Business Mutiny by Jon Graves

Jon Graves

Business Mutiny: Wisdom from a Lifetime of Work is a straight-talking UK business podcast focused on the real stories behind entrepreneurship, not the highlight reel. Each episode explores the decisions, mistakes, lessons, and defining moments that shape business owners, founders, and leaders over time. From surviving recessions and navigating tax and growth challenges, to building teams, making tough calls, and learning the hard way, this podcast is about what actually happens when you’re responsible for a business. There’s no shortage of opinions and advice online but much of it isn’t grounded in lived experience. Business Mutinyexists to close that gap, sharing insight that’s been earned through doing, not theorised from the sidelines. Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Jon Graves, the podcast features in-depth conversations with business owners past and present from those still building today to those reflecting back on a lifetime of work. If you run, lead, or are thinking about starting a business, this is a podcast for people who want honesty, perspective, and practical insight without the noise.

  1. Jun 1 ·  Video

    Half Your Staff Could Be Pretending… And You’d Never Know. Introverts Explained with Joanna Rawbone

    What if up to 50% of your workforce is being misunderstood?   In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon Graves sits down with Joanna Rawbone, founder of Flourishing Introverts, to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in modern business: the hidden cost of introversion in the workplace.   Joanna shares her personal journey from burnout to becoming one of the UK’s leading voices on introversion, explaining why so many talented people spend years pretending to be more extroverted just to fit in. Together, Jon and Joanna unpack the myths surrounding introverts, why businesses often reward the loudest voices, and how organisations may be losing valuable employees without ever understanding why.   They discuss the powerful “battery vs solar panel” analogy, the impact of open-plan offices, hybrid working, workplace bias, psychological safety, leadership styles, burnout, confidence, and why some of the best performers quietly leave organisations.   Whether you’re a business owner, manager, HR professional, leader, entrepreneur, or someone who has ever felt misunderstood at work, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger teams and creating environments where people can genuinely thrive.   Topics include:   • What introversion really is (and what it isn’t) • The hidden burnout risk for introverts • Why quiet employees are often overlooked • Workplace bias towards extroversion • Hybrid working and productivity • Psychological safety and team culture • Leadership lessons from introverts • Why people quietly quit • Building workplaces where everyone can flourish   If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem exhausted by environments that energise others, this conversation will completely change the way you think about people, performance and leadership.   #BusinessMutiny #JoannaRawbone #Introverts #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #Management #Burnout #Entrepreneurship

    1h 2m
  2. May 13 ·  Video

    Bullied, Dyspraxia & Cancer — The Story Behind Coach of the Year with Jordan Stringer

    Some people are born with confidence. Others have to fight for every piece of it.   In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon Graves sits down with Jordan Stringer — football coach, speaker, mentor, and someone whose life has been shaped by adversity, resilience, and an unbelievable refusal to give up.   Jordan opens up about growing up with dyspraxia, struggling through school, and enduring years of humiliation from a teacher who publicly mocked him in front of classmates. What should have been a safe environment became something he dreaded every single day.   But this story doesn’t end there.   Instead of allowing those experiences to define him, Jordan found purpose through football. What started as a challenge to simply fit in became a pathway into coaching, leadership, and eventually winning Football Coach of the Year.   This is not just a conversation about football.   It’s about: • overcoming bullying • living with dyspraxia • mental health and resilience • dealing with cancer at a young age • finding confidence through purpose • why sport changes lives • and how one supportive teacher can completely alter someone’s future   Jordan also shares the emotional reality behind receiving a cancer diagnosis just months after achieving one of the biggest moments of his life, and how football became both an escape and a lifeline during the darkest periods.   There are moments in this episode that are genuinely difficult to hear — especially the stories from school — but there’s also an incredible message of hope running through the entire conversation.   One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Jordan’s outlook on life: Take risks. Ask for help. Be patient with yourself. Keep going.   Whether you’re a young person struggling to fit in, a parent supporting a child through challenges, or someone trying to rebuild confidence after setbacks, this episode will resonate deeply.   This is a raw, honest, emotional conversation about adversity, identity, purpose, and resilience.   ⸻   Topics in this episode: • Bullying in schools • Dyspraxia awareness • Mental health • Football coaching • Cancer recovery • Confidence and resilience • Sport and community • Overcoming adversity • Motivation and mindset • Youth development and coaching   ⸻   If this episode helped you in any way, share it with someone who needs to hear it.   Follow Business Mutiny for more real conversations with founders, coaches, leaders, and people with extraordinary stories.

    46 min
  3. May 1 ·  Video

    The Truth About Motherhood, Business & The Chaos Behind It with Lucy Piper

    Building a business is hard. Building a business while raising a child, managing a home, and supporting others? That’s a completely different level. In this episode of Business Mutiny, we sit down with Lucy Piper, co-founder of Any Little Thing, to uncover the real, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a startup while navigating motherhood, responsibility, and the daily chaos that comes with it. This isn’t your typical polished “CEO stories” highlight reel. This is the reality behind entrepreneurship — the late nights, the sacrifices, the doubt, and the resilience it takes to keep going when things feel like they’re falling apart. Lucy shares how she built her business from scratch, starting with nothing but an idea and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. From cleaning houses and doing odd jobs to building a trusted service supporting elderly and vulnerable people, this is a true how to start a startup story grounded in real life. We dive into:  What it really looks like to build a business while raising a newborn  The emotional and mental challenges of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship  Why growth isn’t always about scaling fast — and why slow, sustainable business growth can be more powerful  The importance of having the right support system and mindset  How to push through the moments where you question everything Lucy opens up about the early days of the business — taking her baby to work, balancing clients with childcare, and figuring things out as she went. There’s no blueprint here. No shortcuts. Just grit, determination, and an entrepreneur mindset that refuses to quit. One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the idea of giving yourself permission to try. Too often, people hold themselves back — waiting for the “right time,” the “perfect plan,” or external validation. But as Lucy explains, sometimes the hardest part isn’t the work itself… it’s deciding you’re allowed to go for it. This episode is packed with real, actionable insights for anyone thinking about starting a business, especially parents, founders, or anyone trying to balance life and ambition. We also explore the reality of money matters in business — from starting with zero funding, avoiding debt, and growing organically, to making smart decisions that protect both your business and your personal life. It’s a refreshing take in a world where “scale fast” and “raise big” are often pushed as the only path to success. If you’re interested in: • Real CEO stories without the fluff • How to start a startup from scratch • Building a business around your life, not the other way around • Developing a strong success mindset • Understanding the reality behind entrepreneurship Then this episode is for you. Lucy’s story is proof that you don’t need everything figured out to begin. You just need to start.  💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s been the hardest part of your journey so far?

    52 min
  4. Apr 24 ·  Video

    From One Text Gift to Dragons Den: The Prsnt Startup Journey with Omid Moallemi

    In this episode, we sit down with Omid Moallemi, co-founder of Prsnt, to break down the real story behind one of the most talked-about startups to appear on Dragons’ Den.   From pitching in front of Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett… to walking away from a deal that shocked many — this is the full, unfiltered startup journey you didn’t see on TV.   At the heart of this episode is Prsnt — a fast-growing UK startup transforming how we give gifts. Instead of traditional gifting, Prsnt allows users to send gifts instantly via smartphone, complete with video messages and digital unwrapping experiences. Explore Prsnt here    Built to make gifting “as easy as sending a text,” Prsnt connects users with over 100+ major high street brands, enabling real-time gifting without the hassle of delivery, wrapping, or logistics.    But this episode goes far deeper than just the product.   We unpack: The real behind-the-scenes experience of Dragons’ Den What actually happens during the 3-hour pitch (vs what you see on TV) How they secured investment from multiple Dragons… and why the deal didn’t complete The brutal realities of startup life — from running out of money to near burnout The moment everything nearly collapsed… and how they bounced back   Omid shares the highs and lows of building Prsnt — from early MVP struggles and outsourcing development, to landing major partnerships and scaling a platform that now reaches hundreds of thousands of users.   We also dive into the business model behind Prsnt — including how they generate revenue through brand partnerships, commissions, and transaction fees, while helping businesses drive customer engagement through digital gifting and rewards.    This episode is packed with lessons for founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in startups, SaaS, marketplaces, or scaling a tech business.   Key topics include: Startup resilience and dealing with rejection Why most people underestimate how hard tech businesses are The power of co-founders and building the right team Why “other people’s limitations aren’t your own” How to validate an idea and turn it into a real business The truth about raising investment in today’s market   Whether you’re building a startup, thinking about going on Dragons’ Den, or just want a raw, honest insight into entrepreneurship — this episode delivers.   If you’ve ever wondered: Is Dragons’ Den real? What happens after the cameras stop rolling? And what it actually takes to build a scalable tech company…   This is for you. About Prsnt   Prsnt is a UK-based gifting platform designed to modernise how people send and receive gifts. With instant delivery, personalised messages, and a marketplace of leading brands, it removes the friction from traditional gifting and creates meaningful moments in seconds.  Follow / Subscribe for more founder stories, business lessons, and real conversations from the front line of entrepreneurship.   Dragons Den UK, Dragons Den podcast, Peter Jones investment, Steven Bartlett startup, Sara Davies Dragons Den, Deborah Meaden business, Touker Suleyman investor, Prsnt app, Prsnt gifting, startup journey UK, tech startup story, SaaS marketplace, entrepreneurship podcast UK, business podcast UK, founder story, raising investment UK, startup lessons, gifting app, digital gifting platform, Omid Moallemi interview

    1h 8m
  5. Apr 8 ·  Video

    Inside the Nimsdai Foundation: Everest, Porters, Veterans & Impact with Glen Mallen

    What does it really mean to redefine what’s possible? In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon speaks to Glen Mallen, Director of the Nimsdai Foundation, about how the charity is creating real impact through education, disaster relief, environmental projects, porter welfare, and transformational expeditions to Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro. This is not just a conversation about mountains. It is about purpose, resilience, leadership, charity, community support, and changing lives. We cover: • The mission and purpose behind the Nimsdai Foundation • How the charity supports education in Nepal • The reality of disaster relief after earthquakes and floods • How they are helping clean up Everest and the big mountains • Why Project Odyssey is transforming the lives of veterans • The story behind the new Porter House in Lobuche • How mountain environments can improve confidence, wellbeing, and self-belief • What it takes to run and grow an international charity • Glen’s journey through the charity sector and leadership   If you are interested in charity leadership, Nepal, Everest, Kilimanjaro, veterans, mountain expeditions, porter welfare, disaster relief, education projects, or purpose-driven organisations, this episode is packed with insight.   In this episode: • Nimsdai Foundation • Everest Base Camp • Kilimanjaro • veterans rehabilitation • porter house project • Nepal education • mountain clean-up • disaster relief • charity leadership • redefining what’s possible   Check out the foundation here https://www.nimsdaifoundation.org/   🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, resilience, purpose, and impact.   #NimsdaiFoundation #Everest #Kilimanjaro #Charity #Leadership #Nepal #Veterans #BusinessMutiny #DisasterRelief #Education   Chapters 00:00 Intro: Can You Really Redefine What’s Possible? 01:05 What Is the Nimsdai Foundation? (Mission & Purpose) 02:40 The “Nothing Is Impossible” Mindset Explained 04:30 What Are the 4 Pillars? (Education, Environment, Impact, Disaster Relief) 06:50 How Do You Clean Up Everest? (Mountain Waste Reality) 08:20 What Does “Nims Has a Vortex” Mean? 10:10 Project Odyssey: How Mountains Transform Veterans’ Lives 13:30 Why Do People Open Up More on the Mountain? 16:00 Everest vs Kilimanjaro: Which Is More Transformational? 18:30 Why Shared Hardship Builds Stronger Human Connection 20:40 The Porter Problem: What’s Really Happening on Everest? 23:00 Building the Porter House at 5,000m (Real Challenges) 26:10 $500,000 Build: Why It Costs So Much on Everest 28:20 Are Porters Being Treated Fairly? (Reality Explained) 30:30 Can Everest’s Waste Problem Ever Be Solved? 33:00 What Is a “Trash Trek” & Why It Matters 35:10 The £25 Project Changing Girls’ Lives in Nepal 38:00 Charity Work Reality: How Do You Actually Fund This? 40:20 From Lifeboats to Global Impact: Glen’s Career Journey 43:00 Purpose vs Profit: Why Values Matter More Than Money 45:10 Biggest Leadership Lesson: Surround Yourself With Talent 47:00 Advice for Young People: Believe in Yourself 49:00 Final Thoughts: Did You Do Everything You Could?   Subscribe to the channel for business insights, podcasts, and expert advice.   👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your thoughts 🔁 Share with your network 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode   🔗 Follow Jon Graves Website: https://jongraves.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathangraves1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonGravestalksbusiness TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jongravesbusinesstalk

    52 min

About

Business Mutiny: Wisdom from a Lifetime of Work is a straight-talking UK business podcast focused on the real stories behind entrepreneurship, not the highlight reel. Each episode explores the decisions, mistakes, lessons, and defining moments that shape business owners, founders, and leaders over time. From surviving recessions and navigating tax and growth challenges, to building teams, making tough calls, and learning the hard way, this podcast is about what actually happens when you’re responsible for a business. There’s no shortage of opinions and advice online but much of it isn’t grounded in lived experience. Business Mutinyexists to close that gap, sharing insight that’s been earned through doing, not theorised from the sidelines. Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Jon Graves, the podcast features in-depth conversations with business owners past and present from those still building today to those reflecting back on a lifetime of work. If you run, lead, or are thinking about starting a business, this is a podcast for people who want honesty, perspective, and practical insight without the noise.