Business Without BS

Oury Clark

Your weekly dose of real-world business intelligence. No gurus, no fluff - just practical lessons from people who’ve built, scaled, failed, adapted, celebrated, and done it all again. We don’t admire success from afar - we dissect it, decode it, and deliver the lessons straight to you. Subscribe for weekly insights and free resources that strip away the jargon and deliver the real-world lessons you wish you'd got at business school.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Teams Fall Apart and How to Fix Them with Kevin Gaskell, Turnaround CEO

    EP [number] — Kevin Gaskell argues that clarity, accountability and attitude drive real organisational performance — not slogans or bureaucracy. Kevin Gaskell explains why most struggling companies aren’t failing on product or market, but on leadership clarity. He argues that teams follow certainty, not noise — and that avoiding the ‘difficult bits’ is what actually sinks performance. He breaks down how small teams outperform bigger rivals, why culture beats clever strategy decks, and the practical routines leaders can use to remove noise, raise standards and get their team moving in the same direction. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Build leadership clarity that teams actually follow • Diagnose dissonance in a senior team • Create accountability without fear • Remove noise from daily operations • Make difficult decisions faster This episode is for UK founders and leaders who want to run a sharper, calmer, better‑aligned organisation. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Opening: why leaders fail 1:06 Extreme rowing and mental endurance 8:29 Resetting the mind through extreme challenges 10:02 Entrepreneurial intensity and burnout avoidance 10:42 Why companies really fail 14:32 Brand experience and operational clarity 15:40 Leadership dissonance and team alignment 18:02 Fixing culture through shared experience 20:22 Building visible plans and priorities 22:03 Respect, accountability and people management 26:20 Creating inspiration, not motivation theatre 30:59 Turning around a failing manufacturing business 38:34 Hard work, standards and UK working culture 44:19 What leaders should do this week 55:54 Business or B******t game Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - contact@withoutbs.com

    1h 3m

  2. Jun 17

    Why Most Accountants Stay Stuck Until They Ditch Clients with Richard Francis, Spotlight Reporting Founder

    EP 427 — Richard Francis argues that accountants who embrace advisory and human connection will outlast any AI wave. Richard Francis lays out why advisory-led accounting beats compliance-heavy firms and why AI won't replace human judgement. He explains how accountants can create more value by asking better questions, choosing the right clients, and focusing on the future rather than the past. He breaks down advisory models, client selection, forecasting, global scaling, and how to build tools that support better decisions without drowning in spreadsheets. The discussion includes AI’s real role in accounting and why trust and context remain the moat. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Build an advisory-led accounting model that clients stay for • Decide which clients to drop to free capacity • Use forecasting to steer SMEs toward better decisions • Blend AI tools with human judgement safely • Structure a global business without losing your sanity For UK business owners and accountants who want practical thinking on advisory, client strategy and staying competitive in an AI-heavy world. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 AI vs human advisors 3:40 Richard’s early accounting career 9:40 Moving from compliance to advisory 15:20 Asking better questions 20:10 Building Spotlight Reporting 28:00 Advisory, tools and AI 35:00 The future of accountants 43:40 Client selection and the Dirty Dozen 50:20 Succession, exits and scale 57:00 Global teams and travel reality 1:04:00 Why advisory will survive AI 1:11:00 Quickfire: Business or BS? Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 20m

  3. Jun 10

    Why Most Networking Fails with Daniel Levan-Harris, Mango Logistics Founder

    EP — Daniel shows how to turn networking from a chore into a strategic advantage. Daniel Levan-Harris argues that most UK founders fail at networking because they treat people as targets not humans. His approach is simpler: genuine curiosity, zero selling, and building relationships that compound for decades. This episode covers practical ways to navigate a room, how to follow up properly, why CEOs must nurture broad networks, how neurodiversity shapes entrepreneurial thinking, and how Daniel built two very different businesses by spotting overlooked opportunities. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Build a network without chasing contacts • Approach groups confidently and avoid awkward openings • Follow up in ways that create long-term relationships • Use neurodiverse thinking to spot commercial openings • Apply delegation properly as a dyslexic founder This episode is for UK founders who want a practical, human way to expand their network without the usual nonsense. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Opening: Daniel’s networking philosophy 03:30 Early career and confidence 07:40 Networking without the pressure 12:20 Following up and building trust 15:50 Neurodiversity and memory 21:10 Dyslexia as a business strength 26:20 Seeing opportunities differently 32:00 Why crickets? Entering edible protein 38:20 Farming, sustainability and food culture 45:40 Scaling Edible and environmental logic 50:00 Logistics, acquisitions and reality of tech 56:30 Electric fleets, greenwash and trade-offs 1:02:00 Quickfire: Business or BS? Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 13m

  4. Jun 3

    How UK Founders Get US Expansion Wrong with Sonia Kanjee, US Tax Expert

    EP [number] — Expanding to the US without tripping state taxes or visa traps. US expansion sounds exciting until you realise how easily it can go wrong. Sonia Kanjee breaks down why most founders misjudge when they're actually ready for America and how small missteps around people, sales tax and structure can snowball fast. She walks through the three tiers of US entry, how state rules really work, when you must form a Delaware Inc, and the hidden compliance triggers founders routinely miss. This is a practical map for approaching the US market without burning money or credibility. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Decide when you're genuinely ready to open in the US • Avoid economic nexus sales‑tax traps state by state • Understand when one US hire obliges you to set up an entity • Structure a clean UK–US group without future investor problems • Track where your US revenue lands so you don't trigger avoidable filings This episode is for UK founders eyeing the US market who want a grounded, practical view of what expansion actually demands. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Expanding to the US without blowing up your tax position 02:00 Sonia’s route into US tax and cross‑border work 05:10 When you’re genuinely ready to enter the US 08:20 Remote sales vs creating a taxable presence 12:10 Sales tax, economic nexus and SaaS treatment 16:20 Hiring across multiple states and compliance load 19:20 Contractors, dependent agents and testing the market 24:00 Visa realities when travelling repeatedly for business 29:40 The three tiers of US expansion strategy 33:20 Delaware Inc, lawyers and why setup matters 37:50 Trademarks, contracts and insurance for the US 43:10 LLCs vs C Corps and why UK companies should avoid LLCs 49:00 State tax allocation and how to track revenue properly 56:00 Treaty mechanics, withholding and W‑8BEN‑E 1:05:00 Interest on intercompany loans 1:12:00 Dormant entities and cleanup filings 1:17:00 Should founders relocate or hire locally? Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 24m

  5. Jun 1

    An Entrepreneur's Guide to Financial Reports - William Humphreys, partner at Oury Clark

    EP - William Humphreys, partner at Oury Clark Chartered Accountants, explores and explains financial reporting, giving a clear picture of what company accounts are, and why understanding them is a foundational skill for entrepreneurs. Andy and William run through the various components of statutory accounts, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement. Using a cinematic metaphor, they underscore the necessity of not merely viewing accounts as compliance documents but as vital tools for strategic decision-making. Throughout the conversation, the importance of engaging with these financial documents regularly is underlined, to help cultivate a clearer understanding of a business's financial health and undertake proactive rather than reactive management. Being conversant in company financials is not just a matter of accounting but a fundamental aspect of effective business leadership. What you'll learn in this episode: Understanding how accounts inform business decisionsSeeing the balance sheet as a snapshot of a company's assets and liabilitiesHow continuous insight into a business's financial position beats waiting for year-endThe importance and considerations of cash flow managementHow revenue recognition can impact perceived profitabilityWhat the notes to the accounts really provide This episode is for UK entrepreneurs and business leaders who want a comprehensive overview of financial reports and reporting standards. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 00:04 - The Director's Report: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes 04:46 - Understanding the Balance Sheet 13:14 - Financial Statements, the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss 18:47 - Revenue Recognition 23:34 - Cash Flow and Financial Management 32:44 - Financial Statements: Key Insights and Analysis 37:45 - The Key Questions for Founders 41:03 - Bank Covenants and Charges 49:41 - Reporting Standards 53:34 - Understanding UK GAAP and IFRS 59:44 - IFRS 16 and its Implications 01:09:30 - Transitioning to US GAAP: Challenges and Insights 01:14:31 - Key Insights for Business Owners Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 17m

  6. May 27

    How to Cure a Sick High Street with Bill Grimsey, ex‑Wickes CEO

    EP [number] — Grimsey argues that corporate strategy starts with fixing leadership, not spreadsheets. Bill Grimsey unpacks why UK high streets keep failing and why most boardrooms still dodge the real work: leadership, confidence and clarity. Starting with Hong Kong turnarounds and ending with British town centres, he explains why strategy dies when leaders avoid the truth. The conversation covers motivating broken teams, mapping strengths instead of obsessing over threats, dealing with suppliers transparently, and why councils need 20‑year commercial plans to revive towns. It also dives into AI, customer experience, and the future of retail. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Rebuild confidence inside a failing organisation • Map strategic strengths without wasting energy on distractions • Use transparency to improve supplier relationships • Assess whether your town’s leadership structure is fit for purpose • Apply AI to improve customer experience rather than cut corners This episode is for UK operators who want a practical view of strategy from someone who has actually rebuilt failing businesses. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Why the UK high street keeps failing 1:29 Fixing leadership before strategy 4:39 Park’n’Shop Hong Kong turnaround 11:04 Customer experience vs efficiency 17:25 AI’s real value in business 23:10 Supplier relationships and transparency 27:58 Turnaround at Wickes 33:50 Trust, confidence and respect 40:48 Business rates and tax structures 52:17 The Grimsey Reviews and town strategy 1:02:20 Independent retail: what works now 1:12:09 Tech, delivery and the future of retail 1:18:55 Pedestrianisation and town experience 1:20:41 Closing thoughts Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 21m

  7. May 20

    Does Manchester Beat London for Building a Business? - Adam Pope, Founder of Spencer Churchill Solicitors

    EP — Adam Pope on why Manchester outperforms cities twice its size. Manchester’s business culture is built on graft, confidence and doing things without waiting for permission. Adam Pope explains why the city’s attitude consistently turns small firms into serious operators and why founders underestimate the Northern Powerhouse region at their cost. The conversation covers how Greater Manchester’s geography, talent pool, transport links and industrial heritage shape commercial behaviour, plus the practical realities of scaling outside London. We also look at hiring, governance, legal blind spots and how AI is already changing professional services. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Spot the cultural traits that drive Manchester’s commercial confidence • Judge when to base operations inside or outside the city centre • Avoid common legal and governance gaps that derail SMEs • Use AI without weakening decision‑making or risk controls • Build trust in a region where people value straight dealing This episode is for UK founders deciding where to build, scale or expand — especially if you’re considering life outside the M25. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Manchester isn’t trying to be London 01:34 Industrial heritage and tech investment 04:02 Greater Manchester’s expansion 06:23 Culture, friendliness and swagger 10:11 Wealth, influence and the city’s vibe 15:21 Starting and hiring in Manchester 18:10 Northern Powerhouse and regional funding 22:47 HS2, infrastructure and wasted budgets 24:58 What high‑speed rail would really change 32:18 Scaling across the North 33:24 Trust, class and regional attitudes 39:04 Legal sector differences 48:35 AI, law and Adam’s Clause platform 57:13 Automation, headcount and future roles 1:03:43 Where SMEs go wrong legally 1:13:33 Business or B******t Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 23m

  8. May 13

    Why ESG Blew Up and What Leaders Do Next with Lucy Parker, Brunswick Senior Partner

    EP — Lucy Parker explains why sustainability only works when leaders stop hiding in the castle and start engaging with the real world. Lucy Parker argues that the real challenge in sustainability is leadership behaviour: large companies still operate as if they can stay behind the walls, even though stakeholders now expect open engagement and socially relevant decisions. The conversation covers ESG’s collapse, system‑level change, supply‑chain realities, political headwinds, and how SMEs can act when resources are tight. The focus is practical: decision points leaders face, how to prioritise material issues, and why recalibration is normal rather than failure. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Decide which sustainability issues actually fall within your remit • Shift from corporate‑centric thinking to socially relevant leadership • Work with competitors without breaching competition rules • Recalibrate sustainability targets without losing direction • Spot where system‑level change is possible in your sector This episode is for UK business owners who want clarity on sustainability without noise or posturing. *For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player* Spotify Video Chapters: 0:00 Sustainability without BS begins 01:00 Tom’s intro and why leadership matters 02:20 Lucy’s role and the social value of business 04:40 What leaders still haven’t caught up with 07:00 Corporate‑centric vs socially relevant 09:40 Who owns responsibility for global problems? 12:20 Is ESG dead? 16:00 Data, measurement and unbundling ESG 20:20 The ESG backlash and political noise 25:40 Net zero, realism and recalibration 32:10 Supply chains, plastic and system constraints 38:40 Consumers, behaviour and plastic reality 44:00 Regulation, CSRD and where responsibility sits 50:40 System change and pre‑competitive collaboration 57:00 Leadership, conviction and next‑gen expectations 1:10:00 What SMEs can actually do this week Watch and subscribe to us on YouTube Follow us: Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Twitter Facebook If you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.me

    1h 38m
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About

Your weekly dose of real-world business intelligence. No gurus, no fluff - just practical lessons from people who’ve built, scaled, failed, adapted, celebrated, and done it all again. We don’t admire success from afar - we dissect it, decode it, and deliver the lessons straight to you. Subscribe for weekly insights and free resources that strip away the jargon and deliver the real-world lessons you wish you'd got at business school.

Information

  • Creator
    Oury Clark
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    400
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Oury Clark
  • Show Website
    Business Without BS

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