Evolve to Succeed

In today’s episode, Warren Munson interviews Julie Eddicott and Sally Percival, who are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime, as they row across the Atlantic. Julie and Sally will be rowing from Gomera, Canary Islands, to Antigua, covering 3,000 miles in a 28.5-foot boat with two cabins and three rowing positions. The team consists of Julie, Sally, and their friends Mary and Ed. They discuss their upcoming challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and the preparations they have been making. They discuss the physical training that is required to attempt such a feat and the mental aspect, as they will be dealing with isolation and enclosed spaces. They also discuss the daily routine they will face on the boat, the safety measures, and their motivations for taking on this challenge and the charities they are raising money for. If you would like to follow and support their journey, you can check out their website at: https://www.ebbflowatlantic.com/ Follow their social media: https://www.instagram.com/ebbandflow_row/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090553086293 For corporate sponsorships: hello@ebbflowatlantic.com This episode of The Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… ● Julie and Sally are preparing to row across the Atlantic from Gomera to Antigua, covering 3,000 miles in a 28.5-foot boat. ● Physical training includes rowing sessions on the rowing machine and weight sessions. ● The team will row in shifts of two hours on, two hours off, 24/7. ● Their biggest fears include jumping off the boat to clean the hull and the mental challenges of isolation and close quarters. ● Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean provides an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. ● The support of family, friends, and sponsors is crucial in undertaking such a challenging endeavour. ● The daily routine on the boat involves rowing, eating, maintaining the water supply, and taking care of personal hygiene. ● Safety measures, such as wearing harnesses and life jackets, are in place to mitigate risks like capsize. ● The challenge is not just physical but also a test of mental resilience and self-discovery. ● The rowers are raising money for charities such as the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Rowing Across the Atlantic 05:13 The Team and Boat 09:30 Physical Training 16:04 Sleep Deprivation 26:53 Isolation 27:22 Disconnecting from Everyday Life 29:19 Family, Friends and Sponsors 34:34 Daily Routine on the Boat 37:40 Safety Measures 41:55 Physical and Mental Challenges 44:58 Charities 46:27 Sponsors 52:42 How to Support

On this episode, Warren interviews Jimmy and Suzie, the founders of one of the UK’s biggest iced coffee brands, Jimmy's Iced Coffee. Jimmy and Suzie discuss their journey running a family business as brother and sister, from starting out with a coffee shop, auditioning for Dragon’s Den and distributing their iced coffee across the UK. Their journey emphasises the importance of gut instinct, being true to oneself when building a brand and always having a positive outlook even when dealing with immense pressure. They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, dealing with bureaucracy and what led to them selling the business. With insights from the founders of one of the UK’s largest drink brands, you don’t want to miss out on this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast! This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… · Trusting your gut instinct and being true to yourself when building a brand. · Taking risks by trying unconventional marketing strategies. · Not overlooking the importance of small wins. · Seeking out mentors and listening to constructive feedback. · Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset throughout the entrepreneurial journey. · Enjoying the journey and having valid reasons for doing it. · Taking time to consider what you're doing and don't rush to get to the end. · Building a great team. · Making sustainability intrinsic to your business. · Selling a business for financial security and personal freedom. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Starting Jimmy’s Iced Coffee 03:19 Naivety 04:22 Jimmy and Suzie’s Roles 06:09 Mistakes 08:04 Optimism 10:24 Brother and Sister in Business 13:36 Maintaining Relationships 14:30 Waitrose 23:46 Risks 26:01 Unconventional Marketing 29:43 Seeking Feedback 31:09 Being True to Yourself 35:09 Enjoying the Journey 36:34 Scaling 40:50 Sustainability 46:58 Selling Jimmy’s Iced Coffee 01:05:41 Family and Personal Pursuits

In this exciting episode, Warren Munson talks to Ben Boon, co-founder of Pom Pom London, one of the biggest rising luxury brands in the UK. Ben discusses the exceptional growth of Pom Pom London and the challenges he and his business partner Harry Griffiths faced. The episode covers the brand's evolution, the secrets to their e-commerce success, and the sacrifices made to achieve growth. Ben shares insights into what it takes growing Pom Pom London, from building a community to expanding into America with TV shopping channels. He discusses the emotional and analytical aspects of the business, family dynamics, and the pursuit of personal success. The episode also includes a special offer for listeners looking to purchase a handbag from Pom Pom London, so you won’t want to miss this! This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers… ● Pom Pom London has experienced exceptional growth, from a turnover of £38,000 in 2020 to a turnover of more than £24 million in 2023. ● E-commerce has been key to Pom Pom London’s success, with a strong focus on creative marketing, customer service, and aftercare. ● Ben Boon acknowledges the personal sacrifices made, including long working hours and the decision to stop playing professional hockey to focus on the business. ● The brand has an impressive community of half a million customers - emphasising quality, customer service, and a strong brand identity. ● An e-commerce brand expanding into retail can present challenges in working capital and logistics. ● Running an e-commerce business requires constant attention and the need to balance emotion and analysis. ● Ben and Harry’s families have played a significant role in the business's journey and success. ● Listeners can enjoy a special discount on handbags from Pom Pom London using a code mentioned in the episode. Chapters 00:00 First Years 18:38 E-Commerce Success 23:57 Capacity 31:41 Personal Sacrifice 33:09 Challenges 35:30 Retail? 40:45 E-Commerce Insights 58:10 Family 59:53 Personal Success

"The period from 2000 to 2007 was undoubtedly my favourite period. And then the worst period was undoubtedly 2008 to 2009." Summary On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Matt Fleming, founder of AF Oliver. Matt talks about his time in the PR and media industry, from selling vans and an advertising agency to co-founding Aylesworth Flemming. He talks about the importance of building strong relationships, being fun to work with and always bringing high energy to meetings. He also discusses the significance of finding a niche and gaining knowledge in that area. Matt reflects on the happiest and most challenging periods of his business, such as the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the emotional stress of making redundancies and the importance of having a support network. Matt also reflects on the lessons he learned from the near-collapse of his business in 1990 and the impact it had on his personal life. This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers: Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:25 Building Relationships and Finding a Niche 14:56 The Importance of Energy and Expertise 24:46 Navigating the Process of Selling Multiple Businesses 26:31 Breaking Up for Better Value and Fit 27:00 Navigating Tough Times 27:56 The Importance of a Support Network 29:23 Lessons Learned from the Near-Collapse of AF Oliver in 1990 38:15 Resilience and Adaptability in Business 41:58 Debt and Leveraging in Business 43:53 Finding Purpose and Enjoyment in Work 48:38 Defining Personal Success

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, the tables have been turned, as Mark Cribb interviews Warren Munson, the founder of Inspire and Evolve Advisory. They discuss Warren’s journey as an entrepreneur, his motivations and the evolution of his businesses. Warren shares insights from interviewing over 200 local businesspeople on the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, highlighting the importance of building relationships. Mark also delves into Warren’s decision to sell Inspire and start Evolve, the emotional challenges he faced and the three key focuses of Evolve: ignite, thrive and optimise. Warren reflects on his journey at Inspire and discusses the loneliness of starting a business and the importance of perseverance and self-motivation. Warren also shares his thoughts on risk-taking and the value of building a business with capital value. Warren emphasises his passion for helping others in business and his excitement for the future of Evolve Advisory. This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… 1. Resilience and overcoming challenges are common themes in the stories of successful entrepreneurs. 2. Selling a business requires careful consideration and finding the right fit. 3. The journey of entrepreneurship involves different stages, from igniting a business to thriving and optimising it. 4. Success is not solely defined by financial gain, but by achieving personal goals and creating a legacy. Starting a business can be a lonely experience, but perseverance and self-motivation are key to success. 5. Building a business with capital value is a worthwhile goal, as it creates opportunities for growth and acquisition. 6. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are important for personal and professional growth. 7. The future of Evolve Advisory holds exciting possibilities for growth and making a difference in the business community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:08 The Decision to Sell Inspire and Start Evolve 16:27 The Evolution of Evolve: Ignite, Thrive and Optimise 36:26 Building a Business with Capital Value 39:21 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance 46:09 Helping Others in Business 50:00 The Future of Evolve Advisory

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Liz and Leila Willingham, directors of Liz Lean PR. Liz and Leila discuss their journey of running a family business and the challenges they faced. Leila talks about growing up in and around the business and her experiences in becoming a senior member of the team. They explore the importance of effective communication and mentorship in a family business, and highlight the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to manage team morale. Liz discusses the importance of mental health for business leaders and the need for self-care, emphasising the need to find a balance between work and personal life and the challenges of managing a busy schedule. This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers: Running a family business requires a balance between entrepreneurship and maintaining family dynamics. Creating a family-focused culture in the business is important. Having support from family and team members is crucial. Mentorship plays a significant role in personal and professional growth. AI and digital delivery have their place, but they can't replace the emotional connection and human touch that PR brings. Employers should value and listen to the assets and ideas of young employees. Taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary for effective leadership. Personal success is closely tied to happiness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Saying Yes and Figuring It Out Later 06:33 The Early Association with Pride and Business 09:44 The Role of Support in Business Success 13:18 Exploring Real-World Opportunities 16:18 Expanding the Talent Pool 23:57 Being in a Family Business 27:26 The Pressure to Succeed 30:46 The Drive to Prove Oneself in a Team 34:18 The Importance of Client Delight and Building Relationships 37:25 The Need for an Academic and Accountable Approach 40:52 The Changing Influence of PR 44:11 The Power of Listening to the Younger Generation 47:45 Striving for Long-Term Success 50:49 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Expectations 52:22 The Evolving Definition of Success 53:09 The Importance of a Happy Family 53:39 Challenges and Experiences of Running a Family Business 54:18 Finding Success and Fulfilment

Summary On this episode of the revitalised Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Jeff Mostyn, the former chairman of AFC Bournemouth. Jeff discusses his early years in Manchester, his love for football and the challenges he faced, including bullying and his sister's illness. Jeff talks about his business career, including working for TSB and starting his own business in financial advice for the armed forces. He emphasises the importance of providing excellent service and caring for customers. The conversation also touches on Jeff’s involvement with Bournemouth Football Club. Jeff, former chairman of AFC Bournemouth, reflects on his journey with the football club and the challenges he faced. He shares how he initially got involved with the club and the financial struggles they encountered, including administration and relegation. Despite the difficulties, Jeff remained committed to the club and played a crucial role in its success. He emphasises the importance of teamwork, mutual respect and empowering others. Jeff also discusses his transition from chairman to patron of Lewis Manning, a hospice charity, and the impact it has had on his life. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:31 Jeff’s Business Career 41:01 Involvement with Bournemouth Football Club 51:09 Dealing with Setbacks and Administration 01:08:30 The Power of Teamwork and Mutual Respect 01:18:28 Becoming a Patron of Lewis Manning #EvolvePodcast #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Football #AFCBournemouth #SuccessStories #PersonalDevelopment #Teamwork #CustomerService #Inspiration #Adversity #Legacy #Community #Resilience

In this short update, your host Warren Munson brings some exciting news about the Evolve to Succeed podcast.

Jack Bradley is a national award-wining designer and founder at Zenscape, which creates next generation travel gear to help people explore the world. Jack’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 during a European backpacking trip. Inspired by the challenges of constantly moving and searching through backpacks, he envisioned a solution for more efficient travel. Click here to view Jack's Kickstarter campaign.

Stephen Steers is president at the New York-based Steers Consulting Group, which helps the founders and sales teams of professional services firms tell the stories that get their customers excited to buy. He is also the author ‘Superpower Story-Telling’. He’s consulted, advised and led workshops for more than 750 companies from 30 countries, including giants such as Nike, Google and Microsoft for Startups.

Jason Gault is CEO at TeamJobs, as well as Team Manager at the Primera-TeamJobs cycling team. Amongst the topics discussed, Jason talks about the changes he’s seen in his 22 years in recruitment, what he learned about leadership and people during his four years as a Dorset Police Officer, the value of a business partner, the demands of being a sole owner, and how he balances his time between TeamJobs and the cycling team.

David Hole is an accredited money coach with over 30 years’ experience as a professional financial advisor. David not only specialises but also gains huge personal fulfilment in using his expertise to help people achieve their financial goals. However, David’s recent positioning as a money coach is just another path in what has been a bold and unusual journey, both personally and professionally.

Mark Masters is a marketing consultant and owner of You Are The Media, a marketing and media training and learning community. What started as a side project in 2013, You Are The Media has now grown into a name on an international scale, with people participating from all over the world.

Ben Gibbons is the co-founder of Circular 11, which transforms low-grade plastic waste into building materials and household products, creating a viable market for the film-based plastics that constitute 50 to 80% of global packaging waste. Using composite and biocomposite technology, Circular 11 turns this waste into recyclable items, fostering closed-loop, local circular economies for global communities.

On this episode, Warren sits down with both Evolve’s delivery lead and advisor David Mutton, and Matthew Fretten, managing partner at Frettens Solicitors, which has won awards for employee engagement. Amongst other things up for discussion is defining what engagement actually is and how to maintain it during periods of growth. Warren and David look at the four pillars of employee engagement and we hear what Matthew and Frettens have done to reach such high levels of employee engagement.

Martin Higgins is managing director at MSP Capital, a company he developed with his father Ray in the late 90s. What was then a small operation has since grown into one of the leading providers of non-regulated commercial finance in Southern England.

Jay Blades, BBC Repair Shop star and renowned furniture restorer (among other things), tells the compelling story of how he went from homelessness and despair to repairing his life, including developing an unusual friendship with King Charles III. It's a remarkable account of determination and resilience, told with great passion and humour.

Leanne Spencer is the co-founder of Bodyshot Performance, an award-winning wellbeing company that uses technology and science-based solutions to create happy, healthy and resilient teams. As experts in corporate wellbeing and wellbeing strategy, Leanne and her team help their clients to lead with wellbeing in their organisations.

Host Warren Munson counts down the ten most popular episodes from 2023. This episode features Gerard McSharry, Simon Hawtry-Coombs, Helen Stacey, Steve Wyatt and Toby Gutteridge.

Host Warren Munson counts down the ten most popular episodes from 2023. This episode features Jo Barry, Carly Jermyn, Kate Adie, Adam Walker and Marc Trent.