Another Excuse | Entrepreneurship, Business, Insights, Fears

Logan Merrick is the co-founder of Willbound, a company helping founder-led businesses hire elite talent from the Philippines. In this episode, we talk about why most offshore hiring fails, what founders get wrong about delegation, and how Logan rebuilt after burning out and publicly crashing his first company.He shares the lessons from running a lean 7-figure e-commerce brand, how that led to building Willbound, and why the quality of your hires determines how fast, or how painfully, you scale.Whether you're hiring your first operator or trying to build a remote team that actually works, this episode will help you rethink how you approach talent.Topics We Cover:• Why most founders approach hiring the wrong way• The myth of cheap offshore labor• How Logan accidentally started a recruiting company• His public business failure and how he rebuilt• What “buying back time” actually looks like• How to identify and attract top 1% global talent• Common mistakes founders make when building remote teams• The mindset shift from chasing growth to building leverageLogan: LinkedInWillbound:WebsiteFollow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters:00:00 – Intro01:00 – How Logan built Willbound from solving his own hiring pain05:00 – Why most offshore hiring fails08:00 – What top talent in the Philippines actually looks like12:00 – The recruiting system Logan built from scratch16:00 – The biggest hiring mistake founders make20:00 – Why Logan doesn’t chase hypergrowth anymore24:00 – Lessons from scaling a 7-figure brand with a 10-hour workweek28:00 – Burnout, ego, and rebuilding after public failure33:00 – What motivates Logan now37:00 – Building a personal brand after disappearing from the spotlight41:00 – Tips for building a lean, high-performance remote team47:00 – Why systems and great people matter more than hustle52:00 – Advice for early-stage founders on hiring and delegation58:00 – Byron and Logan reflect on audience-building and motivation01:05:00 – Logan’s closing question for Byron

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Winsbury, founder of Kurogo, a leading personal branding agency working with founders and CEOs. Sam shares how he built Kurogo from a solo freelancing gig into a 15-person team generating 30–50 inbound leads a month through content.We cover:• Why personal branding is still underrated in B2B• How Sam landed his first clients and scaled his offer• What positioning actually means, and why most founders skip it• The pricing lessons that took Kurogo from £500 retainers to revenue-share deals• Hiring mistakes, growth pains, and why a big team isn’t always better• How he manages a fully remote team across 3 continents• What’s next for personal branding: podcasts, newsletters, and real authority• Behind the scenes of launching his new podcast, Success CluesWhether you’re building an agency, growing your personal brand, or thinking about how to stay relevant as content gets more competitive, this episode is packed with practical insights.Sam: LinkedInYouTubeKurogo: WebsiteFollow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokTimestamps00:00 – Intro01:17 – What Kurogo does02:03 – The story behind the name03:11 – Why Sam skipped the 9-to-506:16 – From ghostwriting to full-service08:38 – How his pricing strategy evolved10:04 – When the business started taking off11:17 – Early lessons from LinkedIn13:37 – ROI from personal branding15:13 – Downsizing, AI, and staying lean16:40 – Building systems while scaling19:13 – Learning from clients21:43 – Remote culture & team dynamics23:30 – Sam’s current role in the business25:12 – Where personal branding is heading27:18 – What’s still hard at this stage29:28 – Sam’s personal content process31:38 – Launching the Success Clues podcast34:55 – Why I started my own podcast38:02 – Owning your audience39:51 – Hardest moment as a founder42:25 – Identity shifts and self-belief48:38 – What he’s building with Kurogo50:01 – What he’d do differently51:19 – Why most middle management is useless52:14 – Final questions

How do you build a drinks brand from scratch with zero experience, no industry connections, and giants like Bud Light as your competitors?In this episode, James Smith shares how he and his brother turned a simple idea (healthier, low-sugar vodka sodas) into Arrowtown, a drinks brand that's making serious waves.From disastrous first batches and legal threats to bootstrapping sales by hand-delivering cases around their hometown, James opens up about the messy reality of entrepreneurship. We cover:• Why their initial lack of industry experience became their greatest strength.• The grassroots marketing strategy that got them into regional stores.• How they've managed to compete successfully against billion dollar global brands.This conversation proves that sometimes, not knowing the "right" way is exactly what you need to find your own path to success.Subscribe for more founder stories, actionable insights, and honest conversations.Connect with James & Arrowtown:Arrowtown DrinksJames SmithFollow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to AeroTown02:55 The RTD Market Landscape06:08 Consumer Trends and Health Consciousness08:53 The Journey of Starting AeroTown12:02 Networking and Learning from Others15:03 The Importance of Naivety in Entrepreneurship18:01 Building a Brand with Family20:57 The Genesis of AeroTown24:09 Transitioning from Idea to Launch26:53 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence29:48 Reflections on Running a Business with a Sibling34:48 Family Dynamics in Business38:59 Grassroots Beginnings: The First Sale47:13 Challenges and Setbacks50:03 Bootstrapping and Funding Strategies55:07 Future Aspirations and Growth58:27 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursBrought to you by Cue Studios, empowering founders to share their story clearly, consistently, and creatively.Learn more

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Ridges, founder of Herdify, to explore how understanding human behaviour and herd mentality can revolutionize your marketing strategy. Tom shares his incredible journey, from spending £70K on a failed app to discovering a unique way of using behavioural science and herd dynamics to help businesses pinpoint exactly where their customers are.We dive deep into why traditional demographic marketing often fails and how Herdify achieves jaw-dropping results by tapping into the conversations customers are already having. Tom also candidly reveals key lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of transitioning from consulting to SaaS, and why curiosity and action-taking are critical for entrepreneurial success.If you're tired of wasting money on ineffective marketing or want to uncover the hidden force driving consumer decisions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.What You'll Learn:• How herd mentality impacts customer behaviour (and how you can use it)• The marketing "secret weapon" behind Herdify's success• Tom's journey from costly failures to building a thriving startup• Practical advice for early-stage founders and marketers looking to stand outConnect with Tom:LinkedInHerdify WebsiteEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share to help more listeners discover the show!Follow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters:00:00 Introduction to Herdify02:01 Understanding Audience Behavior06:02 Targeting Innovators and Disruptors08:02 The Journey of Building Herdify12:12 Defining Success in Business15:10 The Importance of Curiosity18:09 Building Relationships with Customers19:48 The Qualities of a Founder24:03 Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship29:09 Lessons from Failure32:06 Challenges in Sales35:15 Navigating Early Sales Challenges40:06 The Importance of a Strong Team42:29 Key Hires and Their Impact48:47 Long-Term Vision for Herdify50:49 Overcoming Product Perception Challenges55:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In today's episode, we try something new. Byron is joined by Nick Daniels, and we reflect on our experiences and insights from the past year, discussing life hacks, technology, productivity, and mindset shifts. We share personal anecdotes and practical tips that have significantly impacted our lives, emphasizing the importance of intentional habits and reframing perspectives to enhance well-being and success. We also discuss the importance of taking action as a key differentiator for success, how to transform everyday frustrations into gratitude, and the lessons learned from past failures. It's so important to focus on effectiveness rather than just being busy, leveraging AI for learning, and utilizing automation tools to improve workflow. Our discussion also covers health and fitness hacks, including meal prepping and optimizing sleep for better health. In other words, it's a lot. We cover a lot of ground, but there's something in there for everyone. In the episode, we discuss: • Finding a balance between consumption and action• Sleep hacks• Boosting productivity• Reframing challenges • Comparison • Impacts mental health• Focusing on effectiveness • Using AI tools • Meal prepping • Building a personal brand • Habit stacking • The ABC method • Anti-goals • Non-negotiablesNick: Newsletter WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeSpotifyFollow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters00:00 2024 Recap: Reflections and Insights02:29 Life Hacks for Productivity08:17 Tech That Transforms Daily Life15:21 Enhancing Focus and Productivity20:05 Small Habits, Big Impact22:28 Mindset Shifts and Mental Models33:00 Taking Action: The Key to Success33:59 Transforming Frustrations into Gratitude38:53 Learning from Past Failures45:06 Focusing on Effectiveness Over Busyness49:04 Leveraging AI for Learning55:14 Automation Tools for Efficiency58:45 Health and Fitness Hacks01:04:51 Optimizing Sleep for Better Health01:05:51 The Power of Sleep and Nutrition01:08:06 Daily Habits for Mental Clarity01:10:41 Building a Personal Brand01:18:50 New Year's Resolutions and Personal Growth01:26:16 Effective Habit Formation and Goal Setting

In this conversation, Byron and Matt Wheeler-Barrett discuss the inception and mission of Unyfy, a B2B personal branding agency. They explore the significance of personal branding in today's digital landscape, the importance of building relationships with clients, and the impact of social media trends. Matt shares insights on leveraging AI for content creation and reflects on his early entrepreneurial experiences, emphasizing the lessons learned and the realities of running a business. The discussion culminates in thoughts on growth, responsibility, and future aspirations for Unyfy. In this conversation, Matt Wheeler-Barrett shares his journey in entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of building momentum, the distinction between dreamers and starters, and the challenges of team building and capacity management. Matt also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of mentorship and networking in achieving success.Highlights:• Personal branding is essential for standing out in a competitive market• Building relationships• AI optimizing content creation • Early entrepreneurial experiences • Networking crucial for finding opportunities and partnerships• Entrepreneurship requires discipline • Attention is a key currency • Investing in people • Reinvesting in your business • Execution and action are what separate dreamers from starters• Offer value for free to build relationships• Persistence is key in finding clients and opportunities• Mentorship and networkingMatt: LinkedInUnyfy:WebsiteLinkedInFollow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to Unifi and Its Mission03:02 The Importance of Personal Branding05:50 Building Relationships and Client Engagement08:48 Navigating Trends and Hacks in Social Media12:04 The Role of AI in Content Creation15:02 Lessons from Early Entrepreneurship17:49 The Journey of Building Unifi20:55 The Reality of Entrepreneurship23:52 Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations27:58 Building Momentum in Entrepreneurship30:54 The Difference Between Dreamers and Starters33:22 Navigating Tough Decisions in Business34:16 Team Building and Capacity Challenges35:49 Leveraging AI in Business Operations39:07 Empathetic Leadership and Team Dynamics43:41 Long-Term Vision for Unify45:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs49:13 Finding Mentors and Building Connections

In this episode I'm joined by, James Fleming, Managing Director of Power Within Training.We discuss the unique approach of his leadership development company, focusing on motivational intelligence.He shares his journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding human motivation and adapting leadership styles for the modern workforce.James reflects on the challenges and growth his business experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significance of resilience and support in overcoming doubts and achieving success.In this conversation, James shares his journey in leadership training, emphasizing the importance of overcoming excuses, transforming challenges into opportunities, and the significance of storytelling in gaining buy-in from participants. He discusses his vision for global expansion, lessons learned from business failures, and the ongoing battle with imposter syndrome. James encourages listeners to take action against their fears and highlights the rewarding nature of the hard path in entrepreneurship.In the episode, we discuss:• Motivational intelligence• Effective leadership requirements• How leadership has to adapt to a changing world• Early entrepreneurial days and challenges• Asking the right questions.• People need to feel involved to truly engage in their work.• Leadership development• Believing in your vision is essential for long-term success• The biggest excuses• Lessons from business failures• Managing fear• Nothing good happens in the comfort zone• The rewarding hard path• What if you could?James: LinkedInThe Power Within Training:Website LinkedIn Follow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters00:00 Introduction to Power Within Training03:04 Understanding Motivational Intelligence05:56 The Journey to Entrepreneurship12:00 Adapting Leadership for the 21st Century17:11 Growth Through Adversity24:54 Overcoming Doubts in Early Entrepreneurship30:54 Vision for Global Expansion32:20 Overcoming Common Excuses33:40 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities34:50 Lessons from Business Failures37:45 Navigating Imposter Syndrome42:08 Building Buy-In Through Storytelling46:56 Taking Action Against Excuses49:51 The Hard Path to Success51:43 The Journey of Starting a Podcast

In this episode, Libby Swan discusses her journey with Axioned, a technology services firm, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. She shares insights on scaling a business, managing diverse teams, and the impact of AI on operations. Libby emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the privilege of starting a business. The discussion also touches on the significance of help and mentorship, the process of manifestation, and the essential human skills needed in today's business landscape.In the episode, we discuss:• Axioned • Entrepreneurship requirements• Managing stress • Working with a spouse • Company culture• AI tools• The privilege of starting a business • Vulnerability in leadership • Seeking help • Manifestation Axioned: LinkedInWebsite Libby:LinkedIn Follow Me: YouTubeNewsletter LinkedIn InstagramTwitterTikTokChapters01:00 Introduction to Action and Its Mission04:03 The Journey of Entrepreneurship06:58 Scaling Challenges and Team Dynamics10:01 Navigating Company Culture Across Borders13:08 The Impact of AI on Business Operations15:58 The Privilege of Entrepreneurship19:01 Leadership Evolution and Vulnerability21:56 The Role of Help and Mentorship24:50 Manifestation and Intentional Living28:01 The Importance of Being Human in Business