ScaleUp Radio

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to apply to be a guest, just click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/apply Kevin's New Book Is Now Available! Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

Episode #630: ScaleUp Radio Shorts - Humaning, Tech, and True Focus: Lessons from Melissa Thornley and Vicki Ayton 07/17/2026

Episode #630: ScaleUp Radio Shorts - Humaning, Tech, and True Focus: Lessons from Melissa Thornley and Vicki Ayton In this edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two fascinating conversations with leadership expert Melissa Thornley and social entrepreneur Vicki Ayton. Although their businesses couldn't be more different, both guests arrive at remarkably similar conclusions. Sustainable growth isn't driven by working harder or adopting the latest technology. It's built by developing better leaders, creating resilient teams, maintaining genuine human connection, and focusing attention on what matters most. From emotional intelligence and feedback cultures to AI, climate resilience and practical productivity systems, this episode explores what founders should really be investing in as they scale. In this episode You'll discover: Why trying to do everything yourself is one of the biggest barriers to scaling The importance of emotional intelligence alongside artificial intelligence Why managing your attention is far more important than managing your time How resilient businesses are built through resilient people Practical ways to build accountability without creating blame Why community, collaboration and purpose create stronger organisations How technology should support human judgement rather than replace it Why writing things down can still outperform another productivity app The role of kindness and self-compassion in high-performing teams One standout message "Wherever your AI skills are, your emotional intelligence needs to be at the same level." It's a simple reminder that as technology accelerates, the businesses that thrive will still be the ones that communicate well, build trust and genuinely understand people. The one key takeaway Technology may improve efficiency, but people create sustainable growth. Invest in leadership, relationships and focus first. About our guests Melissa Thornley is a leadership and emotional intelligence consultant who helps organisations develop resilient leaders, stronger communication and healthier workplace cultures across industries ranging from manufacturing to emergency services. Vicki Ayton is the founder of BizEd Projects, a Community Interest Company helping communities improve digital inclusion, employability, environmental resilience and local skills development. Resources mentioned Emotional Intelligence (EI) Artificial Intelligence tools including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Focused Space virtual co-working Smart90 G90 Summit Smart90 Most founders we speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty is happening, but it's not always clear what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we work through everything competing for your attention, identify the three to five priorities that will move your business forward over the next 90 days, then build the systems and accountability to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual and just £97 per seat. Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Produced with the aid of AI This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was researched, structured and produced with the aid of artificial intelligence, with editorial review and final approval by the ScaleUp Radio team. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/42116245

Episode #629: Why Resilience is the Missing Link in Accountability - with Melissa Thornley 07/15/2026

Episode #629: Why Resilience is the Missing Link in Accountability - with Melissa Thornley ScaleUp Radio Show Notes Melissa Thornley: Why Resilience is the Missing Link in Accountability What if the reason accountability isn't sticking in your business has nothing to do with performance management and everything to do with resilience? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Melissa Thornley, leadership coach, consultant and founder of Melissa Thornley Consulting. Melissa works with leaders operating in high-stakes environments including emergency services, government agencies, manufacturing, construction and technology businesses. Her mission is simple but powerful: helping people improve "how we human together". Drawing on more than 20 years in the film and advertising industry, including leading teams through significant organisational change, Melissa shares why resilience and accountability are inseparable, why self-compassion is an underrated leadership skill and how leaders can create stronger, more accountable teams through better conversations. In this episode: Why accountability and resilience are two sides of the same coin The shift from time management to attention management How self-awareness helps leaders make better decisions under pressure Why asking "What happened?" creates better accountability than asking "Why?" A simple framework for giving effective feedback The importance of assuming positive intent in your team Why self-compassion creates stronger leaders than self-confidence alone How emotional intelligence becomes even more important in the age of AI Practical techniques for managing energy, focus and resilience Lessons from leading through change and conflict Melissa's journey Melissa spent more than two decades working in film and advertising, including twelve years at an international editing company. At the age of 34, she found herself managing a business, navigating complex change and handling team conflict with little formal leadership training. Working with an executive coach transformed her approach. The frameworks and support she received became the catalyst for a complete career change. Since launching her consultancy in 2013, Melissa has built a thriving business almost entirely through referrals and community relationships. Practical leadership tools from Melissa Focus on attention, not time Rather than trying to manage every minute of the day, Melissa encourages leaders to manage their attention. Regularly checking in on your energy levels and identifying the next best use of your time creates better results than simply working harder. Assume good intent Most people come to work wanting to do a good job. Starting from this assumption changes the quality of conversations and reduces unnecessary conflict. Replace "Why?" with "What?" When something goes wrong, asking "Why did you do that?" often creates defensiveness. Instead ask: What happened? What was challenging? What got in the way? What support would have helped? These questions create learning rather than blame. Use the 1-2-3 feedback loop Melissa's simple review framework: What worked? What would we do differently? What should we stop doing? Used consistently, this creates continuous improvement without complexity. AI requires EI As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our organisations, Melissa believes emotional intelligence must develop alongside it. Empathy, resilience, communication, conflict resolution and assertiveness remain critical human capabilities. The more technology advances, the more valuable these distinctly human skills become. One key takeaway Resilience is not something you need after accountability fails. Resilience is what makes accountability possible in the first place. Standout quote "Self-compassion is a more useful foundation for growth than self-confidence because confidence is built through action, while self-compassion allows us to keep moving when things don't go to plan." Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Melissa can be found here: Bonus Download Page - Resources: Permission To Feel by Marc Brackett - Ten Percent Happier Podcast - Focused Space - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/42033125

Episode #628: Bridging Research, Digital Skills and Community Impact - with Vicki Ayton 07/13/2026

Episode #628: Bridging Research, Digital Skills and Community Impact - with Vicki Ayton What happens when academic research, climate resilience, digital inclusion and community development all collide? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Vicki Ayton, Founder of BizEd, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that exists to bridge the gap between research and real-world community impact. What started as a response to a local library closure has evolved into a growing community hub delivering digital inclusion support, climate resilience education, research projects and policy work across Shropshire and beyond. Vicki shares the realities of building a sustainable CIC, the challenges of balancing commercial income with social impact, and why digital skills are now fundamental to both business success and community resilience. In This Episode From Research to Real Impact Vicki explains how her background in climate and environmental research highlighted a common challenge: excellent research often fails to reach the people who need it most. BizEd was created to translate knowledge into practical support for communities and businesses. A pivotal moment came when the local council approached BizEd to replace services lost when a library closed due to RAAC concrete concerns. That request became the catalyst for creating a physical community hub. Why BizEd Chose a CIC Structure One of the most fascinating discussions centres around the decision to become a Community Interest Company rather than a charity. Vicki explains: Why financial resilience matters for community organisations How BizEd generates 60–70% of its income through trading activities The dangers of becoming overly reliant on grant funding How organisations can lose community trust when grant-funded projects disappear The CIC model provides greater flexibility to trade and generate sustainable income, helping create long-term impact rather than short-term projects. The CIC Catch-22 The conversation highlights a significant challenge faced by many social enterprises. While CICs are encouraged to trade and become self-sustaining, they are often excluded from support programmes available only to registered charities. Examples include: Free software licences Digital infrastructure grants Technology support programmes Meanwhile, charities often have access to these benefits but face restrictions on how much income they can generate through trading activities. It's a structural challenge that many social enterprises continue to face. Climate Resilience is a Business Issue Climate change is no longer a future concern. Vicki explains why businesses need to focus on resilience today, including: Managing disruption caused by extreme weather Protecting supply chains Supporting employee wellbeing during heatwaves Preparing for changing customer and community needs Rather than focusing solely on sustainability, businesses must also prepare for adaptation and resilience. Digital Skills are Now Essential A major theme throughout the conversation is the importance of digital capability at every level. Vicki breaks digital skills into three areas: Foundation Skills Email Online services Digital communication Accessing information safely Workplace Skills Productivity software Collaboration tools Digital workflows Data management Advanced Skills Artificial Intelligence AI risk management Data analysis Automation opportunities She also highlights the growing overlap between green jobs and digital capability, where data and technology skills are becoming increasingly valuable. Why Young People May Hold the AI Advantage For many small businesses, hiring experienced AI specialists isn't realistic. Vicki argues that younger people often bring natural AI fluency and experimentation skills that SMEs can benefit from immediately. For owner-managers looking to improve productivity, younger team members may already hold valuable expertise that businesses are overlooking. Building Community Hubs That Actually Work One of BizEd's biggest lessons is that community needs rarely exist in isolation. Someone seeking digital support may also need: Benefits advice Banking assistance Employment support Access to other local services Vicki shares her vision for integrated community hubs that bring multiple services together under one roof, making support more accessible and effective. Productivity Tools and Personal Effectiveness Despite operating in a highly digital world, Vicki's favourite productivity tool is surprisingly simple. Her trusted Busy Bee physical diary remains the cornerstone of her planning system. The discussion explores: Why writing things down improves thinking Managing the overlap between work and home life The importance of finding tools that suit your working style BizEd itself takes a tool-agnostic approach, using Trello, Notion, Planner and other platforms depending on team and client preferences. The focus is on removing barriers to collaboration rather than enforcing a single system. The One Key Thing Building sustainable impact requires balancing purpose with commercial reality. The organisations that create lasting change are the ones that develop the resilience to generate income while staying true to their mission. Standout Quote "Digital skills are no longer optional. They are the foundation of resilience for individuals, communities and businesses alike." About Vicki Ayton Vicki Ayton is the Founder of BizEd, a Community Interest Company focused on climate resilience, digital inclusion, research translation and community impact. Through education, community engagement and policy work, BizEd helps bridge the gap between knowledge and practical action. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Vicki can be found here: Resources: The Good Growth Podcast - David Gallagher on Substack - Jenny Anderson on Substack - BusyB Diaries - Trello - Notion - Monday - Google Meet - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/42032765

Episode #627: ScaleUp Radio Shorts - Burnout, Boundaries and Better Businesses 07/10/2026

Episode #627: ScaleUp Radio Shorts - Burnout, Boundaries and Better Businesses In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt bring together three powerful conversations from recent ScaleUp Radio guests: Dan Glyde, Megan Robinson and Sam Eaton. Whilst their businesses are very different, they all arrived at remarkably similar conclusions about what it really takes to build a business that grows sustainably. From avoiding burnout to empowering your team and creating systems that scale, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can implement straight away. In this episode we discuss: Why founders should think of themselves as cognitive athletes How burnout often arrives long before we recognise it Why people pleasing damages both relationships and business performance Setting boundaries that improve focus and client expectations Megan Robinson's approach to taming the "Advice Monster" Why asking three questions is often better than giving one answer How empowering managers creates better leaders Sam Eaton's counterintuitive advice to build an unscalable business first Why simple systems outperform complicated ones How scorecards and ownership create accountability The leadership transitions every growing business must navigate Why treating employees as career partners builds stronger businesses Key Takeaways • Sustainable growth starts with looking after yourself before your business. • Great leaders ask more questions than they answer. • Boundaries aren't selfish. They create better service, better focus and better decisions. • The strongest businesses are often built on simple, repeatable systems rather than complexity. • As your business grows, your leadership style has to evolve with it. The One Key Thing... Scaling isn't about doing more. It's about creating the habits, systems and leadership that allow your business to grow without burning you or your team out. Mentioned in this episode Dan Glyde – Positive Masculinity Megan Robinson – eLeader Experience Sam Eaton – MindAbility Consultancy If you enjoyed these insights, make sure you also listen to each of the full-length interviews where we explore their stories in much greater depth. Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly • Virtual • £97 per seat Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit Know someone with an inspiring ScaleUp story? We'd love to hear from them. Visit ScaleUp Radio to nominate a future guest. This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of AI. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/42031845

Episode #626: Closing The Leadership Expectation Gap - with Megan Robinson 07/08/2026

Episode #626: Closing The Leadership Expectation Gap - with Megan Robinson Why do so many talented managers struggle when they step into leadership roles? It's a challenge that affects businesses of every size. High performers are often promoted because they're brilliant at what they do, yet they're rarely given the skills, tools, or support needed to lead people effectively. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Megan Robinson, Founder of eLeader Experience, about what she calls the "Leadership Expectation Gap" and why it is costing organisations far more than they realise. Megan shares how businesses can move leaders from being stuck in the weeds to becoming influential people developers who create stronger teams, better performance and higher retention. In this episode: Why leadership and management are not the same thing The hidden cost of promoting technical experts into leadership roles without support Why poor leadership can account for significant revenue loss How a coaching-first approach develops leaders rather than simply training them The importance of moving from giving answers to asking better questions Why influence is the true measure of leadership The practical habit that can instantly improve your leadership effectiveness Lessons from scaling a coaching business beyond founder capacity Why pricing for future growth matters from day one The Leadership Expectation Gap Many businesses promote their best salesperson, engineer or technical specialist into management. The problem? Success as an individual contributor requires a completely different skill set from success as a leader. Without support, managers often continue doing the work themselves rather than developing their people. They become trapped in day-to-day operations, limiting both team performance and business growth. Megan explains how this expectation gap contributes to employee turnover, disengagement and significant financial costs for organisations. Developing Leaders, Not Just Training Them Megan founded eLeader Experience with a mission to make leadership development accessible to everyone. Her approach combines the depth of executive coaching with the structure of leadership training through a flexible blend of workshops, group coaching and one-to-one support. The goal is simple: Develop leaders who can think, influence and empower others rather than simply complete tasks. Stop Feeding the Advice Monster One of the most practical insights from this conversation comes from Michael Bungay's concept of the "Advice Monster". Many leaders believe they add value by providing answers. The reality is often the opposite. By immediately offering solutions, leaders reduce accountability, limit team growth and miss opportunities to uncover the real issue. Megan shares a simple challenge: Ask at least three questions before giving advice. This creates better conversations, develops critical thinking and empowers people to take ownership of their own solutions. The One Key Thing The one key thing from this episode is that leadership is influence, not expertise. The moment leaders stop trying to have all the answers and start asking better questions is the moment their teams begin to grow. A Standout Quote "Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less." This simple principle underpins Megan's entire approach and provides a powerful framework for anyone looking to become a more effective leader. Megan's ScaleUp Essentials Book Recommendation American Icon by Bryce G. Hoffman - Podcast Recommendation The Look and Sound of Leadership - Technology Recommendation HubSpot - Zapier - Client Acquisition Strategy Relational networking and meaningful conversations. No magic formula. No shortcuts. Just building genuine relationships. About Megan Robinson Megan Robinson is the Founder of eLeader Experience, helping organisations develop leaders through a coaching-first approach that combines leadership training, executive coaching and practical development programmes. Megan can be found here Smart90 and the G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit Connect To learn more about ScaleUp Radio, nominate a future guest or explore further resources, visit Smart90.co.uk. Make sure you subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41934610

Episode #625: Why Authentic Leadership Starts With Looking After Yourself - with Daniel Glyde 07/06/2026

Episode #625: Why Authentic Leadership Starts With Looking After Yourself - with Daniel Glyde What happens when the very traits that helped you succeed become the ones that push you towards burnout? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Daniel Glyde, founder of Positive Masculinity, to explore how business owners and leaders can build sustainable success by developing a healthier relationship with themselves first. Daniel shares his personal journey from BBC producer to coach, following a severe burnout and panic attack in 2018. His experience led him to challenge the traditional expectations many men place on themselves and ultimately build a business focused on helping men create authentic identities, stronger self-belief and healthier lives. The conversation explores why so many founders fall into people-pleasing, perfectionism and overwork, and how setting boundaries can actually improve performance, leadership and business growth. In this episode: Daniel's journey from burnout to business owner How years of emotional suppression and people-pleasing led to chronic anxiety and burnout The wake-up call that forced him to reassess his priorities Why putting yourself first is not selfish but essential Understanding Positive Masculinity Daniel's framework is built around three core principles: Know yourself Be yourself Love yourself Together these help men develop an authentic identity based on values rather than external validation. The hidden cost of people-pleasing Daniel explains the difference between: Being kind and supportive Saying yes when you really mean no He shares why many founders unintentionally create stress, resentment and poor performance by failing to establish healthy boundaries. Building a business through community Daniel has created a three-level business model: A free WhatsApp community with weekly accountability and support A paid mastermind programme focused on peak performance Premium one-to-one coaching helping clients overcome procrastination, perfectionism and self-doubt What leaders can learn from authenticity The discussion explores: Why vulnerability builds trust The power of saying "I don't know" How leaders can model healthier behaviours for their teams Creating cultures that support wellbeing without sacrificing performance Daniel's non-negotiables for peak performance 8+ hours sleep 30+ minutes meditation daily 30+ minutes walking daily 2+ hours of genuine rest every day Daniel can be found here Books that shaped Daniel's thinking Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr Joe Dispenza - The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle - A Return to Love – Marianne Williamson - Conversations with God – Neale Donald Walsch - Technology helping Daniel scale Daniel uses Claude AI extensively for research, content creation and automating parts of his outreach process. - The one key thing Many founders believe they need to sacrifice themselves to build a successful business. Daniel argues the opposite. Sustainable growth starts when you stop abandoning your own needs and begin leading from a place of authenticity, energy and self-respect. Standout Quote "Your business can only grow sustainably to the extent that you look after yourself." Smart90 Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41931600

Episode #624: ScaleUp Club - Why You Should Plan for Exit Long Before You Want to Sell - with Helen Bower 07/01/2026

Episode #624: ScaleUp Club - Why You Should Plan for Exit Long Before You Want to Sell - with Helen Bower Why should founders start planning their exit years before they intend to leave? That was the theme of this month's ScaleUp Club, where members explored one of the most misunderstood areas of business growth: exit planning. Joining Kevin Brent was returning guest Helen Bower, former owner of Adder Bookkeeping, who successfully sold her business to Fresh Financials Group in 2025 after deliberately building it with a 10-year exit strategy in mind. Helen shared a refreshingly honest account of how she transformed a self-employed role into a scalable business, the systems she put in place, how the acquisition unfolded, and what life looks like after the sale. Alongside Helen's Q&A, members also received an AI Pulse update from Tim Wynn-Stanley of Resolve IT, covering one of the hottest developments in AI right now: Vibe Coding. The session explored why exit planning is not really about selling your business. Instead, it is about creating a stronger, more scalable and less founder-dependent company today. Key Takeaways: • Exit planning is growth planning in disguise • The same disciplines that increase business value also improve day-to-day performance • Most businesses are worth significantly less than owners expect because they remain too dependent on the founder • Systemisation is one of the biggest drivers of business value • Buyers look beyond profit and consider factors such as recurring revenue, client retention, staff retention, reputation and operational independence • Helen achieved a four-times EBITDA valuation after years of deliberate preparation • Strong processes allowed her business sale to complete in just six weeks • Remaining in the business after acquisition helped maintain client retention and protected earn-out payments • Brand reputation can significantly influence attractiveness to buyers • AI-generated software can be powerful but requires careful testing and governance AI Pulse: Vibe Coding and Hidden Risks Tim Wynn-Stanley shared insights into the rapidly growing world of Vibe Coding, where AI tools can create functioning software applications simply through conversation. While the speed and accessibility are impressive, Tim warned that many founders are unknowingly creating security and compliance risks. His practical checklist included: • Checking whether passwords or API keys are exposed • Ensuring databases are properly secured • Testing for unintended access points • Reviewing GDPR and compliance obligations • Running comprehensive security testing As Tim put it: "Just because it works doesn't mean it's safe." Helen's Exit Journey Helen began Adder Bookkeeping as a sole trader before intentionally building a team and creating a business capable of operating without her day-to-day involvement. Her preparation included: • Documenting every core process • Building detailed client onboarding systems • Implementing strong CRM workflows • Creating repeatable operational procedures • Developing a trusted second-in-command • Building a strong personal and business reputation within the bookkeeping sector When the opportunity arose to join Fresh Financials Group, the business was already highly systemised, enabling a remarkably fast acquisition process. The One Key Thing If your business cannot operate without you, you don't yet own a sellable asset. Every step you take to reduce founder dependency makes your business more valuable, more resilient and ultimately more enjoyable to run. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Helen Bower can be found here: /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41804080

Episode #623: Building a Business That Scales Without Losing Its Soul - with Sam Eaton 06/29/2026

Episode #623: Building a Business That Scales Without Losing Its Soul - with Sam Eaton Many founders dream of building a business that gives them freedom, impact and financial success. The challenge is that what gets a business to £1m rarely gets it to £4m and beyond. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Sam Eaton, founder of MindAbility, a business that helps HR and talent entrepreneurs build successful businesses on their own terms. Sam shares lessons from scaling her own HR business from £650k to £4.3m, the systems that made growth possible, and why founders need to rethink leadership, culture and accountability as their organisations grow. From creating scorecards that drive performance to navigating the difficult £3m to £4m growth stage, this conversation is packed with practical advice for founders looking to scale sustainably. In this episode: Why every scalable business should start with an unscalable service How MindAbility evolved from one-to-one coaching into a scalable membership model The biggest mistakes HR professionals make when launching their own businesses Lessons learned from scaling an HR company from £650k to £4.3m Why weekly scorecards transform business performance The difference between lagging indicators and controllable metrics How to spot problems before they become business-threatening Why the £3m to £4m stage is one of the hardest phases of growth The leadership changes required as businesses become more complex How culture evolves and sometimes fractures as organisations scale Why founders need to transition from operator to CEO The growing strategic role HR can play in AI adoption How to align employee ambitions with business success The value of building an alumni network rather than simply managing staff turnover One standout message from Sam "What gets you from £1m to £2m won't get you from £3m to £4m." As organisations grow, founders must continually reinvent systems, leadership structures and ways of working. Growth requires evolution. The one key thing Scale by starting unscalably. Many founders try to automate and scale too early. Sam's experience shows that the fastest route to sustainable growth is often through delivering exceptional high-touch service first, proving the model, building credibility and understanding exactly what customers value before creating scalable systems around it. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Sam can be found here: Resources: Loving What Is by Byron Katie - Alex Hormuz books - ChatGPT - Claude - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41803805

Episode #622: ScaleUp Shorts: The Founder Psychology Behind Better Decisions, Better Teams and Better Growth 06/26/2026

Episode #622: ScaleUp Shorts: The Founder Psychology Behind Better Decisions, Better Teams and Better Growth This episode is created using AI What do a wine entrepreneur, a decision-science expert, and an occupational psychologist have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt revisit three fascinating conversations with Jamie Smith of EcoSip, Dr Magda Du Preez of GetSense.net, and Tameron Chappell of athinka. Together, they uncover a common theme that sits at the heart of so many scaling challenges: founder psychology. From letting go of the superhero mindset to building decision-making guardrails and avoiding emotionally-driven mistakes, this episode explores the habits, behaviours and systems that allow founders to scale successfully without becoming the bottleneck. In This Episode Why founders must retire the superhero cape Tameron Chappell explains why no founder can continue doing everything as their business grows. Scaling requires self-awareness, delegation and recognising when someone else may be better suited to a role than you are. The dangers of hiring purely on experience A strong CV is not enough. Tameron shares why personality fit, team dynamics and behavioural understanding are often more important than technical expertise when building high-performing teams. Jamie Smith's journey from kitchen table startup to scaling manufacturer Jamie Smith shares how EcoSip evolved from hand-packing wine pouches at home to producing millions of units. Along the way, he learned the importance of bringing in specialist expertise and focusing on what he does best. How emotions distort business decisions Dr Magda Du Preez reveals how emotions influence decision-making in as little as eight milliseconds. Whether it's excitement, anger or sadness, every emotion creates predictable biases that can affect hiring, investment and growth decisions. Why excitement can be the most dangerous emotion for entrepreneurs While enthusiasm drives innovation, excessive excitement can lead to overconfidence, poor judgement and costly mistakes. Jamie's experience with handshake agreements and failed growth opportunities highlights the risks of making decisions without proper safeguards. Building decision-making guardrails Magda introduces the concept of decision rules. These simple, contextual guardrails help teams make decisions confidently while reducing the risk of emotional bias. Rather than constantly seeking founder approval, teams can move faster because they understand the boundaries. Practical tools to improve decision-making The discussion includes several practical frameworks founders can use immediately: The FIRE Method: Feel, Inspect, Respond, Don't React The 10-10-10 Framework: Consider consequences in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years Identifying whether a decision is reversible before acting Creating peer groups that challenge thinking and expose blind spots AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement Both Magda and Tameron discuss how AI can support founders as a thinking partner while warning against becoming overly dependent on automated outputs. The best leaders use AI to enhance their thinking rather than replace it. Key Takeaways Scaling requires founders to let go of the belief they must do everything themselves. Team fit matters as much as technical capability when hiring. Emotional biases influence business decisions more than most leaders realise. Decision rules create confidence, autonomy and consistency across teams. Peer groups provide critical external perspectives that reduce blind spots. AI is most valuable when it supports human judgement rather than replacing it. One Standout Message "Guardrails create freedom. When teams understand the boundaries, they can make better decisions without waiting for permission." The One Key Thing The founders who scale most successfully are not the ones who work harder or make faster decisions. They are the ones who build systems, guardrails and teams that allow good decisions to happen consistently without relying on themselves. About Smart90 Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41792320

Episode #621: How EcoSIP Reinvented Wine Packaging and Built a Defensible ScaleUp - with Jamie Smith 06/24/2026

Episode #621: How EcoSIP Reinvented Wine Packaging and Built a Defensible ScaleUp - with Jamie Smith What happens when a pandemic destroys your original business model? For Jamie Smith and his co-founder Alex, it became the catalyst for creating an entirely new category within the wine industry. Starting as a wine retailer and tasting club, they quickly discovered that shipping glass bottles was expensive, inefficient and environmentally problematic. Rather than accept the challenge, they spent three years developing a proprietary wine pouch capable of preserving and ageing wine in a way that mimics a traditional glass bottle and cork. Today, EcoSIP works with major brands including Naked Wines and The Wine Society, providing innovative sustainable packaging solutions that reduce cost, waste and environmental impact while maintaining wine quality. In this episode, Jamie shares the journey from startup retailer to specialist co-packer, the realities of bootstrapping deep product innovation, and their ambitious plans to make sustainable wine packaging a global standard. In this episode: A pandemic pivot that changed everything When lockdown disrupted their newly launched wine retail business, Jamie and Alex quickly shifted towards direct-to-consumer wine tasting experiences. The challenge soon became obvious. Shipping wine in glass bottles was expensive, heavy and fragile, often costing more than customers expected and creating significant environmental impact. The solution started with a prototype made using hair straighteners and a cereal box. That simple idea ultimately evolved into EcoSIP's proprietary wine pouch technology. Solving a problem others couldn't The team identified a major issue with existing alternatives. Cans prevent oxygen transfer completely, affecting wine development. Traditional bag-in-box solutions allow too much oxygen exposure, impacting quality. EcoSIP set out to create packaging that behaves more like a glass bottle with a cork. After three years of research and development, multiple material generations and constant reinvestment of profits, they developed a pouch capable of replicating the oxygen transfer characteristics needed for wine ageing. Building a defensible business One of the most fascinating aspects of the conversation is how Jamie and the team built genuine barriers to entry. Their competitive advantage now includes: • Proprietary pouch design • Trademark protection • Patent-pending processes • Specialist filling and preservation methods • Deep operational expertise developed through years of experimentation The result is a packaging solution that many competitors would struggle to replicate. Quality control at scale Protecting wine quality remains central to EcoSIP's proposition. Their process includes: • HEPA-filtered clean room environments • Individual bottle quality checks before decanting • CO₂ blanketing to minimise oxidation • Nitrogen purging to reduce oxygen levels before filling • Carefully engineered packaging materials designed for long-term wine preservation These systems allow clients to maintain product quality while benefiting from a more sustainable delivery model. Growing through reputation Unlike many startups, EcoSIP has achieved growth primarily through referrals and word of mouth. Satisfied customers have become advocates, creating a strong pipeline without significant marketing investment. This organic growth has helped the business scale while remaining fully self-funded. Funding growth without losing focus The company has been built using: • Trading profits • R&D tax credits • A Bounce Back Loan Every available resource has been reinvested into developing the technology and refining the process. Now, with the product proven and commercial demand growing, the next step is investment in sales and marketing capability. The global vision Jamie's ambition extends far beyond UK wine packaging. The long-term vision is to establish packaging hubs close to wine production regions around the world. Instead of shipping heavy glass bottles internationally, wine could be packaged near source and distributed more sustainably. Eventually, EcoSIP aims to transition from co-packing to licensing its technology directly to wineries globally. The One Key Thing Innovation becomes far more valuable when it solves a genuine customer problem. EcoSIP's success didn't come from creating new technology for its own sake. It came from relentlessly solving the challenges of cost, sustainability and quality in wine distribution until they created something genuinely difficult to copy. Standout Quote "We spent three years reinvesting everything back into the product until we had a solution that genuinely worked." About EcoSIP EcoSIP provides innovative sustainable wine packaging solutions through its proprietary pouch technology, helping wine brands reduce costs, improve sustainability and deliver high-quality products to consumers in a more flexible format. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Jamie can be found here: Resources: The Maker & The Merchant Podcast - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41700635

Episode #620: Mastering Better Decisions - with Magda Du Preez 06/22/2026

Episode #620: Mastering Better Decisions - with Magda Du Preez How often do business owners make decisions they later regret? Whether it's hiring, investment, strategy, pricing or growth, most founders like to believe they make rational decisions. Yet the reality is that emotions influence almost every business decision we make. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by psychologist, researcher and entrepreneur Magda Du Preez, founder of GetSense.net. Following years of academic research into decision-making and cognitive bias, Magda has developed practical tools that help entrepreneurs and leaders make better decisions under pressure. The conversation explores why emotions are not the enemy of good decision-making, how confidence impacts business performance, and why creating clear decision rules can dramatically improve organisational effectiveness as businesses scale. In This Episode How one hiring decision nearly bankrupted a business Magda shares the story that sparked her research journey. A client faced intense investor pressure to make a senior hire quickly. The decision was driven more by emotion than evidence and almost resulted in the collapse of the business. That experience led Magda to investigate how emotions influence judgement and trigger cognitive biases, ultimately resulting in the creation of GetSense.net. Why emotions matter in business decisions Entrepreneurs rely on emotional energy to move quickly and seize opportunities. The challenge is not eliminating emotion but understanding how it affects thinking. Magda explains that when emotions go unchecked, they can distort judgement, increase bias and create blind spots. Learning to recognise and manage these emotional influences is a critical leadership skill. The FIRE framework for better decisions Magda introduces her practical four-step framework: F – Feel Recognise and acknowledge the emotion you are experiencing. I – Inspect Examine what is triggering the emotion and how it may be affecting your thinking. R – Respond Choose a deliberate response rather than reacting automatically. E – Evolve Learn from the experience and continually improve future decision-making. This process helps leaders create a pause between emotion and action, allowing better choices to emerge. The one key thing Appropriate confidence is the foundation of better decision-making. According to Magda, appropriate confidence is the ability to accurately distinguish between what you know and what you think you know. It acts as the gatekeeper to many other cognitive biases and can significantly influence business performance. Research highlighted in the discussion suggests that even modest improvements in appropriate confidence can correlate with substantial improvements in business growth. Four decision-making capabilities every founder should develop Magda identifies four critical areas: Appropriate Confidence Accurately assessing your own knowledge and certainty. Risk Appraisal Evaluating risk objectively rather than emotionally. Objectivity Seeing through framing effects and cognitive distortions. Decision Rules Creating clear guardrails that simplify and improve decisions. Decision rules: the scaling tool most leaders overlook One of the most practical discussions centres around decision rules. Unlike values, which remain relatively stable over time, decision rules are temporary and contextual. They create clarity around priorities and empower teams to make aligned decisions without constantly seeking approval. Examples include: No capital expenditure this quarter No hiring unless revenue targets are achieved Customer retention before customer acquisition Focus on recurring revenue opportunities only By creating clear decision rules, founders reduce decision bottlenecks and free themselves from becoming the centre of every choice. Practical tools you can use immediately Magda shares several simple but powerful techniques: The Reversibility Test Ask yourself: "Is this decision reversible?" If it is not, slow down and spend more time evaluating options. The 10-10-10 Method Consider the consequences: In 10 minutes In 10 months In 10 years This creates perspective and reduces emotional overreaction. Behavioural Circuit Breakers Create simple interruptions when emotions are running high: Take a sip of water Step outside the room Use visual reminders such as a FIRE note on your desk Small actions can create enough space for better thinking. AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement Magda also discusses the role of AI in decision-making. Rather than outsourcing thinking, leaders should use AI to challenge assumptions, surface blind spots and ask better questions. One particularly useful technique is asking AI to critique its own recommendations from the perspective of a recognised expert. This helps improve the quality of insights while keeping the human firmly in control of the final decision. Key Takeaways Emotions drive far more business decisions than most leaders realise. Appropriate confidence is a critical predictor of decision quality. Better decision-making can be learned and improved systematically. Decision rules help teams move faster while remaining aligned. AI works best as a thought partner rather than a decision-maker. Small behavioural interventions can dramatically improve judgement under pressure. About Magda Du Preez Magda Du Preez is a psychologist, researcher and entrepreneur. She is the founder of GetSense.net, a platform designed to help individuals and organisations improve decision-making through evidence-based frameworks, AI-assisted coaching and practical learning tools. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: G90 Summit Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Magda can be found here: - Don’t forget to mention ScaleUp Radio to get a free trail! Resources: Noise by Daniel Kahneman - Hammock Way of Life by Janet Tanguay - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41690720

Episode #619: ScaleUp Radio Short - Building a Business Worth Selling 06/17/2026

Episode #619: ScaleUp Radio Short - Building a Business Worth Selling Most business owners spend years building their company, yet very few spend any time building an exit strategy. In this month's ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt explore why exit planning isn't really about leaving your business. It's about creating a stronger, more valuable, and less owner-dependent company today. The reality is sobering. For many founders, their business is their most valuable asset after their home, yet the vast majority have no formal exit plan. Even fewer achieve the outcome they hoped for when they eventually sell. The good news? The same disciplines that increase business value are the very things that help you scale more effectively, improve profitability, and create greater freedom as an owner. In This Episode Why Exit Planning Is Really a Growth Strategy An exit plan should not be something you create a few years before retirement. Instead, it should become a framework for building a stronger business today. The systems, processes, leadership capability and recurring revenues that make a company attractive to buyers are exactly the same things that make a business easier to run and scale. Understanding What Your Business Is Really Worth Many founders significantly overestimate the value of their business. Kevin and Louise discuss: Typical valuation methods for SME businesses Profit multiples and how they influence value The difference between EBITDA and Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) Why two businesses with similar profits can command very different valuations The Eight Drivers of Business Value The Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System identifies eight key drivers that influence valuation, including: Financial Performance Growth Potential Recurring Revenue Customer Satisfaction Monopoly Control Switzerland Structure Hub and Spoke Transferability and independence from the founder Improving these areas can significantly increase both the value and attractiveness of your business. The Most Important Driver: Hub and Spoke One of the biggest value destroyers is founder dependency. If every key decision, relationship and process relies on the owner, the business becomes difficult to sell and difficult to scale. Kevin and Louise discuss how founders can: Document key processes Develop leadership capability Delegate responsibilities Build systems that reduce reliance on the owner The ultimate goal is to create a business that continues to thrive without you. Finding the Right Buyer The discussion also explores: Strategic buyers versus financial buyers Why existing customers, suppliers and competitors are often the most likely acquirers How strategic buyers can pay significant premiums Why businesses roughly ten times your size may represent ideal acquisition targets Creating a Practical Exit Plan Your exit strategy does not need to be complicated. A simple two or three-page document can cover: Personal objectives Current business valuation Investment story Target buyers Improvement priorities across the value drivers 12 to 24-month action plans Key Standout Message "An exit plan is actually a growth plan in disguise." The actions that increase business value are the same actions that improve scalability, profitability and owner freedom. The One Key Thing Build a business that can thrive without you. The biggest factor influencing both valuation and scalability is reducing founder dependency. The sooner you start transferring knowledge, developing leaders and creating systems, the more options you'll create for your future. 90-Day Action Challenge Block out 90 minutes and: Score your business against the eight value drivers. Identify your three weakest areas. Map potential future buyers. Create your investment story. Commit to three actions for the next 90 days. Smart90 Feature Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit This episode was created using AI /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41609670

Episode #618: Leaders need to recognise when they’re not the best leader for their business - with Tameron Chappell 06/15/2026

Episode #618: Leaders need to recognise when they’re not the best leader for their business - with Tameron Chappell Why do so many businesses hit a ceiling at around 10 employees? Many founders start their business because they're brilliant at what they do. In the early days, decisions are fast, communication is simple, and the founder sits at the centre of everything. Then the business grows. Suddenly, what made the business successful starts to become the thing holding it back. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Tameron Chappell, founder of Athinka, a business psychology consultancy that helps organisations build healthier, higher-performing teams using evidence-based psychology rather than management fads and airport business books. Tameron explains why the transition beyond 10 employees is one of the most challenging moments in a founder's journey, how personality dynamics influence team performance far more than technical capability, and why shared leadership is critical for sustainable growth. About Tameron Chappell Tameron is the founder of Athinka, a consultancy specialising in business psychology and team effectiveness. Working primarily with startups and scale-ups, Tameron combines psychodynamic and systemic approaches to help founders and leadership teams understand the hidden patterns, behaviours and relationships that influence performance. His work often begins when traditional consulting approaches have failed to deliver lasting results, helping organisations uncover the deeper causes of team dysfunction and leadership challenges. In this episode: Why businesses often stall at 10 employees Many founders unknowingly create a business model that relies entirely on them. As the team grows, this becomes unsustainable. The founder becomes the bottleneck for decisions, problem-solving and accountability. Tameron explains why the 10-person mark is a critical inflection point and why leaders must begin building shared ownership and leadership much earlier than they think. The uncomfortable reality of scaling leadership One of the biggest mindset shifts for founders is recognising that they may not always be the best person for their current role. Growth requires leaders to continually evolve and sometimes redefine their responsibilities. Tameron discusses why succession planning, delegation and leadership development should be part of the scaling conversation from day one. Why personality matters more than technical skills Recruitment often focuses heavily on experience, qualifications and technical competence. However, Tameron argues that personality fit, behavioural tendencies and stress responses are often far better predictors of long-term success. Past performance in one environment does not guarantee success in another. Understanding how individuals naturally operate under pressure can significantly improve hiring decisions and team performance. Understanding the psychology behind team dynamics Rather than viewing personality through simplistic labels and categories, Tameron describes personality as a complex mixing deck of traits that interact differently depending on circumstances. Helping team members understand their own preferences and those of colleagues can reduce conflict, improve communication and increase trust. Evidence-based business psychology Athinka's approach is grounded in established psychological theory and research. The consultancy combines: • Psychodynamic approaches to explore the relationship between an individual's inner world and workplace behaviour. • Systemic approaches to uncover hidden organisational patterns and group dynamics. The result is practical insight that helps teams function more effectively and leaders make better decisions. Standout Quote "Most businesses don't stop growing because of strategy. They stop growing because the founder's control model no longer works." Key Takeaways • The 10-employee mark is often the first major scaling challenge. • Founders must evolve their leadership style as the business grows. • Shared leadership creates stronger, more resilient organisations. • Personality and behavioural fit matter more than technical skills alone. • Team effectiveness improves when people understand how others naturally operate. Resources mentioned in the episode: Internal Family Systems - Lumina Splash App - Co-Pilot - Claude - From Tameron: If you’re a founder and you’re curious about the psychology underneath your business — the patterns, the dynamics, the parts of you that show up under pressure — here are some resources I often recommend: Edgar Schein’s work on Humble Leadership for the fundamental shift from ‘expert' to open-minded curiosity which is the foundation of all relational leadership. Mike Hohnen’s practical interpretation of Dave Snowden’s Cynefin model, especially for founders navigating complexity, pace and ambiguity. Mike makes complexity human and usable. Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems (IFS) for understanding your inner architecture, your triggers, and how to lead yourself with more clarity and compassion. His book No Bad Parts is a great entry point. Systemic thinking for teams and organisations = anything that helps you uncover the hidden patterns around you. John Whittington’s blogs (start with his views on Founders and their Origin Story ), Jan Jacob Stam’s Systemic Leadership, and Tess Cope’s Harness and Your Team Is Not The Issue are excellent. Trait‑based personality models such as Lumina Spark, Hogan, or NEO Primary Colours. These help you understand behaviour under pressure and in context. (N.B. Not Type tools like MBTI, DISC, Insights or Strengths, they’re fun and ubiquitous, but they don’t stand up to psychological scrutiny. If you want something highly practical, David Marquet’s intent‑based leadership work (Turn the Ship Around, Leadership is Language) and his short Leadership Nudges videos on YouTube are brilliant for everyday behavioural shifts. And of course… if you’ve got humans in your business and don’t fancy reading all these theories and ideas come and find me - I’m always curious about your world, your successes and challenges. Find me on LinkedIn or at and if you mention you came across me via Kevin’s podcast I can offer you a no-strings-attached Diagnostic Conversation where we can focus on your situation, leadership, team and organisation. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41609565

Episode #617: ScaleUp Shorts - Three Experts. One Founder Problem. How people, strategy and Al combine to help founders escape the trap. 06/12/2026

Episode #617: ScaleUp Shorts - Three Experts. One Founder Problem. How people, strategy and Al combine to help founders escape the trap. In this special edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt revisit three standout conversations from recent ScaleUp Radio episodes to uncover a common thread running through them all. At first glance, these guests appear to operate in completely different worlds. Maritsa Inglessis specialises in people and HR. Peter Juhasz helps businesses generate growth through AI-powered revenue systems. Simon Bird works with founders on strategy, creativity and mindset. Yet all three are helping business owners solve the same challenge: escaping the founder trap. Whether you're struggling with people issues, feeling overwhelmed by growth challenges, or finding yourself stuck in the day-to-day running of the business, this episode offers practical insights to help you regain control and create a business that works for you, rather than because of you. In this episode: Why founders often become the biggest bottleneck in their own business Simon Bird explores the psychological challenges many founders face after years of building their companies. What starts as passion and excitement can gradually become pressure, responsibility and a sense of being trapped by the very business they created. The power of "Permission to Pause" Maritsa Inglessis introduces a powerful concept: giving yourself permission to stop, reflect and assess what your business actually needs before adding more people, processes or complexity. How poor onboarding and founder dependency drive employee turnover Learn how one business transformed from 100% staff turnover to retaining every employee for two years by improving onboarding, communication and delegation. Why drawing your business can reveal more than months of meetings Simon shares a fascinating exercise where founders visually represent their business challenges, uncovering hidden operational issues and alignment problems that traditional discussions often miss. Why most AI and growth initiatives fail Peter Juhasz explains why overcomplicating growth through multiple agencies and disconnected tactics often leads to frustration and burnout, and why combining AI with human expertise is critical for success. The role fear plays in leadership From difficult conversations with employees to making strategic decisions, all three guests highlight how fear can prevent founders from taking the actions their businesses need most. Key lessons from the discussion Stop trying to solve every problem yourself. Build systems rather than relying on heroics. Invest in proper onboarding and people development. Create space for strategic thinking. Don't confuse activity with progress. Use AI as an amplifier, not a replacement for expertise. Seek outside perspectives through coaches, advisors and trusted partners. Focus on building a business that can operate successfully without constant founder intervention. Standout Quote "Get the problem out of the founder's head and onto the table." About Smart90 Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat. Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Listen to the full interviews If you enjoyed these insights, make sure you also listen to the full conversations with: Maritsa Inglessis Peter Juhasz Simon Bird Each episode explores these topics in far greater depth and provides practical advice you can apply immediately within your own business. Production Note This episode of ScaleUp Radio was produced with the aid of artificial intelligence to support content preparation, editing and production workflows. ScaleUp Radio is brought to you by Smart90 and inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System, helping ambitious business owners scale with greater clarity, focus and confidence. LinkedIn & Instagram Post Have you accidentally become the biggest bottleneck in your own business? In this latest ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode, Louise Blunt and I reflect on three brilliant conversations with Maritsa Inglessis, Peter Juhasz and Simon Bird. They each approach business growth from a completely different angle: People and HR. AI and lead generation. Strategy and founder mindset. Yet they all uncovered the same challenge. The Founder Trap. The point where the business starts depending on you for everything, leaving you busy, overwhelmed and struggling to focus on what really matters. A few key lessons from the discussion: ✔️ Give yourself permission to pause before adding more people, processes or complexity ✔️ Great onboarding and clear expectations reduce turnover and increase performance ✔️ AI works best when combined with human expertise and accountability ✔️ The best leaders don't carry every problem themselves If you're trying to scale while feeling stuck in the day-to-day, this episode is packed with practical insights. Listen here: [Insert Episode Link] #ScaleUpRadio #Smart90 #StopTheDrift #G90Summit #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #FounderMindset #NinetyDayPlanning BizSmart Comment A brilliant ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode that brings together three very different perspectives on one challenge most founders face. Well worth a listen if you're trying to create a business that scales without depending on you for everything. Smart90 Comment Most business owners don't need another tactic. They need clarity on what matters most next. This ScaleUp Radio Shorts episode is full of practical insights to help founders step back, refocus and build a business that can grow sustainably. ::: /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41611700

Episode #616: From 100% Staff Turnover to Zero: Building a People Foundation That Scales - with Maritsa Inglessis 06/10/2026

Episode #616: From 100% Staff Turnover to Zero: Building a People Foundation That Scales - with Maritsa Inglessis In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Maritsa, founder of The People Keeper, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing growing businesses: keeping great people. Maritsa shares how her business evolved from offering a single employee retention service into a comprehensive framework that helps companies with between 2 and 50 employees build the people foundations needed for sustainable growth. Together they discuss why staff turnover is rarely a recruitment problem, how founders can overcome the fear of delegation, and why strong people systems create the stability every growing business needs. In this episode: Why The People Keeper completely restructured its service offering to better support growing SMEs The Three-Legged Stool Framework for building a stable people foundation The hidden costs of employee turnover and why prevention is significantly cheaper than replacement How outdated processes and founder dependency create retention problems The role of leadership development in successful delegation Practical ways founders can overcome the fear of letting go How effective onboarding accelerates performance and retention Why retention is an outcome of good systems rather than a standalone objective The Three-Legged Stool Framework Maritsa explains that every business needs three critical foundations in place: 1. Legal and Operational Basics Contracts, policies, procedures and templates that provide clarity and consistency. 2. Day-to-Day Operations Effective hiring, onboarding, management capability and communication systems. 3. Future-Facing Strategy Aligning people plans with business objectives, whether that's growth, acquisition, succession or exit planning. When all three legs are working together, businesses create the stability that naturally improves retention. Case Study: Solving 100% Annual Staff Turnover One recruitment agency approached Maritsa with a serious challenge. Despite employing only four people, the business was experiencing 100% annual staff turnover. After investigating, three core issues emerged: Processes had not adapted to a fully remote working environment following Covid The founder was heavily involved in every decision, creating bottlenecks and dependency New hires were expected to learn through an overwhelming two-week virtual shadowing process Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, Maritsa addressed the underlying systems. A promising team member was developed into an Office Manager role, receiving training in leadership, performance management and conducting effective one-to-ones. The onboarding process was redesigned with clear success measures and structured milestones. The founder was supported in stepping back and delegating responsibility more effectively. The result? Staff turnover fell from 100% to 0% and has remained there for more than two years, saving the business an estimated £150,000 or more in replacement costs. Founder Delegation: The Real Barrier A key theme throughout the conversation is that delegation is rarely a capability issue. More often it is a psychological one. Many founders worry: What if someone makes a mistake? What if standards drop? What if customers are affected? Maritsa encourages founders to explore those fears openly. By asking, "What's the worst that could happen?" founders can identify realistic risks and put mitigation plans in place. The solution is not simply handing work over. It is about creating the conditions for success through training, authority, accountability and clarity. One Key Takeaway High turnover is usually a symptom, not the problem itself. When founders build strong systems, develop capable managers and create clear expectations, retention improves naturally. Great people stay where they can succeed. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Maritsa can be found here: Resources: PX Espresso with Luke O’Mahoney - Claude - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41534835

Episode #615: Building Integrated Systems Creates Consistent Opportunities - with Peter Juhasz 06/08/2026

Episode #615: Building Integrated Systems Creates Consistent Opportunities - with Peter Juhasz What happens when founders get fed up with fragmented agencies, disconnected marketing tactics, and expensive growth projects that fail to deliver? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Peter Juhasz, co-founder of Syrvi.ai, to explore how they are reinventing go-to-market support for SMEs through what they call “Service as Software”. Peter shares the scaling journey behind Syrvi.ai, from bootstrapping a tech platform with no previous software experience to building a 12-person team supporting around 30 active clients across the UK and beyond. The discussion dives into why traditional agency models often fail scaling businesses, how AI is changing the way SMEs approach growth, and why guarantees and trust are central to Syrvi.ai’s model. A standout message from this episode: “Most SMEs don’t need more agencies. They need one joined-up revenue system.” In This Episode Why SMEs Struggle to Scale Peter explains the challenge many growing businesses face between: Trying to learn and implement AI internally Hiring multiple specialist agencies that rarely work cohesively together The result is often: High costs Conflicting strategies Founder burnout Poor ROI Fragmented accountability Peter references research suggesting over 95% of growth projects fail because businesses focus on isolated tactics instead of integrated systems. The “Service as Software” Model Syrvi.ai combines: Human expertise AI automation Proprietary software Integrated go-to-market execution Their Revenue Engine platform supports: Multi-channel outreach campaigns LinkedIn and email pipeline generation AI-assisted thought leadership SEO and content creation Generative AI Engine Optimisation (GAIO) Rather than replacing humans with AI, Peter explains how AI enables SMEs to execute more consistently and strategically without needing multiple suppliers. Earning Trust Through Guarantees One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how Syrvi.ai reduces client risk. Their process includes: A free 45-minute strategy session A bespoke 25-page go-to-market plan A 90-day pilot programme Guaranteed qualified opportunities If targets are missed: They continue working free of charge until achieved Or refund the client Peter explains why demonstrating value before asking for long-term commitment has been critical to their growth and retention. Building a Tech Company Without a Tech Background Peter openly shares the challenges of: Bootstrapping the business Building software from scratch Recruiting the right CTO Learning AI and technology fundamentals as non-technical founders The company has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into developing their platform while staying founder-funded. Today: The business has 12 team members Supports around 30 active clients Is approaching break-even Leadership Lessons and Founder Advice Peter shares lessons he would give his younger self: Take balanced risks Learn business management earlier Understand M&A sooner Invest time learning technology and AI fundamentals He also discusses: Founder mindset Sustainable scaling Managing growth pressure Long-term vision Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Peter can be found here: Resources: Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - Good To Great by Jim Collins - Claude AI - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41534545

Episode #614: Make sure to pause when dealing with issues in your business. Create the space for honest thinking - with Simon Bird 06/03/2026

Episode #614: Make sure to pause when dealing with issues in your business. Create the space for honest thinking - with Simon Bird What happens when the business you built to create freedom starts feeling more like a trap? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with Simon Bird, founder of SEON, about one of the most common but least discussed challenges facing growing SME owners: the “Owner’s Trap”. Simon shares practical frameworks and diagnostic approaches designed to help founders step back, regain clarity, and reconnect with the purpose and direction of their business. Drawing on more than 25 years in global marketing leadership and seven years advising business owners through SEON, Simon explains why many leaders become overwhelmed as their businesses grow, and how structured thinking, visual frameworks, and better conversations can unlock progress. This conversation is packed with practical guidance for founders who feel busy, stretched, and stuck in operational complexity. In this episode: Why successful founders often become disconnected from the part of the business they originally loved The warning signs that operational pressure is beginning to affect performance and motivation Why trying to “solve” problems too quickly often creates more confusion How a “thinking partner” can help founders gain clarity and make better decisions The power of visual frameworks and metaphor to expose hidden business issues Why alignment problems inside leadership teams are often invisible until surfaced properly The importance of stepping back before jumping into strategy or restructuring How productising advisory services creates clearer value for clients Practical lessons Simon learned from building SEON from scratch Why consistent business development habits still matter, even for experienced advisers A standout insight from the episode One of the most powerful moments in the discussion is Simon’s example of a husband-and-wife leadership team drawing their business as a car. One leader saw a polished, high-performing vehicle. The other saw it sitting in the garage with three wheels missing. That single exercise exposed a major operational disconnect that traditional meetings and reports had failed to uncover. It is a reminder that many business problems are not purely strategic or financial. Often, leaders are operating from completely different realities. The one key thing If your business feels harder to run than it should, resist the temptation to immediately fix symptoms. Pause first, diagnose properly, and create the space for honest thinking before choosing solutions. Simon can be found here: Resources: The Long Game by Dorie Clark - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41451940

Episode #613: ScaleUp Club - "Know Your Hedgehog" - with Jennifer Appleton 06/01/2026

Episode #613: ScaleUp Club - "Know Your Hedgehog" - with Jennifer Appleton In this special ScaleUp Radio episode, recorded live at our monthly ScaleUp Club Q&A session, Kevin Brent is joined once again by returning ScaleUp Radio guest Jennifer Appleton to explore one of the most powerful strategic concepts for growing businesses: the Hedgehog Concept from Jim Collins’ Good to Great. Alongside the main discussion, members also heard an AI Pulse update from Paul at Green Gorilla Automation, showcasing how agentic AI tools like Claude can move from generic chatbot responses to genuinely useful strategic analysis when given the right business context. The conversation explores how founder-led businesses can avoid becoming “busy fools”, stay focused on what truly drives profit, and use AI to enhance capability without losing the human insight that creates value. One standout theme throughout the session was this: “AI without context gives generic answers. AI with business context becomes a strategic thinking partner.” In this episode The Hedgehog Concept explained We break down the three circles behind the Hedgehog Concept and why it matters for scaling businesses: What you are deeply passionate about What you can genuinely become best at What drives your economic engine The discussion highlights why businesses often lose momentum by saying “yes” to too many opportunities and how the Hedgehog acts as a practical filter for strategic decisions. ISO QSL’s real-world Hedgehog Jennifer shares how ISO QSL defines its own Hedgehog: Passion: helping SMEs implement ISO systems Best at: implementing management systems for SMEs Economic engine: a recurring monthly retainer model She also explains how the business adapted after a major Google algorithm change impacted lead generation, including: Building a stronger referral strategy Exploring Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) Protecting focus by avoiding distracting projects outside the core offer AI Pulse update – finding your Hedgehog with Claude Paul from Green Gorilla Automation demonstrated a live AI experiment comparing two Claude projects: One with no business context One connected to real company data including P&L, client lists and strategy documents The difference was dramatic. The context-rich AI project produced: Evidence-based strategic analysis SWOT recommendations Notion tasks Automated review scheduling A working hypothesis for the company’s Hedgehog The session also introduced the practical “10/80/10” principle: 10% setup and context 80% AI execution 10% human review and refinement AI and the future of ISO auditing Jennifer also shared how ISO QSL is exploring AI-assisted auditing. Rather than replacing auditors, AI may: Pre-scan documents Identify gaps and trends Reduce low-value admin Allow auditors to focus on higher-value insight and improvement work The outcome: Increased capacity Better client experience Improved profitability without increasing fees Key Takeaways Strategic focus is often about deciding what not to do AI is only as valuable as the context you provide it Founder distraction is one of the biggest blockers to scale Recurring revenue models create stability and scalability AI works best as an enhancer of expertise, not a replacement for it The One Key Thing The businesses that scale most effectively are the ones disciplined enough to focus relentlessly on the few things they can genuinely become exceptional at. About ScaleUp Club ScaleUp Club is our monthly peer-to-peer session for ambitious business owners looking to scale with more clarity, structure and accountability. Each session combines: Strategic learning Practical workshops Peer discussion Expert guests AI and leadership updates Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Jennifer can be found here: /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41451740

Episode #612: ScaleUp Shorts - The Founder Blind Spot That's Holding Your Business Back 05/29/2026

Episode #612: ScaleUp Shorts - The Founder Blind Spot That's Holding Your Business Back What happens when you put a brand strategist and a leadership development expert side by side? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two recent ScaleUp Radio conversations with Giles Etherington, founder of Brand Satellite, and Meredith Bell, co-founder of Grow Strong Leaders. At first glance, branding and leadership may seem like very different disciplines. But both guests shared remarkably similar lessons about feedback, self-awareness, founder blind spots and the importance of gaining an outside perspective. The central theme running through both discussions is simple: When you're inside the jar, you can't read the label. Whether it's understanding how customers perceive your brand or recognising the impact your leadership style has on your team, scaling successfully requires the humility to seek honest feedback and the willingness to act on it. In this episode: Why founders struggle to see their own blind spots Giles shared a powerful analogy that many business owners will recognise. We become so immersed in our businesses that we often lose sight of how customers actually experience them. Similarly, Meredith explained how leaders frequently remain unaware of the signals they send to their teams and the unintended consequences those behaviours create. The value of independent feedback Both guests emphasised the importance of creating systems that reveal the truth. Giles uses independent customer interviews to uncover the emotional drivers behind buying decisions. Meredith uses 360-degree feedback tools to help leaders understand how their behaviour impacts those around them. Both approaches provide insights that founders simply cannot generate on their own. Why emotion matters more than features One of Giles' key messages was that customers rarely buy based on rational arguments alone. Businesses that focus only on services and features often end up competing on price. The strongest brands understand the emotional challenges their customers face and communicate how they help solve them. Hiring for fit, not just capability Meredith reflected on lessons learned during periods of rapid growth. Technical expertise alone does not guarantee success. Hiring decisions must consider culture, values and long-term fit. Structured onboarding, clear expectations and regular conversations create a much stronger foundation for success. Branding versus brand Many founders assume their logo is their brand. Giles challenged this thinking by explaining that logos, colours and visual identity are simply branding. Your brand is what people think and feel about your business once they experience it. Without a clear strategy behind it, even the most attractive branding becomes little more than decoration. Why values need systems Meredith highlighted how many organisations invest heavily in defining mission statements and values, only for them to become forgotten words on a wall. The difference comes when leaders intentionally build systems and behaviours that bring those values to life every day. Developing leaders instead of creating dependency As businesses grow, founders must move beyond solving every problem themselves. Rather than providing answers, Meredith encourages leaders to coach their teams by asking better questions and helping people develop their own judgement. This creates stronger leaders throughout the organisation and reduces dependency on the founder. AI is a tool, not a shortcut Both guests discussed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in their work. Giles uses AI daily but warns that it cannot replace genuine customer understanding and emotional insight. Meredith uses AI as a coaching and reflection tool, helping her identify leadership habits and areas for improvement. In both cases, AI enhances expertise rather than replacing it. The One Key Thing The businesses that scale fastest are led by founders who actively seek perspectives beyond their own. Whether it's customer feedback, team feedback, leadership coaching or AI-assisted reflection, growth begins when we stop assuming we already know the answer. Key Quote "When you're inside the jar, you can't read the label." Resources Mentioned Brand Satellite Grow Strong Leaders 360 Degree Feedback Smart90 G90 Summit About Smart90 Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 per seat. Find out more at Smart90.co.uk/summit Production Note This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of Artificial Intelligence to help analyse themes, identify key insights and support the creation of episode summaries and content. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41452695

Episode #611 - Why self-awareness is critical for effective leadership - with Meredith Bell 05/27/2026

Episode #611 - Why self-awareness is critical for effective leadership - with Meredith Bell What happens when the founder becomes the bottleneck in their own business? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent speaks with leadership expert and co-founder of Grow Strong Leaders, Meredith Bell, about why leadership is often the hidden constraint preventing businesses from scaling. Meredith shares how founders unintentionally create dependency cultures by solving every problem themselves and explains the mindset shift required to build confident, high-performing teams that can operate independently. She also reveals how Grow Strong Leaders evolved from a consulting business into a SaaS platform long before software subscriptions became mainstream, and how AI is now accelerating leadership development through continuous self-coaching and reflection. In this episode: Why leadership is the number one reason employees leave businesses How founders unknowingly become the scaling bottleneck The power of asking better questions instead of giving answers Why self-awareness is critical for effective leadership How 360° feedback exposes blind spots leaders cannot see themselves The habit-building system behind sustainable leadership development Lessons from pivoting from consulting into software in the 1990s Why vulnerability builds trust and stronger cultures A practical framework for giving constructive feedback How to hire for character and culture fit, not just capability Why 90-day trial periods protect both employer and employee How Meredith uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for personal coaching and development Key Insights from Meredith Bell Leadership is the real scaling constraint Many founders hit a growth ceiling because the business depends too heavily on them. Meredith explains that scaling requires leaders to stop being the person with all the answers and instead become someone who develops the capability of others. Rather than immediately solving problems, leaders should ask: What options have you considered? What are the pros and cons? What would you recommend? This shift creates ownership, confidence and accountability across the team. Feedback only works when it becomes a system Most organisations treat feedback as occasional and uncomfortable. Meredith believes feedback should become part of everyday culture. Her recommended framework for constructive feedback: Describe the behaviour Explain the impact Clarify the desired behaviour Gain commitment moving forward Positive feedback is equally important. Specific appreciation helps employees feel valued and increases the likelihood of repeating productive behaviours. The strongest leaders are willing to be vulnerable Meredith shares how leaders who openly admit mistakes create psychological safety for their teams. When people feel safe acknowledging problems quickly, businesses solve issues faster and avoid blame cultures. AI is changing leadership development One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation explores how Meredith uses AI tools to analyse sales conversations and podcast interviews. By reviewing transcripts with AI, she identified: A tendency to avoid being direct in sales conversations Missed opportunities to ask deeper follow-up questions Areas where communication clarity could improve This continuous, unbiased feedback loop is helping accelerate personal growth in a way previously unavailable to most leaders. The One Key Thing “The moment founders stop being the answer to every problem is the moment their business becomes capable of truly scaling.” A standout quote from Meredith Bell “Self-awareness is impossible to achieve alone. We all have blind spots.” Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Meredith can be found here: Meredith@GrowStrongLeaders.com (757) 656-4765 (office) (804) 824-4958 (mobile) Website: https://growstrongleaders.com/ Books: Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills https://amzn.to/3jL0pEI Peer Coaching Made Simple https://amzn.to/37iq3MP Social Website: https://growstrongleaders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithMBell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithmbell/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/meredithmbell Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/meredithbell.bsky.social Grow Strong Leaders Podcast: https://growstrongleaders.com/podcasts/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Yqt-i8ehRSj5pEb1VEgSA Resources: - Steve Chandler & Trevor Timbeck PODCAST - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41394590

Episode #610 - The difference between “brand” and “branding” and why it matters - with Giles Etherington 05/25/2026

Episode #610 - The difference between “brand” and “branding” and why it matters - with Giles Etherington What actually makes customers choose your business over a cheaper competitor? For many SMEs, the answer is unclear because their messaging sounds exactly the same as everyone else in the market. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by brand strategist Giles Etherington to unpack why so many businesses fall into the trap of competing on rational features and services instead of emotional connection and customer transformation. Drawing on experience from global agencies including JWT, Giles shares a practical framework for building a brand strategy that helps scaleup businesses stand out, increase trust, and avoid the race to the bottom on price. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders and leadership teams who want their brand to become a strategic growth asset rather than simply a logo or visual identity. In this episode: Why competing on services alone pushes SMEs into price wars The difference between “brand” and “branding” and why it matters How emotional positioning influences customer buying decisions The role trust plays in high consideration purchases Why most values workshops fail to create a meaningful brand The step by step process Giles uses to uncover a company’s Brand DNA How customer interviews reveal emotional drivers founders often miss Why AI currently creates “average” brands rather than distinctive ones How expert-led positioning creates clearer messaging and stronger differentiation The importance of understanding customer transformation, not just customer problems Key Takeaways Brand is emotional, not rational Most SMEs describe themselves through services, products, or technical capability. The challenge is that competitors often say exactly the same thing. Giles explains why customers make decisions emotionally first and rationally second, and how founders can position their business around trust, transformation, and emotional outcomes. Branding is not the same as brand A logo, colour palette, and website are branding assets. A brand is the emotional perception customers hold about your business. Without strategic clarity first, visual branding alone rarely creates differentiation. Customer insight should drive strategy Instead of relying on internal assumptions, Giles advocates direct customer research and interviews to uncover the emotional concerns and aspirations driving buying behaviour. AI supports expertise but does not replace strategy AI can speed up execution and support ideation, but it lacks the nuance, emotional understanding, and strategic judgement needed to build distinctive positioning. Giles Etherington’s Brand Strategy Framework Giles shares the structured process he uses to help SMEs clarify and strengthen their market position: Deep strategic questionnaire Independent customer research and interviews Collaborative workshop to challenge assumptions Development of a Brand DNA Blueprint Messaging aligned to customer emotion and transformation Branding execution built on strategic foundations One standout message from the episode “Businesses that compete on rational services alone end up in a race to the bottom. The brands that scale are the ones customers emotionally connect with.” The one key thing The one key thing scaleup leaders should take away from this episode is this: Customers rarely buy purely because of what you do. They buy because of how you make them feel, the confidence you create, and the transformation they believe you can deliver. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Giles can be found here: Resources: MEDIA Simon Sinnick Ted Talk "Find Your Why” APPS Otter Chat GPT /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41394540

Episode #609 - ScaleUp Shorts - From Founder Bottleneck to Scalable Leadership 05/22/2026

Episode #609 - ScaleUp Shorts - From Founder Bottleneck to Scalable Leadership In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two fascinating conversations from the main ScaleUp Radio podcast. One with entrepreneur Lucy Robins, founder of Amp Wellbeing, and the other with leadership expert Mike Mair. At first glance, their worlds seem completely different. Lucy built a premium fitness equipment brand from scratch using her own savings, navigating supply chain chaos, inventory pressures, and the realities of scaling a product-based business. Mike spent years developing leaders inside major organisations before launching his own consultancy focused on strategic leadership and culture. Yet despite their different paths, both conversations point to the same core truth: sustainable scale comes from focus, consistency, and building people around you who can carry the business forward. In this episode: Why founders become the bottleneck Lucy Robins openly shares how every stage of growth required her to let go of another operational responsibility. From packing orders in her garage to outsourcing logistics and hiring specialist support, she realised that growth only happened when she stopped trying to do everything herself. The danger of “shiny object” scaling Lucy also reflects on expensive lessons around marketing spend, product range expansion, and trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, she found growth by narrowing focus, simplifying product lines, and concentrating on what customers valued most. Why accidental managers hold businesses back Mike Mair shares the striking statistic that 82% of managers are “accidental leaders” — promoted for technical skill rather than leadership capability. As businesses scale, this becomes a major challenge for founders trying to build sustainable teams. Creating a culture of feedback and trust Mike explains why feedback should become part of everyday culture rather than something reserved for annual reviews. He explores the importance of psychological safety, consistent communication, and helping teams feel safe enough to improve openly. Consistency versus intensity One of the standout lessons from the discussion is the idea that long-term success comes from consistency rather than occasional bursts of intensity. Whether in leadership, fitness, culture, or strategy execution, small repeatable actions create lasting momentum. Key Takeaway The one key thing: Scaling a business is not about doing more yourself. It is about building the systems, culture, and leadership capability that allow the business to grow beyond the founder. Standout Quote “Every stage of growth comes when I've realised that I'm now the next bottleneck.” — Lucy Robins Another Powerful Insight Mike Mair shared a simple but powerful equation: The effectiveness of any strategy = the quality of the solution × the acceptance of the people. A brilliant strategy with poor team buy-in will almost always fail. Strong leadership and engagement matter just as much as the strategy itself. Smart90 Mention Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Smart90.co.uk/summit. About ScaleUp Radio ScaleUp Radio is the podcast for ambitious business owners looking to grow with clarity, confidence, and fewer costly mistakes. Hosted by Kevin Brent and brought to you by Smart90. This episode was produced with the aid of AI to support content preparation and production efficiency. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41392175

Episode #608 - The Importance Of Staying Focused In A Products Marketplace - with Lucy Robins 05/20/2026

Episode #608 - The Importance Of Staying Focused In A Products Marketplace - with Lucy Robins In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Lucy Robins to explore how she has built a premium wellness and fitness brand from scratch with a £50,000 personal investment and a clear mission: making movement part of everyday life. Lucy shares the realities of bootstrapping a product business in today’s market, from managing long lead times and cash flow pressures to building a brand that sits comfortably between wellness interiors and fitness. With Amp Wellbeing growing rapidly across both direct-to-consumer and studio partnerships, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for founders navigating operational complexity while scaling sustainably. One standout message from the episode: “You have to keep identifying your own bottlenecks as a founder and systematically remove them if you want the business to grow.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Amp Wellbeing deliberately positioned itself between fitness and interior wellness How Lucy validated the concept before launch through instructor feedback and market testing The realities of bootstrapping a physical products business Why inventory management becomes critical when scaling B2B alongside D2C How outsourcing operational bottlenecks accelerated growth The importance of staying focused on core products and avoiding dead stock How partnerships, ambassadors and community marketing fuel brand awareness Why B2B partnerships with studios, retreats and hospitality brands represent the next stage of growth About Amp Wellbeing Founded 3.5 years ago, Amp Wellbeing creates premium, design-led fitness equipment designed to integrate seamlessly into home and studio spaces. The business currently operates with a 75% D2C and 25% B2B revenue split, with ambitions to grow the B2B side significantly over the next five years. Amp Wellbeing’s products are manufactured in China and India, with a curated range focused heavily on Pilates equipment and neutral aesthetics designed to encourage sustainable movement habits. Key Takeaways Scaling often means letting go of tasks rather than holding onto them Inventory can become the biggest growth constraint in product-based businesses Niche focus can create operational simplicity and stronger profitability Community-led marketing can outperform large advertising budgets Cash flow discipline matters even more than revenue growth during scale-up The One Key Thing The one key thing from this discussion is that growth often stalls not because of lack of demand, but because founders become the operational bottleneck. Sustainable scaling requires systematically removing yourself from the areas slowing the business down. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Lucy can be found here: Resources: PODCASTS Founder Stories Working Hard/Hardly Working Ladies Who Launch BOOKS APPS/TECH Claude.ai Notion /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41310780

Episode #607: Culture Is A Reflection Of Leadership - with Mike Mair 05/18/2026

Episode #607: Culture Is A Reflection Of Leadership - with Mike Mair What if the real reason your business isn’t scaling isn’t strategy, systems, or sales… but the way you develop your people? In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by leadership and strategic L&D expert Mike Mair to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable growth: building engaged, high-performing teams through intentional leadership and culture development. Mike shares practical frameworks and real-world advice for SME leaders who want to create stronger cultures, develop future leaders, improve accountability, and unlock better performance across their teams. The conversation challenges the common perception of learning and development as a “nice to have” cost centre and instead positions people development as a core strategic growth lever. This episode is packed with practical guidance for founders, directors, and leadership teams navigating growth, culture challenges, and leadership complexity. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why proactive people development is cheaper and more effective than reactive firefighting The “Permission to Pause” framework and how leaders can use it to make better strategic decisions Why culture is always a reflection of leadership The difference between high performers and high-potential future leaders How engaged employees create innovation, accountability, and sustainable productivity A simple but powerful formula for improving team effectiveness Practical ways to handle poor performance without damaging morale How to deliver feedback that encourages ownership instead of defensiveness Why onboarding is one of the most important cultural touchpoints in your business The role self-care and energy management play in effective leadership Key Insight from Mike Mair “A good strategy people believe in will outperform a brilliant strategy nobody buys into.” Mike explains that leadership effectiveness is not just about having the best ideas. Sustainable results happen when people understand, accept, and engage with the direction of the business. One of the standout concepts discussed is: Quality of Solution × People’s Acceptance = Effectiveness A strategy with moderate quality but strong team buy-in often creates significantly better outcomes than a technically perfect strategy with low engagement. For scaleup leaders, that means culture, communication, and leadership capability are not soft skills. They are commercial growth drivers. Practical Frameworks Discussed The “Permission to Pause” Framework Leaders often stay trapped in operational firefighting. Mike shares why stepping back to assess data, team capability, and culture is essential for making strategic decisions that support sustainable scaling. Building a Leadership Pipeline Instead of promoting only the strongest technical performers, Mike explains how businesses should proactively identify and nurture future leaders with the right mindset, behaviours, and potential. Creating a Strong Culture Mike outlines a simple three-step approach: Define the culture you want Assess the current reality honestly Build consistent incremental actions that bridge the gap Feedback as a Gift One of the most actionable leadership tools shared in the episode is replacing immediate criticism with the question: “How do you think that went?” This simple shift encourages reflection, ownership, accountability, and more productive conversations. The One Key Thing If you want better business performance, stop treating people development as an expense and start treating it as a strategic growth investment. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Mike can be found here: Resources: /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41310660

Episode #606: ScaleUp Shorts - Fear, Focus & the Founder Trap - What Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd reveal about scaling without losing control 05/15/2026

Episode #606: ScaleUp Shorts - Fear, Focus & the Founder Trap - What Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd reveal about scaling without losing control In this episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack the powerful overlap between mindset and operational scale-up challenges through insights from two exceptional guests: Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd. While Jules Herd brings practical expertise from the world of strategic communications and scaling technology businesses, Jacqueline Wales explores the deeper psychological patterns that often hold founders back. Together, their lessons reveal a critical truth: many operational bottlenecks are actually rooted in fear, control, and limiting beliefs. This episode explores: Why founders struggle to delegate effectively The difference between building a scalable business and creating a stressful job How fear of loss and fear of inadequacy affect leadership decisions Why “calculated risk” is essential for sustainable growth The dangers of promoting loyalty over capability Creating psychological safety within leadership teams Why clarity of audience and positioning matters more than ever The hidden link between mindset and operational execution One standout message from the discussion: “What got you here won’t get you there.” Kevin and Louise also discuss: Jules Herd’s decision to move manufacturing from China to the UK to protect quality and supply chain resilience Jacqueline Wales’ FEAR framework: Face it, Explore it, Act, and Rise The importance of hiring true experts as businesses scale Why founders must challenge their own assumptions and comfort zones The role of communication, trust, and self-awareness in building high-performing teams Key Takeaway The one key thing: Many scale-up problems that look operational on the surface are actually psychological underneath. Better strategy starts with better self-awareness. About the Guests Jacqueline Wales is an internationally recognised coach, speaker, and author specialising in Fear Intelligence and leadership transformation. Jules Herd is the founder of strategic communications agency Five in a Boat and host of On the Edge. She advises scaling businesses on communications, positioning, and operational growth strategy. Smart90 Mention Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat. Production Note This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was produced with the aid of AI to support research, structure, and content development. Listen to the full episodes featuring Jacqueline Wales and Jules Herd on ScaleUp Radio wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41299070

Episode #605 - Harnessing Fear Intelligence to Lead, Decide, and Scale with Confidence - with Jacqueline Wales 05/13/2026

Episode #605 - Harnessing Fear Intelligence to Lead, Decide, and Scale with Confidence - with Jacqueline Wales In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by expert advisor Jacqueline Wales, a leading authority on Fear Intelligence. This conversation reframes one of the most misunderstood forces in business, fear, and turns it into a practical leadership tool. Rather than trying to eliminate fear, Jacqueline explains how scaleup leaders can use it as valuable data to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and unlock growth. If you are navigating uncertainty, leading through change, or feeling stuck at a plateau, this episode offers clear frameworks and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence. The One Key Thing The one key thing is this: fear is not the enemy of growth, it is the signal that tells you where growth needs to happen. Key Insights & Practical Frameworks 1. Fear is Data, Not Danger Jacqueline introduces the concept of Fear Intelligence – the ability to recognise fear as information rather than a threat. Fear is a natural neurological response, not a weakness It often hijacks decision-making by bypassing rational thinking The goal is not to be fearless, but to respond intelligently For scaleup leaders: If you ignore fear, it drives behaviour unconsciously. If you understand it, you can use it strategically. 2. The Four Core Fears Limiting Growth Most leadership hesitation and stalled growth can be traced back to four universal fears: Inadequacy – “Am I good enough?” Rejection – “What will others think?” Uncertainty – “What if this goes wrong?” Loss – “What might I lose if I try?” These fears quietly influence hiring, pricing, strategy, and decision-making. Practical application: Identify which fear is driving hesitation in your current business decisions. 3. The FEAR Framework: A Practical Tool for Leaders Jacqueline shares a simple but powerful framework to manage fear in real time: F – Face it Challenge the belief. Ask: Is this actually true? E – Explore the story Reframe your internal narrative. Move from doubt to possibility. A – Act differently Take action aligned with the new, more empowering belief. R – Rise with courage Lean into discomfort and treat challenges as growth signals. This is not theory, it is a repeatable process leaders can use daily. 4. Leadership Requires Strategic Vulnerability High-performing teams are built on trust, and trust starts with leadership behaviour. Admit when you do not know Encourage open dialogue Replace criticism with constructive “feed forward” Create psychological safety so people speak up Strong leaders do not project certainty at all times. They create environments where better thinking can emerge. 5. The Hidden Cost of Fear in Business Fear is not just emotional, it is financial. Jacqueline highlights how tools like the Fear Cost Calculator reveal millions in lost revenue caused by: Delayed decisions Avoided risks Missed opportunities Resistance to change The biggest risk in scaling is often staying comfortable. 6. Navigating Fear in the Age of AI A growing concern for leaders and teams is relevance in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Fear of being replaced is widespread Leaders must separate hype from practical tools Upskilling and clarity are essential The role of leadership is to guide teams through change, not avoid it. Standout Message “Fear does not mean stop. It means pay attention.” Practical Takeaways for ScaleUp Leaders Treat fear as a diagnostic tool, not a blocker Use the FEAR framework in decision-making moments Identify which of the four fears is influencing your leadership Build psychological safety through openness and trust Address fear proactively to unlock performance and growth About Smart90 If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Jacqueline can be found here: Resources: Fear Intelligence by Jacqueline Wales - An Everyone Culture by Lisa Laskow Lahey- Claude - Gamma - Notebook LM - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41202385

Episode #604 - Founder Mistakes & Building Resilient Scale-ups - with Jules Herd 05/11/2026

Episode #604 - Founder Mistakes & Building Resilient Scale-ups - with Jules Herd In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Jules Herd, founder of Five in a Boat, to unpack the real reasons scale-ups stall and what founders must do differently to grow sustainably. Jules shares hard-earned insights from working with Series A to C tech businesses, revealing why marketing often isn’t the real problem and what actually needs fixing underneath. Key Takeaway The one key thing: Growth stalls when founders try to scale without upgrading their thinking, their team, and their focus. Standout Message “Marketing doesn’t fail because marketing is broken. It fails because the business behind it isn’t ready.” The Problem: Founder Mistakes That Stall Growth Many scale-ups hit a ceiling not because of market conditions, but because of internal decisions: Treating the business like a job Founder dependency limits scalability and prevents the business from operating independently. Lack of audience focus Trying to target everyone results in wasted time, budget, and diluted messaging. Promoting loyalty over capability Early team members are elevated beyond their skillset, creating gaps at senior level. Avoiding calculated risk Founders hesitate to invest in key roles or decisions, ignoring the bigger cost of inaction. The Solution: What Founders Must Do Jules outlines practical steps to unlock growth: 1. Bring in Experience Secure mentors and non-execs Gain external perspective to challenge assumptions 2. Take Calculated Risks Assess upside vs downside properly Make informed decisions rather than avoiding them 3. Invest for Resilience Example: UK manufacturing shift to reduce supply chain risk Focus on long-term stability, not short-term savings 4. Build a Scalable Team Hire specialists (CFO, CMO, Ops leaders) Delegate effectively Balance scrappy startup mindset with professional expertise The Pivot: Five in a Boat’s 360° Model Jules explains how Five in a Boat evolved: Clients paused comms work due to deeper business issues The business pivoted to a 360° advisory model Built a flexible structure combining core team + specialists Positioned as a practical, accessible alternative to large consultancies What makes it different: Integrated approach across growth challenges Deep operator experience Radical honesty with clients Passion Project: On the Edge Outside of her advisory work, Jules hosts On the Edge: Focused on resilience and defining life moments Explores when people chose to jump, were pushed, or stayed Aims to turn stories into a wider podcast platform Personal Motivation Jules is driven by a powerful legacy goal: To show her daughter the importance of ambition, resilience, and learning through failure. Smart90 Recommendation If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It’s a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at . Jules can be found here: Resources: Traction by Gino Wickman - Crossing The Chasm by Geoffrey A Moore - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41202140

Episode #603 - ScaleUp Shorts - What two very different founders teach us about leadership, resilience, Al and the future of human connection in business 05/08/2026

Episode #603 - ScaleUp Shorts - What two very different founders teach us about leadership, resilience, Al and the future of human connection in business This week on ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt unpack two fascinating conversations with founders operating in completely different worlds — yet connected by one powerful idea: Business success still comes down to people. On one side is Bob Ferguson — city councilman, long-standing business owner, and leader of what he calls an “all-volunteer army” through his network marketing organisation in Fairfield, Iowa. On the other is Priyanka Rao — immigrant tech founder and creator of MicroInterns, an innovative platform connecting students with startups through short-term, skills-based micro-internships. Together, their stories reveal extraordinary lessons around: AI and the future of hiring Leadership without ego Mental fitness and resilience Building ecosystems that scale Why culture matters more than credentials The importance of asking for help Interdependence in business growth Key Talking Points AI is changing recruitment — but not necessarily for the better Priyanka explains how businesses are increasingly using AI to write job descriptions while candidates use AI to create CVs — leaving “bots talking to bots”. Her solution? Creating “tamper-proof micro-skill passports” through real-world startup projects that prove capability beyond keyword matching. Leadership is about making people want to be there Bob Ferguson shares why traditional command-and-control leadership simply doesn’t work when leading independent teams and volunteers. He explores: Adam Grant’s concept of “other-ish givers” Jim Collins’ “Level 5 leadership” The importance of creating workplaces where people feel valued and included Resilience forged through adversity Priyanka shares the deeply personal story behind launching MicroInterns — including the Christmas period where she had just £5.45 left in her bank account while struggling to find work after university. From that experience came her powerful S.A.F.E framework: Start before you’re ready Ask for help Fail fast Experiment Why ecosystems matter Both guests highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, partnerships and communities. Whether it’s: Scottish startup support networks University partnerships Civic ecosystems Peer collaboration Arts and entrepreneurial communities …neither founder believes success happens in isolation. Memorable Quotes From The Episode “You can’t have bots talking to bots and expect to truly understand people.” “Make your workplace somewhere people want to be — not somewhere they have to be.” “The only thing that is certain is change.” “If you want something, ask for it. The worst they can say is no.” Resources & Mentions Give and Take — Adam Grant Level 5 Leadership — Jim Collins Stephen Covey’s concept of interdependence Transcendental Meditation (TM) MicroInterns Smart90® G90 Summit About ScaleUp Radio ScaleUp Radio brings together founders, entrepreneurs and scale-up leaders to share practical insights, honest experiences and lessons from building ambitious businesses. Produced with the aid of AI This episode and its supporting content were produced with the aid of Artificial Intelligence tools, alongside human research, editing and creative direction. /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41203905

Episode #602 - Solving the Experience Paradox with Micro-Internships - with Priyanka Rao 05/06/2026

Episode #602 - Solving the Experience Paradox with Micro-Internships - with Priyanka Rao Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I’m Kevin Brent and in today's episode I’m joined by Priyanka Rao, founder of MicroInterns. Now if you’ve ever struggled with hiring or wondered whether CVs really tell the full story anymore, this one’s for you. With AI now writing CVs and even running interviews, there’s a growing question around trust in the hiring process. Priyanka is tackling that head on by connecting students with startups through short micro-internships, and creating something called a Micro-Skill Passport – a way to actually prove skills, not just claim them. What I really liked in this conversation was her mindset. From hitting a low point with just £5.45 in the bank, to building a platform that’s already led to multiple full-time hires, all guided by her SAFE framework – Start, Ask, Fail Fast and Experiment. If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and the leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow. For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Priyanka. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Kevin's Book Is Here! Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - Priyanka can be found here: Resources: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - Mel Robbins Podcast - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41074360

Episode #601 - Leadership Effectiveness Is A State Of Mind - with Bob Ferguson 05/04/2026

Episode #601 - Leadership Effectiveness Is A State Of Mind - with Bob Ferguson Hi there and welcome back to another edition of ScaleUp Radio, the podcast brought to you by Smart90, inspired by the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System and designed to make navigating our ScaleUp journeys that little bit easier by learning from others' experiences. I’m Kevin Brent and in today's episode I’m joined by Bob Ferguson. Bob brings a fascinating perspective on leadership - combining decades of experience in business, community building, and global networks - and at the heart of it all is one powerful idea: mental fitness. We explore why your effectiveness as a leader is shaped less by what you know, and more by your internal state - your ability to stay calm, open, and in control, especially under pressure. One standout message that really stayed with me was this: “In leadership, the state of the knower is just as important as the knowledge itself.” We also talk about what it really takes to lead an “all-volunteer army,” why inspiring people beats managing them, and how a small city of under 10,000 people became one of the most recognised intelligent communities in the world. If you're tired of ending the week busy but no further forward, I run a quarterly planning session called the G90 Summit, a structured half-day where founders and the leadership teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and commit to them. I run them quarterly. Find out more and reserve your place at Smart90.co.uk/summit. Make sure you don’t miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts - and why not give us a follow. For now, continue listening for the full discussion with Bob. Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: You can get in touch with Kevin here: Kevin's Book Is Here! Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - Bob cab be found here: 913-208-6357 Resources: Civic Intelligence Hub - Lifestyle Intelligence Hub - /episode/index/show/scaleupradio/id/41072195

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