Zen Business Podcast

In this episode we do deep dive into sales mindset and explore how your relationship to selling (and money) impacts sales performance. Nicky shares a very simple process for rewiring your brain to improve your effectiveness and experience of selling. We also discuss how highly effective sales people strike the perfect balance between mindset and process (context and content) and how the culture in your company impacts sales success! If your company has a sales team or a customer service department, be share to share this episode with them. I’m confident you will see the benefits of doing so. This is the 2nd time Nicky’s been on the show to share her evergreen sales methodology. If you missed her first interview you can find that in Ep.31. Don’t forget, if you’re a fan of the show or even just this episode, please subscribe, like, comment, or share your contribution makes a difference. I trust you’ll enjoy this conversation with Nicky Miklos-Woodley.

In this episode with clinical psychologist Dr. Jackie Henry, we explore the concepts of values, and how they inform your behaviour and experience of life. We look at how the collective values of a group influences culture, a conversation that I feel is applicable to companies, organisations and even society at large. Quite a timely conversation, especially given what’s happening in the world right now. We also discuss some simple strategies for identifying your values and the values of your team, which from my experience improves staff engagement, creates alignment, and increases overall satisfaction. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, comment, like or share on whatever platform you’re listening on. Your engagement makes a massive difference to the show. Wherever you are right now in the world, thank you for tuning in, I trust you’ll enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.

Improve ROI and gain market share by conducting effective market research. Joining us today for the second time on the show is marketing genius, Founder and CEO of MeMedia, Mr Chris Hogan. In this episode we explore the world of market research, which is stage two of Chris's PROACTIVE marketing methodology. We discuss how effective research can help you gain market share and even dominate your industry. Chris shares some simple but highly effective tools and techniques to generate a greater return on your marketing investment. And we also reflect on the recent months and discuss what marketing lessons have been learned from the Covid Pandemic All of this and a truck load more, on episode 35 of the ZBP… Enjoy.

If you're a business owner, leader or entrepreneur experiencing constant mental chatter, stress, overwhelm or anxiety, this very relaxed and peaceful conversation could be exactly what you're looking for. Mal’s been practicing mindfulness for over 40 years and been teaching it in both clinical and public settings for more than 25. Mal originally learnt these practices from the Buddhist tradition, ordaining as a Buddhist monk in Thailand in his early 20’s Mal’s been psychologist since 1991, he has worked with hundreds of clients, using mindfulness, compassion, loving kindness and a myriad of other scientifically validated techniques improve wellbeing. His book Healing the Heart and Mind with Mindfulness: Ancient Path, Present Moment, is aimed at anyone who wishes to use mindfulness practices for psychological freedom. You can also find Mal's meditations on Insight Timer app, which you can download on the App Store, or wherever you get your apps. https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Healing-Heart-and-Mind-with-Mindfulness-Malcolm-Huxter/9781138851351?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=ps&utm_campaign=AU&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInqDWg_mO6gIVSB0rCh2MSwbKEAQYAiABEgKvqvD_BwE

In this episode we explore how the mind impacts physical well-being and performance. How your thoughts and beliefs systems impact your DNA. And how being more mindful in your business can actually help you live longer. Joining us on episode 33, is Associate Professor Dr. Craig Hassed. Dr Hassed is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of General Practice at Monash University, where he’s been teaching at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels since 1989. Dr Hassed is also the coordinator several mindfulness programs, one of which being, 'Mindfulness for Wellbeing & Peak Performance', which has had more that 400,000 students participate worldwide. His teaching, research and clinical interests include mindfulness-based stress management, mind-body medicine & meditation to name a few, and he was the founding President of the 'Australian Teachers of Meditation Association'. Dr Hassed, has also published 10 books and has made several television and documentary appearances. ------------ If you'd like to enrol into "Mindfulness & Peak Performance" you can do so here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness-wellbeing-performance If you'd like to connect Dr. Hassed you can find his details here: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/spahc/general-practice/our-people/hassed If you'd like to buy "Playing the Genetic Hand Life Dealt You" https://www.amazon.com.au/Playing-Genetic-Hand-Life-Dealt-ebook/dp/B00TQEJ6U6

This interview explores the physics of flow and how practicing mindfulness & self-awareness can improve your results, both in your company and your personal life. In this episode Simon interviews physicist, author and founder of the Synchronicity Institute, Sky Nelson-Issacs. They discusses how your emotional state, and that of your team dramatically impacts flow, and what you can do about it. Sky also explains his LORRAX model, The Tree of Possibilities and how understanding Synchronicity allows for greater choice and a more fulfilling future. If you’re a fan of the show, that is you appreciate the intersection of Eastern philosophy and Western science, you’re going to LOVE this episode! On that note, please subscribe, comment, like and share... Your contribution makes a massive difference not just to the show, but to other potential viewers who are looking to improve their experience of life, while growing their company or managing their team. ---------------------------- If you'd like to connect with Sky you can do so via his website: https://skynelson.com Enrol into Sky's Program: https://skynelson.com/course

In this episode we explore how to capitalise on opportunities in a recession. First up on the show we have our favourite international business coach, Jacob Aldridge, to share some insights from his web series titled… Don’t waste a good recession. If you’re new to the show and you haven’t listened to Jacob in the previous episodes, you’re in for a treat! Jacob is one of only a couple of business coaches I know who have coached in a recession and he shares how you can make the most of the opportunities that will arise. And believe me, there will be an abundance of opportunities in this market, for those of you open and willing to look. In the 2nd part of the show, joining us for the first time, is Nicky Miklos-Woodley. Nicky is the founder of Evergreen Coaching, and is going to provide us with an overview of her Evergreen Sales Methodology. This six stage process, is designed to smoothly and authentically lead a prospective client through to a buying decision that they are confident in making. I’m excited to have Nicky on the show, not just because she’s a highly effective sales trainer, but because I truly believe that now, more than ever, it’s critical that businesses tighten up their sales process, and ensure that it’s focussed on connectedness and authenticity, rather than hitting targets from a context of fear and survival. This is part 1 of an 8 part series with Nicky which will be released throughout 2020… So if you relate to what Nicky shares in this episode, be sure to subscribe to the show if you haven’t already, so that you don’t miss out on the deep dive that she’ll be doing on each stage of her methodology. Just a reminder, if you’re a fan of the show don’t forget to visit our Zen Business Podcast YouTube channel. You’ll have access to some exclusive content such as interviews and how to videos, that won’t be included in the regular podcast.

Episode #30 brings 3 very special guests, Andrew Hawkes, Simon Dell, and Chris Hogan. First up I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Hawkes, a highly successful entrepreneur, speaker, author and coach. I first met Andrew back in 2008 when he attended a 12-month business mastery program that I was leading on the Gold Coast. We reconnected at the end of 2019 and during one of our coaching session I discovered that he has a prolific journaling practice that when followed rigorously supported him to achieve flow state. This interview explores Andrew’s journaling practice and how you can experience the wisdom and flow that comes with connecting to your higher self. ----------- I came across a video from a good friend of mine, Simon Dell… He and his business partner have just launched a website designed to support restaurants during this devastating period of forced shutdowns. I was so moved by Simon’s commitment to the industry that I thought it only fitting to ask him to come on the show, to share more about https://www.supportrestaurants.com.au ------------ Jumping over to the Zen Business Class this week we have joining us, Chris Hogan. Chris is going to share the first step in his 9 step PROACTIVE marketing strategy. PROACTIVE being an acronym with the P standing for Purpose-led. Chris explains the connection between both person values and company values and the impact they can have on your marking. He also talks about the benefits of purpose alignment throughout all areas your organisation. I found this framework to tie in nicely with our inside-out approach to life and business. That is, first looking with in, before looking outwards.

In this episode Corey Jackson sheds some light on what’s driving human behaviour right now and what you can do to cultivate emotional balance. If you didn’t catch ep. 9, of the ZBP, Corey Jackson has a profound understanding of what makes human beings tick. He has a degree in Psychology and Sanskrit, from Sydney University, he has worked as a Tibetan translator for many years, and is currently completing his PhD at USC, exploring how Tibetan Buddhist practices positively impact stress, fatigue and burnout. Moving over to strategy, In this week’s Zen Business Class we have our resident international business coach, Jacob Aldridge, talk about contingency planning, and how you can best prepare for the current environment. Jacob is an international business coach who has worked with hundreds of companies all around the world to implement commercial AND cultural growth management systems. On top of being one of the sharpest business minds I know, he’s fun, witty and a blast to have as a regular on the show.

Catherine Sherlock is the founder of Higher Mindfulness, an organisation committed to working with leaders who want to enjoy a richer quality of living AND working. Higher Mindfulness is about shifting limiting paradigms, having you experience your inner wisdom, and empowering you to become the leader you want to be. In this episode with Catherine we explore the concept of Leadership actualisation. We discuss workplace intuition and how you can harness yours. Catherine also shares some proven practices that help business leaders a void burn out. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Catherine and I’m confident you will enjoy this episode as well. Be sure to stay tuned to the end of this episode, I have an exciting announcement about the format on the Zen Business Podcast in 2020. Enjoy!

Joining me for the 3rd time on the show, Author, speaker and psychologist Dr. Rebecca Ray, In this episode, Beck and I explore the definition of success as an entrepreneur, and how reframing this definition can allow a much more rewarding experience of life. We chat about human beings’ aversion to failure, and how this fear is part of our biology, and the impact this has on business performance. We also look at the importance of sleep and how having a ‘Nanna nap’ can assist you with getting more done in your day! All of this and a truck load more in Episode 27 of the Zen Business Podcast. Enjoy!

This is a high energy conversation with the one and only, Matt Belair. In this episode Simon asks four frequently asked questions by founders, CEO's and small business owners. 1) How do you avoid burn out? 2)What to consider when you feel like trowing in the towel? 3)How do you quieten the monkey mind/switch off? 4)How do you powerfully deal with pressure? Matt also provides an opportunity to grab a free copy of his book, so listen out for that.

In this episode I spoke with Jon Mailer, CEO and Co-Founder of PROTRADE United. Jon has invested over 20,000 hours in his own personal and professional development, and this has led him to be one of the most insightful business coaches and trainers, working with over 2500 entrepreneurs, around the world. In this conversation we explore Jon’s personal rituals for wholistic health and the impact that has on business performance. Jon also shares some personal insight into what led him on the journey of conscious self awareness and how being constantly driven and hustling, nearly cost him his life. It’s a story that I know a lot of you will relate to.

In this episode, our favourite international business coach, Jacob Aldridge is back, for the final two layers of the contextual business plan. Layer 4 & 5 look at systems, and managing expectations to ensure an amazing experience for yourself, your clients and your employees. This episode is packed full a business growth gold.

In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Weihaur Lau, founder of Created Living in San Fransisco. In my chat with Weihaur we discuss his 8 pillar approach to holistic health and wellbeing and he shares some simple practices that you can adopt, to assist you in producing amazing results during and outside of working hours. You can find Weihaur and complete the 8 pillar test online at www.createdliving.com Enjoy!

On today’s show I have a chat on the phone with Sarah Bladen, certified Zen teacher, author and corporate consultant. In this episode we explore how to enhance team performance through mindfulness. How intuition plays a pivotal role in leadership and what you can do to enhance your intuitive nature. And some simple tips on how to bring a little bit more Zen to your workplace. Thank you Sarah for this amazing interview. You can find Sarah at www.oncludzen.com or on Amazon | Practical Zen for Health, Wealth and Mindfulness.

In this episode I have a conversation with Tiffany Leonardo, an amazing Yoga teacher hailing from the NYC now living in California. We discuss honouring the past, loving ALL of who you are (not just the shiny parts) & BEING mindful as opposed to doing mindfulness.

For the 5th Zen Business Class we welcome back Jacob Aldrige from the Business Depot, to walk through the 3rd layer of the contextual business plan. This layer of context is, Resources. Specifically, Operational Roles and Responsibilities, Learning and Development & The Profit Drivers.

On today’s show I have a conversation with clinical psychologist, happiness & wellness expert and brand new mum, Dr Rebecca Ray. This episode is formatted a little differently to the rest… It evolves from an interview to more of an authentic conversation between two good friends. Beck and I share the same commitment and purpose in life and that is to empower people to live a life of fulfilment. The focus of our conversation is on Productivity and more specifically, the context we operate in when it comes to getting stuff done. Enjoy.

This is the highest energy interview that I have ever been a part of! Matt works with Extreme Athletes to transform their fears and self imposed limitations, to have them produce results previously unimaginable. He has written a book called the Zen Athlete, has a world class podcast, travels the world as a seeker knowledge and above all, has an unwavering commitment to be of service to humanity. Matt is the real deal! In this episode Matt shares some very simple meditation and visualisation practices (those used by extreme athletes) that will assist you to transform your business and your life. https://zenathlete.com

Due to popular demand we welcome back to the show our favorite international business coach, part time comedian and my good friend Jacob Aldridge. This is part two of a five part series, where we explore the Contextual Business Plan. If you’re new to the show and you've missed ep.12, Jacob introduced his framework and explained the top layer of context, vision. It's not essential that you listen to it first, however I am confident that you’ll want to after you finish this episode. The second layer of context in the Contextual Business Plan is Strategy... Specifically: - Growth or capacity planning - Your brand promise & - The customer journey. Get out the note pad and pen as this Zen Business Class is packed full of business building gold! One that you’ll want to listen to more than once.

Len is a corporate and personal mindfulness facilitator, coach, and an internationally recognized human behavior and technology consultant. He is a fully ordained Zen priest, mediation teacher, and spiritual leader and provides training, coaching, workshops, and retreats through his organization, 'Zen With Len' He is a best-selling author and teacher and has lectured around the world on human behavior and technology. He has published 3 books on ‘Universal Data Models’ and authored dozens of amazing articles. His mission is a simple one... to raise conscious awareness. In this episode we… discuss an amazingly simple process to improve team and individual performance, company culture, customer experience and in turn bottom line profit. We also chat about the role the heart plays (biologically) on performance and stress and what you can do to allow it operate at it’s optimal level and ultimately, enhance your results. Enjoy!.

Guy is a coach, speaker, podcaster, wellness advocate and entrepreneur. He originally co-founded a natural supplement company called 180 Nutrition in 2010, which eventually went on to became one of Australia’s leading natural proteins. Guy also founded the No.1 ranked iTunes podcast ‘The Health Sessions’ achieving over 2 million downloads. With over ten years in the health and fitness industry, Guy has also explored many facets of health including meditation and neuroscience to create altered states of consciousness, shamanic rituals, cold exposure and breath work to name a few. His latest project ‘Let It In’ is a community based platform that helps people bridge the gap between the life they live and the life they truly want to live. In this episode Guy shares his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur as well as a 5 step morning routine that will dead set change your life. Enjoy!

In this episode we explore the Inside/Out approach to business. How the inner 5-year-old quite often shows up at team meetings and when the pressure’s on! We circle back to one of my favourite conversations … BE – DO – HAVE v’s DO – HAVE – BE. PLUS we chat about the origin of emotional triggers and how to stop them from running your life. This is one of the most authentic and down to earth interviews that I’ve had on this show and I’m confident that as a result, you will find a heap of valuable insights for your life and your business.

In this episode we explore FLOW and how being present is your access to smoother business growth and most importantly, a happier and more fulfilled life. We explore a couple of very simple practices to develop the muscle of mindfulness and discover that your access to flow is catching yourself NOT in flow.

In this episode we’re going to discuss what Jacob calls the Contextual Business Plan, and specifically look at the top layer of context, which looks at the commercial, cultural and wealth vision you have for your business. My goal in this episode is three fold: One, to have the contextual business plan be relevant to ANY business owner or entrepreneur listening, regardless of where you are in your business life cycle or SIZE of your business… Two, to extract as much practical “how to” as I can from Jacob’s Amazing business brain. Three, to have a bit of fun in the process.

In this episode we explore the BLAME GAME… A game that involves three positions, but not always three players. A game that is single handedly responsible for all pain and suffering in the world (big call I know LOL). We also touch on some simple habits to notice when you're unknowingly stuck in the game and to assist you in remembering who you truly are… someone who is more powerful than you could ever imagine.

It this episode, the 2nd Zen Business Class, we are fortunate to have Monica Kade join us once again to explore the components of crafting your brand story. The Zen Business Class episodes are designed to give you practical advice on how to build a business the scales smoothly and sustainably.

In this episode we discuss the mechanics of fear and stress, the impact that has on our effectiveness and more specifically how it limits our view of the world and in turn our potential for producing results. We also explore the ancient brain & how despite the fact that we live in a world free from Sabre Tooth tigers, constant stimulus and distraction we expose ourselves to on a daily basis are a modern day 'snake in the grass'… A very interesting conversation. This episode is packed to the brim of insights that will not only improve the results in your business, but the quality of your life as a whole. Enjoy!

Episode #8 - Uncovering your hidden strengths: Defining your Intangible Competitive Advantage by Simon Bell

In this episode we discuss trusting your gut or intuition and the positive role that can play in your business. We also have a look at the importance of conscious choice and how the words we use shape our experience of life. And… we play the Instagram game for the first time on the show, which digs deeper and adds some context to some of the amazing quotes on Monica's Instagram feed. This is just the highlight of the show and there is a truck load more gold in Monica's wise words, enjoy!

This is the first Zen Business Class and we have kicked of with a foundational conversation for building a world class business. In this episode Simon shares the power of creating an altruistic purpose for your business and the impact that it can have on your clients and your team. Building an organisation that's committed to a greater cause, a higher purpose than JUST profit, is the first step in designing a business that scales smoother, more profitably and provides you a with better experience of life.

Bodhi has been in the conversation of human potential for over 30 years and has clients in over a dozen countries around the world. Bodhi is a Lawyer by profession and in the early stages of his working life, owned serval successful law firms, meaning he has a real world understanding of what it takes to be an entrepreneur. These days Bodhi works with CEO's, Entrepreneurs and Management teams, who are committed to showing up fully both at work and at home! The primary focus of the conversation is flow and how to achieve flow in business. Of course, you can't talk about flow without exploring the foundation distinction of purpose, in both the personal and business context We also explored the notion of the masculine and feminine energies that exist in us all and how to harness them to experience life in its fullest. There is so much gold in this conversation, so it may be one that you listen to more than once.

I had the honour and privilege of chatting with Tenshin Rohshi… who is the Abbot and Co-Founder of the Yokoji Zen Mountain centre in Southern California. In this episode we discuss a 'Zen Approach' to stress as a business owner, the notion of attachment, as well as some sage advice on where to start in your meditation practice. Now, given Tenshin lives in the mountains where the internet is a little hit and miss, we recorded this episode over the phone, so it may not be as clear as previous episode. Please bare with it as Tenshin is a beautiful human being who shares some very simple yet very wise words.

Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Lorna Patten. Recognised as an expert transformational coach and mentor, Lorna rigorously questions the way things 'are' and challenges you to think differently about everything. She will confront you with breathtaking truths that are truly life changing and will inspire you to show up fully as the magnificent being you truly are. In this episode we chat about how, as human beings we create the WHOLE of our own reality and that the first step in causing transformation, is telling the entire truth, not just to others... But to yourself. I am very confident that you’ll enjoy this episode,

Waveny is renowned speaker in the field of health, in particularly Chinese medicine and written and present papers to some of the major health institutions around Australia. She is the current chair of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association and holds both a bachelors and masters degree in health science and tradition Chinese medicine. Above all that she is one amazing individual. I invited Waveny to be a guest on the show as she is without a doubt one of the most present human beings I have ever met. In this conversation we also explore the distinction of Being V’s Doing as well as happiness and joy in the everyday. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.

Welcome to episode #1 of the Zen Business Podcast. In this episode Simon interviews Dr Rebecca Ray & discuss's New Year's resolutions, the dangers of "Drive", "Hustle" and "Grind" as well as simple yet highly effective practice for enhancing personal power and providing you with greater piece of mind. Dr Beck has a book coming out in March which you can pre-order on amazon (see the link below). https://www.amazon.com/Be-Happy-Powerful-Personal-Wellbeing/dp/1631064894/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513093556&sr=1-1&keywords=rebecca+ray+be+happy)