Ambitious Minds (Jay Lawrence)

At just 30 years old, Tom was already living off the passive income from his property portfolio. Yet, he found himself craving more. Now he's starting a fresh chapter, on the journey to building a successful Financial Advisory business from scratch.

Expect to learn what books have been influential in Tom's journey, whether income from property is actually passive, Tom's advice for starting a business, how to meet new people and grow your network, overcoming procrastination, and his advice for finding for the optimum work life balance.

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Giulia has an incredibly impressive CV, having worked for three of the Premier League’s most successful football clubs; Manchester Utd, Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Italian and European giant AC Milan.

Giulia has experienced exponential career growth by embracing new challenges every few years. She was voted one of the 30 under 30 NextGen Leaders in the Sports Industry. She’s a force of nature at such a young age and is certainly destined to be a future leader. 

Expect to learn how Giulia stumbled into this career, what made her decide that being an entrepreneur wasn’t the route for her, the characteristics that she believes make a great leader, overcoming imposter syndrome, using therapy as a tool to accelerate her career, plus much much more. 

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In this episode I sit down with Ashley Bailey, the personal trainer who turned his passion for weight training into a dream career, sculpting the bodies of celebrity Hollywood actors.

When the pandemic disrupted life as we knew it, Ashley found himself living on a movie set and training the cast of Jurassic World Dominion. Earning a reputation for delivering results for his clients, he organically expanded his clientele through referrals, leading him to work with actors from the TV series Ted Lasso.

Although we aimed to avoid delving too deeply into the intricacies of training, Ashley is so knowledgeable and articulate around the subject that I wanted to get some actionable tips for listeners to take away.

Expect to learn Ashley's 6 simple exercises for building muscle whilst training less, 1 unexpected tip for improving mental health whilst burning calories, the mistakes people make when trying to lose weight, and the power of keeping an open mind in unlocking countless opportunities.

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In this episode I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my brother, George Lawrence, AKA Studio Lawrence, who turned his side-hustle into a full-time business. 

George was working in the fashion industry but decided to pursue his passion for painting during the pandemic and his artwork can now be found in the homes of many of the world’s most recognisable musicians, footballers and celebrities, and has been featured in publications such as Living Etc, House & Garden, The Times, The Telegraph, and GQ.

Expect to learn how George grew his online brand, the challenges he faced during the initial years of business, how he balances this with being a recent parent, how he channels his internal self-critic into creating new styles, plus much much more.

Instagram - @Studio.Lawrence

Website - www.studio-lawrence.co.uk

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In this episode, I am excited to be joined by Giovina, the founder of Tapistelar, a rug company that combines Colombian craftsmanship and tradition with Italian luxury design.

Giovina’s story is as unique as it is inspiring, starting as a holiday which led to her working and living in Colombia. It was here that she fell in love with the artisan skillset of rug making, and saw an opportunity to bring these items to homes and spaces all around the world.

What I found most inspiring during this conversation was the passion with which Giovina spoke about the Colombian families she works with, her clients and her products. She has such a beautiful outlook on life, which is centred around having a positive impact on local communities, and this wonderful mentality has helped her to create a truly sustainable business.

Expect to hear Giovina's advice for budding entrepreneurs, the challenges of growing a business whilst preserving its identity, the struggle of delegating tasks, maintaining a work-life balance, plus some entertaining stories about importing her products through customs.

Instagram - @tapistelar

Website - www.tapistelar.com

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Sam Slack is a 2x British Natural Bodybuilding Champion and Online Coach.

Sam's story is a testament to the power of mindset and determination. He has a truly motivational story, starting his journey working as a delivery driver before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. His journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered he was about to become a father just as he embarked on his business venture.

Sam’s life is driven by an unwavering commitment to self-improvement and he shares his insights on visualisation, manifestation, and the transformative power of mindset coaching for unlocking his clients' full potential.

Expect to learn Sam's journey to starting his own business, investing in a business coach, his biggest sources of inspiration, reflecting on the most challenging moments in his career, the importance of having mentors, his all or nothing mentality, plus much, much more...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samslackfit

Website - https://www.samslackfitness.com

Get In Touch:

https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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How many times have we heard the expression “it’s not rocket science”?

Well, in this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Alessandro Ferreri, a real-life rocket scientist.

I’ve been looking forward to this episode for a while. Ale has one of the coolest and unique jobs on the planet and he is working in the field of space engineering at such an exciting time for the industry.

It was fascinating to learn more about Ale’s job, the pathway into his career, and the role he and his employer are playing in trying to clean up man-made debris from space.

Ale also talks about his inspiration to be a space engineer, his views on human settlement in space, what a day in the life of a space engineer looks like, if he would like to visit another planet, whether billionaires are a positive influence in space exploration, plus much much more. 

I consider myself fortunate to have Ale as a friend, allowing me to constantly learn from his expertise. I hope you find this episode as enjoyable to listen to as I did to record.

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In this episode, I’m excited to share the story of Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, a sustainable sports apparel company that transforms plastic into high-performance sportswear.

As a day job, Rory is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Icons Series, a concept that brings together world class athletes from various sports to compete in a unique golf tournament.

It’s so inspiring listening to Rory speak, as he is clearly very passionate about driving genuine change in the garments industry, with an ambition to make sports apparel more sustainable. He speaks about the scale of single use plastic in the fashion industry, which completely blew my mind.

Fortunately, Reflo is pioneering positive change, and the company recently raised £1m in funding to grow the business, including investment from one the world’s most elite footballers.

If you’ve been thinking about making small changes to reduce your use of plastic, come and join me in this conversation with Rory to learn how Reflo is making a difference in the fashion industry.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/refloofficial

Website - https://reflo.com/

Get In Touch:

https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Brearey, former elite athlete and co-founder of Accessercise, a fitness app specifically designed to improve health and fitness within the disabled community.

Astonishingly, around 15% of the global population suffer from disabilities, which is more than 1 billion people and Accessercise is on a mission to improve access and resources for a healthier and longer life.

Expect to learn how the Covid pandemic inspired the creation of this idea, Sam’s journey from aspiring Olympic athlete to facing setbacks during the Olympic trials, the challenges of finding a new purpose after sport, growing his company internationally, plus much, much more.

If you know anybody that would benefit from listening to this episode, all I ask is that you take a moment to share this with them and help by spreading the incredible work that Sam and his Co-founder are doing. Thank you x

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/accessercise/?hl=en-gb

Website - https://accessercise.com/

Get In Touch:

https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m excited to be joined by Daniel Smith, a serial entrepreneur with business ventures spanning home security, property, glazing, sliding doors, solar and green technology. 

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, Dan didn’t see any other option once he left university and jumped straight into the world of business at the age of 21. This episode perfectly encapsulates Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit and he shares the challenges and rewards of starting, building, selling and giving away businesses.

This episode covers Dan’s experiences in various businesses, from challenges to successes. This discussion encompass the importance of values, family, work-life balance, navigating business challenges, embracing new ventures, networking, scaling businesses, and the significance of passion and learning from mistakes in entrepreneurial pursuits.

Expect to learn Dan’s journey into the business world, how Dan feels about employing staff, the truth about property development, his simple advice for achieving a work life balance, the importance of high quality service in building a successful business, plus much much more.

Can you believe we’re already on episode 10? It’s been such an incredible journey and the podcast has already been listened to in 20 different countries. 

I am so grateful to each and every one of you for supporting me on this journey so far. Without your support in sharing the show, this growth wouldn’t have been possible and I thank each and every one of you. To keep this show growing, I would be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a review and share this with somebody who you think would benefit from a bit of inspiration right now.

Thank you x

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This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Lisa Meller, a former solicitor who made a career change to become a financial advisor, driven by her own challenges in finding somebody relatable, with only 1 in 6 financial advisors being female.

In this conversation, Lisa shares her approach to financial advice, which is centred around her passion for trying to bridge the financial gender gap. But Lisa's story doesn’t stop there. She's an entrepreneur and explains how she made the jump from solicitor to building her own financial advice business. She also gives us an insight into a wellness retreat she set up with friends that integrates financial education.

Throughout our discussion, Lisa offers invaluable advice, from financial planning strategies for high earners, to the considerations for women navigating career breaks to start a family, including a particularly interesting view on pension contributions during maternity leave.

So, whether you're seeking financial guidance, contemplating a career shift, or simply eager for inspiration, I think you’ll really enjoy this conversation with Lisa. And remember, if you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please make sure you spread the show and play your part in improving financial education.

Website - https://www.personalfinancemovement.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/personal_finance_movement/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-meller-dipfa-03563298/

Get In Touch:

https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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Have you ever found yourself in a negative spiral, but wondered how you got there?

Mind Data is a tech startup that helps people track their mental health trends and provide real-time insights, helping individuals, corporations and universities to take data-driven and proactive steps to improve mental wellbeing. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Sean Ruane, Mind Data's Founder and CEO.

Sean’s mission is amazing, with an objective to improve the mental health of 1 million people across the globe. But his motivation comes from a place of personal tragedy and dealing with his own mental health challenges. Sean opens up about his experience, and explains how this has formed his life purpose. In addition to this, Sean is a natural entrepreneur and has experimented with multiple business in his life, as well as as joining a startup as employee number 1 and remaining with the company until it was acquired, and then turned his focus onto building his own startup.

Expect to learn how Sean overcame own his mental health challenges, what it was like working for a startup in the founder’s spare bedroom, the journey to creating his own startup, how Mind Data uses AI, his advice to fellow entrepreneurs on living without regrets, and being aggressive with business ideas.

I think its fair to say that everyone has struggled in one way or another with their own mental health challenges, no matter how small they are, and its very inspiring to hear about the ways that Sean and his team are trying to address this. 

If you'd like to learn more about Sean and Mind Data's journey, please follow the links below:

Website - https://www.minddata.io/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mind_data/

Get In Touch:

https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve heard the term lab-grown diamond but you’re curious or even skeptical about what they are, I’ve got a great guest for you in this week’s episode of the Ambitious Minds podcast.

I am very excited to be joined by Akhil Bakhai, Managing Director at Labon, a supplier of lab grown diamonds to the European diamond industry. Labon has a great story, having partnered with a 100% renewable diamond lab that grows and polishes diamonds with a zero carbon footprint.

Expect to learn:

• What a lab grown diamond actually is.
• How they differ from natural diamonds.
• The shocking fact about how long they take to grow.
• Whether there are any environmental or ethical benefits for choosing lab grown diamonds.
• Plus a really helpful guide for people buying an engagement ring for their partner.

I’m super grateful to Akhil for sharing his experience in the diamond industry; this is something which I had very little knowledge about and I feel I learnt so much during this conversation.

360 Tour - https://360tour.greenlab.diamonds/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-bakhai-a5459a232/?originalSubdomain=be

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As transformations go, there aren’t many more inspiring stories than Brad’s; a creative individual who found himself stifled working in the finance industry. 

It was actually a holiday in the Philippines that inspired him to change career and become a freelance photographer. Within just 4 years, his portfolio includes photos of will.i.am, Demi Lovato, Matthew McConaughey, The Foo Fighters, and most recently, The Hardest Geezer as he crossed the finish line in Africa.

Brad’s photography business, The Snapshot People, started with just 2 people and a camera phone, and has now grown into a business that’s ranked number 1 in Europe on Bark.com, with Brad and his team being flown all over the world for work.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Brad. In fact, he had already quit his job to start this business just as the Covid pandemic hit. 

Expect to learn:

• How Brad made this business work despite a global lockdown
• How he booked his first client
• His advice for people scaling up their businesses
• What Brad believes sets him apart from his competitors
• How he managed to secure a contract for The Hardest Geezer, plus much much more. 

This conversation with Brad is testament to the importance of hard work and perseverance when starting a business, and Brad has insights for everyone, whether you’re considering changing career, scaling up your business, or you simply want to hear the stories along the way. 

Website - https://www.bark.com/en/gb/company/the-snapshot-people/Lgq9D/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/worldgreen/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesnapshotpeople/

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you'd told me 10 years ago that my old colleague who worked in finance with me would be cutting my hair before recording a podcast together, I would have called you crazy!

But in this week's episode, I am excited to be joined by Liam Leahy, the Mustdash Barber, who made a bold decision at the age of 28 to quit his job working in the city and train to become a barber. 

In this conversation, Liam explains how he felt so depressed and anxious going into work that he felt physically sick, but has now found the thing that he’s truly passionate about, and just two years into his new career, Liam won the Barber of the Year competition for 2024!

Expect to learn:

• What steps Liam took to turn his life around.
• How he transferred skills from his previous role into his barbering business.
• Growing his network to include some of the world’s best barbers.
• The significant role social media has played in growing his new brand.
• The importance that preparation as a key to success, plus much much more.

This was such a cool episode for me because this was the first time me and Liam had seen each other in around 10 years, and we’ve gone from working in the finance industry together, to Liam cutting my hair before recording a podcast episode.

It was quite a surreal moment and I’m so pleased to see Liam feeling so happy and fulfilled in his new career!

If you'd like to check out Liam's work, you can find him using the following links:

https://www.instagram.com/themustdashbarber/

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode. I’m thrilled to be joined by my good friend Rich Hine, the founder of British Polo Gin, an organic gin company based in the Cotswolds.

I’ve been looking forward to recording this episode for a while, as Rich and I have been discussing business ideas since we met in 2019. In fact, he was a significant influence on my decision to start this podcast.

Rich is the epitome of a down-to-earth businessman, and he openly shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, starting his business right after university and figuring it out as he went along.

In this episode, Rich reveals his strategy for breaking into Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most prestigious food and drinks retailers. He talks about the scary times of running a hospitality business during the Covid pandemic, pivoting to produce hand sanitiser for the NHS, and diversifying his business model multiple times.

He also offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, and shares a hilarious story about his attempt to flip a classic car, another of his business ventures.

If you enjoy this episode, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to hit the follow button. It really helps grow the show and ensures you never miss out on these inspiring conversations.

Website - https://www.britishpologin.co.uk/why-british-polo-gin-is-so-good

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/britishpologin

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Patrick Watts - Author, Financial Adviser, Business Founder and Academic.

Patrick, the author of 'The End of the American Empire', was recently named as Author of the Month by Graham Hancock.

In our discussion, we dive into the contents of Patrick's book, exploring his perspectives on American politics, his views on Donald Trump re-entering the presidential race, why he believes Americans can’t agree on politics, the importance of protecting democracy, and his proposed solutions for change.

We also delve into Patrick's background, his motivations for writing the book, how he balances his career with ongoing education, the process of writing and publishing a book, and the core values that guide him through life.

This was an enlightening conversation that went in multiple directions, and Patrick has so many interesting insights… ranging from his views on American and global politics, the process for self-publishing a book, to his values for living a positive life.

Website - https://www.patrickwattsbooks.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/patrickwattsbooks/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-watts-4b5874289/

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Charlotte Lafferty, the owner and founder of Think Talent Partners.

Charlotte has a fascinating career that began in a cold-calling recruitment role and eventually led her to Amsterdam, where she started her own business advising startups and scale up to build successful teams.

Charlotte shares her journey, which includes the challenges she faced as a recruitment agent during the financial crisis and how she overcame the setback of having her job offer rescinded after moving to a new country.

This episode offers valuable advice for anyone at a crossroads in their career, and you can expect to learn:

03:01 University and Career Choices

09:54 Startup Culture and Talent Retention

20:27 Starting a Business During COVID

27:33 Networking and Building a Client Base

32:55 Navigating Career Transitions

34:37 Crafting Successful Job Applications

37:52 Making Yourself Indispensable to Your Boss

43:08 Salary Negotiation Tips

49:18 Knowing Your Value and Asking For It

52:30 Working in the Netherlands vs. the UK

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottelafferty/?originalSubdomain=nl

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Adam Ashe, a former professional rugby player and co-founder of Puresport.

Adam shares his journey, which includes the physical hurdles he overcame as a professional athlete, and how the discipline and resilience he developed in sports paved the way for his success in business. This episode is a perfect example of how solving personal problems can lead to great business ideas.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone navigating their career and you'll learn about:

01:49 Adam's Early Ambitions

07:15 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

11:40 Professional Rugby Journey Begins

15:15 Training Camp and Proving Himself

20:00 First Scotland Cap and Injury Struggles

36:40 Starting Puresport: The Catalyst and Early Days

54:55 Moving to LA and Business Decisions

55:40 Raising Funds and Business Growth

01:05:00 Navigating Early Challenges at Puresport

01:16:45 Balancing Multiple Ventures

01:24:10 Advice for Athletes Transitioning from Sport

This was a fascinating conversation and you really get a glimpse into the mind of a person who has not only achieved a lifetime worth of success at such a young age, but understand the personal journey of self discovery along the way.

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/adam-ashe-8a365612b

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adamashe_/

Get In Touch:

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I’m joined by… ME.

I've received a number of questions about my story, so to mark this significant milestone of 20 episodes, I thought I would turn the spotlight onto me.

I talk about my career journey, how and why I started a podcast, the surprising barriers to entry, reflecting on how I can improve, my unsustainable work-life balance, my opinion on university, plus my advice to people leaving school today. 

Expect to hear:

04.00 Early Aspirations

07.30 Career Transitions

14.45 My Superpower

22.30 How to Start a Podcast

40.30 The Importance of Having Options

41.30 Chasing Success and Personal Development

44.00 Podcast Achievements

47.45 Balancing Work, Life, and Personal Projects

01:02.30 Advice for School Leavers and Career Choices

01:10.30 The Value of Non-Traditional Paths

01:12.45 Embracing Uniqueness

I’d love to get more feedback from you, especially regarding guests you want to hear from. No matter who they are, let me know who you'd like on the show, and I will reach out to them.

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imposter Syndrome is a common trait among high achievers and has been a recurring theme with many of the guests I’ve interviewed so far, and there's a good chance you’ve experienced this at some point in your life.

That's why, in this week’s episode, I’m excited to welcome Romy van der Merwe, an imposter syndrome and career coach.

Romy shares her own journey of battling imposter syndrome, despite her impressive achievements as a competitive international swimmer—once ranked 11th in the world—and a successful real estate agent.

She discusses her own struggles, and offers practical advice for identifying and managing imposter syndrome with a few simple yet effective strategies.

I found this conversation incredibly insightful, and many of Romy's points resonated deeply with me, such as being a perfectionist, struggling with self-doubt, and always feeling rushed.

I really hope you find this discussion as helpful as I did and that you take away some valuable advice that helps you unlock your true potential.

And if you do find this episode helpful, all I ask is one favour - please could you share this podcast with a likeminded ambitious friend as it will really help me to grow the show.

Expect to learn:

03.00 The Struggles of Perfectionism

06.30 Imposter Syndrome in High Achievers

11.15 Personal and Professional Impacts

12.00 Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

15.30 Recognising and Addressing Imposter Syndrome

29.00 Building Confidence: The First Steps

39.00 Office Tips for a Productive Day

43.00 Overcoming Perfectionism

52.00 Advice for the Younger Self

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/romyvcoaching/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/romyvcoaching/

Website - https://romyvcoaching.ca/

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m super excited to be joined by Tom Merrick; an online fitness coach and YouTuber with over 1 million subscribers and 100 million views.

I've been following Tom’s videos for the last four years during my own journey to improve flexibility since the pandemic. This episode showcases the power of the internet, as I’ve learned so much from Tom’s online content, and now we had the opportunity to record a podcast together.

In this episode, Tom shares his journey from editing online gaming videos in university to creating fitness content nearly a decade ago, driven by passion and a desire to help others.

He discusses his approach to content creation, strategies for monetising on YouTube, why some videos perform better than others, and the surprising workings of YouTube.

This episode is especially relevant in today’s world, where many people are trying to monetise social media. Tom provides plenty of tips for newcomers from his decade-long experience in the space.

I highly recommend checking out Tom’s YouTube channel, which is packed with valuable health and fitness content.

Expect to hear:

02.30 Early YouTube Days and Growth

04.15 Combining Passions: Fitness and Creativity

06.30 Starting a Career in Fitness

09.00 Monetising YouTube and Coaching

11.15 Creating Valuable Content

15:15 Advice for Aspiring YouTubers

31.30 Balancing Privacy and Fame

33.30 Ambitions and Goals

36.00 Diversifying Interests

40.15 The Importance of Asking for Help

45.00 Working for Yourself

50.15 Fitness and Longevity

Connect with Tom: 

YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0DZhN-8KFLYO6beSaYljg

Instagram - www.instagram.com/thebodyweightwarrior/

Website - www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode I’m joined by Joe Haynes, the founder of Penzer Wines, a fine wine importer, and co-owner of Cloth Restaurant, an incredible new restaurant in central London. 

I met Joe when visiting the restaurant, and when I discovered he was the owner I wanted to understand how this young man had started his own restaurant. 

Joe opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his experience working on vineyards across Europe. He also talks about the early days of balancing a full-time job while building his wine import business in the evenings. Joe offers a number of fantastic insights for entrepreneurs, including the importance of finding the right team, securing investment for both businesses, how he found the location in central London, and the key ingredients that have made opening the restaurant a success.

Whether you’re curious about the food and wine industry or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons for everyone, and I’m so grateful to Joe for sharing his insights.

04.00 Starting the Wine Business

08.30 Challenges and Successes in Wine Importing

19.30 Opening a Restaurant: The Journey Begins

29.00 Facing Pre-Opening Jitters

30.00 The Power of Word of Mouth and PR

38:45 Future Plans and Expansion

42:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life

45.30 Lessons Learned

Cloth Restaurant

Instagram - www.instagram.com/clothrestaurant

Website - www.clothrestaurants.com

Penzer Wines

Instagram - www.instagram.com/Penzer_Wines

Website - www.penzer-wines.uk

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Piers Dickinson, founder of Hyde & Hare, a luxury interiors e-commerce brand inspired by the Danish Hygge lifestyle.

Piers's entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager buying and selling shoes on eBay. He eventually launched Hyde & Hare after a serendipitous conversation with Liz Hurley at a safari lodge in Kenya.

Piers talks about the challenges of starting and scaling a business, from packaging products at his kitchen table to expanding the brand internationally, sourcing high-quality products, and dealing with lawsuits from some of the world's biggest fashion brands.

He also reflects on the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and his ambitions for growing Hyde & Hare.

If you've ever considered starting your own e-commerce brand, this episode is a must-listen. Piers shares not only the successes but also the challenges he’s faced, providing valuable insights to help you on your journey.

Expect to learn:

03.00 Starting Hyde & Hare 

04.30 Building the Brand 

09.20 Kenya Experience and Inspiration 

11.30 Launching CDC Collections 

16.15 Challenges and Growth 

25.30 Understanding SEO Basics 

28.00 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 

29.20 Balancing Work and Life 

35.15 Scaling the Business 

49.30 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 

Hyde & Hare

Website - www.hydeandhare.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/hydeandhare

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m excited to be joined by Neil Gill, a restaurateur and property developer who has spent most of his career working for himself.

In our conversation, you'll get a glimpse into the mind of a natural entrepreneur, as Neil creates 2 business plans on the spot, including how to start a business with ZERO capital.

He also shares insights from his experience working alongside Alan Yao, the founder of Wagamama, and explains how he created this opportunity for himself. 

Neil reflects on the biggest risks he has taken throughout his career, his relentless pursuit of new opportunities, opening his first restaurant, and how he unexpectedly fell into his current business. 

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone considering starting their own business, and Neil shares the honest truth about what it takes to work for yourself.

Expect to learn:

02:30 From Sports Dreams to Hospitality

11:30 The Harsh Realities of Business in London

14:00 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Motivations and Misconceptions

25:30 Working Alongside the Founder of Wagamama

44:45 Building a Business With ZERO Capital

48:00 The Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship

49:00 The Reality of Running a Business

50:45 Corporate Life vs. Entrepreneurship

51:15 Business Ideas and Execution

01:00:00 Risks in Entrepreneurship

01:15:00 Defining Success

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Oli and Ash, the founders of Sipp’d, a craft soda brand that, now that you’ve heard of it, you’ll start seeing everywhere!

Their journey is an inspiring one — two accountants who decided to leave their careers behind and launch a business together in November 2019, just before the Covid pandemic struck.

We dive into the challenges they faced during that uncertain time, how they adapted when the pandemic hit, and how they scaled the business despite numerous challenges. We also explore the realities of being your own boss and what sets their product apart from traditional sodas.

Oli and Ash share invaluable advice on bootstrapping a business, using social media for free marketing, and the lessons they've learned along the way—offering guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.

They also discuss the exciting opportunities for challenger brands in today’s market, and I hope this conversation inspires you on your own journey.

Expect to learn:

05.30 The Birth of a Business Idea

07.15 Quitting Jobs and Starting Fresh

09.25 Navigating COVID Challenges

12.40 Early Sales and Market Strategies

15.05 Growth and Expansion

17.35 Balancing Work and Personal Life

23.25 Product Development and Refinement

26.00 Manufacturing Process Insights

33.30Craft Beer Collaboration

35.00 Business Evolution and Goals

36.40 Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

39.40 The Importance of Resilience

41.30 The Power of Partnerships

53.15 Navigating Sales and Rejection

56.25 The Role of Social Media

Sipp'd

Website - www.sippd.co.uk

Instagram - www.instagram.com/sippd_drinks

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that 80% of the world’s workforce does not sit behind a desk, and these people are often overlooked by traditional HR platforms that provide necessary functions such as your payslip, holiday schedule, or employee information.

Simon Ellis is the CEO and Co-Founder of Jem, an innovative technology company that has developed a game-changing solution that makes essential HR functions accessible via WhatsApp. Already trusted by over 115,000 users every month, Jem is revolutionising the way non-desk workers interact with HR.

In this episode, we dive deep into Simon’s entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Jem, and his ambitious vision for integrating even more daily tasks into WhatsApp. We explore how Simon plans to scale Jem to $100 million in revenue by 2030 and his people-first leadership approach, which helps employees discover their ‘genius zones.’

This conversation goes beyond business strategy—we discuss personal fulfilment, professional growth, work-life balance, authenticity, and the value of true partnerships. Simon also shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs, including his favourite podcasts and the book he’s gifted to over 100 people.

If you’re new to the podcast and enjoyed this episode, please hit the follow button and leave a review. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us grow and improve the show.

04:00 Priority Shifts in Your 30s

07:50 Starting the Business

09:35 Empowering Employees

12:17 Challenges and Growth

23:40 WhatsApp as a Business Tool

31:00 Partnership Dynamics

43:57 The Role of Advisors and Mentors

44:22 The Importance of Vulnerability

45:27 Learning from Successful People

48:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life

54:51 Building Authentic Personal Brands

01:06:33 Living an Extraordinary Life

01:12:01 Book Recommendations and Inspirations

Discover Jem

Website - https://www.jemhr.com/

Follow Simon

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-reid-ellis?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booking a physio appointment is one of those things we know we should do but we rarely actually do it.

In this episode, I’m joined by David Thomas, the founder of Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance.

David’s career has taken some fascinating turns, from working with NHS patients to treating elite athletes, including footballers, rugby players, and Olympic competitors.

We dive into what it's like to work in the NHS, David's thoughts on areas for improvement, and the contrasts between public and private sector work. 

We also explore the true benefits of physiotherapy and David's approach to getting rid of pain for good — spoiler alert - these don’t include the quick fixes you see online.

David shares his journey of starting a business from scratch and offers practical strategies for finding clients, the can be applied across any industry.

Expect to learn

03:30 Dave's Journey into Physiotherapy

06:10 Working in the NHS: Challenges and Insights

09:00 Preventative vs. Reactive Healthcare

15:40 Building a Physiotherapy Business

38:35 Networking and Business Growth Strategies

50:10 Starting a Business: The Hard Work Behind the Scenes

52:40 Challenges of Competing in a Big City

57:40 Outsourcing and Focusing on Strengths

01:07:45 Advice for Aspiring Physiotherapists

01:18:15 The Value of Professional Help

Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance

Website - www.kaizenphysio.co.uk/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/kaizen.physiotherapy/

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s must-listen episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Harry Kimberley-Bowen, co-founder of Spacebands and the 2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

From selling sweets in school to funding his final year at university with a sustainable fruit juice business, Harry is a natural entrepreneurial.

When the pandemic hit, Harry and his best friend Ronan acted fast; instead of sitting enjoying the sunshine like everybody else, they launched a social distancing wearable device that quickly became a success, earning ten times his annual salary in just the first year.

Listen as Harry recounts the challenges and successes of starting a business from their spare bedroom, including a hilarious story from their early shipping days. We also explore how Spacebands pivoted from a social-distancing product to a workplace safety device.

Harry shares actionable insights on leveraging LinkedIn Sales Navigator to pitch to Angel investors and negotiating with venture capitalists, even with no prior experience. 

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and stories that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit the follow button and leave a review — it really helps the show grow and reach more listeners!

Expect to hear:

03:00 First Entrepreneurial Venture: Frugly

04:45 The Birth of Space Bands

08:30 Rapid Growth and Challenges

13:00 Navigating the Pandemic and Scaling Up

16:20 Expanding Product Features and Market

31:20 Strategies for Attracting Angel Investors

35:40 Transitioning to VC Investment

38:25 Negotiating with VCs

41:20 The Importance of Resilience and Passion

51:00 Balancing Work and Life as a Founder

56:55 Advice for Entrepreneurs

Discover Spacebands

Website - www.spacebands.com

Follow Harry

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/harrykimberley-bowen

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that ceremonial-grade cacao, the purest form of chocolate, has a range of health benefits? From improved sleep and heart health to lower stress, better skin, and a natural mood boost. 

This product has been used for centuries, but what you find on the shelves today is far from its natural form.

In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Adam and Ash, the founders of Nature’s Joint.

As well as exploring the benefits of Cacao, we get into a deeper conversation about the importance of ethical business practices that empower local communities and resist exploitation by large corporations, and why buying from small businesses is beneficial for your health and the environment.

02:35 Health Benefits of Cacao

05:20 Historical Context of Chocolate

08:05 Starting the Business

16:55 Challenges in Importing

29:40 Marketing and Growth Strategies

34:32 Ethical Sourcing

35:00 Benefits of Buying from Small Businesses

39:02 Marketing and Authenticity

45:28 Investment and Maintaining Values

54:42 Purpose and Passion in Business

Discover Nature's Joint

Website - www.naturesjointcacao.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/naturesjointcacao/?hl=en

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kane and Ashley from Progressive Media, the UK's largest podcast agency and hosts of the Podcaster's Podcast.

We dive into their personal journeys - from building a successful podcast agency in their 20s to the unexpected way Kane met one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs, who later became his boss. Plus, hear how Ashley skipped university to start a dropshipping business.

Kane and Ashley share practical advice on making yourself invaluable to your boss, why Gen Z may be both the smartest and laziest generation, and why owning a business is essential for building wealth.

This episode sheds light on the power of alternative career paths and how leveraging social media and podcasting can fast-track your career and drive business growth, providing tips and advice for podcasters starting out and looking to monetise their shows today.

Expect to learn:

07:15 Personal Backgrounds: Kane and Ash’s Journeys

18:25 The Value of Networking

20:10 Is Traditional Education Broken?

25:26 The Power of Saying Yes

34:23 Choosing a Career Path: The Butterfly Effect

36:15 Unexpected Opportunities and Networking

39:28 Podcasting: Opportunities

44:00 Monetising Podcasts

59:00 Why I Started a Podcast

01:10:52 The Influence of Content and Branding

01:12:10 Generational Differences

01:19:24 The Value of Taking Action

01:20:46 Surrounding Yourself with Successful People

01:36:23 The Benefits of Working for Startups

Discover The Podcasters Podcast:

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-podcasters-podcast/id1592722911

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1J0o08QsXXgWIN9mzZblvS

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcfBOaemNBEnfFQa9LSEMBg/videos

Get In Touch:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Mitch Hahn, the captain of Team GB football team, who made an unexpected transition into the world of accountancy following his time as a professional footballer.

Mitch recounts his accidental journey into accountancy, where he began working with Mark Norden, his boss and mentor who helped him unlock his full potential. 

He ultimately rose through the ranks, becoming the CEO of Nordens and has transformed the company into more than just an accountancy practice, driving a focus on helping businesses and owners achieve their potential. 

We also discuss how Mitch made himself indispensable to the company, his approach to hiring people, his leadership style that empowers his staff, and how he completed changed the company’s core values.

This conversation covers a wide range of topics, from Mitch’s early ambitions as a young footballer to his deep passion for helping others succeed. Mitch’s story is inspirational and a testament to the value of hard work and taking action.

Expect to learn

02:10 The Value of Sports in Personal Development

05:52 Personal Reflections on Sports and Mindset

18:58 Transitioning from Sports to Business

21:58 Mentorship and Personal Growth

31:56 The Journey to Becoming a CEO

36:01 Building a Successful Business

44:50 Becoming CEO During a Crisis

46:45 Leadership and Team Dynamics

49:01 Work-Life Balance and Employee Wellbeing

53:05 Leadership Insights: Adapting and Inspiring

59:46 A Fresh Approach to Business Development

01:02:07 How Nordens Helps Transform Businesses

01:10:15 Core Values: The Heart of the Business

01:17:04 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth

Discover Nordens and Mitch

Website - www.nordens.co.uk

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/nordens-chartered-accountants-&-business-advisers/

Follow Mitch on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mitchhahn/

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know LinkedIn is essential for business growth; whether you're looking to land new clients, scale your business, or secure the best talent in the market. Yet, many of us aren't leveraging its full potential. 

In this week's episode, I'm joined by James Farnfield, founder of Shake Content, an agency that helps businesses build authority, grow awareness and drive pipeline on LinkedIn.

Whether you're a business owner striving for growth or an individual looking to enhance your profile, it's crucial to know what, when, and how to communicate with your audience.

James’s online content is brilliant, and in this episode, he shares valuable strategies to ensure your content stands out and meets your goals.

We also get to explore James's career journey and the experiences that led him to starting his own agency.

Expect to learn:

02:40 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

04:37 University and Career Aspirations

07:18 Starting a Business During COVID

10:28 Transition to Marketing Consultancy

22:58 The Power of LinkedIn for Business Growth

36:55 Creating a Content Strategy

38:04 The ICE Framework for Content Creation

46:04 The Importance of Authenticity

50:55 Building Connections Through Social Media

58:23 Future Plans and Business Growth

Discover James and Shake Content

Website - www.shakecontent.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-farnfield 

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK used to be a place where opportunity could thrive, but something feels a bit different recently.

In this weeks episode, I’m joined by David Belle, the founder of Fink.Money.

In this conversation we discuss a wide range of topics, including social issues within the UK, housing inequality, the real issue with politicians and whether moving abroad is the solution.

We also cover the dangers of building a business with external capital, how Fink can improve your chances of being hired by an investment bank, how David successfully built multiple social media channels, and the benefits of lifestyle changes such as quitting alcohol for productivity. 

Finally David provides his solutions to bring ambition back to the UK! 

02:13 Unintended Consequences of Political Decisions  

05:42 The Role of Monetary Policy in Market Volatility  

07:27 Addressing Inequality: Land Values and Economic Policies  

11:44 The UK's Lack of Ambition and Cultural Observations  

23:31 Is it Time To Leave the UK?

25:28 Drinking Culture and Low Testosterone 

37:34 Business Fraud and Lessons Learned  

50:31 Advertising and Organic Growth  

53:03 Growing Multiple Successful Social Media Channels  

57:06 How Fink.Money has Helped Students Get Hired  

01:09:39 Business Ambitions

01:18:05 How to Fix The UK

Follow David & Fink.Money

Website - www.fink.money

X - https://x.com/finkmoney_

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fink.tok

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Nicolò Donà dalle Rose, a friend who works for a start-up in the space industry.

This episode really encapsulates the concept of ambitious minds, as our conversation recreates the kind of dinner table chat you’d have with your friends - genuine talk about work, life, and ambitions.

In this episode, Nico shares his journey from studying international politics, to landing in the space industry, whilst giving us a glimpse into how Loft Orbital is reducing the barriers for sending satellite missions into space.

We also discuss the importance of mentors and relationships for personal and professional development, Nico’s passion for learning, how he landed a job working for a space startup, and his core principles for living a successful life. 

Expect to learn:

02:42 Early Career and Education  

06:28 Transition to the Space Industry  

09:09 Transferrable Skills to Work in the Space Industry  

11:25 Current Role and Learning in the Space Sector  

19:29 Mentorship  

26:30 Future Aspirations and Reflections  

53:11 The Importance of Open-Minded Discussions  

55:46 Innovation in the Space Sector  

57:22 Balancing Risk and Speed in Business Decisions  

01:00:14 The Value of Meaningful Relationships  

01:13:53 Defining Success  

01:21:21 The Future of Remote and Hybrid Work  

01:32:39 The Role of Space in Global Collaboration  

Welcome to the ambitious mind of Nicolò Donà dalle Rose

Follow Nico

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolo-dona-dalle-rose

Check Out Loft Orbital

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/loft-orbital/

Website - https://www.loftorbital.com

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Phil Fraser - entrepreneur, angel investor, podcast host, and a sounding board for fellow entrepreneurs. 

Phil brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, He’s been there, done it, and even got the multi million pound exit t-shirt. 

You can expect to learn how Phil quantifies the benefits of delegating tasks, whether it's better to be an entrepreneur or an employee, his advice for setting and achieving big goals, the motivations that drive successful entrepreneurs, and his favourite book for business advice.

We also explore what life looks like after you exit your business, how he helps other founders through his business sounding board, as well as his number one piece of advice for anyone considering starting their own business.

Expect to hear:

Here is your updated timestamp list with 2 minutes added to each:

02:28 The Birth of an Accidental Business

03:16 Early Challenges and Pivots

05:40 Scaling Up and Taking Risks

08:09 Delegation and Growth

25:08 Navigating Crises

28:08 Entrepreneurship vs. Employment

31:28 The Value of Lifestyle Businesses

33:02 Entrepreneurs and Media Perception

39:59 Life After Business Exit

43:26 The Role of a Business Sounding Board

46:43 Angel Investing

50:44 Balancing Ambition and Family

Connect With Phil Fraser

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/philfraser

Twitter - https://twitter.com/phil_fraser

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/phil.fraser/

Website - www.philfraser.co.uk

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep doesn’t need much of an introduction. We all do it, but despite spending nearly a third of our lives sleeping, many of us still wake up feeling drained, which can impact our mood and productivity throughout the day.

So how can we improve our sleep? This week, I’m joined by Anna West, a sleep specialist who’s worked with top sports teams, business leaders, and organisations to help them enhance their sleep and recovery for better performance - from the sports field to the boardroom.

In this episode, you’ll learn why sleep is crucial for health, performance, and well-being, the key factors that contribute to quality sleep, and how preparing for a good night’s sleep actually starts when you wake up. Anna also shares her tips for staying cool during hot summer nights, whether sleep supplements really work, and so much more.

Anna’s story is equally inspiring - balancing life as a young mum, multiple jobs, and studying, she discovered firsthand the critical role sleep plays in achieving success. Anna truly embodies the Ambitious Mindset.

Expect to learn:

02:45 The Role of a Sleep Specialist 

03:02 Anna's Personal Journey and Career Path 

06:36 The Importance of Sleep 

07:45 Understanding Sleep as a Result of Daily Actions 

11:17 Balancing Ambition and Sleep 

17:40 Challenges Faced by Elite Athletes 

25:24 The Impact of Sleep on Performance 

29:58 Daily Routines for Better Sleep 

38:03 The Effects of Alcohol on Sleep 

39:45 The Impact of Room Temperature on Sleep Quality 

41:21 Hacks for Better Sleep 

49:54 Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Risks 

51:47 Daily Habits for Better Sleep 

01:01:05 The Role of Supplements in Sleep 

01:06:38 The Future of Sleep Technology

Discover Anna

Website - https://www.sleep2perform.com/about

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-west-1baa972?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Scott Foley, a long-time colleague and a close friend.

Scott is one of the most ambitious and curious people I know. We’re constantly talking about new technology or potential business ideas, and this conversation was no exception. 

In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, beginning with the impact of high-interest rates on student loans—a challenge many people face—and why more people are choosing to start families later in life. 

We also discuss how AI can enhance productivity, Scott’s tips for maximising ChatGPT, his top book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs, and explains the new platform he’s built to improve financial literacy for everyday people in the UK.

Expect to learn:

01:30 The Student Loan Crisis  

16:11 The UK's Economic Challenges  

19:30 What Property Prices Mean for Starting a Family  

23:00 Wealth Inequality  

26:00 Understanding Investing  

29:08 The Future of Pensions  

38:29 Introducing Money Talks  

50:08 The Impact of Overregulation on Homeowners  

51:14 Exploring the Potential of AI in Daily Work  

58:35 Personal Goals and Ambitions  

01:05:35 Brainstorming Business Ideas  

01:18:31 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Doing

Discover Scott

Website - https://www.mymoneytalks.co.uk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-foley-mcsi-aa2003117/

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to grow up in post-World War 2 London?

This week’s episode is a special one - I had the privilege of interviewing my grandparents following 60 years of marriage.

Growing up in post-war London, they experienced a world that feels vastly different from today. From playing among bomb sites and strict school discipline to their early romances, family life, and changing roles for women, they paint a picture of daily life in a bygone era.

They also share the secrets behind their six decades of marriage, filled with family, laughter, resilience, and love.

Expect to hear:

00:55 Childhood Memories

03:55 School Days and Discipline

07:20 Teenage Years and First Love

12:53 Early Marriage and Family Life

14:58 Raising a Family in Post-War London

21:14 The Challenges and Joys of Young Parenthood

36:12 A Visit to the Hospital

38:05 Learning to Be Parents

46:03 Life in the City

55:44 Becoming Grandparents

57:26 Secrets to a Long Marriage 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Lipman’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship. From working in a corporate environment to joining a startup, and ultimately launching his own venture that was acquired in just eight months, his journey offers inspiration and actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Ambitious Minds, Dan shares the rollercoaster ride of building a business, the risks he took, and the strategies that led to his success. You’ll learn how Dan and his business partner identified their niche, decided when to take the leap, and created a successful business strategy.

Expect to hear:

01:42 - Early Career in Sports Industry 

03:27 - Working for a Startup 

04:28 - Building and Selling a Business 

08:34 - Advice on Working for Startups 

11:26 - Hiring the Right Team 

18:00 - Challenges of Entrepreneurship 

28:02 - Acquisition and Growth 

39:37 - Learning from Leaders 

41:33 - The Power of Storytelling in Business 

46:33 - Future Growth and Personal Ambitions 

51:43 - Challenges and Delegation in Business 

57:16 - The Importance of Enjoying Your Work 

01:06:49 - The Value of Co-Founders

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin is a high performer, with a full time job as a sales director, a top 1% podcast host and sales trainer in his spare time, he’s really mastered productivity! 

In this discussion, Colin shares his early ambitions, what led him down the path of self development, his passion for productivity, and the lessons he’s learnt from his favourite guests.

He also shares his current views on the UK, whether moving to Dubai is an option, his future aspirations, his formula for defining success, and his top tips for high performance.

Expect to hear

01:44 Colin's Journey into Podcasting  

02:55 The Influence of Chris Williamson  

04:46 Mastering Productivity and Routine  

06:51 Balancing a Podcast and a Full-Time Job  

10:48 Sales Career Insights  

16:58 University Education  

30:03 Navigating Criticism and Personal Growth  

37:18 The Impact of Podcasting  

43:11 Facing Rejection and Imposter Syndrome  

47:08 The Value of Preparation and Practice  

50:21 Finding Energy Whilst Balancing Multiple Roles  

58:27 Future Aspirations and Goals  

01:05:52 UK Political and Social Views  

01:13:28 Defining Success  

Discover Colin

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/?hl=en

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colcampbell1/?originalSubdomain=uk

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG5AF1q0oL9P3ztAl84LHaw

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/41qT7i9uvjWGJbNM6RaFwK

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a decade working for a Big 4 Accountant, Jonny made the decision to walk away from the high salary, status, and career trajectory we’re often taught to chase, choosing instead to pursue his own path as an entrepreneur.

Jonny, the author of the blog post "How I Quit My Job and How You Can Too," shares the steps he took to prepare himself to quit, and how he now helps others do the same.

Whether you're considering a career change or seeking financial freedom, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration from someone who’s already made the leap.

01:20 Quitting My Job

02:25 Finding My Passion

04:49 Taking a Sabbatical

06:32 Discovering Wealth Coaching

09:02 Financial Freedom and Career Coaching

11:19 The Power of Investing

15:05 Starting Something New

20:07 Overcoming Societal Expectations

28:08 Reflections on Quitting My Job

39:35 Rethinking Wealth and Success

41:30 Calculating Financial Freedom

47:02 The Importance of Playing Your Own Game

52:49 Finding Motivation and Enjoying Life

01:05:23 Our Psychological Relationship with Money

Discover Jonny

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmillsca/?originalSubdomain=uk

Substack - https://jonnymills.substack.com/

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole Soames is an executive coach and trainer who specialises in helping individuals thrive in their careers and become exceptional leaders.

In this conversation we discuss how leadership styles in the workplace have changed over time, how Emotional Intelligence plays a pivotal role for effective leadership, and how this is actually a skill that can be developed with training.

Nicole also shares valuable insights on managing burnout, improving self-confidence, uncovering hidden blind spots, how we can work better as a team, and one game-changing piece of advice that will transform your relationship with your boss.

This conversation is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to elevate their career.

Expect to learn

1:20 Introduction to Career Development and Coaching

2:29 Challenges in Career Progression

8:38 Public Speaking and Overcoming Fear

13:00 Personal Journey into Coaching

19:32 Starting and Growing a Business

32:52 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

43:23 Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Teams

44:55 Managing Upwards: Treating Your Manager as a Customer

46:15 Personality Profiling and Emotional Intelligence

50:12 Building Self-Confidence and Emotional Awareness

52:27 Balancing Work and Life to Avoid Burnout

01:01:41 The Importance of Delegation and Outsourcing

01:04:16 Professional and Personal Ambitions

Discover Nicole

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesoamesatdiadem/

Website - https://diademperformance.com/

Books - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Nicole-Soames/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3ANicole+Soames

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this segment, Romy van der Merwe shares actionable steps to help you identify and overcome imposter syndrome. We explore how imposter syndrome manifests, its distinction from self-doubt, and the critical role of consistent effort in building confidence.

Discover practical techniques such as maintaining a 'brag book,' setting daily intentions, and embracing mindfulness to regain control and stay present. We also discuss the unique challenges faced by women and people of colour and offer strategies to navigate imposter syndrome in both professional and personal settings.

👉 Listen to the full episode here:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6n87JSY3uEezYVK0ndINnb?si=EeMGX8DQTre5Hd8TJt6X9w

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ambitious-minds/id1731311239?i=1000661211499

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In this week’s episode, I’m delighted to welcome back Rory MacFdyen, co-founder of Reflo, a sustainable performance wear brand.

Rory was one of the podcast's very first guests, so it was a pleasure to catch up and hear about Reflo’s impressive growth over the past year.

We dive into their journey from startup to scale-up, celebrating milestones like winning the Santander Growing Business Award, launching exciting new partnerships, and continuously innovating to drive sustainability in the apparel industry.

Rory also shares invaluable insights on the pros and cons of working in a startup, establishing company structure and values during scaling, navigating the dynamics of a co-founder partnership, and the critical role of hiring the right talent.

Expect to hear:

02:29 Growth and Expansion

04:25 Building a Strong Team

05:54 Leadership Dynamics

16:06 Sustainable Performance Wear

18:13 Partnerships and Innovations

25:52 Reloop - Reflo's Innovative New Prodcut

35:48 Sustainability Challenges and Greenwashing

42:05 Balancing Commercial Viability and Ethics

48:34 Building a Sustainable Business Culture

1:07:34 Expanding into New Markets and Sports

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It wasn’t until I started working in the financial industry that I understood how essential investing was for building long-term wealth.

This week, I’m joined by Andrew Craig, founder of Plain English Finance and author of the must-read personal finance book How To Own The World.

In this episode, Andrew and I dive into how investing can serve as a powerful tool for wealth creation. We explore what it really means to invest in shares, the importance of starting early, why relying on the state for a retirement pension is risky, how inflation erodes your cash savings, and so much more.

Expect to learn:

03:19 The Importance of Financial Literacy

08:19 The State of Pensions and Future Challenges

11:47 The Power of Compounding and Early Investment

14:41 Government Policies and Economic Implications

26:38 Understanding Inflation and Investment Strategies

31:37 What It Means to Invest in Shares

37:09 The Misconceptions About Financial Markets

45:49 The Importance of Regular Investment

57:52 Future Trends

01:10:23 Comparing US and UK Economies

01:11:15 The US Advantage in Technology and Innovation

01:11:37 Challenges Facing the UK Economy

01:14:08 Historical Market Trends and Lessons

01:25:20 The Importance of Supporting British Companies

Discover Andrew

Website - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCME6xVzdcA7q_RfhRaRIkPA

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcraigpef/?originalSubdomain=uk

Books - https://plainenglishfinance.co.uk/books

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Mason is the co-founder of Talent Mapper, a company he built to solve a problem experienced by millions in the corporate workplace: internal mobility.

Talent Mapper is a platform that uses data to match employees’ individual skill sets with the right job roles, and helps track career progression within organisations. 

When Martin explained the concept to me during this conversation, it was a lightbulb moment. Having spent years working in large organisations, I’ve seen firsthand how common these challenges are - people struggling to find roles that align with their skills or facing barriers to internal progression. Talent Mapper addresses this head-on, helping companies retain talent while ensuring employees are in roles where they can thrive.

Beyond explaining how Talent Mapper works, Martin opens up about his journey as an ‘accidental entrepreneur.’ He shares how he developed his business plan, what it’s like to run a startup, and why he would never want to be a sole founder again.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or navigating their career within a larger organisation.

Expect to hear:

02:10 Early Career and Shift to HR

05:51 First Entrepreneurial Venture

07:39 Building a Business Plan

15:32 Developing TalentMapper

26:57 Navigating Internal Career Paths

33:45 Empowering Employees in Startups

34:53 Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Startup

35:52 Building a Strong Non-Exec Board

38:43 The Importance of a Co-Founder

41:47 Making Yourself Redundant as a Leader

44:04 Future Plans and Ambitions

55:47 Addressing Homelessness and Prison Reform

Discover Martin

Website - https://thetalentmapper.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmason 

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam is the co-founder of A-Game and coaches high achievers to improve performance across multiple areas of their lives.

Adam share his own journey, from hitting absolute rock bottom, to building a successful business and helping others to achieve the same.

In this conversation we discuss simple strategies to improve your personal performance and relationships. We explore why many men suffer in silence, and discuss how better communication is the answer, but most importantly, how to do this effectively! 

Adam also provides tips for how men can listen to their partners, something that many of us struggle with, which will lead to a happier and healthier relationship.

This was a pretty powerful episode and I’m so grateful to Adam for sharing his personal journey, but also providing some actionable takeaways for others to make small improvement in their lives.

Expect to hear:

03:49 Struggles with Validation and Comparison

08:34 Hitting Rock Bottom

14:04 Rebuilding and Finding Purpose

18:56 Starting a Business

26:25 The Power of Small Habits

30:14 Challenges and Growth in Business

41:10 Effective Communication

46:30 How To Listen To Your Partner For a Better Relationship

47:52 The 'Empowerment Dynamic'

55:54 The Power of Helpful Thoughts

01:03:15 Finding Purpose and Fulfilment

01:12:14 Practical Steps for Personal Growth

Discover Adam

Website - https://agameconsultancy.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/

Instagram.- https://www.instagram.com/agameconsultancy/

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, entrepreneur Anthony O'Brien shares his experiences and challenges in building a successful business. He discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong team, the concept of a fractional C-suite, and the struggles of managing cash flow and staff. He also talks about his personal motivations, the impact of ADHD on entrepreneurs, and the need for adaptability in business. Key takeaways include the value of hiring people better than oneself, the significance of failure as a learning tool, and balancing personal life with business demands.

01:31 The Concept of Fractional C-Suite

06:30 Delegation and Building The Perfect Team

08:23 ADHD and Entrepreneurship

16:14 “The Hardest Year Of My Life”

20:02 Common Issues in Growing Businesses

32:49 Revenue vs. Profit: The Age-Old Debate

33:39 The Entrepreneur's Ego and Revenue Obsession

36:40 Challenges of the Current Year

37:52 Adapting to Change: Pivot or Perish

39:04 The Role of Luck in Business Success

41:09 Balancing Business and Personal Life

52:01 The Fear of Failure as a Motivator

Discover Anthony

Website - https://profici.co.uk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-obrien/

Podcast - https://profici.co.uk/profici-podcast/

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is an e-commerce expert who turned his Shopify side hustle into a £5 million revenue business. In this episode, he reveals how he scaled his company, maximised profitability, and ultimately exited successfully.

The 5-Step Formula to Doubling Profit:

Most Shopify store owners focus on traffic and ads, but Dan shares his proven strategy for increasing profit margins - giving you more cash to reinvest in customer acquisition.

Accountant’s Guide to Running a Profitable Business:

With his finance background, Dan breaks down how to structure your business for sustainable growth, so you’re not just making sales—you’re building a long-term success story.

What Happens After a Successful Exit?

As an ambitious entrepreneur, what do you do after selling your business? Dan reflects on his journey and shares what he’d do differently if he started again.

Whether you're launching a store, scaling to six or seven figures, or planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this masterclass in e-commerce success!

01:39 From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship

02:07 Why Entrepreneurship?

03:16 Starting the Business

07:56 Scaling and Hiring

15:56 Understanding Unit Economics

19:00 5 Step Formula to Double Your Profit

47:33 Lessons Learned

48:29 The Waitlist Strategy

49:05 Balancing Profit and Growth

53:51 The Importance of Customer Experience

58:24 Resilience in Business

01:07:39 Future Ambitions and Projects

Discover Dan

Website - https://hellotmrw.io/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mcclen

Double Your Profit Cheat Sheet - https://hellotmrw.io/pages/double-your-profit

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 50th episode milestone, I’m pulling back the curtain on what I’ve learned from the last 12 months launching and growing this podcast - and how these lessons apply to starting any business.

From dealing with imposter syndrome to experiencing the benefits of consistency and building a personal brand. I’ll also share the costs of podcasting, why networking is a superpower, and the real struggle of staying focused when opportunities are everywhere.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a content creator, or just someone who wants to level up, these 10 lessons will save you time, money, and frustration as you build your own path to success.

Expect to learn:

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Year in Review

02:21 Lesson 1: The Importance of Getting Started

04:02 Lesson 2: Embrace Imperfection and Progress

10:02 Lesson 3: Consistency is Key

11:54 Lesson 4: Managing Work-Life Balance

17:17 Lesson 5: The Power of Networking

22:48 Lesson 6: Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

28:30 Lesson 7: Building Your Personal Brand

36:51 Lesson 8: The Challenge of Staying Focused

40:39 Defining Success and Ambition

50:41 Lesson 9: The Cost of Running a Podcast

58:53 Lesson 10: The Reality of Burnout

01:08:08 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I sit down with Peter Wood, co-founder of The Graduate Guide, to discuss the biggest challenges facing university graduates in today’s job market.

With AI, automation, economic downturns, and the decline of traditional corporate careers, graduates are questioning whether a 9-to-5 job is still the best path.

We explore why the graduate job market is so challenging, how to stand out in a competitive job market, the importance of personal branding on LinkedIn, and how to leverage social media for career success.

Peter also shares his journey from history student to startup founder, offering insights on networking, breaking free from societal career norms, and finding opportunities beyond traditional corporate jobs.

If you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, this episode will give you practical strategies to future-proof your career, land better job opportunities, and navigate today’s evolving job market.

00:00 Trailer

01:08 Challenges Facing Graduates

02:03 Navigating the Job Market

03:48 The Graduate Guide Mission

05:12 Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Paths

08:04 Advice for Non-Traditional Career Paths

09:10 Building a Personal Brand

21:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment

35:56 The Power of Personal Branding

38:41 Building Your LinkedIn Presence

41:50 Balancing Career and Personal Life

45:47 Overcoming Social Pressure and Cringe

56:14 The Journey of Building a Business

01:00:20 Joining the Entrepreneurial Community

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Are you earning more but still feeling like you don't have any extra income in your bank account each month? We often assume that a bigger pay check guarantees financial security, but without the right strategy, lifestyle inflation, tax inefficiencies, and poor financial planning can quietly erode wealth.

This week, I'm joined by Lawrence Bearman, a financial advisor specialising in helping high-income Millennials keep more of their hard earned cash. We discuss how to manage wealth, optimise tax efficiency, and avoid the common money pitfalls high earners face.

Expect to learn:

02:03 Lifestyle Inflation: The Hidden Trap

03:15 Understanding Expenditure

04:42 The DIY Investor Dilemma

06:14 The Value of Financial Advice

13:29 Common Financial Challenges for High Earners

15:51 Tax Efficiency Strategies

18:57 Property Investment vs. Renting

23:05 The Emotional Side of Financial Planning

30:16 Finding Financial Balance

31:35 Avoiding Lifestyle Creep

33:39 End of Tax Year Planning

34:44 Understanding Pensions

39:41 Lawrence's Best Investment

45:26 Social Media for Financial Advice

49:59 The Role of AI in Financial Planning

55:04 Summary of Financial Tips

Discover Lawrence

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-bearman

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

NOTE: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or tax advice. Any opinions expressed are those of the guest and host and do not constitute recommendations for specific financial decisions.

You should always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment, tax, or financial planning decisions. Investments can rise and fall in value, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is AI Going to Disrupt Your Job or Help You Scale Your Business Faster? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Phil Chell, founder and CEO of Hera Waterproofing and Chiron AI, to talk all things AI, entrepreneurship, business growth, and how tech is reshaping the way we build successful companies.

Phil shares what it really takes to build a profitable business in a saturated market. We explore how AI is helping founders reduce startup costs, streamline operations, and scale faster than ever. He breaks down the importance of cash flow management, how to land your first customer, and the value of leveraging your network to grow.

We also get into the personal side of entrepreneurship - dealing with stress, maintaining work-life balance, and learn what Phil risked to go from corporate life to the freedom of building something of his own.

00:00 Trailer

01:05 Freedom and Loneliness in Business

03:43 The Catalyst for Change: Leaving the Corporate World

05:17 Starting a New Business

08:56 Innovative Approaches in the Construction Industry

12:04 Integrating AI: Transforming Business Operations

21:38 Financial Literacy and Business Planning

25:28 Cash Flow Management: Why Cash Is King

32:44 Defining Success in Business

33:47 Investment and Growth

36:46 Valuing a Tech Business

37:54 Hiring and Company Culture

40:47 Personal Reflections on Success

46:38 Managing Work-Life Balance

52:41 Ambition and Mentorship

01:02:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

Discover Phil

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philchell

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by fellow finance professional Scott Foley to discuss the viral debate between Daniel Priestley and Gary Stevenson on The Diary of a CEO.

With wealth inequality at the forefront of global discourse, is a wealth tax really practical? We unpack and explain their clashing views on economic freedom, taxation, and government policy.

We explore the most controversial solutions to narrowing the wealth gap and discuss some bold ideas such as a 100% inheritance tax, a land value tax, and taxing unrealised gains,

We also look at the impact of AI, globalisation, and property prices on the economic landscape—and what it all means for the future of wealth creation and distribution.

00:03 Debate Breakdown: Daniel Priestley vs. Gary Stevenson

01:39 Key Points of Agreement and Disagreement

04:05 Economic Freedom and Entrepreneurship

04:29 Wealth Inequality and Taxation

11:00 Global Economic Policies and Their Impact

17:05 Profit Shifting and Consumption Tax

32:07 Inheritance Tax and Wealth Distribution

35:46 Unlocking Unrealised Gains

36:34 100% Inheritance Tax and Its Implications

38:39 Property Prices and Housing Crisis

42:30 Why Gary is Wrong about the History of Property Ownership

44:05 The Truth About the UK Under High Taxation

49:41 Land Value Tax as a Solution

01:00:58 Quantitative Easing and Inequality

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dodge Woodall is a serial entrepreneur, host of Eventful Lives podcast, and the founder of the Bournemouth 7s Festival, a 30,000-attendee event dubbed the “Glastonbury of sport.”

From selling club tickets at age 10 to remortgaging his family home to fund a vision no one believed in, Dodge shares raw, unfiltered lessons on starting, scaling, and surviving as a founder in the events industry.

00:00 Trailer

02:27 Growing Up in a Pub & Learning Business Early

07:21 How Uni Sparked a Club Promotion Empire

16:49 The Birth of Bournemouth 7s Festival

19:20 Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Festival Building

27:41 Leadership Style: Freedom, Trust & Gen Z

31:42 Selling Viper 10: Lessons from Building a Brand

36:42 Remortgaging the House: Betting It All on a Dream

43:38 Burnout in the Nightlife Business

44:27 Scaling a 7-Figure Festival Business

45:38 Straight Talk: Advice for Aspiring Founders

47:23 How AI is Reshaping the Entrepreneurial Landscape

48:25 Freedom over Money: Building a Business That Fits Your Life

51:27 The Realities of the UK Economy for Entrepreneurs

59:41 What’s Happening to British Culture?

01:00:35 Surviving the Pandemic as a Business Owner

01:02:25 Taxes, Debt & the Pressure of Entrepreneurship

01:20:29 Leaving a Legacy & Building with Purpose

01:23:40 Final Thoughts & Reflections

Follow Dodge

Website - https://dodgewoodall.com 

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/dodgewoodall 

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2pOyCAyEi3nZq6rd77FbP9?si=344383d6fdcf42e6 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/c/DodgeWoodall 

Links: https://linktr.ee/DodgeWoodall 

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is being a CEO really worth the stress?

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Mark McDermott, Co-Founder and CEO of ScreenCloud, a thriving SaaS business generating 8 figures in annual recurring revenue (ARR). We discuss the realities of being a CEO and entrepreneur, exploring the real challenges, emotional highs, and personal growth that come with leading a successful business.

The conversation covers crucial topics such as the loneliness of leadership, handling criticism, and the pressure of maintaining a strong facade for both your team and customers.

We also explore the reality of raising funds, the moments that tested his resilience, and the personal strategies used to cope with stress and maintain mental health. From the emotional toll of investor pitching to the challenges and rewards of driving innovation in the digital signage industry, this episode offers an honest look at the day-to-day demands of being leading a successful business.

Ideal for:

• Aspiring CEOs and entrepreneurs
• Business leaders scaling their companies
• Innovators in the SaaS and tech industries
• Individuals interested in resilience, mental health, and leadership
• Those seeking to understand the day-to-day realities of running a successful business

Timestamps:

01:32 The Loneliness of Leadership

07:10 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

14:30 The CEO's Role

20:03 The Importance of In-Person Interaction

25:45 Adapting to Remote Work and AI

29:14 The Importance of Clock Speed in Business

34:46 The Origin Story of ScreenCloud

37:30 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Signage

48:50 Expanding to the US Market

53:43 Raising Angel Investment

57:47 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Pressure

01:01:37 The Journey of Mastery

01:03:40 Fitness and Personal Growth

01:09:42 Balancing Work and Personal Life

01:11:25 Mental Health and Coping Strategies

01:17:14 Future Plans and Mentorship

Discover Mark

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mhmcdermott

ScreenCloud - https://screencloud.com

Get In Touch

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/

Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.