Strive and Thrive

David Bell is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, business leader, and technology consultant, helping ambitious organisations grow, scale, and innovate. As Founder of Simboc, he works with startups and SMEs to unlock opportunities through strategic advice, leadership support, and practical digital solutions. David is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at Anglia Ruskin University, a fellow of several professional bodies, an experienced keynote speaker and chat show host. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker David Bell  for our latest podcast/Youtube release as they discuss whether entrepreneurship is innate or can be learnt, the key drivers of successful entrepreneurship, and why we need to create a better environment to support new businesses.What is Strive & Thrive?Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast  aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach. Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode.Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Dan Davies is  an SME champion, innovation specialist, a problem solver and a hands-on business development manager helping companies to develop and bring in more sustainable business. Regardless of the industry sector, the product you sell or the people who buy from you, Dan believes there is always a way to improve and ensure a healthy business future. Join co hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Dan Davies for our latest podcast/Youtube release, dropping on 14th April as they discuss how quality trumps quantity in networking, the importance of understanding your customer and market, and how to navigate the tension between technology and compliance.What is Strive & Thrive?Get ready for more powerful conversations - if you are an SME business leader, or have a general interest in entrepreneurship, you can learn from others who have been on the journey and have valuable insights to share. Our podcast aims to provide key learnings for Founders with a fun, friendly & conversational approach. Set your reminder, grab your headphones and tune in - please follow us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay up to date with every new episode.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Join co-hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Fiona Scott for our latest podcast/YouTube release  - dropping on 31st March - as they discuss Fiona’s numerous learnings from building her business, and the importance of storytelling to help your business grow.Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​Website: striveandthrivepodcast.com ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

We are proud to announce that Strive & Thrive is joining podcasters around the world in raising awareness for causes that we care about - and the organisations that are addressing them -  in #Podcasthon2026! Podcasthon is the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable causes.We have dedicated this special episode of Strive & Thrive to a cause that we deeply care about and will be highlighting SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Nikki Kelly as they discuss the issue of domestic abuse, how leadership and innovation is being enacted in the charity sector, and how we can help.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Creating a world full of possibility in a business means constantly balancing vision with reality. Leaders must inspire bold thinking while navigating constraints like budgets, market competition, and operational limits. It requires cultivating a culture where creativity is encouraged, failure is treated as learning, and diverse perspectives are valued, all while still meeting performance targetsJoin Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Alan Evans  at 12pm on 12th March , as they discuss why coaching is so important, how you can realise self belief and potential, and the challenges of working for yourself.LinkedIn Event: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7434690338079911936?viewAsMember=true YouTube stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mT4lVNGwBM Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

It becomes difficult to step back and work on the business rather than in it, especially when revenue depends directly on your time and energy. Fear of slowing down, delegating, or changing long-standing processes can keep you stuck in familiar patterns, even when they’re unsustainable. Escaping that cycle requires intentional strategy, systems, and often the uncomfortable shift from operator to true business owner.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Lambros Photios as they discuss the importance of letting go, taking a step back to see the bigger picture, and how to embrace the challenges that AI presents.Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Moving from an apprenticeship to buying a global business is a leap that comes with steep challenges, from closing massive knowledge gaps to managing financial risk at an entirely new scale. What once involved learning under guidance becomes making high-stakes decisions across cultures, markets, and legal systems, often without a safety net. The shift demands rapid development in leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience, while unlearning the comfort of being “in training.” Balancing ambition with humility, and vision with operational reality, is often the hardest part of the journey.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Alun Tribe  on 12th Feb, as they discuss the value of good apprenticeship programmes, being open to advice and support, and how to buy a global business.Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker John Diack as they discuss how to amplify a founder in growing with their company, and remove stuff they’re not good at by getting them to be self aware and focus on their strengths. They also cover how to build high trust and how governments can encourage entrepreneurship.​Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

We are excited to announce that our guest speaker for episode 28 is Chris Wilson !!!Speaking with authenticity and impact in an SME can be challenging because leaders and employees often juggle multiple roles, tight resources, and constant change. There is pressure to sound confident and professional while also staying true to personal values and the realities of the business, which can lead to overly cautious or generic communication.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Chris Wilson on 15th January, as they discuss how to speak with impact and authenticity, embracing the true you to connect emotionally with your audience - be it your team, your customers, or your peers.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Join co-hosts Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam and Mike Oliver on 1st January, as they discuss the many insights and key learnings they gained from the Strive & Thrive podcast in 2025, and what they hope to achieve with their businesses and the podcast in 2026.Mike and Romesh draw on the huge experience, expertise and journeys of their many excellent guests in 2025. LinkedIn Event: ​https://www.linkedin.com/events/s-tepisode27-whatinsightscansme7407503696307105792/theater/YouTube stream:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ua05j74gUU​Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

AI, storytelling, and marketing intersect in powerful but challenging ways. While AI can analyze audiences and generate content at scale, it often struggles to capture the emotional nuance and authenticity that compelling storytelling requires. Marketers must balance efficiency with creativity, ensuring AI-generated narratives still feel human and aligned with brand identity.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver, and guest speaker David Sloly as they discuss the power of storytelling, staying abreast of AI developments, and how we should remain authentic.LinkedIn Event: https://www.linkedin.com/events/strive-thriveepisode26-storytel7406395151855595520/theater/YouTube stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYbHzQvWglo​Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

The challenges that arise from the differences between being an entrepreneur and being a business owner often come from mindset and goals. Entrepreneurs typically focus on innovation, taking risks, and building something new, which can create pressure to constantly adapt, secure funding, and navigate uncertainty. Business owners, on the other hand, usually focus on stability, daily operations, and maintaining consistent profits, which can be challenging because it requires strong management skills, long-term planning, and resource balancing. These differences can make it difficult to transition between the two roles, as each demands a different approach to leadership, risk-taking, and problem-solving.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speakers Peter Mols & Sarah Mols at 12pm on 11th December, as they discuss the difference between being an entrepreneur and a business owner. ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

The best leaders often face the challenge of balancing authority with connection, and social intelligence is key to navigating that tension. They must read subtle cues, manage diverse personalities, and adapt their communication style without losing clarity or purpose. At the same time, they must remain aware of how their words and decisions affect team dynamics, morale, and trust. This constant juggling act makes social intelligence not just a helpful skill, but an essential leadership trait.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Geoff Bird at 12pm on 4th December as they discuss how the best leaders have and need social intelligence.​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

The UK government has just released its much-anticipated budget, and every business leader is holding their breath. In this episode, we’ll be diving deep into the key announcements, cutting through the noise and discover exactly what this fiscal statement means for your business strategy, cash flow, and growth prospects in the year ahead.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam (Founder of The FD Consultant) and Mike Oliver (Founder of Easol), as they discuss the implications of the budget that every business leader should consider.​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Scaling a business often feels like riding a rollercoaster, thrilling, but full of sharp turns and emotional highs and lows. Leaders face the challenge of sustaining momentum without losing strategic focus. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Raj Thiruchelvarajah as they discuss the challenges business leaders face when scaling up a business. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

AI alone won’t grow your sales. Technology is a powerful enabler, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Yes, AI can streamline operations, uncover data-driven insights, and automate marketing, but it cannot replace the human touch that builds trust, understands customer needs, and forges lasting relationships. Without a clear sales strategy, a strong product or service, and consistent customer engagement, AI tools risk being underused or misdirected. Sustainable growth demands balance: combine AI with human creativity, strategic thinking, and personalised interaction to turn potential into growth. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker @Maggie Sarfo as they discuss how using AI alone will not push your sales within your business. Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cEcnsZUk8pQFPbP6wrT33​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strive-and-thrive/id1814865101​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@striveandthriveseries?feature=shared​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Bullying in business is a hard truth that often goes unspoken, yet its impact is profound. It can show up subtly through exclusion, manipulation, or intimidation, or overtly, in toxic leadership or cutthroat competition. Left unchecked, it erodes trust, stifles innovation, and drives talented people away. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Frances Holmes as they discuss the challenges with bullying in businesses.​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Women entrepreneurs often face significant challenges including securing funding due to biases in venture capital, navigating a male-dominated business network which can limit mentorship and opportunities, and balancing intense professional demands with persistent societal expectations for domestic responsibilities. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Debbie Gilbert as they discuss women in business - the challenges they face and how it can be overcome.​Check out Debbie and her work!Instagram: @bestbusinesswomenawards @businesswomenunltd   Facebook: @bestbusinesswomenawards @businesswomenawards   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debgilbert/  Websites: www.bestbusinesswomenawards.com www.businesswomenunltd.co.uk www.vivabusinesssupport.co.uk https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk/------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Businesses struggle to pinpoint the true value of time because it's often an abstract concept tied to opportunity cost and a complex web of interconnected processes.  The challenge lies in identifying which activities are truly value-adding versus those that are simply consuming time without contributing to the bottom line.Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker David King as they discuss what the value of time is in your business.​​Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eVnMpnt7​Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eVMHCAue​YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eGZUMutC------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Good processes in business often face the challenge of balancing efficiency with adaptability. While structured processes can drive consistency, scalability, and quality, they can also become rigid and hinder innovation if not regularly updated. In a fast-changing market, businesses must continuously refine their operations to stay competitive without sacrificing reliability. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Claire Butcher as they discuss Good processes and Good business.​Like this episode but want more? Watch it on YouTube! https://lnkd.in/erGWJMfF​Subscribe and follow us for more Strive & Thrive content at Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.​Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eVnMpnt7​Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eVMHCAue​YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eGZUMutC------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Innovating in safety-critical industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, or nuclear energy, presents significant challenges due to the high stakes involved. Any failure can result in severe harm to people, the environment, or national infrastructure, leading to an inherently risk-averse culture. Regulatory frameworks are often stringent and slow to adapt, making it difficult to implement new technologies quickly. Additionally, rigorous testing, certification, and validation requirements can significantly extend development timelines and increase costs, discouraging rapid innovation. Balancing safety, compliance, and technological progress remains a complex and ongoing challenge in these fields.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Many have either had a bad experience with a middle manager, or had a bad experience being a middle manager - or both. Middle managers are often sandwiched between the pressure from senior leadership and the demands of the team. So, why does this happen and how can we address this?  Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Lisa Robyn Wood as they discuss why middle management sucks, and how we can change that.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Finding alignment between the individual and the idea can be challenging because it requires honest self-reflection, clarity of purpose, and sometimes uncomfortable change. Individuals may struggle to distinguish their true values from external expectations, or they may find that an idea they admire conflicts with their personal needs or limitations. Fear of judgment, failure, or letting go of familiar paths can also make alignment feel risky. This process often demands patience, vulnerability, and the courage to say no to ideas that don’t fully resonate.​​​Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver and guest speaker Dave Jarman at 1 as they discuss finding alignment between the individual and the idea.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Transitioning from a solopreneur to an entrepreneur comes with several challenges, the most significant being the shift from doing everything alone to building and managing a team. As a solopreneur, you're used to full control, but as an entrepreneur, delegation becomes essential requiring trust, leadership skills, and effective communication. Join Romesh, Mike and guest speaker Jose Trujillo as they discuss the transition from Solopreneur to Entrepreneur. ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Strive & Thrive co-host Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the founding of The FD Consultant! Join Romesh and Mike as Romesh reflects on his last 5 years as a founder and shares what he has learned.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Securing investment for startups and SMEs is highly individualised. Angel investment, venture capital, loans, and grants - there's no "one size fits all." The best fit depends on industry, business model, and founder vision, demanding a tailored approach for sustainable growth.Join ⁠Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam⁠, ⁠Mike Oliver⁠ and guest speaker ⁠Sid Vasili⁠ as they discuss the investor's perspective on business. ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver, and Alexander Preece as they discuss how founders and business leaders can turn their expertise into opportunity-driving personal brands.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam and Mike Oliver as they discuss with guest speaker Kimberley Abbott about her experience founding and running her impact-led business, Vested Impact, the challenges she's faced and what she's learned on the journey.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Founders and leaders in SMEs often grapple with a unique set of hurdles, from securing the right funding and building a robust team to navigating operational complexities and maintaining their core vision amidst rapid growth. Join Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Mike Oliver, and guest speaker Kate Mercer as they delve into the key challenges SME founders face when trying to scale their businesses and offer actionable insights and strategies to overcome them. ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

The entrepreneurship journey is a deeply personal and human experience, shaped by the interplay of individual drive and the supportive or challenging presence of others. The human element, with its inherent complexities and connections, is what ultimately defines the highs and lows of building a business.Join Mike Oliver and Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam as they discuss the human element of entrepreneurship.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Many founders exiting a business grapple with preserving their legacy and ensuring the well-being of their employees. An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) offers a compelling alternative to a traditional sale, addressing these concerns. EOTs are a form of indirect employee ownership where a trust holds the shares on the employees' behalf. This trust ensures the business's continued independence, maintain its culture, look out for employees' interests, and reward loyal employees.Join Mike Oliver, Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, and guest speaker Chris Maslin as they explore the nuances of EOTs - who it is for, how it can benefit entrepreneurs, employees, and businesses, and how to build one effectively.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

As entrepreneurs delve into the world of AI, they face a complex web of challenges such as understanding AI's true potential and limitations within their specific business context, navigating ethical considerations, and identifying the intersection between humans and AI. Entrepreneurs can no longer afford to ignore AI, or they risk falling behind.Join Mike Oliver (Founder of Easol), Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam (Founder of The FD Consultant), and guest speaker John Sandall (Founder of Coefficient) as they explore how entrepreneurs can understand and leverage AI to better strive and thrive in both the present and the future.------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Businesses today face a complex and dynamic future. Rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and increasing competition require businesses to be agile, adaptable, and forward thinking.Join Mike Oliver, Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, and guest speaker Matthew Mullan as they explore how entrepreneurs can look to the future to shape the present, enabling businesses to better strive and thrive in both the present and the future. ------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Building the right network is a game-changer for founders. Strong networks can open doors to new opportunities, help overcome challenges, and ultimately, increase a startup's chances of thriving in a competitive market. In this episode, Mike Oliver and Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam will talk to guest speaker ⁠Stefan Thomas⁠, Founder of The Networking Retreat and the author of the book “Business Networking for Dummies” about his networking experiences and how founders can build the right network and ecosystem to support them and their business.​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Exiting a business, often the ultimate goal for many entrepreneurs, is a complex journey fraught with challenges. From finding the right buyer to navigating complex legal and financial hurdles, entrepreneurs must carefully consider multiple factors to ensure a successful and profitable exit. ​​For this episode of Strive & Thrive, we are pleased to welcome guest speaker Andy McNulty, Cofounder and CEO of Touch Stay, a mobile web application providing accommodation owners and managers the ability to create a digital guest welcome book. In this session, Mike and Romesh will talk to Andy about his entrepreneurial journey from conception to exit. ​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​

Finance is a very polarising topic amongst entrepreneurs. Some place it front and centre in their business, counting every penny and converting every action into currency. Others would prefer to avoid it altogether, deeming it a ‘headache’. ​​Join us in this Strive & Thrive episode, where Jess, Mike and Romesh discuss this business-critical topic and their views on the benefits of enabling Finance to be a value-added function in their businesses.​------------Strive & Thrive is a series of live discussions with the aim of enabling and empowering entrepreneurs in building businesses that achieve success – whether it be in people, planet, and profit – or all three. ​​Join founders Mike, Romesh, and their amazing guests, as they discuss the mindsets, skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need to Strive & Thrive in an ever-changing world. ​