Bulletproof Entrepreneur

Send us a textThe pod's strapline is "reverse engineering the formula for successful scale, sale, exit, and life on the other side," and that's exactly what we discuss in this episode—strategically reverse engineering success. My guest today is Damian Connolly, the founder of a boutique accountancy business that focuses specifically on getting founders exit-ready and maximising their business sale value and terms.Most business owners only sell once and are often unprepared for the most significant financial transaction of their lives, so our conversation will help you understand the process and what you should consider.During the discussion, Damian shares the 5 key issues to focus on several years out from your potential exit—and the one thing that will crush any value if you don't fix it. And it affects most SME business owners.He shares a wild story about a founder he worked with who turned down an offer of £80m, believing his business was worth more, and came to regret that decision - an important lesson in timing and knowing how much is enough.He also explains the optimal time to begin your pre-exit journey and the 3-step process he uses when working with entrepreneurs. If you are running a business, especially if you're maybe 3-5 years out from the sale, you're going to get a lot out of this conversation.  So now ladies and gentlemen, discussing how to get exit-ready, I give you Mr Damian Connolly.This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textWelcome back to the latest episode of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast. I'm your host Alan Smith and right from day one my goal for this pod was to provide a valuable resource for all UK founders and business owners.And therefore I'm delighted today to bring you a masterclass in tax planning from one of the UK's leading lights in tax advice for successful business owners.Malli Kini is head of the entrepreneur team at Blick Rothenberg, a Top 10 firm having already enjoyed stints at PWC and EY.Wherever I go now and when I speak with entrepreneurs, smart tax planning seems to be top of the agenda for discussion.But getting access to the right kind of advice can be challenging and costly. So the next hour will be of huge value to you -  and it's completely free (other than for some of your time!)During our conversation, We discussed some of the important areas to tackle if you're 2 or 3 years away from a sale of your business - and why seeking advice early will be a huge benefit for you.We unpacked  a unique tax planning structure known as a Family Investment Company and why many entrepreneurs are setting these up now.We also talked about the current exodus of business owners to other countries, what countries are popular and what the benefits can be.And towards the end of our conversation, Malli provides a generous offer to all listeners and viewers of this podcast so be sure to check that out - it could make all the difference for you and your business.Just before you get into the conversation, I wanted to mention that we've now launched the podcast on youtube as well and so if you prefer to watch the conversation do check out the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast channel - links to it and to the key discussion points are below.But now ladies and gentlemen I give you Malli Kinihttps://www.blickrothenberg.com/about-us/partners/malli-kini/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallikini/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.youtube.com/@BulletproofEntrepreneurPodcasthttps://capital.co.uk/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textHello and welcome back to the latest episode.We took a short break, but now we're back. We've moved into a proper recording studio and launched our own YouTube channel. So you prefer to watch the discussion, please check out the link below and subscribe to our free newsletter as well.Our guest, Graeme Godfrey, is a successful entrepreneur who sold his business, achieved complete financial security and then crashed. He found himself lacking purpose and drive in his life, feeling bored and frustrated, and so he began to help other entrepreneurs through one-to-one coaching and mentoring.LinksGraeme Godfreyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/graemegodfrey/?originalSubdomain=ukResourcesWho Moved My CheeseThe Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea eBook The Inner Game of TennisTuesdays With MorrieWinning: The Unforgiving Race to GreatnessBulletproof Entrepreneur Youtube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@BulletproofEntrepreneurPodcastCapital Partners https://capital.co.uk/Book a call with Alan https://caThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textWelcome to the latest episode of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur  - a podcast for founders, owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.As anyone in business knows, things are tough out there. Inflation is driving up the costs of everything, including staff wages, rent, and supplies. Tax is at its highest level in 70 years and is about to rise further. The money in your company's bank account is receiving a very modest return—and even that's subject to tax!I don't know about you, but as a business owner myself, things feel a bit off—not quite right—and I wanted to learn more.That took me to a short video called What's The Problem?, which is currently going viral online. The video explains in easy-to-understand terms the problems the economy faces and the challenges for everyone, especially those trying to grow a company.So, I was delighted when Joe Bryan, the film's creator, agreed to appear on the podcast, share the story, and explain why understanding it is essential.Joe explains that our current monetary system is broken. We all experience this through constantly rising costs, which are a form of hidden tax when the pound in your pocket buys you less every year. He outlines some of the biggest challenges faced by entrepreneurs as they try to build a business and succeed  in an increasingly difficult economic environment.He clearly outlines the solution and the precise steps you should take to protect your interests.This is not a conversation about Bitcoin - it's an invitation to learn more about the current economic model we all live in and decide how you want to protect yourself and your business.It was a truly fascinating conversation and I know you're going to take a lot from it.Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, where I take a deeper dive into all things business, wealth building and entrepreneurship - available at www.bulletproofentrepreneur.net Links:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtFOxNbmD38 SatsVsFiatJoe Bryan - Educator & Speaker - What's The Problem? | LinkedInX - @satmojoeThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textThis is the first episode of 2025 and I'm delighted to bring you a really insightful and valuable conversation I had recently with Adam Rossi from Washington DC in the United States.Adam is a born entrepreneur and always knew that he wanted to build his own company and be in control of his destiny. And so he launched a tech startup in the days before it was cool!From a humble husband and wife team, he grew to a business selling billion-dollar software contracts to the CIA and all the main government agencies before receiving an offer he simply couldn't turn down, and he sold the company.During our conversation, Adam talked about:The entrepreneurial ‘X factor' and what he sees in every successful founder -  and what's missing in many others.He talks about the importance of family in business and how to ensure your kids don't become entitled once a lot of money is flying around.He breaks down what he calls ‘Saturday Afternoon Syndrome' when after you sell your business and don't have much to do, every day feels like a fairly routine Saturday.And he explained The Book of Wisdom -  a charter of advice and guidance passed on from one exited entrepreneur to the next outlining what you must do to ensure a great life after you sell.Tons of wisdom from an entrepreneur who's carved out his own journey and is now happy to share in order to help others.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Adam Rossi.Links:X - @rossiadamLinkeidn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrossi-indie/ Sign Up For My Newsletter at www.bulletproofentrepreneur.net This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textMy guest today is Mac Lackey has a fascinating story and some original insights that I think you're going to like and get a lot out of, especially if you're building your company towards an exit - and let's face it all, business owners are doing that in one form or another.When his original ambition to become a professional football player hit a dead end, Mac started an internet business in the early days of this emerging technology, and that resulted in an eight-figure exit while he was still in his twenties.He then went on to start, scale, and exit five more companies before deciding to spend the second half of his career helping other entrepreneurs maximise their businesses.During our conversation, Mac explained why you should sell your business for Strategic Value rather than a multiple of your revenue or profits and why Strategic Value can be far higher than traditional models.He outlines why the best buyers are unlikely to come from within your industry or sector and how to identify an ideal potential acquirer. He also shares the simple tool he recommends that you use for this - the Solid Gold Buyer Sheet.He explains the importance of crafting your Irresistible Exit Story and how it can make all the difference when you find an ideal buyer for your company. And don't miss the part where he explains what he calls The 8 AM Test—it could make all the difference to your business, whether you sell or not.This conversation offers so much value and insight. If you find it helpful, please return the favour by subscribing to the podcast and sharing it with anyone you think would benefit.But now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Mac Lackey.Links:Exit DNAMac LackeyDie With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your LifeThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textYou may be familiar with today's guest, Richard Farleigh, a high-profile entrepreneur, former Dragon on the TV show Dragon's Den, and member of the Sunday Times Rich List.The successes are well documented - but Richard's start in life couldn't have been much worse.Born into a family of 11 children with an alcoholic father, they travelled around the Australian outback, living in poverty in 2 tents.Eventually, Richard was taken into the care system at 2 years old, and his early years were quite brutal.Separated from his siblings, treated poorly by foster parents, and placed in the remedial class at school, Richard eventually found salvation through his love of chess.This led to him developing a skill for strategy and numbers, which allowed him to secure a place at university and then on to a job at the Central Bank.He later moved into investment banking, where he excelled, and was headhunted to run a secretive hedge fund in Bermuda  -  before retiring at 34 and moving to Monaco.What a journey!But inevitably, retirement wasn't for him, and Richard found a new passion for business. He's since invested in over 100 companies across a wide range of sectors and industries and remains very active in the entrepreneurial world.He shared his experiences on Dragon's Den and what he thinks of one Dragon in particular - and it's not flattering! He talks about what it takes to succeed in business and, as an investor, the secret sauce  ingredient that he looks for in every company he invests in.He also discussed his two new books, which he just published, and why he thinks they could help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. I've included a link below to access them pre-launch.This is an incredible story of resilience and personal growth that offers so many lessons for anyone facing challenges in their life.Richard's story proves that success is always possible, even when the odds are stacked against you.If you enjoy the conversation, please hit the subscribe button, give the show a 5-star review, and share it with anyone you think it can help.Links:https://www.farleigh.com/index.htmlhttps://www.farleigh.com/books.htmlThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textPaul is a serial entrepreneur who has started, scaled up and sold several businesses, invested in many others, and is now building yet another company. He also advises and mentors several other founders and business owners.Through his personal and business experiences, he's effectively created a success blueprint for any business owner to adopt and apply within their company.During the conversation, Paul explains.How to build a systematic sales and marketing engine to drive growthThe vital importance of joint ventures and partnerships and how to create successful onesHow to build the best systems and processes and the accreditation that every business should haveWhy you should set your prices at 15% above the market The one essential thing you must do if you're going to create the most value from your business before sellingHe also discusses the importance of physical and mental health to ensure that you're in the best shape to deal with the inevitable challenges of being an entrepreneur. He shares the precise details of his daily routine, which keeps him in prime shape for business.The “business owner's success blueprint” – all in one convenient podcast episode. Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulluen?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_apphttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Eight-Figure-Entrepreneur-Balanced-Adventurous-ebook/dp/B08GSQG2VY?dplnkId=2946ba17-93ec-47a7-8cf2-c20ff87c8a81&nodl=1This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textWelcome to a special episode of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast.One issue that has been dominating the conversations online and in person for business owners over the last few days has been the budget.October 30th was a very significant day. It was the first labour budget for almost 15 years and the first by a female Chancellor.After three months of speculation and predictions, we finally had the details—and there was a lot to unpack for all business owners.For starters, there were the changes to national insurance contributions, the reduction in inheritance tax benefits, the increase in capital gains tax, and the reduction in what was known as entrepreneurs' relief.So I was delighted to be able to persuade two leading tax experts onto the show to offer some insights and expertise.Josie Day and Richard Jameson from leading tax advisers Saffery have been deep in the details of the budget over the last few days, and they've shared their take on what it means for business owners.Before we hear from them, I want you to be the first to know about an exciting new project we're launching in 2025.The Bulletproof MBA is a course designed for business owners too busy to go on courses!A 12-month programme of monthly 3-hour sessions with like-minded entrepreneurs who want to learn all about how to run a better, smarter business and ensure success in what will be a challenging next few years.We're hosting a free taster event in London on November 25th, and I'll post details on LinkedIn. Hope to see you there.But now, without further delay, I give you Josie Day and Richard Jameson, talking all things budget and tax.Links:https://www.saffery.com/our-people/richard-jameson/https://www.saffery.com/our-people/josie-day/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapital/ This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textWe're publishing this episode just before the Autumn 2024 Budget, when Rachel Reeves will share her vision of how she plans to improve the country's economy. I really hope she understands how valuable the start-up and entrepreneurial economy is in the UK and that she'll encourage it and ensure its continued success.Today's guest is a fantastic example of that British entrepreneurial spirit. Magnus Willis hatched a plan with his co-founder during a long walk after they'd watched a cricket match at The Oval!They decided to leave their highly-paid jobs in advertising to take a huge risk and launch a new business. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, their company grew from two guys in a small room with laptops to become a significant business, employing 80 people, before being sold to a large UK company. It's a fabulous story with so many insights and lessons that Magnus shares.Learn from the bestHe explained how he was able to learn so much by being around talented and experienced people in the companies he worked for after he left university.It's important to get into the best companies in your chosen field and learn from those people as you build your own knowledge and experience. Be a specialist, not a generalist A theme that comes up regularly in my conversations is starting as a generalist and then pivoting to become a specialist. This creates significant value in your business and minimises your competition.Magnus's company, Sparkler, began as something of a generalist but then, over time, decided that they wanted to become the leaders in a specific niche market. This became a huge part of their success.Be future-focusedMagnus discussed the importance of looking up from your day-to-day work, seeing where the world is going, and then aligning yourself with future growth opportunities. In his case, when traditional magazines went online, and mobile was growing fast, this meant looking at the approaching ‘wave of opportunity' and getting ready to surf it.Life after exitTowards the end of our conversation, he also reflects on his life now as a successfully exited entrepreneur and how he designed his ideal life, now that he's no longer busy running a company.His thoughts are deeply insightful.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Magnus Willis.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/magnuswillis/?originalSubdomain=uk  Business & IP Centre (BIPC): Business Advice & Resources - The British Library Pivot Podcast SeriesThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textThis show is all about reverse engineering the successful scale, sale, and exit of your business and enjoying life on the other side.And for every successful business owner, smart tax planning is crucial to business growth and future sale.Whether it's corporation tax, PAYE, income tax, dividends, or VAT, , they all play a part and impact decisions you make. When the time comes to sell your business, planning effectively and well ahead of time can have a huge impact on you and your family.Our new government's first budget or autumn statement is coming up in a few weeks, on October 30th, and all business owners will be paying close attention to what Rachel Reeves, our Chancellor, says that day.So, in a special pre-budget episode of Bulletproof Entrepreneur, I am delighted to introduce you to Nimesh Shah, the CEO of Blick Rothenberg, a leading firm of chartered accountants and tax advisers with a special focus on providing advice to entrepreneurs.During our conversation, you'll learn what Nimesh believes could happen to capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and pension rules, all of which will impact business owners.He shares his advice on how entrepreneurs should plan ahead of the budget, including an idea that could lock in today's possibly lower rate of CGT even if you don't compete on your business sale for a year or so—although there are some risks, as he explains with an interesting client story!Aside from the budget, we also discuss broader tax planning issues for business owners and how to optimise your situation two to three years before you plan to sell your company.We also discuss an issue many business owners are considering—relocating overseas to a tax-favoured country. His advice is very thoughtful.This is truly a business owner's tax planning masterclass from one of the country's leading authorities on the subject.Please listen, learn, and get in touch with Nimesh or myself if you want to learn more.Links:https://www.blickrothenberg.com/about-us/partners/nimesh-shah/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimesh-shah-22b2b037/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textOur guest today is Helen Pattinson, a former lawyer who left behind a promising career to embark on a bold and, at times, uncertain new path—one that would ultimately lead to a  flourishing business, Montezuma Chocolate.But this story is far from straightforward. Helen doesn't just share the wins—she takes us through the moments of doubt, the near-disasters, and the pivotal choices that could have ended it all before the business even started. What would you do if your main supplier suddenly disappeared just weeks before launch?Or if your company was on the brink of collapse during one of the worst financial crises in recent history? Helen faced all of this and more.In this episode, you'll hear how a spontaneous adventure through South America sparked an obsession, and how that simple passion turned into something much bigger.You'll also discover how Helen and her husband Simon built their business from scratch—literally—and the unexpected hurdles they had to clear to keep their dream alive.  Towards the end, Helen shares her experience of the post-sale period, including her loss of identity and her need to find a new purpose.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Chocolate Entrepreneur -  Helen Pattinson.Links:Helen Pattinson - Montezuma's Chocolates | LinkedInMontezuma's ChocolateAlan Smith - Capital Asset Management | LinkedInThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textHello, and welcome back to the latest episode of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast. I'm your host, Alan Smith. In this episode, I speak with someone I've known for many years, and as you're about to discover, he's a force of nature!His name is Jason Butler, and although I've known him for a long time, I had no idea just how challenging his upbringing was.  People talk about a tough childhood and not having the same chances as other people from more privileged backgrounds, and Jason grew up in a house in south London with an outside toilet and a tin bath—almost Dickensian, as he says himself.He had a challenging childhood, living hand to mouth, trying to hide from debt collectors and avoid being beaten up at the tough school he went to.Yet he went on to build a leading financial services business, which he sold, bought back, and sold again.During the conversation, you'll learn how his early years taught him to be resilient when your back's against the wall—metaphorically and literally—and this proved useful in his later years in business.He shares the importance of creating a culture of continuous improvement and thinking about everything through the lens of your customers' experiences. He also explains the value of having a deep sense of purpose after a business sale, the importance of giving back when one no longer has financial worries, and how he took 18 months off after he sold his business to think and design the exact sort of life he wanted to live in the future.He also shares an incredible David and Goliath story about the time he took on the taxman over something he felt was unfair and won.These are a fraction of the valuable insights that Jason shares. It's a long episode because there was no way I was going to cut him short as he shared these nuggets of wisdom!Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Jason ButlerLinks:https://www.jason-butler.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfbutler/ Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine: Amazon.co.uk: Brown, Derren: 9780593076194: BooksThe Antidote: From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks eBook : Burkeman, OliverThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.My guest, Elizabeth Hopkins, candidly shares her inspiring journey through the ups and downs of life as a founder entrepreneur who has experienced everything that life has to offer, including scaling a business to a multi-million-pound exit, but then having to deal with the worst kind of tragedy immediately after.As Liz mentions, she's recently become a client of our financial planning business, and in the time I've known her, I've been blown away by her positivity, resilience, and sense of fun.She encapsulates what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and frankly, that's why I started this podcast—to enjoy inspiring conversations with business owners and then share them with the world!You'll learn about the vital importance of focussing on a niche market, which you can dominate when others fight it out as generalists.Liz shares something really interesting that no one has ever talked about in the past—her decision to run a lifestyle business for many years and enjoy lots of time with her family as they were growing up and then very intentionally pivot to a growth business and target a multi-million-pound exit. She believed you could have the best of both worlds - and did!She then candidly explains the tragic circumstances when, a week after the business was sold, her husband and business partner had a brain tumour and died. Her story of survival and resilience is nothing short of remarkable and a true inspiration to all of us.This is an incredible conversation and I hope it encourages you and inspires you.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Elizabeth Hopkins.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethspencerphillips/ https://www.juliasamuel.co.uk/https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/grief-works-self-care-love/id1558867513This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.Our guest, John Rood, hails from Chicago, USA. John and his wife built an education business which they later sold to a private equity firm for a life-changing sum of money.And to some degree, that's where his problems started...‘Life after exit' was far from plain sailing for John, despite the fact that he was now financially secure. He went through a number of changes and realised that he was not prepared for the life transition and new set of challenges he faced as a wealthy ex-business owner.He recognised that there was no blueprint or How-To guide for business owners who sold up and needed to navigate the next chapters of their lives - and so he wrote one!John's book Beyond the Exit charts his own journey but also provides valuable insights from his conversations with over 70 other exited entrepreneurs who've been on similar journeys and which we discuss during the conversation.We also discuss:The 3 Things You Must Do Before You Sell Your Business and how to prepare yourself for life after exit - and what he'd do differently if he were ever to sell a business again..The 5 most popular activities for entrepreneurs after they sell - and why you should avoid most of them!We explore the concept of how much money is enough, a truly fascinating subject that has more to do with psychology than maths.And John shares a great story about how he lost out to Sam Altman, the founder of Open AI when he was planning to invest some of his new-found wealth in a  tech startup! So much wisdom shared -  and so now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr John Rood.Links:Beyond the ExitWhat Happens When You Get What You Want?: Success and the Challenge of ChoiceFinish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top: Amazon.co.ukThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.My guest today, Marc Adams, is the author of a book by the same title and has spent nearly four decades deep in the trenches of business and entrepreneurship. His extensive experience, from a career in corporate life to setting up his own business, has given him a unique perspective on the ups and downs of life as an entrepreneur.A cancer diagnosis in 2020, giving him six months to live, compelled him to write a book about everything he knows about business building, creating entrepreneurial value, and exiting in the most tax-effective way.Happily, Marc overcame the diagnosis and is now in good health, providing advice and consultancy to founders keen to benefit from his knowledge and experience.During our conversation, Marc unpacked some steps you can take to increase revenue, reduce costs, and multiply your company's value.He explains how he helped a company reduce its costs by over £2 million and redeploy that capital to fuel future growth.He explains what so many businesses have got wrong about their website and digital presence and how they can improve it and drive sales.He also shares some smart ideas on getting financially organised ahead of a sale to minimise the tax burden on founders when they sell their company.And as someone who only a few years ago was staring death in the face after his terminal diagnosis, Marc's view of what true wealth means is well worth hearing.He goes through so much more, and we could have gone on for another hour and still not covered everything!Check out the show notes for links to some fabulous resources Marchas offered for free to listeners on this podcast, including a complementary diagnosis of your current business based on the advice in his book.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Marc Adams.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marcadams/?originalSubdomain=ukSecrets To 10Xing Your Business: And Cashing Out Tax-Free: Amazon.co.uk The Secrets to 10xing your business and Cashing Out Tax-Free Scorecard?Acquisitions4YouRussell Brunson Collection 2 Books Set (Expert Secrets, Dotcom Secrets): Amazon.co.uk How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No (Acquisition.com $100M Series Book 1) eBook : Hormozi, AlexThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.This podcast is for entrepreneurs, reverse engineering the formula for successful scale, sale, and exit—inspired conversations with world-class entrepreneurs and the specialists who support them.I came up with that strapline when I launched the pod a couple of years ago, as that's exactly what I wanted to create—a resource that, if you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you can tap into and learn from those who were perhaps a few years ahead of you on the journey. Then, you can apply the lessons learned and the wisdom shared.In many ways, today's guest, Josh Keegan, is the perfect guest for the pod.A chartered accountant and successful entrepreneur, he has started, scaled, and exited several businesses and, in his current role, applies his experiences to help over 100 business owners.I recently read his book Small Business Big Profit and I loved the way he used his experiences - good and bad to codify precisely how to create a successful business.During our conversation, Josh shared how facing a financial black hole in his business that could have been terminal forced him to rethink how a business should operate, particularly regarding all-important financials.He explains why he decided to sell his business just as he'd got it into great shape. It was working like a dream, and he needed to spend only 90 minutes a week working in it.He breaks down his three-part framework and the specific actions you should take to achieve organisation, structure, and control.He also shares valuable insight into the right approach to improving your pricing and creating greater profits and enterprise value.And listen towards the end of our conversation when Josh explains the surprising method he uses to eliminate stress and anxiety—he recommends it to every entrepreneur and guarantees its effectiveness!He also provides links to many free resources, including frameworks and templates, that you can download and use immediately in your business.Before we hear from Josh, I'd like to ask you for a quick favour.As you know, this podcast production is a labour of love. There are no annoying advertisements or walls, but it does take time and effort to create.So, if you've benefited from listening to the conversations, I'd be grateful if you could head to the Apple Podcasts platform and leave a five-star review and perhaps a few positive words.Also, remember to hit the subscribe button to receive the latest episode as soon as it's available.But now, without further delay, a masterclass in building a financially fit business.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Josh Keegan.Links https://www.ultimatefd.co.uk/abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-keegan/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.instagram.com/the_ultimate_fd?igsh=bmJkbWtxNWlrM2J0https://www.property-entrepreneur.co.uk/daniel-hill/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Lecture-Achieving-Childhood-Lessons/dp/0340978503This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.This podcast is for business owners and entrepreneurs - reverse engineering your way to success through inspiring conversations.And the conversation you're about to hear is truly inspiring. I'm conscious that many of the guests I've had on the podcast over the last couple of years have shared stories of incredible success.But anyone who's been in business for any length of time knows the significant challenges and difficulties of entrepreneurship.And no one knows that better than today's guest, Phil Bray, founder of the Yardstick Marketing Agency, which is growing fast and going from strength to strength.However, during his business journey, Phil faced overwhelming challenges, eventually losing everything—his business, his house, even his car!At the same time, his relationship fell apart, and he had a 5-year-old son to care for.This is a story of passion, resilience, and retaining a positive mindset despite overwhelming difficulties. I hope it encourages you if you're ever going through a tough time.During our conversation,Phil shared how his ambitious business plans came crashing down when the great financial crisis of 2008 hit  - and the one thing he would never do again and recommends business owners avoid at all costs.He explains how he built personal resilience and managed to get through the toughest time of his life.Applying the lessons he learned,Phil provides a four-part ‘blueprint' for business growth—priceless advice for all ambitious business owners.And listen closely towards the end of our conversation when Phil shares his thoughtful definition of ‘True Wealth' - I promise every business owner will relate to it!Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Phil BrayLinks:https://theyardstickagency.co.uk/about-us/philhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-bray-yardstick?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appNever Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It https://amzn.eu/d/3qJrwzxThe Happy Index: The Sunday Times bestseller packed with management tools and leadership advice for a happier, healthier workforce https://amzn.eu/d/0EzRkKOThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.Joanna Jensen is the founder of Child's Farm, the hugely successful baby and child skincare company that was recently sold for £40m.This is one of the most inspiring conversations I've had since we launched the podcast. Joanna is a fabulous storyteller, and her enthusiasm is infectious!Hers is an amazing story of grit, resilience, and sheer determination to succeed against the odds. Joanna battled cancer, surgery, and a divorce, all while building her business.She funded it in the early days with credit cards, renting out rooms in her house, and even selling jewellery!She started the business out of necessity. In fact, 99% of female consumer brand entrepreneurs created their company out of a personal need. They needed something in their own lives that didn't exist, so they started a business to fill the gap in the market—and that's what Joanna Jensen did to help one of her children who had very sensitive skin. Joanna discusses the importance of sheer hard work, taking complete responsibility for one's decisions, and not blaming others.She explains why it's important to build your ‘tribe'. She found that many other people had similar issues with their children's skincare and leveraged the press and social media to create a movement of like-minded advocates.And as we're now in the campaigning period for the general election, Joanna has some words of advice for all politicians about the vital importance of SMEs and entrepreneurship in the UK to ensure a vibrant economy—she doesn't mince her words!There were so many gems of wisdom in this conversation and it should be shared with as many business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs as possible. Business can be tough and this conversation could  just be the inspiration they need.I give you Joanna Jensen, one of the UK's greatest female entrepreneurs.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joannajensenuk/https://www.childsfarm.com/ https://buywomenbuilt.com/https://femalefoundersrise.com/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a Text Message.Welcome back to the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast, where we delve into the minds of experienced entrepreneurs and uncover their secrets to success.I'm your host, Alan Smith, and I'm really excited to bring you my conversation with today's guest, Alexis Sikorsky. Alexis is an entrepreneur who built a software business from the ground up and eventually negotiated a sale to private equity for over $100m.I've just read his new book, "Cashing Out: A Business Owner's Guide to Selling to Private Equity". It's a great book, as he dives deep into the details of life as a founder—the downs as well as the ups. I encourage you to buy it immediately and read it cover to cover!During our conversation, Alexis shares lots of great stories, such asHow he agreed to a sale valuation based on a multiple of his very ambitious future forecasts at a time when his company was barely breaking even.He explains Why he thinks that raising capital should be avoided at all costs for most businesses — a very different view from the one held by the VC world, He also outlines the vital importance of being a ‘benevolent dictator' when growing your business, as democracies simply don't work!These are only a small sample of the wisdom he shares, forged at the coal face of real-life business building.It's a master class for all business owners, and we're privileged to learn from his experiences.So now, let's go over to the conversation with my brilliant guest. ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Alexis Sikorsky.Links:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consultinghttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Cashing-Out-business-selling-private-ebook/dp/B0CZ148DCJThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

If you're a business owner who plans to sell your business one day, this episode is essential listening.Picture this: You've poured years of your life into a business, helping to build it from the ground up, and then the business is sold. As a result, you receive a seven-figure sum, and you're financially secure.Or at least you hoped so.But then you take the proceeds, decide to invest in a new company, and lose it all.That's the situation today's guest, Jim McLaughlin, experienced when he made an exit several years ago.If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you'll have heard entrepreneurs share their journeys of scaling, successfully exiting, and creating economic security for themselves and their families.But not every story has a happy ending, and I'm grateful for Jim's candid sharing of his story.It reminded me of the time I met a client who had just sold his company, and I asked him what his biggest financial concern was now - he looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Losing it all'Founders know a cash sum at exit often represents years of grind, hard work, and sacrifices. However, they're immediately faced with big decisions about what to do with the capital. Unfortunately, Jim made a few errors and is keen to ensure that others learn from them.Jim talks about the importance of knowing your numbers and the 3 KPIs he tracked weekly.How he was able to be resilient in the face of incredible challenges.He also shares the work he's doing now to help small business owners and the buzz he still gets from it.He also outlines the most important thing you must do if you sell your business for a significant sum—that advice alone is worth listening to the episode for!Contact details and Resources Mentionedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-mclaughlin-b227975/?originalSubdomain=ukContent hubs | FSB, The Federation of Small BusinessesWho Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your LifeThe Wolf of Wall Street eBook : Belfort, JordanThink And Grow Rich: Amazon.co.uk: Hill, Napoleon: 9780091900212: BooksBBC Radio 4 - Desert Island DiscsThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Peter Cowley is one of Europe's best-known angel investors and active supporters of entrepreneurship. He studied computer science at Cambridge and founded his first company in 1984.Since then, he's launched no less than 12 companies, some of which he exited from successfully, some of which failed, and one that is still going over 40 years later.As one of the UK's most successful business angels, he's invested in 76 technology companies, and his book, The Invested Investor, is widely recognised as the business bible for the startup and entrepreneur communities.But behind his incredible success are a series of dreadful experiences in his private life.A personal battle with alcoholism, the loss of close family members and tragically, the death by suicide of two of his children. Sadly, Peter is currently battling Stage 4 cancer and has just published what he expects to be his last book, Public Success, Private Grief, in which he documents his journey, both business and personal.Peter still has an immense passion for the entrepreneurial community. During our conversation, he offered invaluable advice and insight to anyone building a business or planning to start their journey.He also details the challenges he's faced and how he's managed to keep going despite unfathomable life experiences.A truly inspiring man and I was honoured to speak with him and share the conversation with you. Links:Peter CowleyPublic Success Private Grief: The extraordinary life of an angel investor, cancer patient and dadProject Cancer — Peter CowleyPapyrushttps://www.linkedin.com/groups/13019244/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapital/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

I'm pleased to share a fascinating conversation I had recently with Jeremy Harbour, one of the most successful and experienced entrepreneurs around. Jeremy is a born entrepreneur who started selling jeans, watches, and even Cadbury creme eggs at age 11! He left school at 15 and has gone on to build, buy, and sell multiple companies. He's currently more active than ever through his company and network, The Harbour Club.Jeremy has deep insight into the strategies and tactics needed to build value and think beyond the traditional model of organic growth, one client at a time.During our conversationHe described the three levers of business growth and introduced a fourth, often overlooked lever, which can be a game changer for many entrepreneurs.He talks about business failure and the two vital lessons he learned when things didn't work out as planned. As any business owner knows, disappointment is an inevitable part of the journey, so knowing how to manage it is vital.He also shares the specific tactics you can deploy as you prepare your business for a successful sale, including one idea that any entrepreneur can use that could increase your profits by 40%. That idea alone will ensure that this episode will be an excellent investment of your time.A high-energy entrepreneur and a wonderful storyteller, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Jeremy Harbour.LinksJeremy HarbourHarbour ClubThe Harbour Club by Jeremy Harbour - LEARN HOW TO BUY AND SELL BUSINESSES FOR A LIVING | LinkedIn Jeremy Harbour (@harbour.jeremy) • Instagram photos and videosGo Do Deals: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Buying & Selling Businesses eBook : Harbour, Jeremy: Amazon.co.uk: Bookshttps://www.bizbuysell.com/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Let me set the scene by telling you that one of my all-time favourite TV shows is "Succession”. It's a fascinating tale of a wealthy family wrapped up in the complexities of their business empire led by the founder and patriarch, Logan Roy, brilliantly portrayed by the actor Brian Cox.If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend you do. But let me give you a quick overview: "Succession" is not just about wealth and power; it's a saga of business intrigue, sibling rivalry, and the delicate art of succession planning.Now, while most of us may not hail from billionaire clans in New York, family businesses are a cornerstone of our economy. 90% of private enterprises in the UK are family-run, employing nearly 14 million people and generating over £1.7 trillion in annual turnover. They're the backbone of British entrepreneurship.These businesses may be owned and managed by a couple, there may be siblings or other generations involved, or they could simply be run by one owner-founder who will usually bring with him or her some level of personal family dynamics.Yet, despite their prevalence, the intricacies of family businesses often remain unexplored. That's why I'm excited to introduce today's guest, Russ Haworth.Russ is the UK's leading authority on family businesses. A former financial planner who now runs his own consultancy business, providing advice and insight to families as they navigate the inevitable challenges faced by business owners and those closest to them.During our conversation, Russ shares his experiences exploring the human side of the business which is  even more important than the financial side of an organisation.We discuss the tricky subject of wealthy business owners and their choices  about whether or not to help their children financially - or to allow them to carve out their own path in life. This is something that comes up regularly in my conversations with successful entrepreneurs and is an important issue.And Russ explains why it's important to have what he calls a ‘lifeboat drill' -  a form of dress rehearsal to make sure that the family and the business can be well prepared to meet any future challenge, expected or unexpected.Family businesses exist at the intersection of money, business, emotions - and the family itself, so there are few more complex and challenging institutions. And there are millions of them across the country!It's a fascinating and important subject, and Russ is a proven expert in all the nuances and complexities.Now, discussing everything you need to know about the family business, ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr Russ Haworth.  Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/russellhaworth/?originalSubdomain=uk https://familybusinesspartnership.com/ https://www.questforlegitimacy.com/ https://fambizpodcast.comhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Wealth-3-0-Future-Family-Advising-ebook/dp/B0CBJ41FYR https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Family-Wealth-Bloomberg-Hughes/dp/1119453216This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Let me start by sharing some statistics with you, which I find rather shocking.90% of SMEs are unsellable50% close down for zero valueOnly one in 2,000 are sold for the full market value. It was today's guest, Christine Nicholson, who shared that data with me, and as awful as the numbers are, the good news is that she's developed a business owner's toolkit to ensure that you've got the best chance of being that 1 in 2000 who do have a successful exit.Christine is an extraordinary lady. Having left school at 16, she quickly realised that working in a bank was not for her. So, she qualified as an accountant and embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey, which involved multiple businesses, several exits, and many lessons learned along the way.During our conversation, Christine talks about;Why you need to start planning for your exit much earlier than you think  - and the dangers of leaving things late.The steps to take to massively increase your business valuation – some of which may surprise you. She shares the details of how she helped a business increase its sale value 12x in less than 2 years.She explains the process she uses to ensure you've got the right people on your team, allowing you to spend time working on your business strategy more effectively.Towards the end of the conversation, Christine shares the details of some amazing tools and online services available to you as a podcast listener free of charge.Now, for a masterclass on how to successfully build scale, sell and exit your business, ladies and gentlemen, I give you  Christine Nicholson.Resources and Contact Detailshttps://christinenicholson.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-nicholson/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://getexitready.co.uk/Ted talk re timing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpx7gpSqbYBusiness Made Simple https://www.amazon.co.uk/Business-Made-Simple-Leadership-Marketing-ebook/dp/B085XNKHMBJohn Cleese on creativity  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5oIIPO62g This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Alex Chisnall is the creator and host of one of the UK's leading podcasts called Screw It Just Do It and is now a highly successful entrepreneur in the content creation space.The name of his podcast is a reference to the time he spent working at Virgin and observing his then-boss, Sir Richard Branson, at close quarters. Screw It Let's Do It was a phrase often used by Sir Richard and the title of one of his books.During our conversation, Alex talked in depth about the resilience needed to be a successful entrepreneur and how he needed to dig deep to get through some really difficult challenges, some of which he described as the worst time of his life - and he has some words of encouragement to share that I think you'll find valuable.He discusses the vital importance of maintaining strong physical and mental health and his strategy for dealing with tough times. These are vital lessons for us all.And he shares his thoughts on the impact that building a personal brand can have for any business owner and his belief that every entrepreneur should have their own podcast together with some practical first steps to get started.Towards the end, having experienced a personal and business rollercoaster ride over the last 20 years or so, his one-word definition of True Wealth is worth hearing and reflecting on.If you're building a business, I'm sure you'll be able to relate to his wise words.So, once again, thank you for being a loyal supporter of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur. Please hit the subscribe button, but for now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Alex Chisnall.Links:Alex ChisnallPodpreneurhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-chisnall?originalSubdomain=ukRich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No (Acquisition.com $100M Series Book 1) eBook : Hormozi, Alex: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & PhotoHow I Built ThisBossBabeThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

My guest today, Rand Fishkin, is the author of one of the best business books I've ever read, and trust me, I've read a lot of business books!It's called Lost and Founder, and it charts his journey as a marketing tech business entrepreneur who raised money from Venture Capital investors and was growing at 100% year on year.It's a ruthlessly honest book in which Rand breaks down the details and behind-the-scenes experiences of an entrepreneur. I think it's essential reading for any founder or business owner looking to scale and seek an exit.During our conversation,He reveals the truth about raising capital and the secrets that the VC world doesn't tell you when you're seeking investment.He explains his decision to turn down an offer from Hubspot, which would have resulted in a $250 million exit.We also explore the concept of “enough” and why creating economic security is essential for any entrepreneur.And as someone with almost half a million followers on Twitter, Rand gives thoughtful advice to entrepreneurs on building their own personal brand - spoiler alert, it's not what you might think!Now, for an inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Rand Fishkin.LinksRand Fishkin's Bio, Speaker Rates, Contact Details | SparkToroLost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World: Amazon.co.ukNo Hard Feelings: Emotions at Work and How They Help Us Succeed eBook : Fosslien, Liz, Duffy, Mollie West: Amazon.co.uk: Books Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not OkayTo sign up to receive the Bulletproof Entrepreneur newsletter, go to www.bulletproofentrepreneur.netThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Hello, and welcome back to the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast, the first of 2024.We've  got something special for you to kick off the New Year!‘Bitconned” is currently one of the top shows streaming on Netflix around the world is and it features my guest Ray Trapani.It tells the story of 3 young hustlers who get caught up in the murky world of crypto investing and ultimately create a criminal enterprise and make millions.There are so many twists and turns, and if it were a fictional story, you'd dismiss it as being too far-fetched to be believable, but it's true and it's quite extraordinary. Frankly, our conversation is a warning to anyone thinking of investing in cryptocurrency. To hear from someone who spent years deeply involved in the shady chat rooms and learn how he was able to manipulate the system should be enough to put you off going anywhere near it - or at the very least, doing lot of research before you part with a penny And make sure it's money you can afford to lose - as there is a good chance you will.Consider this a public service announcement and share it with anyone who is considering getting involved.Early in our conversation, Ray candidly shares a traumatic childhood experience that had a huge impact on the man he became and the life choices he made.We discussed the role that Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has on the market and why people see prices going up (often artificially through market manipulation) and are desperate not to miss out.We explore the role of celebrity endorsements and so-called finfluencers - if you see a celebrity endorsing any financial product, view that as a red flag and give it a miss.Ray shares exactly how he invests his money now as an insider who knows about crypto and what goes on in that market. - you may be surprised by his adviceAfter everything he's experienced, his own personal definition of true wealth that he shares towards the end is profound.From Long Island, New York, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Ray Trapani.Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81507283  Connect with Ray https://linktr.ee/raytrapaniThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Most business owners that I know aren't entirely focused on making money or on the financial rewards, but nevertheless, creating economic security for you and your family is a vital part of why you started your business in the first place.So whether you sell your business in the future or simply use it as a vehicle to build your personal wealth, having some deep insight into the world of money and financial success can never be underestimated.So, I couldn't think of anyone better to round off the year than our guest, Victor Haghani. His background and experience are highly impressive.From graduating from the London School of Economics through his time in investment banking on Wall Street, he was a founding member of one of the most celebrated hedge funds in the world, Long Term Capital Management.After that blew up in spectacular fashion, he went on to try numerous different roles and is an entrepreneur who knows the ups and downs of business life intimately.As Victor explains during our conversation, he's made money, he's lost money, and he truly identifies with what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, both from a financial viewpoint and also from a business and personal one.He's recently published a fabulous book called The Missing Billionaires, and I recommend it as part of your essential toolkit for understanding the important aspects of personal wealth.It's often said that keeping money is harder than making money, and the numbers that he quotes are staggering.It seems that the vast majority of the wealth that successful entrepreneurs have created over the last hundred years or so has disappeared for multiple reasons.He explains some of the key strategies and tactics that you can embrace in order to preserve wealth within your family, both now and for future generations. He also shares a fascinating experiment that concluded that most of us, even experienced professionals, struggle with basic decision-making principles around money and risk.Towards the end of our conversation, Victor breaks down the precise steps you should take to make smart decisions with your money. Links:The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial DecisionsThe Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Books. Big Profits)The Four Pillars of Investing, Second Edition: Lessons for Building a Winning PortfolioWhere Are the Customers' Yachts? or A Good Hard Look at Wall Street: 32 (Wiley Investment Classics)Beneficiary, The: Fortune, Misfortune, and... by Scott, JannyWhere are all the Billionaires? & Why should We Care?: Victor Haghani at TEDxSPSCoin Flip - Elm PartnersThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

I was in Cape Town a couple of months ago, speaking at a conference, and I was in the audience to witness one of the best keynote speeches I've ever seen, certainly the best keynote on the subject of entrepreneurship.The speaker was Bruce Whitfield, who is a big-name broadcaster in South Africa, hosts his own daily business show and is a writer, journalist, podcaster, and incredible storyteller.During his career, he's met with, interviewed, and spent time with some of the best business builders, creators, and successful entrepreneurs on the planet, so he's ideally placed to share what he views as the characteristics essential for success in business.He talks about the importance of optimism and looking for strategic opportunities even during the most challenging times.The lessons we can all learn from Dr Seuss and how to create solutions to problemsHe shares the incredible journey of Nandos and its co-founder Robbie Brozin and what it took to build a global business with over 1200 outlets in 30 countries- some brilliant insights from an incredible entrepreneur.Towards the end, Bruce explains the vital importance of leadership in business and how the most successful business leaders approach the role.Packed full of stories and anecdotes involving business rock stars such as Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, and even Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama!If you fancy eavesdropping on an inspirational conversation during these challenging times, you will enjoy this episode.From Cape Town, South Africa, via London, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Bruce Whitfield.Links:https://www.brucewhitfield.com/https://twitter.com/brucebusinessThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

In my ‘day job', when I speak with entrepreneurs and ask them what their single biggest financial concern is once they sold their business and received a capital sum, the answer is often ‘I don't want to lose it  - I don't want to mess this up!' So I started this podcast as a resource for founders and business owners - those who've taken the leap, created a business and are now in the process of growing it or possibly already sold and exited.Anyone who's started a business knows how difficult it can be,  and if you manage to navigate the inevitable rollercoaster ride that being an entrepreneur involves and created some economic success, the last thing you want to do is be exposed to unnecessary risks.That's why I was delighted to invite Dave Butler to share his wisdom with our community.Dave is the CEO of what I've often called The Best Kept Secret in Investment - Dimensional Fund Advisors and is one of the smartest people in finance.I've had the pleasure of meeting him several times and I can tell you that he's a deeply thoughtful guy, super high integrity and incredibly passionate about helping investors succeed.During our conversation he explained his journey from playing pro basketball through his early days on Wall Street and now leading Dimensional  - and the lessons he's learned along the way, such as:Why business owners with money to invest should be wary of hiring a specific type of fund manager or wealth adviser.The three essential areas you must focus on to maximise your chances of long-term investment success.His checklist of essential attributes to look for if you plan to hire a wealth adviser or money manager.Towards the end, after over 30 years in the money management business, and now running a company that manages hundreds of billions of dollars, his personal definition of True Wealth is just brilliant.Packed full of stories, anecdotes and words of wisdom, you're going to enjoy this conversation - ladies and gentlemen I gave you Mr Dave Butler.Links:Dimensional InvestingTrillions: How a Band of Wall Street Renegades Invented the Index Fund and Changed Finance Foreverwww.capital.co.ukThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Since I began the podcast as a resource for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, I've aimed for a blend of real-life conversations with founders and owners as well as practical ideas and insights from the people who can help and support entrepreneurs, such as lawyers, accountants, wealth advisors, and bankers.But my favourite episodes are the entrepreneur stories. The real-life experiences of those who had a spark of an idea and began working on it to create something, to build something out of nothing, and hopefully to enjoy the success.This week's episode is an incredible story of a crazy guy who had the idea to sell water in Scandinavia.My wife is Scandinavian, and as a result, I've spent a lot of time in Sweden and Denmark over the years, and I can tell you that the water that comes from the tap there is as pure as you can get it. So who on earth would come up with the mad idea of bottling water and selling it in Scandinavia and then across Europe?The answer is our guest today—Allan Feldt, who spoke to us from his home in Copenhagen.During a truly inspiring conversation, he shared his ideas on;Knowing what it is that you are really selling—in his case, he wasn't selling water necessarily, but was selling cost savings and employee happiness to his business clientsHe explains how he cracked the code of creating a product that everyone needs and then employing an incredibly successful sales tactic that almost any business owner can use in their own companyAnd he shares his experiences on the art of negotiation and some invaluable tips when it comes to sitting down and agreeing on the terms of the sale of your businessTowards the end of our conversation, Alan shares his deeply reflective thoughts on family, money, children, and how to live a joyful life.I absolutely loved my conversation with the Water King  - ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Mr Allan Feldt.Resources:https://twitter.com/AllanFeldt_https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-feldt-62a757/Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Harper Business Essentials): Amazon.co.ukThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Have you ever had an idea for a business but thought there were too many challenges and barriers to getting started? Whether it's access to funding or more importantly, access to good quality business advice and mentoring,Or maybe you've been in business for a year or two and you're facing some headwinds- the economy is challenging, getting access to capital is harder than ever, and finding reliable sources of high-quality impartial advice is difficult.Or it could even be that you're currently working for a company and think that you could do things a bit better than the way things are done, but it's too big a leap to take. - you've got bills to pay and a family to support, and starting on your own without the finances or guidance - it just seems too risky.If so, this may be the conversation you've been waiting for, and I think you'll want to get to know this week's guest, Richard Bearman, managing director at the British Business Bank with a focus on start-ups and early-stage businesses.I must confess that although I was aware of the British Bank, I wasn't clear on the full range of services and support they offer to British entrepreneurs. - from start-up through scale-up and beyond, they provide a complete suite of services both directly and in partnership with other organisations.I really enjoyed my conversation with Richard, and in particular, some of the inspiring stories he shared about founders who have benefitted from the services provided by the bank and who've gone on to achieve remarkable things in business, regardless of the headwinds they've faced.What comes through from the conversion is that Richard really cares; he wants to help, he wants to make a difference and he wants to encourage entrepreneurship across the UK.I think Britain is a very entrepreneurial nation, and there are so many people with an idea bubbling inside of them that if only they could find a way to get started, it could change their lives. If that's you or someone you know, I encourage you to check out the positive things that the British Business Bank is doing, starting with the vast resources they provide free of charge on their website, and I've posted a link in the show note for you to take a look.Apparently, it was Mark Twain who said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.” Sometimes we need a spark of inspiration, something to compel us to action.I really think you'll enjoy this inspired conversation - ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr Richard Bearman.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-bearman-48291118/https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/our-people/richard-bearman/https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/playerThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Lee Robertson is a serial entrepreneur, having founded no less than 3 companies to date. One didn't work out and is no longer around; one became a huge success, and he sold it to his colleagues in a management buyout; and the third one is currently thriving and keeping him busy.Lee, who came from humble beginnings and spent his early career in the Royal Navy, entered the financial services industry as a direct salesman in his twenties. In the days before Google, he made cold calls every day from numbers he found in the Yellow Pages, which must be a fantastic way to develop thick skin—something that all entrepreneurs need! He's always been considered a pioneer and keen to employ forward-thinking innovations, which helped propel his success. An early adopter of the concept of “personal brand”, Lee was a regular in the press and on TV, which gave his company a huge boost and provided fuel for their growth.During the conversation, he shares a step-by-step guide on building your own personal brand to help grow your own company.And he shares his views on an organisation called “The Company of Entrepreneurs”, a City of London Livery Company that he found incredibly helpful as he evolved his career and grew as an entrepreneur. - worth checking them out as they're very much open to members - link below. Towards the end, he offers some wise words about what matters and what's really important - something that all entrepreneurs need to be reminded of from time to time.And he signed off with some fantastic book recommendations, most of which I'd never heard of but will certainly be checking them out - and if you're building a business, you should too.Packed with insights and ideas that I know  will be helpful to you, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr Lee Robertson.ResourcesLee's Twitter (X)Lee Robertson Chartered FCSI FRSA | LinkedInOcto MembersWorshipful Company of EntrepreneursDo the F*cking Work: Lowbrow Advice for High-Level Creativity eBook : Buirge, Brian, Bacher, Jason, Richburg, Jason: Amazon.co.uk: BooksBreak From the Pack: How to Compete in a Copycat Economy eBook : Harari, Oren: Amazon.co.uk: BooksHigh Frequency Change: why we feel like change happens faster now, and what to do about itWord of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking eBook : Sernovitz, Andy, Godin, Seth, Kawasaki, Guy: Amazon.co.uk: BooksChris Do - CEO & Founder at The FuturThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Gurinder is the founder and CEO of Otto Car, the company that provides cars and finance to most Uber drivers in London.Currently, over 5,000 vehicles on the road are provided through the services of Otto.In the few years since the business was founded and they were operating out of offices in shipping containers in a West London car park, they've hit £50 million in annual revenue and are growing faster than ever - and they've done it all without having to give up any equity or selling to VCs or PE.Coming from an immigrant family background, Gurinder was quick to identify cultural shifts impacting his dad's business, and he used the same strategy to get on board with new and emerging trends in his own business. He realised the importance of hitching your wagon to a company or sector that was growing fast - a bit like a support frigate for a huge aircraft carrier - in his case the aircraft carrier was Uber.According to Gurinder, the foundations of Otto's success are their core values and being mission driven. He explained that when it comes to values, ‘you can't do mission without marching' - in other words, you need to walk the talk and demonstrate it through your daily actionsHe describes the period during COVID when his company was losing £6,000 every hour and he really found out who his allies were - and crucially, who they weren't. - he uses strong language, but it only goes to highlight exactly how important this is to him - and if you're an entrepreneur, I think you will understandTowards the end of our conversation, he shares an anecdote that involves expensive wine and a life lesson, and it's worth listening just to hear that!I learned a lot and was greatly inspired and entertained - and so will you be.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Gurinder Dhillon.ResourcesOtto Carhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gurinder-dhillon/?originalSubdomain=ukZero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future: Amazon.co.ukBlue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition IrrelevantThe Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership: Amazon.co.ukThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

This episode is a first.After 35 episodes of the Bulletproof Entrepreneur podcast, I thought it was time we explored the dynamics where a husband and wife set up in business and have to manage two different relationships - the business partners working together and the life partners raising a family and having a quality home life away from the business.Richard and Sonia Dixon met when they were young and started working together at a small travel agent in a less salubrious part of Birmingham where a business partnership blossomed kind of at the same time as a personal partnership.Their story tracks the evolution of the travel industry front the time when the only way to book your holiday was by walking into a shop on the high street through the early days of the internet and online booking and took them to a position where they had a team of over 200 people and a thriving business.Before it all came crashing down.You're going to hear about what it takes to grow a business from almost nothing to become a significant player in a highly competitive sector.You'll learn the meaning of the word Resilient when they explain that they were so close to hitting all-time revenue targets that they were about to take the entire team on a trip of a lifetime to Mauritius when the pandemic arrived, and their company was literally a few days from bankruptcy.And of course, you'll learn how they cracked the code of building a world-class business together whilst building a happily married family life together - so many valuable lessons for all of us.And towards the end, Richard shares insight for all business owners who find themselves in a position of leadership when they haven't actually formally been trained for it - and let's face it, that's most of us.If you work with a family member or simply love to hear an incredible business and life story that encompasses more ups and downs than the average rollercoaster, you're going to enjoy this inspired conversation.Ladies sand gentlemen, I give you…Richard and Sonia DixonLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-dixon-4aa76721/?originalSubdomain=ukm Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and PurposeThe Leadership Book by Neil Jurd: A step by step guide to excellent leadership: Amazon.co.ukThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Roheel Ahmad is the co-founder of Forsythe Barnes, a recruitment company, but not just any recruitment company. The business has been listed on the FT250 Fastest Growing Business list for three years running.In under 8 years, it's grown from zero to almost £100m in revenue, has a team of 80 and has recently opened an office in New York with plans for LA and Dubai.And they're just getting started.During the conversation, Roheel shared the 7 key ingredients that make up the secret sauce of his business success. Some of the highlights include.How to disrupt an entire industry by embracing digital content and simply doing things differently to the way they've been done for decades.The vital importance of relentless ambition and reminding your team about it regularly Creating a meritocracy where, if you're good enough, you're old enough.Towards the end, Roheel shares a thought that most entrepreneurs will relate to. It's about using his business as a platform to see discover what he's truly capable of - a platform for achieving his full potential.Our conversation is full of practical ideas and real-life experiences that will be so helpful if you're building a business.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Roheel AhmadLinks:https://www.linkedin.com/in/roheelahmad/https://www.forsythbarnes.com/https://wondery.com/shows/business-wars/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-NIKE/dp/1471146707https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Grover-Winning-Collection-Hardcover-Relentless/dp/9124214019/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1694868379&refinements=p_27%3ATim+Grover&s=books&sr=1-3This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

This is a special episode as it's the last episode of Season 2 and so we've put together a compilation of the greatest hits covering some of the key ideas, insights, and themes that have emerged from the conversations I've had so far.This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

You probably know Piers Linney from the TV show Dragon's Den, where he appeared for two seasons, giving advice and investing his own money in startup companies.Something of a reluctant celebrity, he left the Den and has gone on to start several other businesses in technology, media, and communications, including his latest venture, Implement AI.During our conversation, he explainedThe importance of storytelling when pitching your business to raise finance, find investors, or just selling your products to customers. Every entrepreneur needs to know how to sell.He talks about the advice that Sir Richard Branson gave him when he was considering becoming a Dragon  - you'll realise why Sir Richard is as successful as he is.The challenges faced by founders who come from a minority background or maybe didn't go to the right school or university, and how to overcome that and succeed.Towards the end of our conversation, Piers speaks passionately about the technology tsunami healing our way called Artificial Intelligence and what small businesses and SMEs should do to make sure they don't miss the boat.Piers is a real champion for SMEs and has just launched a new company to help small businesses harness the power of AI, which he believes will be transformational.Finally, in an act of incredible generosity, Piers has provided the Bulletproof Entrepreneur audience with free access to his online course for entrepreneurs - which he normally sells for £198.The course offers 10 hours of personally delivered advice over 15 modules and over 76 lessons. If you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, it's designed to save you time and money and reduce risk to maximise your chances of success and wealth creation.The link to access the course for free is in the show notes.But for now, sharing his reflections, insights and wisdom, I give you Mr Piers LinneyLinks:https://startup.pierslinney.com/p/startup?coupon_code=BULLET&product_id=1369146 Or use code:  “ BULLET” for a 100% discount to access the course.https://www.pierslinney.com/https://www.implementai.io/ai-business-sme-financehttps://twitter.com/pierslinney?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pierslinney/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Bob has enjoyed 100% launch success returning over $1 billion to his investors. He's founded six companies, sold four and is still running two.He's grown two startups to $100m and $156m in sales in 5 years and 3 years respectively.During our conversation, Bob explainsThe vital importance of having a crystal clear vision for your company and what the 11 elements of a successful vision are that comprise what he calls his Vision Pie.The main reasons that startups fail (the most important one accounts for 42% of failures) - and what you should do to avoid being one of them!When the data confirm that only 1 in 400 companies secure funding, he shares his evidence-based reasons for this and explains how to ensure that you are one of the companies that do get funded (it's not about your pitch deck!)Bob has also kindly provided the Bulletproof Entrepreneur audience with access to several valuable resources - see the links below.Links:https://homegrownclub.co.uk/events/rockstar-series-founder-of-leon-henry-dimbleby-in-conversation-with-alan-smith/Bob Norton - Fractional CEO/COO Helping Companies Reach 50%-100% CAGR, Scaling Guru, Leadership Operating System - AirTight Management | LinkedInhttps://clevelenterprises.com/Recommended_Reading.htmlhttps://www.ceobootcamp.us/top8 - Free eBook - Top 8 Reasons Companies Fail to Raise Funds – From my experience as a Serial Entrepreneur and also angel investor.https://www.ceobootcamp.us/top20  - Free eBook Top 20 Reasons Startups Fail And How to Avoid Them – This based on research of hundreds of startup postmortems. Free course on the top 40 skills entrepreneurial teams need to build a successful companyWebinar replay for Mastering the Top 10 Challenges of Growth and Scaling any business. – The challenges of scaling are statistically 1.260 harder than building a successful startup because these skills are so rare and only learned by experience. No university teaches these things.Webinar replay: How to Raise Millions for Any Company – Learn the 30 other sources of capital beyond angel and VC and how to prepare a company and get it into the top few percent investors see.The 11 Elements of a Successful Vision article and diagram – The Vision Pie and Vision Cone concepts to be way beyond the average understanding of how to develop and use a complete vision. This is on Bob's Blog with over 175 other articles searchable by topic and keyword 6 Professional Certifications and 40 Courses can also be seen at www.EntrepreneurshipU.com – I believe these courses can easily triple a company's chances of success because they are jam-packed with dense content that includes thinking models, checklists and “How to” stuff for almost any entrepreneurial challenge. This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Ian is an entrepreneur who built and, after 7 years, sold a highly successful marketing agency for £23 million. In this episode, he shares the lessons learned on his journey so far.Ian had a postcard on the wall beside his desk at his first job with 2 words on it - “Question Everything” - and he's lived his life by that mantra ever since.A deep thinking entrepreneur who has always challenged conventional thinking,  and so I let the tape run as he was sharing so much wisdom. You're going to learn: The importance of finding a co-founder with complementary skills  to your own and where, as Ian says, 1 + 1 = 3  otherwise you're wasting your time. His unique view on how to build a business and win new clients - a core skill for any successful company but particularly one that has the ambition to scale up. The value of spending time with your business advocates and partners, sharing your story explaining your future plans and vision - and it was this that eventually led to the sale of the company to a PLC.Towards the end of our conversation, Ian explains the importance of challenging conventional thinking particularly when it comes to pricing your services. This is a subject that we've done a lot of work on in my business and one that every entrepreneur should reflect on. Remember - “Question Everything.”Links:https://www.lbbonline.com/news/communisis-acquires-life-in-23-million-dealhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-humphris-5bb8a413/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://nokamo.com/Mark RitsonKotler on Marketing by Philip Kotler (1999-06-07) HardcoverHow not to Plan: 66 ways to screw it upHow Brands Grow: What Marketers Don't Know: Amazon.co.ukEat Your Greens - Wiemer Snijders: 9781789016758https://www.amazon.co.uk/Choice-Factory-behavioural-biases-influence/dp/085719609XHow to Build a Car: The Autobiography of the World's Greatest Formula 1 Designer eBook : Newey, Adrian: Amazon.co.uk: BooksThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

My conversation this time is a little different and rather intriguing. Ruth Sturkey spent her career advising entrepreneurs and executives about their big life transitions, such as selling their businesses and retiring.And then was faced with planning her own business sale and retirement -  or at least the next chapter of her life.By her admission, and despite having advised clients for years, she admits she felt somewhat unprepared and is now happy to share her experiences so that others can learn.In our wide-ranging conversation, she discussed how the serious illness of her business partner caused a 3-year exit plan to be reduced to 3 weeks and highlighted the importance of having your business risk plan in place to manage the unexpected.She explains how we've got the concept of retirement all wrong, and why she's had to learn the hard way how to do it well. And she talks about life after the business sale, what she misses, and what she would do differently if she had her time again. Some real nuggets of wisdom and profound insights which will be truly valuable to you.And as someone who has spent several decades talking to wealthy clients, listen to her description of true wealth  - its a lot of fun.If you've enjoyed the podcast, I'd really appreciate it if you could jump onto the Apple platform (even if you don't usually use it for your podcasts) and leave a 5-star review and a few positive words.And also, be sure to subscribe to the podcast - it really helps us spread the word and is much appreciated.But now, stand by to learn from someone who can share her experience from both sides of the table - as an adviser to entrepreneurs and then as a successfully exited entrepreneur herself - ladies and gentlemen, I give you Ruth Sturkey...Links:www.ruthsturkey.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthsturkey/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://twitter.com/ruthsturkey?lang=enhttps://instituteforfinancialwellbeing.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/behavior-gap-radio/id1034934586http://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rest-is-politics/id1611374685This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last year, you'll be all too aware of something called artificial intelligence. AI's not new, it's been around for years, and you've probably been using applications like Alexa and Siri to tell you what the weather's like, turn on your music, or even order a pizza. But all of a sudden, the speed of innovation seems to have changed, and it's become a lot more serious and relevant to business owners.I first heard of an application called Chat GPT at the beginning of the year, and within days my kids were using it to do their homework, and I tested it by having it help me write a few well-received blog posts.But I've been scratching the surface of what's now out there and the implications for anyone in business today.This podcast was designed from the outset for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the people who advise and consult with them. And so when something is about to hit the business world like a freight train, I thought it was essential to publish a one-off special AI-focused episode to unpack the threat and explore the opportunities.Aalok Shukla is an expert in the world of artificial intelligence and, importantly, how it's going to impact entrepreneurs and SMEs. During our conversation, he takes us on a whistle-stop tour of what to expect from the new technology.This is not the time to put your head in the sand, this is a time to engage, to be curious, and to learn. To help you, Aaolok is running a workshop with Piers Linney, the ex-Dragon from Dragons Den who is very involved in AI and tech innovation, and I'm doing a presentation from the non-expert real-life business owner viewpoint.I believe that you'll learn more in that one day than in a year of reading articles and browsing websites about AI.You'll also leave with a step-by-step actionable 90-day plan for your own business. Spaces are limited, so sign up now using my unique discount code for £149 off. - use the link below and the code ALAN.In the meantime, talking about the AI revolution as applied to small businesses, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Aaolok Shukla.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aalokshukla/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.miacloudacademy.com/offers/F4Zz6922/checkout?coupon_code=ALANhttps://www.miacloudacademy.com/london-eventsThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Today's guest is Jeremy Tobias Tarsh who is one of the original inspirations behind my launching this podcast. Jeremy is happy to share that he's been a client of our firm for many years and it was during one of our many deep-dive conversations about the complex challenges faced by him and other entrepreneurs that I thought I should launch something.I told him that I would have loved to have recorded the long chats we had so others could benefit from his unique experiences. Well, now we've done just that. During our conversation... He explains the impact of growing up in an entrepreneurial family and one of the key lessons he learned early on from his Father was that in any business, there are only ever likely to be two or three key numbers to focus on, and the rest is detail. It's vital to know your numbers.He also shared his experience of not accepting a traditional multiple of profit as a valuation, but truly understanding the opportunity that owning his business would create for any potential buyer and the loss they faced if they didn't acquire it. On that basis, he was able to get an incredible valuation, which had little to do with an EBITDA number.And in line with a theme that comes up regularly in my conversations, he candidly discusses the challenges he faced as an exited entrepreneur with plenty of money but with a loss of identity amongst his family, his friends and business colleagues. Wise words to learn from.And towards the end, he shares a brief analogy of an egg timer - don't miss it, quite profound. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Jeremy Tobias TarshLinksJeremy Tarsh - Chair - Claude Limited | LinkedInThomson Reuters buys Practical Law CompanyThe Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done (Harperbusiness Essentials): Amazon.co.ukBy Alan Cooper - The Inmates are Running the Asylum: Why High-tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the Sanity (2): Amazon.co.uk: BooksInvictus by William Ernest Henley | Poetry FoundationJoseph (Genesis) - WikipediaThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Jodie and Jenny are cofounders of a hugely successful agency called The Marketing Pod, and 11 years ago they decided to tread that well-known entrepreneurial path, took a big risk and walked away from a comfortable corporate life to start their business.Why? Because, as is often the case, they were frustrated that what they were looking for didn't exist, and they knew there was a demand.They also wanted to create something that was more in line with their own lifestyles and that reflected their personal values and culture.So many lessons and words of wisdom in our conversation, and plenty of encouragement to take the entrepreneurial leap and follow your passion. As they say ‘Life's too short not to give it a go.'We discussed the importance of finding great mentors and advisers  - and why getting on a business accelerator or growth programme was such an important part of their success.They explained why niching down and becoming known as the ‘go-to experts' for a specific sector is essential and why most entrepreneurs struggle with that as they see shiny new opportunities everywhere that they have to say ‘no' to - trust me I can relate to that one!And the underlying secret of their success, which is all about the people and the culture in their business  - easy to say, hard to do— which is why their advice is so helpful if you're building your own business.You are going to get so much out of this conversation. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the energy, positivity, and wise words of Jodie Williams and Jenny Hughes.LinksThe Marketing Podhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-williams-themarketingpod/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-hughes/The Entrepreneurship Centre - Cambridge Judge Business SchoolTraction: Get a Grip on Your Business Paperback – Illustrated, 19 April 2012Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) HardcoverThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

To celebrate the landmark 25th episode of the podcast, I was delighted to be able to speak with the Co-Founder and CEO of BrewDog, James Watt.BrewDog is valued at over $1,500,000,000 and is one of the UK's leading Unicorn companies... However, it's been far from a smooth ride.Having decided that a career as a lawyer ‘in a cheap suit doing glorified admin' wasn't for him, he spent several years working on a North Atlantic fishing boat and that's where a lot of his business resilience came from.We discussed many areas of business but these stood out:Marketing; He shares some incredible stories about the crazy stunts that BrewDog created to gain publicity. Some were wildly successful and some less so - but they all got tons of attention for the brand.The value of constraints: He tells the story of their pitch to the TV show Dragon's Den and what happened next. It's a masterclass in creativity and how to use constraints to your advantage.A powerful vision: James is crystal clear about his values and that of the company, the team and the community that they've created. And he doesn't hold back on defining the vision - total world domination!James is a world-class storyteller, a rebel, a leader and undoubtedly a Bulletproof Entrepreneur.You are going to love this conversation- ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr. James Watt. Links:https://www.brewdog.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-watt-21a5a912b/?originalSubdomain=ukJames Watt - BrewDog CEO - YouTubeThe Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy AnswersThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Henry is the co-founder of the fast-food restaurant chain Leon with the unforgettable strapline ‘If God did fast food..'From humble beginnings, with one small shop in Carnaby Street in London to a national and international brand which eventually sold for a reported £100 million Henry is undoubtedly a bulletproof entrepreneur.During our conversation, he explained:How they came up with the memorable name Leon and the vital importance of getting your business name right from the outset.What he believes to be the two most important attributes that any entrepreneur must have to succeed .The value of narrative and storytelling to help grow your media presence and generate new customers.And as we were wrapping up the conversation, Henry provided us with one of the best definitions I've ever heard of what True Wealth really is.His new book, "Ravenous," has just been published and is a seriously good read if you're interested in learning about our food system and how to optimise for maximum energy  - something that every entrepreneur needs to do.LinksHenry DimblebyLEONRavenous: How to get ourselves and our planet into shapeBillionaire Issa brothers buy Leon for £100m | Evening StandardThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

One of the original ideas behind the podcast was to create a repository of essential insights, experiences, and information. A knowledge hub that you can dip in and out of whenever you needed to be reminded of key issues throughout your business journey.One thing is certain and that is that you'll need to work with a lawyer at some point, and judging from conversations I've had with previous guests, understanding the role of a corporate lawyer, and finding a good one is a vital part of the process.I've known today's guest, James Crotty of Foot Anstey for a few years. I worked with him on a transaction where I was buying another wealth planning business a couple of years ago. I got to know James and his team and found them to be supremely professional, of course, but equally as important, they were very human and recognized the emotional strain that owners are under as a transaction proceeds. So, I was keen to get him on the podcast to share his experience and his wisdom.What we have is a masterclass covering all the legal aspects involved in selling your businesses, - from before there's even a deal on the table, right through to well after the sale has concluded and you're on to your next adventure.James reveals his 8-step process, breaks it down in detail and outlines what to expect and how to prepare for the experience.Towards the end, he explains a new service that he's recently launched that, I believe every business owner who thinks they may sell at some point should look at.The episode is a bit longer than the others, but there's a lot involved in the legal process.Exploring the essential legal information, you need to know before selling a business, ladies, and gentlemen I give you Mr. James Crotty. Links:https://www.footanstey.com/our-people/james-crotty/https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-crotty-0b8a5062This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

I've been following an anonymous account on Twitter for some time, and I've really enjoyed a lot of the content and thoughts shared on some of my favourite topics such as  entrepreneurship, mergers & acquisitions, and intelligent investing.The Twitter handle is an anonymous one - The Secret Accountant, but I can now officially reveal the identity of this mysterious business expert as being none other than Mr Craig Richardson.There's a good reason for the nom de plume which he explains during our conversation, but the headline relates to a new book that he recently published called "How Do You Really Sell Your Business" - which is obviously right in the sweet spot for you if you're a bulletproof entrepreneur and a fan of this podcast.And the good news is that to celebrate this episode, Craig AKA The Secret Accountant has slashed the price it sells for on Amazon for the next few weeks!So, as soon as you've listened to this episode, jump over to Amazon, and grab your copy - the link is in the show notes.   Now Craig's got an incredibly interesting back story. He's been a poacher turned gamekeeper turned poacher again and is reluctant to call himself an entrepreneur – he says that if indeed he is an entrepreneur, he's an accidental one!He started by qualifying as a chartered accountant in the corporate finance team at KPMG and it was there that he caught the bug of working with founder owners. He just loved helping them grow their companies and plan a successful sale and exit.But then came a change of strategy at KPMG and their desire to focus on bigger corporate clients. So, Craig decided to leave to be able to continue to work with SME business owners, which is where his passion always was.Since then, he's spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs successfully grow, improve, and sell their businesses and now runs his own company where he continues to advise, consult, and invest in companies and their owners.I found it fascinating listening to him explain that the skills required to take a company from £1m to £5m turnover are different to those needed to take a company from £5m to £10m and then to £20m and above - some great insights wherever you are on that scale.He also talks of the importance of what he calls the magical entrepreneurial dust that only a founder is capable of sprinkling over his company and why they should focus on this more than some of the more regular day-to-day roles And as someone who's worked with business owners and continues to support them, he breaks down the key attributes which are essential in an ideal ‘Trusted Adviser' relationship which is designed specifically for entrepreneurs.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Craig Richardson AKA The Secret AccountantLinksThe Secret Accountant (@TheSecretAcct) / TwitterCraig Richardson - Non Executive Director - BIL Group | LinkedInDSW ConsultingPHD Industrial HoldingsHow do you really sell your business - Book offerThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

You've heard of a ‘horse whisperer', perhaps a ‘dog whisperer', but you've probably never heard of a ‘seller whisperer' - but that's exactly what Denise has become known as.With a background as a mental health professional turned lawyer who went on to build her own legal practice, she then sold her business. Rather unsuccessfully, in her own words.During this time, she learned a lot of lessons and has now carved out a role  as a specialist adviser, coach, consultant, speaker, and writer on the complex subject of selling your business - the emotional journey as well as the business journey.I've often referred to the content of this podcast as being at the intersection of business, money, family and life and, honestly, no one is better qualified to speak on that precise intersection than Denise.One of the best storytellers you're ever likely to encounter, she is the author of an incredible book called The Seller's Journey, which is essential reading for anyone who's building a business and anyone who advises business owners.Denise reminds us that, whether you like it or not, you are leaving your business one day. It's not ‘if', it's ‘when' - and the worst thing that you can do for yourself, your business, your employees and your family is to be unprepared.In a wide-ranging conversation, we cover a lot of issues including.What are the key attributes to look for in a trusted adviser and someone that will help you navigate the challenging process before, during and after the business sale?Understanding something she calls “O-MY Syndrome” and how to avoid the hidden road bumps that will kill your deal.A process to help you get clear on everything that your work currently provides for you - other than money and financial security. Understanding this and preparing for life after your sale is essential in ensuring a successful transition.Towards the end, Denise shares a deeply personal story which will help you focus on what's truly important in your own life.A wonderful conversation with a lady who's been there, seen it, done it and come out the other side - and now spends her life sharing her insights and wisdom with other entrepreneurs.The links to her book, website and contact details are all in the show notes.I give you -  Denise LoganLinks:https://deniselogan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniselogan/https://twitter.com/DeniseLoganUSAhttps://deniselogan.com/the-sellers-journey/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Alan Smithwww.capital.co.ukwww.bulletproofentrepreneur.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapitalTwitter @alanjlsmith This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management