An Unorthodox CEO

In this episode, Steve & Babatunde discuss architecture, entrepreneurship, learning from criticism, and why some of life's biggest setbacks can become your greatest opportunities. From growing up in Nigeria and moving to the UK for university, to facing redundancy, 18 months of job applications, and eventually building his own architecture business, Babatunde's story is one of resilience, determination, and never giving up.00:00 Intro01:25 How Babatunde met John Rayment03:19 Growing up in Nigeria04:10 Leaving for University in the UK & getting architecture08:26 Degree & getting a job10:47 Being offered his first job & learning on the job12:00 Masters degree - learning to listen to criticism15:17 Being made redundant & covid16:30 Applying for Jobs for 18 months & Babatundes resilience19:20 The start of Baba Atelier22:50 Learning to render & building concept work23:33 Babatundes struggles without a job & how people supported him27:11 A breakthrough - a new job31:22 The learnings from having a job and then having his own business35:11 Why taking advice from others is important38:44 Babatundes escapes40:00 Renovating his new home & his drive43:30 How traumas & knocks are things that make you46:39 Practice makes perfect48:31 Helping clients with needs analysis53:00 Quickfire Questions1:01:45 Outro

On this weeks episode, Steve & Jason discuss Jason's journey from travelling the world after university to building a successful career as a commercial agent in the furniture industry. They explore the importance of customer service, what makes retailers and suppliers successful & the challenges of being an agent. Plus the episode also dives into Jason's passion for rugby coaching!00:00 Intro01:44 When Jason & Steve first met02:44 Life growing up & who Jason works with06:30 Jasons world tour after uni11:00 Finding Jobs around Australia15:21 What inspired Jason to travel when he was young18:13 Getting his first job in Furniture23:30 Working for Sealy25:00 Importance of training and right tools for the job27:49 Why the big suppliers of the 00’s are no more30:17 What makes suppliers successful32:04 Why desire is so important34:05 Customer Service is top of the list35:20 Being the ‘middle man’37:40 What Jason finds the most challenging part41:35 What makes a great retailer44:25 A mattress protector story49:35 Jason & working in the same industry as his brother51:57 Why Jason became a commercial agent58:00 The differences between a Agent & a Rep1:00:30 How a trauma shaped Jasons route1:03:20 Jasons love for Rugby & coaching Rugby1:12:00 Quickfire Questions

In this weeks episode Steve chats with Jon our Logistics Manager all about his early job and love of football, to becoming Logistics Manager at Sussex Beds. Plus they talk about the challenges of the role, how delivery has changed over the years, the story behind Jon returning to SB and life outside of work!00:00 Intro02:08 Life growing up04:30 Jons love for playing football 07:27 His first job & taking the leap into a managerial position10:30 Dealing with his first job going into administration 13:10 Finding a new job - Coming to Sussex Beds as a driver14:58 How our transport & way we deliver has changed18:11 Why Jon decided to move on19:22 The story behind Jon coming back to SB23:22 Biggest challenges of being a logistics manager25:49 Fantastic feedback about our delivery guys27:20 Why Delivery experience matters30:30 Jons wife Zoe & what they have learnt from her business32:15 Most stressful part of Jons job35:50 How Jon de stresses37:37 Quickfire questions44:05 Outro

This week, Steve sits down with Adam Hankinson to break down the psychology behind great sales, the 7 habits every salesperson should master, and what truly wins the sale. Plus, they chat about the top tips to help overcome barriers with customers!00:00 Intro01:43 How Adam got into the furniture industry08:00 Why Adam went out on his own08:46 Why Managers are key in store11:06 Has they way we sell changed or is it the way we buy16:05 What’s the most influential part of obtaining the sale20:00 Customer “Must haves” are so important22:45 Important first questions when approaching a customer24:01 Emotional & Logical responses25:00 Overcoming barriers with a customer32:15 What makes the best sales people the best35:00 Commitment to what you are doing is so important39:37 About Adams book - Selling Furniture42:52 The 7 habits in Adams book50:56 Quotes & importance of the follow up53:29 Adams book is out now!55:50 How he handles challenges57:24 Quickfire Questions1:05:20

In this episode, listen as Steve is joined by Ollie Jeffs, CEO of The Pelham, to explore the powerful role community can play in changing lives.Ollie shares his journey to leading The Pelham, how the organisation is building meaningful connections, and the vital work they’re doing around suicide prevention. We also dive into the realities of running a purpose-driven organisation — from managing funding and volunteers to balancing growth, leadership, and personal wellbeing.00:00 Intro01:25 About The Pelham & Ollie04:00 Inspiration to create The Pelham06:00 How Ollie got involved & journey to CEO08:30 What The Pelham does for the community13:15 Why the Pelham focuses on creating connections 17:01 Their work on Suicide Prevention & what you can do27:06 Managing people on payroll vs volunteers31:28 Most challenging part of Ollie’s role33:15 The success rates of bids and the time they take35:15 How they manage their funding and how growth is impacted by this38:28 How The Pelham want to link with the NHS & what they are currently doing44:50 Managing work / life balance48:08 Quickfire questions55:55 Outro

A one-year special from An Unorthodox CEO! Listen as Steve & Vic as they chat through their past year of podcasting—from the journey to personal insights, funny moments, and everything in between.We will be back at the end of May, so keep an eye out for the start of season 4!00:00 Intro 01:00 A big THANK YOU!01:35 Some quick stats from our year02:24 The podcast journey10:10 Personal Insights16:22 Fun & lighthearted22:07 Outro

In this episode, listen as Steve chats with his friend Colin about his journey to working for HP, how he has navigated success & stress. Plus, find out how delegation and letting go allowed himself a better work life balance!00:00 Intro03:34 How Colin & Steve met07:00 Colins journey to HP & his first Jobs12:04 The job & friend that led Colin to the sales world17:45 How Colin views success19:30 What HPs purpose & ethos is21:20 Local leaders & their importance in big businesses23:56 What Large Format Printing is & the benefits27:40 Managing Stress, Pressure & Failure35:50 The success Colin saw after proper delegation37:00 The changes Colin made personally & professionally45:00 Colins Pictures46:39 How print has changed over the years & the impact of AI52:05 Working on Gangshow together56:47 How Colin de-stresses1:02:10 Quickfire Questions1:08:30 Outro

On this weeks episode Steve chats with Andy Clarke one of our agents! Listen as they talk through his journey to becoming an agent, what life working in beds is like & how Andy has been on both the retail and agent side! Andy mentions the difficulties of being on the retail side but the enjoyment he got from it! Plus how his resilience led him to his first agent job!00:00 Intro01:08 There is always room to learn07:50 Changing depending on the client10:00 Job titles & peoples perspectives12:50 How Andy got his first Job & some big learnings20:00 Working at Army Navy21:50 His Apprenticeship in the print world24:05 How resilience got Andy a Job he wanted30:00 What being an Agent used to be like & how the industry has changed37:27 The shift from searching from beds to sleep40:00 Why Sussex Beds dont service all price ranges42:00 Long term advice is important43:05 Why Andy opened his own shop48:20 Biggest learning from being in retail51:20 Innovation in the bed industry57:42 The Green Era & working for a flooring company58:50 Recycling in the bed industry1:00:40 What does Andy think retailers need to do to stay relevant & how its changing1:07:05 Most challenging part of Andys job1:12:15 How Andy distresses1:15:05 Quickfire Questions