A year ago today, my first book, "Hitting the Wall", made it to number 1 in two Amazon bestseller categories.
I took some time earlier this week to chat over what it was like to write and launch the book with Shirley. It was quite interesting to reflect on the last year and lessons that I've learnt from writing the book in the first place, including why it took me 7 years to get it written, why having a team was crucial to the books success and what I think my next TWO book topics will be.
This is a short but fun episode - enjoy!
In this week's episode we get to know entrepreneur Chris Dadd, and find out how he has aligned the vision and values of his businesses with his passion for supporting a variety of charities.
Chris' fascinating insight into how to get the best from your customers whilst improving your own profitability is not to be missed!
Welcome to another episode of the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this episode, we hear Ash talk to Sachin Pabari, CEO of Olivia.
Are you aware of how much distraction affects your productivity level?
Do you understand the importance of being in the 'flow', and how this benefits your business?
Do you struggle to remain resilient, even why crossing huge hurdles in your business?
Then this episode is perfect for you, helping you to reach maximum productivity within your work.
In this episode of the Hitting The Wall podcast, Ash talks to Terry. B. McDougall, Founder of Terry B. McDougall Coaching.
Are the rules of work static, or is it okay to break them?
Do you struggle to see the importance of understanding a colleague or client's motivation and perspective, and how this can benefit work flow?
Do you find yourself listening to other people's advice, and possibly losing motivation as a result?
Well this episode clearly breaks each one of these questions down, helping you to see that only you can define your success.
Welcome (or welcome back) to the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this episode, Ash talks to Gemma Edwards, Co-Founder of So Contented.
Do you understand the importance of scaling, and why it should be done sooner rather than later?
Do you acknowledge that having a set process within your business is crucial for stability and work flow?
Do you have the awareness to help clients set up and grow their businesses in a way that would make life easier for the both of you?
This episode dives deeper into each of these topics, and much more, demonstrating that sometimes, it's best to go with your gut and take a leap of faith.
Welcome back to the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this episode, Ash talks to Eddie Ray, founder of Progressive Sports.
Do you understand the importance of having a growth mindset and how it can change your business for the better?
Do you have clear goals to focus on within your business?
Do you struggle to acknowledge that employing and surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial?
This episode breaks all of this down, demonstrating that like truly does call to like and that striving to grow and move forward is fundamental for success.
Welcome back to the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this week's episode, Ash talks to Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto, about everything time management and scoping within your business.
Do you tend to underestimate the time it takes to complete an action?
Do you understand the importance in scoping and the effect it could have on your business?
Do you acknowledge that managing your time and managing your business is absolutely fundamental?
This episode discusses all of this, demonstrating that managing your time better may lead to a higher profitability.
Welcome back to another episode of the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this week's episode, I talk all things leadership with Angel Ribo, CEO of Confidant and the connector of the unconnected.
- Do you understand the importance of showing your employees who they need to become?
- Do you acknowledge that taking the leap and investing in your team can be incredibly worthwhile?
- Do you understand the importance of becoming the best you can and how that can affect your business?
This episode covers all of this and more, demonstrating that at the core of great businesses are strong leaderships.
Welcome back to the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this week's episode, I talk to David Horne, founder of Kehorne.
Do you struggle to make time for doing the things you love?
Do you understand the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone?
Do you limit yourself due to your fear of failure?
We cover all of this throughout the episode, demonstrating that following your gut and taking risks are an essential for running your own business.
Another week, and another episode of the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this week's episode, I chat to Jan Cavelle, Writer and Entrepreneur.
Do you understand the importance of prepping your business?
Do you struggle to recognise the difference between the roles of Founder and CEO?
Do you know what qualities make a good leader and how they are developed?
This episode discusses all of this, helping you to see that growth and self belief are key when running your own business.
Welcome back to the Hitting The Wall podcast!
In this week's episode, I chat to Daryl Cygler, Founder of Smartphone Video Marketing.
Do you find yourself battling with your inner critic?
Do you struggle to recognise imperfect action as progress?
Or do you simply want to promote you business through video marketing, without the expense or need for professional equipment?
Well this episode covers all this and much more, helping you see that action and growth doesn't always come with perfection.
In this week's episode, I talk to Dean and Marie Haywood, Owners of 5 Star Furnishing Care.
Do you know when and how to ask for help and the importance of doing so?
Do you struggle to identify those that you can trust and seek advice from?
Can you confidently say that you are focused and have the drive to move forward?
This episode discusses all of this and more, demonstrating that, as business owners, it's okay to not have all the answers.
In the final episode of the Mental Health Awareness Week podcasts, I chat to Tamzin Hall, Owner of The Interview Cheerleader.
Do you recognise why resilience is crucial to master?
Do you want to be able to turn overwhelm into success?
Are you familiar with the tools and techniques to overcome struggles and build resilience?
The final episode of the week emphasises the importance of validity, its effect on resilience and why sometimes having to rely on our own internal validity is key for development.
In the second episode of our mental health awareness week podcasts , I talk to Olga Frankow, Founder of Olga Frankow Coaching.
Do you understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress?
Can you identify the main triggers of you stress?
Do you want know how to deal with your stress in a way that works best for you?
This episode explores all of this and more, whilst showing you the importance of recognising that our commitments and the expectations we set ourselves can sometimes be too much.
As this week is mental health awareness week, I'm talking to three expert guests about mindset and mentality as well as how business owners can help their own mental health.
In this episode, I chat to Ian Thomas, Founder of Cognisant Training and Development.
Are you happy with the value you've set for your product or service?
Do you want to know how to deal with impostor syndrome?
Are you still listening to your inner critic?
In this episode, find out the importance of not allowing old and limiting beliefs to hold you back from creating the life you want and deserve.
In this week's episode, I chat to Gary Fullwood, Founder and Owner of Gary Fullwood Design Living.
Do you understand the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people?
Do you find it hard to give yourself recognition for success and development within your business?
Do you constantly strive to improve yourself and your business?
Then this episode is perfect for you, demonstrating how crucial it is to recognise that your future is in your hands and that you're the creator of your own success.
This week's guest is Jane McDowell, founder of Jane McDowell Migraine and Headache Solutions.
Jane and I discuss her journey, from starting her business to present day, as well as her own battle with migraines, many of which held her back from living her life the way she wanted.
We hear how Jane decided enough was enough, and used her negative experience to start her own business, using non-medicinal methods that worked for her.
She shares how she has adapted to work more efficiently during lockdown, and how being able to work with clients remotely has improved her business.
This week's episode gives a great insight into how small-business owners can change the way they work for the better when put under large amounts of pressure.
In this week's episode, I talk to Alasdair MacLaine, Founder and Chief Designer at Wingback.
Ali shares his experience in starting his own business, from leaving his innovation job at Dyson, to launching products that have reached 5000% of their initial sales target.
We hear how he struggled with sales traffic, particularly through his website, and how going back to basics helped him to discover what worked best for the business.
We also discuss how Ali expanded his business by employing a small team and taking a step back to focus on his strengths and passions, which has been instrumental to Wingback's growth.
This episode demonstrates how crucial it is to reflect on your successes and failures, as well as the importance in accepting your own strengths and weaknesses.
In this week's episode I chat to cheese connoisseur and fellow QPR fan about business and his mission to help save British cheese (but not QPR)!
We discover why taking the first step is courageous and being persistent is key to success.
We also explore the value of vision and stubbornness in overcoming barriers and how even tiny steps give you a sense of progress.
Leo also shares how deciding and sticking to KPI's early on has given him vital direction in growing his venture.
This is great episode with fewer cheese puns than you'd expect!
You can connect with Leo at https://fetaccompli.uk
This week we're talking mental health: a topic that is often shied away from, particularly in men, but a very important one nonetheless.
Ash is joined by Dan Harrison from WP Doctors, Robbie Richardson from Richardson & Paige, John Peddie from Fearless Video, and Darren Finley from PTSD Journals, who are brave enough to share their personal journeys and top tips of how they manage their mental health.
They also discuss how you can support someone who you think may be going through a difficult time.
Whether you're male or female, you'll find the discussion thought provoking with a gentle challenge to how you view your own mental health.
This is one not to miss!
If you don’t want your sales process to make you rival Del-Boy this week’s conversation with Simon Lunt is a must listen!
Having spent over 20 years working in sales for companies in a variety of sectors, Simon’s experience and knowledge speaks for itself.
Hear why it is so important to be authentic and inquisitive if you want to secure those sales and why it’s also important to get the basics right.
In this week’s episode, Brady talks about why taking a risk and leaving the security of a well established employer behind was easier when she focused on her why, even though she often felt like an imposter!
We chat about why it’s important to build good foundations for our businesses on which we can build and why appreciating ‘the moment’ can be so powerful.
This week we hear how Bradley Hatchett’s experience of working for Brighton and Albion Football club combined with a life-long love of sport, led him to start a business specialising in providing networking opportunities for people from a diverse range of businesses.
We also hear why having a vision and being able to articulate it was key to helping Bradley bring his ideas to life and why, during lockdown, the virtual networking sessions they provide have been invaluable in supporting their members around the country.
Why is managing your fitness like running a business? And how can increasing your fitness can help you to be a better business owner?
Find out by listening in to this week's conversation with physical training coach and owner of Coactive Health, Matt De'Ath.
From selling a business twice, dealing with personal heartache and discovering their passion for helping other families build a business on their terms; Martin and Jacki Norbury share their vast experience and knowledge in this episode.
We learn what TERMS can mean for you and your family, why Everest basecamp is not all it's made out to be and why not working Fridays is a movement anyone can get involved in.
Martin and Jacki also talk about why most people spend time driving profit when that time should be used to greater effect.
When lockdown saw all her clients cancelling overnight, Nutritional Therapist Evie Whitehead (DipION) was forced to rethink how she delivers her services and the results have been far better than she ever expected. Listen in to find out how she changed things around and turned a situation that could have been the end of her business into something positive.
Evie also gives us a fascinating insight in to why we should take our gut health more seriously and how it can be impacted by so many things other than just what we eat, it might just leave you wanting to know more!
Turning The Business Clubhouse podcast on its head this week, our 'guest' is none other than Ash Taylor himself! Talking about what it's like on the other side of the fence, we learn why Ash feels so passionately about business coaching being accessible to all.
From Boxer to Barber, hear how Luke fell in to the trade that led him to opening his own Barber's shop where the emphasis is on making his customer's feel like they are his only client (even though they're not!).
Luke also shares his thoughts on why you should never be afraid to ask for help when running a business and making sure that you prioritise what's important.
This week, we hear how Ron's experience on both side of the 'debt' fence means that he understands the difficulties business owners face when trying to overcome their financial struggles.
Ron also gives us some great tips on how to deal with debt, whether it's money your business owes or money owed to your business, and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls when taking out loans.
From radio presenter to recruitment consultant with a difference, Helen's career path has taken some unexpected turns which ultimately helped her to build a business that she is exceptionally proud of and which makes a difference to people's lives.
In this week's episode Helen tells us why she used to be embarrassed by her role, and how she's taken all the things she dislikes about recruitment and turned them in to positives. She also shares her thoughts on why you shouldn't get so hung up on job descriptions and CVs when you are looking for the perfect employee for your business.
In this week's episode, I am chatting with Martin Gladdish, whose ability to tell a story is second to none!
We hear how Martin, who “wasn’t particularly good a writing” at school, broke free of the daily grind of commuting in to London that was dragging him down, and ended up building a thriving business writing stories for other people! Martin also shares his thoughts on why it’s not always the actual words he writes that are most powerful but the implied message they convey.
Finally, we chat about why making yourself ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ is essential if you want to grow your business, and why sometimes you just need to be brave!
Emma tells us how winning a national photography award at just 16 years old was the catalyst for her becoming a professional photographer and owning her own business. We chat about how research was the key to helping her develop a service that people really want and identifying where there were gaps in the market that needed filling, and Emma also explains how she helps people to understand how to use the images they have had taken in order to best meet their needs.
Finally, we discuss how realising that she needed to put her camera down helped Emma shift her mindset, expand and develop her team, and drive her business forward.
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with award-winning author and branding consultant extraordinaire, Sapna Pieroux of InnerVisions ID Ltd.
We talk about why a logo is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your brand and why it’s more about your values and what you stand for in your business. Sapna explains why it’s so important to get the whole package right in order to build brand-loyalty and help make your business indispensable to your customers/clients.
We also discuss why it’s important to be consistent with your brand and how having the right branding can give you the confidence and drive to help elevate your business to new levels. Finally Sapna shares her thoughts on why you shouldn’t be afraid to try new things in your business and why you shouldn’t give up when things are a challenge.
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with Jane Stewart of Mint Decisions.
We talk about how failure is an essential part of success and why it is important that we structure our failures so that we can learn from them and not see them as a cost to our business. Jane explains why we need to measure on input or output but not both at the same time, and why she believes we need to experience the painful parts of life to help make us better.
Finally, we discuss why it’s important to remind yourself of your goals and be prepared to evolve and adjust over time, and Jane tells us about her ‘not bucket’ list!
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with Rachael Naylor of The VoiceOver Network
Rachael shares her journey from Voiceover Artist to becoming the founder of an international Voiceover network and editor of the only magazine dedicated to the industry, as well as being an award-winning entrepreneur and motivational speaker, all whilst being a mum to her two young girls! She explains why loving her roles and ensuring she plans her time properly is essential to making sure she can fit everything in.
We also hear Rachael’s very moving and inspirational story of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago, and how that experience has left her stronger than ever, despite all the challenges it brings.
Finally, we discuss why it is hugely important that we all ensure we take time for ourselves and listen to the messages our bodies are telling us, and why embracing our vulnerabilities should be celebrated not feared.
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with John Peddie of J Productions Media Ltd.
John tells us why he gave up his dream job as a cameraman on a shopping channel when he realised that the culture of the company didn’t live up to expectations, and we talk about why having integrity is important as it can help your to determine your value as a business owner.
We also discuss the importance of ensuring that you surround yourself with people who can mentor you in business and challenge your thinking in a positive way to help you move your business forward.
Finally we hear about John’s experiences as the leader of a successful Christian Punk Rock band (sharing the bill with the likes of Pulp and James!) and his subsequent role as a Youth Leader, and he shares how these roles developed his natural ability to mentor and guide young people, skills he now wants to put to good use through his business in order to benefit the young people in his community.
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with Sarah Watt of Sarah Watt Fitness.
Sarah shares how open-heart surgery in her last year of University was the turning point for her to end an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise stemming back to her teenage years, and prompted the start of her journey in using them to helping her body feel stronger, which became the foundation for her business.
We learn about how the steps we take to improve our bodies can be similar to the steps that we need to take to develop our businesses, and why sales shouldn’t always be thought of in terms of numbers.
Finally, we hear why business owners should never be afraid to ‘sack’ their client!
This Episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations is the first in a series of short stories and anecdotes based on experiences that I wanted to share with you.
These short and sweet episodes are just me, without a guest and will offer you something a little different to listen to
Let’s start by going back in time about 10 years or so when I thought I was the best dad I could be...
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with Lorraine Ashover of Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Ltd.
Lorraine tells us about how her experience of working with educational settings as an employee of a high street bank helped her to identify that there was a need for helping schools to save money and how, by taking inspiration from her husband’s experience in procurement, she found the perfect solution.
We talk about why it is essential to put the customer at the centre of everything you do in business and Lorraine explains why she insists that her team work to the same ethos. She also tells us about how doing this led to customers being confident enough to put their trust in her from day one.
Later, we chat about how having effective procurement processes can help any business to reduce their costs and maximise their profit, and how being on top of your finances can be the difference between success or failure during those difficult periods.
In this week’s episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I chat with Neil O’Brien of Accentis Ltd.
We talk about how Neil made the leap from working 60+ hour weeks as an employee and having very little time with his family to being the owner of not just one but three successful businesses, and being able to enjoy life! There’s an insight into how Neil’s experiences at Hillsborough and, later, an accident that left him in Intensive Care followed by a recovery that took two years made him appreciate the need to take risks and seize every opportunity.
Neil also explains why it’s so important to understand what your customers want and attune your services to help them achieve their goals, whilst also understanding what makes you happy and making sure that you do more of it!
Finally, we talk about getting to know what makes your team tick and why it’s essential to get inside their heads in order to get the best from them and ensure that everyone pulls together to get the best for your customers.
Neil can be contacted at [email protected]
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Deborah Fielding.
Deborah's Journey is an inspiring one, full of professional and personal resilience. Deborah takes us through the discipline of being a dancer in her younger years and how she grabbed hold of an opportunity that led to a business that lasted 26 years.
We discuss why having a system and habits for your life is so important, and why just turning up is 80% of all success.
Deborah takes us through taking one day at a time, doing one thing at a time and how this saw her through her recent battle with Cancer.
We talk about how changing priorities led to Deborah closing her 26 year old business, and why she believes being selfish has given her a new lease of life and purpose.
This is a fascinating journey of overcoming adversity, authenticity and Go-Giving.
Deborah can be contacted at www.deborahfielding.co.uk
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Ollie Denhard from IT Trouble Free.
We chat about his journey in taking over an IT business and making it his own. There's an insight into the challenges of leading a team whilst learning to be a leader and why processes are so important to ensure the growth and success of a business.
Olly shares his views on why malicious software is so important to protect against and how easy it is to do.
We talk about why decision making is key, why expectations are critical and why asking for help is something all business owners should do, more often.
Olly can be found at https://www.ittroublefree.co.uk/contact-us/
In this episode of the Business Clubhouse Conversations, I talk to Liz and Chris Baranov from Baranov Associates.
Liz and Chris work with business owners who aspire to greater things and want business growth support. We talk about the importance of defined roles in your business, how not being an accountant makes it easier to grow their business and the value of partnership.
Liz and Chris shared their fascinating journey of buying the business they worked for and building it to saleable size whilst realising it was taking from them more than they were getting. We discussed how walking away enabled them to start again on their terms.
A great insight into understanding how to build a business based around your values of what you want and also how understanding what you don't want makes decision making simpler.
Liz and Chris can be found at https://baranovassociates.co.uk/
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Gary Fullwood of Gary Fullwood Designed living.
We chat about his journey from warehouse boy to the owner of a successful and unique brand. We find out how being told "you'll never be clever enough" as a child affected the way he approaches life and business.
Gary discusses why being a better version of yourself is so important and how we can't let our past define our future. We also discuss how his habit of bouncing out of bed at 4.30 is the anchor around which he builds his success.
Gary is a fireball of energy and enthusiasm - an episode not to be missed!
Gary can be reached through multiple channels. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and of course Google!
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations, Mark and I talk about a range of subjects from running a seasonal business to the power of deliberate practice. We get into training habits and what drives people to want to be better, when for others good is good enough.
Mark owns Abacus Marquee and Event Hire. It provides anything from fully themed events such as casino or Love Island experiences. They also do weddings to a marquee in your back garden and everything in between.
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations, I talk to to Pieter K De Villiers from Macanta.
Pieter and I talk about how business owners are frittering their time away with cancerous two minute tasks. We discuss how to create systems and automate them giving you, the business owner more time and freedom to focus on what's really important.
We get deep into what it is that makes people tick and why they choose to spend their time the way they do. A fascinating insight into behaviour from our perspective.
Pieter is the co-founder of Macanta, a CRM designed around you and your business.
He is also the author of the best selling book Barefoot Business.
www.macanta.org/clubhouse
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Sally Hindmarch of Partners with you.
People often struggle with standing up in front of others, whether in large groups or small. Sally and I talk about all things confidence, dealing with the fear of presenting and talk about some great tips you can use to overcome those "freeze" moments.
Sally Hindmarch, Author of "Step out from the shadows" joins me to share 25 years experience of helping people appear more confident in front of others.
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Charlie Hicks from EI Insurance.
We dicsuss all things business insurance. What you should have it. What it will cover and how it can benefit your business. Perhaps a dry subject on paper but some really interesting insights into a world that many of shy away from because... well, because it's boring. Charlie is nothing but boring however and brings anecdotal advice and information to this conversation.
Charlie has run his business for many years and is keen to make sure people have access to the right advice for their situation.
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations I talk to Graeme Beever from Insight6.
Graeme is a customer experience specialist. We delve into the importance of understanding your customer journey and the important moments of truth that your potential client or customer will face in your business.
So many businesses can say they offer great customer service, very few achieve, Graeme lets us into the world he's been a part of for all his life and shares stories from household names that let you know, even the best get it wrong sometimes.
He also shares how to make sure you do stand out from your competitors using the customer experience journey as a map for excellence.
Graeme can be found at https://www.insight6.com/region/berkshire/
In this episode of The Business Clubhouse Conversations, I talk to Sharon Cook of Choice Business Loans,
The world of business finance is a complex one and has seen many changes in the past several years. New lenders are popping up and challenger banks are offering all sorts of finance opportunities for your business.
Sharon and I talk about the do's and don'ts of getting finance, including the must haves to acquire lending. We discuss the different types of lending available and give you a simple picture of how to get the best investment package for your growing business.
Sharon is part of Choice Business Loans https://www.choicebusinessloans.co.uk/
