Driving growth in SMEs is hard - and getting harder. Mal McCallion, veteran of startups including Zoopla and Primelocation, has spent decades studying SME growth. Join him each week in the Business Growth Execution podcast, where you'll find strategies that you can use TODAY to improve the growth of…
In the 32nd episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, we're delighted to be joined by Lucy Todd, Founder of My Little Green Wardrobe. Lucy's business' vision is that customers can kit out their kids from top to toe in more sustainably-produced clothing across a wide selection of awesome brands. Listen to this interesting interview with Lucy as she talks about how everything doesn't have to be perfect, what inspired her to start her own business, her most surprising experience when she started her entrepreneurial journey, and more.
Joining us this week, is the Founder of Hey Car Seat Mama, Emma Brewster. Emma is a mama on a car seat mission who excitedly works with clients to help keep children safe on the road. Combining her love for keeping children safe, and her experience as a nurse and a mama to two lovely boys, make her a very passionate Car Seat Mama. Here, she spoke about the importance of having your personal "why?", the impact of the pandemic, the most surprising thing for her when she started, and more.
Victoria & Lizzie Rossetti, Founders of Gaia Shores, joins us this week on the 30th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4. Lizzie & Victoria are sisters who decided to start a business so they could share their love of fragrance, travel and peace. They combined these passions and created Gaia Shores, Luxury Home Fragrances, not just to bring these components, and a slice of relaxation to their homes, but to everyone's home. Have a listen to this exciting episode with Lizzie and Victoria as they talk about building a business out of something you're passionate about, how the pandemic enabled them to start a business, what encouraged them to set up their business in Cheshire, and more.
This week, our guest is Phil Osborne, Founder of Lucky Ticket Competitions. Phil decided to launch Lucky Ticket Competitions to give everyone a chance of winning some great prizes, ones that he felt many were missing out on. In this episode, he spoke about recognising your worth, why he started his business, what's the biggest surprise he had when he started, and more.
In this week's episode, we're joined by Giancarlo Erra, Co-Founder of Widescreen Studio. Widescreen Studio Limited is a music/visuals production & IT services company for the music industry & creative businesses. Listent to this episode as Giancarlo talked about how he started his own business, the impact of the pandemic, how to make customers happy, and more.
Joining us for this week's episode is Ant Bolton, Co-Founder of Sevens & Twelves. Born from an idea for their own wedding in 2019, Ant and his wife Katie, started Sevens and Twelves to give other music loving couples the opportunity to have something very special on their wedding tables. In this episode, he spoke about being ready & being prepared, what's the story behind the name of their business, how it was like to set up a business during a pandemic, and more.
Arj Deol & Liam Eccles, Co-Founders of Adamo Exchange, joins us this week on the 26th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4. Arj and Liam have built a totally transparent online auction platform specialising in assisting high-performance car enthusiasts to buy and sell their next vehicle. Here, they spoke about celebrating big and small wins, how they set up during a pandemic, what's next for their business, and more
This week's guest on the 25th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4 is Neal Byers, Founder of WorkFromHub. WorkfromHub is a sharing economy startup, building a network of calming distraction free bookable workspaces designed for busy people who work away from the office. Their mission is to help busy people do their best work, anywhere. In this episode, Neal spoke about having a really bold vision, why he stared his business, what his most surprising experience is, and more.
In this week's episode, we're joined by Rahul Mattu, Founder of Sugar Rush Sweets. Founded in 2021, Rahul and Sugar Rush Sweets are dedicated to bringing joy to the good people of Banbury in Oxfordshire, and it's something they hope to be doing for years to come. Here, Rahul spoke about not giving up, what surprised him the most as an entrepreneur, the impact of the pandemic, and more.
This week, we're joined by Marc Graham, Founder of Paramount Campers. In 2020, Marc decided to pursue a lifelong ambition of building a business combining all he'd learnt in engineering, and the passion for building vehicles that he's had since childhood, and Paramount Campers became a reality. In this episode, Marc spoke about luck and effort, camper vans, the pandemic's impact, and more.
In the 22nd episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, we're joined by Simon Nolan, Director of Mark's Mushrooms. Mark's Mushrooms is based in the north of England where the weather is perfect for fungi growth. Simon and his colleagues farm and deliver high quality mushrooms to high quality restaurants, shops and online, and he wants everyone to know about - and enjoy - tasty, exotic and wild mushrooms. Here, Simon spoke about being involved in the whole business during a startup, what surprised him the most when he started the business, the impact of the pandemic, and more.
In this week's episode, we're joined by Marta Pereira, Founder of Little Playaroos. Marta's business is a babywearing consultancy with an amazing selection of carriers, slings & accessories - as well as  wooden toys which will delight and inspire children. Here, Marta talked about the importance of doing your homework, setting up a business on a pandemic, the best advice given to her, and more.
On this week's episode, we're joined by Mike Duxbury, Founder of Inclusive Farm. Mike lost his sight completely when he was only 6 years old. However against all odds, he knew that he wanted a life and career in farming. Whilst being realistic in knowing that he would have some limitations, he was determined to find out how he could attain his goal. Here, he spoke about diversity, why he started his business, going through the hard yards, and more.
In this week's episode, we're joined by Emily & Mark Watson, Founders of Reach Out Caring. Emily & Mark's organisation is a farm / work based proficiencies Centre for adults with learning disabilities that aims to provide a safe, quality day centre that young adults can go and enjoy activities that they may struggle to get involved with else where. Check out their website: reachoutcaring.com Here they spoke about how they set up their organisation, not doing anything in anger, their most surprising experience, and more.
This week, we're joined by Brad Dibben, Co-Founder of My Vegan Hamper. Brad's business, My Vegan Hamper, promises to offer only the absolute best vegan food products available on the UK market, so they can represent veganism to the highest standard to those who might be new to plant-based eating. Check out their website: myveganhamper.co.uk In this episode, he spoke about the impact of the pandemic, the most surprising thing when he started his business, and more.
This week, our guest on the Growth Execution Podcast is Liam Longley, Co-Founder of , Cotswold Wears. Based in the rural beauty of its namesake UK area, Cotswold Wears is a fresh and ambitious business committed to both the quality of their products and service, and also to doing their part for the natural world. Check out their website: cotswoldwears.com In this episode, he spoke about empathy and putting yourself in the shoes of your customers, what drove him to start a business, and more
This week's guest on the 16th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4 is Sarah Hills, Founder of Carpe Omnia Training. Sarah is a passionate and driven trainer, consultant and coach specialising in change and leadership. Visit her website: carpeomniatraining.com Here, she spoke about change, leadership, learning when to put your hands up, and more.
This week's guest is Raghav Agarwal, Co-Founder of FireUp Cookware. Raghav is a young entrepreneur, from a family with three generations of cookware manufacturing experience. He met his Co-Founder, Tom, who's an Engineering Science Professor at Oxford University and discovered they shared the same passion for innovation and cooking. Here, he spoke about cookware inovation, persistence, impact of the pandemic, and more.
This week's guest on the 14th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4 is Shelley Farnham, founder of Complex Connexions. Shelley's son is diagnosed as ADHD and Autistic. For many years, she felt confused, isolated and overwhelmed by a lack of information and professional support. This led to her son's mental wellbeing - and that of the rest of the family - suffer. Here, she spoke about connections, neurodivergent parenting, how the pandemic opened new possibilites for her organisation, and more.
Lea Salomone and George Gros, Founders of Louis & Co Maison, joined Mal McCallion in the 13th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4. One evening at the end of year 2020 with the pandemic going on and with a 6-month old baby, Louis, Lea and George talked about what the future holds for them. That night, Louis & Co Maison was born with the aim to create a brand that encapsulates what they are about: the love of giving, hosting and enjoying life. Check out their website: louisandcomaison.com In this conversation, Lea and George talked with Mal about customer service journey, the impact of the pandemic, their most surprising experience, and more.
In the 12th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, Mal McCallion was joined by Katie Anderson and Sabine Scholten, Co-Founders at We Are Community. Harpenden locals, Katie and Sabine, set up We Are Community shortly after lockdown began in 2020 as a lifeline to help local businesses to connect with local businesses. Check out their website: thewearecommunity.co.uk In this conversation, Katie and Sabine spoke with Mal about staying focused in what you do, the impact of the pandemic, the local community spirit in Hertfordshire, and more.
In this episode, Mal McCallion was joined by James Baker, Director of Invise. James is a chartered Building Surveyor with extensive experience in a number of sectors. He started his business with one of his firm goals to support the local community in Derbyshire. He and Mal spoke about the impact of the pandemic, the most surprising thing about starting a business, and more.
This week, Mal McCallion was joined by Bel Hardman, Director of Integral Workplace Wellness. Bel has over 25 years' experience in team leading, training and customer service management. Now currently working in life coaching, wellness and advocacy for autoimmune conditions, she brings both professional and personal experience to her role. In this episode, she and Mal spoke about mental health awareness, finding happiness, the impact of the pandemic, and more.
In this week's episode on the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, Mal spoke with Lisa Close, Founder of Gifts with a Cherry on Top. Lisa started a business that offers special personalised gifts and something different from the norm. Check out her website withacherryontop.co.uk Here, Lisa happily talks about what inspired her to start her own business, the pandemic's impact, advice to those thinking to start their own business, and more.
This week, Mal was joined by Nerys Lloyd, founder of Salty Dog Co. Nerys started a business about designing casual surf-style clothing with a mission to establish a local brand that enhances their community by linking with mental health swims, local charities, community development project, and raising awareness of local issues. In this episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, Nerys and Mal spoke about setting up a business in the middle of a pandemic, surfing, and the splendid beach in Port Talbot.
This week, Mal McCallion was joined by Valentine Sibanda, Founder of By Valentine Skin Care After trialing an extensive range of skin care products for herself over the years with no avail, Valentine - a pharmacist by trade - started experimenting herself and found cruelty-free, sustainable formulations that worked. In this episode, she and Mal spoke about skin care, social media likes, and her most surprising experience.
Hannah Legg, Founder of About Me Jewellery, joined Mal McCallion in the 6th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4. Following a period in her life of struggling with her own mental health issues, Hannah was inspired to create a brand that helped others live more positively on a day to day basis. Here, she and Mal spoke about believing in yourself, impact of the pandemic, and the lovely county of Derbyshire.
This week, Sareedo Ahmed, Co-founder of Cadeau by Us joined Mal McCallion on the 5th episode of the Growth Execution Podcast. Sareedo and her sister, Nafisa, both experienced the delicate stages and challenges of being first time mothers which deepened the bond between them. Cadeau by Us (cadeaubyus.co.uk) was created when they found themselves struggling to find a nicely put together gift box for the people in their lives who are becoming mothers as well. Here, Sareedo spoke with Mal about the impact that the pandemic had on their business, customer research, and the most surprising experience she and her Co-founder & sister had when they started their own business.
This week Mal McCallion was joined by Amy Kenworthy & Hannah Younis, Founders of Pokita. Their business was born out of a desire to find supercool as well as super comfortable sportswear for those ill-served by the youth-obsessed market leaders. Check out their website pokita.co.uk In this episode, Amy & Hannah talked with Mal about taking risks, failure, biggest surprise when starting a business, and why they love Buckinghamshire.
For this week's episode, Mal spoke with Daisie Smith, Founder of Serena Days. Serena Days is a clothing business founded last 2020 in the county of Essex with comfort and style at the forefront of the brand. Check out her website serenadays.com Here, Daisie talks about her journey to entrepreneurship, goals & presssure, customer feedback and many more.
In this week's episode, Mal was joined by Josh and Nefie Andrews, Founders of Ajora. Nefie used to work as a flight attendant for Qatar Airways and discovered the amazing power of Aroma Therapy which lead her and Josh to dive into this passion during the pandemic. Nefie and Josh spoke with Mal about why they started a business, Aroma Therapy, the impact of the pandemic, and many more.
To kick off the Growth Execution Podcast Season 4, Mal speaks with Haroon Rashid, founder of Dad Mode. Aside from being a serial entrepreneur, Haroon is a father and serial dad-joker, revelling in the eye rolls he gets from his kids. Here he talks about how he managed to set up in a pandemic, what's been the biggest surprise over the last 12 months, and what he thinks is going to happen next.
In this final episode of Season 3, Mal was joined by Noel Andrews, CEO of JobRack. After 15 years of recruiting and leading teams within large corporate technology functions, Noel bought JobRack (jobrack.eu) to help bring the vast skills of Eastern European remote workers to business owners all over the world. He's open and helpful when it comes to distance recruitment guidance and says that hiring is hard but hugely rewarding when you get awesome team members in place. He spoke with Mal about finding the right DNA for your business, recognizing your self-sabotage moments, and creating raving fans as customers.
In the 63rd episode of the Growth Execution Podcast Season 3, Mal McCallion caught up with Robbie Samuels, Business Growth Strategist and Author of Small List, Big Results. Robbie is an author, speaker, and business growth coach recognized as a networking expert by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Lifehacker, and Inc. Since 2016, he has hosted the On the Schmooze podcast and since March 2020, a weekly #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hour. He and Mal spoke about virtually connecting during the pandemic, the best way to lean in to your existing network, and listening & understanding how your audience talk about their problems.
This week, Mal was joined by Amanda Simpson, Founder of SVC Solutions. Over the past 22 years, Amanda has successfully grown SVC Solutions into a million pound business with a long standing team behind her. Her impressive reputation means she is trusted by clients to provide a holistic understanding of their needs, leading to solutions which have a positive impact on their businesses. She and Mal spoke about articulating values, the importance of getting to know a candidate or client face to face, and helping people discover and understand their purpose.
This week, Mal McCallion was joined by Bruno Pešec, Co-creator of Playing Lean. Bruno helps business leaders innovate profitably. He is one of the rare innovators who can claim that he has worked on a regulation-defying freight train and an award-winning board game for teaching entrepreneurship and innovation. He and Mal spoke about lean startups, customer base vs user base, and critical elements that customers look for in a product.
This week's guest on the Growth Execution Podcast Season 3 is Shawna Schuh, Leadership Coach. With over 3 decades working with remarkable professionals, Shawna uses her expertise in leadership, business ownership, and life with animals to cut to the essence of how someone can shift their thinking for better and better results. She and Mal spoke about core traits of a leader, focusing on the results vs feelings, and romancing your own team.
This week's guest is Austin McCulloh, Founder of Austin McCulloh Advising. Austin is a young, energetic and dynamic speaker who's on a mission to make financial advising success more systematic. He and Mal spoke about prospecting & driving inbound leads, feature vs benefit, and being driven vs motivated.
This week, Mal was joined by Ruth King, Profit and Wealth Shark. Ruth is a serial entrepreneur, having owned eight businesses in 37 years. She has a passion for helping businesses get and stay profitable utilizing the latest systems, processes, and technology. She and Mal spoke about profitability & wealth in a business, building customer base, and change in perspective with age.
This week, Mal was joined by Justin Goodbread, Owner of Financially Simple. Justin is a nationally recognized financial educator, wealth manager, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. He has 20+ years of experience starting, buying, owning, and selling businesses. He and Mal spoke about recapturing your passion, how to eat an elephant one bite at a time, and who your key customer is.
This week's guest on the Growth Execution Podcast Season 3 is Caleb Roche, Marketing Strategist at CRoche Consulting. Caleb has worked with both small and large companies, and focuses specifically on each business's strengths, not just a one size fits all strategy. In this episode, he and Mal spoke about what makes people tick, authenticity, and building trust.
This week, Mal was joined by Edwin Frondozo, Co-founder of Slingshot. Edwin is the host and producer of an award-winning podcast and the co-founder of a B2B telecommunications network provider. His vision is a world where people are in complete balance by feeding their unquenchable curiosity to learn without hesitation and fear of judgment. He and Mal spoke about the 'amusement park' called entrepreneurship, multi-passionate people and exiting a role in your own company.
This week's guest is Melinda Holmes, Customer Experience Consultant, Above the Lead. For over 20 years, Melinda worked in customer service in the insurance & tech industries, while launching various side business builds, ranging from cake decorating & catering to holistic counseling, and now uses her expertise to coach small businesses how to rise above the rest in outstanding customer service & engagement. She spoke about customer service, getting feedback, & segmenting customers.
This week, Mal was joined by Shawn Harper, Motivational Speaker. Shawn is a former 7-year NFL Player, and a seasoned inspirational and motivational speaker who helps change corporate environments by promoting sound leadership and transforming business culture. He spoke about understanding failure, humility, and communicating vs connecting.
This week Mal was joined by Nathan Bynum, Founder of Lemon Launch. At 25, Nathan has already become a best-selling author, a certified goal success coach, and is now teaching his audience of entrepreneurs how to systematically achieve their business goals by honing in on a niche at the intersection of their passions and profits, and attracting their ideal clients. He and Mal spoke about business mindset, common mistakes when making a website and entrepreneurial life balance
This week, Mal was joined by Catherine Cantey, Creator of Business Vitality Framework. Catherine is a tenacious connector and recovering banker, and a leadership coach helping high potential managers turn into senior leaders. She is a wife and mom, and cares about closing the broadband gaps in rural communities. She and Mal spoke about mindset shift, setting a vision and strategy, and handling politics & egos in a group. Visit her website: https://www.catherinecantey.com/
This week's guest is Bryan Clayton, CEO and Founder of GreenPal. Bryan has been in the lawn care industry his entire working life which started with mowing neighbor's lawns in high school. His business, is born out of the frustration Bryan observed while operating the landscape business, and how difficult it is for homeowner's to find, schedule, and pay a reliable small lawn care professional. He and Mal spoke about building a market place, entrepreneurial drive, and learning the power of delegation.
In the 49th episode, Season 3, Dr. Denise Moore Revel, Founder of Own Your Amazing Movement caught up with Mal McCallion. As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Denise's job has been to help her clients discover their voices. She founded The Own Your Amazing Movement, a personal development company, as an extension of the message of finding your own voice and living your worth out loud. She and Mal spoke about finding your voice, asking yourself what you really want, and counting your wins.
This week's guest is Mark Peacock, Managing Director at PriceMaker Ltd. After a 25-year career in senior positions in the corporate world, Mark decided to launch my own business in 2018. He knew how much of an impact pricing could have on any business, so he now helps many transform their business and increase their profits by using a better pricing strategy. He and Mal spoke about time for money, common mistakes startups make, and how to organise pricing. Visit his website: pricemaker.co.uk
This week, Mal was joined by Elsewine Rietveld, Confidence Trainer and Author of Get Comfortable on Camera. Elsewine knows very well what it's like to feel uncomfortable on camera. She was so terrified to record her first video, that she walked straight out of the room where the camera was set up. This and her fear of public speaking led to a journey of following courses, training, debating & presence work which changed the game for her. She spoke about public speaking, confidence, and doing a video.
In this episode, Mal was joined by Charles Johnston, Founder of HeartWired Digital Solutions. Charles is a self-proclaimed and well earned "digital ninja" on a mission to help entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations change their communities. After spending the last few decades in the corporate IT industry he started a web design and digital marketing agency where they focus on putting compassion back into technology. He and Mal spoke about passion, a customer-focused business, and a great website.