Ambitious Minds

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 learn1:20 Introduction to Career Development and Coaching2:29 Challenges in Career Progression8:38 Public Speaking and Overcoming Fear13:00 Personal Journey into Coaching19:32 Starting and Growing a Business32:52 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership43:23 Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Teams44:55 Managing Upwards: Treating Your Manager as a Customer46:15 Personality Profiling and Emotional Intelligence50:12 Building Self-Confidence and Emotional Awareness52:27 Balancing Work and Life to Avoid Burnout01:01:41 The Importance of Delegation and Outsourcing01:04:16 Professional and Personal AmbitionsDiscover NicoleLinkedIn - 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+SoamesGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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 Job02:25 Finding My Passion04:49 Taking a Sabbatical06:32 Discovering Wealth Coaching09:02 Financial Freedom and Career Coaching11:19 The Power of Investing15:05 Starting Something New20:07 Overcoming Societal Expectations28:08 Reflections on Quitting My Job39:35 Rethinking Wealth and Success41:30 Calculating Financial Freedom47:02 The Importance of Playing Your Own Game52:49 Finding Motivation and Enjoying Life01:05:23 Our Psychological Relationship with MoneyDiscover JonnyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmillsca/?originalSubdomain=ukSubstack - https://jonnymills.substack.com/Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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-FoundersGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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 Memories03:55 School Days and Discipline07:20 Teenage Years and First Love12:53 Early Marriage and Family Life14:58 Raising a Family in Post-War London21:14 The Challenges and Joys of Young Parenthood36:12 A Visit to the Hospital38:05 Learning to Be Parents46:03 Life in the City55:44 Becoming Grandparents57:26 Secrets to a Long Marriage 

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 DoingDiscover ScottWebsite - https://www.mymoneytalks.co.uk/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-foley-mcsi-aa2003117/Get In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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 TechnologyDiscover AnnaWebsite - https://www.sleep2perform.com/aboutLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-west-1baa972?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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 Business03:16 Early Challenges and Pivots05:40 Scaling Up and Taking Risks08:09 Delegation and Growth25:08 Navigating Crises28:08 Entrepreneurship vs. Employment31:28 The Value of Lifestyle Businesses33:02 Entrepreneurs and Media Perception39:59 Life After Business Exit43:26 The Role of a Business Sounding Board46:43 Angel Investing50:44 Balancing Ambition and FamilyConnect With Phil FraserLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/philfraserTwitter - https://twitter.com/phil_fraserInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/phil.fraser/Website - www.philfraser.co.ukGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

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 RoseFollow NicoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolo-dona-dalle-roseCheck Out Loft OrbitalLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/loft-orbital/Website - https://www.loftorbital.comGet In TouchLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast