Evolve to Succeed Warren Munson

"The period from 2000 to 2007 was undoubtedly my favourite period. And then the worst period was undoubtedly 2008 to 2009."
Summary
On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Matt Fleming, founder of AF Oliver.
Matt talks about his time in the PR and media industry, from selling vans and an advertising agency to co-founding Aylesworth Flemming.
He talks about the importance of building strong relationships, being fun to work with and always bringing high energy to meetings. He also discusses the significance of finding a niche and gaining knowledge in that area.
Matt reflects on the happiest and most challenging periods of his business, such as  the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the emotional stress of making redundancies and the importance of having a support network.
Matt also reflects on the lessons he learned from the near-collapse of his business in 1990 and the impact it had on his personal life.
 
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers:
Building relationships and being fun to work with are key to success in business. Finding a niche and gaining knowledge in that area is crucial for growth. The happiest period in business for Flemming was from 2000 to 2007, while the most challenging period was in 2008 to 2009. Selling multiple businesses within a short period of time can be a difficult and emotional process. Breaking up a larger organisation can lead to better value and fit for potential acquirers. Running a business through tough times requires emotional resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Having a support network of friends, family and colleagues is crucial for navigating difficult periods in business. Lessons learned from past challenges can shape future decision-making and help prevent similar crises. Personal success is defined by having a happy family and the ability to laugh freely with loved ones.  
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:25 Building Relationships and Finding a Niche
14:56 The Importance of Energy and Expertise
24:46 Navigating the Process of Selling Multiple Businesses
26:31 Breaking Up for Better Value and Fit
27:00 Navigating Tough Times
27:56 The Importance of a Support Network
29:23 Lessons Learned from the Near-Collapse of AF Oliver in 1990
38:15 Resilience and Adaptability in Business
41:58 Debt and Leveraging in Business
43:53 Finding Purpose and Enjoyment in Work
48:38 Defining Personal Success

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, the tables have been turned, as Mark Cribb interviews Warren Munson, the founder of Inspire and Evolve Advisory. 

They discuss Warren’s journey as an entrepreneur, his motivations and the evolution of his businesses. Warren shares insights from interviewing over 200 local businesspeople on the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, highlighting the importance of building relationships. 

Mark also delves into Warren’s decision to sell Inspire and start Evolve, the emotional challenges he faced and the three key focuses of Evolve: ignite, thrive and optimise. 

Warren reflects on his journey at Inspire and discusses the loneliness of starting a business and the importance of perseverance and self-motivation. Warren also shares his thoughts on risk-taking and the value of building a business with capital value. 

Warren emphasises his passion for helping others in business and his excitement for the future of Evolve Advisory.
 
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…
 
1.    Resilience and overcoming challenges are common themes in the stories of successful entrepreneurs.
2.    Selling a business requires careful consideration and finding the right fit.
3.    The journey of entrepreneurship involves different stages, from igniting a business to thriving and optimising it.
4.    Success is not solely defined by financial gain, but by achieving personal goals and creating a legacy. Starting a business can be a lonely experience, but perseverance and self-motivation are key to success.
5.    Building a business with capital value is a worthwhile goal, as it creates opportunities for growth and acquisition.
6.    Self-awareness and self-acceptance are important for personal and professional growth.
7.    The future of Evolve Advisory holds exciting possibilities for growth and making a difference in the business community.
 
Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
06:08 The Decision to Sell Inspire and Start Evolve
16:27 The Evolution of Evolve: Ignite, Thrive and Optimise
36:26 Building a Business with Capital Value
39:21 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
46:09 Helping Others in Business
50:00 The Future of Evolve Advisory

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Liz and Leila Willingham, directors of Liz Lean PR. 
Liz and Leila discuss their journey of running a family business and the challenges they faced. 
Leila talks about growing up in and around the business and her experiences in becoming a senior member of the team.
They explore the importance of effective communication and mentorship in a family business, and highlight the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to manage team morale.
Liz discusses the importance of mental health for business leaders and the need for self-care, emphasising the need to find a balance between work and personal life and the challenges of managing a busy schedule.
 
This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers:
Running a family business requires a balance between entrepreneurship and maintaining family dynamics.
Creating a family-focused culture in the business is important.
Having support from family and team members is crucial.
Mentorship plays a significant role in personal and professional growth.
AI and digital delivery have their place, but they can't replace the emotional connection and human touch that PR brings.
Employers should value and listen to the assets and ideas of young employees.
Taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary for effective leadership. Personal success is closely tied to happiness.
 
Chapters
00:00
Introduction
03:30
Saying Yes and Figuring It Out Later
06:33
The Early Association with Pride and Business
09:44
The Role of Support in Business Success
13:18
Exploring Real-World Opportunities
16:18
Expanding the Talent Pool
23:57
Being in a Family Business
27:26
The Pressure to Succeed
30:46
The Drive to Prove Oneself in a Team
34:18
The Importance of Client Delight and Building Relationships
37:25
The Need for an Academic and Accountable Approach
40:52
The Changing Influence of PR
44:11
The Power of Listening to the Younger Generation
47:45
Striving for Long-Term Success
50:49
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Expectations
52:22
The Evolving Definition of Success
53:09
The Importance of a Happy Family
53:39
Challenges and Experiences of Running a Family Business
54:18
Finding Success and Fulfilment
 

Summary
On this episode of the revitalised Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Warren Munson talks to Jeff Mostyn, the former chairman of AFC Bournemouth.
Jeff discusses his early years in Manchester, his love for football and the challenges he faced, including bullying and his sister's illness.
Jeff talks about his business career, including working for TSB and starting his own business in financial advice for the armed forces. He emphasises the importance of providing excellent service and caring for customers.
The conversation also touches on Jeff’s involvement with Bournemouth Football Club. Jeff, former chairman of AFC Bournemouth, reflects on his journey with the football club and the challenges he faced. He shares how he initially got involved with the club and the financial struggles they encountered, including administration and relegation. Despite the difficulties, Jeff remained committed to the club and played a crucial role in its success. He emphasises the importance of teamwork, mutual respect and empowering others.
Jeff also discusses his transition from chairman to patron of Lewis Manning, a hospice charity, and the impact it has had on his life.
 
Takeaways
Jeff Mostyn's love for football and his difficult early years shaped his life and career. Providing excellent service and caring for customers is crucial in any business. Jeff’s involvement with Bournemouth Football Club was influenced by his passion for football and his desire to give back. Success is not just about winning, but also about taking part and making a positive impact. Success in a football club is a collective effort, and it requires teamwork, mutual respect and empowerment. Adversity can lead to success, and it's important to maintain a positive spirit and cohesiveness during challenging times. Legacy is not about titles or status, but about how you make people feel and the positive impact you have on their lives. Supporters are the lifeblood of a football club, and their love and respect are invaluable. Personal success is reflected in the joy and gratitude you feel for the contributions you've made to others' success and your ability to help those in need.  
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
08:31
Jeff’s Business Career
41:01
Involvement with Bournemouth Football Club
51:09
Dealing with Setbacks and Administration
01:08:30
The Power of Teamwork and Mutual Respect
01:18:28
Becoming a Patron of Lewis Manning
 
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In this short update, your host Warren Munson brings some exciting news about the Evolve to Succeed podcast. 

Jack Bradley is a national award-wining designer and founder at Zenscape, which creates next generation travel gear to help people explore the world. Jack’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 during a European backpacking trip. Inspired by the challenges of constantly moving and searching through backpacks, he envisioned a solution for more efficient travel. Click here to view Jack's Kickstarter campaign.