The Impact Multiplier CEO

Richard Medcalf
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The Impact Multiplier CEO

As a CEO, you’ve demonstrated your ability to solve complex problems and achieve extraordinary results. You've skills, resources and experience. But you have the potential for even greater impact and a more satisfying legacy. What will it take to multiply your positive impact - in the business, for your people, and in the world at large? Join Richard Medcalf, Founder of Xquadrant, and high-impact CEOs from some of the world’s most exciting firms - for a perspective-shifting conversation at the intersection of strategy, leadership and purpose. Welcome to the Impact Multiplier CEO podcast.

  1. 28 NOV

    Do CEOs really have (or need) a super power? with Rebecca Harrison (African Management Institute)

    Do you need to have a super power to be an effective CEO? What happens if you don't? How can you build a pan-continental business with zero experience? And how can you empower your managers to lead effectively? In this episode Richard speaks with Rebecca Harrison, who has spent the last decade building the African Management Institute (AMI), Africa’s leading provider of business and management learning, supporting 37,000 businesses in 39 African countries, impacting 1.5 million livelihoods and contributing more than $130M to the continent’s economies. In this conversation, you’ll learn: What caused Rebecca to pursue a impact business in a sector and market she had almost no experience of, and what she had to learn the hard way.Why Rebecca doesn't think she has a particular super power - what she says is important instead -- and a helpful reframe of the topic by RichardRebecca's three hard-won tips on building an effective middle management, even in a hierarchical culture sometimes where often the assumption is that "obedience" than "ownership" is required. Resources/sources mentioned: African Management Institute - https://africanmanagers.comThe Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/rebecca-harrison Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 05:36 How to make an impact in Africa 13:05 Align business vision with impactful purpose 16:33 How to enjoy the entrepreneurial journey 18:13 Founder CEO: Care drives progress, not brilliance 26:40 Define management expectations for cultural clarity 34:44 Monthly cash flow and team meetings checklist 38:03 Facing fear, accepting leadership to innovate forward.

    45 min

  2. 14 NOV

    Building a global business from day 1, with Fred Plais (CEO, platform.sh) (S14E14)

    How can you build a business that is genuinely global on day one? How do you set up marketing, sales, delivery, recruitment and operations when your local market is not going to be your largest market, and where you want customers to come from anywhere? Today Richard speaks with Fred Plais, co-founder and CEO of Platform.sh, a leading, VC funded Platform-as-a-service for building, running, scaling web applications. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The critical early decisions that enabled the business to go global from day 1 Why Platform.sh limits employment to only 12 countries, despite being 100% remote The process innovations that have allowed Platform.sh to successfully operate a remote-first culture The big mistake Fred made when needing to accelerate profitability... and what happened Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Platform.sh (https://platform.sh/) Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/fred-plais Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:01 Building global businesses 10:14 Finding great talents outside major hubs 13:56 The new remote work paradigm 21:58 Distributed global teams ensure 24/7 customer support. 26:52 Ensuring cultural fit, clear goals, and remote work. 31:24 In-person meetings enhance problem-solving and collaboration. 36:09 Reducing cloud app carbon emissions, efficiently. 41:29 Focus on future strategy, not micromanage tasks.

    44 min

  3. 31 OCT

    Staying lean and agile for world-leading growth | Toms Jurjevs, CEO, Sun Finance (S14E13)

    How can you keep lean and efficient despite hyper growth? Welcome to The Impact Multiplier CEO, helping you to 10X your financials, 10X your positive impact and 10X the fun you have along the way! Today Richard Medcalf is speaking with Toms Jurjevs, Founder and CEO of Sun Finance, a 1200-person strong business that was recently recognised as the No.1 fastest-growing fintech in Europe by The Financial Times. Toms shares the story of Sun Finance's incredible growth, expanding into 12 international markets and delivering billions in loans. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How Toms minimises bureaucracy and keeps the business agileThe three interrelated elements that Tom keeps a permanent focus on, in order to manage hyper growth without bloatThe "Eagle Strategy" for avoiding micromanagement whilst staying on top of the detailsHow Toms expanded to 12 International Markets Resources/sources mentioned: Sun Finance https://sunfinance.groupThe Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/toms-jurjevs Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:30 Why you should focus on efficiency. 07:25 Spend wisely; avoid comfort and bureaucracy. 16:17 Success leads to comfort 18:34 Fear of mistakes leads to avoiding action. 20:55 Use calls and WhatsApp instead of emails. 24:59 Maximize growth potential without comfort zone complacency. 31:43 Balancing oversight and action in SunFinance operations.

    35 min

  4. 17 OCT

    Avoiding CEOs mistakes when scaling from £0M to £15M+, with Peter Busby (Founder, Grayce) (S14E12)

    How can you avoid the common mistakes CEOs make as they scale from £0M to £15M? Today we find out. Richard speaks to Peter Busby, founder of professional services company Grayce that he scaled scaled to £15M in 7 years with 240 people. Peter shares his insights on building a successful business. We’ll explore everything from the lean startup approach and scaling challenges to maintaining growth and the critical need for self-awareness as a leader. We'll also delve into the collaborative mindset that fueled Grace’s success and the pragmatic approach Peter took in hiring, often trusting gut instincts over polished interviews. In this conversation, you’ll learn: The specific mindset you need for success as a founderThe two foundational elements - often skipped over - that are key to building a successful business.The different phases of business growth, how to succeed and what to avoid at each stage.Recruitment during scalingLeadership changes during steady growth phasesImportance of mentors and support systemsOvercoming self-doubt and comfort zonesThinking big and recognizing growth opportunities Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/)Grayce (https://www.grayce.co.uk/)Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world.Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/peter-busby

    42 min

  5. 3 OCT

    Growing a business that's never been done before, with Karl Andersson (CEO, Motatos) (S14E11)

    How do you grow a business that is so innovative it changes how your entire ecosystem needs to work? Today Richard speaks with Karl Andersson, Founder of Matsmart-Motatos, one of Europe's fastest-growing companies according to the Financial Times with a consistent annual growth of some 70%. Matsmart-Motatos is aiding the sustainable reform of the food system by allowing customers to buy products that would otherwise be discarded due to reasons like changes in packaging, seasons or best-before dates. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How Karl identified the business opportunity The difficulties of pioneering a new business model - and how Karl overcome those How Karl built the necessary trust with logistics partners and suppliers The very different mindset that Karl looks for in his sales team Leadership skills that Karl aquired along the way Resources/sources mentioned: https://motatos.com The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast (https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/karl-andersson Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:48 How to solve the food waste issue. 08:18 Using third-party logistics to overcome challenges. 12:06 How can LinkedIn build relationships effectively. 15:49 Partnering with major FMCG corporations. 19:28 Growing in new markets requires strategic scaling efforts. 23:54 Communication, trust, targets, not detailed OKRs - success. 29:13 Carl pioneers impactful business tackling food waste. 30:53 Leave a review, visit xquadrant.com for support.

    32 min

  6. 29 AUG

    The skills you'll need in an AI world, with Tim Smeaton (CEO, Kubrick Group) (S14E10)

    What are the skills you'll need to develop in your business, in an AI world? This is the question Richard explores with today's guest. Tim Smeaton is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kubrick Group, a company that helps organizations realise the value of data, AI, and cloud technology.  In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why Tim recommends you "ignore amazing opportunities." How Tim identified a structural problem to solve with his business - and the results he got. The potential impact of AI on technology spend, customer service, and decision-making. What skills you'll need to thrive as AI ramps up. Resources/sources mentioned: The Impact Multiplier CEO Podcast(https://xquadrant.com/podcast/) Kubrick Group (https://www.kubrickgroup.com/us/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-smeaton-424929 Join Rivendell (https://xquadrant.com/rivendell/), our exponential programme for elite CEOs dedicated to transforming themselves, their businesses, and the world. Ready for a big leap forward in your own leadership? Elevate your leadership forever with Richard's book "Making Time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful". Buy your book here: https://xquadrant.com/time/ For full show notes, head to https://xquadrant.com/tim-smeaton  Timestamps:  00:00 Intro 04:28 Analytical approach to problem-solving 11:43 Addressing skills gap by training in data 17:08 Consulting firm offers great value and benefits 20:08 Organizations lag in adopting AI  25:12 World Economic Forum highlights 33:43 Concerns about the future marketplace and business models 36:44 Expand digital areas, diverse training, impact measurement 40:16 Hiring and managing a larger team effectively

    45 min
  7. Reinventing the business to add $500M turnover in 4 years, with Michael Riedl (CEO, Team Internet) (S14E09)

    18 JUL

    Reinventing the business to add $500M turnover in 4 years, with Michael Riedl (CEO, Team Internet) (S14E09)

    How can you reinvent a successful business and add $500M turnover in 4 years?

    42 min
  8. A Net Promoter Score that's ‘off the charts’, with Logan Naidu (CEO & Founder, Kernel Global) (S14E08)

    4 JUL

    A Net Promoter Score that's ‘off the charts’, with Logan Naidu (CEO & Founder, Kernel Global) (S14E08)

    Do you really need to be a good follower to be a good leader? This is one of the questions Richard explores with Logan Naidu, the Founder and CEO of Kernel Global and founder of Dartmouth Partners, named by FT as one of Europe's 1000 fastest-growing companies.

    45 min
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About

As a CEO, you’ve demonstrated your ability to solve complex problems and achieve extraordinary results. You've skills, resources and experience. But you have the potential for even greater impact and a more satisfying legacy. What will it take to multiply your positive impact - in the business, for your people, and in the world at large? Join Richard Medcalf, Founder of Xquadrant, and high-impact CEOs from some of the world’s most exciting firms - for a perspective-shifting conversation at the intersection of strategy, leadership and purpose. Welcome to the Impact Multiplier CEO podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Medcalf
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Xquadrant. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Impact Multiplier CEO

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