Bridging Gaps - The Business Podcast

In this first episode of 2021, I talk about what you can expect from the rest of the season (season 6!). Finding your voice is increasingly important to me, the Tuesday 15:15's are restarting - the first one is Tuesday 19th January 2021 (sign up here: https://bit.ly/brc-resilience) and new guests, new angles and a mix of episode styles! Also, I'm launching Six Weeks to Podcast Power - it starts on 28th January 2021. Find out more at https://podcastconcierge.com/how-to-podcast. If you have ideas on topics or guests, drop me a note at debra.levitt@bridgeroadconsultants.com! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health was a big topic before Covid-19 yet it would be easy to push it aside as we try our best to cope with the pandemic. The reality though is that we can't. Whether we choose to consciously address it or not, our mental health is being impacted by this. As a business owner, an employer, an employee, a parent, no matter who we are or what our role in life is, we are all of us are impacted by the lockdown. To keep yourself and those around you healthy, you need to take conscious action to manage the visible and the not so visible impacts on each of us. Debra Levitt is joined by Geraldine Joaquim, Founder of Mind Your Business and Sam Gold, Founder of Gold HR to answer your questions on staying mentally healthy. We'll share some of our experiences, those that we're hearing about from clients and take your questions to help you manage. Contact Details Debra Levitt debra.levitt@bridgeroadconsultants.com 5 Day Podcast Challenge - podcastconcierge.com/5-day-challenge Sam Gold sam@goldhr.co.uk Geraldine Joaquim geraldine@mind-yourbusiness.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was recorded during the Coronovirus Global Pandemic in 2020. At the time of this webinar, the expectation was that we will not return to normal any time soon but we don't quite know what the future holds . For that matter, will we ever return to the normal we previously knew? If not, what will our new normal look like medium and long term? With all these unknowns, how do you continue to trade and grow? Debra Levitt will be joined by Sam Gold, Gold HR and Rebecca Trudgett, Switchfoot Accounting to answer your questions on moving forward from an HR and Finance perspective. So what's on your mind? Here are just a few of the questions that our experts have been fielding from their clients. Contact Details: Debra Levitt - debra.levitt@bridgeroadconsultants.com Sam Gold - sam@goldhr.co.uk Rebecca Trudgett - rebecca@switchfootaccounting.co.uk Sign Up for the 5 Day Podcast Challenge at podcastconcierge.com/5-day-podcast-challenge See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this live recording of the Tuesday 15:15 Webinar, I am joined by Liana Fricker of the Inspiration Space and Richard Woods of LEADGEN as they take questions from the audience to generate ideas on how to get your business online. If you'd like to hear about upcoming Tuesday 15:15's and find out about podcasting courses and masterclasses, head on over to bridgeroadconsultants.com/events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Gold of Gold HR and Rebecca Trudgett of Switchfoot Accunting join for this live webinar held during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Addressing some of the HR and Finance concerns of businesses at a time when the world around us was changing rapidly and many were trying to understand their options amidst a wide range of support being offered by the government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm joined by Penny Power OBE and Richard Woods as they answer questions and provide inspiration to a live audience on this webinar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, the first in the latest Season - is all about helping business owners find their feet and figure out how to get their business going or keep it going as we try to navigate the new and uncharted waters of the Covid-19 world! Richard Woods, Founder of LEADGEN and Robin Waite, the business coach answer questions and provide inspiration in this recording of our recent webinar. If you would like to attend a future webinar, email me at debra@podcastconcierge.com. To find out more about Richard Woods and his 30 Leads in 30 Days Challenge, please visit here. To find out more about Robin Waite and Confidently Charge More Facebook group, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's conversation is with Vanessa Ugatti - the True Worth Expert. Vanessa explains that certain personality types have difficulty in making sure they are getting their true worth when working with clients. She was one of them so knows first hand the challenges that they face. Vanessa talks about recognising that she wanted to do something around training but being unclear on what exactly she wanted to do. Using her redundancy, she started figuring it out while working at various part time jobs that were leading her towards her future. A request to speak on Fear, led to her being introduced to people needing help with their wedding speeches which took her towards her next step. An unexpected setback at work led to her taking a break and then deciding not to return to that work. 2008 brought a new round of challenges with the financial crisis and losing 3 people in her life in a very short period of time. It hit Vanessa hard and she became a hermit, squirreling herself away. With time, she started networking again and met a coach who she signed up with to help her get moving again. At this point, she started looking for business owners to coach and moved away from the public speaking workshops. This started her down the path of the True Worth Expert that she is today! Contact Vanessa Email: vanessa@thetrueworthexpert.com Tel: 01202 743961 or 07957 672335 Web: www.thetrueworthexpert.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/trueworthexpert Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrueworthexpert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaugattitrueworthexpert/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/vanessaugatti True Worth Academy: https://www.trueworthacademy.com/get-access Contact Debra Tel: +44 1344 289985 Email: debra@podcastconcierge.com Web: www.bridgeroadconsultants.com Events: bridgeroadconsultants.com/events LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/levittdebra See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm in conversation with Janine Esbrand - career and executive coach and Founder of Lightbox Coaching. Janine qualified as a lawyer and shortly after qualifying went on a life changing trip to Africa. After this she began seeking something that would help her give back and discovered the coaching world and that she was and always had been a natural coach. An important part of her coaching is mindset and rethinking what's important to you now and your visions and your values as they may well have changed. Confidence also frequently takes a knock combined with not appreciating the scale of their previous achievements. Janine helps draw this out of them along with where they want to go in the future. Janine still works as a consulting lawyer fulfilling her love of law and her passion for coaching. She shares how she experienced imposter syndrome early in her coaching career, initially believing she could only coach people who were also lawyers. Coming from a law practice, it was a steep steep learning curve to start marketing herself and just come to grips with all the aspects involved in running your own business. We talk about the decision to leave the law firm when she couldn't get the balance she wanted between working and spending time with her son. The drive to ensure time is spent with her family continues and we learn about her calendar (and the white space!) Contact Janine (and find about her group coaching programme): Email: janine@lightboxcoaching.com Web: www.lightboxcoaching.com Twitter: @LightBoxCoach Instagram: @CareersBeyondMotherhood Facebook: facebook.com/groups/careersbeyondmotherhoodmovement/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janineesbrand Contact Debra Levitt Tel: +44 1344 289985 Email: debra@podcastconcierge.com Web: www.bridgeroadconsultants.com Events: bridgeroadconsultants.com/events See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm in conversation with Pete Wilkinson. Pete is the founder of Reclara - a tool that helps keep everyone from CEO down aligned to the same objectives and moving in the same direction. Pete and I speak about how he initially developed the 1-3-5 plan and uses it in his business life and when preparing to run the IronMan. Pete's journey has not been easy - after initial success in the corporate world followed by the ups and downs of running his own small retail business, he decided to move into mentoring and coaching. It reached a point where his wife gave him a deadline - make it pay by September 2013 or get a job. Pete contacted Vistage - a company providing speakers to Chief Execs and this marked a huge shift. He started to get speaking engagements, was outperforming on the feedback and winning awards. He talks about the move to create Reclaro to make it easier for those following his 1-3-5 plan. He has a clear view of what his exit will look like and is working hard (with his wife's agreement!) to make that a reality. He makes a point of looking after himself physically and mentally by prioritising his fitness, making sure the year's holidays are booked and paid for by the end of January, so he can plan his work around those and knows that he will have time to relax and recharge in between each sprint. He and his wife take what they call sneaky days - when life slows down and they just enjoy their family and their life. Pete is also emphatic that we need to be more effective. Most people are operating at about 65% effective. You can check your level of effectiveness using their Effectiveness Checker (effectivenesschecker.com) We speak about a lot more - what success means to Pete, getting support and some great advice. Contact Pete Telephone: 0191 580 5808 Email: hello@reclaro.com Twitter: @PeteWilkinson Web: reclaro.com In this episode, we mention: Vistage Jim Collins Matthew Walker - Why We Sleep Napoleon Hill - Think & Grow Rich (multiple versions available) Entrepreneurs Forum Contact Debra Levitt Tel: +44 1344 289985 Email: debra@podcastconcierge.com Web: www.bridgeroadconsultants.com Events: bridgeroadconsultants.com/events LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/levittdebra See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina is The Tiny Troubleshooter, The B&B Keeper and co-founder of MicroBiz Matters Day. Tina is a strong advocate of micro business, looking after your mental health and doing what you need to make ends meet. In our conversation we talk about the need to give more focus to the mental health of micro business owners, the importance of recognising your own definition of success rather than trying to attain someone else's, finding good business buddies to support you. Tina shares some of the key things that are important to her - including making memories and never working with tossers! During our conversation, Tina refers to Tony - this is Tony Robinson OBE - the co-founder of MicroBiz Matters Day. Business is personal and Tina references Penny Power OBE and her book 'Business is Personal'. She also refers to her amazing designer, Gaynor Carr of The Smart Station. Starting Your Own Podcast If you are interested in starting your own podcast or learning more about what is involved, contact me via email - debra.levitt@bridgeroadconsultants.com or visit bridgeroadconsultants.com/events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig takes us from the Amazon to Burkina Faso to our own lives. Speaking to Craig - his passion for helping people with their courage and their confidence by cultivating their inner strength comes through so strongly in our conversation. Craig shares his story of moving from sales to becoming a professional speaker and the importance of connecting to people emotionally. He talks about the turning points for him, the love he has for West Africa and giving back to communities in Burkina Faso and what we learn from them and their ways of life. We talk about dealing with the emotional dips, the need for a strong work ethic, flexibility and so much more. An inspirational man and an inspirational conversation. Contact Craig via Clare Tel: + 44 7771 349 518 Email: clare@craiggoldblatt.com Web: www.craiggoldblatt.com Facebook: facebook.com/craigmgoldblatt Twitter: twitter.com/craiggoldblatt Vimeo: vimeo.com/craiggoldblatt LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/craiggoldblatt Contact Debra Levitt Tel: +44 1344 289985 Email: debra@podcastconcierge.com Web: www.bridgeroadconsultants.com Events: bridgeroadconsultants.com/events LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/levittdebra See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here it is - the final part of my conversation with Richard Dwyer where we get on to the subject of how he manages his overall well-being. Some of the topics we cover are: In this episode, we talk about a number of other people and their contact details are below as are Richard's. Contact Richard at: Instagram | @richard_dwyer_uk Www.richarddwyer.co.uk Richard talks at TEDx "Is our education system teaching us not to think?" Referenced during our conversation: Nick Littlehales.- referred to as Nick Littleton in our conversation. Joe Dispenza Andy Puddicombe Nick Ruddock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second part of our conversation, Richard talks about his love of all things Disney, going for business training at The Disney Institute, his graduation ears and how impressed he has always been with the experience they create. We talk about the importance of people in any organisation, trust, fear and I get some advice on how to free up some of my own headspace! Conscious decisions, story telling and standing at the top of a car park considering the right trajectory to make sure you hit the air bag far below! Richard's transition from stuntman to businessman and his desire to contribute to the world and also accepting that what we do does not define who we are. In Part 3, we talk about mental health, meditation and more! You can contact Richard: Instagram | @richard_dwyer_uk Www.richarddwyer.co.uk Richard talks at TEDx "Is our education system teaching us not to think?" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I let you in on what to expect from Season 4 - there's a few changes (including the artwork!), tell you what's been happening since the end of Season 3 and generally set the scene for this upcoming Season. I talk about an amazing venue I've used recently - Woodhaven Inspirational Space in Woking. A new venue I'll be using in August - The Dog & Hair in Grayshott. What's on my plate at the moment - including Richard Woods' 30 Leads in 30 Days Challenge and accepting a challenge from my M3 Growth Hub business advisor. Exciting and terrifying all at the same time! Next week will be the second part of my conversation with Richard Dwyer so, why not refresh your memory of part 1 and have a listen here. You can contact me: Click here to book a place on 5 Steps To Start Your Podcast. Email me at debra@podcastconcierge.com Call on 01344 289985. More information - visit bridgeroadconsultants.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previously I have released excerpts from these interviews as part of the #MicroBizMatters 7 Day Podcast. These are the full interviews with Gemma Storery (Infinity Creative) and Linda Huckle (Linda Huckle Training). We talk about their businesses, definitions of success, microbusiness and what they are doing or did to support the #MicroBizMatters Day in January. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am in conversation with 3 different business owners. Nell Op de Beeck, Mandy Dineley and Jake Liddell. Nell and Jake are speaking to me about what they will be speaking about in the key note speech along with Richard Woods at the Hampshire Business Expo on Tuesday, 26 February 2019. They also share their advice for exhibitors and visitors to the expo to make the most of the show. Mandy and I spoke back in January for the #MicroBizMatters series. I've previously shared a segment of our conversation but here, I share the full interview (barring the interruptions by Woody deciding to go join another table!). Mandy talks about her new business - My Beautiful Pen, her definition of success now and in the future as well as what she did for #MicroBizMatters day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard is the ​Founder & CEO of Flair Gymnastics​ and co-founder of ​Kidz Impact.​ In this episode, Richard and I speak about his journey to building a successful career as a stuntman while also building Flair Gymnastics. Told by his careers advisor that he couldn't become a stuntman as that would be too difficult, he went ahead anyway. Needing to earn money to pay for training, he started a gymnastics club at his former school in Sunbury. Dropping flyers door to door was the start of a business that was 20 years old in 2018! Richard shares his thoughts on the education system, the importance of independent thinking, building confidence in kids, whilst we learn of his journey so far. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On February 26, the Hampshire Business Expo takes place at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. I've teamed up with Richard Woods - Lead Gen Academy, Nell Op de Beeck - Action Coach and Jake Liddell - WP Aid to build up to the event. Richard, Nell and Jake are presenting the Key Note speech at the Hampshire Business Expo - you can expect a Micro Lead Gen Summit from 12:30-13:30. In this episode, Richard talks about his experience at exhibitions, the 5 Ways and how to reserve your seat! I will be on Stand 44 with the opportunity for you to test your podcasting skills and a fabulous offer! Reserve your seat www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/more-cash-more-profit-more-leads-the-hampshire-business-expo-tickets-56039340175 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past week, a few things happened - nothing major - but today it all came together and made me ask the question - Does Personality Have A Place In Business? I'd love to know your thoughts - so why not join the conversation on the Bridging Gaps - The Business Podcast Facebook page: facebook.com/bridginggapspodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.