Mind Your F**king Business Dominic Monkhouse

Dominic Monkhouse explores the importance of intentional leadership and creating a strong company culture with John DiJulius from The DiJulius Group
A recent survey of 4,500 UK workers by the Chartered Management Institute found that 82% of those in management positions are 'accidental managers', and have little training or qualifications. The problem is that to be an effective leader you need to develop a whole new set of skills and competencies. John and Dominic highlight the need for formal training for managers and the lack of training in areas such as difficult conversations and interviewing. Their conversation also delves into the concept of purpose in the workplace and the changing attitudes towards hustle culture. The recruitment process is discussed, emphasising creating a unique and engaging experience for candidates. The importance of knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is also emphasised. In this conversation, John DiJulius and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the importance of encouraging and believing in others to help them reach their full potential. They also talk about the power of positive thinking, the impact of personal experiences on leadership, and the value of creating a remarkable customer experience. John shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges and how he has used his experiences to inspire and motivate others. They also touch on the concept of making price irrelevant and the importance of treating customers and employees based on their individual needs.
Keywords
leadership, company culture, formal training, difficult conversations, interviewing, purpose, hustle culture, recruitment process, employee aspirations, encouragement, belief, potential, positive thinking, leadership, customer experience, personal journey, challenges, price irrelevant, individual needs
Takeaways
Leaders should be intentional and create a strong company culture.Managers should receive formal training, especially in areas like difficult conversations and interviewing.The concept of purpose in the workplace is important for all generations.The recruitment process should be unique and engaging to attract top talent.Knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is crucial for employee retention. Encouraging and believing in others can help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.Positive thinking and a strong belief in oneself can overcome challenges and lead to success.Creating a remarkable customer experience is essential for business growth and customer loyalty.Treating customers and employees based on their individual needs is more effective than treating them how you would like to be treated.Making price irrelevant by focusing on the value and experience you provide can lead to loyal customers and increased sales.
Chapters
00:00 Creating an Intentional Company Culture
09:38 The Importance of Formal Training for Managers
13:16 Redefining Purpose in the Workplace
23:43 Supporting Employee Aspirations for Long-Term Retention
31:13 Unlocking Potential: The Power of Encouragement and Belief
36:45 Overcoming Personal Obstacles: A Journey of Resilience
43:28 Creating Remarkable Customer Experiences for Business Growth
49:08 Making Price Irrelevant: The Value of Customer Experience

Summary
The conversation explores three main topics: business model resilience, AI, and environmental sustainability. The accessibility and democratisation of AI tools have made a significant impact on innovation and value creation. AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers. The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency. However, the development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. In this conversation, Alex and Dominic discuss the potential of AI in innovation and business processes. They explore the idea of using AI to automate customer interviews and the impact it can have on the speed and efficiency of innovation. They also touch on the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for new business models that harmonize profit and impact. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of AI and the importance of regulation.
Keywords
business model resilience, AI, environmental sustainability, accessibility, democratisation, innovation, value creation, value propositions, AI tools, consulting processes, data sources, AI, innovation, business processes, customer interviews, speed, efficiency, environmental sustainability, business models, profit, impact, regulation
Takeaways
The accessibility and democratization of AI tools have revolutionized innovation and value creation.AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers.The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency.The development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. AI can greatly speed up the innovation process by automating tasks like customer interviews.Businesses need to embrace environmental sustainability and find new business models that harmonise profit and impact.Financial sustainability and resilient revenue models are crucial for the success of a business.Experimentation with pricing and revenue streams is essential for business growth.The rapid pace of change in AI presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.Regulation is necessary to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.
About Alex Osterwalder
Alex Osterwalder is ranked in the top 10 on the Thinkers50 list of management thinkers worldwide. He is passionate about simplifying the complex challenges that today's leaders face. Along with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas and other practical tools, which are now used by millions of practitioners around the globe.
Strategyzer, the company Alex co-founded, provides technology-enabled innovation services to leading organisations, including Colgate-Palmolive, MasterCard and Merck.
Alex spends most of his time advising leaders on how to scale their innovation efforts and get results. They already have the assets but lack the organisational design and innovation culture.
His books include Business Model Generation, Value Proposition Design, Testing Business Ideas, The Invincible Company, and High-Impact Tools for Teams. Together with his children he created Biz4Kids, a comic book to promote entrepreneurship.

Chapters
02:22 The Impact of AI on Innovation and Value Creation
05:10 The Potential of AI in Proposing Value Propositions
10:42 Challenges in Developing Better Value Propositions with AI
30:30 Harmonising Profit and Impact: The Future of Business...

Summary
Ken Rusk, the blue-collar entrepreneur, shares his insights on achieving success and living your best life. He emphasises the importance of having a clear purpose and maximising every opportunity. Ken believes that anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action. He also discusses the significance of creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking. Ken encourages people to be specific and actionable in their goals, and he shares his method of using visual representations to create a brochure for their ideal life. Ken Rusk discusses the importance of visualising and manifesting one's goals, the value of collaboration and support in achieving success, and the benefits of financial literacy and trade skills. He also shares insights on creating a positive work culture and the impact of giving back to the community. Ken emphasises the need for individuals to take control of their own lives and make responsible choices. He encourages young people to consider trade careers and challenges the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education. Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work environment and attracting entrepreneurial thinkers.
Keywords
blue-collar entrepreneur, purpose, maximising opportunities, vision, action, culture, entrepreneurial thinking, goals, specific, actionable, visual representations, visualisation, manifestation, collaboration, support, financial literacy, trade skills, work culture, giving back, self-reliance, responsible choices, trade careers, college education, positive work environment, entrepreneurial thinkers
Takeaways
Having a clear purpose and maximizing opportunities are key to achieving success and living your best life.Anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action.Creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking is crucial for business success.Being specific and actionable in your goals is essential for making progress and achieving desired outcomes.Using visual representations can help create a clear vision and motivate individuals to work towards their ideal life. Visualize and manifest your goals to bring them into your life.Collaboration and support from peers can help in achieving success.Financial literacy and starting early with saving can lead to a secure retirement.Consider trade careers as they offer high demand and good earning potential.Create a positive work culture by recognizing and valuing employees.Giving back to the community can bring personal fulfillment and success.Take control of your own life and make responsible choices.Challenge the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education.Create a work environment that attracts entrepreneurial thinkers.Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work culture.
Sound Bites
"Sometimes it doesn't necessarily matter what you do for a living, as much as it does what you do with what you do for a living.""I think a blue collar entrepreneur is someone that possesses probably nine or 10 characteristics, which we all have, but they're just driven by where they want to go in their life.""Surround yourself with entrepreneurial thinking, and your company will take off way further than you can take it yourself.""If I know my favourite colour, my favourite car, my favourite house, my favourite sport, my favourite hobby, my favourite spiritual moment, my favourite vacation, why am I not putting that out into the universe?""You can't build a puzzle without the box. The box is the vision, the picture, the end, the goal,...

Summary
One of Dominic's favourite recordings yet! The conversation with Karin Hurt and David Dye explores the topic of workplace conflict and the importance of having productive conversations. They discuss the fear and discomfort associated with conflict, the need for connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment in resolving conflicts, and the power of using specific phrases to initiate and navigate these conversations. The conversation emphasises the positive aspects of conflict and the potential for growth and innovation that can result from addressing conflicts effectively. In this conversation, David Dye and Karin Hurt discuss the importance of de-escalating conflicts in the workplace and providing strategies for effective communication. They emphasise the power of phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to break the cycle of conflict and create a safe space for dialogue. They also highlight the significance of acknowledging emotions and using check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard. The conversation explores the benefits of teams that handle conflict well, such as fostering innovation and creating a united front. David and Karin share personal anecdotes and recommend books like 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.
Keywords
workplace conflict, productive conversations, connection, clarity, curiosity, commitment, phrases, conflict resolution, workplace communication, deescalating conflicts, effective dialogue, acknowledging emotions, understanding, team dynamics, innovation, collaboration, leadership
Takeaways
Conflict is not inherently negative; it is a difference of perspective that can lead to innovation and problem-solving.Having productive conversations about conflicts requires connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment.Initiating conversations about conflicts can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth and improvement.Using powerful phrases, such as 'Tell me more' and 'What would a successful outcome do for you?', can facilitate productive conversations about conflicts.Conflict resolution requires understanding and addressing all parties' underlying needs and motivations. Use phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to deescalate conflicts and create a safe space for dialogue.Acknowledge emotions and use check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard.Teams that handle conflict well foster innovation and have a united front.Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful conflict resolution.Recommended books: 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.
Chapters
02:59 The Need for Productive Conflict Conversations
09:04 Connection and Clarity in Conflict Resolution
13:38 Curiosity and Commitment in Addressing Conflict
16:24 Using Powerful Phrases to Navigate Conflict Conversations
24:04 Deescalating Conflicts: The Power of Effective Communication
27:27 Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue: Strategies for Conflict Resolution
29:29 The Benefits of Teams that Handle Conflict Well
31:47 Innovation and Collaboration: The Role of Conflict in Driving Change
36:37 War Stories: Examples of Conflict Resolution
42:18 The Importance of Psychological Safety and Challenging the Status Quo
46:38 Unpopular Opinions and Worst Business Advice
Mentioned in this episode:
Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary
This conversation between Ruth Wageman and Dominic Monkhouse delves into the critical elements of crafting high-performing teams.
Ruth and Dominic discuss the challenges of working with leadership teams and the need for clear purpose and interdependence.
Ruth talks about the ‘Six conditions for team effectiveness’, which include the essentials of creating a real team, clarity of team purpose, and a sense of team norms and values. The conversation highlights the importance of these conditions in driving team performance and the need for leaders to continuously revisit and adapt them. The third essential for building effective teams is having the right people. This means identifying the capabilities needed to achieve the team's purpose and finding individuals who can contribute those capabilities. It's important to have a team that is small enough to allow for effective collaboration and to have a diverse range of experience and perspectives. Collaborative skills are often overlooked but are crucial for effective teamwork. It's also important to create a supportive context for the team, including a sound structure for the work, supportive norms of conduct, and an organisational context that promotes teamwork.
Keywords team effectiveness, high-performing teams, leadership teams, purpose, interdependence, team norms, team values, teamwork, collaboration, purpose, capabilities, small team, diversity, supportive context, sound structure, norms of conduct, organisational context
Takeaways
Creating a high-performing team requires clear purpose and interdependence.The six conditions for team effectiveness include creating a real team, clarity of team purpose, and a sense of team norms and values.Leaders need to continuously revisit and adapt the conditions for team effectiveness.Many teams lack clarity of purpose and are not truly interdependent, which hinders their performance.Building a great team requires a focus on the unique added value the team brings to the achievement of the organisation's mission. The right people are essential for effective teamsCollaborative skills are often overlooked but crucial for teamworkA small team with diverse perspectives is idealCreating a supportive context is important for team success

Chapters
02:59 The Importance of Clear Purpose and Interdependence in Teams
09:57 The Six Conditions for Team Effectiveness
24:05 Creating High-Performing Teams: The Essentials and Enablers
30:06 Revisiting and Adapting the Conditions for Team Success
35:02 The Importance of Having the Right People
44:21 Creating a Sound Structure for the Team
54:39 The Role of Organisational Context

In this week's episode of MYFB, Dominic Monkhouse chats with Interview Valet's Tom Schwab about engaging with your customers to build a profitable business online.
They discuss the different approaches to podcasting, whether as a guest or a host, and the importance of targeting a specific audience. They also touch on the changing landscape of podcasting, including the inclusion of video and the repurposing of podcast content. Tom emphasises the value of meaningful conversations and the need to focus on quality rather than quantity. They also discuss the challenges of starting and maintaining a podcast and the benefits of being a guest on other podcasts.
Tom shares insights from his upcoming book, emphasising the need for effective connections and the power of storytelling. He also highlights the importance of positioning and focusing on the right audience.
Keywords
podcasting, guesting, hosting, specific audience, podcast evolution, video, repurposing content, quality over quantity, challenges, benefits, podcasting, business growth, book launch, podcast impact, measurement, marketing, relationships, sales, effectiveness, connections, storytelling, positioning, audience
Takeaways
Consider whether to be a guest or a host based on your goals and target audience.Podcasting has evolved to include video and the repurposing of content.Focus on quality conversations and meaningful engagement rather than quantity.Starting and maintaining a podcast requires commitment and consistency.Being a guest on other podcasts can provide exposure, leads, and backlinks. There are millions of podcasts in the world, but only a fraction of them are currently active.Launching a book with a podcast can be a valuable strategy, especially when each episode dives deep into a chapter of the book.Measuring the impact of being a guest on a podcast is crucial for effective marketing.Podcast interviews can lead to faster sales cycles, higher initial prices, and less churn.Quality and quantity both matter in podcasting, but it's important to focus on the right audience and prioritize effectiveness over efficiency.Building relationships and telling great stories are key to success in business and life.Positioning and targeting the right audience are essential for business growth.Choosing who you work with is just as important as choosing who you drink with.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Embarrassing Podcasting Mistakes
01:12 Choosing Between Guesting and Hosting
03:40 Quality over Quantity
04:37 Challenges and Benefits of Starting and Maintaining a Podcast
08:28 The Value of Being a Guest
24:11 Launching a Book with a Podcast
26:06 Measuring the Impact of Being a Guest
27:56 The Power of Relationships in Sales
29:22 Effectiveness vs. Efficiency in Podcasting
32:07 Building Connections and Telling Great Stories
34:20 The Importance of Positioning and Targeting
37:42 Choosing Who You Work With
Mentioned in this episode:
Get Mind Your F**king Business