The Business Excellence Podcast

Steve Sallis, an author, teacher, and mindset coach, dives into the real qualities that make or break a leader. He doesn’t hold back, calling out bad leaders as people who don’t listen, lack vision, and often have a streak of narcissism. Steve opens up about his own experience being bullied at work by a narcissistic boss, something that hit him hard emotionally. That difficult chapter in his life led him to write a book for young professionals, helping them spot toxic leadership early on. His years working in tough London schools, where gang culture and knife crime were part of daily life, gave him a unique perspective on what it takes to lead well—starting with self-awareness and creating a supportive, safe environment for everyone.Over time, Steve developed the strategic mindset needed to lead effectively. For Steve, it’s all about pairing confidence with competence—because while confidence gets you started, it’s skill and awareness that make you truly successful. He’s big on the idea that ego can wreck communication and relationships, and without self-awareness, even the most confident leader will struggle to inspire their team.What really fires Steve up is his belief in building strong, high-performing teams by recognising and playing to people’s strengths. It’s not about ego—it’s about helping your team win. And for him, leadership is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and improvement.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

In this conversation, Daniel Priestley breaks down the "entrepreneur revolution" and why it’s the most exciting time to start and grow a business. He shares how today’s success isn’t about having a massive workforce or loads of money anymore—it’s about spotting opportunities and taking them to market fast. He even talks about how he built a global business with a small team and how YouTubers in their 20s are making millions with tiny crews, shaking up traditional industries like never before.But it’s not just about making money. Priestley reveals the secret sauce to building a business that not only wins customers but also attracts buyers, which could be worth millions. He dives into the tricky phase of growth where businesses are too big to be small and too small to be big, giving you insider tips on how to break through and scale faster than you ever thought possible.As if that wasn’t enough, he explores how AI and technology are completely reshaping the game, allowing small teams to compete at a level once reserved for the big players. If you’re into business, tech, or just making things happen, Priestley’s insights are like getting the cheat codes to success. This is a conversation you can’t miss if you're ready to take your business to the next level!Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

In this conversation, social media strategist Harvey Heggs discusses the importance of building a strong online presence and personal brand. He explains that having employees create personal brands can help align a company towards shared goals, like generating leads or growing socially. While there are risks, such as employees outgrowing the company, the benefits—like building trust and connecting with a wider audience—make it worthwhile. Harvey also points out that personal branding goes beyond just creating content; it’s about telling a story in a way that resonates, whether through blog posts, videos, or other formats.Harvey shares insights from his own journey, which began when he was 16, learning from successful figures like Graham Stephan and managing social media for a large company in Dubai. He believes that successful social media strategy is not just about posting content but having a clear plan with defined goals and consistency. He highlights the need for innovation, adaptability, and patience, using examples of creators who constantly pivot their strategies to stay relevant and grow their brands.Ultimately, Harvey encourages businesses and individuals to take social media seriously by developing a strong strategy that guides their content and goals. He emphasizes the importance of staying consistent, being patient, and understanding the power of a well-thought-out plan to achieve long-term success.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

Catherine Bishop, a three-time Olympian, shares her insights on performance and leadership, focusing on the need to define what success truly means. She encourages people to think beyond traditional goals like winning medals or meeting targets and to explore the deeper personal and social value of these achievements. Success, she suggests, is a long-term journey that requires clarity about both short-term actions and long-term vision, helping individuals stay on track and make necessary adjustments.Bishop highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation—such as purpose, mastery, belonging, and autonomy—in sustaining commitment and resilience, especially during challenging times. She explains that performance is about more than just big moments; it involves continuous preparation, learning, and growth. This mindset helps individuals see every step as an opportunity to improve, regardless of immediate outcomes.In discussing leadership, Bishop emphasises the importance of creating a positive organisational culture. She argues that leaders should foster an environment that values learning, collaboration, and ethical behaviour to prevent toxic cultures. Drawing from her experiences, she contrasts the high-pressure environment of her first Olympics with the supportive culture of her later experiences, demonstrating that high performance thrives best when ambition is balanced with a supportive, ethical approach.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business:https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

“Would you rather your spouse be satisfied or loyal?”In this conversation, Jeffrey Gitomer, a leading authority on sales, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, and renowned best-selling author, highlights the need to rethink traditional sales methods. Gitomer, whose work has had a major impact on the sales industry, believes that customers prefer to make their own buying decisions rather than being pressured into a purchase. He argues that high-pressure tactics often lead to regret and don’t build lasting relationships. Instead, he promotes a customer-focused approach where genuine conversations and understanding the customer's needs naturally lead to a sale. By asking thoughtful questions and truly engaging with customers, salespeople can create a comfortable environment that encourages buying.Gitomer also talks about the power of capturing moments of customer satisfaction and using them as authentic testimonials. He explains that real success in sales goes beyond just closing deals; it’s about creating memorable experiences that build customer loyalty. This loyalty, which Gitomer views as more important than just satisfaction, leads to repeat business and referrals, which are key to long-term success. Gitomer, who has influenced many sales leaders, also points out that managers should focus on inspiring their teams, as true inspiration, centred on the customer's experience, has a lasting impact.Additionally, Gitomer discusses the importance of effective sales training and the role of AI in personalising customer interactions. He emphasises that good training should not only teach sales techniques but also help salespeople understand the reasons behind customer decisions. Gitomer, known for shaping modern sales training, also highlights the value of continuous learning and self-improvement, drawing lessons from classic business books. He encourages listeners to take action, learn from successful people, and apply those lessons to their own paths while staying true to their strengths and values.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

In this episode of the Business Excellence Podcast, esteemed author and HR professional Debra Corey discusses the profound impact that bad bosses can have on both work and personal life. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares how a bad boss deeply affected her, a situation that resonates with many. Corey explains that while bad bosses often don't intend to cause harm, the emotional damage they cause is real. She identifies different types of bad bosses, such as those who misuse power or fail to show appreciation, and emphasizes the importance of bosses choosing to enrich lives rather than ruin them.Corey highlights the crucial role of self-awareness and listening to employees in becoming a better boss. She recounts a moment in her career when she realized her management style was negatively impacting her team, prompting her to make necessary changes. Corey introduces the Great Boss Building Block model, which includes key behaviours like empathy and trust, essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. She believes that understanding and addressing these elements is vital for effective leadership.The episode also explores employee engagement, with Corey stressing the need to address basic elements like pay, benefits, and workspace before focusing on other areas like communication. She explains that these foundational aspects are critical for building a strong, engaged workforce. Corey also discusses the importance of recognizing and appreciating employees in ways that are meaningful to them, and how transparency and continuous communication can further enhance employee motivation and satisfaction.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

In this episode, we explore the essence of leadership with Dr. John Blakey. What sets great leaders apart? Dr. Blakey examines the crucial distinction between management and leadership, emphasising that true leadership is rooted in vision and the courage to pursue it. We discuss the importance of anticipation, recovery from setbacks, and the role of discipline in freeing up mental capacity for innovation.Dr. Blakey also shares his thoughts on living by one's values and how it ties to leadership excellence. He unpacks the significance of knowing your core beliefs, the danger of arrogance, and the power of humility. The conversation touches on the balance between pride in one’s achievements and the humility to recognise the value in others' journeys.We also gain personal insights from Dr. Blakey on his journey as an author, lessons learned from his books, and his reflections on prominent leaders like Jacinda Ardern and Gareth Southgate. Tune in to discover what makes a leader truly exceptional and how living by your values can turn you into a force for good in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who are passionate about leadership and personal growth.

Sit down with Mark Wright, the 2014 winner of The Apprentice, to explore his transformative journey from a confident 24-year-old to a seasoned business expert. Mark candidly shares how his initial belief in his business acumen was challenged and reshaped through hands-on experience and the invaluable mentorship of Alan Sugar. Observing Sugar's negotiation prowess and composure in high-stakes situations provided Mark with an accelerated learning curve that many might only achieve much later in their careers.Mark emphasises the critical importance of experience and failure in business growth. He explains that true mastery cannot be achieved solely through books or podcasts; it requires dealing with real customers, employees, and board members. He shares his scariest decision—leaving a high-paying job to start his own business—and underscores the need for perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Mark also discusses the skills essential for successful deal-making, such as emotional intelligence and the ability to read the room, which he learned from his mentor.The episode also explores the significance of continuous learning and goal-setting in achieving long-term success and personal happiness. Mark highlights the importance of building a strong reputation and maintaining it in today's business world. He shares his favourite books that have inspired him, such as "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins, and offers advice on how aspiring entrepreneurs can leverage mentorship, set meaningful goals, and stay motivated. Join us as Mark Wright provides invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to excel in business and life.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

Discover the inspiring journey of a small business owner who embodies tenacity, honesty, and innovation. Starting with humble beginnings in Glasgow, this entrepreneur moved to London with just a backpack and £200. From working in construction to developing a groundbreaking electronic control system for old appliances, their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Their innovations in the heat storage and range cooker industry have not only reduced emissions and costs but have also set new standards for sustainability.Balancing a thriving business with raising four children, this entrepreneur shares insights into managing both personal and professional responsibilities. Their success is marked by strategic growth, including scaling the business from £1 million to £7 million. A pivotal moment came with the partnership with renowned chef Marco Pierre White, which highlighted the quality and potential of their products. This collaboration, along with a recent legal victory against a major industry player, underscores the company’s credibility and resilience.Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding their product range and establishing a national brand. The entrepreneur’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation is driving the business towards a £100 million turnover goal. This video not only showcases the remarkable achievements of a dedicated business leader but also offers valuable lessons in overcoming challenges and staying true to one’s values. Tune in to be inspired by a journey of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/