#founderhacks

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alex Moore welcome guest James Bates, founder of QVO Hospitality. The discussion delves into how character, resilience, and humility contribute to entrepreneurial success. Bates shares insights from personal experiences, relevant readings, and learned lessons, emphasizing the importance of sitting with discomfort to foster growth and sustainability. Topics include the role of AI in business, maintaining balance, and the continuous journey of personal development in leadership.00:00 Introduction: The Secret to Success00:28 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:08 Meet Our Hosts and Guest02:18 James Bates: From Finance to Hospitality03:30 The Theme of Discomfort in Entrepreneurship04:47 Lessons from a Friend's Business Pivot06:05 The Role of Character in Business Success14:18 AI and the Future of Work23:18 Consistent Success Through Obvious Actions29:28 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysAtomexImage by Tim Bell from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Antony, Ben, and Alex explore the intricate dance between luck, timing, skill, and hard work in the entrepreneurial journey. They discuss how regulatory changes and seemingly bad luck can be transformed into learning experiences that fuel business growth. Through various anecdotes, including a dive into Lando Norris's path in F1, they highlight the importance of leveraging the advantages one has, taking pride in meticulous organization, and embracing the learning from due diligence processes. They emphasize that while luck plays a role, it is ultimately the hard work and organization that help entrepreneurs get 'lucky' faster. Tune in for practical insights and inspiring stories to navigate and thrive in the business landscape.00:00 The Misconceptions of Entrepreneurship00:20 Introducing Founder Hacks02:10 Learning vs. Luck: A Key Theme02:58 Regulatory Changes and Entrepreneurial Resilience05:32 The Power of Team Collaboration09:07 Luck and Learning in Business15:36 The Four Pillars of Success16:08 Applying the Four Pillars to Your Business17:36 Learning from Business Processes21:42 The Importance of Organization27:24 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysAtomexImage by myshoun from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Antony Enright and Ben Thomas welcome Simon Ursell, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Tyler Grange, an environmental consulting firm. They explore Simon's core belief in 'people-led' businesses and how prioritizing employee well-being and engagement can significantly boost performance. Simon shares insights from his journey, including the implementation of a four-day work week that led to a 30% revenue increase, the importance of balancing high support with high challenge for optimal productivity, and the power of storytelling in leadership. The discussion delves into various polarities in business, such as competition vs. collaboration and doing it right vs. just doing it, stressing the importance of finding a balance. Simon also introduces the role of stories in managing change and driving engagement, offering a refreshing perspective on modern business practices.00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks01:34 Meet Our Guest: Simon Ursell02:54 The Importance of People in Business04:14 High Support and High Challenge for High Performance06:57 Implementing Challenge in the Workplace12:06 Leadership and Mentorship at Tyler Grange18:01 Navigating Polarities in Business21:27 Exploring eSports and Collaboration23:06 Balancing Polarities in Business27:36 The Power of Storytelling29:20 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week35:10 The Impact of Stories on Leadership40:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAtomexImage by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, Ben Thomas and co-hosts Alexander Moore and Antony Enright interview Joss Tasker, the founder and CEO of Sync Savings. Joss shares insights from her journey in entrepreneurial leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and detachment from specific outcomes. They discuss Joss's inspiration from 'The Law of Detachment' by Morris Schwartz, which advises founders to release attachment to outcomes to enable greater opportunities. Themes of standing for something, how you've made others feel, and nurturing authenticity in business interactions resonate throughout the conversation. Joss also highlights the importance of being open-minded, recognizing real success moments, and aligning with one’s purpose in driving transformative results in business.00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks01:08 Meet the Hosts and Guest02:05 Jos Tasker's Journey and Mission03:23 The Importance of Authenticity04:37 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership06:43 The Power of Purpose-Driven Business08:05 Balancing Authenticity and Commercial Success15:08 Detachment and Letting Go of Outcomes20:06 Personal Development and Business Growth20:59 Letting Go of Outcomes22:12 Empowering Your Niche24:26 The Importance of Authenticity26:28 Purpose and Passion in Entrepreneurship28:12 Capturing Impactful Stories31:54 Final Thoughts and SummaryAtomexImage by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

In this episode of 'Founder Hacks,' the hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore, discuss the necessity for younger generations to master reinvention and adaptation in our swiftly changing world. The conversation covers insights from their collective 50-year experience in starting, growing, and leading businesses, as well as wisdom gathered from other entrepreneurs. Key topics include the unforeseen impacts of AI on platforms like Pinterest, generational differences in workplace expectations, and the importance of continual innovation in maintaining business uniqueness. Through real experiences, readings, and learnings, the hosts emphasize the value of listening, being curious, and staying ahead in the evolving business landscape.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:10 Meet the Hosts03:17 The Impact of AI on Business10:27 Generational Differences in the Workplace20:19 Adapting to Change and Innovation28:50 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsImage by Gerd Altmann

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore discuss the importance of keeping an open mind to evolve as a founder. They explore how founders can reinvent themselves at different stages of growth, how paying attention to global trends like China's low-altitude economy can spark innovation, and the benefits of exposing oneself to new and unexpected experiences. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes and professional insights, all aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the dynamic landscape of business growth.00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks00:53 Meet the Hosts01:20 The Importance of Reinventing Yourself02:20 Challenges of Founder Roles04:35 The 10-Year Rule and Founder Fatigue08:16 Cultural Differences in Business Growth11:44 The Low Altitude Economy in China20:09 The Value of Random Experiences26:00 Conclusion and SummaryImage by Gerd Altmann

In this episode of Founder Hacks, the hosts discuss the importance of embracing authenticity and effectively managing change within businesses. Alex shares insights on leading change by involving team members to ensure success, while Antony highlights the pitfalls of following motivational content that claims to have all the answers. Ben emphasizes the power of being genuine in business interactions. The conversation underscores the value of human relationships and the need to balance ambition with realistic expectations, fostering a supportive and dynamic business environment.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:55 Meet the Hosts01:47 The Theme of Being Human02:09 Alex's Story on Change Management03:47 Antony's Insights on Coaching and Readiness05:42 Ben's Perspective on Managing Change10:13 Antony's Reflection on Social Media and Perfection15:30 Ben's Take on Setting Ambitious Goals20:28 The Power of Authenticity26:54 Summary and Closing RemarksPhoto by manas rb on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Alexander Moore, and Antony Enright discuss the complex dynamics of leadership and how embracing vulnerability can enhance team trust and growth. They explore the notion that sometimes leaders must allow small failures to foster learning and decision-making within their teams. The trio also delves into the importance of having a 'plan B' to ensure calm and rational decision-making in business. Additionally, they highlight the balance between leading decisively and creating space for others to take responsibility. The conversation is enriched with real-life experiences, offering listeners valuable insights into the intricate journey of leadership in growing businesses.00:00 Introduction to Leadership Dynamics00:41 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:19 Discussing When Things Go Wrong02:20 The CEO's Mistake and Team Dynamics04:52 Heroic Leadership vs. Vulnerable Leadership10:29 The Importance of a Plan B19:21 Letting Things Go Wrong on Purpose27:20 Summary and Closing RemarksPhoto by Di liberto Emanuele on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, the hosts delve into the importance of recognizing unseen aspects in businesses, particularly when familiarity breeds ignorance. They discuss strategies to maintain fresh perspectives, such as bringing in external advisors or working from different locations. The conversation also touches on the authenticity of LinkedIn posts and the gap between perception and reality in social media. Finally, they explore the concept of narrative identity and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our business decisions and personal growth. Through these discussions, the hosts emphasize the value of vulnerability and genuine connections in achieving business success.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:52 Meet the Hosts01:40 Perception and Business Insights03:40 The Value of External Perspectives10:03 LinkedIn and Social Media Realities19:04 Narrative Identity and Personal Growth27:19 Conclusion and SummaryPhoto by Behnam Samipour on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore discuss the importance of undertaking hard tasks and difficult conversations in business. They explore how addressing cultural issues within a company through effective line management can yield positive transformations. The team underscores the value of organization, emphasizing checklists as a tool for comprehensively managing tasks and avoiding future problems. Alex shares his personal experience of a difficult cycling journey, stressing the benefits of taking time for physical and mental challenges to reset and reenergise. The discussions offer insights and practical advice on achieving business growth and personal fulfillment through perseverance and strategic problem-solving.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:16 Introducing Founder Hacks01:16 Meet the Hosts01:51 Theme of the Episode: Doing Hard Things02:54 Antony's Story: Cultural Architects to Cultural Assassins04:07 The Power of Effective Leadership05:49 The Importance of Tough Conversations11:05 Ben's Insight: The Checklist Approach15:06 The Power of Accountability Lists15:41 Keeping Business Simple and Organized16:25 The Importance of Checklists in Business18:09 Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges20:24 The Benefits of Physical and Mental Challenges21:28 Finding Personal Restoration and Recovery27:04 Summarizing Key TakeawaysPhoto by Cody Engel on Unsplash

In this episode of FounderHacks, hosts Ben Thomas and Antony Enright welcome entrepreneur Ben Goldsmith, who shares his wisdom on simplifying business strategies and the power of relationships. Ben talks about the impact of Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle on his company’s purpose, the benefits of using Vern Harnish’s Scaling Up methodology, and how focusing on building authentic relationships has fueled his success. Ben emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies, leveraging strengths, and the vital role of timing in implementing effective business practices.00:00 Introduction to Founderhacks01:27 Meet Ben Goldsmith: Entrepreneurial Journey02:41 The Power of Simplicity in Business03:22 Simon Sinek's Golden Circle: Finding Your Why08:56 Scaling Up: Strategies for Growth15:45 The Importance of Relationships in Business25:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPhoto by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas and Antony Enright are joined by Aingaran Pillai, CEO and founder of Zaizi. Over the past 18 years, Aingaran has navigated his business through various challenges to become a leading technology provider in the public sector. The discussion focuses on the theme of 'grit' and how enduring struggles can lead to success. Aingaran shares lessons on the importance of culture, as reflected in his experience of creating a 'winning culture' at his company. He also references Ben Horowitz’s book, 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things,' particularly the section on 'The Struggle,' which resonated deeply with him during tough times. The conversation further explores the complexities and loneliness of being a solo entrepreneur and the continuous journey of learning and storytelling to maintain and scale company culture.00:00 Introduction: The Struggle and Success00:46 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:15 Meet Aingaran Pillai: CEO and Founder of Zaizi02:21 The Importance of Grit in Entrepreneurship03:25 Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast05:13 The Role of Storytelling in Building Culture11:05 The Hard Things About Hard Things21:02 The Loneliness of a Single Entrepreneur26:33 Passing the Baton: Sharing Knowledge and Experience27:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPhoto by Jonny Gios on Unsplash

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Turnaround. Can you develop the discipline to focus on controlling the controllable when you are turning things around? Removing those emotions and frustrations, rage, or anger that can paralyse us might prompt us not to fight back but to fight forward.

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Reaping what you sow. Do you keep your reputational bank account a healthy balance? You never know when you may find yourself making a withdrawal when you need it the most. Do you appreciate messages of support? Are you someone ready to send a message of support when a friend or a colleague needs it. Could you build it into the culture of your business so your whole team can learn to show gratitude and help everyone to feel part of your mission. 

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Engineering. When do you need to step in and engineer a new approach? How do we engineer a deal? Finding a way to shine a light with little and often and create a new rhythm can throw challenges into a whole new relief. 

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Legacy. What is the legacy you want to leave? Your role is to find yourself better at everything. Can you replace yourself? Are you a founder with a shelf life? Overcoming the the 10 year mark seems to be a curious challenge for many entrepreneurs. Do you take the time to reflect and make sure you do make the right choice to step away from your business and move onwards?

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Time and a Place. What does it take for a business to endure? Does place affect your brain? Is different thinking always something of inherent value. Could you leverage place to break your patterns and generate newness and energy and discover what that could offer you?

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Getting it wrong. Who is your tribe to test where you are? A trusted inner circle perhaps who you trust to believe in you, but also to be honest with you and keep you grounded. Being open to challenge may perhaps also help you have the best chance of not getting it wrong and surrounding yourself with people who look and think like you and only want to agree with you might not always be the best choice.

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Bide your time or Blow up the room. Do you force a resolution or wait for things to naturally come to a head? AI will transform our working lives and our societies within our lifetime so how do we engage with these technologies, these huge paradigm shifts?

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Interpersonal. Do you listen with your eyes? Do your team look and feel ready to win? How can you play your part in making sure that they are? Do you speak emotion? Can you use a textured understanding of emotion to gather more data and make better decisions?

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Feedback Revisited. What do you want? Do you know? Is it critical for you as a founder of a business to be clear about what you want in terms of the relationship with your business and your expectations of those within it? Can you make a commitment to learn how to give feedback brilliantly well?

In this week's #founderhacks we talk about Coping with the Imperfect. Can you dispel the myth of the perfect employee? How do you manage your natural instinct to make the fundamental attributional error? Can we assess our staff as we do ourselves?

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Clarity. How do you contract with your team? There is always that initial opportunity to put on the table the realities of being part of a business and a team. How do you feedback to your team and does the feedback have the impact that you intend? How do you measure that? Do you balance your criticism and celebration?

In this week's #founderhacks we talk about Changing the Lens When the fields you plough go from fertile to baron, how do you change lenses? Leading from good times to the bad is of course a challenge to your leadership and how do you manage that shift of perception that is going to determine that outcome?

In this week's edition of #founderhacks we talk about all things stress.

As our 2nd series continues we bring you the concept of "choosing the right attitude". As a founder / entrepreneur do you have to choose your attitude dependant on the situation you find yourself in?We would love you hear your thoughts.... To listen please click: https://www.atomex.co.uk/founderhacks Enjoy.

We are delighted to introduce "business owner" and award winning "entrepreneur" Caroline Strachan to #founderhacks. Recorded earlier this year, we discuss a number of topics with Caroline including the thought of loving your competitors and just saying no to your customers!Enjoy.

So, after a bit of a break we are back in the saddle with a new series of #founderhacks.This week we discuss the subject of change, spotting when things need to change, spotting when we need to change whilst keeping it simple and sticking to the basics.Enjoy.

On #founderhacks this week we are joined by entrepreneur Nat Rich to discuss how people choose to show up at work compared to how they show up at home.Nat is a mental health and wellbeing expert, workshop facilitator and a speaker and moderator for both in-person & virtual events.

Serial entrepreneur Chris Hughes joins us on #founderhacks this week to talk about, "What Inspires?"Chris started his career in a foundry working 80 hour weeks in the UK before he began life as an entrepreneur at the ripe old age of 35 in China. He is now the founder and MD of Health Well Solutions - a global insurance brokerage with offices in China and the UK.

In this edition of #founderhacks we are joined by social entrepreneur Amar Dani to debate how he chooses to "show up" in his business.Amar is the founder of Dani Organics a leading supplier of organic food products. This amazing business employs 200 staff who support a network of 50,000 farmers across 4 continents.

This week we discuss something that some founders aren't particular good at - managing themselves. Topics include knowing when to read things at face value, accepting when your confidence outstrips your ability as well as a founder-hack that might help you better manage your business when you get sick. Enjoy

In this weeks episode we welcome fellow entrepreneur Dr Richard Guyver to #founderhacks. We get to hear Richard’s all time, “Seen, Read & Learned” with some fascinating shares concerning how to keep level headed during times of high stress. 

So, as the Beatles once sang, this is Christmas. After another challenging year for many of the world's small businesses we decided to take a look back at some of the things we didn't have time to talk about during 2021 and celebrate some of the good stuff.

In this weeks episode Ben, Alex & Antony discuss as founders do you have the choice as to when to fight or when to take flight? Sometimes is it better to go against your instinct and take flight rather than always be fighting?

Three serial entrepreneurs in Antony, Ben and Alex take time in this weeks episode to discuss the power of endless possibilities of reframing!

Antony, Ben and Alex, three founders of businesses are joined by special guest Pia Muggerud to discuss the lessons she has learned about finding her voice in the world.

Antony, Ben and Alex, three founders of businesses are joined by special guest Jennifer Quigley Jones to discuss the lessons she has learned whilst growing a successful business during the Covid pandemic.

Antony, Ben and Alex, three founders of businesses shares their experiences on the topic of when and how a business founder should change gears in their business.

Antony, Ben and Alex, three founders of businesses shares their experiences on the topic of building and managing teams.

#founderhacks 44: This week Ben, Antony and Alex, three founders of companies, are joined by entrepreneur Jim James where they discuss how to be resourceful when you are lacking resources - Jim’s “seen” is all about Genghis Khan, Jim’s “read” is about Sun Tzu’s 2,500 year old book the Art of War Influence and Jim’s “learned” amplification.

#founderhacks 43: This week Ben, Antony and Alex, three founders of companies, are joined by solopreneur Steve Bruce where they discuss the importance of focus in business - Steve’s “seen” looks at focusing on what we choose to measure, Steve’s “read” is about Dan Priestly’s excellent book Key Person of Influence and Steve’s “learned” is a about lifestyle focus.

#founderhacks 41: This week we are joined by Ed Francis. Our theme is great corporate culture - our “seen” is looks at Dan Pink’s seminal thinking on autonomy, mastery and purpose, our “read” looks Michael E Gerber’s book the E-Myth and our “learned” is about being the dangers of working by a success/fail criteria. Enjoy.

#founderhacks 40: Our “seen” is about returning to offices, our “read” looks at self doubt and our “learned” is about being in control of your own bus!

#founderhacks 39: This week our “seen” involves a hard working team that made us ponder if sometimes knowing yourself means realising it’s not all about you, our “read” is about who gives you an unvarnished perspective on your performance as a leader and our “learned” looks at the different personas people bring to the workplace and home. Enjoy.

#founderhacks 38: This episode is all about bias and assumptions - the impact of dumbing down a conversation on the assumption that a colleague won’t understand the detail, the pitfalls, and benefits, of something called illusory superiority before ending up with a discussion on the benefits of getting to know people before using biases to write them off. Enjoy.

#founderhacks 37: A newsletter and podcast by founders for founders, this week Antony, Alex & Ben talk about one thing they have seen, one thing they have read and one thing they have learned – this week we talk about how a company’s moral code can be good for business, Elon Musk’s Neuralink and its experiments on animals as well as the benefits of owning up to your mistakes (and yes, we’ve made a lot of these between us). Enjoy.

#founderhacks 36: A newsletter and podcast by founders for founders, this week Antony, Alex & Ben talk about one thing they have seen, one thing they have read and one thing they have learned – this episode is all about helping people you work with to be brilliant - topics include “tooling up” external advisors when they miss the mark, a founder hack about scoring interactions and the benefits of asking people how we stop them being great..

#founderhacks 35: A newsletter and podcast by founders for founders, this week Antony, Alex & Ben talk about one thing they have seen, one thing they have read and one thing they have learned – this episode is all about getting things done - topics include what tidy files might have say about how a company is run and the person who runs it, getting more from your colleagues and how to use trust to boost productivity.

#founderhacks 34: A newsletter and podcast by founders for founders, this week Antony, Alex & Ben talk about one thing they have seen, one thing they have read and one thing they have learned – in this episode is all about innovation - topics discussed include a new twist on an old idea, painting by numbers and a founderhack about start and end of day rituals.