Impromptu Business Chat

In this weeks episode, James and Mark talk about the importance of forming effective teams in business. As usual, they come up with 3 top tips and make reference along the way to 'Good to Great' author Jim Collins, Jordan Belfort and Culture Club! www.larking-gowen.co.uk enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark highlight the power of storytelling in business. Whether you're selling products, services or yourself, stories can make all the difference. As usual they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they make reference to Andrew Brammer's book Telling The Tale, the late Max Bygraves and Mark's new spectacles!   Show notes: Andrew Brammer's - Telling The Tale,   (c) Larking Gowen larking-gowen.co.uk enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk

On this week's exciting episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James welcome broadcaster and presenter Simon Mundie.   Simon has been a presenter on BBC Radio 1, and has covered sporting events like Wimbledon as well as a number of large music events. In more recent years, Simon has been hosting BBC Radio 4's critically acclaimed Don't Tell Me The Score, which uses sport to explore life's bigger questions. He has interviewed many of the most well known and successful people on the planet including Caitlyn Jenner, Jonny Wilkinson, Michael Johnson and even a former bank robber turned professional ironman - as well as psychologists, neuroscientists and former Buddhist monks.   He explores life themes including addiction, self-acceptance and tribalism, and we discuss the lessons he's learnt from his interviews to see how we can apply this to the world of business. (c) Larking Gowen larking-gowen.co.uk enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk [Website] Simon Mundie [Book] Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Cal Newport [Book] A Legacy: What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life - James Kurt [Book] The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle [Book] The Obstacle is The Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage - Ryan Holiday [Book] How to Win - Sir Clive Woodward

In this weeks episode Mark and James discuss the booming self help industry and the promises it makes to solve life's problems. Looking back on their own experiences, they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they name check the Dalai Lama, Mark Manson and Mark's growing library.  (c) Larking Gowen LLP  larking-gowen.co.uk enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark share their experiences of the video blues. Since the first lockdown, businesses have become ever more reliant on video calls, but is it now starting to impact our metal health and wellbeing. As usual they share 3 top tips, and along the way they draw inspiration from Harvard Business Review, Jeannette (Pritchard) Pearce MBE and Huey Lewis & The News!   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about the benefits of sleep for business leaders and their teams, and share 3 top tips on ways to improve the quality of our sleep. They discuss what does and doesn't work for them, and along the way refer to Ruari Fairbairns and Andy Rammage of One Year No Beer, Jon Kabat-Zinn of Full Catastrophe Living fame and The Lion Sleeps Tonight by Tight Fit!   Links and resources:   One Year No Beer Jon Kabat-Zinn of Full Catastrophe Living NHS Sleep Well   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk   (c) Larking Gowen LLP   

In this special episode Mark and James pick the brains of Marketeer extraordinaire, Damian Horner.   They draw out some amazing advice, tips and insights from Damian that are relevant to SME Business owners on the use of marketing and marketing strategies in the digital age. Damian has used the skills he acquired when building a career in a London marketing agency to not only advise global brands on marketing but also starts, grows and sells his own businesses. His current venture is that of founder and Chief Creative Officer for Real Vision, a global platform aimed at helping investors easily understand the complex world of finance.   Along the journey Damian has worked with the likes of JK Rowling, Damien Hirst and Stephen King.   This is an episode not to be missed!   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP  You can contact Damian at damianhorner@hotmail.co.uk or www.damianhorner.com. Visit Real Vision here Paul Arden - It's not how good you are - it's how good you want to be Blinkist

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark talk about the encouraging signs coming out of lockdown and the prospect of economic recovery and growth. They provide 3 top tips to help you grow your business over the coming months by proactively managing cash flow and managing working capital. Along the way they make reference to the Toyota production system, Johnny Cash, and Mark's Fridge freezer. enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about the likely challenges businesses will face as lockdown restrictions are eased and hopefully removed as the UK targets its "VC Day" on 21 June 2021. As usual they come up with 3 top tips to prepare businesses for the 'new normal', and along the way they take inspiration from Larking Gowen, Silicon Valley, and Madonna. enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

We're back, and avid listeners to the pod will know that Mark loves a challenge, especially when it comes to following rules, and in the first episode of series 3 he discusses the relevance of workplace dress codes and workplace etiquette with our fabulous new co-host Becky Ames. The lockdowns of 2020 brought about many changes in how we work, least of all what we wear whilst we're doing it, but has it changed the meaning of ‘dress for success'? Becky and Mark discuss if dress codes even matter anymore, and if they're in place, what they represent and the expectations, restrictions and pitfalls that can come with them. Should we advocate for more individuality and personality at work? What does ‘dress for success' really mean? And are you really what you wear… GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  

Sometimes stress and anxiety can get in the way of our personal or professional progress, but there are a multitude of techniques, therapies, and systems available to help us combat these barriers. One such being the Havening Technique, of which Mark is already a big fan. We welcome expert practitioner, Tony Burgess, to the pod, who gives a ‘hands-on' practical demonstration of how this application works. Tony shows us how it impacts our brain and can help to change our lens; and relax, stimulate and unburden our minds, making way for a more positive and improved mindset. You might prefer to watch this episode on YouTube and follow along with the practical demonstration Tony puts Becky through, but, either way, Tony creates a vivid and inspirational mantra we could all benefit from.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Show notes Books The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The complete works of Florence Scovel Shinn Links www.learn-havening.co.uk www.aha-success.co.uk www.aha-disc.co.uk www.pinkbucketthinking.co.uk A link to some guiding videos on 'Self Havening' to let go of minor stress and tension in your day: https://learn-havening.co.uk/selfhavening/ For anyone who has anything more 'heavy duty' to work on such as clearing the effects of trauma or releasing overwhelming feelings, Tony would recommend working with a certified Havening practitioner. A full list of practitioners globally can be found here: https://www.havening.org/ Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  

This is the one hundredth podcast for Mark, after starting Impromptu Business Chat back in May 2020, and to celebrate this milestone, we needed a very special guest, and they don't get much better than local legend (and Tractor Boy!) David Sheepshanks CBE. David was Chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club (soccer to our US listeners) during their success in the 90s, including their infamous win over Manchester United, but was also there to witness the fall into relegation out of the Premier League. He chats to Becky and life-long Ipswich Town Football Club fan, Mark, about how he brought a fresh approach of leadership to the club back in the late 80s, which involved revolutionising the approach to staffing, training and even who was playing on the pitch! They chat about how running a football club successfully meant taking a business-like approach; it wasn't just about putting a ball in the net anymore.  David reminisces about his determination to win back the heart and minds of fans, and the initiatives they brought in to refresh the club and increase footfall to the stands during a dark period performance-wise.  He reflects on their community work and emphasis on youth training and development, some of which was revolutionary at the time, and how he focused on culture change, and improved morale and a sense of comradery throughout all levels at the club, breaking barriers and focusing in on a ‘customer is king' approach across the board.  David also discusses his time in the FA (Football Association) and his work on St George's Park, a new and visionary football centre, created to host a new generation of coaches who could grow with the changing world of football.   This episode is not to be missed, not just for football fans, but for those seeking to learn what it really takes to win at any top level. “Buildings don't win tournaments; environments and people do.” GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Show notes: Books: The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey  Good to Great - Jim Collins  Turn the Ship Around - David Marquet  Matthew Syed - Rebel Ideas  Radical Candor - Kim Scott  Links Podcast Sir Michael Barber: Accomplishment  https://vistage.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqmdLcyES_Q Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  

Back in 2016, renowned entrepreneur and New York Times Best Seller, Kevin Kruse, published a blog that piqued Mark's interest, and here we are seven years later, digging through the best bits of his article, '15 Surprising Things Productive People Do Differently'. His points are still as relevant now as they were then. Kevin interviewed over 200 people who were considered highly productive, including billionaires, Olympians and straight-A students, and published his 15 secrets to productivity based on his findings. Success can't happen without productivity, so Mark and Becky break down their favourite secrets from the article, and how they can be applied to our everyday lives. There's so much good stuff in Kevin's work, that this is the first of two episodes! Look out for part 2 coming soon… GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Read Kevin's article, originally published by Forbes magazine here Book – 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management Blog - 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Productivity Book – Eat That Frog!: Get More of the Important Things Done Today Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This week's episode is a fascinating insight into a brilliant mind! Brenda Harrington is a business coach, founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, and author, who advocates for the benefits of learning and development outside of our core competencies and professions. These skills were vital for business leaders to help them ‘survive' the COVID-19 lockdowns. This period also allowed Brenda the space to put onto paper her thoughts and lessons on diversity, empathy and inclusion in business, publishing her book Access Denied: Addressing Workplace Disparities and Discrimination. Mark and Becky are both huge fans of coaching, a topic discussed on the pod many times, and they pick Brenda's brain about why there are so many business leaders who still don't have coaches. Brenda breaks down the difference between coaches and mentors, and how coaching provides a safe environment for leaders to not just vent, but also find inspiration and guidance, all whilst being respectfully held to account GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk Show notes Brenda's book - Access Denied: Addressing Workplace Disparities and Discrimination Connect with Brenda - LinkedIn, Instagram @theauthorbharrington, Email Adaptive Leadership Strategies International Coaching Federation  Podcasts On the Balcony Philosophize This Tackling diversity in the workplace; Interview with Sue Liburd MBE, and Andy Nicol Books Leading Inclusion - Dr Gena Cox Hope Leans Forward: Braving Your Way toward Simplicity, Awakening, and Peace – Valerie Brown The Magic of Creative Thinking: Tools and Tricks to Break Thinking Patterns and Make the Impossible Possible – Yarin Kimor 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management - Kevin Kruse © Larking Gowen LLP 

Back in 2016, renowned entrepreneur and New York Times Best Seller, Kevin Kruse, published a popular blog that piqued Mark's interest, and here we are seven years later, digging through the best bits of '15 Surprising Things Productive People Do Differently'. His points are still as relevant now as they were then. There's so much good stuff in Kevin's work, that this is the second of two episodes, click here to listen to PART 1 Kevin interviewed over 200 people who were considered highly productive, including billionaires, Olympians and straight-A students, and published his 15 secrets to productivity based on his findings. Success can't happen without productivity, so Mark and Becky break down their favourite secrets from the blog, and how they can be applied to our everyday lives. In this episode they discuss everything from the R.A.F.T method, to why you should only check emails 3 times a day! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Listen to PART 1 here Read Kevin's article, originally published by Forbes magazine here Book – 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management Blog - 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Productivity Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James chat about the importance for business owners and their teams to take effective breaks to recharge their batteries. As usual, they come up with 3 top tips to help achieve this, and along the way they try out their Swedish pronunciation skills and draw inspiration from Gandhi, the benefits of meditation and the Black Eye Peas Resources mentioned in this episode: Lillördag: Sweden's workers de-stress with 'Little Saturday' Lillelordag podcast  enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

This episode can best be summed up by the word's ‘inspiration' and ‘perspiration'! James and Mark chat to special guest, and professional adventurer, Freddie Bennett. Listen to how Freddie uses the lessons he's learnt in life to advise and inspire businesses on how to motivate their teams and embrace change.   Freddie worked for many years in management consultancy, in London, but felt like an imposter in the corporate world. His talent was socialising!  He grew to understand that it's important for businesses to nurture and support their people. He's  worked with companies such as Coca Cola, Heineken, BT and Microsoft; advising on building confidence, changing behaviors, and how they do business. Freddie describes his work with teams as, “Helping everyday people do extraordinary things”. His personal achievements include ultra runner; iron man; Spartan; fire walker and Guinness world record holder for world's fastest runner dressed as a fisherman!  Freddie's back story makes for a fascinating listen. Coming from an insecure upbringing, with a grandfather who sold horses to the Peaky Blinders and a father who worked with Steve Jobs, his experiences have taught him that change is the only ‘permanent'. In this in-depth conversation, Freddie talks about how to overcome self-doubt and eliminate negative self-beliefs. Businesses and teams need to learn how to build inner strength, go the distance, and perfect decision making or, as he sums up, “Dream, disrupt and deliver”.  Show notes  Contact - Instagram @freddieexplores, freddiembennett.com   Book -  Starting at Zero  Impromptu Business Chat - Find your mojo; So so, or mojo? enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat James and Mark share their professional experiences on the key traits of successful family businesses. They reflect on the recent Meghan and Harry "debacle" and end with 3 top tips whilst drawing inspiration from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, thrash metal band Anthrax and US comedy smash Modern Family.   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP   

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James talk about the importance of business owners challenging and embracing their use of technology. As usual they provide 3 top tips and along the way they take inspiration from The Way Home (by Mark Boyle), The Machine That Changed The World (by James P Womack, Daniel T Jones and Daniel Roos), supermarket checkouts, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about how business owners and their teams can use body language to build rapport on video calls. As usual they provide 3 top tips, and along the way make reference to Richard Bandler (the co-founder of Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Tony Robbins and top road cyclist Peter Sagan. Show notes: NLP - eye patterns  enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk/podcasts  (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

Mark and James welcome special guest, TEDx Talk presenter and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) legend, Owen Fitzpatrick! They chat about the language of leadership, the science of decision making, reframing the language we use to motivate and positively influence ourselves and those around us, and how this applies to businesses! As a qualified psychologist, Owen has coached more than 10,000 clients and worked with numerous large global corporate brands to help them perform more effectively, including professional sports stars, Olympic athletes, and billionaires! Owen shares a fascinating insight into self-talk, practical neuroscience and the world of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). This chat really encourages you to think about your own strategies and which words and phrases work for you personally and professionally. Understanding how these language patterns can motivate us also applies to how your team operates and can even be used in your sales and marketing strategies. This is a must-listen for all business owners, or anyone wanting to learn more about how understanding ourselves better can help us work smarter! (Please note, this episode was recorded in January 2021) Show notes The Charismatic Edge Not Enough Hours Conversations with Richard Bandler The Ultimate Introduction to NLP How to Take Charge of Your Life Owen's podcast, Changing Minds, is well worth a listen and provides rapid-fire solutions on topics such as Leadership, Influence, Charisma, Persuasion, Sales, Coaching, and Presentation Skills. The podcast also includes ‘work of' episodes, where Owen reviews the work of ‘thought leaders' in business and psychology. enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat Mark and James chat about how business owners can share in their teams anticipated changes to working practices in life after lockdown. As usual, they end up with 3 top tips, and along the way take inspiration from top business coach Brad Sugars, a strategy from the US Navy and Mark's flawless impression of Tom Jones! enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about the challenge for businesses and their people returning from furlough, including changes to anxiety, confidence and motivation levels. As always they end with 3 top tips, and along the way they take inspiration from Motivational Maps, Sir Clive Woodward and Mohammad Ali.   Show notes: https://www.motivationalmaps.com/   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk   larking-gowen.co.uk   (c) Larking Gowen LLP

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James chat about the benefits to business owners and their teams of adding more meaning to their businesses and lives. As usual, they end with 3 top tips, and along the way they refer to Professor Brian Cox, Motivational Maps and Limp Bizkit!   enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk   larking-gowen.co.uk   (c) Larking Gowen LLP

How we build relationships with our customers, clients and contacts during the last year has changed dramatically. Podcasts have helped many business leaders reach their audience during the pandemic. They have helped fill the void where physical connection was almost eliminated, and in celebration of their 50th episode, James and Mark decided to reflect on why they chose to start Impromptu Business Chat, and chat to their audio expert producer, and owner of Podcast Plus, Rob Lawrence, on why businesses need to embrace audio.  Fundamentally podcasts are about relationships. They are also leverage in developing existing connections. Podcasts allow you to “have an intimate conversation with a football stadium of people!”   Rob is a qualified audio producer, podcaster and certified coach, helping creative entrepreneurs, high achieving professionals and business leaders embrace the power of sound and broadcast to get their message out; he helps those whose truths and passions are worth listening to!    As the world we live and do business in changes, business is not just about having a statement anymore, it's about having an ongoing dialogue with your audience, and podcasts are a great way to have a conversation with your audience. An episode is an invitation to start a conversation, and this is why the podcast world is becoming more popular and relevant, and important for business leaders; whether they listen to the content of others or create their own.  As podcast audiences broaden and grow, this conversation will help anyone struggling to understand and embrace the changes in the media landscape for businesses and why they should be, and those keen to step into the podcast world themselves.  Rob also offers a personal insight into his own journey with his mental health in the corporate world, and what led him to pursue his passion for audio and coaching. He states that knowing how you best absorb the world, means you can then jump into something your love, instead of doing something you just ‘like' – his insights are particularly relevant now, as many people face huge shifts in their roles at work, changes in how they work as a result of the pandemic, and may be looking to make a leap of their own.   You can learn more about the work Rob does by listening to his podcast Inspirational Creatives or visit his website here if you want to know more about starting your own podcast.  We will be back for series 5 in a couple of weeks, hit subscribe so you don't miss out! enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

What does giving 100% really mean? For most of us, we go straight to working more, but is that really the best way forward? High performance coach Ben Coomber talks to Mark & Becky about what the reality of working ‘smarter not harder' really involves, and addresses what leaders need to do to change and adapt to new behaviours to improve their personal and professional lives. They discuss Ben's entrepreneurial journey; from owning more than one business, writing his bestselling book How to Live an Awesome Life, to the epiphany he had which led to his passion for helping others achieve their goals. They discuss the cultural badges of honour associated with work and careers, the impact of burnout, the phases of life and their impact on your career path, and ‘state changes'. Ben's insights will help you get on your feet, and give you the prompt you might need to make positive improvements in your work-life balance.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Find Ben on Instagram @bencoomber and on LinkedIn The Knowledge Project podcast Books How to Live an Awesome Life  Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink and Leaf Babin Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This week's episode is based around a quote from the business icon that is, Dolly Parton “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose”. Becky makes the argument that attaching your personal values to your work, makes for clearer messaging within your business, from your reputation through to recruitment. Her and Mark debate the idea of not leaving business to chance, and how living and working consciously is important, and not having your core values as part of your business plan can be detrimental to its success. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Simon Sinek – Start with Why  Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

TRIGGER WARNING – This episode contains mention of suicide Not only is Serena's business journey inspirational, but she's also doing important work in empowering and supporting women's mental and career health! Shortly after facing redundancy, Serena founded ProspHER, a business providing training, practical support and mentoring for women in business, with a focus on empowerment and community. Serena is a breath of fresh air in her honesty around the challenges women often face in their careers, and how honesty, authenticity and workplace cultures are integral to success – things we know tick all of Mark and Becky's boxes! They have a fascinating chat about vulnerability, relationship and confidence building, flexible working and the pros and cons of social media and how we consume it. It's worth listening just to find out how Mark manages to tie Serena's insights into his leek crop on his allotment… Check out the work ProspHER do here. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Contact Serena on LinkedIn HER Funny Business – Serena Fordham Abraham: THE KEY TO EFFORTLESS MANIFESTATION - Esther & Jerry Hicks Dream, Create, Believe, Achieve: Success; It Really Isn't Rocket Science – Darren Lewitt  Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! – Robert T. Kiyosaki Leadership and Life Chat: How to be an AWESOME leader and achieve a great work-life balance, with coach and author Ben Coomber Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

With Gen-Z now entering the workforce, how do you go about navigating the massive cultural divide that might now exist in your office? Typically, Gen-Z are no wallflowers; strong minded, often politically active and not afraid to call out inappropriate ‘banter'. They are moving into workspaces with Gen-X, millennials and even boomers, who have not had to deal with such a big cultural leap in the generational divide for some time. How you operate on a day-to-day basis may start to look different, not necessarily for better or worse, just different. Mark and Becky troubleshoot what leaders could face and how they would handle different opinions and create a safe culture and boundaries for everyone. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show Notes Teen depression statistics Twitter post Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This week, Mark and Becky connect with a local Norfolk organisation, whose insights have global relevance – why businesses should embrace a strong Corporate social responsibility (CSR) package. (And we find out who Mark's favourite Womble is!) Voluntary Norfolk connects businesses and charitable organisations, to help businesses meet their community objectives. In previous episodes, Mark and Becky have discussed the change in what younger generations are expecting from employers, and how they now look beyond just salary in job searches. CSR forms a huge part of most company employment packages and is a key part of Employer Brand, our guests this week discuss why volunteering initiatives are a popular offering, and the benefits they bring to the employee, as well as the business. Laura is a Volunteer Coordinator, supporting organisations and matching them to volunteers, and Nicola is a HR Consultant at CBR Business Solutions, who works as a consultant to SME businesses and voluntary social enterprises. They discuss the opportunities available to people who have had career breaks and are perhaps lacking in confidence and up to date skills, the changes lockdown brought, and they identify the mental health impact that strong CSR packages are proven to bring to the employee, and how this in turn helps to cultivate a healthy and more profitable work environment. They also discuss how hesitant business owners should see volunteering as an opportunity to identify skills in their teams that they were not aware of, and how neutral environments not based on ‘a night out' can embolden teamwork and unity, all things that are good for business! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Voluntary Norfolk Evolve Workplace Wellbeing podcast UEA tool Institute for Volunteering Research CBR Business Solutions Get Involved Norfolk Leadership & Life Chat - The Attitude of Gratitude: reap the rewards of appreciation Leadership & Life Chat – The new office and the generation gap The Wombles! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

Becky makes a great point in this episode – “it's only bragging if it isn't true”. Doubting ourselves is part of our genetic makeup as humans, but we no longer need as much of a ‘fear instinct' as our Homo sapiens predecessors – we're fairly high on the food chain now! Context is key, and you can use this as a driver when assessing decisions you need to make as a leader. A fear of judgment can also be a barrier for businesses, so Mark and Becky let us in on what they have learnt about how to conquer the voice in your head that makes you doubt yourself, and how fear can change us, and impact all our life decisions. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes The Weight of Gold documentary Philosophize This! podcast Civil Disobedience – Henry David Thoreau Leadership & Life Chat with Robert Jordan - Who do you think you are? Embrace your style Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

To start season 5 James and Mark respond to a specific listener request to chat about a very important topic; Men's Mental Health. They share their personal experiences and offer ideas and practical tips to help promote better mental well-being (which are applicable regardless of gender). As usual, they sprinkle the episode with references to a mix of credible authors and speakers, along with some light-hearted musical links! Special thanks to Louise Newby at Three Eggs Training for inspiring this episode. If you would like to learn more about the work Louise does with Three Eggs, you can visit their site here. To jump to a specific top tip skip to the below: 03:08 Tip #1: Buddy systems 14:20 Tip #2: Journaling 21:08 Tip #3: Positive Role Models If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a review, as this helps other people find our podcasts! enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James share their views and personal experiences of Covid induced anxiety. They offer 3 top tips to help reduce anxiety levels, and along the way they make reference to the theory of Hedonic Adaption, the book Getting Things Done by David Allen, the work of Peter Crone (AKA The Mind Architect) and the song-writing skills of family entertainer Ken Dodd! Find about more about David Allen's Getting Things Done here and Peter Crone, The Mind Architect here. podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark chat about the multiple benefits for businesses encouraging their teams to embrace cycling and similar activities.   As usual they provide 3 top tips, and along the way they make reference to the UK government's Cycle to Work Scheme, Amsterdam's cycling culture, foxes, badgers and Katie Melua!   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

In this week's episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James respond to a listener suggestion to chat about the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in business, particularly to review the hidden meanings within business communications. As usual, they provide 3 top tips, and along the way they take inspiration from FT's podcast 'Tech Tonic', Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, and hit US comedy Friends!   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk/ibc (c) Larking Gowen 

In this episode, James and Mark chat to the woman known as ‘The Business Motivator.' Susannah Brade-Waring is a renowned and trusted business advisor and coach for SME businesses. A member of the global business coaching platform, Mindshop, Susannah recently received the coveted Value to Others award for European advisors. She started out with a Master's degree in IT from Loughborough University before becoming a Director of a start-up business, where she helped the ‘non-family' family business build to a £10m turnover before facilitating a management buyout (MBO) in 2008. Susannah notes that for many business founders, their company is their baby; an expression of what they want in life. As it was important to her father to know the people would be looked after, Susannah stayed to facilitate the MBO. She's honest about what drives her; what a ‘non-family' family business looks like; and the realities of having to work harder than everyone else to prove yourself within one. Susannah then moved on to found her own advisory business, Aspirin Business Solutions, which focuses on equipping and energising leaders, HR professionals and coaches to build stronger businesses and teams. One of Susannah's key specialisms is Motivational Maps, which provide a comprehensive understanding of motivation in business – what it is, how to measure it and, most importantly, how to improve it. She also discusses the difference between Motivational Maps and psychometric testing. She chats to James and Mark about her own desire to learn what motivates her team, and how to engage best with them. She acknowledges that our motivations are linked to our beliefs, which can change during our course of life. She also notes the importance of recognising that everyone has ‘stuff' going on, and if you get a reflection of their ‘stuff', don't take it personally! They also discuss growth mindsets and working on emotional intelligence and development, which she admits didn't come naturally, and how to develop this as a skill set. Susannah is an example of the heights you can achieve by developing your unconscious competence. With real life stories of owners and managers of businesses Susannah has worked with, her insights include fascinating reference points, such as Netflix's open and honest leave and expenses policies, and the analogy of ‘one ring to rule them all.' This is a conversation not to be missed! You can learn more about the work Susannah does by visiting her website here and about Motivational Maps here. Show notes: Susannah Brade-Waring LinkedIn profile. Stephen R Covey ‘7 habits of highly effective people' website. Michael E Gerber ‘E-myths Revisited' website. Robert Cialdini ‘The Influence' website. Ricardo Sembler website. Time stamps: 2:37 - Susannahs background  16:07 - Motivational Maps    22:34 - How do Motivational Maps differ from psychometric testing?  37:57 - Practical examples of how someone might increase their motivation levels General Coaching: 54:24 - Common habits or behaviours running through the best performers 54:48 - What do you see as the biggest issues to overcome over the next year or so. podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP    

This week, James and Mark chat about how desk-bound workers can increase their energy levels despite the increasing demands of virtual meetings. As usual, they provide 3 top tips, and along the way they take inspiration from Aubrey Marcus' recent podcast with author and body alignment expert Aaron Alexander (episode #319), American social psychologist Amy Cuddy and James' 90's smash hit Sit Down!   Show notes: Amy Cuddy Ted Talk  The Human Body Operating Manual w/ Aaron Alexander podcast   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen 

Mark and James chat about the importance of enjoying your job and the benefits this bring to business and life. As usual, they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way take inspiration from various sources including Richard Bandler & Owen Fitzpatrick's book Conversations, 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work by Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes and even Lionel Richie!   We would love to hear from you - you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast!    Show notes - Books: Conversations 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

James and Mark chat about the new challenges facing businesses emerging from furlough with a growing need to manage hybrid teams working from home and the office. They provide 3 top tips and take inspiration from John Seddon's book Freedom From Command & Control, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's New York Time's bestseller Extreme Ownership, and 1970's American disco group The Village People!   We would love to hear from you - you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast!    Show notes: Freedom From Command & Control Extreme Ownership    podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk   Key Tips timestamps: 1. Focus on effective systems - 4:56 2. Training and Trust - 9:55 3.  Practical measurements - 14:38   (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

James and Mark chat about the huge surge in vacancies across the UK and many parts of the world. They reflect on what businesses can do to help retain and attract the best talent, providing 3 top tips along the way. They take inspiration from a recent article in Wired by Alex Christian, the experience of local chef and restaurant owner Iain McCarten, Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and the late American actor Steve McQueen! We would love to hear from you - you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast! Show notes: Wired article by Alex Christian Local chef and restaurant owner Iain McCarten article Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  

What does it really take to work in one of the most respected and well-known military branches in the world? And what can business leaders learn from the lessons it teaches? James and Mark chat to former RAF Fighter Pilot and Executive Officer of the Red Arrows Dan Lowes, who reflects on his 16 years as a fast jet pilot and qualified weapons instructor (aka Top Gun School!) and how business leaders can learn from the resilience, mistakes, lessons and discipline it takes to make it to the Red Arrows. As he says, it's not just about being the best pilot (although that does help!) Dan knew what he wanted to be from a young age, skipping the opportunity to go to university in order to pursue his dream of taking to the sky quicker than others, after all, why do four years at university when the outcome would be the same, just later in life. Dan's focus on his dream was what drove him forwards in his career, with his goal never wavering, something most business owners can probably relate to! Dan talks us through the art of a good de-brief, why they're more important than the briefing and how businesses should embrace them; why role play is a helpful tool for businesses to adopt, helping to road test potential scenarios; how the Red Arrows stop complacency created by repetition; classic goal setting; the true meaning of team work and of course, Top Gun! We also learn about ‘Red-teaming', the ‘Half error technique', and why in briefings you are called by a number not by your name – the answer may surprise you! These are insights not to be missed. Dan now works as a private jet pilot by day and as a keynote motivational speaker by night. He will soon be found alongside Scott Radford, hosting Performance Hackers, a podcast about discovering the actionable hacks and habits experts in their respective fields can offer to help others achieve their next goals. We would love to hear from you - you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or wherever else you get your podcasts, and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast! podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes: Dan on LinkedIn Dan on Instagram RAF recruitment Performance Hackers podcast Dan's book recommendations: Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance Coherence: The Science of Exceptional Leadership and Performance Time stamps: How to deal with complacency  - 21.20 Working in a bubble - 30:30 Focus and checklists - 40:00 Brief – Mission – Debrief - 42:15 Debrief hacks - 44:58 Dealing with egos in a room - 58:34 Take the situation seriously not yourself - 1:11:49  

Mark loved explaining how Einstein was not great at making sandwiches this week! He didn't grow the wheat, didn't knead the dough, so did he really make a sandwich? The point being none of us really ever make it on our own. We're all reliant on so many factors around us that help guide, support and ultimately achieve our success. They challenge the listener to think about whether they lean into their technical capabilities, as it's easy to hide behind expertise, but to think about how many ‘soft-skills' they could honestly claim to be expert in. Richard Branson can't build a plane after all, he motivates, leads and inspires others to do it for him! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Mark mentions Adnams – listen to their COO Karen Hester chatting to Chris Scargill on Tourism Business Chat about her journey from part time cleaner to one of the industry's biggest success stories Aubrey Marcus podcast Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

We all have a personal brand, whether we know it or not.  Born in Romania, under a Communist regime, personal brand expert, Mihaela Berciu, faced more than the usual teenage worries. Simply saying the wrong thing would have landed her in a lot of trouble, but, little did she know that this lived experience, of having heightened anxiety over her own behaviour, would lead her into a post-revolutionary world. Mihaela headed to the UK, Cambridge University no less, then hosted her own tv show, and has forged her path to become a pioneer in the introduction of personal brand.   When you hear the word ‘brand' you possibly think of a logo, posters, or adverts. In reality, a brand evolves and incorporates every aspect of your business. The traditional ‘corporate brand' mindset has been a powerful force and often a huge burden for those working under it.  Mihaela chats to Mark and Becky about how empowering your teams to embrace and grow their own personal brand is good for the bigger picture as well as the company brand. Promoting the personalities of your people builds trust with your customers—and authenticity is key. In the current working world, businesses must consider personal brand, particularly if they are reliant on referrals. The team also discuss how to handle Gen-Z politics entering the workforce, and potential problems with social media; how we can cleanse our past habits and ways of thinking; and why it's not always good to be a people pleaser.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Mihaela's website  Connect with Mihaela on LinkedIn The Five People You Meet In Heaven: Mitch Albom The Surrender Experiment, Michael Singer Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Mark is inspired this week by a TEDx talk which leads him to reflect on one of his favourite topics – evolution, tribes and what makes humans tick. It's a tough question to ask yourself, but are you creating a cult or a culture? Mark and Becky discuss where the idea of culture comes from and what it really means for businesses. “Cult leaders see greatness in themselves”, whereas, if you operate as a culture, you see greatness in the team.    They also discuss the impact the CEO/owner has on a culture and why active engagement is important. They consider the negative connotation behind the term ‘HR' and why, perhaps, this no longer fits the modern world… GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us. You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Corporate Anthropologist, Michael Henderson – TEDx  Michael Henderson website  Jocko Willink – Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win Jim Collins – Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't The three secrets of resilient people – Lucy Hone – TEDx Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  

It's widely considered that the US Marine Corps is one of the best examples of leadership in the world. Veteran Janet Polach chats to Mark and Becky about how best to leverage the skills of your team and avoid being a selfish leader.  They examine each step of Janet's book, The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make, and delve into Janet's ‘make it worse' technique. After discussing the importance of people knowing their responsibilities and role, and the value in one-to-ones, they reflect on the impact of the transition between feedback frenzy in school, into the feedback desert that is the workplace.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Contact Janet – janet@inthelead.co LinkedIn The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make - Janet Polach Adam Grant PODCAST/WORK Attitude of gratitude - Leadership & Life Chat Olga Dies Dreaming – Xochitl Gonzalez Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

‘Stuff' happens, as Becky politely put it– but how do we deal with it now we're all facing a new wave of challenges? There's a lot going on; geo-political, environmental, and economic pressures and worries infringe on all our lives in some way, so Mark wants to revisit resilience. But that's a bit of a buzz word now, so they work on the peripherals of what this encompasses, looking back on the Locus of Control technique; how you can learn, rather than defend yourself, in tricky situations; and how to avoid pity parties. They take inspiration from the work of Dr Lucy Hone and psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick. You can watch on YouTube here GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Show notes 3 secrets of resilient people – Dr Lucy Hone Leadership & Life Chat – You've got the power! Impromptu Business Chat – Owen Fitzpatrick, a practical guide to psychology in business Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Darryl's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Darryl was already living with degenerative eyesight, resulting in becoming legally blind, when he was brutally attacked at 17. Rather than recoiling from the world and pursuing resentment, he decided to embrace empathy and his life and career of thinking was brought hastily forward. Darryl achieved his doctorate at Duke University and wrote his thesis on building trust in hostile environments. Inspired by Darryl's guide dog Drake, who serves as his company's ‘Director of Goodness' (DOG), they talk about how to pursue a life of positivity, integrity, embracing neutrality in toxic work relationships, and how vulnerability is the key to building trust, which is proven to improve business levels.  Mark and Darryl nerd out on their shared interest in tribalism and the bigger philosophical questions around leadership and discuss Darryl's equation: Uncertainty x vulnerability = risk. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here  Show notes Building Trust - Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World – Darryl Stickel trustunlimited.com Leadership & Life Chat - The new office, and the generation gap Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

IBC is back for series 6! Mark and James reflect on the recent World Mental Health Day and the work of the late great Trevor Moawad. We learn that saying something negative is up to 70x more powerful than thinking a positive thought, so we must be very careful what we say! In their trademark casual but informative style, they come up with 3 top tips and make references to some musical links along the way! Show note links: Mental Health week Mindset Expert Shows You How to Control Your Negative Thoughts | Trevor Moawad on Impact Theory It Takes What It Takes: How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life We love hearing from you - get in touch at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk - Are there topics you want us to cover? Business experts you know that we should be talking to? Maybe that expert is you!? Either way, don't be shy! podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk WWW.LARKING-GOWEN.CO.UK (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James provide 3 practical tips that business owners can implement in the lead up to a sale of their business. The tips, many of which are just as valid for those business owners not looking to sell, are taken from the 9 key factors of our 'Business Sale Readiness' online diagnostic tool. It only takes 5 minutes to complete, its entirely free and the results are instant. Why not try it out here?    In addition, we have prepared this handy summary of the 9 key factors for a successful sale.   If you'd like to find out more about selling your business, or you are need advice in another business area (such as growing sales, increasing profits and motivating teams), please reach out to james.lay@larking-gowen.co.uk and mark.curtis@larking-gowen.co.uk   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP

James and Mark share the time management difficulties they're encountering as they return to face-to-face meetings. Many people are, for the first time, managing their workloads and diaries with a mix of face-to-face and virtual meetings, placing new challenges and stresses. How do you overcome this? As usual, James and Mark come up with 3 top tips, cross-referring to musical links whenever they can!   podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk www.larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP 

Paul has competed in two of the most competitive industries in the world: elite sport, and performance psychology. Paul played professional football at Premier League level, for both Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City FC. He realised though, early on in his career, that whilst he knew he wanted to play football, he also had a time limit on his career. This realisation sparked a career in his other passion—psychology. Paul is now a qualified psychologist; published author of ‘The Stupid Footballer is Dead'; and motivational speaker. He works worldwide, with companies such as Microsoft and Aviva, on performance psychology, the power of our beliefs, and how they form and get in the way of our success in business. Paul chats to James and Mark about the ‘growth mindset' that's needed in business. They discuss how improvement and progression only come from a certain type of mindset, and hinges on how you approach a situation, and then deal with it. They talk in depth about the power of beliefs. If we all spent time unpacking our beliefs, we'd realise just how many negative ones we have, and how much they get in our way! Paul also gives fascinating insight into what it takes mentally to play at the highest level of the beautiful game, and the imposter syndrome that can come with it, and how he came to realise that his Belfast accent was not a barrier after all! If you are enjoying the series, we would really appreciate it if you could follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever else you get your podcasts! Or you can find all episodes on our website www.larking-gowen.co.uk/IBC If you have feedback, questions or think you might be a great guest on the podcast, please get in touch! Email the team at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Show notes: Contact Paul at: paulmcveigh.co.uk LinkedIn Mentioned books: The Stupid Footballer is Dead Man's Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust Robert Dilts Awaken The Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Life Top tips: Tip 1 – Belief systems and reaching goals skip to 38:30 Tip 2 – Internal and external locus of control skip to 41:00 Tip 3 - Identity – transitioning from footballer to business psychologist skip to 38:30 larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen

James and Mark look at the myth that is having a Unique Selling Point. Instead they focus on the business critical concept of Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) and walk the listeners though a step by step process to help them identify what their SCA is. In time honoured fashion, the come up with 3 top tips and a musical link for good measure! If you are enjoying the series, we would really appreciate it if you could follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever else you get your podcasts! You can also find all episodes on our website www.larking-gowen.co.uk/IBC If you have feedback, questions or think you might be a great guest on the podcast, please get in touch! Email the team at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP www.larking-gowen.co.uk  

What does sustainability REALLY mean in practical terms for business, and what does the future look like? Mark breaks down what is currently happening in big business, and what still needs to be done at both corporate and SME levels. He's currently writing a paper on how his business (Larking Gowen!) needs to tackle sustainability, and his sources are steering away from the ‘trendy stuff'. His personal research aligns with the reports coming from COP26, that businesses play a key role in improving the environmental outlook. In making it his mission to improve practices in his own business, his eyes have been opened wider and his mindset has changed. How do businesses become more sustainable, when considering the energy they use each day, which includes transport, consumables and more? GDP and economic growth can be at odds with sustainability if we don't think smarter. Mark offers some great insights into how sustainability and profitability can really work together. If you are an expert in sustainability and the environment, particularly for business or know someone who is, we'd love to hear from you, with a view to inviting you to be interviewed on a future special guest episode. Speaking of experts, Mark asked David Attenborough to special guest on this episode. Did he get a polite yet resounding ‘No' or will Sir David provide this week's top tips…listen in to find out! We would love to hear from you - you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast! Show notes Top tips • Energy use - 08:00 • Material efficiency - 16:13 • Accountability and B corporations - 22:00 Books Doughnut Economics – Seven ways to think like a 21st century economist Green Swans – The coming boom in regenerative capitalism The Ecology of Commerce Links Certified B Corporation – “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment” United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – “an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.” larking-gowen.co.uk - Marks business! James and Mark do accountancy stuff too... (c) Larking Gowen LLP

This week, James and Mark discuss a recent UK survey which revealed that 50% of workers, from management to shop floor level are secretly hoping for a ‘fire-break' lockdown over Christmas, as they are facing burn out. For many, 2021 feels like it's been a longer, more stressful year than 2020, as there appears to be more work out there for businesses than expected. They are facing the perfect storm of high demand and a recruitment crisis, so it's no wonder teams are feeling the pressure. It's important for business leaders to understand that many people will be facing personal challenges alongside work pressure, and it's key for continuing success that individual stress curves are not breached for too long. James and Mark come up with their top 3 tips that can help you to prioritise your team's health without damaging profits. Summary Top tip 1: 03:30 Is the demand really there, or are your prices too low? Don't cash in, but consider a review. Top tip 2: 08:30 Pareto Principle 80:20 rule. Can you afford to cut your client base to protect your teams? Top tip 3: 23:50 Be aware of your team members individual stress curves – have people been doing too much for too long? Show notes The Pareto 80:20 Principle-  Overview, and Richard Koch's Book - The 80/20 Principle, Expanded and Updated: The Secret to Achieving More with Less Chris Mason interview: Business coach and founder of Mindshop– episode 20 of Impromptu Business Chat We would love to hear what you think about the podcast/ if you think you would be a great expert special guest/ topics you think we should cover - get in touch on www.podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk (c) Larking Gowen LLP

For those in the corporate world, the festive season brings with it invitations to parties with an expectation that alcohol will be freely consumed….and you will be involved! How do you navigate these events if you're sober? Mark and James welcome the ‘Sober Exec' Chris Anthony to chat about navigating the corporate drinks culture. Chris talks about what life is like at the top of the corporate world; with over 25 years' experience in the tech sector, Chris is now the Vice President of U.S. Consumer Goods at Salesforce Marketing Cloud. He stands out not only for his expertise and experience, but for his 15 years of sobriety. He offers inspiration and guidance for others struggling to navigate their way through the drink-heavy culture that exists in the competition for corporate management roles. On the morning of New Year's Day 2020, Chris realised that he had been sober for 15 years but had not shared this information publicly. He quit drinking after it became a problem for him back in 2005 – wrecking his career path and marriage, but he kept it secret because he was ashamed that it had become an issue, and the world he lived in thrived on wining and dining, ostracising anyone ‘not playing ball'. Chris shares insight into how he navigated through his career without a drink in his hand, and how his sobriety was key to his success and happiness, leading him to discover his true purpose in life “to be of service to others”. Fast forward to 2020, Chris realised he could make a difference by speaking out about his sobriety, which prompted one of his fellow execs to ask him for help. Chris knew then that he had a new purpose and launched Sober Force, and his role as ‘The Sober Exec', which sees him working as a motivational speaker and consultant for businesses who want guidance on how to structure their seasonal and social activities. Chris also observes how sobriety health is now good for business, using football as an example, where in rejecting the pub culture of the 70s, the modern Premiere League acts as proof that good health can maximise profits! Chris is also extremely passionate about his philanthropic work; holding advisory board roles for several non-profit organisations including Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation, and is an active mentor supporting US Navy SEALs transition into successful business roles. He talks us through how his work for them have both inspired his personal recovery and motivated his work with others. This episode explores the power of resilience, how to combat peer pressure at work, how to be prepared instead of reactive, what businesses can do to embrace EVERYONE in their team and why making healthy decisions don't need an apology. His personal journey and professional insight make for inspirational listening, especially as we head into the Christmas season and the inevitable ‘social' pressures this will bring. You can read Chris's public LinkedIn statement about his sobriety, that sparked his new journey in life, here Show notes The Sober Exec – check out Chris's work here Follow Chris on Instagram for daily inspirational posts! @Thesoberexec The Sales Enablement Podcast with Andy Paul LinkedIn - Sales Force - Chris appears on this podcast as a representative of The Sober Exec and not Sales Force, his opinions are his own, and not those of Sales Force. If you would like to know more about Sale Force, you can visit their site here, and connect with them on LinkedIn. Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation Los Angeles Forward Operating Base (FOB) for SEAL Future Foundation (SFF) Books: Atomic Habits – James Clear Psycho-Cybernetics – Maxwell Maltz Top tips - James and Mark summarise the chat: 56:03 – recognising in order to help others, look after yourself first 57:33 – never be afraid to ask for help! 59:00 – be ready, and practice/prepare for questions on a sober night out You can get in touch with James and Mark on podcast@larking-gowen.co.uk, we would love to hear your feedback on this, or any of our episodes!  (c) Larking Gowen LLP www.larking-gowen.co.uk/ibc    

*SPOILER ALERT* FOR NO TIME TO DIE! If you still haven't seen the latest Bond film, please skip to 02:58! James and Mark are watching over the news this week as James's self-imposed ‘No News November' ends, and they discuss what the new COVID variant Omicron could mean for businesses as we head into winter. They discuss how we need to lean on the skills and lessons we have learnt during the last 18 months including how to adapt, lead by example, and empower people to take responsibility. *Please note this episode was recorded before the Government update on COVID restrictions made on 8.12.21* Top tips 06:58 Tip 1 - Adapt – “Planning is important, but plans are a waste of time” Winston Churchill 10:50 Tip 2 – “Sweep the sheds” - nobody is too senior to roll their sleeves up 13:30 Tip 3 – Take responsibility, act like a leader Show notes: David Marquet's talk on ‘Greatness Leadership on a Submarine' Books: Scrum – Jeff Sutherland James Kerr – Legacy David Marquets Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Building Leaders by Breaking the Rules

This week's episode is all about coping with Christmas! James and Mark look back nostalgically on bygone years, and have musical references aplenty to keep spirits up. They have been inspired by recent guest Chris Anthony, and in the spirit of Christmas, decided to devote this episode to the mantra of ‘being in service to others' and offer their wellbeing tips for coping with the festive period. How can you actually switch off, cope with burnout, and set realistic expectations? Many will be feeling the ‘pressure of Christmas' after another challenging year, and James and Mark are here with their top tips on what you can do to manage expectations and pressure. We want to wish all our listeners a happy holiday season, and a prosperous new year! We will be taking a break for a while as we reboot in the new year - make sure you are subscribed to the Impromptu Business Chat channels on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible and more, so you don't miss the exciting announcement on our revamped series, coming early 2022! You can also contact the team at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk if there are any topics you think we should cover in the future, or if you think you are an expert in your field, and think we should chat to you on a special episode!   Show notes Tip1: 03:00 – Set realistic expectations, add a sense of realism, and create a routine Tip 2: 09:00 – Set a few hours aside to plan aims for the new year but only if you have had some down time! Tip 3: 12:49 – Think about the people around you - who might not be looking forward to this period, and what can you do to show them that you care. IBC - How to succeed with New Year Resolutions - WOOP there it is!

We're back for series SIX, and what better way to start than letting Mark do what he does best – philosophise about himself! He muses around what ‘being a creative person' really means, and how we can embrace creativity and innovation in our businesses.  Mark and Becky look at how creativity can't be forced and how the pressures of work diaries, workloads and deadlines, particularly for business owners, can stunt creativity and what impact this has on your work and wellbeing. They discuss practical ways to empower your teams and how permission to think outside the box is sometimes all a person needs to find that spark!  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin Impromptu Business Chat with Damian Horner - The Dark Art of Marketing (2021) Leadership & Life Chat - Practical guide to de-stressing with Havening Technique expert Tony Burgess  Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

Studies suggest that selling your business or retiring early do not necessarily make someone happier. Dawn Bloomer, a former veterinarian turned strategic advisor, knows this all too well.  Dawn guides us through her journey after selling her successful practice and finding herself adrift – she hadn't planned what to do next! She chats to Mark and Becky about the importance of exit plans and considering ‘what comes next'. They talk about the accountability and logistics often over-looked in any move, and the toxic ‘workaholic' culture that still exists despite its known impact on our wellbeing. Dawn prefers to look at work-life balance as ‘integration'. This is a great episode for anyone looking to climb the career ladder, but who's worried about the sacrifices they think are needed; those planning for an exit; and managers who need to better understand the implications of their teams returning after maternity, sickness or other forms of leave.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Contact Dawn - www.productivepressure.com Linkedin Larking Gowen Corporate Transactions Books Transitions (40th Anniversary): Making Sense of Life's Changes - – William & Sue Susan Bridges The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level – Gay Hendricks Reinventing Yourself – Steve Chandler – get the audio-book! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

The world of business is changing again and, where once we were encouraged to be proactive in our businesses, now, thanks to the advancement in AI, we might have to start being predictive – but how easy is this for humans, and will the world look like Minority Report!  Mark and Becky reflect on their special roundtable chat this summer with AI experts, Alison Alexander and Alix Rübsaam, and discuss their fears around AI and the reliance that we might put on it, going forwards. They discuss the bias that will exist in the algorithms, how we must always be questioning AI's answers, the potential stunt in creativity, and the possible dangers around predicting human behavior, especially in business.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes •    AI SPECIAL - Roundtable with Alix Rubsaam & Alison Alexander •    Jocko Willink - Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win •    Minority Report (2002) Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This episode is a complete refresh on the topic of leadership. Antonio Garrido, former architect and author of My Daily Leadership: A Powerful Roadmap for Leadership Success, has dedicated the latter half of his career to helping CEO's better tap into their emotional intelligence, understand the art of truth telling and create more productive working relationships. His energy and experience offers a reinvigorated perspective on modern day business, as he philosophises with Mark over the reality of business ownership and management in 2023, he gives some uncomfortable examples of the type of personalities still allowed to operate at top levels, and why those businesses open themselves up to failure. Do you want to create a carrot or stick culture? GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes LinkedIn www.mydailyleadership.com Email Antonio: antonio@mydailyleadership.com Blinkist  Leadership & Life Chat – How to cultivate creativity at work My Daily Leadership book Example of someone who has worked from the bottom up – Karen Hester COO of Adnams on Tourism Business Chat. Books Freedom from Command and Control: A Better Way to Make the Work Work Ted X – Itay Talgam - Lead like the great conductors The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, Gary Keller 10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less, Dan Sullivan  Eating the Big Fish: How Challenger Brands Can Compete Against Brand Leaders Seth Goden books Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable Servant Leadership in Action: How You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results The Creative Act: A Way of Being Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This week, Mark and Becky reflect on a topic which keeps coming up with their guests – the importance of emotional intelligence. They look back on their AI episodes and how the human in the loop theory will become more important in the future, extending past the technical aspects of a job, and into how to retain the people in your team; after all, people join organisations but leave managers.  They discuss how EQ skills can be taught and learned, and why it's so important for leaders to get hold of their own self-awareness, set the drum beat and audit their own emotions and how others perceive you.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes AI Special roundtable with Alison & Alix Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Do you think you've grown as a person, or as a leader, or have you allowed your challenges or failures to hold you back? Human Potential Coach Kamini Wood is passionate about helping people to understand their worth and grow their personal and professional paths, or as she puts it, “I mess with how people think!” Do you ever feel like you don't belong? You don't fit in? What do you allow your inner critic to tell you? Kamini started her journey into personal development after realising, as a mother of five, she needed to start adopting a more conscious parenting tactic, as she was projecting too much of her own emotion onto her children. She could see people doing this at her family law firm too. Our relationship with ourself is the most important one we'll ever have, so Mark and Becky chat to Kamini about how we can tap into our goals and values, and reject the fear response for the better of our businesses and brains! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kamini.wood.5  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/itsauthenticme/?hl=en  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaminiwood/ Kaminiwood.com RiseUp - Live Joy Your Way podcast Atlas of the Heart – Brené Brown Viktor Frankl Russ Harris – The Happiness Trap    Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

From the team that previously brought you Impromptu Business Chat, comes the new series Leadership and Life Chat, dropping in the spring, sponsored by Larking Gowen. James and Mark will be looking at what makes a great leader and offer tips to help improve your leadership skills and wellbeing in general. In each episode, they will discuss a different topic, possibly one you may never have considered impacts your life and provide their now infamous top 3 tips on how to implement these into your everyday routines to boost your health, wealth and self!  Each month, they will also feature a very special guest at the top of their field, with subjects ranging from climate change to public speaking, A.I to psychology. Our intrepid hosts will be picking their guests' brains to uncover their key messages, understand what it took for them to get to the top, and how this can be applied to our own lives and successes.  Along the way, there will be their trademark musical links too – it's worth tuning in just to find out if Mark can find a way to crowbar a heavy metal reference in… Make sure you follow us so dont dont miss out on our amazing first episode, coming soon!

Welcome to the first episode in our new series! There will be three different episode styles in this new series, our expert guest interviews, special bitesize gems, and these deep dive episodes. James and Mark will be ‘deep diving' into a specific topic each week. If you were a listener of Impromptu Business Chat, you'll be familiar with their casual, fun and informative discussions. Now they'll be focusing on how listeners can further put the advice and themes they explore into action. This week, they examine our own perceptions of why things happen in our lives, whether we think we can control them, and how it informs our behaviour. With a focus on the well-known psychological theory ‘Locus of Control' they discuss the importance of learning to focus on what we can influence, and not what we can't, like the weather! They look at our power of embracing failure, monitoring our own language and how to spot our own personal triggers ahead of time. Are you a victim, or do you take responsibility? Developing our own locus of control can help build stronger relationships, be that with our families, customers or our teams. How you cope in times of stress can have a huge impact on your over-all wellbeing, so let's see how you can find the power to take control and create positive change… Show Notes: Read more about Psychologist John Rotter's Locus of Control theory here  Books: Jim Collins – Good to Great Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win   GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk   © Larking Gowen LLP 

Public speaking is often cited as one of our biggest fears, feared more than death itself. But what if you can hone your skills and combat your fears? Is it worth the effort? Andrew Brammer is a global award-winning public speaker and fellow podcaster, who believes passionately in the power of public speaking, and the wider benefits that your new-found confidence can bring to all aspects of your life. Andrew is also the author of both Talking the Talk, and Telling the Tale, and in this episode reflects on the themes of his career and life as a storyteller that form the basis of his books. He talks to James and Mark about how and why he conquered his fear of public speaking and developed his skills. He addresses how to cope with hecklers and the fear of failure; finding the beauty in your mistakes; managing Q&A's; the key constructs of a powerful presentation; and how storytelling is the key. He talks around the four types of conflict that make up stories, evidenced and reflected in all our favourite movies! Andrew joined the US organisation Toastmasters, which is an internationally recognised public speaking group, and learnt how to craft stories that could engage audiences in their hundreds. He has even sold out his own one-man theatre shows, touring around the UK. Andrew grew up as working class, with no interest in business, but fell into manufacturing and learnt quickly how NOT to manage people. This inspired him into pursuing a career in management and he is now Director of PSS Steering and Hydraulics. His experience ‘on stage' and personal commitment to putting the work and time into developing himself through his public speaking, meant he developed the emotional connection skills needed to succeed in a sales-based role. Whether that's selling yourself, a service or a product, connecting with your audience and aligning a feeling with ‘your brand' is paramount to success, and this can apply to both business or our pursuit of personal happiness. Show notes: Stumpy Sanderson podcast on Spotify www.stumpysanderson.co.uk Stumpy Sanderson 1970s Facebook www.poppylandradio.co.uk PSS Steering and Hydraulics Books: Talking the Talk Telling the Tale Kennedy – Ted Sorensen – John F. Kennedy's speech writer Films: Jaws – Spielberg is a master of conflict – man v monster, man v man, man v himself, man v society Apollo 11 – documentary film by NASA – humans working together, look at what we can achieve

This week, in the first of their BITESIZE episodes, James and Mark look back on their chat with Andy Nicol and Sue Liburd MBE, and how their conversation on diversity and inclusion is still just as relevant now as it was back in October 2020 on their Impromptu Business Chat series. It is, to date, their second most downloaded episode which further proves that this topic is still so pertinent, especially to business leaders.  We pull out and reflect on some highlights from the original episode and discuss how they are relevant now when considering how to improve our leadership skills. In the clips, we discuss the Black Lives Matter movement; unconscious bias; quotas and tick box exercises within recruitment and development; changing corporate culture; and the value in small incremental changes.  Andy and Sue are from Abstract, an award-winning learning and development company, and both have years of experience in the field of improving diversity, Sue through her award-winning human capital innovation work, and Andy through his years playing Rugby Union, and now as CEO of Abstract.  Show notes: Listen back to the full, original episode here  You can check out the work Abstract does here GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

One of the best ways to re-focus our personal resilience is completely free: practice gratitude! The impact of gratitude on our physical and mental wellbeing can never be underestimated. Both dopamine and serotonin are brain chemicals that bring proven benefits to our overall health. Experts across the globe agree that being content with what you have and aiming to ‘be better' is the first step to success in all areas of life. James and Mark look at how to achieve meaningful gratefulness by discussing the power of journaling; the negative impact of catastrophising; the 5,4,3,2,1 method; and how embracing neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help you to reprogramme your brain and make you a better leader. Lizzie chimes in again, as the team reflects on how expressing gratitude reaps great personal rewards. GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!   You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. Thank you to our sponsors, Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here to watch this week's episode  © Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes: • Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons  • The Huberman Lab – podcast • drchatterjee.com • Getting to Neutral: How to Conquer Negativity and Thrive in a Chaotic World by Trevor Moawad • Tony Robbins

Dr Mathew Hampshire-Waugh is the author of Climate change and the road to net zero but doesn't describe himself as an environmentalist; the self-confessed ‘city boy' simply wants to give the climate change low-down to those people not already sold on it. His book has been described as; “Blowing away the entrenched idea that solving climate change is a trade-off between the economy and environment to reveal why a twenty-year transition to NET-ZERO is a win-win for all on planet Earth”. Mathew has a science background, which led to a varied career where he worked on improving building energy efficiency, and later with technology trend companies within the investment banking sector. His book describes how energy usage has affected civilisation over the centuries, the problem economists are now facing, and the impact inaction will have on our future. He chats to James and Mark about the path forward including how we need to adapt our personal and business lives, without compromising on quality, and the cost implications. The team discuss everything from the impact of fossil fuels and what transition plans businesses need to put in place, to the investment opportunities available for businesses. Mathew offers up alternatives and ‘swaps' that we can all make in our personal lives, and the personal actions we can all take, including buying green, and investing in renewables. He deep dives into how businesses need to lead from the front, and how the UK, as one of the world's richest economies, needs to take responsibility and act. There is something for everyone in this episode, whether you're in the know on climate change, or on the fence. Mathew even has an invaluable tip for how you use your boiler, which is not to be missed! Show notes: Mathew's website - www.net-zero.blog Mathew's LinkedIn Podcast - Cleaning Up – Leadership in an age of climate change #ENERGYTWITTER –- follow the hashtag to get academic research, news items etc. which are cultivated into streams, and you can gauge the conversation from right and left Jim Collins – The Hedgehog Concept Books: Climate change and the road to net zero – Mathew Hampshire-Waugh Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction – Dan Gardner & Philip E Tetlock GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode! You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk You can also watch us now on YouTube too! Click here to watch this week's episode. Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This week, James and Mark look back on their chat with Louise Newby, and how their conversation on mental health and wellbeing is still just as relevant now as it was back in November 2020, on their Impromptu Business Chat series. They also reflect on how this episode inspired them to put together their own Men's Mental Health Special, in July 2021.  We pull out and reflect on some highlights from the original episodes and discuss how they are relevant now when considering how to improve our leadership skills. In the clips they discuss the potential wider impact of remote working on our mental health. Whilst these insights were very much influenced by COVID, the benefit of hindsight now, and the fuller picture of the future of how we will work mean that Louise's insights were very perceptive and relevant, moving forwards. She also discusses Parkinson's Law, proactive Employee Assistance Programmes in businesses, and the power of positive affirmation.  James and Mark also reflect on their Men's Mental Health Special, and the positive influence of their mentor Dr Chris Mason (also a previous Impromptu Business Chat guest) on their wellbeing, and encourage men to seek help where possible, even if it's not in a professional capacity.  Louise is an experienced educator, and expert in the world of mental health, with a Master's degree from Cambridge, and now works with Three Eggs, a mental health training provider. TRIGGER WARNING – this episode contains mention of suicide Show notes: Find out more about Three Eggs here Listen to the full, original chat with Louise here  Listen to the Men's Mental Health episode here  Listen to their chat with Dr Chris Mason, on leadership success, here  GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

Do you view a problem as an obstacle or an opportunity? How you answer this question can define and set you apart as a leader, in life and business. Inspired by Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle is the Way, James and Mark dive into how fear can equal disaster in business, and how our state of mind can be reprogrammed to find the positives. There will always be problems, but how we handle them can make us stronger. We can relearn how to handle tough situations, increase motivation (which is not the same as discipline!) and avoid catastrophe. Some things are immovable and unchangeable, therefore out of our control. James and Mark take us through their personal experiences of dealing with barriers, and the steps we can all take to achieve a healthy state of mind, which is good for business, and good for relationships. Show notes: BOOKS Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway: How to Turn Your Fear and Indecision into Confidence and Action by Susan Jeffers The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker   Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday   GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode! You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors, Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here to watch this week's episode © Larking Gowen LLP  

Whether it's putting adverts into your Facebook feed for items you recently Google searched, or helping to filter out applicants for a job you're advertising, based on the key words in their CV, algorithms are everywhere. They affect us all, sometimes even when we least expect it! The trick is to arm yourself with knowledge; learn more about how they work, why they can be forces for good, not just bad, and how they can be good for business. Alix is Head of Curriculum and Expertise at Singularity Education Group, and lets us in on how brand reputation can easily be harmed by bad algorithms. She shares how businesses need to look for blind spots within the system and consider all variables, case studying recruitment in particular.  They discuss Data Feminism; the impact of GDPR legislation on marketing and sales; why complacency with tech evolution is dangerous; and the importance of keeping a human eye on the process of developing new AI. Alix is a great example of how curiosity can get you a long way – and how that's enough to get you where you want to be. Go where the friction is; that's where the interesting things are happening. Her insight into the future of AI and her predications for a Ready Player One style world are fascinating. Her passions and career have been diverse, and she blasts onto the podcast with the force of the Terminator itself! It's not to be missed.  GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode! You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk You can also watch us now on YouTube too! Click here to watch this week's episode. Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk Show notes: Alix on LinkedIn Singularity Group  DuckDuckGo  Ecosia  Damian Horner Impromptu Business Chat  Sue Liburd and Andy Nicol Impromptu Business Chat  Books: Data Feminism - Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren Klein Race After Technology – Ruha Benjamin Sensemaking: The Power of the Humanities in the Age of the Algorithm - Christian Madsbjerg © Larking Gowen LLP

The team were thrilled to welcome renowned former BBC sports journalist, Simon Mundie, to the pod back in early 2021. Simon has interviewed hundreds of elite and world-famous sports stars, and in this episode they discussed how the lessons those stars have learnt can be applied to success in business. In this bitesize clip of that interview, they discuss imposter syndrome, as well as Simon's personal journey to try to change the exclusionary language around sport, and how this prompted the creation of his hit podcast, Don't Tell Me the Score. There's also a great story about rugby's Jamie Peacock, not to be missed! You can listen back to the full episode here. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode! You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Confidence is king. Success comes from being confident; we need confidence to make decisions for the betterment of both our business and personal lives. We wouldn't marry someone unless we're confident we love and trust them; likewise, don't go into business with someone unless you're confident in their skill, commitment and honesty! James and Mark discuss the current lack of confidence in society that has followed lockdown, and the negative impact a lack of confidence can have. It can be catastrophic for businesses in particular, but there are ways in which we can reprogramme our brains to find the positives in any given situation and reframe our thinking.  They look at the process of comparing our inner thoughts with other people's external projections; how to influence and encourage; the nature vs nurture argument; and how understanding what confidence really is and how to achieve it will ultimately lead to success.  GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here to watch this week's episode  Thank you to our sponsors, Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes: Books: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway: How to Turn Your Fear and Indecision into Confidence and Action - Susan Jeffers Mindset - Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential – Dr Carol S.Dweck The 5 Second Rule: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Live, Love, and Speak with Courage: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage – Mel Robbins  The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life – Mark Manson Video: How Do Genes Influence Our Behaviour? - Robert Plomin

Greg is Head Coach of British Para Table Tennis and a performance coach. He believes that the best performers rely on their gut when it matters, whether that's on a track, field or in business. But this only works if you know yourself! They discuss how you can learn to focus on yourself, and understand what makes you tick, and how knowing your strengths, triggers and blind spots will help you perform under pressure, and nurture positive personal relationships. Greg deep dives into the process of performing under pressure – a tactical approach, physical preparation, and how we can't ignore how we operate under stress, as this can negate any technical ability. They also look at constraint based learning; how to adapt efficiently to cope with context; and how to harness positive and empowering relationships, particularly at work. Greg lets us in on what it really takes to ‘make it' at Olympic-level sport, and what he has learnt from the inspiring journeys of the Paralympic athletes he has worked with. He also discusses his work in trying to dispel the stigma behind the Paralympics, and how we can all learn from what it really takes for coaches to train the top level.  GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode! You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk You can also watch us now on YouTube too! Click here Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP Show notes: LinkedIn Greg Baker ACC British Para Table Tennis website Books: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage – Alfred Lansing Turn The Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders - L. David Marquet Podcasts: High Performance – Damian Hughes Steven Bartlett – The Diary of a CEO Impromptu Business Chat, Dan Lowes – Power of the debrief Leadership & Life Chat – You've Got the Power!

Susannah is a member of the global business coaching platform, Mindshop, and back in 2021 received the coveted Value to Others award for European advisors. Mark describes her as the motivational map ‘Yoda'! She chats to James and Mark about how you can learn new behaviours, and how motivational maps can help you do this. In this clip they discuss the value in psychometric testing, embracing others' ways of learning and working, and how investing in training your people will build confidence and motivation – all good for business! You can listen to the full Impromptu Business Chat episode here.  GET IN TOUCH! Leave us a voice note here, we would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

Success and failure ultimately come from good or bad communication. How we verbalise our thoughts and feelings, and internalise them, affects our performance, relationships and wellbeing. James and Mark discuss what you can do to retrain your brain and learn new ways of looking at how you speak to others, and to yourself, and how focusing on this can help build your personal success as a leader.  They discuss all sorts of themes, including the art of the ‘pity-party', energy vampires, the power of verbalising thoughts, and how to deal with awkward office conversations! GET IN TOUCH!  Leave us a voice note here, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, and you might even feature in our next episode!  You can also email us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk Thank you to our sponsors, Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. Check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here to watch this week's episode  © Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes: Trevor Moawad video  Six Thinking Hats: The multi-million bestselling guide to running better meetings and making faster decisions – Edward de Bono  Leadership & Life Chat - You've got the power Definition of a Mentalist = ‘a magician who performs feats that apparently demonstrate extraordinary mental powers, such as mind-reading' – The Mentalist tv show   The Detectorist on BBC Leadership & Life Chat – Public Speaking Power with Andrew Brammer 

Freddie's baaaack! Series 2 of Leadership & Life Chat kicks off with a former guest, professional adventurer and profit hunter, Freddie Bennett!  Freddie first joined James and Mark back in early 2021 on Impromptu Business Chat, chatting about how he uses the lessons he's learnt in life to advise and inspire businesses on how to motivate their teams and embrace change. Since then, Freddie has had some major life changes, including packing up and moving his family to New Zealand, so the team invited him back to find out why, and talk about his new book and career change – tapping into customer bases to discover new lines of profit.  Freddie has worked with some of the biggest companies in the world and conquered some mammoth personal demons along the way, having left the corporate grind behind him. He speaks passionately about choosing your battles, whether we really need to smash our comfort zones, his own theory on the relativity of time, and how we should all be more aware of our own waypoints! He also discusses how we should embrace the seasons of change in our lives and businesses, and how we can reject hustle culture.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here – link to relevant episode  Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes: Find out more about Freddie – https://freddiembennett.com/ Listen to Freddie on Impromptu Business Chat here  BOOKS Starting at Zero – Freddie Bennett  Man's Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust by Viktor E Frankl The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware  

In this BITESIZE episode, we go back to April 2021 to James and Mark's chat with former RAF Fighter Pilot and Executive Officer of the Red Arrows, Dan Lowes. Mark reflects on their conversation around the power of situational debriefs and how tick box exercises can be avoided. Debriefs help you improve communication, and gauge success, and are valuable to people at all levels, and let's face it, if they're good enough for the Red Arrows, they're good enough for us and our businesses! In these clips, Dan also discusses the ‘Half error technique', and their chat around Top Gun school and playlists is not to be missed! You can listen to the original full episode, and find show notes, here: Impromptu Business Chat with Dan Lowes  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here

Robert Jordan is the co-author of Right Leader, Right Time: Discover Your Leadership Style for a Winning Career and Company. CEO of InterimExecs, he has spent decades working with leading executives in business, narrowing down the four unique styles of leaders that exist in the workplace which result in excellence. He chats to James and Mark about his experience and research, and how the findings in his book can help identify what type of leader we really are, how we can harness the power of this style and reject the aspects that aren't effective, and learn how to stop wearing multiple hats unnecessarily! Robert also discusses his time working for Yahoo in its early days, as well as the important role that small business plays in economies and the effectiveness of online support services. He also reflects on famous leaders and the legacies of politicians. In a fun and thought-provoking section not to be missed, he explains which Hollywood characters best demonstrate leadership types! Robert's infectious enthusiasm and passion for his work will inspire you back at your desk! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Leave us a VOICENOTE!  Show notes: Book – Right Leader, Right Time  Rightleader.com Interimexecs.com Right leader survey link  Chris Mason on Impromptu Business Chat 

In this week's bitesize episode, we look at the power of belief; belief in ourselves, in our teams, and in our businesses, but so many struggle with this. Understanding our own psychology and learning new techniques to improve our mindsets are key to making us better and more productive leaders, and indeed, people. TEDx Talk legend and psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick, and former pro-athlete turned performance coach Paul McVeigh both offered fascinating insights into these areas in their separate appearances back on Impromptu Business Chat. Mark reflects on their insights into being our better selves.  Listen to Owen's full episode here Listen to Paul's full episode here GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

You might be wondering, what is Web3? If so, this episode is definitely for you! You might already know what it is, but not fully understand the implications it has for you and your business. Either way, the insights of Metacampus co-founder Alison Alexander, who describes Web3 as the fourth industrial revolution, are not to be missed. Alison previously held top level roles within local governments, including Director of Children Services, and started her career in the metaverse through Virtual Reality - by creating immersive learning environments to help people understand the realities of others. She's passionate about educating everyone in what the future of the internet holds, and how we need to get on board, as change is coming. In this fascinating chat, she breaks down the decentralisation of the internet, a world where the web starts to change our mindset and the rewards that web3 will bring. Basically, we live in web2 where we don't own anything, not even our own data, it's all up for sale - but in web3 we'll have more control and ownership of what we post, and importantly, our data and money. Alison talks us through the safe avenues that businesses can take to protect themselves and venture into the web3 world now, and explains blockchains, exactly what NFT's are, how Crypto works, virtual wallets, bitcoin and the responsibility people like herself, and others already working in the metaverse/web3 space have in creating a more environmentally friendly approach to crypto while making the world more inclusive. Her work with Metacampus creates space for people to transform their companies, understand the changes coming in a digestible way, and link new people in the space with investors. This episode is a real game changer, particularly for women breaking out into tech, and small business owners such as artists and those who create their own products or have trademarks.    IMPORTANT NOTICE - Crypto is highly volatile – it's a ‘medium' NOT money! Please seek advice before making any investment/changes to your business in this area. Show notes Contact Alison on Twitter - @AMETAVERSEA LinkedIn    Metacampus website Buy your .eth address! Podcasts: Alix Rübsaam chatting A.I and the human impact on Leadership & Life Chat Crypto with English Hello Metaverse Women of Web 3 Holly Shannon Other: Film - Ready Player One Book - Snowcrash TV show - Silicon Valley GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here  © Larking Gowen LLP

Mark reflects on the chat earlier this year with artificial intelligence specialist, Alix Rübsaam. In this BITESIZE episode she discusses accessibility and legislation around algorithms, what businesses can do now to keep up with what's coming, and how discrimination and bias works across apps, websites etc. She also covers avoiding compliancy around the technology whilst pursuing efficiency and outsourcing to it.  This episode is the perfect buddy to last week's chat with Alison Alexander on the metaverse. We recommend you listen to both to get a full picture of the future of tech and the internet, and how technology will impact the human element of how we perform business. You can listen to the full episode with Alix here, and why not follow up with Alison's episode here. Don't forget you can also WATCH both episodes on our YouTube channel! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or leave us a voice note here. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! © Larking Gowen LLP www.larking-gowen.co.uk

Jamie has worked with 160 multi-national companies as a corporate coach and trainer and has lived in Shanghai for 15 years. He chats to James and Mark about the profound impact Chinese culture and traditions has had on his thinking and how he delivers his work to his clients, specifically around the ideas of pragmatism, practicality and philosophy, and what he has learnt about high context communication. He reflects on his early years in China and how the language barriers made him feel vulnerable and inspired in equal measure. He shares lessons he learnt about the cultural differences in not just business, but also daily life, and how businesses should learn and embrace Chinese culture in order to successfully break into the Chinese market. Jamie chats about his passion for helping people to learn the tools needed to help reframe thinking, and create and connect with stories within their business, and how we can better cultivate our relationships by focusing on a mindset of understanding, to aid in success.  This is a must-listen for anyone thinking of dipping their toe in the Asian market, with some valuable insights from a prolific coach and author on working in the market.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! © Larking Gowen LLP  Show notes Shapingpaths.com Jamie Dixon LinkedIn  Jamie's books: The Story Habit: How Leaders Shape Stories That Drive Action Overcome and Get It Done Books: Stephen R. Covey – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People The Patterning Instinct – Jeremy Lent  Sapiens – A Brief History of Humankind The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better – Will Storr  How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain – Lisa Feldman Barrett  

In our most popular episode to date, climate change expert Dr Mathew Hampshire-Waugh chats to James and Mark about the realities of what's ahead, and what steps businesses can take to protect themselves. In this BITESIZE episode, we focus on Mathew outlining the history of the climate crisis and how we got to where we are, as detailed in his book, Climate change and the road to net-zero. Listen to the full episode here, or why not watch this engaging chat in full on YouTube. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or leave us a voice note here. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! © Larking Gowen LLP

Janet Mui is Head of Market Analysis at RBC Brewin Dolphin, and is top of her game in a male dominated industry. Janet handles over 60 million pounds in investments and is a regular face on news channels commentating on economic issues. Having grown up in China, Janet chats to Mark not just about why wealth management is important for entrepreneurs and business leaders, but also how she had to learn to adapt to British culture in order to ‘make it'. Janet speaks frankly about her experiences as ‘the only woman in the room', battling prejudices around ‘diversity hires' and feeling like she has to prove that she really is the best person for the job. She believes in the importance of diversity and financial education, discussing how we don't talk enough about money, or educate young people in how to deal with it. Janet also chats to Mark about the realities of how you can sleep at night when handling big money, what people get wrong about personal finance, and how not to lose yourself on the way to the top. Show notes: You can find Janet on LinkedIn here Visit RBC Brewin Dolphin here LinkedIn Top voices in finance! Money Made Easy podcast Become an expert commentator BBC 50/50 The Equality project Jamie Dixon Leadership & Life Chat episode Books: Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works - Roger L. Martin Lean In A Woman Makes a Plan – Maye Musk The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or leave us a voice note here. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! © Larking Gowen LLP

Profit Hunter Freddie Bennett, and The Sober Exec Chris Anthony both spoke openly to James and Mark on what you consume impacts how successful you can be in business. They reflect on both their personal and professional experiences with the impacts of the corporate party culture and how it can be combated for the better of profits, and our mental health. Ahead of the festive season, this is a great insight into the full value these guests have to offer team leaders in spotting signs of issues both within their team and themselves. Listen to the full episodes here: Freddie Bennett Chris Anthony GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or leave us a voice note here. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

TRIGGER WARNING – this episode contains mentions of miscarriage, child-loss, suicide, eating disorders and self-harm. If you're a male business leader, this episode may be of particular interest. Our special guest is occupational health specialist Hilary Horton. Hilary has decades of personal and professional experience and insight into the complexities of women's health. She chats to Mark about how managers and business owners need to educate themselves to better support their teams. Many modern businesses haven't kept up with societal change, and women still face barriers in the workplace, particularly around maternity leave, depression, menopause, complex premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and even religious understanding. Hilary highlights the importance of empathy and education for leaders, particularly male ones, as businesses that tap into the power of women in the workplace and embrace and support them, are the ones who are often more successful. Hilary is a former military nurse, who learnt empathy and leadership in her very early years, as part of the ‘over-spill' working class community in the West End of London. She made it to be Head Girl at school, and realised young that if you have a skill, it's your duty to pass it on. After a spell of mental health issues during her broad and fascinating career working in prisons, hospitals and the military, and studying psychology, Hilary made it her life's mission to advocate for better health support within the workplace. Mark also chats to Hilary openly about his own personal experiences being child-free and how this impacts his life at work, and they discuss what leaders can do to support employees going through grief and loss of all kinds, from miscarriage to divorce, to the loss of a pet or taking time off because of menopause symptoms, and why these factors need to be considered in appraisals and in the construction of policy and procedures, as people deliver their best at work when they feel supported; we are all human after all. Show notes Hilary's business - Enspirita  Hilary's LinkedIn  Chris Anthony on Impromptu Business Chat  Books Tales of the Sea – Maggie Chiang Man's Search For Meaning: The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust – Viktor E. Frankl In Search of Mary Seacole: The Making of a Cultural Icon – Helen Rappaport GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here © Larking Gowen LLP 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many, but it can also be a time of great demand, monetarily, socially, and emotionally. We put great pressure on ourselves to be happy, generous and organised, and many will be struggling to balance pay cheques through the rising costs of, well, everything.  James and Mark believe mindfulness is key to surviving the season – it's so easy to get wrapped up in the idea of a fairy-tale Christmas. Learn how to embrace imperfections and manage expectations as they sprinkle some Christmas cheer and give us one of the best free gifts, some sage advice and wisdom, with a little bit of humour, in this re-release of the 2021 Christmas special episode, as relevant now as it was then. We also announce some exciting changes for Leadership & Life Chat Season 3! We wish all our listeners a joyful, relaxing and mindful festive season, and we can't wait to see yule in 2023! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here © Larking Gowen LLP 

We are back for series 7! Loyal listeners will know that Mark and Becky are huge fans of Jim Collins, so they decided it was time to dive deep into his work, and look at the seven key questions he claims all leaders need to ask themselves. They outline how each question can help with recruitment and retaining our talented people! Jim once said leaders should be “rigorous, not ruthless.” Can this really be applied to success? GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Jim Collins – Good to Great Value setting within business episode of Leadership & Life Chat –  Working 9-5, not the only way to make a living Leadership & Life Chat - You've got the power The 7 questions Are you beginning to lose other people by keeping this person in the seat? Do you have a values problem, a wills problem or a skill problem? What is the person's relationship to the window and the mirror? Does the person see work as a job or a responsibility? Has your confidence in the person gone up or down in the last year? Do you have a bus problem or a seat problem? How would you feel if this person quit? Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Psychotherapist, Gin Lalli, supports people in finding practical solutions for mental fitness when feeling out of control, and how to avoid negative thinking with the aim of limiting your stress. Stress is a consequence of negative thinking, and the responses come from the part of your brain that is designed to keep you safe – they were vital for survival in caveman days, but we don't need them daily in 2024. We can retrain our brains to understand that thoughts and internal chatter are NOT facts. It takes time and commitment, but it is possible. Gin outlines the scientific role sleep plays in our mental health; how to cope if we don't get enough sleep; the importance of micro-interactions; what the cause and effect of modern-day stress is and how our cortisol levels really work for and against us. There's a lot of polar bear talk, supermarket self-checkout rage, and ‘Producer Lizzie' even manages to wedge in the psychological benefits of horror films! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes: Visit Gin's website at Ginlalli.com Gin's book - Solution-Focused Therapy Handbook: How to Empty Your Stress Bucket & podcast - Stress Bucket Solutions The Chimp Paradox – Prof Steve Peters The work of Trevor Moawad Susan Jeffers – Feel the Fear and do it anyway Just One Thing – Michael Mosley podcast Sleep is your superpower – Matt Walker TED Talk Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker  Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

In this episode we talk all things chaos theory. No, not the ‘interdisciplinary area of scientific study and branch of mathematics focused on underlying patterns and deterministic laws of dynamical systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions' (thanks Wikipedia). Rather, how our unpredictable behaviour can impact our work and those around us. Mark and Becky discuss how there's a difference between chaotic and energetic, how the differences impact our productivity, and how the pros and cons of what can be perceived as chaos in the workplace impact our relationships.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Leadership & Life Chat - How to cultivate creativity at work Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

This conversation is far from a laugh riot, but is a fascinating insight into the reality of what it's like for many teams members out there right now working under bad bosses. The stats will blow your mind! Fearless Organisation Practitioner Rob Kalwarowsky, famous for his speech ‘How to Avoid Becoming an As*hole Boss'; outlines the 6 different destructive leader types: •    The arrogant or violent boss  •    Abusive narcissist  •    Messy boss •    Cowardly boss (ghost managers) •    Passive aggressive boss •    Passive egocentric boss Do you recognize yourself as any of these? If so, it might be time to make a change. They seem extreme but Rob outlines the data and research behind how these categories came into the lexicon and how too much stress on teams will result in costs for businesses in the long term. There is a demand for the right people needed in businesses, but there's a disconnect with the overall quality of leadership in businesses across the world – recent trends of quiet quitting and the great resignation are directly tied to specific managers.  Rob believes that his insights can literally help to change your business and the lives of those working with you, forever. GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Contact Rob: elitehighperformance.com Watch the full speech How to Avoid Becoming an As*hole Boss here Find Rob on: Instagram Youtube Linked In TikTok Spotify Thanks to www.expertbookers.com - visit them and find out how they can help support your podcast! Mindfulness Meditation by Jon Kabat-Zinn Jamesclear.com No Bad Parts - Dr Richard Schwartz Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself – Michael Singer 7 Rules of Power: Surprising - But True - Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance your career – Jeffrey Pfeffer Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Do you listen to music whilst you work? There are countless studies and arguments on whether music can really make us more productive. We often hear radios playing in forecourts, offices and shops, and since the launch of Spotify and shrinking of headphones, playing music at work has become much less frowned upon. But what is the scientific impact on our brains? Should we be encouraging or discouraging our teams to embrace Beethoven whilst working? (or in Marks case, Metallica…) GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Leadership & Life Chat - Practical guide to de-stressing with Havening Technique expert Tony Burgess Impromptu Business Chat - Up Your Energy - Increase your energy levels (part 1 of 2) Andrew Huberman – Huberman Lab podcast Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

You might not think this topic applies to you – but it's a conversation that might be important for someone you love.  TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains mention of drug addiction, depression and suicide We open the LAST EVER series of the podcast with Mark and Becky chatting to Nick Jonsson in one of our most frank, honest and powerful episodes surrounding the often brutal reality of leadership and its toll.  Nick opens up about his personal journey with executive loneliness and his own ‘rock bottom', what led him to seek help, and his path to creating a safe space for senior executives and business owners to discuss their challenges. Nick is the co-founder and Managing Director of EGN, one of Asia's premier networking organisations, and his path takes him from his native Sweden to Australia and beyond! Nick is passionate about the need to change the perception of vulnerability and encourages leaders to embrace it as a strength.  This conversation is a powerful dive into the realities of identity and purpose in the workplace, the impact of isolation on younger generations and the dangers of inflated ego in CEOs and business owners!  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk.  We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify;  this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here You can find all of the Leadership & Life Chat episodes here Show notes Nick's website Nick's book: Executive Loneliness  SUICIDE SUPPORT – UK: SAMARITANS Call 116 123 USA: Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741  Vistage – peer network  Leadership & Life Chat: Be more Labrador! Building trust at work with Darryl Stickel PhD  

In a world of quiet quitting and the ‘Great Resignation', what should employers be doing to keep their best people?  This week Mark chats to Steve Jacobs, a director at WTW, to discuss the importance of employee benefits and how to navigate the ever-changing trends in the workplace.  With the shift in employee expectations post COVID-19, and a focus on flexibility and work-life balance, they look at the differences between employer and employee perspectives on what constitutes a ‘benefit' now and, in particular, what employees sometimes value above money. They discuss diversity and inclusion, global differences in legislation and the challenge of the multi-gen workforce.  With a background in the Merchant Navy, and now working for WTW, a world leader in data driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital – Steve has seen it all, and his business has helped businesses to navigate stormy, unpredictable waters.  GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify; this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here   Show notes    •    Connect with Steve on LinkedIn •    Find out about the work of WTW: wtwco.com & UK: wtw-healthandbenefits.co.uk •    Leadership & Life Chat – Andy Nicol and Sue Liburd  •    Brené Brown podcasts  •    Ken Blanchard: ‘The One Minute Manager'  •    Ravin Jesuthasan: The future of work Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

In this episode, Garath Symonds, the founder of Reconnect Coaching, joins Mark and Becky to discuss his upcoming book, ‘The Anxious Leader'. They explore how anxiety impacts decision-making and leadership, the importance of rational thinking and ego reflection, as well as strategies for tolerating anxiety as opposed to rejecting it. They delve into the role of meditation and self-reflection for leaders, along with managing trauma's impact and the importance of vulnerability and psychological safety in top level roles, and ultimately, embracing life's lessons. Tune in for fascinating insights into leadership and personal growth in the podcast's penultimate episode! GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We'd also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify; this really helps people find us! You can also watch us on YouTube! Click here   Show notes Connect with Garath on LinkedIn Reconnectcoaching.co.uk  Books The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World – Ronald A Heifetz The Bhagavad Gita – Eknath Easwaran What Matters Most – James Hollis  Keep your eye on Garaths channels for the release of his upcoming book 'The Anxious Leader' - due to be published in 2024  Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP 

Four years, 131 episodes, 38 guests and three presenters later, it's time to say goodbye to the Leadership & Life Chat ‘band' as we know it.  In this episode, original presenter, James Lay, makes a triumphant return and, alongside Becky, questions Mark on exactly how he's been able to pre-plan and orchestrate his retirement at only 49, and the lessons he's learnt on the way. Mark is, as always, open about his views on taking control of one's life, and recognising choices while always having a focus on a roadmap for the future, both in business and personal life. The team also dive deep and reflect on the importance of embracing personal purpose.  They discuss the insights of previous guests around living to your values, stepping out of your comfort zone, overcoming fear, the power of support and encouragement, fears of public speaking, making sacrifices, challenging the perception of success, the importance of continuous learning, the power of asking questions and so much more. In this final EVER episode, Mark reflects on his past success and failures, shares the advice he would give to his younger self, and looks back on what he's learned throughout his career, including the importance of being brave and speaking up, avoiding black and white thinking, and developing an internal locus of control.  *Insert profound heavy metal lyric in honour of Mark here*…. Producer Lizzie can't think of any, she's a Taylor Swift fan… Show notes Impromptu Business Chat/Leadership & Life Chat episodes: •    Interview with Paul McVeigh - the power of beliefs in business •    How to be an AWESOME leader and achieve a great work-life balance, with coach and author Ben Coomber •    Selling up is hard to do. What comes next? With business strategist, Dawn Bloomer •    Highway to the conquer zone with profit hunter Freddie Bennett •    Interview with Dr Chris Mason on Leadership Success •    Find meaning in your work: Meaningful May •    Power of public speaking with Andrew Brammer •    Special interview episode with Damian Horner: The Dark Art of Marketing Marks Books/Podcasts Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! The Way of Wyrd Never Finished David Goggins The Fifth Sacred Thing – Starhawke Reality Blind: Integrating the Systems Science Underpinning Our Collective Futures The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens podcast