From Redundancy to Resilience: Craig Talks with James Fleming on Belief, Business, and The Power Within

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with James Fleming, founder of The Power Within and a leading voice in motivational intelligence and leadership training.

James’ story is nothing short of remarkable. From growing up in a Glasgow housing scheme, struggling in school, and finding work the old-fashioned way (via the Yellow Pages!)… to working internationally as a talent director, getting made redundant just before Christmas, and turning that moment into the catalyst for building The Power Within.

This is an episode about mindset, momentum, and what’s possible when you stop waiting and start acting.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Why redundancy was the greatest gift James ever received
✅ How motivational intelligence changes behaviour - and results
✅ Going from “just a boy from a scheme” to global talent leader
✅ What most companies get wrong when it comes to leadership development
✅ Why business owners must stop playing small
✅ How The Power Within is helping people lead themselves first
✅ And why the numbers still matter… even when you’ve got belief

Key Takeaways:

✅ A setback can be your greatest opportunity - if you choose it
✅ Leadership isn’t about title or position - it’s about action
✅ Motivation will fade - but motivational intelligence creates consistency
✅ Investing in your mindset is the best ROI you’ll ever get
✅ “Just get started” is often all the plan you need

Memorable Quotes:

📢 “I thought, ‘Oh ya b*****d’... then I thought, ‘Oh ya beauty.’”
📢 “You’ve got to lead yourself before you can lead anyone else.”
📢 “People wait until they’ve got everything in place. I just start.”
📢 “The only way to change your business is to change your behaviour.”
📢 “My goal is to help others believe in themselves - because belief changes everything.”

Timestamps: 00:54 Meet James Fleming: Background and Early Life 02:34 Challenges and Early Career 04:14 Finding a Path in Engineering 08:46 Transition to Oil and Gas 10:14 Leadership Roles and Career Growth 12:56 A New Direction: HR and Talent Management 14:30 Personal Life and Business Ventures 16:21 Career Change and Relocation 17:13 Unexpected Job Loss 18:03 Starting a New Business 18:20 The Power Within Training and Development 22:11 Challenges and Adaptations During COVID-19 24:37 Financial Management and Cash Flow 29:16 Ideal Clients and Business Growth 30:40 Success or Excuses: The Book 33:08 Final Advice for Business Owners

Resources Mentioned:

📌 The Power Within Training
📌 Connect with James on LinkedIn
📌 Know Your Numbers website – Helping business owners lead with clarity and confidence
📌 You Can Have SUCCESS or EXCUSES, You Cannot Have Both – Book by James Fleming