The Project Future Podcast

How can you improve not just your mental health, but your mental wealth? My guest here in Episode 43 is Mike Pagan – a Business Performance Specialist who believes that having a proactive support network is the secret to your success. Mike explains: - How he learnt to adapt when faced with a global financial crisis - The brutal reality of retiring from professional sport, and what we can all learn from it - Why it’s so important to have somebody to ask you the right questions - Who should form your mental wealth team - The difference between being professional and amateur…and what it will lead to - Why taking in information alone won’t make a difference Mike’s best advice is don’t do it in isolation. Enjoy!

How can you increase growth in your business without working longer hours? My guest here in Episode 42 is Mark Jarvis, a business mentor who inspires forward-thinking business people to grow themselves and build better, stronger and smarter businesses. In this conversation Mark explains: - What can be achieved if you surround yourself with the right people - How to grow your business when your diary is already full - The difference between growth and expansion - What the 60-20-20 Principle is, and why you should implement - The common misconception of what constitutes working ON the business - The power of referrals, if done right - How to deliver a great speech Mark’s best advice is to get somebody to help you. Enjoy!

How can you maximise the opportunity that change brings? My guest here in Episode 41 is The Success Spark, Liz Hamlet. Liz is an internationally known Coach, Business Mentor, Speaker and Podcaster. She's the founder of Spark Succeed Coaching & Consulting, and she helps people to get laser-focused on their careers and businesses. In this conversation Liz explains: - The benefits of starting a business in times of change - How you can get over the fear factor in the idea stage - The 5 key mindset changes that successful entrepreneurs make - Why you shouldn’t be apologetic about your pricing - Why we should see change as an opportunity, not a threat - Why change encourages innovation - The benefits of running your own podcast, or appearing on somebody else’s - Why you should embrace being yourself Her best advice is to feel the fear and do it anyway. Enjoy!

How can you thrive using technology, if you’re not technical? My guest here in Episode 40 is Sophia Matveeva, the founder of Tech for Non-Techies, who is on a mission to help people learn about tech so they can achieve what they want from their careers. In this conversation Sophia explains: - How she started by solving her own problem - What a lack of understanding between tech and business people can lead to - The difference between a product metric and a business metric - How fundraising is a process of courting - The benefits of asking for advice - What a monthly newsletter can do for your business, and how to structure it - How you’ll be seen if you keep on turning up - How start-ups iterating is a good thing, and why good investors should be open to this - How she’s developed solutions for those with different needs, aligned to the overall mission of the business - The negative impact of not understanding today’s technology environment Sophia’s best advice is to have the confidence to say you don’t know things. Enjoy!

How do you provide a global platform for traditional artisans, sustainably? My guest here in Episode 39 is Teni Majekodunmi, the founder of Eclectic Chique. Teni founded the business to raise the bar for African products internationally, with a clear focus on developing the craft industry in Nigeria and empowering women whilst doing so. In this conversation, Teni explains: - How her business actually started as her own therapy after a family tragedy - Her mission to showcase the products of African artisans to the world and to change perceptions along the way - What products she started with and how she gained a first major client - The business’ values and why they matter - The impact the platform she’s created has had and how she’s worked with partners like the International Trade Centre to amplify her influence - How asking for external help can enable you to progress faster Teni’s best advice is to start small. Enjoy!

How can you respond positively when change happens around you? My guest here in Episode 38 is Anthony Kingsley – a copywriter, travel agent and networker who is a passionate believer in following his interests. In this conversation Anthony explains: - Why it’s important to learn how NOT to do things - What happens if businesses don’t evolve - How Covid-19 has made people recognise the importance of community - The pros and cons of running a franchise - Why being clear about what benefit you can provide is key - Why writing short posts is great training - What the “So What?” test can do for your business Anthony’s best advice is to be very clear about what your product or service does to make your client’s life better. Enjoy!

How can you humanize your marketing? My guest here in Episode 37 is Paul Cash, a creative entrepreneur on a personal mission to humanize B2B marketing. In the past 20 years, he’s successfully founded a business recognised as the fastest growing marketing agency in the UK, published a book, won over 30 industry awards and been recognised as one of the Top 20 most influential B2B marketers. At the weekends he spends his time on the football and rugby fields of Surrey coaching his two boys. He is a lifelong Everton fan, has some pretty mean skills in the kitchen, loves Game of Thrones and Billions and if he could get a hole in one before he dies he would be a very happy man. In this conversation Paul explains: - How he first went public with his marketing ideas - What happened when his first business went from 2 people to 100 people in 4 years - What he did to find the right next step after his first business was acquired - Why being innovative can feel like pushing water uphill - How every small business is on a tightrope - The 3 languages that every B2B marketer (and small business owner) needs to understand - How FEAR can turn to BRAVE - What you can achieve by identifying unconscious needs - Why you should adopt a challenger mindset - The trend towards conscious capitalism - The five principles you can use to humanize your marketing - Why naivety can be your greatest weapon Paul’s best advice is to slash your revenue projections before making a decision on your business idea. Enjoy!

How can you give yourself and your team an environment to thrive? My guest here in Episode 36 is Mark Latteman, the founder of Sachma Performance and Development, a strategic Learning and Development and Coaching consultancy. He assists leaders in creating an environment where leaders and their teams excel. In this conversation, Mark explains: - How he trialled being his own boss before taking the leap - How he can work across different industries and sectors - Why he always starts with the problem, not the solution - How a seemingly counter-intuitive approach has helped his business succeed - Why being authentic is key - How you can focus on achieving better work-life balance - Why you’re probably spending more time than you think on activities that don’t help you achieve your objectives - Why meetings should be outcome-driven - The differentiating factor between team success and failure - What he’s doing to give back - The best self-promotion you can do Mark’s best advice is to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Enjoy!

How can you generate content that gets noticed? My guest here in Episode 35 is content writer, marketing copywriter & PR specialist Jane Rogers. Jane explains: - How she found her ikigai niche - How you can use content to strike a chord with your audience - The common pitfalls many businesses make regarding content - How you can use content to get yourself known and recognised as an authority - How to choose the right content type for your business - The opportunity to bring businesses together locally…and how there’s probably more happening on your doorstep than you realise Jane’s best advice is to focus on understanding your audience's problems. Enjoy!

How can you build better business relationships? My guests here in Episode 34 are Tracey and Ian Earl, founders of In Business - a networking group with a difference. Tracey and Ian explain: - Why they decided to start a business together - What their community focuses on - How they pivoted to working online, and the opportunities it’s opened up - The secret to successful networking - What to consider before joining a networking group Tracey’s best advice is to build a network; Ian’s is to do your research. Enjoy!

How can you flourish as an introvert? My guest here in Episode 33 is Joanna Rawbone, a change agent and advocate for introverts. In this conversation Joanna explains: - How introverts can play to their own strengths - How introverts rechange differently to extraverts - Why she looks to demonstrate credibility through assets - The value of a TEDx talk - How categorisation can be useful and why it’s not an excuse - How the extraversion bias can be mitigated - Why mitigating the extraversion bias should be part of the diversity, equity and inclusion agenda considered by all employers - Her mission to make an impact within education Joanna’s best advice is to ‘hold it lightly’. Enjoy!

How can you make the customer experience better? My guest here in Episode 32 is Jane Hubbard, the founder of People Jigsaw. Jane has enjoyed a vast and varied career, but the thing that consistently shines through is her ability to make the people experience better, for both the customer and the employee. Jane explains: - Why the midlife crisis is a reflection point - Where to go from a career pinnacle - How reflecting can give clarity on your next steps - How she progressed by making herself redundant - Why you need a good ‘number 2’ - Why every organisation should invest in their people - Why working with integrity is a recipe for success - How you can leverage platforms to improve your offering - Why it’s important to find kindred souls - What to do when the phone doesn’t ring Jane’s best advice is to learn to touch type. Listen and it will make sense! Enjoy!

How can you make social media work for your business? My guest here in Episode 31 is Sophie Southmayd, a digital marketing expert and founder of Sophie Southmayd Consulting. Sophie and her team are social media experts who take the time to get to know a brand's ethos, creating content with the right tone of voice, all while utilising their expertise in optics for better brand awareness. Sophie explains: - How she spotted the opportunity to start her own agency whilst an employee - What she does on a quiet day to continue growing the business - Why you should always find out a client’s budget - How you can establish your social media tone of voice - The social media etiquette to follow - Why consistency is key - How you can manage your community - Why the metric you should be looking at isn’t followers - How you can be authentic online - Why video is non-negotiable…and the top 3 things you need to succeed Her best advice is not to worry so much. Enjoy!

How can you improve your wellbeing and mental health? My guest here in Episode 30 is Zeenat Noorani, a wellbeing and mental health therapist, coach, author and radio presenter. Her mission is “Helping you achieve the life you desire - helping you find and forge your path.” Zeenat explains: - How a career change went wrong for her - How she sought to solve a problem she experienced herself - Why wellbeing and mental health awareness should be more than a tick-box exercise - How showing weakness can be empowering - Why you should seek support before hitting rock-bottom - How making things better starts with your own self-awareness - Why mindset is key - Why we’re all on a learning journey - The balance between accountability and ownership - How you can get and maintain a 6-pack - What makes a strong business partnership - Her vision for wellbeing and mental health as part of the school curriculum Zeenat’s best advice is to make sure you’re passionate about what you do. Enjoy!

How can you bring your audience closer? My guests here in Episode 29 are Agatha and Robbie Appleton-Sas of Rån Studio, who use online thinking and visual communication to find the right way to tell your story. Agatha and Robbie themselves have a quite remarkable story and have done some wonderful things, especially since the pandemic struck. They explain: - Why they decided to start a business together - How they started fast and realised what they could offer as a package - Why they always focus on people first - Why digital transformation is about keeping the human aspect - How stories bring people together - Why the rules of communication are the same, online and offline - Why and they decided to help during spring 2020 by offering free social media clinics - And how it led to a very special opportunity that clarified their mission - Why they recommend a simple approach to social media - Why it’s important to be present - Why the digital opportunity is now! - And finally, how story and mission are interlinked…and vital to success Agatha and Robbie’s best advice is to have a good accountant you can trust. Enjoy!

How can you prosper on the start-up journey? My guest here in Episode 28 is Lee Lam, founder of The UK’s Start-up Partner. Lee has a wealth of experience in Technology and Financial Services, holding Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff positions, and now helps founders maximise profit margins using smart operational strategies. Lee explains: - Why working with start-ups first appealed to her - Why working in a big business doesn’t necessarily prepare you for start-up life - Why it’s difficult for corporates to blank-page the future - How start-ups can disrupt and solve problems quicker than established businesses - Why corporates want to invest in start-ups…and how it could dilute your vision - Why you need to prepare for growth long before it shows itself - Why it can feel like your business is invisible after the initial excitement fades…and how to get through that phase - What the best starting point is for a start-up - Why, post-Covid, all businesses are start-ups now and how to avoid the post-Covid trap - Why the solution is always in finding the right questions to answer Lee’s best advice is to get an objective opinion on your start-up idea. Enjoy!

How can you start building an international brand, even at the early stages of your business? My guest here in Episode 27 is Inna Armstrong, a senior executive professional with multinational experience in different countries of the world, a professional speaker and Co-Founder of CleverBooks. Inna's current focus is on influencing the change in the education system through a strategic application of innovative EdTech, thus helping educators to embrace 21st-century teaching. Inna explains: - How there is now an opportunity to start building an international brand from launch - Why it’s possible to start internationally rather than with your local market - Why you should follow the statistics - Why she is a strong believer in strategic partnerships - Why creative thinking and collaborating are key skills - How CleverBooks gathered information to grow in an unfamiliar market - Why business development should be a balance of digital and in-person meetings - Why you should think about what you can share to benefit others - Why digital technology is the future of education - That unless you act, your dreams will just stay as a dream Inna’s best advice is to be driven by your ‘why?’ Enjoy!

How can you make an impact with your audience through voice communication? My guest here in Episode 26 is Janie van Hool, founder of VoicePresence Ltd. Janie helps leaders make an impact by creating a powerful personal presence, enabling them to connect with and inspire their people. She is also a volunteer listener for Samaritans. Her forthcoming book, The Listening Shift, is a revolutionary approach to cultural transformation through listening. It is to be published in June 2021. Janie explains: - How she realised what she knew could benefit another audience - How she helps leaders become more effective - How you can use your voice to help you get to where you want to be Janie’s best advice is to recognise what you can do best, and use others for things outside of it. Enjoy!

What’s it like starting a business when you’re 18, growing it for a decade and then having to make bold decisions to rebuild it following a global pandemic? My guest here in Episode 25 is Matt Turner, Founder & MD of Clownfish Events, who took the opportunity to build Clownfish Studios when Covid-19 decimated the events market. Matt’s story is one of dreams, disruption and daring. You’re witnessing his childhood dream - to run a leading production studio that takes on the industry big boys and makes streaming and filming accessible to all. Matt explains: - How he first started running events whilst in school - What he learnt by saying yes to everything - How experience has shaped him - How he made the most of a big break - How they stood out from the competition - How they’ve grown with some of their clients - Why human personality is so important - Why he’ll continue to break barriers - Why it’s important to always be yourself - Why he decided to expand the business by building a state-of-the-art TV studio - Why it’s important to understand that every problem has a solution Matt’s best advice is to learn to enjoy the process. Here is the link to Matt’s 2020 Christmas message which includes the time-lapse video of the studio’s creation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrU-kSLaoIo Enjoy!

How do you appear credible in front of your audience? My guest here in Episode 24 is Krista Powell Edwards, known as The Credibility Expert. Krista has made it her mission to help individuals, HR, teams and organisations to communicate their credibility, so they know it AND show they know it, to increase their influence and impact. Krista explains: - How an interest in performance and achievement developed into a career - Why perhaps we don’t know what a dog is - Why self-knowledge is even more important if you’re self-employed - How to get to the stage where your client’s value what you deliver - What to do when the phone doesn’t ring - Why when you’re self-employed nobody can state what you’re worth - How she grew from working overseas - The benefits of going out of your comfort zone - The 4 C’s that will make you appear credible - Why we should always consider the intended outcome - Why effective people don’t always have the impact they deserve - Why you need to communicate your credibility and what you’ve achieved Krista’s best advice is to completely understand your comfort zones. Enjoy!