The Mentor Collective Chris Matthews

In this episode of the Mentor Collective podcast, host Christopher Matthews sits down with Heather Black, a pioneer in leveraging technology to amplify social enterprises.

Heather shares her journey to running a successful social enterprise, Supermums, that aids women in accelerating their careers within the Salesforce ecosystem. The conversation touches on her early realisation of the power of blending business acumen with social missions, her experience navigating the complexities of social enterprise structures, and her achievements in scaling social impacts through technological integration.

The conversation emphasises the significant role social enterprises play in marrying profit-driven models with social impact, using Heather Black's career journey and the formation of Supermums as a case study. It highlights the crucial role of technology, specifically the adoption of Salesforce, in amplifying the reach and efficiency of social enterprises.

By illustrating both the benefits and challenges of leveraging technology for community betterment, Heather shows us a balanced view. Furthermore, it offers practical advice to aspiring social entrepreneurs on the importance of technology, investment, clear social objectives, and open communication for fostering sustainable growth and achieving long-lasting social impact.

In a revealing and enlightening conversation, James Naylor, a seasoned entrepreneur and the creative force behind Naylor Games, unfolds his diverse career trajectory, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership philosophy. Starting from his formative experiences in China, exploring the nuances of work culture, to his passionate venture into the board game industry with 'Magnate: The First City', James shares insights into the transformative journey that led him to where he is today. Not only does this discussion delve into James's entrepreneurial endeavors, but it also touches on personal challenges such as his battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability.

James's initiation in China's extended work culture offered him a nuanced understanding of contrasting work ethics, which later influenced his work philosophy and entrepreneurial drive.

In launching Naylor Games and creating 'Magnate: The First City', James intricately details the joys and challenges of bringing a passion project to fruition. His journey from ideation to the actual game development and subsequent management lessons underscores the multi-dimensional role of a creator and entrepreneur.

James underlines the importance of honesty, enthusiasm, and encouragement as key tenets of his leadership style. He reflects on the mentorship he has received throughout his career and how various mentors, including his father, have significantly shaped his approach. Additionally, he shares his personal battle with altered smell perception post-COVID-19, crafting a narrative of perseverance and adaptability.



As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that James Naylor is not just an entrepreneur but an artist and a fighter. His vivid recount of career highs and lows, interwoven with personal battles and philosophical musings, offers an invigorating look into the essence of creativity and leadership. This podcast not only uncovers the layers of James's multifaceted journey but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and passion in navigating the unpredictable waves of life and business.

On this episode I was joined by Trevor Alexander, Product Manager in the Field Service and Tech space. Navigating significant shifts in his life and career, Trev brings to the table an unguarded look into the reality of embracing change, pursuing passions, and the art of balancing work, life, and mental health.



Our discussion meanders through Trev's personal and professional experiences. From his decision to leave an employer he'd been with for years to his thoughts on parenting in the age of digital technology, Trev's story is a compelling narrative of growth, self-discovery, and resilience.



Hear Trev's honest reflection on the impact of mental health on career paths, the importance of professional support, and how personal challenges can deeply influence professional journeys. His take on parenting amidst technology's rise, advocating for active engagement over passive consumption, adds a thought-provoking dimension to the conversation.



Moreover, Trev's passion for music and its role as a catalyst for emotion and memory will strike a chord with many. His personal insights into mentorship and leadership reveal a leadership style rooted in trust, empowerment, and understanding, offering a fresh perspective on guiding others.



As the episode unfolds, Trev's reflections are an open invitation for listeners to contemplate their priorities, the essence of self-care, and the pursuit of happiness. His journey, marked by thoughtful introspection and a relentless pursuit of fulfilment, serves as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s unpredictable paths.

In a compelling and wide-ranging conversation on The Mentor Collective podcast, host Chris Matthews speaks with seasoned technology expert and leader Bill Butler, exploring an array of topics that span the evolution of his career, his leadership principles, and valuable life insights.

Bill's unexpected entry into the world of technology began by helping organise a high school computer fair—an event that laid the foundation for a lifelong journey through various tech landscapes, from hardware sales during the early PC era to navigating the complexities of enterprise software at SAP. His candid reflection on career choices, early influences, and learning experiences offer a rich tale of personal growth, adaptability, and finding one's place in a rapidly evolving industry.

The podcast delved into Bill's leadership and sales strategies, emphasising the importance of integrity and empathy, the concept of a 'righteous deal,' where Bill’s guiding principle is to genuinely improve his client’s business rather than just closing a sale.

In this podcast, Chris is joined by Lee Mills - CEO of Guiding Edge Group. From beer salesman to Ski Instructor to corporate leader.

Our conversation touched on personal evolution, embracing change, and the essence of authentic leadership. We delved into Lees diverse journey, underscoring moments of adversity and pivotal changes that forged his approach to life and leadership. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to innovating in customer success roles, Lee articulates the importance of self-awareness, transparency, and creating an environment where every voice matters, regardless of one’s title or position.

Lee discusses how leadership is not static but dynamic, requiring a flexible approach that adapts to various scenarios. He advocates for cultivating consistent and repetitive leadership behaviours, aligning with core values to foster trust within teams. How persistence in the face of adversity can lead to personal growth and improved leadership capabilities - ultimately contributing to one's leadership philosophy and success.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Leigh-Anne Nugent for an engaging conversation that spans across themes of career progression, leadership, personal development, and mentorship. Leanne emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, particularly for consultants who must navigate client emotions and deliver results while ensuring their own peace of mind and heart. She also touches upon the freedom and challenges that come with running a consulting business, highlighting the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in one's professional life.

You'll hear about Leanne's transformation in leadership approaches, from her beginnings in a family of self-starters and how it influenced her own style, to her embrace of autonomy while ensuring a shared understanding with teammates. The conversation showcases Leanne's philosophical growth, underscoring that leadership is not confined to job titles but manifests in the capacity to support others in achieving goals.

The podcast encapsulates her belief in nurturing a positive atmosphere through openness, mutual respect, and acknowledging the dynamics of control and influence within team interactions.