing Business in Germany

01:09:00 Common Mistakes When Doing Business in Germany

01:11:03 Visa and Property Ownership in Germany

01:13:50 Andy Wears German Carnival Outfit

01:15:19 Business or Bullshit quiz!

01:18:04 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Startup Lessons, Resilience & How Failure Builds Success: John B Stapleton Explains

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 407 - What does it really take to build a food empire from scratch?

We're giving our chat with John B Stapleton - serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the New Covent Garden Soup Company and Little Dish a re-run to remind us about the hard-won lessons behind his multi-million-pound successes.

From inventing the UK’s fresh soup category to mentoring today’s challenger brands, John shares his insights on:

Why resilience beats a “genius idea” every time
How to raise investment when the market is stacked against you
The truth about failure - and why it’s the best teacher for entrepreneurs
Bootstrapping until you “know what you’re doing”
The entrepreneurial ego: small “e” vs big “E”

Whether you’re launching your first startup or scaling towards exit, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how entrepreneurs really win - and why sometimes failure is the very thing that sets you up for millions.

Perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s uncertain business landscape.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with John Stapleton

00:40 John's Background and Achievements

01:19 Current Business Climate and Challenges

04:22 Investment Strategies and Advice

12:45 Mentoring and Advising Startups

14:25 Mission Ventures and Investment Platforms

18:17 Entrepreneurial Traits and Success

24:43 The Birth of Lamborghini

25:22 The Cult of Entrepreneurial Personality

26:29 The Value of Failure

28:51 Consumer Insight and Resilience

30:05 The Fresh Soup Revolution

34:21 Quickfire - Get To Know John

41:26 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Tax, HMRC and Sportswashing: Economist Oriana Morrison Explains

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 406 - Economist and tax strategist Oriana Morrison pulls doesn't hold back in our chat about the UK economy, HMRC, tax avoidance, and inequality.

Founder and CEO of ECNMX and trusted advisor to world champion athletes and entertainers, Oriana Morrison explains why HMRC is “shameful,” how tax is used as social engineering, and why Britain risks losing its top talent to fairer systems abroad.

From the realities of sportswashing in Saudi boxing to the politics of envy driving the UK’s broken tax system, Oriana shares blunt insights you won’t hear from politicians, even or accountants.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Oriana Morrison calls HMRC “shameful”

The hidden truth about tax, fairness and inequality

How sportswashing in Saudi boxing really works

Why Britain risks a Latin American-style economic collapse

How tax myths are driving talent and wealth out of the UK

If you want to hear about the future of Britain’s economy, the truth about tax and HMRC, and what it really means for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, pull up a chair and press play.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Oriana Morrison

01:30 Sportswashing in Saudi?

04:09 Economic Realities of Sports Consumption

09:33 Oriana's Role and Expertise

14:01 Tax and Economic Policies

16:57 HMRC: Challenges and Criticisms

26:50 Global Economic Perspectives

42:28 Insider Trading and Ethical Dilemmas

42:54 Navigating Client Relationships and Global Networks

43:37 Oriana's Story: The Band Fallout

46:32 Legal Battles and Partnership Laws

53:11 Lessons Learned and Client Challenges

59:42 Social Media vs. Tax Advice

01:04:48 Quickfire - Get To Know Oriana

01:08:49 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

01:17:10 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Culture Expert Explains The Difference Between UK and Italian Business Practices

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 405 - Is Italy an entrepreneur’s dream or a business nightmare compared to the UK?

In part 3 of our Business Without Baggage series, Andy speaks with corporate lawyer Marco Pistis about the cultural and legal contrasts between doing business in Italy and the UK.

From relationship-driven deals to bureaucracy that stifles scale, Marco explains why British companies often struggle in Italy - and what they can learn from its unique, trust-first culture.

What you’ll learn:

Why relationships and trust matter more than rules in Italy

The North-South divide: how culture, punctuality, and payments differ

How family-run businesses dominate the market - and what that means for outsiders

Why bureaucracy and employee protection laws slow scaling

How UK businesses can avoid costly mistakes when entering Italy

Where the real opportunities lie: Milan, the mid-market, and creative industries

Perfect for entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors looking to navigate UK - Italy business differences.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business Without Baggage #3 Italy

00:41 Meet Marco Pistis: The Insider's Perspective

01:38 The Emotional Approach to Business

03:50 Friendship and Business in Italy

10:25 The Importance of Punctuality and Flexibility

16:10 Hierarchy and Family Businesses

23:20 Employee Expectations and Labour Laws

26:07 Cultural Cues and Misunderstandings

29:15 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion

29:54 Negotiating Business Deals in Italy

31:56 The Importance of Food in Italian Business

33:34 Challenges and Stereotypes in Italian Business

34:34 Setting Up Business in Italy: Banking and Bureaucracy

37:50 Tax Benefits and Wealthy Expats in Italy

48:36 AI and Cultural Communication

49:58 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

50:22 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Can Improv Make You Your 1st Million? - Insights from Neil Mullarkey

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 404 - Can improv and humour make you a better leader - and even grow your bottom line?

Neil Mullarkey (Comedy Store Players co-founder with Mike Myers, seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway and Austin Powers) shows how improv’s “Yes, And” mindset, listening with intent, and affiliative humour boost leadership, sales, creativity, and team culture.

We unpack practical tools Neil teaches at London Business School and in boardrooms across 25+ countries: running better meetings and Zooms, building psychological safety, using Pixar-style “plussing,” navigating change, and why funny people make better leaders.

What you’ll learn:

How improv drives creativity, collaboration, and faster decisions

The difference between affiliative vs. dis-affiliative humour (and why banter can backfire)

Listening with intent: the leadership meta-skill that wins deals and trust

Running high-energy meetings (in-person & remote): chat prompts, quick polls, and participation hacks

Why “Yes, And” beats rigid scripts for sales, client work, and stakeholder buy-in

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Neil Mullarkey

01:20 Neil's Journey in Comedy and Improv

05:42 The Birth of Comedy Store Players

08:12 Improv Techniques and Their Applications

19:13 Improv in Business and Leadership

24:05 Effective Meeting Strategies

32:31 Innovative Meeting Strategies

33:35 The Role of Improv in Leadership

36:07 Handling Resistance and Transformation

41:45 Humour in the Workplace

47:32 Improv Skills for Personal Growth

56:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Neil

57:54 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

Is AI Killing Original Thinking? David Birss Explains

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 403 - AI is being sold as a miracle productivity tool, but is it actually killing our ability to think?

We revisit our conversation with AI expert, author and speaker David Birss who explores the hidden dangers of generative AI - from outsourcing imagination to the slow erosion of human originality.

We explore the myth of AI productivity, unpacking why most companies are implementing AI the wrong way, why “adequacy” is replacing excellence, and how the obsession with productivity is leading to burnout rather than breakthroughs.

David explains his Sensible AI Manifesto, showing why businesses must use AI to augment skills, not automate talent.

From ChatGPT in the workplace to the risk of Gen Z losing brain power, this episode covers the biggest questions around AI:

Is generative AI replacing excellence with adequacy?
How can AI increase output without destroying originality?
What are the real risks of AI for business, education, and society?
Could AI be weaponised - and are governments already falling behind?

Essential listening if you’re searching for the truth about AI in business, creativity, and the future of work.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with David Birss

00:43 Meet David - AI Expert and Innovator

01:41 The Sensible AI Manifesto: Origins and Purpose

03:24 AI in Business: Misconceptions and Realities

04:16 The Impact of AI on Productivity and Workload

10:17 The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations

17:29 AI in Warfare and Global Security

25:41 Training and Education: The UK vs. The US

34:10 The Importance of Effective AI Prompting

37:30 David's Multifaceted Career: Music, Comedy, and AI

43:11 Spotting Opportunities in Technology

44:03 Embracing AI and Art

44:47 Developing Effective AI Prompts

46:59 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI

49:05 Dealing with Change and Innovation

50:55 The Importance of Human Potential

59:04 Quickfire - Get To Know David

01:07:12 !Business or Bullshit Quiz!

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Andrew Craig Explains Why UK Is On Sale

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 402 - Is the UK stock market dying or is it the biggest bargain in global investing?

This week we welcome back investor and author Andrew Craig who argues that British equities are deeply undervalued and overlooked by international investors. From political uncertainty to structural challenges, Craig explains why the UK is seen as “on sale” - and why that could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

We pack market misperceptions, long-term risks, and where savvy investors should be looking now. Essential listening for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone questioning the future of the UK economy.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig

01:29 The Decline of the UK Stock Market

06:08 Impact of Passive Investing on the Economy

11:07 IPO Market Challenges

13:01 The Role of Equity Markets in Innovation and Growth

17:31 The Vicious Cycle of Economic Policies

22:38 Global Comparisons and UK Economy Future

34:45 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Wealth Creation

38:03 The Impact of Amazon on Society

39:30 The Role of Wealthy Individuals in Society

41:33 Government vs. Private Sector Efficiency

44:39 The Future of Technology and Innovation

50:00 Challenges in the UK Infrastructure and Economy

58:54 QUICKFIRE - Get To Know Andrew

01:02:22 !BUSINESS or BULLSHIT QUIZ!

01:11:16 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Tax Experts Explain How Trusts Really Work

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 401 - Recent UK government changes to trust law could have major implications for wealth protection, estate planning, and business ownership.

In Tax Without Bullshit pt. 2, Andy sits down with Oury Clark tax experts Jeremy Coker and Emma FlorentinLee to break down what the new rules mean, who they affect, and how to decide if a trust is still worth it.

From common myths to practical strategies, this episode explains how trusts work in the UK, why they’re not just for billionaires, and how changing legislation could reshape their future.

Essential listening for business owners, financial advisors, and families looking to safeguard assets.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

00:00 Tax Without Bullshit pt.2 - UK Trusts

02:49 History of Trusts

03:41 Structure of Trusts

04:14 Types of Trusts and Their Uses

09:03 Tax Implications and Misconceptions

21:34 Global Perspectives on Trusts

24:51 Trustees and Beneficiaries

25:13 The Role of Trusts in UK Tax Residency

26:36 Offshore Trusts: Myths and Realities

28:53 Excluded Property Trusts Explained

31:09 Complexities of Foreign Trusts

41:58 Living Trusts and Their Implications

45:57 Trusts in Business and Family Planning

51:15 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Gender Bias, Ego and Success: Why Men Appear More Confident in the Boardroom

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 400 - Is confidence the real reason men succeed more in business - or are women holding themselves back?

Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den success story Rachel Watkyn OBE joins us to share her unfiltered take on gender, ego, and the hidden dynamics behind success.

From male “peacocking” and the confidence gap to the barriers facing female founders, she challenges what we think we know about business, identity, and leadership.

Rachel opens up about her personal journey through childhood trauma, serious illness, and tackles big cultural questions - from the rise of modern gender ideology to the impact of dating apps, hookup culture, and why loneliness is becoming a silent epidemic among Gen Z.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Rachel Watkyn OBE

01:34 Meet Rachel: A Journey of Resilience

02:43 Quickfire - Get to Know Rachel

05:16 Rachel's New Venture: Tackling Loneliness

00:00 The Reality of Loneliness in Modern Society

12:44 Personal Stories and Overcoming Adversity

17:06 Gender Bias in Venture Capital Funding

29:18 Changing Gender Roles and Societal Norms

31:42 A Family's Complex History

32:16 Unraveling Relationships and Secrets

33:33 Impact of Social Shame

34:37 Cultural Differences in Expression

35:29 A Troubling Incident

36:29 Childhood Challenges and Resilience

37:03 Managing Stress and Wellbeing

39:18 The Importance of Conversations

43:18 Navigating Modern Challenges

46:36 Business Insights and Advice

49:40 Business OR Bullshit Quiz!

58:49 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Drinking At Lunch - Business or Bullsh*t?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 399 - July's guests - Lucy Parker, Mark Field, Victoria Dunford, and Luis Gosalbez - discuss and debate the legitimacy our BOB quiz cards - drinking at lunch, corporate away days, in-office fitness classes, and universal basic income to equal paternity leave and corporate gifting all make the shortlist!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit QUIZ

00:55 Debate: Drinking at Lunch

04:49 Corporate Away Days: Business or BB?

06:38 In-Office Fitness Classes

08:54 Universal Basic Income Discussion

12:16 Equal Paternity Leave

14:01 Corporate Gifting: Business or BS?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Business Without Baggage #2 - What They Don’t Tell You About Doing Business in Spain

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 398 - Spain looks like a dream for startups: sunny, affordable, and full of talent.

But beneath the surface, founders face a slow, fragmented system that often blocks growth instead of enabling it.

In this episode, lawyer, founder and managing partner of Metricson Luis Gosálbez explains why Spain’s business environment frustrates entrepreneurs, from endless bureaucracy to region-by-region politics and a risk-averse culture that kills momentum.

Whether you're launching in Spain or expanding into Europe, this is what they don’t teach you in school - but should.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business Without Baggage #2 - Spain's Hidden Business Rules

00:19 Meet Luis Gosalbez

01:36 Regional Differences in Spanish Business Culture

08:15 Business Etiquette and Payment Practices

09:25 Family-Owned Businesses and Hierarchies

11:15 Impact of Historical and Political Context

13:48 Collaborative vs. Individualistic Business Approaches

16:35 Challenges of Employment Laws

20:51 The Importance of Personal Connections

29:21 Cultural Taboos: Money and Religion

30:00 The British Perspective on Money

32:51 Building Spanish Business Relationships

34:21 Navigating Bureaucracy in Spain

37:20 Banking and Financial Regulations

43:45 Living and Working in Spain

44:54 Special Tax Laws and Incentives

47:27 Buying Property in Spain

49:41 Show and Tell: A Taste of Spain

51:43 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

How To Rebuild a Healthcare System

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 397 - In Moldova, thousands of disabled children and adults remain unseen - hidden away by a system that offers them little support. In this episode, Andy speaks to humanitarian and social entrepreneur Victoria Dunford, founder of MAD-Aid, who is fighting to bring dignity, inclusion, and opportunity to those left behind.

From transforming hospitals to changing laws, discover how one woman is challenging stigma and building a future where no one is invisible

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Victoria Dunford

01:24 Quickfire - Get to Know Victoria

01:36 Victoria's Early Career and Challenges

05:10 The State of Healthcare in Moldova

08:00 Founding MAD-Aid and Early Efforts

14:12 Changing Legislation and Social Impact

17:49 Fundraising and Building Trust

20:15 The Ukraine Conflict and Moldova's Future

21:45 Business and Charity Partnerships

22:52 Building Connections

23:17 The Benefits of Donating to Charity

23:29 Challenges and Changes in Charity Regulations

24:41 Transparency and Trust in Charitable Donations

26:28 The Importance of Grassroots and Big Charities

26:43 Encouraging Heartfelt Donations

27:33 The Role of Charity Commissions

29:11 Fundraising and Donor Engagement

33:08 Healthcare Systems in Moldova and the UK

37:44 MAD-Aid's Goals and Ambitions

40:27 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Founders

43:56 Challenges and Misconceptions in Charity Work

44:47 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Food Expert Reveals Supermarket Secret

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 396 - Are supermarkets controlling more than just prices? global food expert Mark Field reveals the hidden secrets of the food industry, exposing how Big Food shapes what we eat, drives up costs, and impacts sustainability. Learn how corporate power influences your choices - and what it means for the future of food.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Mark Field

00:57 Meet Mark: A Food Industry Leader

01:43 Quickfire - Get To Know Mark

02:00 Mark's Career Journey and Insights

07:46 The Impact of COVID-19 on Prof Consulting

12:36 Global Trends in the Food Industry

15:19 Challenges and Innovations in Food Logistics

18:54 Brexit's Impact on the UK Food Industry

23:27 British Farming and Seasonal Produce

27:25 Vertical Farming and Future Technologies

27:41 Energy Costs vs. Output in Food Production

28:19 Future of the Food Industry by 2050

29:44 Changing Food Preferences and Social Eating

30:56 Global Food Diversity and Supermarket Trends

37:10 Sustainability and Business Growth in Food Retail

42:34 AI's Role in Food Industry Transformation

48:44 Advice for Entering the Food Industry

50:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Food Retail

54:06 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

The Corporate Conscience: When CEOs Get Political

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 395 - Can big business actually change the world or is it all just PR?

Andy speaks to Lucy Parker, Senior Advisor at Brunswick and co-author of The Activist Leader, on why CEOs need to stop playing it safe and start thinking like activists.

From Gordon Brown’s task force to boardrooms at Maersk and Walmart, Lucy shares how companies can bridge the gap between profit and purpose, and why the future belongs to leaders with a backbone.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Lucy Parker

01:19 Andy's Intro

03:04 Quickfire - Get To Know Lucy

09:47 Lucy's Current Role at Brunswick

10:25 Big Business Addressing Societal Issues

14:27 Challenges and Misconceptions About Big Business

22:44 Big Businesses Making a Positive Impact

28:19 The Role of Regulation and Policy in Business

35:11 The Future of Business and Societal Change

44:51 Developing a Sustainable Mindset

45:35 The Role of Leadership in Sustainability

45:59 Challenges and Responsibilities of Modern Business

49:16 The Complexity of Global Issues

49:40 The Journey Towards Net Zero

51:02 Transparency and Accountability in Business

01:07:33 The Importance of Data in ESG

01:13:40 Activist Leadership in Business

01:23:18 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

01:26:12 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

You shouldn’t be uncomfortable with the word "sales"

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 394 - This week Andy meets Bernard Savage who leads professional services business development consultancy - size ten and half boots.

We have a wide running chat about how AI means that now, more than ever, professional services firms need to embrace sales. Luckily it’s also going to free up their time to do it.

I’m not sure he persuaded Andy that sales wasn’t a dirty word. But we definitely buy into his rallying call that if you just do the same things as everyone else, then, well you are not going to stand out and your business will die.

Straight talking advice indeed.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Bernard Savage

01:19 Andy's Views on Bernard

04:02 Quickfrie - Get to Know Bernard

06:33 The Reality of Professional Services

12:45 Networking and Business Development

21:17 Client Relationships and Commerciality

25:15 Evolving Business Development Strategies

25:53 Impact of AI on Professional Services

26:24 The Dominance of London in Professional Services

27:41 The Importance of Client Relationships

30:28 The Role of LinkedIn in Professional Networking

33:06 Regional Differences in Professional Services

35:33 Northern England: Challenges and Opportunities

48:38 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

51:24 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Climate Change - Business or Bullsh*t?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 393 - June's BOB quiz lineup sees Elizabeth Varley from the Department of Business and Trade, Silent Disco Company founder and CEO Toby Burns, and ex-Special Forces author and speaker Sarah Furness tackle topics including climate change, office nap pods, AI-created content, team-building exercises, and mandatory lunch breaks. Strap in!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Business or Bullshit Quiz

00:42 Climate Change: Business or Bullshit?

04:21 Office Nap Pods: A Good Idea?

06:29 AI Created Content: Boon or Bane?

09:43 Team Building Exercises: Effective or Awkward?

13:20 Mandatory Hour-Long Lunch Breaks: Yay or Nay?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Sarah Furness: Just Enough of a B*tch

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 392 - This week we meet Sarah Furness, whose self described superpower is being “just enough of a bitch”. If you want to know what she means by that, stop reading and start listening.

Sarah was the first female helicopter pilot to lead special forces missions in Iraq.

These days she is bringing battlefield hardened insights to business problems, helping leaders to create healthy behaviours and environments in threatening or stressful situations.

It’s a wide ranging conversation, covering everything from gender roles and sexism to mindfulness under extreme pressure and something called disco leg. But our main focus was on psychological safety and why it is important in the military and business.

As Sarah says, “The only way we can learn from a mistake is if we talk about it, and we can’t talk about it if you’re punished for it”.

The bit about disco leg is right at the end, if you want to skip to that to find out what it means.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Sarah Furness

01:16 Andy's Intro

02:33 Quickfire: Get to Know Sarah

07:53 Sarah's Journey: From Military to Mindfulness

17:05 The Power of Mindfulness in High-Stress Situations

24:47 Learning from Failure: Military Insights for Business

31:14 Creating an Optimum Environment for Psychological Safety

32:02 Encouraging Bravery in Leadership

32:13 Vulnerability in Leadership

34:28 Navigating Shame and Self-Compassion

38:01 Self-Awareness and Inner Work in Leadership

43:48 Gender and Leadership: Moving Beyond Stereotypes

49:47 Customer-Centric Business Practices

52:20 Lessons from Military Leadership

01:01:16 The Importance of Humor and Camaraderie

01:02:25 Top Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

01:06:06 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Why I’d Rather Do Business in China Than Britain

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 391 - This week we are joined by Toby Burns, immersive events pioneer and the man behind Silent Disco.

He has some quite spicy things to say about how the UK treats entrepreneurship and flags an innovation that he would love to see the UK copy from China.

Yep, we should copy China.

You’ll have to listen in to find out how and why. But you will also get some real nuggets of business wisdom (in handy catch phrases). Such as “innovate or evaporate”, “diversify or die”.

Most importantly, if you want to create continued success you need to create a great customer experience at every touchpoint.

Let us know what you think in the comments.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

00:00 BWB with Toby Burns

01:16 Andy's intro to Toby

01:58 The Silent Disco Business Model

03:57 Toby's Early Career and Family Business

07:02 Customer Service and Business Philosophy

14:16 Property Investments and Business Strategy

16:55 Innovations and Future Plans

30:16 The Turning Point: Scaling a Business

31:01 Innovating in the Entertainment Industry

32:52 Customer Service and Business Processes

39:14 The Impact of Taxes on Business

48:11 Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis

54:15 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

01:03:12 Toby's Ultimate Party Line-Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

BWB Live at the Cannabis Farm

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 390 - Something a little different this week. We took BWB on the road to meet James Duckenfield, CEO of Glass Pharm and tour their state of the art facility for growing pharmaceutical grade cannabis.

We learnt a lot of fascinating stuff - including that the only way that you are likely to die from cannabis, certainly medical cannabis, is if someone accidentally drops a ton of it on your head.

Furthermore, this remarkable growing system is not just leading the way for growing medicinal cannabis, but its carbon negative approach and techniques are breaking new ground for horticulture in general.

Listen in and learn.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB Live at Glass Pharms

00:47 Andy & Medical Cannabis

01:43 The UK Cannabis Conversation

02:57 Tour of Glass Pharms Facility

06:44 Cannabis Cultivation Techniques

13:24 Regulations and Licensing

18:59 Product Demonstration and Quality Control

24:39 BWB with James Duckenfield CEO

25:51 Medical Cannabis in the UK

27:12 Public Perception and NHS Policies

28:06 Cannabis and Chronic Pain

29:31 Cannabis and Mental Health

30:33 Global Cannabis Policies

31:16 Personal Experiences with Cannabis

32:28 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry

33:09 The Endocannabinoid System

35:24 Regulatory Hurdles

42:01 Future of Medical Cannabis

49:33 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Serial Entrepreneur & Government Board Advisor Gives The Ultimate Startup Hacks

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 389 - This week we meet Elizabeth Varley. As founder and former CEO of Tech Hub she has played a pivotal role in shaping London’s Tech scene. In her role with the UK Government’s Global Entrepreneur Program she continues to influence our start and scale up business culture today.

As you’d expect she has a lot of hot tips for founders, some of which we weren’t expecting. Such as “undergoing therapy will make you a better leader”.

Fantastic chat from someone who is able to come at your business growing pains in unexpected ways.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Elizabeth Varley

01:26 Andy's intro to Elizabeth

02:18 Elizabeth's Early Career and Lessons Learned

09:28 Elizabeth's Role in the Global Entrepreneur Program

13:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Global Expansion

21:41 Brexit and Its Impact on Entrepreneurs

23:55 Fostering the UK Ecosystem

24:22 International Investment Trends

26:27 Opportunities in Sustainability

27:56 The AI Hype and Reality

29:23 Journey to Becoming a Deal Maker

32:34 Founding Tech Hub

38:53 The Importance of Therapy for Founders

44:44 Advice for Entrepreneurs

47:43 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Brexit - Business or Bullsh*t?

Fri, 30 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 388 - May's quiz round up sees Daniel Priestley and Fernando Sordo Madaleno play the game to see if they think Brexit, Crowdfunding, Lobbying, Client Lunches, Paying for Top Talent and Diversity Quotas and are business or just complete tosh!

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Business or Bullsh*t

00:53 Meet the Guests: Daniel Priestley and Fernando Sordo Madaleno

01:18 Brexit: A Mexican Perspective

03:05 Architectural Challenges and Talent

05:08 Lobbying and Government Collaboration

08:13 Angel Investing

08:50 Flexible Working in Architecture

09:41 Crowdfunding and Diversity Quotas

11:35 The Importance of Client Lunches

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Net Zero Is a Commercial Opportunity

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 387 - We’re going back to the future this week with the excellent Akshat Rathi and his optimistic take on climate change.

Akshat is a Bloomberg Senior Climate journalist, and the author of Climate Capitalism: Winning The Global Race To Zero Emissions.

We spoke to him about his book, and:

Why climate solutions investment needs to be made in the developing world and emerging markets to help them move away from coal

Why he felt it was so important to tell positive stories to help accelerate the fight against climate change

And

Why he abandoned the idea of being a scientist (after getting a PhD) to become a storyteller in order to make a bigger positive impact on the world

As you’d expect from someone who writes for Bloomberg, he’s very balanced and very astute.

He’s happy to concede that climate change isn’t the only crisis facing humanity, but if we don’t fix it, it’ll make the others a whole lot worse.

You can’t help feeling more positive after spending time in his company, so give it a go.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Akshat Rathi

00:49 Andy's Intro to Akshat

01:53 The Importance of Climate Solutions

02:23 Challenges in Climate Journalism

07:23 Success Stories in Climate Action

11:16 The Role of Governments and Big Businesses

12:43 Akshat's Journey and Passion for Climate Journalism

18:36 Global Investment in Climate Solutions

28:19 Practical Steps for SMEs

29:43 Economic Realities in India

30:01 Air Conditioning Around the World

30:41 Career Reflections and Journalism

34:06 Work Culture and Balance

38:40 Social Media and Its Impact

42:32 Greenwashing and Corporate Responsibility

45:10 Quickfire - Get To Know Akshat

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Premier League Nutrition with Thomas Robson Kanu

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 386 - This week we revisit our chat with Thomas Robson Kanu, who pivoted from a top level premier league and international football career into entrepreneurship, setting up family business the Turmeric Co.

Based on a formula that he and his father developed to aid his recovery and pain relief (he was pain free in six weeks of consistent consumption) Thomas is now taking the same drive that fuelled his paying career into business.

We talk about:

Why so many superficially healthy drinks on our shop shelves contain so little nutrition and so much sugar that you might as well have a coke and enjoy it

Why it is so difficult to get natural remedies into the mainstream (hint, it’s to do with money

And

Why f**king up every day is the route to success

It’s a fascinating chat especially when you hear the drive and ambition for the Turmeric Co to emulate the global success of health drinks from a previous century (yes, we are talking about Coca Cola).

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Thomas Robson-Kanu

00:32 The Birth of The Turmeric Company

01:52 Andy's Intro

02:10 Thomas's Journey from Football to Entrepreneurship

04:20 Challenges and Rewards of Professional Sports

07:53 The Power of Natural Remedies

16:01 Launching a Health Brand

25:27 Clinical Studies and Health Benefits

34:11 The Importance of Health and Nutrition

35:41 Challenges in the Juice Industry

37:12 Manufacturing and Shelf Life

39:42 Business Growth and Strategy

43:39 Consumer Trends and Functional Beverages

52:32 The Reality of Juice Products

58:18 Quickfire - Get To Know Thomas

01:03:07 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

To be an architect you need to be much more than an artist

Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 385 - Our guest this week is Fernando Sordo Madaleno, a third generation architect working in the family firm Sordo Madaleno. Originally from Mexico City, Fernando is now based in London, spearheading the firm’s expansion as an international architecture studio.

As well as discussing life in the family business we had a fascinating chat around architecture, the built environment.

Fernando has a beautiful philosophy of architecture, that is should try and combine three things. A deep, well researched, understanding of the context and culture that the building is going to be in especially if you are coming as an outsider. Why great buildings should always be designed to the human scale (yes he does explain what that means), and how great architects should always try and think of ways to push the brief so that projects can have a positive impact on the communities that they exist in.

He also mentions that the client is sometimes right. Which is nice.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Fernando Sordo Madaleno

01:18 Meet Fernando

03:09 Quickfire - Get To Know Fernando

05:51 Fernando's Current Projects and Vision

07:12 The Essence of Sordo Madaleno

08:11 Human-Centric Urban Planning

12:12 Challenges and Inspirations in Architecture

18:06 The Unique Character of Mexico City

21:59 The Legacy of Sordo Madaleno

24:57 The Value of Good Architecture

28:31 Local Efficiency and Quality

28:49 Innovative School Design

29:40 Community-Centric Architecture

32:10 Global Influence of Mexican Architecture

37:22 Challenges of International Expansion

42:15 The Role of AI in Architecture

46:11 Balancing Client Needs and Architectural Vision

57:08 Advice for Aspiring Architects and Entrepreneurs

59:29 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Britain Should Become Entrepreneur Island.

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 384 - This week Daniel Priestley discusses how we build a new role for Britain post Brexit (yes, we dropped the B-Word in 2025). Basically Britain faces a choice between being that, a lapdog for the US or the sixth best Scandinavian country.

The way he says it, it makes sense. Particularly when he is talking about how hard it is now to grow a business with “escape velocity” in the UK these days.

Serial entrepreneur Daniel also talks us through:

The importance of personal brand and why it is replacing geography in business decision making

His 7-11-4 model for growing your personal brand

How AI is here to supercharge small businesses (and rightsize large ones)

He also said that long-form podcasts are AI resistant. Which is lucky.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Daniel Priestley

01:17 Meet Daniel

02:16 Daniel's Entrepreneurial Journey

03:40 The Rise of Personal Brands in Business

06:46 AI's Role in Business and Employment

12:35 Daniel's Current Ventures and Business Insights

19:22 The UK's Business Environment and Future Prospects

41:37 Entrepreneurial Spirit in the UK

42:52 UK vs. US Business Landscape

45:48 The Role of AI and Technology in Business

48:34 Future of Education and High-Velocity Careers

59:38 Strategies for Attracting High-Value Clients

01:03:31 Failures and Lessons in Entrepreneurship

01:05:14 The 7-11-4 Rule for Building Relationships

01:13:26 Quickfire - Get To Know Daniel

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

We’re Not in a Democracy - We’re in a Demagoguery

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000

EP 383 - Jonathan MacDonald is back on the show and keener than ever to get you interested in Ethical Tech.

We discuss why now, more than ever, people need to be given the tools, and moral frameworks to inform their interactions with increasingly opaque technology. How things like social media are seemingly set up to keep us amused, distracted and rob us of our critical thinking faculties and what that means for humanity in the long term.

Jonathan isn’t an anarchist in a tin foil hat (or a cryptoevangelist in a blonde wig come to that) but he is very compelling on why we need to question whether Big Tech algorithms and the people who control them actually have our best interests at heart.

He’s pretty convinced that they don’t, or at least don’t care about us beyond what we can do for them. Which is why he has set up SELF - a personal privacy filter - and also ETHICS TV to help people discuss, understand and control their own moral choices around tech.

We also chat about the Roman Empire and its attitude to analogous situations. We know plenty of you like to think about that kind of thing quite a lot.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Jonathan MacDonald

02:23 Meet Jonathan

03:18 The Mission: Alternative Future for Technology

04:44 Humans Are Batteries

05:05 The Reality of Free Services

05:58 The Normalisation of Surveillance

06:29 The Impact of Social Media on Society

07:33 The Coercion of Media and Politics

08:37 The Evolution of SELF: Personal Privacy Filter

09:50 The Demand for Privacy in AI Tools

10:50 The Future of Privacy: Self-Sovereign Mechanisms

11:47 The Physicality of Data Privacy

12:37 The Ineffectiveness of GDPR

13:09 The Dark Side of Data Exploitation

14:53 The Post-COVID Awareness Shift

34:02 Ethics in Technology

37:28 The Problem with Modern Democracy

39:18 The Importance of Critical Thinking

39:58 The Role of Media in Critical Thinking

42:30 Education and Critical Thinking

46:15 Ethical Issues in AI and Media

46:41 The Dystopian Future of AI

53:37 Building Ethical Technology

01:04:36 Personal Reflections and Advice

01:11:08 Quickfire - Get To Know Jonathan

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Labour Government - Business or Bullsh*t?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 382 - April's quiz round up sees Alex Edmans, Anand Menon and Psyfer play the game to see if they think Brexit, Labour Government, GDPR, Crowdfunding, Lobbying Client Lunches and are business or just complete tosh!

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Is it Business or Bullsh*t?

00:45 Brexit

01:37 Labour Government

03:18 GDPR

04:16 Crowdfunding

05:25 Lobbying

07:48 Client Lunches

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Sometimes You Can Have Too Much Diversity

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 381 - This week we talk to Alex Edmans about how you make decisions in a world full of misinformation. Alex is a Professor of Finance who has written and spoken extensively about subjects such as ESG (why those three letters don’t belong together) and why cognitive, rather than demographic diversity is a better indicator of business success.

He’s managed to do all that without getting cancelled, because his findings and talking points are guided by objective data rather than opinion. Though we do discuss how data itself can be misleading.

So if you want to know why too much diversity can be a bad thing, then dive in.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Alex Edmans

01:15 Synopsis

02:07 Meet Alex - Professor of Finance

03:54 Challenges in Assessing Cognitive Diversity

08:08 The Role of Academics in Real-World Impact

18:00 Confirmation Bias and Its Impact on Decision Making

30:36 The Nuances of Diversity and Inclusion

35:22 The Evolution and Challenges of ESG Reporting

39:20 The Burden of Reporting

40:31 The Problem with Standardised Metrics

42:16 Regulation vs. Market Demand

43:21 SMEs and Purpose-Driven Business

44:52 The Complexity of ESG

48:29 Governance: A Historical Accident

01:11:40 The Importance of Financial Literacy

01:13:22 Quickfire - Get to Know Alex

01:17:50 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Business Without Baggage #1: Doing Business With The French, what they don’t teach you in school.

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 380 - This week we're trying a cultural experiment - to start an occasional series called Business Without Baggage that helps people understand the nuances of doing business across different cultures.

To kick us off, we invited accomplished French corporate Lawyer and expert on cultural intelligence Olivier Lopez onto the show. We asked him to explain the nuances of doing business with the French and also got some expert hints about how different cultures operate around the world.

We chatted about how you can trace many of France’s cultural instincts and attitudes back to a revolutionary spirit, the application of logic and an abiding need to feel Liberté, Egalité et Fraternité in all of their dealings as well as finding a balance in life.

We also put these attitudes in a wider cultural context - amazingly a lot of it is to do with food, but not in the way you think. But we do have some fine wine and lovely cheese along the way.

We’d love to do more in this occasional series, so if you want to talk about what it’s like to do business with your fellow country folk (even if you’re only from Yorkshire) get in touch. You’ve got a lot to live up to on the food front mind.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Olivier Lopez

01:00 Special Episode: Business Without Baggage

01:29 Meet Olivier - Legal Expert and Negotiation Teacher

02:16 The Path to Becoming a Lawyer

04:58 Cultural Identities in French Business

08:42 Regional Differences Within France

14:34 Negotiation Tactics Across Cultures

42:52 The Role of Lawyers in Business

46:45 Invoice Payment Practices in France

47:51 Hierarchy and Flat Structures in French Business

49:13 French Cultural Values: Equality and Rebellion

51:17 Engaging a French Audience: Expectations and Preferences

56:04 Collaborative vs. Individualistic Work Styles

59:30 Financial Support and Equality in France

01:03:57 Setting Up a Business in France

01:09:51 French Cultural Nuances and Business Practices

01:26:02 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Bitcoin Is Better Than Gold (and all other Crypto are S**tcoins)

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 379 - Our guest this week is artist and bitcoin evangelist Psyfer. He wants to get you all high on the Hope-ium that Bitcoin (not any other crypto-currencies, they are all Sh*tcoin apparently) are the way to end inequality and injustice.

We weigh up the pros - it’s decentralised and accessible to everyone.

The cons - it’s a scary mystery to most people that feels like a scam.

And the revolutionary - how bitcoin challenges the existing power and wealth structures of governments, corporations and the obscenely wealthy (although they could all just buy bitcoin)

So, are Bitcoiners just getting high on their own supply or will it change the world? Get Psyfer-delic with this week’s episode. Turn on, tune in and find out!

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Psyfer

02:05 Meet Psyfer - Art and Financial Rebellion

02:35 The Mystery and Security of Bitcoin

05:50 Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptocurrencies

08:26 The Future of Money: Bitcoin's Potential

13:28 Economic Implications of Bitcoin Adoption

27:57 Public Services and Private Markets

33:45 Responding to Technological Change

34:17 The Flexibility of Remote Work

34:44 Using Bitcoin in Everyday Transactions

35:27 The Inclusive Bitcoin Community

36:22 Finding and Joining Local Bitcoin Meetups

37:31 Tax Implications of Bitcoin Transactions

38:42 Bitcoin's Role in Global Economics

39:40 The Future of Money and Bitcoin

46:45 The Problem with Fiat Money

56:49 Quickfire - Get to Know Psyfer

58:44 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Hot Button Issues Bingo: Immigration, Brexit & Trump. Tariffs, China & Russia (oh my!)

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 378 - Political scientist Anand Menon joins us this week to talk about the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the choices facing the UK in a rapidly changing world.

We discuss how we all need to redraw a mental map of the “Western Alliance” as a result of the Trump administration, how the UK government is walking a diplomatic tightrope between the US and the EU and why their positive drive for growth could get derailed by events outside of their control.

Anand brings evidence, rather than opinion and ideology to the table. Which helps navigate emotionally charged issues such as whether immigration is good for the economy, and why the net immigration numbers are set to fall (hint, it’s nothing to do with small boats).

We even managed to have a sensible conversation about Brexit, the pros, the cons, the winners and the losers who are likely to pay the highest price for it. It might not be who you think.

As Anand says, “people tell us, that the reason that they listen to us is that they don’t know what we are going to say”

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Anand Menon

02:21 Meet Anand

03:14 Brexit's Psychological and Political Impact

03:32 Trump's Influence on Global Politics

09:06 UK's Immigration System: Challenges and Changes

21:25 Economic and Social Consequences of Brexit

34:48 Historical Reflections and Trade Realities

36:57 Brexit's Timing and Globalisation Challenges

38:02 Political Nuances and Public Opinion

38:55 Future of UK-EU Relations

44:13 UK's Global Role and Diplomatic Strengths

47:14 Think-Tank Insights and Regulatory Challenges

57:42 Quickfire - Get To Know Anand

01:02:20 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Chat GPT - Business or BS?

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 377 - March's quiz round up sees Ben Askins, Alex Depledge MBE and Brad Burton play the game to see if they think GDPR, Angel Syndicates, Crowdfunding, Client lunches and ChatGPT are business or just complete tosh!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Business or Bullshit Quiz

00:57 GDPR

02:26 Angel Syndicates

04:13 Crowdfunding

06:07 Client Lunches

07:01 Chat GPT

08:42 Digital Nomads

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

UK's #1 Motivational Speaker Brad Burton's Unbelievable Comeback Story

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 376 - Our guest this week freely admits to have totally made up the idea of the UK having a #1 motivational speaker (to be fair, it’s not a chart rundown show we would watch anyway).

Brad has some interesting things to say about how getting your belief and your attitude right is the key to success. He also has practical tips on how to create that optimism, find peace, and live more in the now. The last two involve turning off your phone.

Crisps, Maltesers and wizards also get a mention.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Brad Burton

01:14 Meet Brad; Resilience and Reinvention

03:38 The Power of Belief in Business

08:37 Living in the Present: Letting Go of the Past

12:36 The Impact of Digital World on Modern Life

18:06 The British Moat: Self-Belief and Humility

24:35 Chasing Dreams: When is Enough, Enough?

26:33 Finding True Happiness

27:26 The State of Society and Business

27:52 Challenges of the Modern Economy

31:09 The Benefits Trap

34:35 The Importance of Mindset

38:50 Work-Life Balance and Business Success

46:08 Quickfire - Get To Know Brad

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Alex Depledge Explains Why UK Government Only Care About Quick Wins

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 375 - The conversation ranged far and wide with Alex Depledge, CEO of Resi and newly coined “Tech- Sis”. It took in her frustrations that no-one wants to have a long term conversation, how the short term news cycle is killing politics and why increasing polarisation is killing informed debate and damaging society.

She came out to bat for the Labour government in general - we should give them time - and Rachel Reeves in particular for her willingness to stand behind a decision, even if it is unpopular.

She did not come out to bat for bats, people who play the victim and using regulatory sledgehammers to crack walnuts.

If you like your opinions strong and your laughter infectious, listen in.

FACT CORRECTION - Alex stated that the UK Electric Grid energy wastage is at 40% which may have been true at the time of recording. Most recent figures show that it is nearer 10%.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Alex Depledge MBE

03:29 Alex's Current Role and Responsibilities

04:54 Challenges in the Housing Sector

05:57 Energy Efficiency and Renovation

06:49 Fragmented Construction Industry

16:11 Government Policies and Long-term Solutions

19:21 Labour Party's Approach to Business and Economy

27:57 *Andy's Key Takeaways*

30:34 Regulations and the Role of Bats

34:20 The Impact of Private School Attacks

34:51 Understanding the Worker's Rights Bill

35:13 Probation Periods in Employment

37:11 Planning and Business Efficiency

38:29 The Housing Crisis and Council Incentives

39:22 Environmental Regulations and Development

40:16 The Importance of Company Policies

44:12 Diversity of Thought vs. Quotas

48:49 *Andy's Key Takeaways*

52:31 The Immigration Debate

54:14 Challenges of Modern Employment

58:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Alex

01:05:03 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Tax Special: Why HMRC Scrapped Non-Dom Tax Law

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 374 - This episode is probably not for everybody, in fact it’s probably not for 99.55% of people. But if you are a non-dom, know a non-dom or just want to understand what a non dom actually is then this is the episode for you.

I guess if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a bunch of tax law experts hijack a podcast studio - and one of you might have done - you’ll probably also want to give it a listen.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Tax Without Bullshit - Special Episode

01:22 Meet the Tax Experts

02:53 Understanding Non-Dom Status

04:03 Changes in Tax Rules from April 5th

06:59 Implications for Non-Doms and Foreigners

08:33 New Tax Opportunities and Simplifications

18:54 Temporary Repatriation Facility (TRF)

23:06 Understanding the TRF and Its Implications

24:55 Attracting Foreigners to the UK

27:06 Inheritance Tax: Rules and Strategies

33:20 Excluded Property Trusts: A Deep Dive

37:31 Practical Considerations and Future Planning

43:19 Wrap Up

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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Laughing in the Face of Adversity

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 373 - This week we sit down with Jon White, a professional kayaker, engineer, business leadership coach and occasional rock climber, who would probably be doing none of those things if he hadn’t lost his right arm and both legs stepping on an I.E.D. in Afghanistan in 2010.

Jon is fascinating on how calm acceptance (and the royal marine value of humour in the face of adversity) helped him avoid PTSD. He’s very clear that his personal approach might not work for everybody but we think that there is a lot to learn from his calm, understated approach to life.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Jon White

03:02 The Afghanistan Conflict Explained

07:56 Life After Injury: Rehabilitation and Resilience

24:41 The Importance of Mindset and Humour

33:10 Rehabilitation and Adaptation

36:13 Innovations in Prosthetics

37:17 Personal Journey and Challenges

38:56 Business Ventures and Leadership

41:59 Engineering and Adaptation

48:28 Philosophies on Life and Leadership

54:31 Quickfire - Get To Know Jon

01:05:42 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

GreenTech Expert Explains Why China Is The Future Of Energy

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 372 - Our guest, Ben Askins, is pretty convincing when he says that being green is one of, if not THE biggest commercial opportunity of the century. Ben is a serial entrepreneur, now scaling Green-Tech start-up Gaia, so he knows his onions.

Our chat gets stuck into culture wars, and culture warriors, and why we need to get our heads out of short term political point scoring and into the long game. Us, the media, everybody.

He also makes a very good point that you can’t make being a politician a thankless job, with terrible pay and still expect the best and brightest to apply to run the country.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Ben Askins

02:29 Ben's Background and New Venture - Gaia

03:29 Gaia's Role in Environmental Regulation

05:57 The Importance of Biodiversity Net Gain

07:08 The Marketplace for Natural Assets

13:38 The Future of Green Tech and Energy Efficiency

23:47 Ben's Journey in Digital Marketing

25:48 Building a Personal Brand on Social Media

28:34 The Challenges of Being a Boss and Entrepreneur

32:58 The Unappealing Job Dilemma

33:56 Social Media in Politics

34:58 Engagement Groups and Media Manipulation

36:59 The Complexity of Political Debates

37:10 Monetising Hobbies and Job Satisfaction

38:02 The Need for Honest Political Communication

45:32 The Challenges of Running a Government

50:21 Climate Change and Green Technology

57:14 Quickfire - Get To Know Ben

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Diversity Quotas - Business or Bullsh*t?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 371 - Quiz time! Here's our monthly round up of favourite Business or Bullshit Q&A moments with our stellar guests in February:

Tim Kirby - CEO of Releaf

Jonathan Lundy - CEO of Fluencers Group

Janet Coyle CBE - Managing Director of Grow London

Adam Pope - CEO of Spencer Churchill

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit Quiz

00:39 Meet the Guests

01:06 Diversity Quotas Debate

03:38 Lobbying in Business

05:31 AI in Content Creation

08:56 Social Media: Business or Bull?

10:09 GDPR: Business Necessity or Bureaucratic Nonsense?

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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Top 100 Law Firm CEO - "I was living in a tent whilst trying to finish school"

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 370 - Parties beat networking events. The best people for your business probably won’t have been to university. Controlled aggression is a good thing. You want opinions, our guest this week Adam Pope has got 'em. Unlike most people peddling BS business advice on LinkedIn, he has the business and life experience to back them up.

From being homeless (and trying to finish school whilst living in a tent) to being the CEO of Spencer Churchill, a law firm that’s looking to be the opposite of what you’d expect, Adam is a man who lives life on his own terms and is creating a company with that mindset.

We talk to Adam about radically re-inventing cultural expectations around how a law firm, or any business, should behave. He also talks about his belief that “suffering sharpens the tools”.

Which is probably why he entered his first Ironman Triathlon before he actually knew how to swim.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Adam Pope

02:43 Illegal Raves and Family Fallout

04:10 Surviving Homelessness: Life in a Tent

07:59 From Recruitment to Financial Services

11:22 Founding Spencer Churchill

15:02 Reinventing Legal Culture

27:18 The Value of Experience Over Education

36:16 Adam's Triathlon and Ironman Journey

36:32 Life Changes and Sobriety

39:50 Work Culture and High Performance

41:49 Four-Day Work Week Innovation

45:46 Business Philosophy and Personal Goals

48:29 Political Views and Business Environment

59:34 Quickfire - Get To Know Adam

01:05:14 Wrap Up

Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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Appointed CBE Reveals Why Investors Are Betting BIG on London Tech

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 369 - You should hire people who are different from, and smarter than, you to help shape and build your culture. That’s how you grow successfully and meaningfully.

That’s the great advice from Janet Coyle (Janet Coyle CBE no less) the MD of Grow London. Janet has spent a career as a diplomat AND working in and around Silicon Valley firms and culture, so she knows a thing or seventeen about growth and how to create it.

Janet is very glass-half-full about the prospects for London as a business and innovation hub (the city is a huge draw for talent and culture). But she is also passionate about how the Grow London / London & Partners socially inclusive non profit model, could be used to help grow the entire UK economy.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Janet Coyle CBE

02:04 Meet Janet

03:02 The Role and Impact of Grow London

04:58 London's Global Position and Future Prospects

10:18 Inclusion and Diversity in Tech

23:25 Janet's Journey and Insights

29:07 Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

29:36 The Gender Investment Gap

30:34 Building Female Investment Infrastructure

32:47 Scaling Up UK Businesses

35:13 Maintaining Company Culture During Growth

38:23 London's Role in Global Business

41:28 Challenges and Opportunities for London and Partners

47:23 Quickfire - Get to Know Janet

51:40 Wrap Up

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FITNESS Without Bullshit

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 368 - This week we meet Jonathan Lundy, CEO of the Fluencers group, a man of seriously impressive willpower as well as business acumen. To lose weight and take control of his own health, he once ate only 1500 calories and went to the gym with a personal trainer for every day, for 365 days straight.

He talks us through how this process gave him a disdain for all the bullshit that floats around the fitness and wellness industries and the will power to create a different approach. An approach that has had amazing success and became the basis of a business that now operates across fitness, health, beauty and even pets.

Luckily for us he’s a dog person, and someone who still likes to find time for the odd pint of “proper” beer.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Jonathan Lundy

00:57 Jonathan's Weight Loss Journey

01:38 Building a Fitness Business

02:48 Challenges in the Fitness Industry

06:40 The Role of Personal Trainers

17:44 Expanding the Empire!

30:32 Career Risks and Integrity in Medicine

30:58 Doctors and Brand Collaborations

31:59 Challenges Faced by Medical Professionals

33:31 The Role of Medical Influencers

35:34 Efficient Business Practices

38:49 Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Goals

49:55 Quickfire - Get To Know Jonathan

54:14 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Medical Cannabis CEO Talks Truth About UK Industry

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 367 - This week serial entrepreneur Tim Kirby explains why a focus on results is entirely the wrong thing to do - it sets up a feedback validation mentality apparently. Instead you should focus on behaviours to unlock the key to success and create something he calls a feed forward, intention sharing loop.

Tim also explains why a “feel, felt, found” approach is the way to connect with customers. And as the CEO of Releaf, A MedTech company based around medicinal cannabis products he has some wild stats about medicinal cannabis. Did you know that humans have an actual endocannabinoid system? No, nor did we!

Tim also has some bad news for any Wanna-preneurs. If you want to succeed you’ve got to learn to love the grind.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Tim Kirby

01:05 Meet Tim - CEO of Releaf

02:02 The State of Medical Cannabis in the UK

02:27 Releaf's Mission and Market Strategy

03:19 Barriers to Market Entry and Growth

07:38 The Importance of Patient Education

12:35 The Role of Trust and Consistency

25:27 Behavioural Focus in Business Success

36:28 Agnostic Views and Personal Conditions

36:42 Sports Psychology and Business Parallels

37:36 Mindset of Sporting Greats

39:20 Medical Cannabis Market Challenges

40:12 The Prescription Process

41:26 Regulatory Bodies and Market Growth

42:44 Patient Experience and Education

44:44 Cannabis Strains and Prescribing Practices

45:39 Innovations in Medical Cannabis

57:36 Cannabis in the Mainstream

01:02:37 'Quickfire' - Get To Know Tim

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit: Monthly Roundup with Chris Hirst and Simon Alexander Ong

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 366 - Introducing our monthly roundup of the Business or Bullshit quiz.

Andy goes head-to-head with guests Chris Hirst and Simon Alexander Ong, breaking down business buzzwords to decide—are they the real deal or just nonsense?

They tackle everything from government policies and influencer culture to social media hype, unicorn companies, mandatory lunch breaks, and even self-actualisation.

It’s a lively chat packed with plenty to chew on.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit Monthly Roundup

00:45 Discussing the Labour Government

03:12 Paying for Top Talent

05:44 The Role of Influencers

06:34 Social Media Platforms

08:57 Unicorns and Children's Fascinations

10:14 Mandatory Lunch Breaks

11:06 Self-Actualisation

12:34 Political Ideologies: Left and Right Wing

12:56 Corporate Away Days and Instagram

13:41 Debating MBAs and Brexit

14:32 Regulators and Their Effectiveness

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Simon Alexander Ong Explains The Key To Personal Productivity

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 365 - We get quite Zen this week, talking to Energy Management specialist Simon Alexander Ong, not about heat pumps, solar panels or the national grid, but about how optimising your own energy levels are the key to personal and professional success.

Simon talks to us about how energy management not time management is the key to personal productivity. Why laying out and sticking to a system for living is far more important than setting out individual goals, and the benefits of problem solving like pre-schoolers.

Star Wars also makes a brief appearance in the chat.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Simon Alexander Ong

00:57 Meet Simon - The Energy Management Expert

03:41 Simon's Journey from Finance to Coaching

06:46 Understanding Energy and Its Dimensions

24:22 The Role of Leadership and Team Dynamics

37:01 The Importance of Self-Improvement

38:23 The Role of Social Media

44:03 Balancing Work and Family Life

49:11 The Power of Communication

56:52 Creative Thinking and Innovation

58:26 Quickfire - Get To Know Simon

01:08:25 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Cream Rises Slowly, Sh*t Floats Quickly

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 363 - Turns out that leadership is always the problem, luckily it’s also the solution.

We sit down with business turnaround specialist, author and reluctant influencer Chris Hirst to find out why and how to fix it (turns out that leadership is always the solution as well).

Leadership transforms business for good and bad, Chris talks us through why the smallest unit of any business is a team, and that all teams have leaders. We also discuss ‘culture’ and why most leaders think about it the wrong way, and how if you get it right it is a business superpower.

If you want to get an equation for understanding leadership impact (yes an actual equation), learn how to mitigate against 20% of your team providing 80% of your businesses value or just get your head round the fact that failure is a prerequisite for success this is the episode for you.

He’ll also explain how to write a book by accident.

You can buy Chris's books on Amazon

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Chris Hirst

01:36 The Role of an Influencer

02:13 Understanding Leadership

09:50 The Importance of Culture

12:54 Team Dynamics and Flexible Working

18:23 Leadership in Complex Organisations

34:23 The British Perspective on Leadership

41:09 The Power of Writing for Clarity

41:35 The Journey of Leadership

43:48 Understanding Work Fulfilment

45:21 Challenges in Workplace Dynamics

49:38 The Importance of Fair Compensation

01:00:44 Turning Around a Failing Business

01:04:45 Quick Fire - Get To Know Chris

01:13:08 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Senior Tax Expert explains what's wrong with HMRC

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0000

EP 362 - Richard Oury has a wide career from running and building the family business Oury Clark, to acting as a chairman of a FTSE quoted company, to being an entrepreneur in Wine, Music, Cosmetics, Food Manufacturing, Hedge Funds, and more. To all of these activities he has applied a deeply independent mindset, this entrepreneurial independence is what has grown Oury Clark from a tiny firm in Slough to a unique Top 50 professional firm in the UK.

We recorded this episode sometime back, and it was the final time my sister appeared on the podcast before she died of cancer. I was honoured to record this, and it is a joy to bring her back to life once more in this interview.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Richard Oury

01:56 Personal Stories and Family History

03:01 Quickfire - Get To Know Richard

03:58 Early Career and First Jobs

05:30 School Experiences and Career Choices

17:22 Music Preferences and Gadgets

22:11 Office Dogs and Workplace Dynamics

26:16 Family History and Huguenot Heritage

30:32 Food, Smoking, and Health

36:33 Coal Dust and Diesel Fumes: A Dirty Past

37:53 Family Business Ventures and Escaping Financial Ties

38:30 Complex Relationships and Business Growth

39:10 Religious Upbringing and Family History

41:49 Economic Struggles and Resilience

48:13 Corporate Takeovers and Corruption

53:05 Regulatory Challenges and Business Integrity

01:09:20 Trust and Personal Values in Business

01:16:34 Toxic Workplace Dynamics

01:16:56 The Importance of Banking Relationships

01:17:34 Overdrafts and Debt Collection

01:18:06 Cultural Attitudes Towards Money

01:21:25 Workplace Efficiency and Motivation

01:25:59 Generational Perspectives on Business

01:28:14 Future Goals and Business Expansion

01:30:01 Challenges and Advice for Entrepreneurs

01:32:38 Environmental Concerns and Solutions

01:36:15 Reflections on Business Mistakes

01:45:11 Family Business and Legacy

01:57:28 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

The Problem With “Inspiration Porn” according to fashion pioneer Victoria Jenkins

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 361 - This is an absolute cracker from the archive for you this Christmas, one that will help you see the world around you through other people’s eyes.

We meet adaptive and universal fashion pioneer Victoria Jenkins (don’t worry, she explains the difference between the two). We talk about how successive governments have created a truly hostile environment for disabled people. Why 2023’s “Ask Don’t Assume” campaign was, frankly, a right pain in the “ask”. And the problem that Victoria has with "inspiration porn” in general, and the Paralympics in particular.

There is also quite a lot of chat about velcro.

Spotify Video Chapters (only):

01:06 - Understanding Disability and Its Impact

01:41 - Victoria's Personal Journey with Disability

03:39 - The Birth of Unhidden: Fashion for the Disabled

06:02 - Challenges in the Fashion Industry for Disabled People

08:07 - The Struggle for Recognition and Equality

10:53 - Unhidden's Challenges in Advertising

12:09 - The Need for Representation in Government and Society

14:06 - The Future of Disability and Adaptive Fashion

23:07 - Misconceptions Surrounding Paralympians

23:19 - The Power of Overcoming Adversity

24:02 - The Need for Better Government Support

25:04 - The Misrepresentation of Disability in Media

28:22 - The Challenges of Being a Disabled Founder

28:27 - The Importance of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

29:04 - The Power of Community for Disabled Entrepreneurs

29:45 - The Struggles of Raising Funds as a Disabled Founder

30:13 - The Experience of Pitching on Dragon's Den

38:42 - The Snobbery in the Fashion Industry

43:03 - The Future of Unhidden Clothing

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Failing To Invest in Young People? Then Prepare for Society to Fail

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 360 - Don’t knock teachers unless you’ve tried to do it yourself! Why politicians should find the money to fund education for all and stop using teachers as a political punchbag, especially if they have never set foot in a state school classroom.

Our archive special this week is Mehreen Baig, author, documentarian and former secondary school teacher who makes a compelling case that failure to invest in young people in general and education in particular is storing up problems for society in years to come.

We thought it was timely to revisit this episode, to see if Labour’s ‘milestone’ announcement around investment in early years education measures up to what is actually needed.

Spotify Video Chapters (only):

00:00 BWB with Mehreen Baig - Re-Visited

01:40 The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Education

11:35 The Role of Parenting and Systemic Issues

21:03 Special Educational Needs and Career Advice

27:09 The Emotional Toll on Teachers

32:32 Future Goals and Reflections

39:57 Life Advice from Leslie Joseph

40:20 Transition to Media

41:00 Accidental Career Shift

44:45 Quickfire - Get To Know Mehreen

48:18 Mehreen's Book and Podcast Recommendations

50:31 Business or Bullshit Quiz!

58:21 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Partyman Returns: How to crack UK business growth with James Sinclair

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 359 - We love opinions and James has plenty. After spending a couple of episodes looking at the global picture we get down to UK business brass tacks with Partyman CEO James Sinclair.

James is full of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone at the sharp end of leading a company in the UK. We talk about the importance of dreaming big, the value of vertical integration and how staying on top of your P&L and cash flow is the most important thing that any business owner can do.

Given the recent UK budget, James’ call on the government to tax profit not turnover makes this a timely re-listen.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with James Sinclair: Revisited

02:04 Meet James

02:55 Sinclair's Business Journey

08:10 Challenges in Childcare and Employment

10:36 The Burden of Turnover Taxes

21:11 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Big Dreams

28:17 Advice for Entrepreneurs

36:46 The Push and Pull in Business

37:49 Taking Risks and Self-Belief

39:09 Worst Advice and Protectionist Mindset

39:58 Founder Challenges and Tall Poppy Syndrome

42:19 Government Support for Entrepreneurship

49:58 Quickfire Round: Get to Know James

54:13 The Role of Good Management

57:52 Business or Bullshit Quiz!

01:05:35 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Steve Keen: Eliminate Economists to Save the World

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 358 - We revisit our first chat with Steve Keen - author, friend of the podcast and the first economist to warn of the 2008 financial crash. Appropriately, given the COP29 was all about the money, we chat about how economists have totally trivialised the dangers of the climate crisis, and what that might mean for humanity.

We also discuss why trade unions are a good thing for the economy and why corporate behaviour in the UK would be better if we followed Germany’s model.

Spotify Video Chapters (only):

00:00 BWB Re-Visited with Steve Keen

01:17 Meet Steve

01:56 Steve's Achievements

02:52 Frustrations with Economic Predictions

04:52 Climate Change: The Real Threat

14:45 The Role of Trade Unions

18:52 Government's Role in Society

23:04 Brexit and Its Aftermath

26:04 Business Practices and Economic Theories

29:11 Quickfire - Get To Know Steve

30:53 Getting Fired and Office Politics

33:29 Inspirational Teachers and Career Choices

35:11 Economics and Financial Crises

38:41 Life, Mistakes, and Advice

47:00 Business or Bullshit Quiz!

51:51 Final Thoughts

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Grace Blakeley Explains How To Reform UK Democracy

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 357 - As COP 29 draws to a close in sunny, oil rich Azerbaijan we revisit our spirited conversation with political economist Grace Blakeley. We talk about Green New Deals and why we need to restore faith in democracy above all else.

Grace makes a compelling point that dealing with Climate Change shouldn’t be put on the shoulders of individuals but those of institutions and businesses, as only they can affect the systemic changes required.

We discuss how investing money in fixing problems now will pay for itself in the long run (it worked after WWII after all) and how community wealth building offers a credible alternative to the idea of “stakeholder capitalism”.

Spoiler alert - Grace is not a fan of stakeholder capitalism.

Spotify Video Chapters (only):

00:00 BWB with Grace Blakeley

01:46 Meet Grace

02:22 Climate Change and Economic Structures

03:35 The Green New Deal Explained

04:38 Challenges of Retrofitting and Government Support

06:06 Government Insulation and Political Influence

16:43 Tax Avoidance and Evasion Debate

26:32 Stakeholder Capitalism and Market Concentration

31:25 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Grace

33:40 School Expulsions and Rebellious Youth

38:03 Career Journey and Writing Books

45:22 Passions and Personal Reflections

46:52 Advice and Recommendations

53:42 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Blast of Past Wisdom: In Conversation with Martin Wolf CBE

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 356 - We are doing some hefty metaphorical redecorating at BWB at the moment (remodelling for our American friends). That means that we will be using the next few weeks to look back into our catalogue and republish some choice episodes. Conversations that we think are as relevant today as they were when they were first released.

First up Martin Wolf CBE - Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator at the FT.

We kicked off 2023 talking to Martin about the state of the Nation and his thinking will give you a helpful lens to hold up to UK current events such as the budget, democratic reform and how our future is shaped by the economic choices that we make now.

And Martin's keen eyed analysis and clear headed assessment of the current state and future of the British Economy, Political Realm and our role in the world when it comes to trade is as relevant now as when we first sat down in 2023.

Spotify Video Chapters (only):

00:00 BWB with Martin Wolf CBE

01:27 Meet Martin

02:13 Current Global Challenges and Their Impact on the UK

03:17 Historical Context: The UK's Economic Evolution

11:23 The Regional Disparity in the UK Economy

16:24 The Need for Long-Term Economic Planning

30:34 The Role of Skills and Education in Economic Growth

38:16 The Future of the UK's Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

42:39 The Importance of Reliable Data in Economic Planning

48:28 Data in Decision Making

49:23 Adapting Plans in Business and Government

50:36 The Role of Flexibility in Business Success

52:48 Modern Monetary Theory Explained

58:00 Economic Challenges and Recession

01:05:52 Global Trade and the Commonwealth

01:12:16 The Future of the UK Economy

01:18:20 Political Landscape and Party Dynamics

01:25:27 Conclusion: Navigating Economic and Political Realities

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Kody 'Big Mo' Mommaerts

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 355 - Sky and NBC ring announcer known as Big Mo is in the quiz seat for the B.O.B quiz showdown - personal trainers, corporate gifting, universal basic income and the significance of Super Bowl ads all make the draw for Kody's views - are they Business or Bullshit?

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kody Mommaerts

00:43 Personal Trainers: Business or BS?

02:20 Corporate Gifting: Sincere or Fake?

03:44 Business Accelerators and Incubators

04:17 Right Wing Politics and Universal Basic Income

05:04 Lunch Provided for Employees: Bullshit or Benefit?

05:41 Search Engine Optimisation and Family Business

06:34 Crypto and Digital Nomads

07:20 Drinking at Lunch and Workplace Humour

12:29 Lobbying and ChatGBT

14:46 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

BOXXER & Sky Sports Ring Announcer Explains The Business Of Boxing

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 354 - This week we catch up with broadcaster, entertainer and tech entrepreneur Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts. Kody combines being “Big Mo” the ring announcer for Boxxer on Sky and NBC with being the COO of SaaS scale up Sports Thread.

We chat about why the most important skills for any role are really hard to put in the job description, why being distinctive, putting time and effort into standing out is as important in business as it is in entertainment and why the rapid rate of change in both combat sports and tech means that the areas have more in common than you would think.

We also discover that no-one in the podcast studio knows the name of Liverpool FCs home stadium. (hint producer Dee: it’s not Old Trafford).

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Kody 'Big Mo' Mommaerts

01:08 Meet Big Mo

02:03 The Journey of Sports Thread Inc.

02:58 The Role of a Ring Announcer

04:18 The UK and USA Sports Connection

10:05 The Art of Ring Announcing

25:54 The Complexities of Boxing Promotions

31:51 Fighters and Promotional Companies

32:24 Marketing and Promotion in Boxing

33:11 The Business of Boxing

35:42 Personal Journey and Public Speaking

38:14 The Art of Communication

46:31 Cultural Differences in Business Communication

49:13 Innovating Boxing Entertainment

52:05 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Kody

01:00:02 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Andrew Craig

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 353 - Financial literacy expert Andrew Craig jumps in the seat to take on Andy's quiz card debate.

They also delve into Universal Basic Income, the future of digital nomads, the relevance of ESG investing, the role of lawyers in business, and the potential of decentralised autonomous organisations.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Andrew Craig

00:30 Personal Trainers and ChatGPT

01:17 Corporate Social Responsibility

03:27 Venture Capital and Incubators

05:14 Universal Basic Income

08:35 Insurance and Alternative Investment Market

10:47 Digital Nomads and ESG Investing

13:38 EBITDA and Lawyers

15:09 Decentralised Autonomous Organisations

16:57 Wrap Up

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Why is Britain in such a state? Plain English answers and solutions with Andrew Craig

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 352 - In a very timely episode, with our politicians talking about growth, budgets and black holes, we talk to author, investor and founder of Plain English Finance Andrew Craig about:

> How Britain has shot itself in the foot through a series of dreadful regulations.

> Why the awful state of the British economy is a function of the parlous state of the British stock market.

> How improving overall financial literacy could help that.

We don’t actually talk about black holes, but we suspect that one might be created somehow if Andrew ever met our previous guest Gary Stevenson in a pub.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig

01:12 Meet Andrew: Financial Expert and Author

01:59 The Challenges of UK Financial Services

02:52 The Impact of Regulation on Investment

07:14 The Decline of the London Stock Market

08:22 The Role of Financial Literacy and Investment

31:14 The Rise of Passive Investing

35:09 The Crypto Conundrum

37:46 The Allure of Quick Riches and Financial Illiteracy

39:06 The Importance of Financial Education

39:41 Jordan Peterson and Mental Health

40:50 Historical Progress and Capital Markets

41:36 The Role of Biotech in Solving Global Issues

41:52 Celebrating Human Progress

43:49 The British Psyche and Economic Challenges

50:31 The Press and National Unity

56:35 The Impact of Immigration and Refugees

58:04 Capital Markets and Government Finance

01:00:50 The Future of Biotech and Personalised Health

01:02:48 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Andrew

01:08:46 Wrap Up

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Julius Stobbs

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 351 - Copyright lawyer Julius Stubbs jumps in the quiz seat to give Andy's business quiz cards a piece of his mind - office nap pods, Brexit, universal basic income and kangaroo insurance all make the shortlist (Julius's AUS story will have you in tears!)

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit Julius Stubbs

01:10 Team Building Exercises: Business or BS?

01:58 LinkedIn?

02:22 The Insurance Rant

04:12 Universal Basic Income?

06:28 In-Office Fitness Classes. Who's in?

06:44 Diversity Quotas Debate

07:13 Brexit

08:46 Silicon Valley and Business Investments

09:03 Government Grants and R&D Tax Credits

10:20 Formal Directors Meetings

10:45 Free Ports and Regulators

11:16 Digital Nomads and Remote Work

13:14 Balancing Flexibility and Collaboration

15:04 Wrap Up

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My IP, or not my IP that is the question. Why AI is a copyright lawyer's biggest problem with Julius Stobbs.

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 350 - The founder of I Am Stobbs, a specialist trademark and brand attorney firm, talks us through why even the youngest businesses should be thinking about their IP, but should spend the bare minimum on protecting it until they really need to. And when the point that they really need to protect it is likely to be.

We also get into why AI is the biggest challenge facing IP, trademark and copyright law right now and why graphic designers and photographers might want to think about getting a different job as a result.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Julius Stobbs

01:15 Meet Julius, founder of Stobbs

02:02 Understanding IP in Business

03:00 The Importance of IP Strategy

04:53 Commercial Approach to Legal Services

06:49 Challenges in IP Protection

08:56 Global IP Protection and Strategy

32:06 The Future of IP and AI

38:43 The Subtlety of Artistic Skill

39:39 AI's Impact on the Art Industry

40:24 Employment Challenges in the AI Era

42:18 The Debate on New Employment Laws

43:56 Tax Loopholes and Economic Policies

46:01 Academia vs. Entrepreneurship

53:30 Legal Services vs. Client Interests

59:23 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Julius

01:03:57 Advice for Founders and Entrepreneurs

01:07:28 Wrap Up

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Sarah Turner

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 349 - Female Angel Investor Sarah Turner jumps in the quiz seat this week to take on Andy's list of business conundrums - business attire, pitch decks, conferences and offshore tax havens all make the shortlist!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Sarah Turner

00:43 Conferences: Business or Bullshit?

01:06 Offshore Tax Havens Debate

02:41 Flying Business Class: Worth It?

03:31 Unlimited Holidays?

04:23 Charities: Business or Goodwill?

05:14 The Strangeness of Wealth

05:30 The Apologetic Rich

05:59 Celebrating Success

06:22 Drinking at Work

06:38 Family Dynasties and Business

07:08 Thought Leadership

07:34 Dressing for Success

08:25 Creating Effective Pitch Decks

09:17 Wrap Up

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Female Investment Madness: Redressing the balance with Sarah Turner of Angel Academe

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 348 - Just 3% of angel investments in Europe went to all female founding teams last year. Last time we checked, half the population was female (women also own 50% of the wealth in the UK!).

Sarah Turner, CEO and cofounder of investment network Angel Acadame, gives us an education about how we can redress the balance and get rid of the Silicon Valley style macho bullshit..

We talk about how the Government fundamentally misunderstands the value of entrepreneurs, why nobody, left or right, is really listening to business and why it’s perfectly OK to pitch for investment when you are pregnant.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Sarah Turner

01:15 Meet Sarah: CEO and Co-Founder of Angel Academe

02:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Female-Led Startups

03:31 The Importance of Female Angel Investors

05:33 Unconscious Bias and Communication Differences

07:16 The Silicon Valley Model and Female Entrepreneurs

07:57 FemTech Unicorns and Gender Disparities

09:11 Angel Academe's Mission and Operations

10:26 The Role of Women in Investment and Business

18:18 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship

26:54 The Current UK Investment Climate

32:05 Addressing Misconceptions in Business Law

32:52 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs

33:55 Small Business Struggles with HMRC

36:05 Angel Academe: Mission and Vision

38:16 Gender Dynamics in Investment

41:01 The Importance of Adequate Funding

42:41 Best Practices for Angel Networks

46:59 Success Stories from Angel Academy

53:46 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Sarah

56:58 Wrap Up

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Michael Branagan-Harris

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 347 - Med Tech expert Michael Branagan-Harris jumps in the quiz seat alongside Andy to plough through Andy's list of business terms .. or are they? Brexit, corporation tax, Bitcoin, unlimited holidays and drinking at lunch all make the shortlist!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Michael Branagan-Harris

00:42 Royal Warrants and Brexit

01:25 Brexit's Impact on Business

02:35 The Future of UK Healthcare

06:41 Bitcoin, Drinking at Lunch and Unlimited Holidays

07:42 Challenges in the MedTech Industry

09:35 Charities and Pharma Influence

12:45 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

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Devices not Drugs: How rethinking patient care could help save the NHS with Michael Branagan-Harris

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 346 - We chat with the founder & CEO of Device Access - who help MedTech companies gain market access and regulatory approval - about how over regulation can stifle innovation and lead to an adverse impact on patient care and outcomes.

Michael Branigan tells us about:

Why US companies aren’t interested infringing their devices to the UK anymore (hint it’s cos we are tiny)

Why regulation is stifling innovation, and how that is bad for all of us, but particularly the NHS

He also mentions Brexit, but not for the reasons that you’d expect.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Michael Branagan-Harris

01:51 The Changing Landscape UK MedTech

02:46 Impact of European Medical Device Regulations

04:46 Challenges in the MedTech Industry

05:55 Gov Initiatives and Their Shortcomings

07:28 Understanding Medical Device Regulations

14:42 The Role of NICE and Market Access

28:56 The Future of MedTech and Market Strategies

35:22 Affordability vs. Innovation in Healthcare

37:00 Challenges in Medtech vs. Pharma

37:39 Navigating the NHS Procurement Process

38:59 Leveraging Data for Healthcare Solutions

41:53 Global Perspectives on Healthcare Systems

49:20 The Role of MedTech in Modern Healthcare

52:12 Independent Clinical Evidence

55:34 Quick Fire Round - Get to Know Michael

01:00:06 Wrap Up and Advice for Entrepreneurs

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dhiraj Mukherjee

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 345 - Shazam co-founder Dhiraj Mukherjee jumps in this week's quiz seat playing judge and jury to Andy's random list of business topics - investment TV shows, work-life balance and climate change activism all make the shortlist!

Are they business or bullshit? Pull up a chair, press play and find out.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Game

00:29 Investment TV Shows: Business or Bullshit?

02:19 The Early Bird Catches the Worm

03:11 Share Options: Motivating Employees

04:24 Work-Life Balance in Startups

08:21 The Role of Regulators

09:47 Hockey Stick Growth in Startups

10:20 Silicon Valley: The Hub of Innovation

11:22 Climate Change: A Generational Challenge

18:09 Brexit: A Sad Move for the Country

19:22 Imagining a Unified World

21:47 Conclusion and Farewell

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Shazam Co-Founder Explains The $400M Sale To Apple

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 344 - We catch up with Dhiraj Mukherjee, the man who successfully steered Shazam to a $400m sale to Apple, to talk impact investing, augmenting our behaviour with AI tools and why, given the rate of technological change, being taught how to learn is more important than being told what to learn.

Dhiraj also takes Andy’s impromptu music quiz, we think he did OK, he thinks his son will be disappointed.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Dhiraj Mukherjee

01:09 Meet Dheeraj

01:42 Impact Investing and Tech for Good

03:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech

05:24 Gender Diversity in Technology

08:16 The Role of AI in Recruitment

13:33 Climate Action and Renewable Energy

17:41 The Evolution of Shazam

21:19 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

30:32 The Future of AI and Technology

35:25 Empowering Leadership In Teams

37:18 Agile Development and Business Flexibility

38:28 The Role of AI in Software Development

39:15 The Art of Continuous Learning

42:27 The Future of Education with Tech

51:35 Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Business

52:55 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Dhiraj

01:03:12 Warp Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Greg Newman

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 343 - Oil markets expert and CEO of Onyx Capital Group, Greg Newman is in the the quiz seat to discuss and debate various business terms: office spaces in the metaverse, Xmas bonuses, flying for meetings, drinking at work and offshore tax havens are all on the table. "Business or Bullshit?" is the question!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Greg Newman

00:37 Office Spaces in the Metaverse: Yay or Nay?

00:58 Xmas Bonuses

02:12 Who Still Flies for One Meeting?

02:43 The Reluctance to Use Telephones

03:15 Drinking at Lunch: A Trader's Perspective

05:09 Offshore Tax Havens and Tax Fairness

08:11 Conferences and the Oil Industry

10:49 The Importance of Integrity in Business

11:43 Balancing Work and Family

12:44 Wrap Up

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Can’t Stop Oil? Understanding Global Fossil Fuel Addiction with Greg Newman

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 342 - Oil. love it, hate it or just want to use less of it? Like it or not you can’t avoid it.

We chat to Greg Newman, CEO of Onyx Capital Group, who helps us to unpick our planet’s tricky relationship with black gold. We talk democratising derivatives, tricky transitions and how increased transparency can help to build a fairer energy future.

We also graciously allow Greg to plug his book 'World of Oil Derivatives' (OK, it’s a good book, you should read it)

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Greg Newman

01:06 Meet Greg - CEO of Onyx Capital Group

02:00 Understanding Oil Derivatives

02:15 The Financial vs. Physical Oil Market

03:29 The Role of Financial Contracts

07:34 Hedging and Price Stability

14:12 Greg's Journey in the Oil Market

15:02 The Impact of Regulation on Oil Trading

16:42 The Rise of Mandara

25:02 The Future of Oil and Market Efficiency

29:33 Global Oil Market Challenges

30:00 The Role of Market Efficiency

31:10 Trading Dynamics and Market Influence

31:33 Transparency and Market Fairness

33:37 Democratising Oil Trading

35:40 The Impact of Sentiment on Prices

37:44 Regulation and Market Self-Regulation

38:05 The Future of Oil and Renewables

56:34 The Role of Petrochemicals

56:54 The Problem of Oil and Lubricants

57:03 China's Strategic Moves in Petrochemicals

57:45 Tech Advancements and Market Shifts

58:00 The Impact of COVID on Market Trends

58:09 Challenges Faced by Oil Companies

59:05 Investment Shifts and Market Realities

59:40 The Role of Media and Public Perception

01:00:15 Engaging Retail Investors

01:01:13 Understanding Oil Contracts and Market Dynamics

01:01:56 Personal Insights and Reflections

01:07:39 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Greg

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QUIZ -Business or Bullshit with Bianca Miller-Cole

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 341 - The Apprentice former contestant and Forbes '30 under 30' honouree entrepreneur Bianca Miller Cole jumps in the quiz seat discussing Andy's list of terms and concepts - founder's egos, mandatory lunch breaks, unlimited holidays, and family dynasties are all up for debate!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Bianca Miller-Cole

00:33 Debating Founders' Egos

01:03 The Role of Money in Business

02:15 Mandatory Hour-Long Lunch Breaks

03:23 Unlimited Holidays: Pros and Cons

04:43 Equal Paternity Leave

07:58 The Importance of Contracts

09:29 Family Dynasties in Business

10:47 The Art of Bluffing in Business

11:36 Thought Leadership

12:50 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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"The Apprentice" Personal Branding Expert On Why Businesses Hire Her

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 340 - Bianca talks about how she went from ‘first loser’ on The Apprentice to being an award winning entrepreneur featured on Forbes 30 under 30.

We chat about society’s attitudes to failure and gender, how this impacts people professionally and why personal branding helps to improve your confidence in the workplace. Bianca also talks about balancing career and motherhood, and how family and personal connections are important for both.

Andy also forgets the American word for braces.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Bianca Miller-Cole

00:49 Meet Bianca: Entrepreneur and Author

02:12 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

05:02 The Apprentice Experience

06:38 Understanding Personal Branding

13:29 The Importance of Confidence in Business

20:30 Training and Development in Small Businesses

29:31 Bianca's Diverse Business Ventures

36:30 Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure

39:12 The Role of Personal Branding

40:32 Entrepreneurship and Taxation

46:18 Public Speaking and Confidence Building

49:30 Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

55:19 Balancing Work and Personal Life

56:50 Long-Term Goals and Mentorship

59:14 Frustrations with Taxation and Governance

01:06:08 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Bianca

Watch us on YouTube

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Wankernomics

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 339 - Notorious Australian comedy act Wankernomics aka Charles Firth and James Schloeffel jump in the quiz seats this week vetting Andy's business terms as either business or bullshit: flying business class, spending time with kids versus building a business, offshore tax havens, and more is paddled on the table.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Wankernomics

00:34 Face-to-Face Meetings: Business or Bullshit?

02:30 Flying Business Class: Worth It?

03:45 Conferences: Business or Bullshit?

04:16 Balancing Work and Family

05:30 Offshore Tax Havens: Myths and Realities

08:05 Drinking at Lunch: Good Idea?

09:05 Working from Home vs. Office

10:03 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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Wankernomics 101: Exposing the Bullsh*t Behind Corporate Culture

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 338 - Charles Firth and James Schloeffel otherwise known as Wankernomics are an Australian comedy act famed for their (piss)take on today’s absurdities of workplace culture, capitalism, and the corporate world.

Our unfiltered chat exposes the concealed incompetence behind business jargon and workplace language. We discuss generational and cultural differences in communication, the role of humour in office dynamics, and insights from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

We talk about how to navigate corporate jargon with a comedic edge, the power of humour in dealing with life, and why comedy censorship qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Wankernomics

00:42 Meet James and Charles

01:32 The Absurdities of Workplace Jargon

03:25 The Origins of Corporate Buzzwords

06:32 Emails and Passive Aggression

13:42 Cultural Differences in Business Communication

18:52 The Role of Humour in the Workplace

23:22 The Edinburgh Fringe Experience

25:51 Future Plans for Wankonomics

30:57 The Brutal Nature of Comedy Feedback

31:30 The Unique Environment of Comedy

32:05 Comedy vs. Other Art Forms

32:58 Breaking Down Business Silos

34:01 The Role of Social Media in Comedy

34:38 Comedy in Different Markets

35:53 The Art of Business Meetings

38:14 British Hospitality and Productivity

44:33 Personal Relationships in Business

45:36 Challenges and Cock-Ups in Comedy

46:13 The Role of Agents in Comedy

53:25 The Bullshit in Comedy

57:38 Humour in Difficult Times

01:00:03 Wrap Up

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Kevin Gaskell

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 337 - Former CEO of Porsche, BMW and Lamborghini, Kevin Gaskell jumps in the quiz seat to discuss and debate various business practices - from TikTok to corporate gifting, from metaverse offices to B Corp certifications, Kevin shares his wise and candid views.

NDAs, alternative investment markets, and physical meetings vs. virtual ones also make the shortlist.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kevin Gaskell

00:37 TikTok: Business or Bullshit?

01:07 Corporate Gifting: Building Relationships

01:39 Metaverse Office Spaces: Real or Fake?

02:27 Understanding B Corp and ESG

03:42 Sweat Equity: The Entrepreneur's Dilemma

04:58 NDAs: Necessary or Not?

05:35 Alternative Investment Markets (AIM)

06:17 Christmas Bonuses

08:14 Asking Favours: The Right Way

10:03 E-Meetings: The Future of Work?

12:13 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Kevin Gaskell on Leadership Secrets of Porsche, BMW & Lamborghini's UK Success

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 336 - Kevin was CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini and BMW in the UK who led the companies to hugely successful turnarounds and business growth. He remains actively involved in numerous companies worldwide, as both a founder investor and chairman, currently including the UK’s fastest-growing fibre network provider.

To date, Kevin and his teams have created over £4 billion in shareholder value, making him one of the UK’s Top 40 leaders.

We discuss Kevin's remarkable journey, both personal and professional: from transforming luxury brands into thriving enterprises to becoming the oldest man to row the Pacific Ocean at age 66!

Kevin reflects on his career challenges, his hands-on business strategies, and his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through his initiative, Smarter Britain.

We recount Kevin's thrilling experiences of rowing the Atlantic, drawing parallels between his survival endeavours and business strategies. Kevin also explains why government inefficiencies qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Kevin Gaskell

01:27 Kevin's Current Ventures

02:14 The State of UK Fibre Infrastructure

03:40 Kevin's Business Philosophy

04:34 From Civil Engineer to Business Leader

05:23 Turning Around Porsche

16:39 BMW's Transformation

22:44 Managing Corporate Culture and Unions

41:07 Acquiring and Building Epics

41:44 A Business Failure in South Africa

44:01 Lessons Learned from Business Failures

45:04 Current Ventures and Future Plans

45:35 Introducing Smarter Britain

48:37 Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

56:51 Frustrations with Government and Taxes

01:08:46 Fun Questions and Personal Insights

01:14:51 Adrenaline Junkie: Adventures and Challenges

01:24:42 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dave Birss

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 335 - Generative AI educator and author David Birss takes the business or bullshit quiz offering his insights on various topics. From client lunches to golden parachutes and tax systems, David shares his candid views and has a very strong message for all TikTokers!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Dave Birss

00:46 Silicon Roundabout and Client Lunches

02:56 R&D Tax Credits and Fraud

05:05 Dress for Success?

07:33 Golden Parachutes and Employment Law

12:30 Trickle Down Economics and Wealth Disparity

15:56 Digital Nomads and Tax Avoidance

18:02 Message for all TikTokers

21:37 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Dave Birss on The Sensible AI Manifesto

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 334 - Dave is a renowned speaker, advisor and educator in Generative AI, and author of The Sensible AI Manifesto.

We discuss the real-world applications of AI in business, common misconceptions and productivity myths while exploring the ethical, economic, and creative implications of integrating AI.

Dave shares his transition from a creative director to an AI educator, discusses the Sensible AI Manifesto, and emphasises the importance of responsible AI use to augment human abilities.

We also discuss the necessity of human creativity, quality training, and continuous learning in maximising AI's potential. Dave also explains why corporate attitude towards staff training qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Dave Birss

01:48 The Sensible AI Manifesto

03:18 Challenges with AI Implementation

03:48 AI and Productivity Myths

07:27 The Human Impact of AI

16:33 AI in Warfare and Global Threats

26:11 Training and Education in AI

32:22 Cultural Attitudes Towards Training

33:52 Political and Social Commentary

43:27 The Misconception of AI's Capabilities

44:51 The Art of Prompting AI

47:35 A Journey Through Music and Creativity

52:11 The Intersection of AI and Human Potential

01:00:12 Challenges and Missteps in Innovation

01:02:27 The Importance of Human-Centric AI

01:11:46 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Dave

01:20:52 Dave's Top Business Tips

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If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Bill Grimsey

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

Prolific ex-CEO and the man responsible for saving UK chain store giants Wickes and Iceland - Bill Grimsey - is in the quiz seat tackling topics like monthly management accounts, first mover advantage, golden parachutes and digital nomads, reflecting on his own experiences and sharing his unfiltered opinions ;)

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Bill Grimsey

00:37 Monthly Management Accounts: Biz or BS?

00:45 Debating Incubators and First Mover Advantage

02:14 Golden Parachutes and Client Lunches

03:05 Loving What You Do and Lifestyle Businesses

03:39 Free Ports and Digital Nomads

04:57 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Bill Grimsey on Reviving Towns, The Future of Retail, and Calling Out Corporate Greed

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 332 - Bill has been a serial CEO, Director and Non-Exec spanning a 40 year career in retail working for companies like Tesco, Budgens, and earning a reputation for his role in masterminding the recovery of DIY group Wickes and the Iceland Group.

Bill is also the author of The Grimsey Reviews 1 and 2 which were both widely acclaimed with local governments both here in the UK and abroad adopting many of his key recommendations.

We discuss Bill's efforts to revitalise town centres, the shortcomings of government reports, and his influential Grimsey Reviews.

We cover the evolution of retail, challenges like Amazon's market dominance, and the problem of tax avoidance by wealthy individuals and corporations.

Bill also offers priceless advice for entrepreneurs and explains why modern automated customer service qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Bill Grimsey

00:54 The Grimsey Reviews: Independent and Influential

01:34 Challenges and Changes in Retail

03:12 Success Stories: Transforming Towns

05:19 The Role of Leadership in Town Regeneration

07:17 Impact of Amazon Tech on Retail

08:49 Revitalising Town Centres

11:27 The Importance of Vision and Leadership

11:49 Challenges in Local Government and Privatisation

23:30 Advice for Entrepreneurs

26:37 Political Landscape and Leadership

47:27 Class Tensions and Education in the UK

48:17 Personal Education Journeys

50:23 The Importance of Mentors

52:10 Private Equity and Its Impact

01:00:41 Challenges in Retail and Technology

01:05:36 Taxation and Wealth

01:14:44 Customer Service in Retail

01:21:55 Quickfire Round - Getting to know Bill

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Paul Webster

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 331 - International trade expert Paul Webster takes the quiz seat giving us his views on various terms as either business or bullshit - equal paternity leave policies, British politeness in business, foreign espionage risks and adult entertainment industry all make the shortlist!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Paul Webster

00:54 Debate on Equal Paternity Leave

03:54 Discussion on British Politeness

05:30 Hashtags and Social Media

06:40 Foreign Espionage Risks

07:31 Influencers and Public Messaging

09:00 Porn and OnlyFans: controversial?

11:20 Final Thoughts and Scores

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Paul Webster’s Playbook for International Trade Expansion

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 330 - Paul is Principal of International Expansion Partners (IEP) and AUS UK. His career spans both the private and public sectors having worked in financial services and management consulting in Australia before moving into the international investment sector.

Paul shares his expertise on the potential of the Oz UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), SME opportunities in government procurement, and cultural nuances between the UK and Australia. He also gives invaluable tips for founders on international expansion, making the most of free resources, and managing organisational change.

Essential listening for founders and entrepreneurs looking to expand their business internationally.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Paul Webster

00:56 Exciting Developments in UK-AUS Trade

01:32 Government Procurement Opportunities for SMEs

02:30 Challenges and Opportunities in UK-AUS Trade

03:43 The Complexity of UK and AUS Banking Systems

07:49 The Impact of Free Trade on Food and Drink

13:57 Cultural Differences in Business Practices

23:04 Paul's Career Journey

23:14 The Role of International Expansion Partners

34:06 Navigating Government and Bureaucracy

37:23 Rebranding Controversy

38:19 Government Support for Businesses

40:04 Challenges for Small Businesses

44:45 Lessons from Personal Mistakes

50:46 Effective Communication Strategies

59:58 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Paul

01:06:32 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Kate Ancketill

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 329 - Global Thought Leader in Business Futurism - Kate Ancketill - is the quiz seat this week tackling Andy's list of subjects as 'business' or 'bullshit' - family dynasties, DAOs, corporate gifting and Labour government are all on the list!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kate Ancketill

00:28 Family Dynasties: Business or Bullshit?

01:16 DAOs - Yay or Nay?

01:56 Multiple Careers: Focus or Fail?

02:14 Royal Warrants: Prestige or Pointless?

03:13 Enterprise Zones: Opportunity or Illusion?

03:53 The Etiquette of Asking 'How Are You?'

05:11 B Corps: Genuine Effort or Paperwork?

06:25 The Metaverse: Future or Fad?

08:02 Corporate Gifting: Generosity or Corruption?

09:57 Labour Government: Hope or Hype?

11:25 Final Score and Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Kate Ancketill's Blueprint for the Future of Consumer Behaviour

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 328 - Kate is a global thought-leader in business futurism and CEO of GDR - Creative Intelligence which is renowned for blending big picture context with insights from industry experts to predict the impact of new technologies and consumer behaviours on commerce.

In this extended episode, we discuss pressing retail and business trends, the impact of global macro forces on retail, sustainable practices, and the challenges of profitability amidst de-globalisation.

Kate emphasises experiential retail, evolving consumer behaviour, and the necessity for businesses to adapt to demographic and economic shifts.

We also addresses the rise in retail theft and its economic impacts, housing challenges, and the future role of empathic AI in transforming consumer interactions and societal structures.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Kate Ancketill

01:21 Understanding Macro Forces and Trends

02:01 Consulting for Billion-Dollar Corporations

02:33 The Impact of AI and Future Technologies

06:37 Concerns Keeping Business Leaders Awake

13:23 The End of Mass Consumption

14:39 Sustainability and the Circular Economy

32:21 Reviving the High Street

44:08 The Decline of Department Stores

45:07 The Rise of Experiential Retail

45:39 Selfridges: A Case Study

48:31 The Role of Social Media in Modern Retail

52:30 The Impact of AI on Retail

01:01:56 The Complexities of U.S. Expansion

01:11:33 Economic Challenges and Consumer Behaviour

01:13:20 Retail Theft and Its Consequences

01:14:25 Retail Crime and Its Impact on Society

01:16:41 Housing Market Challenges and Solutions

01:19:41 The Decline in Birth Rates and Its Implications

01:22:00 Kate's Bullshit in Business

01:25:04 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Kate

01:36:13 The Future of AI and Its Potential

01:46:19 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Nick Matthews

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 327 - Culture Amp's Vice President and General Manger Nick Matthews is in this week's quiz seat tackling Andy and Philippa's list of terms including Labour Government, Influencer, Reinventing The Wheel, Oligopoly and more!

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Nick Matthews on Redefining Employee Experience

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 326 - Nick is Vice President and General Manager at Culture Amp - the world’s leading employee experience platform, revolutionising how 25 million employees in over 6,500 companies create a better world of work.

We discuss the ever-increasing complexities businesses, especially HR, face due to socio-economic changes since 2016, Brexit, Covid, inflation .. the whole lot!

Nick explains how CultureAmp helps businesses improve employee engagement and performance management with data-driven insights, emphasising the importance of company values and psychological safety in creating a high-performing workforce.

We touch on the intersection of culture, technology, and leadership in today's unpredictable world, and Nick explains why the woke culture around In-Office Work qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t!

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Tando Matanda

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 325 - Musa Ventures CEO is in the quiz seat this week debating 'business or bullshit?' terms like Instagram and TikTok, breakfast meetings, founder's egos and family businesses and the critical role of mentors.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Tando Matanda

00:35 Social Media Platforms

02:18 Breakfast Meetings: Love or Hate?

03:29 Investment TV Shows: Biz or BS?

04:20 Founders' Egos and Narcissism

05:35 The Futility of Five-Year Forecasts

07:20 The Importance of Mentors

07:55 Internal Meetings: Keep Them Short

08:36 Family Business Dynamics

12:07 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Tando Matanda on Financial Inclusion and Bridging Gaps in Venture Capital Funding

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 324 - Tando is cofounder and CEO of Musa - the world’s first Intelligent Venture Assessment platform who are re-defining the funding process for startups and SMEs

Musa aims to provide strategic advice, direction and access to capital to facilitate SMEs development through using digital tools and insights, while also connecting them to funding networks.

Tando discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing capital, the disconnect between entrepreneurs and financiers, and how Musa aims to solve these issues through advanced data analytics and venture health assessments.

We also touch on the impact of financial inclusion, the struggles of minority and female entrepreneurs in securing funding, and the importance of education and strategic planning in building successful businesses.

And Tando explains why she thinks unrealistic startup targets set by investors qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t!

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Tando Matanda

01:25 Challenges in Business Financing

02:09 Understanding the Funding Gap

02:26 The Language Barrier in Finance

04:07 Strategic Business Growth

11:35 The Role of Data and Analytics

18:16 Global Expansion and Future Plans

30:21 Fintech Industry Insights

31:18 Unrealistic Expectations for Female Founders

32:26 The Venture Capital Dilemma

33:08 Challenges in Raising Capital

35:26 The Role of Banks in Financial Inclusion

38:01 The Changing Landscape of Banking

41:49 Quickfire Round - Getting to Know Tando

51:46 Advice for Entrepreneurs

55:51 Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Alison Coward

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 323 - Team culture coach, workshop facilitator and author Alison Coward is in the quiz seat this week letting us know whether Andy and Pippa's list of terms are either business or bullshit - conservative government, charities, dog airlines, client lunches and more!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Alison Coward

00:42 Government and Charities: Controversial?

01:37 Digital Nomads and Pet Travel

02:46 Client Lunches: Business or Distraction?

03:43 Thought Leadership: Business or BS?

04:54 Incubators and Oligopolies

06:05 Growth Hackers and Business Plans

08:20 Scoring and Wrap Up

Watch us on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Alison Coward's Guide To High-Performing Team Cultures

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 322 - Alison is a team culture coach, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker and author. She is also the founder of Bracket - a consultancy that partners with companies to help them build high-performing team cultures. Clients include Google, Meta and the V&A.

We discuss Alison's expertise in facilitation, the challenges posed by rapidly evolving technology, and the significance of effective communication in team development.

We also cover psychological safety, structured collaboration, and Alison explains why facilitation itself can qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t!

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Alison Coward

02:16 The Impact of Technological Advancement

04:43 The Art of Effective Collaboration

07:25 Balancing Technology and Human Skills

14:41 The Importance of Structured Team Meetings

22:49 Challenges of Growing a Business

30:44 The Role of Workshops in Team Culture

38:29 Debating the Value of Update Meetings

38:51 Peer Coaching in Professional Firms

39:50 Leadership and Ego in Professional Firms

43:22 The Importance of Psychological Safety

45:41 Journey into Workshop Facilitation

53:43 The Role and Impact of Facilitators

01:00:30 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Alison

01:04:14 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Founders

01:08:40 Wrap Up

You can watch on YouTube

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dr Steve Keen

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 321 - Steve's in the seat this week with a paddle in hand telling whether he thinks our quiz terms are business or just plain BS - family businesses, business plans, Boeing's decline and thought leadership all get a good rinse

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Dr. Steve Keen

00:30 Family Business: Good or Bad?

01:18 The Reality of Business Plans

02:39 Golden Parachutes and Retirement

03:26 Climate Change - Good For Business?

05:49 Financial Regulation and Its Flaws

08:05 Oligopoly and Market Dynamics

09:59 Final Thoughts on Thought Leadership

10:26 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Dr Steve Keen on Climate, Energy and Rewiring Economics

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 320 - Steve is a professor, a world leading critic of neo-classical economics, and a major contributor to the development of an alternative monetary approach to economics.

We discuss the urgent need to debunk mainstream economic theories, particularly those ignoring climate change and energy integration, and advocate for substantial paradigm shifts in addressing these issues.

Steve introduces Ravel - his innovative software revolutionising data analysis. He also emphasises the need for more engineers and scientists in leadership roles, supporting his arguments with personal anecdotes and reflections on his experiences and ambitions.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Dr Steve Keen

01:08 Climate Change and Economics

01:43 Introducing Ravel: A Revolutionary Software

03:21 The Problem with Spreadsheets

04:29 The Complexity of Economic Systems

08:56 The Role of AI in Data Analysis

16:29 Flaws in Economic Surveys and Data Collection

19:13 The Greek System of Sortition and Modern Politics

30:59 The Paradigm Shift in Science and Economics

44:41 The Financial Crisis and Economic Theories

48:17 Shifting Expectations and Risky Investments

48:47 Current Economic Cycle and Private Debt

49:32 Neoclassical Economics and Interest Rates

51:28 Inflation and Markups

52:40 The Ignored Problem of Private Debt

01:22:19 China's Economic Approach and Global Comparisons

01:24:40 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Penny Mallory

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 319 - mental toughness expert Penny Mallory is in this week's quiz seat sharing her candid 'business or bullshit' opinions on Andy's and Pippa's list of business terms. Political faith, societal roles, and the importance of politeness being subject to much debate!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Penny Mallory

00:35 Corporate Gifting - Good or Bad?

01:24 Hashtags and Social Media

01:55 Foreign Espionage Risk

02:17 Labour Government and Politics

05:39 Politeness in Business

07:13 Influencers - Yay or Nay?

08:19 Multiple Careers and Side Hustles

09:12 Equal Paternity Leave Debate

12:23 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Penny Mallory's Secrets to Mental Toughness and Success

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 318 - Penny is a leading authority and keynote speaker who specialises in helping people develop mental toughness. Her speaking highlights include TedX, Microsoft, Google, Santander, Coca-Cola, NatWest, Waitrose and Sony.

Penny shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging childhood and homelessness to achieve remarkable success as a keynote speaker and Rally Driving champion

We discuss the significance of mental toughness, providing methods to manage stress and navigate the high-pressure speaking industry. Penny speaks about her future plans to row across the Atlantic (!) offering insights on facing fears and leveraging physical activity. She also explains why many public speakers qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Penny Mallory

01:42 Challenges of A Public Speaker

03:43 Recommendations in the Speaking Business

06:08 Social Media and Marketing as a Speaker

07:42 Developing Mental Toughness

18:21 Penny's Journey into Rally Driving

20:42 Overcoming Personal Challenges

36:02 Transition to Public Speaking and TV

39:28 The Power of Talking About It

41:39 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Self-Employment

42:38 Penny's Long-Term Goals

43:40 Rowing the Atlantic

46:51 Penny's Personal Struggles and Resilience

01:02:46 Bullsh*t in Business - Public Speakers!

01:05:06 Quick Fire Round - Get To Know Penny

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - Living with Cancer - In memory of Juliet Oury pt. 3

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 317 - Recorded on the 6th March 2023, Andy Oury reunites with his sister and parter at Oury Clark, Juliet Oury who was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on the 30th September 2022, and who sadly passed away on 7th June 2023.

They have an emotional and candid discussion about Juliet's ongoing battle with cancer - the challenges faced with treatments, the impact on Juliet's personal life, her matchmaking antics in hospital. Even the quality of hospital tea and biscuits gets put under the hammer!

Throughout, they emphasise the importance of living life to the fullest, cherishing support systems, and maintaining a positive outlook despite the circumstances.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Juliet Oury

00:39 Juliet's Chemo Journey

04:35 Juliet's Hospital Experiences

07:53 Juliet's Matchmaking Plans

11:27 Reflections on Life and Future Plans

18:39 Cancer Journey and Medical Insights

21:38 The Struggle with Lifestyle Changes

22:07 Weight Loss and Diet Challenges

23:20 The Frustration with Uncertain Treatments

27:01 Telling Family and Friends

29:14 Planning a Memorable Party

34:01 Reflections on Professional Life

41:26 The Future of Oury Clark

43:03 Cherishing the Present and Looking Ahead

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Anita Mendiratta

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 316 - Advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary General, Anita Mendiratta jumps in the quiz seat this week debating whether there's 'business' or 'bullshit' in things like influencers, corporate gifting, hashtags and royal warrants

We also discuss the anti-bribery act, corporate gifting done right and the importance of etiquette and politeness in business and everyday life.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Anita Mendiratta

00:55 Debating Influencers: Business or Bullshit?

02:36 Political Talk: Labour Government

03:06 Media and Corporate Gifting

05:15 Foreign Espionage and Royal Warrants

08:45 Politeness in Business

12:14 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Anita Mendiratta's Guide to Travel Recovery

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:55:00 -0000

EP 315 - Anita is a global strategic advisor and Board Member in Leadership, Tourism & Development.

Since 2020, Anita has been guiding leaders and educators in the recovery of Travel, Tourism and Aviation in a post-COVID world through her international consulting firm - Anita Mendiratta & Associates.

Our conversation maps across the impact of COVID-19 on global travel, the essential role tourism plays in global economies, the challenges and recovery efforts in tourism-dependent regions, and the transformative power of travel.

Anita shares insights into post-COVID travel patterns, the resurgence of domestic tourism, and the broader social and economic implications of the industry. She also explains why the lack of consideration for tourism qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Anita Mendiratta

01:13 The Importance of Tourism

02:24 Challenges in the Tourism Industry

03:52 The Multiplier Effect of Tourism

07:10 Domestic vs. International Tourism

18:12 Tourism Etiquette and Over-Tourism

34:41 Leadership and Global Perspectives

38:55 Reflecting on Societal Progress

39:48 Freedom of Speech in Different Cultures

41:03 Qualified Opinions and Cultural Understanding

42:34 Role and Impact of an Executive in Residence

44:17 Personal Journey and Passion for Travel

46:08 Challenges and Rewards of Tourism

54:58 The Importance of the Royal Family in Tourism

01:00:50 Tourism's Role in Global Connectivity

01:14:03 The Future of Tourism Post-COVID

01:16:22 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Anita

01:23:35 Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

01:34:58 Business or Bullshit Quiz

01:47:19 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dr Simon Chard

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 314 - PARLA co-founder Dr Simon Chard jumps in the seat to decide whether Andy and Pippa's quiz topics are genuine or just plan nonsense - B Corps, Mentors, "Fake it till you make it", Written Contracts and Founder Egos to name a few.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Dr Simon Chard

00:45 Exploring B Corps

02:31 Debating Business Practices

04:59 Social Media and Personal Branding

06:15 Investment TV Shows and Business Ethics

09:28 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Dr. Simon Chard's Battle Against Plastic in Oral Care

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:23:00 -0000

EP 313 - Simon is a leading UK cosmetic dentist and co-founder of the sustainable oral care brand PARLA, as seen on Dragon’s Den

We discuss PARLA's pioneering methods for reducing single-use plastics in dentistry with products like toothpaste tablets and plastic-free floss. We talk about the environmental impact of traditional oral care products, the intricacies of launching a sustainable business, and the hurdles faced by dentists and startups.

We also discuss the importance and strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout, and highlight the benefits of disconnecting from constant digital connectivity.

Simon also explains why greenwashing and gimmicks qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Dr. Simon Chard

00:14 The Problem with Toothpaste Tubes

00:44 Introducing Perla: A Sustainable Solution

01:38 The Environmental Impact of Plastic

02:19 Innovative Oral Care Products

02:53 Challenges in the Oral Care Industry

07:19 Health Concerns and Ingredients in Toothpaste

11:07 Mental Health in Dentistry

13:30 The Dragon's Den Experience

15:35 Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Plans

34:52 Cosmetic Dentistry and Market Trends

37:27 Public Perception and Media Influence

39:41 The Dentist Stereotype in Media

40:37 Public Health and Dental Care

41:21 Children's Oral Health Crisis

42:08 Government's Role in Health Education

43:11 The Importance of Prevention

44:55 Personal Health Advice

48:10 The Role of Mentors

49:00 Challenges in the Food Industry

51:03 Greenwashing in Consumer Products

52:33 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Simon

58:11 Mental Health in Startups

01:04:48 Business or Bullshit Game

01:14:02 Wrap Up

Simon's recommendations:

The Almanac of Naval Ravikant (book)

Unstressable - Mo Gowdat (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Adam Biddle

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 312 - GH05T CEO Adam Biddle jumps in the quiz seat this week sharing his candid views, discussing his daily routines, and talks about the influence of social media on global events like Brexit.

We also discuss a variety of quiz topics including internal meetings, B Corp, Investment TV shows, TikTok, and more.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Adam Biddle

00:37 Internal Meetings: Essential or Non?

01:33 B Corp: Virtue Signalling or Valuable?

02:04 Investment TV Shows: Real Business or Just PR?

02:49 Social Media Giants: Insta, TikTok & Facebook

03:54 Global Politics and Social Media Influence

06:24 Founder's Egos and Mentorship

07:26 Breakfast Meetings and Personal Routines

08:26 Five Year Forecasts and Professional Bluffing

09:55 NDAs: Necessary or Nonsense?

10:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Adam Biddle's Blueprint for Social Media Mastery

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:45:00 -0000

EP 311 - Adam is CEO of GH05T, a social media agency operating with no marketing, no social media and no web presence.

GH05T works with global brands, entertainment properties, High Net Worth individuals and celebrities making over 750 pieces of content a month and reaching over 50 million people.

We discuss GH05T's origin, operational philosophy, and its evolution from managing celebrity accounts to strategising for brands, sports events, and C-suite executives.

Adam shares insights into the complexities and pitfalls of social media expertise, the industry's evolution, and the importance of honing one's strengths. He also explains why self-proclaimed (but far from) social media experts qualify for the big bin of BS

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Adam Biddle

00:34 Adam Background and GH05T's Origins

02:35 Evolution of Social Media and GH05T's Role

03:57 Challenges and Changes in Social Media

05:50 The Shift from Celebrities to Brands

08:16 Understanding Social Media Expertise

10:40 Adam's Journey and Dyslexia

23:34 The Role of a CEO and Client Strategy

35:14 The Future of Social Media

41:27 Social Media's Impact on Youth

42:15 The Age Factor in Social Media

42:56 The Dangers and Addiction of Social Media

45:25 Managing Young Employees

46:54 Biggest Professional Mistakes

49:07 Best and Worst Advice

54:50 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Adam

01:06:15 Business or Bullshit: The Game

Adam's recommendations:

Zucked - Roger McNamee (book)

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Steven R Covey (book)

The Rest is Politics (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Tedd George on Digital Economies and Sustainability in Africa - The Director's Cut

Tue, 28 May 2024 13:47:00 -0000

EP 310 - Founder and CNO of Kleos Advisory, Tedd George is back as we revisit our incredibly knowledgeable conversation with him for EP 71 which we did very little justice the first time round with too much editing!

So here we are for round 2 - The Director's Cut.

With two decades of expertise, Ted delves into a wide range of topics including Africa's digital transformation, innovation, and the continent's resilient entrepreneurial spirit. We also discuss how sustainability and climate change impact local economies and the significance of contextual insights in implementing strategies.

Tedd advocates the power of learning from failures and how these experiences fuel innovation. He also emphasises the art of storytelling, effective communication, and the need for clear, intentional writing.

A must-listen for anyone interested in digital economies, entrepreneurship, and the craft of storytelling.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Tedd George

01:28 Current Projects and Digital Economy Index

04:09 Challenges in Africa's Digital Transformation

06:04 Disruptive Technologies and Innovations

13:50 African Entrepreneurship and Ingenuity

24:22 Historical Context and Conflicts in Africa

32:05 Sustainability and Technological Advancements

36:22 Identifying Educational Gaps

36:57 Big Companies and Data Sharing

38:06 Climate Change Impact on Africa

39:38 Agricultural Productivity and Distribution Challenges

41:46 Cultural and Economic Comparisons

44:25 Tech Innovation in Africa

01:00:43 Networking and Public Speaking

01:05:43 Pursuing a Career in Acting

01:09:15 Navigating Employment and Business Setup

01:09:53 Collaborations and Thought Leadership

01:11:12 The Art of Storytelling in Business

01:19:31 Challenges and Resilience During COVID

01:24:33 Insights from a Consultant's Journey

01:26:10 Communication and Market Understanding

01:27:14 Cash vs. Digital Payments in Africa

01:29:18 Climate Change and Behavioural Shifts

01:34:57 Overcoming Fear and Procrastination

01:40:00 Top Reads and Historical Insights

01:43:36 The Rise and Fall of a Charlatan

01:46:18 The Power of a Stupid Question

01:47:48 Speculation in the Rice Trade

01:54:21 Machiavelli's Influence on Modern Politics

02:06:14 Cuba: A Tale of Revolution and Survival

02:15:06 Living Like a Cuban

02:15:54 The Ultimate Hustlers in Cuba

02:16:41 Political Comedy Inspirations

02:17:18 The Genius of 'Life of Brian'

02:17:52 Misinterpretations and Satire

02:23:37 The Art of Good Writing

02:38:53 The Importance of Skepticism

02:46:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Craig Allen

Thu, 23 May 2024 06:00:00 -0000

EP 309 - GSN founder Craig Allen jumps in the quiz seat this week to give us his commentary on quiz topics including investment TV shows, founders' egos, gardening leave, the importance of mentors, and the concept of 'my word is my bond.'

Candid and insightful commentary on everyday business stuff.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Craig Allen

00:47 Investment TV Shows: Business or Bullshit?

01:55 Founder's Egos: Navigating the Truth

02:20 Gardening Leave: A Necessary Evil?

03:19 Mentors: The Unsung Heroes of Business

04:00 My Word is My Bond

08:21 TikTok: A Necessity or Passing Trend?

09:37 B Corps: Worth the Investment?

10:45 The Efficiency of Internal Meetings

12:39 Insta vs. LinkedIn: The Battle of the Platforms

13:49 Closing Thoughts and Scores

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

How Craig Allen Built a £7M Frozen Meals Business

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:28:00 -0000

EP 308 - Craig is the CEO and founder of Gold Standard Nutrition (GSN) a healthy frozen meal business turning over £7M annually.

Craig recounts his entrepreneurial journey from early near-failures to creating a successful business, and shares how GSN evolved and overcame significant obstacles including supply chain issues, COVID-19, and Brexit.

We discuss the trials and tribulations of running a business, the importance of second chances, society's pivot towards health and fitness, the intricacies of hiring, with valuable advice on delegation, protecting business ideas, and managing business relationships.

Craig also explains why overfunded food brands qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Craig Allen

00:39 The Journey of a Health Food Entrepreneur

01:05 Fear of Failure and the Drive for Success

02:10 From Uni to Entrepreneurship: The Birth of GSN

03:10 Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle in Business

04:35 The Evolution of Masculinity and Health

18:20 GSN's Impact: From Gyms to a Wider Audience

25:36 Challenges and Successes in the Food Industry

29:02 Looking Ahead: GSN's Future and Brexit's Impact

32:37 Building a Lean Business Model

33:20 The Emotional Toll of Redundancies

33:39 Promoting from Within and Office Culture

34:32 Family Involvement and Business Evolution

35:26 Challenges of Brand Building Outside London

38:08 The North-South Divide in UK Business

40:36 Expanding the Business and Hiring Strategies

43:35 The Future of Frozen Food and Microwave Myths

45:16 Addressing NHS Nutrition Needs

46:47 Insights on Entrepreneurship and Business Growth

55:35 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Craig

01:04:44 Top Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Andrew Gibb

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 307 - Coldpress Juices founder Andrew Gibb jumps in the quiz seat this week to fire back his frank views on a bunch of topics including guerrilla marketing, networking, types of business shares and convertible debts.

Gibb shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the importance of innovative marketing, the complexities of financial management, and strategic business decisions.

Popcorn on the ready!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Andrew Gibb

00:36 Planned Obsolescence: Insight or Nonsense?

01:31 Exploring Guerrilla Marketing Tactics

03:24 The Art of Networking in Business

05:15 Navigating Commissions and Preferred Shares

06:01 Convertible Debts and Investment Strategies

09:40 Pre-Pack Insolvency: A Strategic Move?

12:11 Understanding High Net Worth Investments

13:02 The Verdict on Company Cars

13:25 Scoring and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Inside Andrew Gibb's Coldpress Juice Revolution

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:23:00 -0000

EP 306 - Andrew is founder and managing director of Coldpress, a juice company utilising High Pressure Processing (HPP) technology to make their juice without using heat which preserves the fruit’s nutrients and flavour. Yummy.

We talk about Andrew’s business origins, the ups and downs of navigating the fresh juice industry - cash flow challenges, the impact of switching co-packers, maintaining product quality in the face of really bad manufacturing mishaps .. Andrew’s seen it all, and survived!

Andrew also explains why Brexit massively qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Andrew Gibb

01:25 The Juice Innovator from Down Under

02:11 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Juice Business

03:20 Science and Strategy Behind ColdPress Juicing

09:00 Health Claims and Marketing

11:54 Andrew Learning from Mistakes

21:06 Taking ColdPress Juice to the UK

23:50 The Realities of the Beverage Industry

25:29 Revolutionising Juice Production

26:36 The Innocent x Coca Cola Deal

27:20 The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship

34:55 The Complexities of Brexit for Businesses

38:53 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Andrew

45:04 Five Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

47:42 Closing Remarks and Wrap-Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - Friends of BWB with Grace Blakeley, Steve Keen, Victoria Jenkins, Allen Simpson

Tue, 07 May 2024 17:56:00 -0000

EP 305 - welcome to a very special episode where we look back at some of our favourite guests and give you parts of the conversations which didn’t quite make the final cut, but we think need to be heard.

We speak to:

Allen Simpson - former Managing Director of London & Partners - about the aftermath and implications of Brexit for London

Victoria Jenkins -award-winning adaptive designer and founder of Unhidden - about disability representation and the correct use of language

Steve Keen - economist, professor and award-winning author - about debunking economic models, private Debt, and explaining the Modern Monetary Theory

Grace Blakeley - author and commentator on economics and politics - about community led economic models, and the European economic dilemma.

Chapters:

00:00 Friends of BWB

00:38 Brexit's Impact on London's Economy

08:20 The Complexities of Disability Representation

16:05 Debunking Economic Norms with Steve Keen

19:25 The 'The Big Short' and Meeting Real-Life Characters

20:16 Breaking Down Economic Theories

22:05 Debunking Neoclassical Economics & Private Debt

26:06 Modern Monetary Theory and Its Implications

31:51 Community-Based Economic Models

36:41 Concluding Thoughts on Economics, Politics, and Society

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Gemma Burke

Wed, 01 May 2024 20:45:00 -0000

EP 304 - 31 year old Director of True Sports Hydration Gemma Burke is in the quiz seat this week separating business facts from fiction using our snazzy new paddle boards ;)

Opinions on mentorship, founder's egos, doing business with China and Russia, and other topics like investment TV shows, disruptive businesses, bluffing in sales, and TikTok are laid bare on the table.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Gemma Burke

00:25 Finding Paddles in Dubai

01:17 The Quiz Begins

01:40 Mentors, Egos, and Self-Made Millionaires

03:38 China and Russia

05:09 The Truth Behind Investment TV Shows

07:36 Internal Meetings and the Art of Bluffing

12:05 TikTok: Business or Bullshit?

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Gemma Burke on Business, Parenthood, and Personal Growth

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:05:00 -0000

EP 303 - Gemma is director of True Sports Hydration. She's also a business owner in the health & wellness industry.

We discuss what makes True Sports Hydration so unique, Gemma’s startup challenges, career progression and balancing her professional aspirations with impending motherhood.

We cover diverse topics like entrepreneurship, work-life balance, family dynamics, charitable work, the impact of personal loss and potential uses of technology in remembering loved ones.

We also provide personal insights and reflections for founders.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Gemma Burke

01:46 Gemma on Entrepreneurship and Hydration

01:54 The World of True Sports Hydration

04:42 From Musical Theatre to Hydration Expert

11:10 The Impact of Manoj Bhargava and Billions in Change

15:46 The Unique Benefits of True Sports Hydration

19:54 Marketing Strategies and the Future of Hydration

25:22 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

31:09 Entrepreneurial Roots and Work-Life Balance

31:50 Maternity Leave and Work Culture

32:35 Challenges of Returning to Work Post-Parenting

36:30 The Sodium Debate in the Drinks Industry

38:31 Advice for Entrepreneurs

41:29 Quick Fire Round: Getting To Know Gemma

54:52 Reflections on Loss and Digital Remembrance

57:16 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Celia Chartres-Aris

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 302 - Celia jumps in the quiz seat this week to shares her views on a bunch of quiz topics. We explore the relevance and extremes of health and safety, the nuances between bluffing and lying in business, the real meaning of business etiquette, and the tokenistic potential of B Corps certification!

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Celia Chartres-Aris

00:22 Health and Safety: Necessity or Overkill?

01:00 Bluffing in Business: Strategy or Dishonesty?

02:26 Redefining Business Etiquette for Today's World

05:09 B Corps: Genuine Change or Just for Show?

06:26 The Etiquette of Modern Technology

06:53 Gardening Leave: A Blessing or a Curse?

08:16 Investment TV Shows & TikTok

08:44 Reflecting on Social Media's Impact

09:46 Wrap Up: The Evolution of Communication

Disability Confident Employer Scheme

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Celia Chartres-Aris on Championing Disability Rights and Inclusion

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:12:00 -0000

EP 301 - Celia is a disabled founder and Investor, a multi-award winning campaigner, lobbyist, researcher and policy designer, advocating for the improvement of disability equity and accessibility inclusivity.

We discuss Celia's life long journey with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and her personal and professional challenges. We talk about the importance of representation, access to benefits, and inclusive policies to advocate for a shift towards normalisation and societal integration of disabled people.

We speak about the role of SMEs in fostering inclusivity and how they can become more proactive. We also discuss the necessity for businesses and government bodies to embrace inclusive practices - to consult with disabled representatives for a more equitable and accessible future.

Celia also tells us why ineffective consultation qualifies for the big bin of bulls**t

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Celia Chartres-Aris

01:17 Celia's Journey with Loeys Dietz Syndrome

10:10 Challenging Disability Stereotypes

10:47 The Intersection of Disability and Normality

26:24 The World of Work as a Disabled Individual

32:57 Exploring Accessibility and Inclusion Challenges

33:33 Workplace Adjustments and Discrimination

36:19 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Flexibility

37:18 Unconscious Bias and Disability Representation

39:56 Experiences with Disability and Public Perception

48:20 The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Business

56:04 The Complexities of Disability Support Systems

59:20 Better Disability Awareness and Support

01:04:35 Exploring Toxic Positivity and Its Impact

01:05:06 The Realities of Living with Disabilities

01:06:06 Internalised Ableism and Its Effects

01:06:57 The Healthcare System and Social Perceptions

01:07:39 COVID-19: A Window into the World of Disabilities

01:09:00 Disability Equality and Understanding in Society

01:14:11 The Cost of Living with a Disability

01:20:19 The Importance of Representation

01:24:12 Personal Reflections and Advice for Founders

01:27:17 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Celia

Useful links from Celia:

Access2Work

Training

Accessible website widget

Disability as employers

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Conal Cunningham

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 300 - Mr Bug founder jumps in this week's quiz seat to give us his take on a bunch of topics including personality type tests, planned obsolescence, TV investment shows and China.

Candid opinions, insights into business practices, and discussing the reality of sexism in TV show auditions are all packed in!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Business or Bullshit!

00:45 Personality Type Tests: Insight or Nonsense?

02:28 The Controversy of Planned Obsolescence

03:42 The Reality of Investment TV Shows

04:56 The Complexities of Business Ethics and Practices

05:48 Social Media: A Necessary Evil in Business?

06:24 The Role of Mentors in Business Success

09:19 The Impact of Founders' Egos on Business

09:56 Russia and Defenestration

10:55 Closing Remarks and Score Announcement

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Conal Cunningham talks Sustainability and the Rise of Insect Protein

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:35:00 -0000

EP 299 - Conal is the founder of Mr. Bug, a revolutionary pet food company using insect protein.

We talk about Conal’s pivot from the music industry to starting an insect farm during lockdown, highlighting the sustainability and health benefits of insect-based pet food. We talk about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the pet food industry, the process of farming mealworms, and the potential of insects as a sustainable food source. We discuss the regulatory landscape, the importance of grants for innovation, and the societal barriers to accepting insects as food.

Conal also explains why government grant scheme's frameworks qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Conal Cunningham

00:30 Diving Into the World of Insect Protein

02:48 From Lockdown Idea to Insect Farming

03:49 Efficiency and Sustainability of Mealworm Farming

08:05 The Future of Insect Consumption

11:57 Grants and Challenges of Insect Protein Production

13:44 Beyond Pet Food to Global Nutrition

19:49 The Complexities of Protein Sources

21:35 Preparing for a Plan B in a Changing World

23:09 The Financial Struggles of Bootstrapping

23:39 Raising Funds and Navigating Investment Schemes

24:30 Market Growth and Product Development

25:13 The Quirks of Pet Food Preferences

25:49 Insect-Based Diets: A Sustainable Future?

28:34 Addressing Industry Challenges and Innovations

32:40 The Irony of Animal Love and Consumption

34:27 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Conal

36:45 Top Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

43:03 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Ben Shalom

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 298 - BOXXER founder & CEO Ben Shalom is in the quiz seat this week giving his thoughts on Andy and Pippa’s hit list of business terms - from bootstrapping and guerrilla marketing to golden handshakes and five-year forecasts, Ben answers with insights from his own experiences, shedding light on the practicalities in real business life.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit with Ben Shalom

00:38 Bootstrapping and Business Growth Insights

01:43 Guerrilla Marketing and Golden Handshakes

02:13 Sweat Equity, Family Offices, and Down Rounds

04:43 Bitcoin, Ratchets, and Investment Insights

05:35 Scoring the Game and Wrapping Up

06:01 Reflections and Farewell

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Ben Shalom on Building a £25M Boxing Empire

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:07:00 -0000

EP 297 - Ben is the the founder and CEO of Boxer, a boxing promotion company valued at £25,000,000.

Starting with a £10,000 loan at the age of 23, Ben successfully broke into the boxing promotional industry, a feat not achieved since the 1970s. Now at 30, he has secured exclusive contracts with Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in America.

We discuss the uniqueness of the boxing industry, its' lack of brands, and Ben’s journey in creating a successful brand within this space. We speak about the importance of understanding the business side of sports, the challenges of promoting in a fragmented sport, and the significance of boxing as a sport that changes lives and builds character.

Ben also explains why politics within the boxing industry qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Ben Shalom

01:24 Breaking Into Boxing and Building a Brand

03:14 Boxing's Challenges and Opportunities

14:14 Innovating and Expanding in the Boxing World

21:35 Accessibility, Diversity, and Global Reach

25:30 The Eccentric Tales of Henry VIII

25:58 Boxing Politics

27:19 The Digital Age of Boxing and Its Global Appeal

28:10 Understanding Boxing Championships

29:29 The Cultural Impact of Boxing in the UK

33:06 Personal Insights and the Business Side of Boxing

35:16 Navigating the Boxing Industry

41:33 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Ben

46:19 Top Tips for Entrepreneurs and Final Thoughts

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Ken Okoroafor

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 296 - The Humble Penny founder and co-author of Financial Joy Ken Okoroafor jumps in the quiz seat this week giving his views on a range of business terms.

Ken particularly emphasises the importance of understanding various financing options, advantages of intrapreneurship, necessity of insurance, preparing for life's inevitabilities and the significance of personal financial management.

Chapters:

00:00 Business or Bullshit quiz Ken Okoroafor

00:27 The Burn Rate Debate: Business or Bullshit?

00:50 Private Equity: Overhyped or Essential for Growth?

02:41 Intrapreneurship: Making Money Within Your Job

03:40 Love-Hate Relationship with Internal Meetings

04:15 The Role of Guerrilla Marketing

05:04 The Importance of Health and Safety Regulations

05:54 From Sales Funnels to Sophisticated Investors

06:13 Life Insurance: A Must-Have Financial Safety Net

10:42 Wrapping Up with Ken: Insights and Farewells

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Ken Okoroafor's Blueprint for Financial Liberation

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:54:00 -0000

EP 295 - Ken, alongside his wife Mary, are the creators of The Humble Penny and Financial Joy Academy, helping people achieve financial independence. Ken is a Chartered Accountant and former CFO who achieved financial independence by the age of 34 with his wife Mary. He joins us to talk their debut book Financial Joy

We discuss achieving financial freedom through financial literacy, responsible money management, and effective communication within relationships.

Ken shares his journey from financial struggles in Nigeria to financial independence in the UK, emphasising the importance of financial honesty, community, and creativity in overcoming financial challenges.

Ken also explains why misinformation in the financial industry qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t

Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Ken Okoroafor

01:31 Introduction to Ken

02:07 Ken's Journey to Financial Independence

02:58 Parenting Challenges and Joys

06:43 Navigating the Digital Age with Kids

08:28 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Learning from Kids

09:33 Cultural Insights and the Hustle Mentality

22:26 Financial Transparency and Relationship Dynamics

26:24 The Money Day: A Strategy for Financial Harmony

31:36 Addressing Financial Imbalance in Relationships

34:05 Cultural Perspectives on Money and Consumerism

35:56 The Digital Age and Financial Behaviour

37:19 The Power of Conversation in Relationships

38:03 Navigating Finances as a Partnership

39:19 Accountability and Financial Management

40:01 Stigma of Debt and Financial Struggles

42:48 The Impact of Culture on Financial Openness

48:55 Finding Joy in Simplicity and Planning

50:12 The Journey to Financial Joy

51:21 Creating a Practical Guide to Financial Well-being

01:05:46 The Importance of Early Financial Planning

01:07:42 Learning from Older Generations

01:12:07 Involving Children in Financial Decisions

01:12:44 Exploring Financial Literacy with Children

01:13:08 Demystifying Stock Market Losses for Kids

01:14:17 Financial Advisors and Self-Empowerment

01:14:49 Financial Planning and Avoiding Procrastination

01:20:27 The Value of Diverse Income Streams

01:23:45 Bull in Biz - Misinformation in Finance

01:28:48 Quick Fire Round: Getting to Know Ken

01:31:53 Top Tips for Founders and Entrepreneurs

01:37:00 Final thoughts on Financial Joy

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Gary Stevenson

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 294 - Gary's in quiz seat this week giving us his quick fire answers on topics like equal paternity leave, trader’s egos, corporate gifting to mental health in professional interactions.

We also discuss the implications of Christmas bonuses and skepticism on cryptocurrencies and over trading.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Quiz rules

01:18 Exploring Business Jargon and Practices

01:28 The Reality of Christmas Bonuses

01:43 Corporate Culture and the Illusion of Bonuses

02:21 Royal Warrants and Corporate Gifting

04:12 The Dark Side of Influencers and Day Trading

07:20 Navigating the World of Investments

08:10 Debunking Cryptocurrency Myths

10:06 Wrap Up and Scoring

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Gary Stevenson's Confession to Economic Inequality

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:32:00 -0000

EP 293 - Gary is a former trader and now inequality economist who’s known for becoming Citibank’s most profitable trader in 2011 by predicting there would be an increase in economic inequality. Since then, he left trading and now campaigns for solving inequality.

Gary joins us to talk about his debut book The Trading Game: A Confession

We talk about Gary's transition from the trading floor to being a critic of economic inequality and wealth concentration. We discuss systemic economic issues, the societal and psychological impact of the wealth gap, the need for fair wealth distribution and how we can achieve it.

From proposing international taxes to addressing socio-economic implications, we break down the complexities of wealth distribution, take a look into the world of billionaires and trading, and explore Gary’s advocacy for a deeper common understanding of economics.

Chapters:

00:00 Andy’s Opening Confession

02:20 Welcome to BWB

03:41 Meet Gary: From Trader to Equality Campaigner

04:37 Global Economy and Wealth Inequality

06:59 Dynamics of Wealth and Taxation

09:42 Personal Stories and the Impact of Background

11:02 The Trading World: A Closer Look

15:11 Unhappiness Among the Wealthy

22:15 Structural Problems of Capitalism and Taxation

33:27 Exploring Solutions to Wealth Inequality

36:36 Impact of Wealth Hoarding on Society

37:39 Psychological Aspects of Wealth and Status

38:04 Personal Reflections on Wealth and Privilege

38:22 Influence of Wealth on Opportunities and Happiness

39:07 Misconceptions of Wealth and Success

43:32 Exploring the Roots of Inequality and Its Solutions

48:19 Ramifications of Growing Inequality

55:40 Reflections on Wealth and Happiness

59:55 Advice and Insights from a Former Trader

01:02:14 Navigating the Publishing and YouTube Worlds

01:03:15 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Gary

01:05:18 Gary's top tip for entrepreneurs

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Simon Goodman

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 292 - Over The Moo founder Simon Goodman is in the quiz seat giving his frank opinions on influencers in marketing, corporate gifting, monthly management accounts, and the reality of foreign espionage risks. He also sheds light on the fine line between innovative strategies and mere industry jargon.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Business or Bullshit quiz

00:58 Influencers: Business Necessity or Overrated?

02:44 Rapid-Fire Business or Bullshit Round

04:49 Exploring Corporate Culture and Buzzwords

05:54 The Awkwardness of Social Etiquette in Business

07:48 Reflecting on the Quiz and Wrapping Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Simon Goodman's Journey to Dairy-Free Dominance

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:45:00 -0000

EP 291 - Simon Goodman is founder of Over the Moo who are leading the charge for recyclable pouches of ethically made bite-sized, dark chocolate coated chunks.

We discuss the importance of sustainably sourced ingredients and the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices. We hear about Over The Moo's future plans, challenges in the dairy-free market and Simon’s transition from a family-owned button manufacturing business to launching an ice cream brand. We also touch on the impact of globalisation, and the significance of innovation in staying relevant.

Simon also explains why greenwashing and acronyms qualify for the big bin of bullshit

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:27 Diving Into Over The Moo's Dairy-Free Delights

02:54 The Journey of Over The Moo: From Australia to Global Ambitions

06:09 Exploring the Coconut Craze and Ethical Considerations

08:30 Simon's Entrepreneurial Journey and the Future of Over The Moo

15:29 The Challenges and Triumphs of a Family Business Legacy

24:34 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

26:07 The Future of the Family Business and Generational Wealth

30:37 The Challenges of Running a Business and Environmental Concerns

36:41 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Founders

38:18 Bullshit In Business - Greenwashing and Acroyms

39:37 The Quickfire Round: Getting To Know Simon Goodman

42:00 Reflecting on Business, Family, and Personal Growth

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Merida Sussex

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

EP 290 - Founder and CEO of MetaGen Merida Sussex is in the quiz seat this week discerning between what is business and what is bullshit on topics like audits, government grants, to drinking at lunch and office spaces in the meta verse.

We also hear her perspectives on a bunch of things like the dynamics of family businesses, the role of equal paternity leave, and thoughts on decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs)

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:48 Audits: A Crucial Business Practice

01:18 Exploring Government Grants and Advice

01:42 Investment TV Shows to Drinking at Lunch

02:07 GDPR and Data Protection

02:27 China: A Broad Topic Indeed

02:45 Offshore Tax Havens to DAOs

04:24 Family Dynasties and the London Stock Exchange

04:57 Labour Government Policies and Voting Systems

06:32 Equal Paternity Leave: Good or Bad?

07:31 Balancing Work and Parenting

08:34 Enterprise Zones and Wrapping Up the Quiz

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Merida Sussex's Journey from Female Musician to Tech Entrepreneur

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:38:00 -0000

EP 289 - Merida is founder of MetaGen, an app which simplifies metadata collection to ensure artists receive their fair share of royalties.

We unpack the complexities of music metadata management and its impact on artists' financial stability. Merida explains how MetaGen works to ensure artists receive the royalties they deserve.

Merida sheds light on her journey from musician to tech entrepreneur while dealing with the challenges of venture capital gender bias. We discuss gender perspectives in business, examine stereotypes, societal expectations, and debate why bias issues exist in healthcare.

Merida also explains why sexual harassment in the music industry qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:53 The Web of Music Metadata and Royalties

01:21 Merida's Mission: Simplifying Metadata for Musicians

04:42 The Birth and Vision of MetaGen

12:18 AI in Music Metadata Management

14:57 The Business Side: Funding, Monetisation, and Impact

16:30 Emotional and Practical Challenges of Music Metadata

27:59 The Fear of Financials: Musicians vs. Spreadsheets

34:11 The Future of Metadata in Music

36:43 Deep Dive into Metadata and Its Impact

38:37 Challenges and Advice in the Startup World

44:14 Gender Bias and Investment in Startups

48:21 The Complexities of Gender Roles and Bias

53:10 Bullshit In Biz - Sexual Harassment in the Music Industry

56:07 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Merida

01:03:48 Top Tips for Entrepreneurs

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Paul Sherratt

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

EP 288 - Founder & CEO of GloveGlu Paul Sherratt is in the quiz seat this week for a rapid-fire session delving into personal anecdotes and broaching topics like the value of family, changing dynamics with generational shifts, and the effects of social media on the business landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:49 Business Cards and Health & Safety

01:37 Debate on Spending Time with Kids

02:08 The Impact of TikTok on Business and Personal Life

03:11 Audits, Unique Selling Proposition, and Venture Capital

05:01 Crowdfunding and Social Media in Business

06:07 Reflections on Working with Family in Business

09:13 The Scoring and Conclusion of the Show

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Paul Sherratt on GloveGlu's Sports Product Innovation

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:34:00 -0000

EP 287 - Paul is founder and CEO of GloveGlu, a global sports brand that specialises in goalkeeper products and services.

We speak about Paul’s personal and professional journey, from his initial leap into entrepreneurship to creating and scaling GloveGlu. He shares crucial lessons on product development, market analysis, and the significance of adaptability and honesty in business. We discuss business growth, innovation in the sporting goods industry, and share advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Paul also tell us why lazy product buyers qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Paul's recommendations:

How I Built This with Guy Raz (podcast)

Shoe Dog - Phil Knight (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Lee Bofkin

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0000

EP 286 - Co-Founder and CEO of Global Street Art Lee Bofkin jumps in the quiz seat this week to give his very illuminated thoughts on a variety of topics including the role and impact of influencers, the concept of price negotiation, the significance of mentors and the relevance of terms like 'Digital Nomads'.

We touch on political power dynamics in Russia and China, critiquing absolute power and the retreat of democracy, as well as lighter topics like the concept of 'working in your garden' ; Pippa asks could that a euphemism for something more promiscuous perhaps? ;)

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:39 Discussion on Influencers

01:48 Thoughts on Russia and Price Negotiation

03:05 Views on Mentors and Silicon Roundabout

03:39 Insights on Corporate Social Responsibility

04:54 Opinions on Client Lunches and Free Ports

05:34 Working in the Garden and Digital Nomads

07:19 B Corps and Carbon Offsetting

09:45 China and Planned Obsolescence

11:43 Final Thoughts and Quiz Score

11:57 Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Lee Bofkin on the Business of Street Art

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:29:00 -0000

EP 285 - Lee is Co-Founder and CEO of Global Street Art, the UK’s largest mural painting organisation, creating incredible murals for commercial and community initiatives.

Lee co-founded Global Street Art in 2012, organising murals with artists and local property owners, and since then, the agency has delivered over 2,500 murals for communities across London, and hundreds of commercial murals in over a dozen countries.

We discuss Lee’s career journey so far, from his background as a scientist and experience in finance, to his entrepreneurial endeavours and commitment to promoting street art and community initiatives. Lee also explains why entrepreneur demigod worshipping qualifies for the big bin of bulls**t

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

02:08 Lee's Journey with Global Street Art

03:22 The Impact of Murals in Communities

04:54 The Business Side of Global Street Art

06:11 The London Mural Festival

08:14 The Role of Art in Public Spaces

10:45 Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry

14:00 Lee's Personal Journey and Passion for Art

16:44 Reflections on Society, AI, and Education

22:28 The Can-For-Can Initiative

26:05 Lee's Background and Journey to Art

28:44 Work-Life Balance in the Art Industry

29:58 The Early Days of Global Street Art

31:53 The Role of Co-Founders in Business

33:51 The Power of Storytelling in Business

36:53 Bullshit in Biz - Entrepreneur Demigod Worshipping

40:30 The Role of Collections in Art

40:36 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Lee Bofkin

52:39 The Importance of Happiness in Entrepreneurship

55:19 Lee's 30 Second Business Pitch

56:01 Wrap Up

Lee's Recommendations:

The Boring Talks (podcast)

Vishen Lakhiani's 6 Phase Meditation (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Daniel Featherstone

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 284 - Daniel keeps the quiz seat warm this week giving us his verdicts on workplace humour, GDPR face-to-face meetings, B Corp and more. He also shares insights about his business and experiences with crowdfunding and conferences.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:43 Workplace Humour

01:27 GDPR and Work-Life Balance

01:53 Family and Business

02:36 Charities and Business Cards

03:03 Crowdfunding and Cedars

05:02 China and Face-to-Face Meetings

07:03 Conferences and B Corp

11:15 Conclusion and Farewell

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Daniel Featherstone on the Journey of 'Made For Drink’

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:58:00 -0000

EP 283 - Daniel is founder of Made For Drink - simple, authentic and utterly delicious snacks to be enjoyed with a drink. Major listings include The Fat Duck, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Fortnums, as well as partnerships with Laurent Perrier, English Heritage and Molson Coors. Made For Drink were also winner of the Edie Sustainability Leadership Award in 2022.

We discuss the challenges and successes that Daniel has faced during his journey in the snack industry, his thoughts on the industry's future, the sustainability measures they took and how it backfired, and the necessity for leadership and vision in the food industry. Daniel also explains why categorising food as good and bad qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:34 Discussing Daniel’s Business and Product Tasting

01:28 Deep Dive into Daniel’s Business Journey

02:42 Challenges and Doubts of Running a Business

03:32 Manufacturing and Scaling the Business

12:22 Transition from Manufacturing to Outsourcing

15:26 Fundraising and Investor Relations

20:48 Reflections on Business Growth and Future Plans

25:08 Downsides of Sustainable Packaging

26:16 The Crisis of Product Recall and Production Halt

26:36 Impacts of Packaging on Product Quality

26:50 Struggles of Meeting Business Targets

27:09 Challenges of Product Development and Innovation

29:13 The Need for Leadership in the Snack Industry

32:37 The Role of Small Businesses in Achieving Net Zero

33:19 Importance of Clear Guidelines for Carbon Emissions

38:29 The Exmoor Carbon Project: A Personal Initiative

43:04 Bullshit In Biz - Misconceptions about Good and Bad Food

48:24 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Daniel

50: 43 Daniel’s Top Tips for Entrepreneurs

50:45 The Importance of Passion and Vision in Business

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with David Clarke OBE

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 282 - CEO of Paralympics GB, David Clark OBE is in the quiz seat this week. Founder's egos, hockey stick growth, offshore tax havens, and even Russia pop up for questioning.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB

00:41 Corporate Gifting

00:47 Insights on Formal Directors Meetings

00:53 Thoughts on Downplaying Capabilities

01:01 Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)

01:11 Debunking Hockey Stick Growth

01:19 Exploring the Better Business Act

01:31 Office Spaces in the Metaverse

01:51 The Role of Meditation in Business

02:07 The Importance of Five Year Forecasts

02:25 Controversy of Offshore Tax Havens

02:43 Impact of Language Barriers

02:53 The Trend of Having More Than One Career

02:59 The Influence of Founders' Egos

03:08 Significance of Business Etiquette

03:25 The Power of Hashtags

03:31 Quiz Results and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

David Clarke OBE's Paralympic Career Journey

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:57:00 -0000

EP 281 - Dave is a former footballer for the England and Great Britain blind football team. His career spanned 17 years with 144 international appearances scoring 128 goals, making him England’s highest all time scorer. He received a lifetime achievement award from the FA and an OBE for his services to Paralympic Sport.

Today, David is currently CEO of the British Paralympic Association.

In this episode, we talk about Dave's sporting career, the workings of blind football, through to perceptions and language about disability. Dave also discusses his role in preparing British Paralympians for the upcoming games in Paris, and the importance of representation and accessibility in the workplace. David also explains why having to constantly think about how to make things suitable for disabled people qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

01:55 Understanding Blind Football

03:35 Communication and Language in Disability

04:43 Interacting with Disabled Individuals

05:40 Empathy and Understanding in Communication

13:24 The Role of the British Paralympic Association

17:41 Evolution and Impact of the Paralympics

22:13 ThIntersection of Disability, Inspiration, and Performance

25:08 Translating Athletic Experience to Business

27:24 Challenges Facing the Paralympic Association

28:05 The Power of the Paralympics Brand

28:43 Understanding Disability in the Workplace

29:42 The Struggle of Employment Among Disabled People

31:49 The Fear of Sight Loss

37:20 Bullshit in Business - Making Things Suitable For Disabled

38:50 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Dave

40:17 Diversity in the Workplace

47:31 The Upcoming Paralympics

48:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Dave's Recommendations:

Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy (book)

The Salmon Of Doubt (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with James Sinclair

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 280 - Entertainment mogul James Sinclair candidly discusses our business quiz topics, shares his frank opinions, and provides valuable insights from his own experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB

00:33 Planned Obsolescence and Founder's Egos

01:16 Work-Life Balance and Workplace Humour

02:22 Charities and Ageism

03:22 Business in China and Social Media Platforms

04:33 Crowdfunding and Face-to-Face Meetings

04:59 B Corps and Conferences

05:57 Audits and Spending Time with Kids

06:45 Lean Startups and Health and Safety

07:14 Asking Favours and Quiz Conclusion

07:40 Discussion and Wrap-Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

James Sinclair on Building a £40M Leisure and Family Empire

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:37:00 -0000

EP 279 - James is an entrepreneur, author and speaker who went from running a children's entertainment agency to building a £40 million business empire in leisure, childcare, outdoor attractions, commercial property, historic hotel, arts and crafts manufacturing and one of the UK’s oldest Ice cream companies - The Rossi Ice Cream Company

James shares valuable insights on various facets of entrepreneurship, and expresses his frustration with taxes on turnover rather than on profit. He addresses the challenges of his industries, offers advice on handling bootstrapped businesses and explains why the UK government’s lack of support for entrepreneurship qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

01:21 James's Entrepreneurial Journey

02:37 The Business of Property and Childcare

03:18 James's Future Business Goals

05:49 The Challenges of Running a Business

06:36 The State of Childcare in the UK

09:02 The Impact of Taxes on Businesses

19:37 The Importance of Thinking Big

23:38 The Role of Personal Branding in Business

25:04 The Challenges of Buying a Business

26:46 Key Business Advice from James

29:28 The Power of Sharing in Business

32:00 The Importance of In-House Accountants

32:27 The Danger of Mismanaging Business Finances

35:59 The Power of Content Creation

36:23 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

38:24 The Importance of Financial Control in Business

40:25 Lack of Government Support for Entrepreneurs

48:04 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know James

51:53 Top 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs

53:52 Recommended Resources for Entrepreneurs

55:00 The Importance of Effective Marketing

James’s Recommendations:

Loosing My Virginity - Richard Branson (book)

Shoe Dog - Phil Knight (book)

How To Get Rich - Felix Dennis (book)

Business Wars (podcast)

Business Movers (podcast)

Acquired (podcast)

Business Broadcast (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Thomas Robson-Kanu

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:35:00 -0000

EP 278 - Former Premier League footballer and founder of The Turmeric Co, Thomas Robson-Kanu is in the quiz seat this week sharing his thoughts on various business topics and discusses the importance of time, family, workplace humour, and ethical trade.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB

00:30 The Game Begins: Accountants

00:43 Universal Basic Income

01:03 Face-to-Face Meetings

01:19 Valuations and Single Founder Companies

01:56 Warrants and Share Options

02:32 Balancing Business and Family Time

03:59 Workplace Humour and Under Promising

04:35 Closing Thoughts on Ethical Trade

04:45 Wrap Up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Thomas Robson-Kanu's Journey from Football to The Turmeric Co

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:21:00 -0000

EP 277 - Thomas is a former Premier League footballer and founder of The Turmeric Co.

He played for West Bromwich and Wales before retiring in 2021 to focus on bringing awareness to the power of natural nutrition. He founded The Turmeric Co in 2018 after finding his homemade turmeric blend invaluable in supporting his recovery from injury and the physical demands of training.

We discuss Thomas's experiences as a professional footballer, his struggle with injuries, his recovery using his homemade turmeric blend, and how this led to the birth of the company. We unpack the business's market impact, the vision for The Turmeric Co. and why Thomas thinks most 'health' drinks and supplements qualify for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:22 The Birth of the Turmeric Co.

01:45 Self-Development and Perseverance

02:54 The Journey into Professional Football

06:04 Overcoming Injury and the Birth of a Health Solution

09:04 The Impact of Turmeric Co. Shots

15:15 Challenges and Triumphs of Manufacturing

20:34 The Role of Nutrition in Health and Wellness

24:01 The Future of The Turmeric Co.

29:57 The Impact of Processed Food on Health

31:21 The Power of Natural Nutrition and Community

32:12 The Truth About The Juice Industry

33:45 The Science Behind Juice Processing

35:59 The Challenges of Manufacturing and Distribution

36:46 The Vision for The Tumeric Co

37:17 The Power of Advertising and Consumer Psychology

48:41 Bullsh*t In Business - 'health' drinks and supplements

49:47 The Future of Health and Wellness

54:01 Quickfire Round: Getting To Know Thomas

58:00 Closing Remarks

Thomas's Recommendation:

Psycho-Cybernetics - Maxwell Maltz (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Victoria Jenkins

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 276 - Founder of adaptive fashion brand - Unhidden - Victoria Jenkins takes the quiz seat this week with in depth discussions on a bunch of quiz terms.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB

00:32 Government Grants and Hashtags

00:47 Influencers and Investment TV Shows

01:02 Industry Jargon and Planned Obsolescence

01:31 Founders Egos and Incubators

01:50 Drinking at Lunch and R&D Tax Credits

02:20 Quantitative Easing and Work Life Balance

02:27 Controversial Discussion on Russia

03:25 Workplace Humour

03:55 GDPR and Venture Capital

04:12 Charities: A Complex Topic

07:41 Staff No Dating Policies

08:10 Downplaying Capabilities and Crowdfunding

09:34 Lockdown Impact on Disabled Community

10:01 Quiz Conclusion and Farewell

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Victoria Jenkins' on Disability, Fashion and Design

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:39:00 -0000

EP 275 - Victoria is an award-winning adaptive fashion designer, disability advocate and founder of Unhidden - a socially responsible, universally designed fashion range for disabled and non-disabled people.

We discuss Victoria's life and disability, the birth of Unhidden, struggles for recognition, misrepresentations and the future of adaptive fashion. Victoria also tells us why the snobbery if the fashion industry qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

01:06 Understanding Disability and Its Impact

01:41 Victoria's Personal Journey with Disability

03:39 The Birth of Unhidden: Fashion for the Disabled

06:02 Challenges in Fashion for Disabled People

08:07 The Struggle for Recognition and Equality

10:53 Unhidden's Challenges in Advertising

12:09 Representation in Government and Society

14:06 The Future of Disability and Adaptive Fashion

23:07 Misconceptions Surrounding Paralympians

23:19 The Power of Overcoming Adversity

24:02 The Need for Better Government Support

25:04 Misrepresentation of Disability in Media

28:22 Challenges of Being a Disabled Founder

28:27 The Importance of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

29:04 The Power of Community for Disabled Entrepreneurs

29:45 Struggles of Raising Funds as a Disabled Founder

30:13 Pitching on Dragon's Den

38:42 The Snobbery in the Fashion Industry

43:03 The Future of Unhidden Clothing

Victoria's recommendations:

Off Menu (podcast)

My Dad Wrote A Porno (podcast)

The Fallen House of Usher (TV series)

Hannibal (TV series)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Louise Webb

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:05:00 -0000

EP 274 - Founder of Popcorn Kitchen Louise Webb is in this week's quiz seat with sure fire answers to Andy and Pippa's curveballs!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:31 The Game Begins: Outsourcing

00:51 Non-Executive Directors and Self-Actualisation

01:31 Pivoting and New Product Announcement

02:03 Three Year Forecast and Instagram

02:28 Runway, Cash Positions and NDAs

03:10 Internal Meetings and Colleague Interactions

03:57 Business Plans and Business Accelerators

04:05 Climate Change and Brexit

05:06 Foreign Espionage Risks and IT Security

05:35 Quiz Results and Closing Remarks

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Louise Webb on Redefining Snacktime with Popcorn Kitchen

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:39:00 -0000

EP 273 - Louise is founder of Popcorn Kitchen, an artisanal popcorn brand who pride themselves on making “sublime, best-in-class popcorn since 2012”

We talk about Popcorn Kitchen’s humble beginnings and its Covid-curved turning point, where Louise plans to take the business and the challenges she's facing, the delights of snacking culture, the dilemmas of sweet vs. savoury and why people who don't own up to their mistakes qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:26 Getting to Know Louise

01:13 Challenges of Running a Small Business

01:54 The Journey Towards Sustainability

03:37 Navigating the Online Marketplace

04:12 The Seasonality of Popcorn Sales

05:27 Exploring Different Popcorn Flavours - LIVE!

06:14 Origins, Growth and Future of Popcorn Kitchen

17:05 Past Mistakes and Learning Experiences

20:57 The Importance of Setting Goals

21:24 The Dangers of Misleading in Business

23:19 Industry Frustrations

23:35 The Importance of Admitting Mistakes

26:02 Quickfire Round: getting To Know Louise

29:46 Popcorn Kitchen Pitch and Closing Remarks

Louise's recommendation:

Chernobyl: The New Evidence (Channel 4 documentary)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Philip Ogilvie

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

EP 272 - 2024's first quiz guest is Managing Partner of Applifting Philip Ogilvie who wasn't shy telling us what he really thought about the cards he was dealt!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Show

00:29 The Early Bird Phrase Discussion

01:02 Business or Bullshit quiz begins

02:24 Discussion on ESG Investing

03:40 Philanthropy and Social Responsibility

04:56 Work-Life Balance and Lunch Breaks

04:59 Debate on Drinking at Lunch

05:55 Investment TV Shows and Tech

06:44 Closing Remarks and Score Reveal

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Philip Ogilvie on Employee-Ownership and Salary Transparency

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:03:00 -0000

EP 271 - Joining us for our first episode of 2024 is Philip Ogilvie, Managing Partner at Applifting, an international software development studio tailored for start ups, scale ups and enterprises.

Our chat with Philip unravels the inner workings of Applifting, from its company dynamics to the nitty-gritty of structure, culture, and ethics. We debate employee-owned companies and salary transparency — does it elevate or deflate a business? We also hear about Philip's days on the professional rugby field and why he thinks communication has become a lost art in the business world.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Tech

01:53 The Business Model of AppLifting

02:38 AppLifting's Global Presence and Clientele

06:00 Impact of AI and Tech Advancements

08:02 Culture and Ethical Standards at AppLifting

17:58 Business Mistakes and Lessons Learned

19:23 Journey to Rugby Stardom

20:15 The Arrogance of Success

21:14 Father's Influence and Life Lessons

21:43 The Eccentricities of a Surgeon Father

23:17 The Lost Art of Communication in Business

24:59 The Role of Phone Calls in Business

28:09 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Phil

33:03 Recommendations and Current Watchlist

34:39 Pitch: AppLifting

Philip's recommendation:

Reinventing Organisations - Frederic Laloux (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Andy Welch

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

EP 270 - Founder of SRSLY Low Carb food company Andy Welch is in this week's quiz seat for our last show of 2023! Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2024.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Quiz Rules

00:44 Business or Bullshit Quiz Begins

01:09 Discussing International Business

01:49 Founder's Egos and Golden Handshakes

02:26 Guerrilla Marketing and Working Environments

03:49 Personal Well-being and Loving What You Do

04:19 Quiz Results and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - LSE Generate: F&B Deep Dive Programme Launch

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:35:00 -0000

EP 269 - We popped into the London School of Economics launch of their Food & Beverage Deep Dive Programme as part of LSE Generate, the school's home for entrepreneurship.

We spoke to the Head of LSE Generate LJ Silverman, and to keynote speakers who are at the forefront of their industries about their business lives, tips and advice:

Julian Hitch - Chief Culture and Mindset Officer at Grow Up Farms

Duncan O'Brien - Founder of Dalston Soda

Jade Hoai - Director of Purchasing and Operations at Whole Foods Market

Duncan Sterling - Co Founder of Inception Group

Hannah Perry - UK Food Service Manager at Tony's Chocolonely

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to LSE Generate

00:36 Sustainability in Entrepreneurship

02:20 Challenges and Opportunities in FMCG

02:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

03:39 The Importance of Hiring the Right People

04:17 The Pitfalls of Keeping Ideas Secret

04:48 The Power of Empathetic Leadership

06:54 Interviews with Keynote Speakers

07:47 Community in the Hospitality Industry

11:22 Breaking into FMCG

15:58 Struggles and Triumphs of the Chocolate Industry

17:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

18:48 Self-Care and Balance in Business

25:18 Conclusion and Thanks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Andy Welch on Dodging the Carb Dangers In Your Diet

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:41:00 -0000

EP 268 - Andy is the Founder of SRSLY, a food company on a mission to make a low carb lifestyle not only healthy, but also tasty and accessible to all.

Andy tells us about why he started the company, how they went from selling 30 to 50,000 units in the space of a month, and the health benefits SRSLY products are providing for diabetics, overweight, and ketogenic patients (via the NHS)

We also discuss the the darker side of the food industry and Andy tells us why he thinks external agencies and consultants qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:13 Exploring SRSLY's Low Carb Products

01:17 Challenges and Joys of Running a Startup

04:52 The Impact of Micro-Influencers and Growth

05:43 From Corporate to Food and Beverage

08:09 Importance of Nutrition and the Birth of SRSLY

13:14 Impact of SRSLY's Products on Customers

15:14 Expansion of SRSLY's Product Range

17:01 Challenges in the Food Industry

21:52 The Importance of Proper Nutrition Education

21:58 The Misleading Nature of HFSS Compliance

22:21 The Role of Consumers in the Food Industry

23:20 The Impact of Fad Diets

23:59 The Benefits of a Low Carb Lifestyle

28:10 The Challenges of Expanding a Business

29:21 The Importance of Accountability in Business

32:04 The Pitfalls of Consultancies and Agencies

39:23 The Role of Alcohol in the Corporate World

42:18 The Importance of Honest Food Labelling

43:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Andy's recommendations:

Ravenous - How To Get Ourselves And Our Planet into Shape - Henry Dimbleby (book)

Ultra Processed People - Chris van Tulleken (book)

Parenting Hell - Rob Beckett & Josh Widdicombe (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Michael Akadiri

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0000

EP 267 - Comedian and doctor Michael Akadiri is in the quiz seat this week with Andy at the helm.

Want to know what they both think about Industry Regulators? it ain't pretty... pull up a chair and press play to find out.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:14 Explaining the Rules of the Game

00:57 Discussing Universal Basic Income

01:11 Accountants and Flexible Working

01:27 Debate on Lunch for Employees

01:44 The Art of Email Etiquette

02:40 Controversy Around Regulators

03:42 Impact of Harold Shipman on Regulation

04:32 The Absurdity of Flying for One Meeting

04:37 Workplace Humour and Ethical Trade

04:50 Conclusion and Final Score

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Michael Akadiri on the Value of Healthcare Workers

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:09:00 -0000

EP 266 - Michael is a junior doctor, multi-award winning comedian and health commentator.

We discuss the current state of UK healthcare, the plight of NHS workers, and how to improve working conditions. Michael tells us about his double life as a junior doctor and comedian, best and worst moments on stage and his long-term plans. He also explains why feeling the need to perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:11 Michael's Journey into Comedy

01:44 Discussion on Healthcare and Doctors' Pay

05:16 Challenges of Being a Doctor

06:13 Impact of Public Perception on Healthcare

18:12 Struggles of Balancing Comedy and Medicine

22:20 The Art of Comedy and Audience Reaction

27:19 The Power of Humour in Society

29:07 Challenges in the Comedy Industry

30:11 From Open Mics to Professional Clubs

30:50 The Craft of Comedy

31:36 The Business Side of Comedy

33:35 The Reality of Bombing and Overcoming Failure

34:31 Balancing Comedy and Personal Life

38:30 The Future of Comedy and Personal Goals

42:45 The Role of Social Media in Comedy

49:46 Quickfire Round and Final Thoughts

Michael's recommendations:

Natives: Race & Class In The Ruins Of Empire - Akala (book)

Love Is Blind (TV show)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Anjuli Bedi

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

EP 265 - Founder of The Psych AI Group Anjuli Bedi is in the quiz seat this week. She explains why Personality Tests and Influencers are utter bullshit, and why AI created content could be either.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:26 ChatGBT and Disco Ball Business Discussion

00:52 Personal Trainers and Investment TV Shows

01:03 Personality Type Tests and Myers Briggs

01:50 Drinking at Lunch and Unicorns

02:09 Work Life Balance and Self Actualisation

02:22 Silicon Valley and Steve Jobs

02:46 Twitter and AI Created Content

04:16 Office Spaces in the Metaverse

04:25 Hashtags and Hockey Stick Growth

04:37 Influencers and Virtual Reality Meetings

05:24 Paying for Top Talent and Quiz Conclusion

05:39 Final Score and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Anjuli Bedi on using AI and psychology to predict human behaviour

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:36:00 -0000

EP 264 - Anjuli is founder of The Psych AI Group, a business that helps clients “see round corners” by employing a blend of psychology and AI. We discuss the positive impact a blend of human and AI understanding can have on things like climate storytelling and action.

Anjuli talks about her former career as a journalist, her time as a correspondent in Israel and Palestine, why she quit journalism and how Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel led her to a career in behavioural science.

She also tells us why she thinks the notion that 'humans have no control over AI' qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:46 Climate Change and Business Sustainability

02:12 Exploring Human Behavior and Climate Change

06:37 Understanding the Impact of AI and Technology

11:14 AI in Understanding Human Behavior

13:50 Challenges of Disinformation and Polarization

17:36 Anjuli's Journey from Journalism to AI

22:00 AI and Psychological Traits Prediction

22:36 The Power of Language Models in AI

23:19 The Role of AI in Resource Allocation

23:59 AI in Marketing and PR

24:25 The Challenge of Disinformation

25:24 The Impact of AI on Society

26:16 The Future of AI: Hopes and Fears

27:31 The Global Reach of AI

27:55 The Long-Term Goals of AI

31:07 The Role of AI in Journalism

34:18 The Future of AI: Business Perspective

36:24 Personal Insights and Reflections

Anjuli's recommendations:

A.I. on Trial - Mark Deem (book)

Make Data Human (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Queenie Porter

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 04:36:00 -0000

EP 263 - Wow Hydrate's managing director Queenie Porter is in this week's quiz seat who doesn't shy away from justifying her answers. Andy has plenty to say about them, as usual.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:25 Business Class and Carbon Neutrality

00:49 Family Businesses and Conferences

01:32 Conferences and Networking

02:56 Career Reviews and Stationery Cupboards

03:25 Staff Updates and Invoice Factoring

03:58 Politics, Bluffing, and Flexible Working

06:18 The Art of Interaction

08:58 Wrapping Up the Quiz

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Queenie Porter - "We're Manchester United's official sports hydration partner!"

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 12:47:00 -0000

EP 262 - Queenie is Managing Director of Wow Hydrate who recently became Manchester United's official sports hydration partner across their men's, women's and youth teams.

We hear about Queenie's career journey from leaving school at 16 to becoming Wow Hydrate's MD via Topshop and The Co-Op Group. We discuss the biggest challenges Queenie faces in her role and how her upbringing has helped her become a good leader. She also tells us why she thinks traditional interview techniques qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:34 Queenie's Business Challenges

01:28 Football and Gender Differences

03:30 Importance of Hydration in Sports

05:45 Tasting WOW Hydrate Products

06:25 Queenie's Transition to WOW Hydrate

12:48 Challenges in the Hydration Drinks Market

15:08 Influence of Celebrity Social Media

21:40 Career Mistakes and Learning Experiences

25:01 Influence of Family on Entrepreneurship

25:35 Gender Roles and Equality in the Workplace

26:05 Importance of Work Experience and Education

27:08 The Role of University in Career Development

29:08 The Impact of University on Work Etiquette

29:52 The Importance of Transparency in Business

30:59 Pitfalls of Being Liked in Leadership

32:04 Authenticity in Leadership

32:25 Challenges of Office Social Events

34:00 The Problem with Traditional Job Interviews

40:47 Role of Clothing in Confidence and Success

43:17 The Power of Endorsements and Branding

44:15 Conclusion and Farewell

Queenie's recommendations:

Alex: The Man Behind The Legend (book)

Beckham (documentary)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - Business or Bullshit in LA with London & Partners

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

EP 261 - We recently went on a trade mission to LA with London & Partners and Grow London where we spoke to some brilliant Life Science entrepreneurs about their businesses and future plans, and played a round of Business or Bullshit with them (with a few of our favourite BWB questions thrown in for good measure)

Guests:

Rikesh Patel - London & Partners

Emilė Radaytė - Samphire Neuroscience

George McBride - Clerkenwell Health

Farah Kabir - HANX

Phil Steele - GoJoe

Peter Hansell - Islacare

Arjun Jayaswal - Perspectum

A big thanks to James Cummings - LA Vice President - London & Partners

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:37 Interview with Emilė Radaytė, CEO of Samphire Neuroscience

07:19 Interview with George McBride, Co-founder of Clerkenwell Health

15:37 Interview with Farah Kabir, Co-founder of Hanks

22:37 Interview with Phil Steele, Founder of GoJoe

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with David Bentall

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

EP 260 - Founder and president of Next Step Advisors David Bentall is in this week's quiz seat with great thoughts and thorough answers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business or Bullshit Quiz

00:33 Debating AI Created Content and Metaverse Office Spaces

00:58 Discussing Twitter, Virtual Reality Meetings, and Silicon Valley

01:22 Unpacking Self-Actualization and the Egotistical Society

03:18 The Truth about MBAs and Work-Life Balance

05:15 Lunch Breaks, Unicorns, and Venture Capital

06:20 Philanthropy, Investment TV Shows, and Super Bowl Ads

07:11 Personal Trainers and Family Dynasties

08:10 Wrapping Up the Business or Bullshit Quiz

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

David Bentall on Navigating Ties in Family Business

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:49:00 -0000

EP 259 - David is the founder of Next Step Advisors, a consultancy for family businesses helping them avoid the potential pitfalls of working with your closest relatives.

David chats about his experiences running his family's companies, for all of their successes and failures, which spawned the idea for Next Step Advisors. Andy get's in on the act, speaking frankly about his experiences growing up as part of Oury Clark: the struggles, expectations, mistakes and lessons learnt. There may be some oversharing.

David also tells us why he thinks companies who don't give back to their communities qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:37 David's Journey in Family Business

01:38 Challenges of Working with Family

01:53 Dynamics of Sibling Relationships in Business

03:05 Importance of Space and Baggage in Family Business

04:48 Impact of Different Visions in Family Business

07:13 Communication and Board in Family Business

13:13 The Power of Family Businesses

16:22 Career Development in Family Business

20:13 Mistakes and Lessons in Family Business

25:33 The Problem with Family Businesses

26:34 Resistance to Change in Family Enterprises

27:03 The Role of Independent Board Members

27:43 The Struggle of Succession

27:57 The Importance of External Experience

33:54 The Challenges of Decision Making

34:15 Non-Family Members in Family Businesses

35:32 The Importance of Integrity in Business

38:06 The Need for Philanthropy in Family Businesses

47:52 The Power of Gratitude and Resilience

David's recommendations:

1000 Gifts - Ann Voskamp (book)

Unbroken (film)

Against All Hope - Armando Valladares (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - Nourish Awards 2023

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

EP 258 - We popped in to have a chat about the highs and lows of running a food business with CEO of the Nourish Awards Diana Babics and the founders of the UK health food brands that were nominated for awards.

What a lovely bunch they were! Bright minds with forward thinking, health conscious F&B products:

Priya Koliyot - The Keto Elf

Simona Deifta - Nojo London

Lucy Brose - Juicy Lucy's Kitchen

Alienor Bouzenad - Nucci

Adrian Beckett - Nuzest London

Giulia Berretti - Sunny & Luna

Maya Qureshi - Rhythm Nutrition

Terry O'Riordan - Keto Chefs

Abigail Harper - Earthnutz

Bethan Thomas - Hot Tea Mama

Louise Gross - Go Low Baking

Artemis Hajigeorgiou - Manayi

Yulia Allawi - Verity Labs

Chapters:

00:00 Interview with Diana Babics

00:47 Breaking into the Food and Beverage Industry

01:17 Research and Branding in Business

03:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life

04:37 Power of Books and Learning on the Go

05:32 Highlighting Nourish Award Nominees

06:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

08:49 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs

17:01 Health Advice for Business Founders

19:09 Conclusion and Thanks to the Nourish Awards Team

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Nisha Ramisetty

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:16:00 -0000

EP 257 - Naksha Collections co-founder Nisha Ramisetty is in the quiz seat this week alongside antics-fuelled hosts Andy and Philippa. We say no more! Strap in and press play.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB

00:37 The Quiz Begins

01:27 The Art of Downplaying Capabilities

01:55 Accelerators and Guerrilla Marketing

02:14 Unique Selling Proposition

02:41 Debate on Financial Reporting Standards

03:10 The Reality of Working in Your Garden

03:39 Corporate Videos and Business Cards

04:10 Controversy of Staff No Dating Policies

05:39 Dreaded Audits and Loving What You Do

05:55 Silicon Roundabout and TikTok

06:22 Quiz Wrap-up and Farewell

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Nisha Ramisetty on Tackling Tough Times in F&B Entrepreneurship

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0000

EP 256 - Nisha is the co-founder of Naksha - a new spin on meal kits helping ordinary folk to cook adventurous food from around the world, at home.

We talk about how the business came about and the journey to winning a UAE National Incubator Programme which fast-tracked Naksha products onto major retailer's shelves. We discuss the range of challenges food startups currently face and how Nisha believes they could be tackled. She also tells us why the current Minimum Order Quantity levels set by manufacturers qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:40 Unveiling the Unique Spin on Meal Kits

02:25 Supermarket Experience and Online Shopping

05:12 The Art of Simplicity in Cooking

06:41 Addressing the Issue of Food Wastage

08:36 The Journey of Naksha

11:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Food Industry

18:02 Role of Quality Ingredients in Home Cooking

22:31 Learning from Mistakes: A Supply Chain Mishap

23:48 Struggles of Scaling a Business

24:14 Power of Contextual Decision Making

25:24 The Art of Packaging and Branding

26:18 The Myth of the Hustle Culture

28:20 Challenges in the Food Industry

34:33 The Journey of a Small Business

37:12 Quickfire Round: Getting To Know Nisha

40:52 The Crypto Queen: A Discussion

42:58 Closing Remarks

Nisha's recommendations:

Hard Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The Earth - Haruki Murakami (book)

Gattaca (film)

The Missing Cryptoqueen (BBC podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Jonathan MacDonald

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

EP 255 - SELF Founder Jonathan MacDonald is in the quiz seat this week who brings his absolute A-game. Best contestant yet!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Quiz Setup

00:21 Playing Business or Bullshit!

00:38 Politeness and Planned Obsolescence

01:05 Downplaying Capabilities and Guerrilla Marketing

01:36 Staff Dating Policies and Loving What You Do

02:03 TikTok, Audits, and Business Cards

02:16 Working in Your Garden and China

02:46 Health and Safety, and My Word is My Bond

02:58 English People and Lying

03:34 Conclusion and Scoring

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Jonathan MacDonald on Crafting a New Narrative in Big Tech Business

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:07:00 -0000

EP 254 - Jonathan is the Founder of SELF, a hyper-personal AI-powered assistant that learns your personal preferences and simplifies your life.

We talk about his concerns around the rise of AI, why there is a need for an ethical alternative and how having a more moral approach to business makes it harder to raise investment.

Jonathan also explains why he thinks tech platforms who don't prioritise human rights over profit qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:27 Meet Jonathan McDonald

01:08 Existential Threat of AI

01:55 Ethics of AI

03:48 Need for Ethical Guidelines in AI

05:32 Risks of AI in Military and Political Decisions

05:57 Dystopian Future of AI

10:42 Role of AI in Personal Life

10:54 Introducing 'Self': An Ethical AI Assistant

15:00 Business Model of 'Self'

18:53 Importance of Ethical Principles in Tech

21:01 Creeping Overton Window and Ethics

21:56 Dangers of Normalising Outrageous T&Cs

22:24 Genie's Out of the Bottle

22:48 The Struggle to Change: Why Don't We Stop?

23:06 Normalisation of Surrendering Personal Data

23:16 Vision for a New Social Network

23:48 Trust in Government and Privacy Concerns

24:16 Personal Experience with Stop and Search

25:25 Role of Self in Upholding Society and Safety

25:41 Mission of Self

26:04 Importance of Showing an Alternative

27:59 Bullshit in the Tech Industry

28:22 Struggle of Raising Funds for Ethical Tech

29:05 Ineffectiveness of Advertising

33:09 Role of Self in Career Advice and Personal Shopping

37:55 The Ultimate Value Proposition of Self

42:03 Investment Opportunity in Self

Jonathan's recommendations

Making Sense with Sam Harris (podcast)

Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl (book)

Rise Of Advanced Thought - Jonathan MacDonald (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Kevin Tang

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:42:00 -0000

EP 253 - Kaytea founder Kevin Tang is in the quiz seat this week talking all things nocturnal working hours, downrounds and foreign espionage risks!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:35 Family Offices and Enterprise Zones

01:20 Discussing Work Habits and Down Rounds

03:10 Director's Meetings and Workplace Humour

03:49 Growth Hackers, GDPR, and Free Ports

04:34 Foreign Espionage Risks and Honey Traps

05:35 First Mover Advantage and Economies of Scale

06:06 Dress for Success and Digital Nomads

06:15 Conclusion and Thanks to Kevin

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Kevin Tang on the Challenges of Drinks Startups

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:14:00 -0000

EP 252 - We talk to Kevin - Founder of artisan iced tea brand Kaytea - about the reality of raising money, challenges dealing with product buyers and the pain of fighting for shelf space in a crowded market. We ask Kevin why he started an ice tea brand, his experience launching the business during COVID and why he values having a mentor.

Kevin also tells us why he thinks people being 'too busy to reply to emails' qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:59 Challenges in Food and Beverage

05:01 Exploring the Journey of Starting a Business

06:29 Deep Dive into the Tea Industry and Market

08:03 The Story Behind KAYTEA

10:39 Realities of the Beverage Market

18:09 Fundraising and Distribution Challenges

18:47 Intrusive Emails and Shareholders

19:30 Power of Being a Shareholder

19:47 Biggest Business Mistakes and Lessons

20:22 Challenges of Natural Product Manufacturing

22:01 Importance of Having a Business Mentor

23:39 Art of Marketing and Its Challenges

25:17 Role of Mentors in Business Success

32:31 Impact of Cancel Culture on Business

33:25 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Kevin

37:35 30 Second Pitch: Kaytea

38:10 Closing Remarks

Kevin's recommendations:

The Grocer (magazine)

The Economist (magazine)

Hungry (podcast)

Brand Growth Heroes (podcast)

Zoe (podcast)

How I Built This (podcast)

FKJ (musician)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Jody Rowe

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:58:00 -0000

EP 251 - Rowe Advisory CEO and Tough Talk podcast host Jody Rowe is in this week's BOB quiz seat. Quick fire action from start to end!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Quiz

00:21 Rules of the Game

00:46 The Quiz Begins: Business or Bullshit?

01:18 Quiz continues

02:17 Final Round of the Quiz

03:25 Quiz Conclusion and Scoring

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

SPECIAL - London to LA with James Cummings - London & Partners

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:44:00 -0000

EP 250 - We're off to LA with London & Partners next week! We speak to James Cummings, VP of Business Development L&P LA, ahead of their Grow London Global program which we're delighted to be joining.

James tells us about the work London & Partners are doing connecting LA and London and the Grow London Global program. We discuss the similarities and differences between the two great cities, how American's perceive London, and what they really think of Sadiq Khan.

For more information head over to Grow London

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:24 Interview with James Cummings

01:03 Exploring the Impact of Global Collaboration

02:07 Understanding the Role of London and Partners

04:01 Comparing London and LA

07:55 Influence of AI in Business

09:58 Journey of James Cummings to LA

13:24 Achieving Sustainable Growth

16:03 Experiences of Living and Working in LA

19:34 Political Relations and Public Perception

21:30 Exploring the Adoption of Electric Vehicles

28:13 Importance of Business Concepts

33:29 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Jody Rowe on Female Leadership in a Man's World

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:31:00 -0000

EP 249 - What's it like being a female CEO in a male dominated industry? Jody is CEO of Rowe Advisory, a consultancy firm providing support to the oil, gas and mining industries with offices in London, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, Australia.

Jody is also podcast host of Tough Talks discussing all aspects of energy transition with industry leaders and experts. Her chat on our podcast ranges from how and why Rowe advisory began to why compliance qualifies for the big bin of bullshit via some f**k ups (as part of the chat, not f**k ups in the podcast).

The word trepidatious also makes an unscheduled appearance.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:16 Getting to Know Jodie Rowe

01:13 Jodie's Business Philosophy and Challenges

02:39 Rowe Advisory's Operations

04:11 Jodie's Journey into Entrepreneurship

06:25 Importance of Trust in Business

10:30 Jodie's Personal Life and Work Balance

12:14 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

14:13 Views on Business Growth and Networking

16:53 Future of Rowe Advisory

20:07 Jodie's Take on Industry Compliance

20:57 Reflections on Success and Support

21:35 Quickfire Round: Getting To Know Jodie

27:12 Discussing Energy Transition and Jodie's Podcast

28:18 Role of Gas and Offshore Wind in Energy Transition

28:58 Potential of Nuclear Energy and Critical Minerals

30:32 Complexities of Energy Transition

39:20 Impact of Offshore Wind on the Environment

Jody's recommendations:

Tough Talk with Jody Rowe (podcast)

The Essential Entrepreneur - Richard Turner (book)

The Mentor with Mark Bouris (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Akshat Rathi

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:13:00 -0000

EP 248 - Author and Bloomberg News Senior Reporter for Climate Akshat Rathi is in this week's quiz seat explaining why quantitative easing is a good thing!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:30 Thought Leadership: Business or Bullshit?

00:47 Family Business in India

01:35 Quantitative Easing: A Necessary Evil?

02:52 Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)

03:23 Personal Pronouns and Mandatory Breaks

03:45 Hedge Funds, Lobbying, and Ethereum

04:29 Foreign Espionage Risks and Work-Life Balance

04:52 Conclusion and Farewell

Amazon link to Akshat's new book

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Akshat Rathi on Big Business and Government in the Climate Arena

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0000

EP 247 - Akshat is an author and Senior Reporter for Climate at Bloomberg News.

We discuss Akshat's new (debut) book - Climate Capitalism: Winning The Global Race To Zero Emissions - and how climate change is affecting business. We talk about what big business and government need to do to take climate action and get some advice for SMEs on how they can make a climate positive impact.

Akshat also tells us why he thinks that social media qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:31 Being a Climate Reporter

01:41 Role of Climate Information in Business

02:51 Akshat's new book 'Climate Capitalism'

04:30 Success Stories from the Book

07:00 Role of SMEs in Climate Change

08:17 Importance of Government Intervention

09:41 Akshat's Journey from Science to Journalism

13:46 Role of Big Businesses and Regulators

15:15 Global Investment in Developing Countries

22:34 Akshat's Personal Journey and Future Goals

23:34 Steps for SMEs to Combat Climate Change

26:34 Importance of Fact Reporting

28:18 Hustle of Working in India

29:09 Importance of Work-Life Balance

29:36 The Unexpected Joy of Exercise

30:58 The Art of Negotiating Salary

32:53 Impact of Social Media on Journalism

36:38 Role of Journalism in Exposing Greenwashing

39:14 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Akshat

42:00 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Akshat's recommendations:

Bottled Lightening - Seth Fletcher (book)

Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman (book)

Is It Time To Break The Law - Chris Packham (documentary)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Noam Bar

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:59:00 -0000

EP 246 - Noam jumps into this week's quiz seat with surprise cards being drawn from the deck, much to Andy and Pippa's humour and dismay!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:37 Game Begins: Business or Bullshit

01:43 Debating Disruptive Businesses

02:22 Work-Life Balance and Founder Egos

02:29 Business Etiquette & Face-to-Face Meetings

02:53 Ethical Trade and Golden Handshakes

03:07 Ratchets and Email Etiquette

03:31 Family Dynasties and Episode Wrap-up

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Noam Bar on Championing Artisanal Producers in the Regenerative Revolution

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:35:00 -0000

EP 245 - Noam is Chief Growth Officer of Wylde Market, an online platform enabling artisanal producers to sell directly to consumers. He also co-founded renowned artisan restaurant group Ottolenghi (you might have heard of it) where he currently is a Non Exec Director.

We speak about why Noam got involved with Wylde and its commitment to supporting regenerative food producers. Noam tell us about the reality of today's farming practices and why food and health is such a passion point for him. We discuss the ethics of the beef industry and why eating meat shouldn't be deemed as bad.

Noam also tells us why business marketing qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

*Head over to wylde.market and use BWB15 for £15 off your first order*

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:26 Understanding the Concept of Wild Market

00:59 The Operational Process of Wild Market

03:32 The Unique Selling Proposition of Wild Market

07:31 The Challenges of Artisanal Business Growth

12:42 The Ethical Considerations of Meat Consumption

17:31 The Importance of Soil Health in Farming

20:20 The Impact of Food Choices on Health

21:38 The Business of Healthy Food

23:47 The Importance of Quality Suppliers

24:35 The Challenge of Packaging

25:23 The Struggle of Finding the Right People

26:55 Learning from Failures

30:51 The Problem with Marketing Bullshit

32:56 The Five Second Rule: Getting to Know Noam

36:28 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Noam's recommendation:

The Lincoln Highway - Amor Towles (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Mehreen Baig

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

EP 244 - Mehreen's in the quiz seat this week having to deal with Andy's thoughts on Boris's office shenanigans and how he may have to follow suit!

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz

00:33 Understanding ESG Investing

00:47 Debate on Company Health Insurance

01:01 China and Business

01:23 Working in Your Garden: Business or Bullshit?

01:46 TikTok: A Poison or a Business Tool?

02:30 Staff No Dating Policies?

03:43 Search Engine Optimisation

03:55 Silicon Roundabout: A Startup Hub

04:13 Right Wing and Conservative Government

04:56 Intrapreneurship: A Business New Term?

05:16 Loving What You Do: A Key to Success

05:28 MBAs: A Worthy Investment or Not?

05:51 Having More Than One Career or Job

05:58 Fake It Till You Make It

06:05 Quiz Conclusion and Winner Announcement

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Mehreen Baig on Bridging Education Gaps and Empowering the Next Generation

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:25:00 -0000

EP 243 - Mehreen is a former teacher, broadcaster and author who is passionate about education and empowering young people. She emerged as an influential voice across a range of topics including education, race, gender equality and faith.

We discuss Britain's state education and debate whether there should be just one schooling system instead of public and private. We discuss the current state of the curriculum: does it needs to change? and ask Is a good education is based on your parents, social class or meritocracy?

Mehreen also tells us about her life goal, her biggest failure and why the media industry qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

01:04 Challenges of Teaching and Education System

02:05 Need for Change in Education

05:44 Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Education

08:17 Role of Parents in Education

11:46 Struggles of Teachers

18:40 Importance of Career Advice in Schools

25:06 Rewards and Challenges of Teaching

26:57 Impact of Teachers on Students

27:46 Experiences with Influential Teachers

28:26 Transition from Teaching to Media

29:50 Vision for 'Glow Up Your Grades'

30:22 Challenges in Teaching

31:24 State of Youth and Education

32:04 Struggles of Young People

32:29 Disconnect between Politics and Young People

33:13 Struggles and Lessons in the Media Industry

36:44 Unexpected Journey into Media

40:10 Quickfire Round and Personal Insights

45:41 The 'Glow Up Your Grades' Initiative

Mehreen's recommendations:

One Day - David Nicholls (book)

The Secret Life Of Teachers (podcast)

Serial (podcast)

My Dad Wrote A Porno (podcast)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Paul Powlesland

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:23:00 -0000

EP 242 - Barrister and Founder of Lawyers For Nature Paul Powlesland gets to road test our brand new deck of quiz cards with us.

Chapters:

00:11 The Rules of the Game

00:38 The Quiz Begins - is it Business or Bullshit?

01:55 Debate on Spending Time with Kids

02:33 Stationery Cupboards and Asking Favours

02:57 Self Actualization and Brexit

03:28 Limited Liability Partnerships and Nature

03:54 Quiz Results and Closing Remarks

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

Paul Powlesland on Campaigning for Nature's Rights

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 11:55:00 -0000

EP 241 - Should "nature" have a seat at the board table?

Paul is a barrister and founder of Lawyers in Nature who aim to provide representation, campaigning and legal resources on environmental protection and rights for nature., particularly in a corporate setting.

We talk about this (voluntary) work and why he does it. We chat sh*t and Thames Water and how it brings home the reality of our climate and environmental crisis.

We discuss human rights vs. nature's rights and how they would be balanced in society's best interests. We also find out what it's like to be interviewed by Nigel Farage on something called GB News.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:44 Paul's Journey into Environmental Activism

01:46 Discussion on Extinction Rebellion

03:50 Paul's Work in Legal Profession and Climate Activism

05:27 Concept of Legal Personhood for Nature

05:44 Role of Law in Protecting Nature

12:19 Impact of Infrastructure on Nature

14:53 State of Britain's Natural Environment

18:59 Role of Companies in Environmental Protection

23:00 Nature Positive Corporate Governance

24:31 Disconnect Between Humans and Nature

25:29 Unsustainability of Modern Society

27:05 Role of Corporations in Environmental Conservation

28:47 Impact of Climate Change on Food Supply

29:34 Challenges of Environmental Activism

31:03 Importance of Protecting Nature

31:56 Role of Politics in Environmental Conservation

32:54 Power of Individual Action

37:28 Role of Patriotism in Environmental Conservation

38:47 Quickfire Round and Final Thoughts

Paul's recommendations:

Spaceship Earth (podcast)

Rights of Nature by David Boyd (book)

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

BWB is powered by Oury Clark

QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Rina Lynch

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:48:00 -0000

EP 240 - Voice At The Table CEO and Founder Rina Lynch is in the quiz seat this week with Andy and Pippa breaking open a brand new deck of quiz cards:

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BoB quiz!

00:35 Virtual Reality Meetings: Business or Bullshit?

00:57 Hot Desking: Comfort or Chaos?

01:25 Twitter: Useful Tool or Time Waster?

02:18 Appraisals: Necessary or Nonsense?

02:51 Accountants: Essential or Burden?

03:12 Universal Basic Income: Future of Finance or Fantasy?

03:39 Brainstorm Techniques: Creative Catalyst or Cliché?

03:45 Language Sensitivity

04:28 Quiz Conclusion and Score Reveal

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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Rina Lynch on Maximising the Power of Diversity in the Workplace

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:08:00 -0000

EP 239 - Rina is Founder of Voice At the Table, a diversity and inclusion consultancy who help organisations tap into the diversity of their people and offer training in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Rina unpacks what Equity, Diversity and Inclusion actually is, how it differs from equality, and how it's applied in the workplace. We discuss gender, ethnic and cultural bias, the effects of divisive mentalities and language, and how we can learn to become more empathetic. Rina explains her 8 Inclusive Behaviours program which facilitates better diversification, and explains why female leadership programs qualify for the big bin of bullshit!

We also get to her about why Rina began her work in this space, her long term goals and biggest f**k ups.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BWB

00:50 Understanding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

02:24 Exploring the Concept of Equitable Law

04:49 Impact of Language and Culture in Business

06:08 Journey of Diversity in Business

08:55 Role of Inclusion in Business

11:10 Importance of Equity in Business Systems

16:10 Power of Diverse Teams in Business

20:09 Long Term Goals and the Origin of Voice at the Table

21:02 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Speaking Up

22:55 Misunderstandings and Opportunities

26:44 The Problem with Female Leadership Programs

32:47 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Rina

34:49 Recommendations and Final Thoughts

If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

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EP 238 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Ashok Suppiah

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:40:00 -0000

Serial tech entrepreneur and Mitra co-founder Ashok Suppiah is in the hot seat this week with a hilarious anecdote about office nap pods in Taiwan!

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EP 237 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Ashok Suppiah

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:43:00 -0000

Ashok talks about his aim to start a tech foundation for the underprivileged. Inspired by his father's work, he wants to fund and run eduction and training programs for people who lack opportunity due to poverty in Siri Lanka and the UK. He's currently trialing programs through one of his businesses Mitrai

We also discuss the future of AI and Machine Learning. And Ashok tells us about a recent startup investment failure which ended up being one of his biggest learning curves so far. He also shares the best advice he's been given which is the basis of his entire work/life balance.

Ashok's recommendations:

Anything by James C. Collins (author)

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EP 236 - Dr Ashok Suppiah - "Aim for a healthy work / life balance"

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:45:00 -0000

Ashok is a serial tech entrepreneur who's 20 years deep and has built several successful businesses including Virtusa Corp which he helped to grow to $280M and 5000 people. He was also the Chief Architect of eDocs an online bill presentment product that was sold to Oracle for $180M.

We discuss the reality of raising money and the key differences between venture capital and private equity. Ashok gives advice on how to strategise best for the process.

We also discuss one of Ashok's current businesses Experienz which makes it easier and more sustainable for companies to gather ESG data, create reports and action plans. Ashok explains the reality of ESG in large corporates vs. SMEs and what can be done to improve performance. And gives advice on what companies can be doing to help with climate change.

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EP 235 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. David Yarrow

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

David talks about life before photography and his journey to becoming a full-time artist. He shares stories about life on the road and what happened when he met the Head of the Tate Gallery (it wasn't what he expected) and had dinner with George Bush. He also talks about the importance of real trust in business and why Richard Oury is his number 1 go-to man.

David's recommendations:

The Offer - The Making Of The Godfather (film)

The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil Money and Power - Daniel Yergin (book)

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EP 234 - David Yarrow - "Be tough on yourself"

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:09:00 -0000

David is a British fine-art photographer, conservationist and author. His photography subjects include sport stars, world-renowned models, wildlife, indigenous communities and landscapes.

David talks about the biggest mistake artists make when selling their work. His business USP and what it takes to be successful in today's industry. He also shares the truth about conservationism in Africa and how it differs to the mainstream narrative. And talks about his past life working in finance and why he gave it up to become a professional photographer.

David also shares his best advice for the up-and-coming and explains why certain sayings in business conversation qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 233 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Oz Alashe

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 11:19:00 -0000

Oz is in this week's BOB hot seat who doesn't shy away from explaining his answers. Lots to be noted!

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EP 232 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Oz Alashe

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Oz tells us what he learnt from his biggest ever f**k up when hiring new staff and talks about long term goals for CybSafe. He also shares the best advice he's ever been given while Andy debates the nonsensical bureaucracy around ESG.

Oz's Recommendation:

The Hard Thing About Hard Things - Ben Horowitz (book)

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Instagram.com/bizwithoutbs

Twitter.com/bizwithoutbs

YouTube.com/@bizwithoutbs

EP 231 - Oz Alashe MBE - "We should blame less and help more"

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:21:00 -0000

Oz is the CEO and Founder of CybSafe a behavioural science and data analytics company that builds software to better manage human risk. He's also a former UK Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded an MBE in 2010 for his personal leadership in extreme conflict environments.

Oz explains the reality of today's cyber security issues and breaks down what Cybsafe does for clients like HSBC, Barclays, Great Suisse and Premiere League Football to help them minimise risk and avoid security breaches. He also gives advice on what businesses can do to self-manage their data security.

We also discuss the geopolitical issues surrounding cyber security and Oz explains why barriers to entry into the industry, like diversity, qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

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Instagram.com/bizwithoutbs

Twitter.com/bizwithoutbs

YouTube.com/@bizwithoutbs

EP 230 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dino DiPierdomenico

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:43:00 -0000

Friday quiz time with DMC Sport co-founder Dino DiPierdomenico in the hot seat! (his response to Office Nap Pods is hilarious!)

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EP 229 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Dino DiPierdomenico

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:27:00 -0000

Dino tells us what's most misunderstood about his company DMC Sport (here's a hint - they don't just make products, they provide strategies to get more kids playing sport)

Kids are less physically active than ever before and Dino explains how much of a crisis the situation actually is and why especially in America. He also gives us his best piece of advice and warns us of his worst.

Dino's recommendations:

Olivia Dean - music

Joy Crookes - music

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EP 228 - Dino DiPierdomenico - "Avoid internal bureaucracy as much as possible"

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:53:00 -0000

Dino tells us why he co-founded DMC Sport which specialises in managing game development programs for a range of different sports. He explains why sports played such an important role both personally and professionally for him being an Italian immigrant growing up in Australia. And why his mission with DMC is to basically get more kids playing sports instead of computer games. He also explains why internal company bureaucracy qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t

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EP 227 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with John West

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:28:00 -0000

Scimar's Chief Development Officer John West has lots to say about the cards he's dealt in this week's quiz!

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EP 226 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. John West

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:22:00 -0000

John tells us about how he went from working for the big three in IT to becoming Chief Development Officer for his family business Scimar who are working on detecting preventing and even reversing type 2 diabetes. He explains why mistaking human errors for tech errors is the biggest blunder a business can make. And why pandering to investors isn't always the best advice to follow ..

John's recommendations:

Inside The Breakthrough (podcast)

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EP 225 - John West - "diabetes increase is based on economics"

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:06:00 -0000

John is the CDO of Scimar who are working on detecting preventing and even reversing type 2 diabetes with 4 key products they are developing and commercialising.

John explains the mechanics of diabetes and the route causes. And how Scimars's products are being designed to work the disease. He also tell us about the family business's 17 year history and fundraising plans. And also unpacks the challenging and expensive reality of developing pharmaceuticals for commercialisation. And why he thinks the financialisation of Big Pharma qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 224 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with John Stapleton

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:27:00 -0000

Friday quiz time with John who gives us his thorough views to Flexible Working, Blue Sky Thinking and Hot Desking!

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EP 223 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. John Stapleton

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 21:55:00 -0000

John talks about growing up in Ireland in the the early 80s. How he met Andrew Palmer and started the New Covent Garden Soup Co. The reality of building and exiting a business (which takes much longer than you think). His new sustainable vertical farming business launching in the UK. And how he learnt more about entrepreneurship from his 1 failed business compared to his 2 successful ones.

John's recommendations:

Simon Sinek - author

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EP 222 - John Stapleton - "Get out of your own way"

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

John co-founded New Covent Garden Soup Co. and Little Dish scaling them to £15-20M each in revenue before exiting. He now focuses on mentoring, investing and building challenger brands in food and drink as part of Mission Ventures.

John tells us about how he built New Covent Garden Soup Co. What defines a good entrepreneur. The effects of 'normalised' global crisis on business and investment. And how startups should adjust to navigate through today's economic climate. He also explains why the culted entrepreneur personality on social media qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 221 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Larry King

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:15:00 -0000

Larry gets put through the BoB paces with some strong views on Working From Home, MBAs and Office Nap Pods!

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EP 220 - BWB Extra - Get To know .. Larry King

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Larry tells us about long term goals for his salons and haircare range. Why he thinks people misunderstand career prospects for hair stylists. Why the government need to be doing more to support high street businesses. And that time he had breakfast with Kevin Coster.

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EP 219 - Larry King - Celebrity Hair Stylist

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:59:00 -0000

Larry tells us about how he became a sought after stylist grooming the likes of David Gandy, Karlie Kloss, Jarid Leto, Pixie Lott and regularly working with Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair. He explains what makes a good hair stylist and why his salons are regarded as the best in London. We also hear about his haircare range, being in business with his wife Laura, and why being a good employer is a key part of their success.

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EP 218 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dana Bezerra

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:18:00 -0000

We run Greater Share CEO Dana Bezerra through our quiz gauntlet!

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EP 217 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Dana Bezerra

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Dana tells us about how she went from working on her family's farm to walking through the doors of Merrill Lynch. Why she decided to become an entrepreneur in philanthropy. The most misunderstood thing about what she does. And why her spiritual side plays a big part in her work.

Dana's recommendations

Finding the Mother Tree - Suzanne Simard (book)

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EP 216 - Dana Bezerra - "We need to introduce more investment factors beyond profit"

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:37:00 -0000

Dana, CEO of GreaterShare joins us to talk about the philanthropic work they're doing with NGOs and private equity firms to solve global challenges together. She explains why the company was setup, how it works and what's in it for investors. We also discuss her concerns around the primacy of profits in today's economic climate and the difference between philanthropy in the US vs UK.

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EP 215 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Dominic Monkhouse

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:31:00 -0000

Dominic plays BOB with the first version of our newly designed deck of cards!

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EP 214 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Dominic Monkhouse

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Dominic tells us why he'll never retire, what the most misunderstood thing is about business coaching, and why being carbon neutral by planting trees isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

Dominic's recommendations:

The Drive - Peter Attia (podcast)

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits - Verne Harnish (book)

The Value Profit Chain - James L. Heskett

Net Promoter Score - Fred Reichheld

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EP 213 - Dominic Monkhouse - Master Business Coach & Author

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Dominic tells us about how he helps businesses accelerate their growth and productivity by improving leadership strategies, better organising staff, creating stronger team relations and improving overall company culture and working environment. He also tells us why he thinks sales commissions and annual appraisals qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 212 - QUIZ - Business OR Bullshit with Grace Blakeley

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Friday quiz time with renowned author, journalist and political commentator Grace Blakeley in the hot seat.

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businesswithutbullshit.me

EP 211 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Grace Blakeley

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:14:00 -0000

Graces talks about her career journey from studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University through to becoming a renowned author and political commentator. The challenges she faces when writing her books. And why she wishes she took up surfing earlier on in life. All that plus more.

Grace's recommendations:

Stolen: How to Save the World From Financialisation - Grace Blakeley

The Corona Crash: How the Pandemic Will Change Capitalism - Grace Blakeley

It's Not That Radical - Michala Loach

Novara Media Podcasts

Tribune Magazine

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EP 210 - Grace Blakeley - "Democracy isn't really working"

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 04:16:00 -0000

Grace gives us her well-versed socialist views on a range of topics including climate change and the Green New Deal, issues with government policies, economics vs. politics, why democracy is failing, and Andy's favourite, with much heated debate .. Tax. She also explains why posturing stakeholder capitalism qualifies for the big bin of bullshit in business.

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EP 209 - Mike Butcher MBE - Editor-At-Large - Tech Crunch

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:33:00 -0000

Recorded live at Fabula in Paris as part of our London & Partners VivaTech collaboration, we spoke to Mike about his thoughts on the French ecosystem, comparisons between London and Paris tech scenes and what Elon Musk is going to bring to the VivaTech stage

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EP 208 - Eurostar to Vivatech Special with London & Partners

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:42:00 -0000

Recorded live on a Eurostar from London to Paris, we teamed up with London & Partners as part of their 2 day networking event bringing together Google backed Founders, Investors, Scale Ups and alike en route to VivaTech Paris via Fabula for a swanky dinner. We spoke to London & Partner's Miriam Ducke - Director Europe and Andrew Tibbets - Director of Innovation alongside Google backed Founders Dupe Burgess - Bloomful , Theo Houston - Slinger and Dami Hastrup - Moonhub for a full round up of the trip, start to finish!

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EP 207 - BWB Special - In memory of Juliet Oury - Part 2

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0000

We get to know more about Juliet's life story: how and why she became a lawyer, her work on Death Row in Jamaica and what she strived to achieve. She also talks about the people who have helped her over the years, her visions for Oury Clark and how she would like to be remembered.

Juliet's recommendations: Juliet's Spotify Playlist

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EP 206 - BWB Special - In memory of Juliet Oury - Part 1

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:29:00 -0000

Recorded on 4th November 2022, Andy speaks to sister, co-host and senior parter at Oury Clark Juliet Oury who sadly passed away on 7th June 2023 from Pancreatic Cancer. She was 47.

Juliet gives us personal insight into her illness and subsequent effects, and how she approached managing it the best she could. Priceless advice for anyone going through the same experience.

Please share with people who you think will benefit from hearing it.

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EP 205 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Farah Nanji

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:04:00 -0000

Farah tells us about how being bullied at school became the catalyst for her motorsport and music passions. She also tells us about the harsh reality of being a woman trying to make it in the music industry, and just how pinnacle the motor sports industry is for constantly testing new consumer technologies.

Farah's recommendations:

Principles - Ray Dalio (book)

A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle (book)

Drive To Survive (documentry)

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EP 204 - Farah Nanji - "Just keep going"

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:36:00 -0000

Farah joins us to chat about her multiple businesses spanning across motorsport events, podcasting and music. She explains why mindsets in motorsport are prime benchmarks to learn, adopt and deploy in business leadership, and describes the types of events her company Regents Racing puts on to achieve this. Farah also explains why Spotify and streaming in general qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

Regents Racing is a curated events company and community that accelerates leadership through exploring mindsets in motorsports. Mission Makers is a platform discussing change makers in music, motorsports and business. Farah is also a music producer and performer as DJ Ninja. You can find her @dj.n1nja

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EP 203 - QUIZ - Business or Bullshit with Robert Wesson

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 08:23:00 -0000

Friday quiz time with CEO and Founder of Axiom International Financial Services, Robert Wesson in the hot seat!

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EP 202 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Robert Wesson

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

We hear how Robert went from backpacking in Australia to stockbroking in London, how his life was massively shaped by living through the Tsunami and loosing his dad both at the same time, as well as talking about plans for Axiom breaking in to North America.

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EP 201 - Robert Wesson - "Be the best version of yourself"

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Robert joins us to unpack what e-money actually is. He explains how and why Axiom IFS are using it to create global payment solutions for companies wanting to operate in different jurisdictions but struggle to set up local bank accounts. And explains the benefits Axiom’s services provide beyond traditional banking methods. Robert also tells us why he thinks self-promotion on social media qualifies for the big bin of business bullshit.

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EP 200 - QUIZ - Business vs. Bullshit with Sam Bulmer & Charlie Spencer

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:54:00 -0000

Quiz time with sustainable shipping advocates and head honchos at Spaera, Sam Bulmer and Charlie Spencer in the hot seat.

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EP 199 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Sam Bulmer & Charlie Spencer

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

We hear about Charlie's life working at Tesla, what led Sam and Charlie's careers into a more purpose driven direction. Why Spaera started as a net-zero solutions company for the shipping industry. And we randomly hear about Andy's disastrous gluttonous kitchen habits whenever he tries to cook a meal.

Charlie's recommendation:

Let My People Go Surfing - Yvon Chouinard (book)

Sam's recommendation:

Headpace (app)

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EP 198 - Sam Bulmer & Charlie Spencer - "Clean energy independence is a solution in its own right"

Tue, 30 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Ex-Tesla head Charlie and Sam from Spaera are developing a net zero emission solution for the shipping industry to accelerate the transition to sustainable shipping. They unpack the facts, stats and consequences from using fossil fuels in shipping. They explain what they're planning to do about it at Spaera. And they explain why unnecessarily long meetings qualify for the big bin of bullshit, a bugbear which Elon Musk himself does not tolerate!

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EP 197 - QUIZ - Business vs. Bullshit with Corrine Mills

Fri, 26 May 2023 13:13:00 -0000

Corrine's in the hot seat this week giving us her thoughts on whether she thinks our list of industry terms are good for business or qualify for the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 196 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Corinne Mills

Thu, 25 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Want to hear Andy being coached on how to deal with women's menopause in the workplace? then you're in the right place.

We hear how Corinne went from being an actress to becoming a fully fledged career coach, why she's so passionate about helping people find a better career life, how companies should approach advertising job roles, and more importantly, what they should be doing to keep their employees interested, satisfied and happy!

Corinne's recommendation:

Succession (TV series)

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EP 195 - Corinne Mills - "The Career Guru"

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Corinne chats about the effects of AI and corporate bureaucracy on recruitment and how candidates need to improve on selling themselves. We also unpack what's missing from the hiring process and why it's important for employees to make themselves visible in the workplace. And Corinne explains why she thinks posting personal stuff on Linkedin qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.

That's why the BBC dubbed Corinne as the "career guru". She's written best-sellers “You’re Hired! How to write a brilliant CV” and “Career Coach” has appeared regularly on TV and writes for the Guardian.

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EP 194 - QUIZ - Business vs. Bullshit with Giles Brook

Fri, 19 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Hear why Giles Brook thinks Universal Credit is bullshit in week's Business vs. Bullshit quiz with FMCG's finest entrepreneur and investor the hot seat.

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EP 193 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Giles Brook

Thu, 18 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

We hear how Giles got into the food and beverages industry, what life was like building Innocent Drinks, his ethics on work / life balance and how investors should treat founders, and what he's most excited about for his current portfolio of projects .. all that plus more.

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EP 192 - Giles Brook - "You don't need to be greedy"

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Giles tells us about life as an early stage investor in brands like BEAR, Pip & Nut, Bio & Me as well as stories from the likes of Vita Coco & Innocent where he played leading roles and which have gone on to become huge success storiesWe also chat about the reality of the food & beverages market, his current projects and how he picks them. Giles also proposes to add current company valuations and greenwashing to the big bin of bullshit.

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EP 191 - QUIZ - Business vs. Bullshit with Cally Beaton

Fri, 12 May 2023 09:10:00 -0000

It's Friday! which means it's quiz time, welcome to this week's Business vs. Bullshit with the wonderful comedian, podcaster and all-round boss lady Cally Beaton in the hot seat.

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EP 190 - BWB Extra - Get To Know .. Cally Beaton

Thu, 11 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

We hear why Cally traded in a six-figure TV exec salary for the comedy circuit after a serendipitous lunch with the late and great Joan Rivers, the people she looks up to in comedy, the most misunderstood thing about comedians, and that time she turned down signing South Park for MTV .. all that plus more on this week's BWB Extra where we get to know comedian, speaker and podcaster Cally Beaton a litter better.

Cally's recommendations:

The Good Psychopath's Guide To Success - Dr Kevin Dutton & Andy Mcnab (book)

Antidote - Oliver Burkeman (book)

Namaste Motherfu*kers (podcast)

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EP 189 - Cally Beaton - "Create your personal boardroom of allies"

Tue, 09 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

A snapshot into the life and mind of Cally Beaton. Top TV executive turned comedian, TV figure, writer, podcaster, speaker and coach, Cally gives priceless advice and insight into how and why she juggles multiple careers while being a single mother. Her thoughts on gender inequality in the workplace. And why she thinks she's still single at 50 .. all that plus more

Cally is the host of the notorious podcast Namaste Motherfu*ker

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EP 188 - QUIZ - Business vs. Bullshit with Rodney P

Fri, 05 May 2023 13:42:00 -0000

Welcome Business vs. Bullshit, our featured quiz show which up until now has been a part of BWB Extra on Thursdays and now we're giving it a life of its own every Friday. This week it's Rodney P in the hot seat.

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