An Unorthodox CEO

What makes a holiday rental truly memorable? While many hosts focus on décor, location and amenities, one of the most important parts of any stay is often overlooked – the quality of sleep.In this episode, Steve and Lee explore why the bed should be at the heart of every Airbnb experience. They share their own experiences, discuss the importance of guest feedback, explain the latest furniture safety regulations, and offer practical advice on choosing the right mattress, pillows and mattress protectors.Whether you're an Airbnb host looking to improve your guest experience or simply interested in what makes a great night's sleep, this episode is packed with useful insights and actionable tips.00:00 Intro01:20 Why they chose the topic of Airbnbs03:30 You hire these houses to sleep - why isn’t it a focus05:00 Premier inn got it right - the bed is the highlight06:50 Sleep Facts from Steve & Lee08:30 The importance of Mattress Protectors10:45 Why Airbnb hosts should survey their guests12:40 Don’t be frightened of feedback - embrace it13:50 Understanding Airbnb Furniture Regulations16:11 What mattress/ bed we recommend for airbnbs18:00 Advice on changing the mattress, mattress protectors & pillows21:07 Quickfire Questions28:50 Let us know your views30:16 Outro

This week on An Unorthodox CEO, Steve is joined by Tony White, Managing Director of Bonners Music.Listen as they chat about all things, business, Tony's journey to Managing Director and what they think the secret to selling is... 00:00 Intro01:02 How Tony & Steve met02:15 How fate landed Tony work experience at Bonners Music06:00 Working full time in the Bonners shop07:30 Creating a database & holding trade shows09:00 Instrument progression is very different now10:45 Tonys first taste of sales13:45 Key to selling14:38 Sticking to your purpose when choosing products16:30 Balancing customer needs20:19 Creating a welcoming environment in store23:04 Education is so important in every industry25:30 Why Tony started his YouTube channel29:00 How Tony became the owner of Bonners33:00 The first changes they made after taking over36:00 The joy of opening new shops36:00 The internet & websites38:50 Warehouse & website mistakes42:00 The way consumers buy has changed44:00 Targets & juggling with brands47:00 Opening new stores50:00 The post pandemic changes54:30 How the stores & website work together56:40 Deciding to improve rather than expand58:50 Did Tony ever want to be a musician1:03:17 Most challenging part of business journey1:06:07 Quickfire Questions

This week on An Unorthodox CEO Steve chats again with Sarah our HR Manager all about her trip to the CIPD Festival of Work. They explore the future of work, from AI in HR and supporting team through change to employee wellbeing and the workplace trends every business should be paying attention to. Plus, new employment laws everyone should be aware of!00:00 Intro01:35 What is the CIPD Festival of Work03:07 The ‘Practical Solutions’ Stage04:30 People are business05:50 Managing change & providing clarity07:15 Transformation in business is endless08:20 Communication is key for change12:25 Ai and HR - its a tool17:13 Dealing with difficult conversations19:47 Ai Policies plus how Sarah & Vic use it24:00 Struggles of young people getting jobs26:25 Sarahs standout speaker of the event30:50 Cons of superhero leadership…33:14 Employment law changes37:10 How our probation period works42:20 Employee wellbeing should be a business priority45:40 Our Pulse Surveys48:56 Quickfire Questions55:45 Top HR Tip56:20 Outro

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