An Unorthodox CEO

Sussex Beds

Welcome to the An Unorthodox CEO Podcast! The brand new podcast from Steve Pickering & Sussex Beds. Join us for weekly episodes as we explore the challenges of business, the ups and downs of working with family, and unorthodox tips and tricks to navigate it all! Following on from Steve's weekly LinkedIn posts, this podcast takes a deeper dive into business whilst inviting guests on to share their stories. P.S. We film this in our office, so background noise, laughing, and sneezing may be heard...😂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3d ago

    Amanda: The Power of Training

    This week on An Unorthodox CEO, Steve is joined by Sussex Beds' Training Manager, Amanda, to explore why great training is at the heart of great customer service. Amanda shares her journey from joining Sussex Beds and helping launch our Ashford store to progressing into her current role, where she now develops and supports teams across the business. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons she's learned, how her previous experience shaped her approach, and what it really takes to lead people with confidence. Together, they discuss what makes effective training, how Sussex Beds helps new starters build confidence, the importance of self-reflection, and why learning never stops. They also explore the challenge of maintaining the same high standards across every store as the business grows, proving that investing in people is one of the biggest investments any business can make. 00:00 Intro 01:35 Why Amanda joined Sussex Beds 04:20 Working in Ashford when it opened 05:15 Early learnings from working in store 08:30 The change in environments from M&S to Sussex Beds 12:00 Big learnings from her previous job 15:22 How to lead so people follow 17:06 Amandas progression through the business 24:15 Competition being nearby is good 25:30 The training role at Sussex Beds 28:30 What makes great training 31:30 The power of self reflection 33:42 How we build confidence in new starters 36:45 Learning from each other 39:50 Growing and keeping the same standards 43:20 Why personal growth of team aids the business 46:10 Signs of a successful leader 51:46 Biggest training challenge  54:40 Our most successful training  56:48 Quickfire questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jul 22

    The #1 Mistake Airbnb Hosts Make

    What makes a holiday rental truly memorable? While many hosts focus on décor, location and amenities, one of the most important parts of any stay is often overlooked – the quality of sleep. In this episode, Steve and Lee explore why the bed should be at the heart of every Airbnb experience. They share their own experiences, discuss the importance of guest feedback, explain the latest furniture safety regulations, and offer practical advice on choosing the right mattress, pillows and mattress protectors. Whether you're an Airbnb host looking to improve your guest experience or simply interested in what makes a great night's sleep, this episode is packed with useful insights and actionable tips. 00:00 Intro 01:20 Why they chose the topic of Airbnbs 03:30 You hire these houses to sleep - why isn’t it a focus 05:00 Premier inn got it right - the bed is the highlight 06:50 Sleep Facts from Steve & Lee 08:30 The importance of Mattress Protectors 10:45 Why Airbnb hosts should survey their guests 12:40 Don’t be frightened of feedback - embrace it 13:50 Understanding Airbnb Furniture Regulations 16:11 What mattress/ bed we recommend for airbnbs 18:00 Advice on changing the mattress, mattress protectors & pillows 21:07 Quickfire Questions 28:50 Let us know your views 30:16 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 15

    The Secret to Selling Without Selling

    This week on An Unorthodox CEO, Steve is joined by Tony White, Managing Director of Bonners Music. Listen as they chat about all things, business, Tony's journey to Managing Director and what they think the secret to selling is... 00:00 Intro 01:02 How Tony & Steve met 02:15 How fate landed Tony work experience at Bonners Music 06:00 Working full time in the Bonners shop 07:30 Creating a database & holding trade shows 09:00 Instrument progression is very different now 10:45 Tonys first taste of sales 13:45 Key to selling 14:38 Sticking to your purpose when choosing products 16:30 Balancing customer needs 20:19 Creating a welcoming environment in store 23:04 Education is so important in every industry 25:30 Why Tony started his YouTube channel 29:00 How Tony became the owner of Bonners 33:00 The first changes they made after taking over 36:00 The joy of opening new shops 36:00 The internet & websites 38:50 Warehouse & website mistakes 42:00 The way consumers buy has changed 44:00 Targets & juggling with brands 47:00 Opening new stores 50:00 The post pandemic changes 54:30 How the stores & website work together 56:40 Deciding to improve rather than expand 58:50 Did Tony ever want to be a musician 1:03:17 Most challenging part of business journey 1:06:07 Quickfire Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 8

    Sarah Allen: Navigating Change, AI & Employee Wellbeing

    This week on An Unorthodox CEO Steve chats again with Sarah our HR Manager all about her trip to the CIPD Festival of Work. They explore the future of work, from AI in HR and supporting team through change to employee wellbeing and the workplace trends every business should be paying attention to. Plus, new employment laws everyone should be aware of! 00:00 Intro 01:35 What is the CIPD Festival of Work 03:07 The ‘Practical Solutions’ Stage 04:30 People are business 05:50 Managing change & providing clarity 07:15 Transformation in business is endless 08:20 Communication is key for change 12:25 Ai and HR - its a tool 17:13 Dealing with difficult conversations 19:47 Ai Policies plus how Sarah & Vic use it 24:00 Struggles of young people getting jobs 26:25 Sarahs standout speaker of the event 30:50 Cons of superhero leadership… 33:14 Employment law changes 37:10 How our probation period works 42:20 Employee wellbeing should be a business priority 45:40 Our Pulse Surveys 48:56 Quickfire Questions 55:45 Top HR Tip 56:20 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 1

    Babatunde Ibrahim: Turning Setbacks into Success

    In this episode, Steve & Babatunde discuss architecture, entrepreneurship, learning from criticism, and why some of life's biggest setbacks can become your greatest opportunities. From growing up in Nigeria and moving to the UK for university, to facing redundancy, 18 months of job applications, and eventually building his own architecture business, Babatunde's story is one of resilience, determination, and never giving up. 00:00 Intro 01:25 How Babatunde met John Rayment 03:19 Growing up in Nigeria 04:10 Leaving for University in the UK & getting architecture 08:26 Degree & getting a job 10:47 Being offered his first job & learning on the job 12:00 Masters degree - learning to listen to criticism 15:17 Being made redundant & covid 16:30 Applying for Jobs for 18 months & Babatundes resilience 19:20 The start of Baba Atelier 22:50 Learning to render & building concept work 23:33 Babatundes struggles without a job & how people supported him 27:11 A breakthrough - a new job 31:22 The learnings from having a job and then having his own business 35:11 Why taking advice from others is important 38:44 Babatundes escapes 40:00 Renovating his new home & his drive 43:30 How traumas & knocks are things that make you 46:39 Practice makes perfect 48:31 Helping clients with needs analysis 53:00 Quickfire Questions 1:01:45 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jun 24

    Jason Hillier: Relationships, Resilience & Being an Agent

    On this weeks episode, Steve & Jason discuss Jason's journey from travelling the world after university to building a successful career as a commercial agent in the furniture industry. They explore the importance of customer service, what makes retailers and suppliers successful & the challenges of being an agent. Plus the episode also dives into Jason's passion for rugby coaching! 00:00 Intro 01:44 When Jason & Steve first met 02:44 Life growing up & who Jason works with 06:30 Jasons world tour after uni 11:00 Finding Jobs around Australia 15:21 What inspired Jason to travel when he was young 18:13 Getting his first job in Furniture 23:30 Working for Sealy 25:00 Importance of training and right tools for the job 27:49 Why the big suppliers of the 00’s are no more 30:17 What makes suppliers successful 32:04 Why desire is so important 34:05 Customer Service is top of the list 35:20 Being the ‘middle man’ 37:40 What Jason finds the most challenging part 41:35 What makes a great retailer 44:25 A mattress protector story 49:35 Jason & working in the same industry as his brother 51:57 Why Jason became a commercial agent 58:00 The differences between a Agent & a Rep 1:00:30 How a trauma shaped Jasons route 1:03:20 Jasons love for Rugby & coaching Rugby 1:12:00 Quickfire Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jun 17

    Jon James: Delivery Driver to Logistics Manager

    In this weeks episode Steve chats with Jon our Logistics Manager all about his early job and love of football, to becoming Logistics Manager at Sussex Beds. Plus they talk about the challenges of the role, how delivery has changed over the years, the story behind Jon returning to SB and life outside of work! 00:00 Intro 02:08 Life growing up 04:30 Jons love for playing football  07:27 His first job & taking the leap into a managerial position 10:30 Dealing with his first job going into administration  13:10 Finding a new job - Coming to Sussex Beds as a driver 14:58 How our transport & way we deliver has changed 18:11 Why Jon decided to move on 19:22 The story behind Jon coming back to SB 23:22 Biggest challenges of being a logistics manager 25:49 Fantastic feedback about our delivery guys 27:20 Why Delivery experience matters 30:30 Jons wife Zoe & what they have learnt from her business 32:15 Most stressful part of Jons job 35:50 How Jon de stresses 37:37 Quickfire questions 44:05 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 10

    Adam Hankinson: The Psychology of Selling Furniture

    This week, Steve sits down with Adam Hankinson to break down the psychology behind great sales, the 7 habits every salesperson should master, and what truly wins the sale. Plus, they chat about the top tips to help overcome barriers with customers! 00:00 Intro 01:43 How Adam got into the furniture industry 08:00 Why Adam went out on his own 08:46 Why Managers are key in store 11:06 Has they way we sell changed or is it the way we buy 16:05 What’s the most influential part of obtaining the sale 20:00 Customer “Must haves” are so important 22:45 Important first questions when approaching a customer 24:01 Emotional & Logical responses 25:00 Overcoming barriers with a customer 32:15 What makes the best sales people the best 35:00 Commitment to what you are doing is so important 39:37 About Adams book - Selling Furniture 42:52 The 7 habits in Adams book 50:56 Quotes & importance of the follow up 53:29 Adams book is out now! 55:50 How he handles challenges 57:24 Quickfire Questions 1:05:20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

Welcome to the An Unorthodox CEO Podcast! The brand new podcast from Steve Pickering & Sussex Beds. Join us for weekly episodes as we explore the challenges of business, the ups and downs of working with family, and unorthodox tips and tricks to navigate it all! Following on from Steve's weekly LinkedIn posts, this podcast takes a deeper dive into business whilst inviting guests on to share their stories. P.S. We film this in our office, so background noise, laughing, and sneezing may be heard...😂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Sussex Beds
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sussex Beds
  • Show Website
    An Unorthodox CEO