Business Growth Talks

Mark Hayward

Business Growth Talks podcast is created and hosted by Mark Hayward. In this show we talk about how to grow a business in the Growth Stage. The growth stage is often marked by rapid developments, increased revenue, and an escalating customer base. ​  In each episode we talk to entrepreneurs and business owners who have grown businesses and we cover topics like scaling processes, market expansion, financial management, human resource and talent development, and customer retention. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips, and techniques on how to grow, run and build your business, this is the podcast for you!Find more details about the podcast www.businessgrowthtalks.comJoin my community - https://www.patreon.com/BusinessgrowthtalksFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/markjhayward​Twitter - https://twitter.com/markhayward169TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183

  1. 10 hr ago

    Why Your Business Can't Afford You Not Taking A Holiday With Host

    In this episode, Mark Hayward dives deep into a discussion about the importance of taking holidays and how it relates to business ownership. Fresh from a two-week vacation, Mark shares his personal insights on why stepping away from work is crucial not only for personal well-being but also for assessing the sustainability and efficiency of your business. He discusses the importance of having a business that can operate without you, emphasizing the need for robust systems and trustworthy teams. Mark tackles the misconception that holidays are a sign of laziness, arguing that time off is necessary for recovery and better decision-making. He mentions that if a business depends entirely on one person, it is fragile and unsustainable in the long run. By incorporating effective systems and delegating tasks, a business owner can ensure continuous operations. Moreover, Mark highlights how disconnecting can lead to a significant perspective shift, allowing you to evaluate your goals with greater clarity. This "zoom-out" perspective can unveil areas in your business that need adjustment and improvement. Key Takeaways: A business that cannot function for two weeks without your presence is a sign of lacking sustainability.Taking holidays is crucial for recharging both mentally and physically, thus enhancing your creativity and decision-making.Delegating tasks and setting up systems allow your business to thrive independently, reducing personal stress and potential burnout.Distance from daily routines provides a fresh perspective, enabling clearer goal assessment and strategy development.Exposure to other cultures during vacations can inspire innovative business approaches and improve customer service strategies.Resources: While no specific resources or URLs are explicitly mentioned in the transcript, listeners are encouraged to connect with Mark Hayward for more insights through his channel where the podcast is available.Enjoy the episode and consider taking a well-deserved break to reflect on your business operations! Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more informative sessions that could transform your entrepreneurial journey.  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    Why Your Business Can't Afford You Not Taking A Holiday With Host
  2. 20 Jul

    These 5 Books Will CHANGE Your Life With Host

    In this episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward shifts the spotlight from guest interviews to a solo exploration of five transformative books that every business leader should read. This curated list includes The Psychology of Money, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Legacy, The E-Myth Revisited, and Black Box Thinking. Throughout the episode, Mark provides insightful summaries and distills key lessons from each book, correlating their wisdom with practical business applications and strategic growth. In the first segment, Mark delves into The Psychology of Money, emphasizing the behavioral aspects of financial success and the importance of mastering one's psychological relationship with wealth. Transitioning into Rich Dad, Poor Dad, he underscores the value of financial literacy and the paradigm shift from employee to investor mindset. As Mark proceeds to discuss Legacy, he reflects on the pioneering culture of the All Blacks rugby team and its implications for long-term business leadership and culture-building. With The E-Myth Revisited, he articulates the crucial transformation needed for technicians to evolve into successful business owners. Finally, Mark wraps up with Black Box Thinking, advocating for a culture of learning from failure and the immense power of marginal gains in achieving sustained success. Key Takeaways: Financial success depends more on behavior and psychology than on intelligence or analytical skills.A true understanding of assets versus liabilities can transform financial strategy and enable wealth generation.Building a strong, values-driven culture can be a significant competitive advantage.Entrepreneurs must transition from working in their business to working on their business to achieve scalable growth.Embracing failure as a learning tool can drive innovation and improvement.Resources: The Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselRich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiLegacy by James KerrThe E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. GerberBlack Box Thinking by Matthew SyedDiscover the profound insights from these influential reads by listening to the full episode. Stay connected with Business Growth Talks for more thought-provoking content that pushes the boundaries of business leadership and personal development. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    These 5 Books Will CHANGE Your Life With Host
  3. 13 Jul

    How to build a business slowly and NOT following trends with Dusty Gulleson

    In this insightful episode, host Mark Hayward engages with Dusty Gulleson, the CEO of Tectonic, to delve into the journey of crafting a successful business rooted in reliability and enduring client relationships. Dusty recounts his upbringing in Indonesia as a "feral kid," exploring how those early experiences shaped his approach to cross-cultural communications and entrepreneurship. This backdrop set the stage for Dusty’s challenge to the fast-paced, profit-driven narrative that often rules Silicon Valley, favoring instead a slow and steady growth model. His approach focuses on building trust and crafting solutions that align with the mission-driven goals of his clients. With a central theme on sustainable, service-oriented growth, Dusty shares his insights into the digital transformation field, underscoring the importance of honest communication and deep client understanding. Mark and Dusty explore how AI and technological innovation can enhance business processes while remaining anchored in pragmatic governance and documentation. The conversation reflects on the immense potential of focusing on mission-based work, proving value before scaling, and how this methodology augments Tectonic's service-oriented DNA. Dusty’s leadership values, rooted in humility and community engagement, position him uniquely in the tech landscape. Key Takeaways: Trust cannot be expedited; a reliable business requires consistent effort and patience.Emphasizing a service-oriented growth model promotes long-term client relationships and sustainable success.The foundation of successful digital transformation lies in thorough governance and realistic implementation.Mission-driven organizations with clear objectives can benefit immensely from strategic, incremental innovations.Understanding clients’ stories and needs is crucial in delivering impactful technology solutions.Resources: Visit Tectonic's Website: TectonicConnect with Dusty Gulleson on LinkedIn: Dusty GullesonRecommended community for digital CEOs: Bureau of DigitalFor more enlightening discussions and in-depth insights from leaders like Dusty Gulleson, make sure to listen to the full episode and keep an eye out for future releases in this podcast series.  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    How to build a business slowly and NOT following trends with Dusty Gulleson
  4. 6 Jul

    Sean Weisbrot lost $650k in one business and moved to China

    In this insightful episode of "Business Growth Talks," host Mark Hayward delves into the remarkable journey of Sean Weisbrot, an entrepreneur who took the road less traveled by leaving the comforts of the U.S. to establish a business presence in China. Sean's ventures in the blockchain industry led to remarkable financial success before the 2018 crypto winter nearly wiped it out. His story is one of resilience and constant adaptation, as he pivoted towards building innovative technology solutions post-crisis. Tune in to explore how Sean navigated challenges, risked personal capital, and learned invaluable lessons in the tech space. Throughout the conversation, Sean and Mark discuss the transformative influence of AI on business operations today, with a specific focus on LinkedIn through Sean’s new venture, SparkFox. They examine how AI is reshaping content creation by helping business owners maintain their unique voice while scaling their online presence. Sean also shares his take on the future of AI, discussing its potential impacts on the job market, capitalistic dynamics, and the ever-present global tech race. Despite facing personal hardships, Sean's passion for innovation and learning remains undeterred, offering insights into how AI tools can democratize business growth and personal branding. Key Takeaways: Persistence and Adaptation: Sean's journey from a consulting business in the blockchain space to creating AI-driven solutions showcases the importance of pivoting and adapting in the face of industry downturns.AI in Content Creation: How SparkFox helps business owners amplify their presence on LinkedIn by maintaining their authentic voice while leveraging AI for consistency and efficacy in content strategy.AI's Role in Modern Business: Discussion on AI’s potential to significantly streamline business operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth, albeit with concerns about job redundancies and ethical considerations.The Global Race in AI Development: The competitive nuances between Eastern and Western advancements in AI technologies and their implications on global economics and security measures.Personal and Professional Resilience: Sean reflects on profound personal challenges and how they inform his urgency to innovate and create value without regrets.Resources: LinkedIn: Sean Weisbrot's LinkedInSparkFox Website: SparkFox.ioYouTube Channel: We Live to BuildEngage thoroughly with this thought-provoking episode to uncover how embracing technological advancements such as AI can redefine personal and professional boundaries. Don't miss upcoming episodes of  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    Sean Weisbrot lost $650k in one business and moved to China
  5. 29 Jun

    What Nobody Tells You When You Leave Corporate to Go It Alone with Host

    Join Mark Hayward in this insightful episode as he explores the often overlooked nuances of transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. Mark draws on his extensive experience to highlight the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs. This episode delves into crucial aspects of operating a small business, including sales strategies, cash flow management, and leveraging AI tools, while also addressing the emotional and psychological hurdles that come from embarking on this new journey. The conversation navigates through essential topics such as the "day rate delusion," pipeline discipline, and the dynamic of business development once you leave the corporate safety net. With SEO keywords like "entrepreneurship challenges," "business growth strategies," and "small business operations," these show notes encapsulate key guidance for anyone contemplating a similar professional shift. Additional focus on hiring practices, financial literacy, and the impact of AI technology highlights the necessity of foresight and strategic planning in building a sustainable business foundation. Key Takeaways: Understanding the "day rate delusion" is crucial; without considering overheads and non-billable time, your profitability won't match expectations.Developing a robust pipeline discipline is vital to avoid the feast and famine cycle commonly experienced by new entrepreneurs.Building effective hiring practices focused on cultural fit and clear onboarding processes ensures better team cohesion and retention.Monthly financial checks and a genuine understanding of key financial metrics like gross margin and cash flow forecasts are imperative for business stability.Implementing AI strategically in everyday tasks can save significant time and improve efficiency, easing the workload of small business owners.SPONSOR If you want to be a guest on podcasts to raise your profile then go to www.podcastintroduction.com and set up a call with our team Resources: Patreon Community: Join the community for exclusive content at patreon.com/businessgrowthtalks.Embrace the full entrepreneurial conversation with Mark Hayward as he demystifies the transition from corporate security to entrepreneurial freedom. Tune into this episode to uncover actionable strategies for a successful business journey. Stay connected for more profound insights and practical advice from the series.  Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    What Nobody Tells You When You Leave Corporate to Go It Alone with Host
  6. 22 Jun

    How AI Is Deciding Your Brand's Reputation Without You With Jason Barnard

    AI is already telling your prospects what to think about your brand — and most business owners have no idea what it's saying. Jason Barnard has spent over a decade building the frameworks that make brands visible, credible, and recommended by AI systems. What worked in Google's early days is still the foundation, but the stakes are now radically higher. This episode is a masterclass in owning your digital footprint before someone else defines it for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Your entity home website is the hub — use it to link out and prove to AI that your off-site content is genuinely you. 2. AI visibility comes down to the same principle as great marketing: stand where your audience is looking and prove you're the most credible solution. 3. Protecting your link juice by refusing to link out is a outdated SEO strategy that actively harms how AI understands your brand. 4. Only around 5% of ChatGPT usage involves purchase intent, so don't abandon traditional search — the two must work together. 5. Search, assistive AI, and agentic AI are three distinct modes living side by side, each requiring a different strategic response from your business. 6. AI agents will reshape some business models far more than others — SaaS and digital services are at the sharp end, and smart founders are re-engineering now. GUEST BIO Jason Barnard is the founder of Kalicube, a pioneering digital marketing agency specialising in brand SERP optimisation and entity-based AI visibility. With roots in brand knowledge panels dating back to 2012, Jason is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on how AI systems understand and represent brands online. He works with businesses globally to ensure they are seen, understood, and recommended by Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and the next generation of AI agents. If this episode made you think differently about how AI sees your brand, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of Business Growth Talks — and if you got value from it, a five-star review takes 30 seconds and genuinely helps us reach more founders like you. Share it with a fellow business owner who needs to hear this — it could be the most important conversation they have this year. Mark / Business Growth Talks. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    How AI Is Deciding Your Brand's Reputation Without You With Jason Barnard
  7. 15 Jun

    Firefighting to the Olympics: A Masterclass in Leadership With Graham Ravenscroft

    In this captivating episode, host Mark Hayward is joined by Graham Ravenscroft, a notable figure in the realms of emergency services and elite sports coaching. Graham's unique insights into human performance and leadership have been shaped by his dual career as a firefighter and an Olympic coach. Throughout the conversation, the duo explores the intersection of strategy, leadership, and motivation, specifically in high-stakes environments like firefighting, competitive sports, and business. The episode delves deep into Graham's fireproof leadership framework, aimed at nurturing leadership qualities and strategic readiness in business executives. Drawing parallels between the demands of firefighting and Olympic coaching, Graham elaborates on the essentials of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience. These foundational tenets are crucial for achieving excellence in both personal and professional arenas. Graham discusses his methodology for preparing teams and individuals to handle critical situations by emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach, coupled with self-belief and imagination. As Graham shares anecdotes from his extensive career, listeners gain valuable insights into the art of leadership and the perpetual drive for self-improvement and high performance. Key Takeaways: Framework for Success: Graham emphasizes the necessity of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience as core components for achieving high performance.Preparedness in Leadership: Strategic readiness and situational analysis are pivotal in ensuring effective leadership in critical environments.Role of Motivation: The intrinsic desire to succeed, fueled by self-belief, is a significant determinant in differentiating high achievers from others.Resilience Beyond Recovery: True resilience involves preventing difficulties rather than just overcoming them, ensuring sustained performance.Continuous Improvement: High-performing individuals and organizations remain committed to potential, constantly pushing beyond existing boundaries.Resources: Connect with Graham Ravenscroft on LinkedInLearn more about the "Fireproof Leadership Framework" [No URL provided]Encouraging you to listen to the entire episode, Graham's journey and insights offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and high performance. Stay tuned for more engaging and enlightening conversations in our podcast series. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts

    Firefighting to the Olympics: A Masterclass in Leadership With Graham Ravenscroft

About

Business Growth Talks podcast is created and hosted by Mark Hayward. In this show we talk about how to grow a business in the Growth Stage. The growth stage is often marked by rapid developments, increased revenue, and an escalating customer base. ​  In each episode we talk to entrepreneurs and business owners who have grown businesses and we cover topics like scaling processes, market expansion, financial management, human resource and talent development, and customer retention. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips, and techniques on how to grow, run and build your business, this is the podcast for you!Find more details about the podcast www.businessgrowthtalks.comJoin my community - https://www.patreon.com/BusinessgrowthtalksFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/markjhayward​Twitter - https://twitter.com/markhayward169TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183