An Unorthodox CEO

A one-year special from An Unorthodox CEO! Listen as Steve & Vic as they chat through their past year of podcasting—from the journey to personal insights, funny moments, and everything in between.We will be back at the end of May, so keep an eye out for the start of season 4!00:00 Intro 01:00 A big THANK YOU!01:35 Some quick stats from our year02:24 The podcast journey10:10 Personal Insights16:22 Fun & lighthearted22:07 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, listen as Steve chats with his friend Colin about his journey to working for HP, how he has navigated success & stress. Plus, find out how delegation and letting go allowed himself a better work life balance!00:00 Intro03:34 How Colin & Steve met07:00 Colins journey to HP & his first Jobs12:04 The job & friend that led Colin to the sales world17:45 How Colin views success19:30 What HPs purpose & ethos is21:20 Local leaders & their importance in big businesses23:56 What Large Format Printing is & the benefits27:40 Managing Stress, Pressure & Failure35:50 The success Colin saw after proper delegation37:00 The changes Colin made personally & professionally45:00 Colins Pictures46:39 How print has changed over the years & the impact of AI52:05 Working on Gangshow together56:47 How Colin de-stresses1:02:10 Quickfire Questions1:08:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode Steve chats with Andy Clarke one of our agents! Listen as they talk through his journey to becoming an agent, what life working in beds is like & how Andy has been on both the retail and agent side! Andy mentions the difficulties of being on the retail side but the enjoyment he got from it! Plus how his resilience led him to his first agent job!00:00 Intro01:08 There is always room to learn07:50 Changing depending on the client10:00 Job titles & peoples perspectives12:50 How Andy got his first Job & some big learnings20:00 Working at Army Navy21:50 His Apprenticeship in the print world24:05 How resilience got Andy a Job he wanted30:00 What being an Agent used to be like & how the industry has changed37:27 The shift from searching from beds to sleep40:00 Why Sussex Beds dont service all price ranges42:00 Long term advice is important43:05 Why Andy opened his own shop48:20 Biggest learning from being in retail51:20 Innovation in the bed industry57:42 The Green Era & working for a flooring company58:50 Recycling in the bed industry1:00:40 What does Andy think retailers need to do to stay relevant & how its changing1:07:05 Most challenging part of Andys job1:12:15 How Andy distresses1:15:05 Quickfire Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Steve chats with Dr Nick about the focus on prevention in the healthcare industry, what is driving unhealthy lifestyles & the innovations happening within the industry! Plus, we chat about the importance of sleep and get some tips on ways to help you fall asleep quicker!00:00 Intro01:40 The links between exercise & health05:00 Did Nick always want to be a doctor & his journey08:04 Differences between UK Health Service & New Zealand09:35 The changes in the NHS over the last 20 years12:15 The rise of Health Anxiety & the work on prevention14:45 What is driving unhealthy lifestyles17:30 South Downs Health Care & where the idea came from24:12 How SDHC has filled a gap in the Sussex Area26:30 What changes Nick would like to see30:00 How AI is being used 33:22 The Sussex PCPC Board 35:30 Nick's role as chair in Sussex Integrated Health36:13 What Nick hopes healthcare will look like in 10 years & what we can do42:13 The importance of sleep for our health50:20 Quickfire Questions01:02:33 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Steve chats with Richard Cripps about life as a solicitor, the challenges of being a Managing Partner, and what it was like navigating the acquisition of Rix & Kay. Discover the differences between a Managing Partner and a Managing Director, hear how Richard balances pressure with leadership, and why some of the hardest decisions were also the right ones for the business.00:00 Intro02:28 Why Richard became a solicitor & growing up07:10 Where he trained & his first job08:48 What partnership was and is now10:56 Taking partnership for the first time & joining Rix & Kay12:28 Differences between Managing Partner (MP) & Managing Director15:04 The challenges of being a MP - wearing lots of hats20:10 Why mid size solicitors are having to adapt23:20 What a Solicitors fall back position of comfort is24:12 How the market has changed for Soliciting businesses27:40 Richards thoughts on AI in Law31:40 The process of Rix & Kay being acquired37:00 Toughest challenge faced as MP39:11 Why Richard joined Vistage & the benefits43:57 Life as a Partner at Knights - how Richard managed the change45:54 How Richard switches off50:00 Advice for anyone striving for senior roles in Law53:05 Quickfire Questions1:00:05 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode, Steve chats with Oliver Towner all about what it's been like taking on a 150-year-old family-run business, the ins and outs of the funeral industry & its biggest misconceptions. Plus, Oliver shares what it was really like working his first funeral, navigating Covid & why sustainability is a growing factor in all funerals.00:00 Intro01:58 Growing up in a family business03:12 What Oliver did before joining the business05:30 First day working on a funeral & the day to day jobs08:38 Biggest misconceptions about funerals & funeral directors10:30 Furniture side of funerals13:00 Oliver taking on the role as Managing Director & the transition from taking over from his dad19:50 What covid was like in the funeral industry23:35 Hardest point of Olivers time so far25:31 Olivers release from the pressures28:50 Olivers ‘Baptism of fire’30:27 Olivers plans for the business34:10 Biggest changes Oliver has made35:20 Sustainability in the industry38:52 Why Towners dont do any specific marketing42:30 How data works in the funeral industry44:54 Biggest risks going forward in the industry47:00 Grief & Death - why dont we talk about it53:00 Quickfire Questions59:40 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on An Unorthodox CEO we are joined by Sarah Southerden Lee's wife and friend of Steve & Paula! Listen as Steve & Sarah chat all about how she found her way into finance & how she worked her way up. Plus, find out how Sarah met Lee & how many pairs of shoes she owns...00:00 Intro01:40 Sarahs life growing up03:15 How she found her way into finance08:15 Best part of Sarahs job10:40 Working from home & productivity13:40 Becoming a Team Leader17:20 Anxiety & overcoming it20:21 How Sarah met Lee22:54 Sarah, Lee, Steve, Paula & their friendship23:51 Sarahs thoughts on Lee joining the business26:00 Looking in on the challenges of Sussex Beds28:20 Quickfire Questions34:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of An Unorthodox CEO, Steve chats with his friend Colin and original member of Sussex Beds all about what the business was like in the 80's and how its change to now. Plus, they chat about Colin's job in Windows, some contentious quickfire questions and how Steve & Colin work together on the Gangshow!00:00 Intro02:20 How Steve & Colin met04:50 Why Colin ended up working at Sussex Beds07:10 Colins jobs at Sussex Beds08:10 What is was like moving from general furnishings to beds10:20 Funny memories from the opening days11:47 Opening ‘Little Bexhill’13:10 How the opening of Haywards Heath changed the business16:22 Colin became Steves manager18:50 Hiding in wardrobes…20:00 The opening of Eastbourne Shop & the sport shop21:30 Colins jobs in the Window industry22:50 Watching Sussex Beds evolve & what that was like & why good team is so important24:10 Stage Managing Gangshow27:19 Performing in Gangshow & other shows28:54 Quickfire Questions36:31 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode, Steve and Mark chat through his life before Sussex Beds and the jobs that led him into sales, how he has worked his way up with at Sussex Beds starting as a Sales Advisor and his journey to Regional Manager, plus how he de-stresses after work!Question: Ketchup on Lasagna? Yes or No... Let us know in the comments!00:00 Intro01:56 Life before Sussex Beds04:38 How made his way into Sales09:53 Starting as a sales advisor with us14:40 Going from a big to a small business16:20 Becoming Uckfield Store Manager18:45 Taking the leap to manage a brand new store20:37 Becoming a Regional Manager & the kind of manager Mark wanted to be26:00 80% people management and how that works27:10 Hardest part of his job29:44 How Mark has changed over the last 10 years33:40 Mark & his family36:20 Hobbies & how he de stresses45:55 Quickfire questions54:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO Steve chats with Oliver Bowen all about the premium bed world. Oliver has been in the industry for over 20+, listen as they chat about how he got into the industry, the businesses he worked for and what he has learnt along the way.00:00 Intro01:50 How Oliver got into beds05:50 His time at And So To Bed & why the business changed11:00 Why looking for the ‘why’ is so important13:10 Olivers role at Feather & Black 14:19 Working out where the brand should sit in the market18:24 Moving to Hästens - working in the luxury sector22:30 Olivers job now working with Carpe Diem23:50 How Carpe Diem design their beds25:12 How Carpe Diem started27:15 Biggest challenge of bringing in a premium supplier into the UK29:30 Your team on the floor make a huge difference31:30 What has changed most in the bed industry over the last 20 years35:37 Quickfire Questions44:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back! Its 2026, and season 3 is here! Listen as Steve and Shane chat through why he decided to take the job at Sussex Beds, how he moved through the roles and when he finally found his right seat!Plus, like cooking steak? Listen for Shane's top tips!00:00 Intro01:31 Shanes life before Sussex Beds04:00 How he ended up at Sussex Beds05:55 Why did the initial job appeal to him07:01 Working with Sarah (his fiance)10:40 Working in sales as a ‘Sleep Consultant’11:50 Moving on to being a Store Manager14:31 A move into the office working on the website18:50 The catalyst of becoming IT Manager23:30 Benefits of in-house skills24:17 Working with Matt & Chris in IT27:28 Learning to train someone29:30 Quickfire Questions36:52 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its our final episode of 2025! So we thought we would share with you our goals & aspirations for 2026. Listen as Steve and Victoria share their 2025 goals and if they completed them, plus their goals & the office team's goals for 2026. Have you got a goal? You can share with us in the reviews!00:00 Intro02:30 Goals & SB Meetings03:20 Steve's Goals for 202503:30 Steves' 1st Goal06:30 Steves' 2nd Goal08:02 Steves' 3rd Goal09:00 What Steve wanted to do as a leader in 202511:20 What Steve wanted to spend more time on in 202514:30 Steves 3 Personal Goals for 202618:25 Steves' 3 Goals as a Leader22:40 Victoria Goals for 202525:20 Victoria's Goals for 202628:18 Sarah's Goals 33:23 Grace's Goals39:25 Paula's Goals45:15 Matt's Goals50:39 John's Goals56:20 Sue's Goals1:00:56 Lees' Goals1:08:39 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Steve is joined by one of his best friends, Sam! Find out more about how they produce the Hastings Gangshow, Sam's family life and their joint love for amateur dramatics. Plus get a Gangshow exclusive!You can find out more here - https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk/whats-on/event/hastings-gang-show-2026/00:00 Intro02:05 Sam’s family & work life06:40 The Hastings Gangshow & what its like to produce08:50 How Steve & Sam became friends10:00 Why the arts is so important12:06 Scouting is so inclusive13:00 Gangshow dates - 7th, 8th, 9th May 2026! 60th Anniversary14:30 Gangshow exclusive!16:30 Stresses, pressures & fun18:10 Thank you to Gangshow Team20:48 Am Dram & their escapes!25:25 Quickfire Questions35:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen this week as Steve chats with Andrea Randall-Smith, the CEO of Little Gate. They talk all about the work and the people who make Little Gate a success, what it's like being a CEO for a charity and her escapes! Plus, find out how you can support Little Gate!00:00 Intro01:14 Andreas journey to CEO04:00 Life & work before Little Gate07:14 Andreas introduction to Little Gate10:35 The purpose of Little Gate13:30 How their work transforms lives & success stories18:20 How you can find Little Gate21:00 What are the biggest challenges25:00 How her family supported her27:39 Changing from working in the organisation to on it31:05 How they deal with loneliness in the job32:30 How Vistage has helped both Steve & Andrea35:24 Where she would like to see Little Gate in 5 years38:40 Quickfire Questions44:36 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, we chat with Joe, Grace's Fiancé, all about how he supports her, what it's like working with his family and how he is building a career for himself in the construction industry. Plus, find out how Joe ended up living with Steve & the Pickerings and their favourite memory together.00:00 Intro02:10 Growing up & School Life05:53 College Courses & First Job09:15 Working with his Grandad & Dad12:51 New opportunities14:00 Difficult decisions & his Dad leaving the business17:20 Taking the leap to a new business18:10 Progression through the ranks20:00 Pressures in the construction industry27:08? - How Joe met Grace33:50? Dinner table business discussions36:10? How Grace & Joe support each other38:44 How being involved in dinner table discussions has helped Joe in his career39:45 Holidays together on the business rollercoaster44:20 Joes escapes from work45:45 Quickfire Questions53:05 Tip of the week54:40 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this weeks episode of An Unorthodox CEO Steve chats to Rob Najair about how he turned his passion for sport & helping people into a career. Listen as they talk all about what it was like starting his own business, the importance of sleep for recovery, and how setting boundaries has created a better work-life balance!You can find more out about Najair Movement by following Rob on Instagram @najair_movement00:00 Intro01:25 Where Robs love for fitness came from05:30 Life after college - what next07:30 Finding his work passion09:10 Taking the leap into his own business11:20 Robs first business & his business coach17:00 Finding his niche19:10 How Movement Training works & what injuries Rob sees21:20 Importance of sleep & value of a quality mattress24:30 How caffeine and alcohol affect your sleep26:30 Weight loss & making good habits28:38 Rob used to PT the office29:40 Rob time in the theatre31:20 His escape from work & creating boundaries35:30 Spending your time where you are best spent37:57 Where he sees himself in 2 years40:33 Quickfire questions47:00 Tip of the week49:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, Steve sits down with Lewis to talk about his journey from the football pitch to the furniture industry. From playing for Portsmouth to building a career in business, Lewis shares how resilience shaped his path and how he finds balance between home life and work!00:00 Intro02:30 Early life & journey into football07:30 What its was like training with the pros09:00 Playing with the big names10:19 How Lewis felt when football came to an end11:14 His first sales job12:45 How football made him so resilient14:20 Enter the world of furniture16:00 Progressing through the roles17:49 Jumping from employed to self employed20:00 Differences between high end & commercial21:30 Balancing suppliers & retailers23:30 Travelling & balancing home life27:45 How the industry could work better together30:11 Quickfire questions36:35 Tip of the week38:56 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Season 2 of An Unorthodox CEO! This week, we are joined by Paul Matthews, customer experience expert and director at Insight 6!Listen as Steve and Paul chat about where the opportunity for him to start his own business came from, how creating positive feelings for customers is so important and his highs and lows in business! Plus so much more!00:00 Intro02:10 Where Paul started his career05:40 Always loved sport & fitness08:00 The opportunity to start his own business11:00 What insight 6 does for businesses12:30 How the surveys influenced Sussex Beds13:10 Why getting feedback is so important14:53 Turning poor experiences into great ones17:15 Team satisfaction surveys are needed18:38 Pauls highlights & toughest parts of running his own business20:27 A note from Olivia (Pauls Daughter)21:40 Customers always remember the feeling they had23:30 How Paul destresses24:30 A gift from Paul to Steve & Victoria26:12 Quickfire Questions30:44 Tip of the Week32:45 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Unorthodox CEO is back and we kick off with the first episode next Wednesday at 8am! You don't want to miss it as we speak to more guests, some of our team and end the year with our goals for 2026! Want to be a guest dont forget you can leave a review or send us an email on [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with Paul to explore his journey from his first job and university days to becoming a leader who now guides CEOs across the country. Listen as he chats with Steve about what it’s like to run a business you didn’t found, the importance of listening and vulnerability, and how Vistage changed his approach to leadership. Plus so much more in our Series 1 finale!00:00 Intro03:18 A bit about Paul & life growing up07:18 Paul’s first Job09:14 Life at University12:05 How Paul ended up in the South East16:20 Becoming a Manager (Sorry Paul - Becoming a Leader)17:31 Experiences working with friends21:30 How Vistage changed Paul24:58 Being a CEO in a business you didn’t found - learning to listen30:00 Balancing family life & business32:35 Why he joined Vistage & what it’s all about41:45 Why vulnerability & honesty is really important in business47:10 Implementation is key to moving forward50:00 Value of coaching & imposter syndrome53:00 Paul sleeps on a Sussex Beds mattress!55:25 Quickfire Questions1:09:25 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back with Sue for episode 21! Listen as Steve and Sue chat about all things product - why they are all our own brand, the process of creating products, and why having the same values as our suppliers is vital! They talk to us about the products on the shop floor that have changed over the last 20 years and why having our own brands helps us get the customer the perfect bed for them.00:00 Intro01:40 Why our product ranges are different to 20 years ago06:45 All our products are built to facilitate quality sleep09:25 What Sue looks for in a product she is buying & 60 night trial13:42 How we meet different product needs14:20 Suppliers: How we work & what we look for 17:45 All our products are own brand - why?23:12 How we understand our customers25:15 Quickfire Questions 31:21 Tip of the Week32:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re answering 13 big (and fun) questions – all asked by YOU! From memorable Gang Show moments to when to grow your business, the skills every employee will need in the next five years, and even how a CEO winds down for sleep – there’s something for everyone. Got a different question? Leave it in the review section and we will make sure we answer it!00:00 Intro 01:30 What can you see yourself doing if you hadn't of gone into the family business?02:43 When is the right time to grow your business? And Is growing your business through openings more shops the most effective strategy?06:08 You are a Brighton football fan - Do you prefer to be a coach on the sidelines or a captain on the pitch?08:05 What skills will be most valuable for employees in the next five years?09:10 What is Steves favourite ever Gang Show moment? If he could perform one sketch/musical number at Gang Show and then go and perform it in the West End what would it be?12:25 What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business today?13:51 What advice would you give someone aiming for a leadership role?15:15 How do you know when to take a risk versus play it safe?17:52 What are things we can do instore at Sussex beds to get our name out there?19:20 If Sussex Beds had a time machine, which year would you visit and why?20:50 What is something you do to try and help you get to sleep when you can’t?23:35 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From launching a print business to starting a football agency and raising a large family, Ben Barrett has built a life where passion fuels everything he does. In this episode, he chats with Steve about how he turned bold ideas into successful ventures, why values matter in business, and how he learned to balance ambition with family life.00:00 Intro01:38 A bit about Ben & how he got into print06:30 Having similar values to your suppliers is key 10:12 The importance of making customers super fans12:19 Why Ben took the leap to start his own business18:00 The factor agreement & how he turned it all around22:45 Bens son playing football & Why he founded a Football Agency26:48 Bens first scout & how the agency grew32:05 Football is a cut throat industry 33:10 Ben & his ‘home alone’ style family35:35 How he splits his time between business & family42:30 What Ben loves about business & his hardest moments57:43 Quickfire Questions 1:02:40 OutroLeave a question for Steve here - https://forms.gle/PEcCM14CDe57tqCd8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back for another episode, and this week we are joined again by Grace. Listen as she talks with Steve about why display is vital in retail and how consumer buyer behaviour affects where we place our beds! Plus, find out how printing in-house has been a game-changer for our display!00:00 Intro01:35 Why Steve love’s merchandise 03:20 Graces favourite parts of display & the theory behind it07:55 Store layouts - why they are all different 10:57 How we educate customers through display13:30 Why good display & the right product has a big impact on sales 15:25 How Grace decides what to put on our windows16:37 Merch is also all about the senses18:10 In-house print, how we use it & the advantages22:29 Quickfire Questions 27:35 Tip of the week28:49 Steve’s Bed Knob Award31:05 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, Steve and Lee chat about how their friendship began, why Lee started at Sussex Beds and the highs and lows of being a Regional Manager! Plus, find out what life being a chef is like and which one they’d ditch — whiskey or wine… (it was a tough choice)00:00 Intro02:27 A little bit about Lee, Chef, Pub Manager & Morrisons08:42 Why Lee joined Sussex Beds10:50 Taking his career change in his stride13:45 How Steve & Lee became friends16:10 Steve’s chat & working together17:50 Lee working his way up the business19:22 Balancing team & business23:38 Why leading & nurturing people is so much more rewarding 26:25 What Lee loves about this job28:05 Best thing about being a friend in the business 31:30 Quickfire Questions38:00 Tip of the week39:45 OutroYou can listen to Fun House here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVTcVgLUQU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah, our People Manager! Listen as Steve & Sarah chat about how their HR, recruitment and processes have changed over the last 6 years! Plus, Sarah shares why she believes HR belongs directly under the CEO, what the real purpose of HR is in a growing business, and why everyone who applies gets an interview. 00:00 Intro 01:57 A little bit about Sarah04:45 Why Sarah joined Sussex Beds07:10 How she ended up in HR at Sussex Beds09:30 How her apprenticeship helped shape the HR recruitment process12:23 The purpose of HR 14:35 Why HR fits under the CEO15:55 The reason why everyone gets an interview21:10 The main thing we look for in an interview25:32 What’s next for our HR & onboarding days27:10 Hardest part of recruitment 28:18 Change the words in your job ads 29:30 The biggest challenge as a HR/ People Manager 31:10 Quickfire Questions36:45 Tip of the week38:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back with episode 15, and Josh Pickering has joined us again! Listen as Steve & Josh chat about all things engagement, how happiness surveys have helped the team to feel more heard and why the wheel of kudos is a simple way to boost morale and recognise everyday wins. Tune in for some tough, quickfire questions that get Steve & Josh thinking!00:00 Intro02:10 National Stats - % of engaged team members in a business05:05 Focus on getting those 62% to join the engaged 23%07:29 What can encourage engagement?09:08 Monthly team happiness survey11:30 Communication & feeling heard as an employee12:46 Trying not to take the negative personally15:39 Sharing business goals & team choosing department ones17:58 The power of committees 21:25 Why formal & informal 1-1s are so important 27:18 Wheel of Kudos & the prize30:18 Quickfire Questions37:28 Tip of the week38:09 Outro by Josh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our 14th episode is here! This week Steve chats to Victoria (the voice behind the camera) all about why they started the podcast, the highs and the challenges of working in a family business and how university helped to shape her approach to work & life!00:00 Intro02:37 A bit about Victoria, uni life & joining Sussex Beds07:05 How did uni prepare her for work & why ROI is so important 10:34 Is working for SB what Victoria expected12:40 Why they started the podcast and how it was created16:35 Do you want to be a guest? Let us know!16:50 Highlights & Challenges of working with Sussex Beds21:40 How Victoria de-stresses & personal challenges 27:30 Quickfire Questions from Paula33:30 Tip of the week34:23 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Steve chats with Lynn & Julie in our 13th episode, get ready for lots of laughs. Find out about their funniest moments working together, how they support each other and the challenges of working on the front line in the family business! Plus, get an insight into selling and what the most important aspect of that is!00:00 Intro02:50 What John Pickering was like when he was younger04:20 When Lynn joined the business06:47 How different Sussex Beds is now to 35 years ago07:30 When Julie joined the business & what she did before11:30 Selling is all about connections13:00 John & Julie both working in the business14:15 Challenges of being a family member on the front line17:20 Best parts of working in a family business18:40 The story of the wardrobe21:00 Lynns sister Wendy22:30 How they both de-stress and relax24:15 Quickfire Questions30:42 Tip of the week31:57 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode 12, and we have done something a little bit different! Listen as Steve gets interviewed by Matt Southam, host of the Balanced Ambition podcast! Find out more about Steve as he opens up about the rewarding reality of running a growing family business. They talk about navigating financial turmoil and coaching challenges, installing company-wide KPIs and learning how not to micromanage - we find out more why Steve is An Unorthodox CEO!00:00 Intro01:00 Growing up above the furniture shop04:30 Joining the family business full-time05:00 Restructuring after a rocky period05:40 How working with a business coach changed everything07:23 What makes Steve’s leadership style so different10:44 Performance reviews with his wife11:00 Allowing people to fail (and why that matters)13:25 Hiring people better than you16:15 Building a culture that outlives the founder21:30 Why Sussex Beds turns away low-quality sales22:30 The power of real-time data and KPIs27:20 Becoming visible as a CEO on LinkedIn28:30 Resilience: “Knock, knock, knock… win”33:00 Performance reviews around the dinner table36:00 The struggle to switch off (even on holiday)39:00 Why amateur theatre helps Steve decompress41:30 Final advice for new business owners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, listen as Sue chats with Steve about her journey and roles throughout her 30 years in the business, how she copes with challenging times and the best parts of working with her family. They explain the donkey story from Matts episode and Sue talks about her escapes from work!00:00 Intro02:00 The Early Days & School Life04:08 How Sue joined the business09:00 Managing Sleeping Solutions & the challenges13:26 Becoming a Director & looking after Sales & Buying15:11 Splitting the role of Sales & Buying 17:27 The ups, the downs & challenging moments21:50 How Sue de-stresses, her escapes & emotional times 26:15 The donkey story28:45 Quickfire Questions31:49 Tip of the week32:30 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode 10, and in this one we meet Paula, Steve's wife! Listen as they talk about how they met, what it's really like being a wife to a CEO and how Paula's beauty salon changed her perspective on business! They chat about all things performance reviews and how working with your children and family is both the best and most difficult part.00:00 Intro03:00 How Paula and Steve met04:07 Paula’s life before Sussex Beds & her love of design 07:30 How AI is assisting in the role of marketers09:10 What happened when Josh came along & why Paula joined the business 12:06 Opening her beauty salon16:40 Coming back to Sussex Beds20:40 Being a wife to a CEO & the ups and downs over the years28:00 Performance reviews29:39 Quickfire Questions36:50 Paula’s hobbies38:01 Tip of the week40:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, listen as Matt chats with Steve about how the pressures of taking on huge projects affected him and his drive, and how they got through it together. Plus, find out what it was like growing up and working together as they share some funny stories!00:00 Intro 02:00 Life growing up together & school life09:52 When Matt joined the business14:34 Jump scares & Telescopic finger19:19 How Matt ended up in finance24:32 Transitioning into a Director & the pressure that comes with that29:30 Life at home 33:00 Escapes and hobbies39:43 Getting a Fractional CTO & CFO42:42 Quickfire Questions47:35 Tip of the week49:53 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode 8 and it's a big one! This week, we talk to the founder of Sussex Beds, John Pickering! Listen as he chats with Steve about what led him to found Sussex Beds, his favourite part of the job, and how his family is his motivation. 00:00 Intro02:25 Life growing up08:00 John’s first venture09:31 Buying Miles Furnishes 14:20 How Sussex Beds was born & the heart of the business23:25 John's motivations & his wife Sandra27:05 Passing the business over34:20 Toughest point in business37:01 Quickfire Questions42:23 Unorthodox tip of the week43:18 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Steve dives into the power of owning your numbers and why it can be a total game-changer for any business. Hear how this mindset became a turning point for Sussex Beds, how the book Traction shaped his leadership style, and why every single person in the team has their own number – and what that really means.00:00 Intro02:14 How decisions were made before KPIs & Targets06:22 What was the turning point for the business & our KPIs11:48 Influential books & everybody owning their number15:17 Quickfire Questions20:02 Unorthodox tip of the week22:33 Reviews (Thank you)24:36 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Steve sits down with his daughter, Grace, and things get real (and really funny)! From how her job in social work changed her perspective on life, to the way a strong goal helped her bounce back after her accident! They also chat about what it's like working in the family business during the highs and the lows! 00:00 Intro01:23 Before Grace joined the business & her job in social work09:05 Moving on and joining the family business11:50 Grace’s entrepreneurial spirit14:00 Fragility of life and Grace’s injury20:18 Anxiety24:05 Quickfire questions35:22 Unorthodox Tip of the Week37:44 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, Steve opens up about the highs and lows of riding the business rollercoaster. Discover how he takes time to recharge after being in fight mode, the power of walking and how it helps him clear his mind! Plus, listen for our 5th Unorthodox Tip of the Week!00:00 Intro01:36 What is the business rollercoaster & Steve’s experiences of it08:50 Fight or Flight14:35 Rest and recharge18:42 Quickfire questions24:30 Unorthodox Tip of the Week26:30 Outro  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, meet John, our Operations Director! Find out all about when and why he joined the business, plus find out his top business cost-saving tips since the new budget and what it's like working with your family!00:00 Intro1:30 Early life and why John joined Sussex Beds 4:35 John's progression in the business 11:22 Working with your wife13:40 Cost saving due to the budget, ideas & opening new stores17:57 Quickfire questions26:27 Unorthodox Tip of the Week29:34 Outro and next week's episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we find out if culture is everything, where Steve got his inspiration for the Sussex Beds culture and why culture is important for our team and our customers! Listen to his culture plans for the year and his unorthodox tip of the week from listener Liz!00:00 Intro & what actually is culture12:57 Culture vs Strategy - how do you find the balance15:59 What is a rock, and Steve’s rocks for the year22:15 Steve’s inspiration for the Sussex Beds culture27:11 Quickfire Culture Questions31:30 Unorthodox tip of the week (this week from Liz)34:51 Outro and next week's episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find out exactly what life was like for Josh growing up, why he ended up joining the family business and what it's really like working with your dad and your closest family! Listen as Josh and Steve talk about who is the most competitive, their funniest moments and how they get through the tough times together.00:00 - Intro03:15 - Before Josh joined the business15:56 - Life working with family & dealing with emotions22:34 - Living in the shadows28:59 - Josh's motivations & their toughest business times34:07 - Favourite times from working in the business39:03 - Quickfire question time45:20 - Unorthodox tip of the week47:20 - Summary & Follow Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our first ever episode of An Unorthodox CEO! For 2 years, Steve has been posting on LinkedIn about his experiences, ups and downs of the journey within his family-run bed retailing company, Sussex Beds! Find out why he was named 'Unorthodox' and how he isn't your normal CEO. If you are looking for genuine advice on running a business or working with family, this might just be the podcast for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.