How It Is

The Compliance Guys

Welcome to the How It Is Podcast, where we tell you how it is! Dive into the realities of building a business, navigating the auto finance industry, and mastering compliance. We share unfiltered conversations about the highs, the lows, and everything in between—offering insights, tips, and stories from the front lines. Whether you're a business owner, a professional in motor finance, or simply curious about the challenges of a highly regulated industry, this podcast gives you the real deal. No fluff, no filters—just how it is.

  1. 11/10/2025

    Ex-Military Coach on Sustainable Fat Loss & Results: Mindset, Moderation & Consistency - Coach Danni

    In this episode of How It Is, ex-military Coach Danni shares a battle-tested blueprint for sustainable fat loss for women, blending mindset, moderation and simple systems that stick. We unpack why women’s fitness mindset beats motivation, how to escape all-or-nothing thinking, and the real psychology behind food, dopamine and cravings. You’ll learn how to make progress with injuries, build strength without breaking yourself, and keep chocolate (yes, biscuits!) in a balanced plan. We cover ADHD-friendly routines, identity shifts after big life changes, and how accountability drives consistency. If you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, this is your field manual for results that last. Why watch: Practical, empathetic guidance from a coach who’s lived it—mindset tools, nutrition basics, and habit frameworks you can use today. Find more from Coach Danni- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_danni/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19Wsi=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566 🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-is What you’ll learn - How to make sustainable fat loss for women realistic (no food bans) - A women’s fitness mindset to beat all-or-nothing thinking - Psychology of cravings, dopamine & reward loops - Injury-aware training: strength, zone -2 and pain-smart progress - ADHD-friendly routines and accountability frameworks - Moderation tactics (yes to biscuits) and protein-first meals - Identity shifts: from “I’ll start Monday” to consistent athlete - How hybrid online/1:1 coaching keeps results going post-goal

    25 min

  2. 10/20/2025

    From Olympian to Charity CEO: Rachel Clift on BEN, Mental Health & Resilience

    Olympian turned charity leader Rachel Clift joins How It Is to unpack how BEN the automotive industry’s House of Wellbeing tackles mental health and workplace wellbeing across the automotive industry. Drawing on her elite hockey career, Rachel Clift explains the Olympian mindset, practical resilience habits, and how BEN supports people facing anxiety, bereavement, and the ongoing post-Covid pressures in the motor trade. We dig into BEN’s strategy shift, a major £40m divestment, and why awareness is the single biggest challenge. If you work in the automotive industry, lead a dealership, or care about mental health at work, this Rachel Clift conversation is a must-watch. Learn how the BEN charity partners with employers, why process beats outcomes, and how gratitude, balance, and recovery drive sustainable performance.What you'll learn:- How Rachel Clift applies an Olympian mindset to leadership and charity work- What BEN’s House of Wellbeing does for the automotive industry- Post-Covid realities: rising demand, anxiety, and financial strain in the motor trade- Practical mental health habits: recovery, gratitude, prioritisation, balance- Why process goals beat outcome chasing for resilience at workYou can support Ben or contact them for support below:https://ben.org.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenSupport4Auto Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ben-automotive-industry-charity/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BenSupport4Auto/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCg3SnIRc1zohZTcUm2xIZwChapters:00:00 – From Olympian to Charity Leader00:57 – Welcome Back: Rachel Clift’s Story01:11 – Rachel’s Olympic Achievements02:00 – “Cobi Walker” and Early Career Highlights03:12 – Balancing Physiotherapy and Sport04:18 – Transitioning into the Automotive Industry05:14 – Joining Ben Automotive Charity05:36 – The Impact of COVID on the Motor Trade06:20 – Post-COVID Mental Health Challenges07:16 – From Athlete to CEO: Career Growth Mindset08:53 – Lessons from Elite Sport10:12 – How Hockey Began for Rachel11:15 – Mentorship and the Power of Education11:57 – Mental Resilience and Mindset13:04 – Managing the Highs and Lows of Sport13:56 – Life After Sport and Purpose14:07 – The Future Vision for Ben Charity15:30 – Women in a Male-Dominated Industry16:03 – Coping with Loss and Emotional Impact16:24 – Managing High-Pressure Leadership17:34 – Staying Grounded: Gratitude and Balance18:00 – The Power of Gratitude and Resilience19:13 – Finding Balance in Life19:33 – Closing Thoughts: Raising Awareness for BenStreaming on all platforms:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W?si=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-is

    21 min

  3. 10/06/2025

    Ben: The Charity Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Automotive Industry

    In this episode of How It Is, we sit down with Ben automotive industry charity CEO Rachel Clift to unpack automotive mental health and workplace wellbeing across the sector. From rapid post-incident response and a confidential hotline (8am–8pm Mon–Fri with 24/7 support outside hours) to prevention, outreach and measurable ROI (around £7 return for every £1 invested), Rachel explains how Ben automotive industry charity supports employees, dependants and employers with personalised plans, counselling and specialist partners. What you'll learn:- What Ben automotive industry charity actually does for workers, families and employers.- How the hotline & case-managed support work (and when the 24/7 line kicks in)- Why prevention and awareness drive a ~£7:£1 wellbeing ROI- The biggest automotive mental health challenges in dealerships and independents.- How outreach, response teams and industry challenges (e.g., Bangers for Ben) help.- Concrete ways your business can partner with Ben and amplify awarenessIf you work in automotive or lead a dealership this conversation shows there is support available for you and you are not alone. Discover practical ways to partner with Ben automotive industry charity and spread the word so more people get help sooner.You can support Ben or contact them for support below:https://ben.org.uk/linkedinStreaming on all platforms:🎧 Spotify: 🎥 YouTube: 🍎 Apple Podcasts: 🎞 Amazon Music: Chapters:(01:52) – Who Is Ben?(03:00) – Ben’s Mission: Supporting the People Behind the Wheel(06:00) – The Pressure in the Motor Trade(08:10) – Men, Stigma & The Awareness Gap(10:30) – Addiction, Sobriety & Healthier Coping Mechanisms(12:49) – Real-Life Example: When Tragedy Hits a Team(17:30) – The Future of Support: People Over AI(21:40) – Ben Charity Events & Industry Challenges(27:30) – How to Support Ben(29:30) – The Future of Ben: Awareness, Action & 2030 Vision

    32 min

  4. 08/08/2025

    £500k Fraud & a Murder Conviction: Inside Motor Finance with DSG’s Laura Jones

    In this explosive episode of How It Is, Jon is joined by Laura Jones from DSG to uncover the jaw-dropping reality of today’s motor trade. From a £500k fraud case and a murder conviction, trying to get FCA authorised? Laura reveals what really happens behind the scenes of the motor finance world.We dive deep into compliance, dealer onboarding, and the challenges of fraud prevention in an industry evolving faster than ever. With insights into how tech is changing the game, Laura opens up about DSG’s rigorous vetting process, why social media is essential in modern sales, and how the Consumer Credit Act is outdated and causing chaos.Whether you're a dealer, broker, or simply curious about the underbelly of the car industry, this episode is full of unfiltered truths, hard-hitting stories, and valuable lessons.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why DSG turns down certain dealersHow fraud is evolving post-COVIDThe power and pitfalls of tech in the tradeDSG’s unique onboarding & compliance strategiesLaura’s leadership journey in a high-risk industry🎧 Listen & Subscribe:👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W?si=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-isChapters:00:00 – Dealer red flags and wild onboarding stories01:08 – Why DSG only hires people who’ve sold cars02:34 – The job has changed: compliance, lenders, and stress04:08 – New tech, new challenges, and staying adaptable05:36 – Online vs in-person car buying07:02 – Vetting dealers: home traders, fraud, and due diligence09:00 – Identity theft and rising fraud cases11:29 – The cost of ignoring fraud prevention13:00 – What needs to change in the industry14:47 – Culture, trust, and building DSG from the ground up17:25 – Field sales then vs now20:00 – Structure, CRM, and personal responsibility22:50 – Final thoughts and core valuesLaura Jones:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-jones-8a609057?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Br07rUGrwTZuZAOWpFbubLg%3D%3DDSG:🌐 https://dsgfs.com/connected/🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dsg-finance-group🚀 For more from The Compliance Guys & compliance insights:🔗 https://linktr.ee/TheComplianceGuys#motortrade #automotive #howitis #podcast #carsales #carfinance #vehiclefinancing

    24 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    She Said NO. How DSG Transformed Finance for Independent Dealers - Laura jones

    When DSG approached Laura Jones to lead a bold new division focused on independent dealers, her answer was simple: "No." But what followed was a total game-changer for car finance. In this episode of How It Is, Laura reveals how she went from a reluctant leader to becoming a part of building DSG Connected, a powerhouse division that reshaped how independent car dealers access finance and handle compliance.We dig deep into Laura’s motor trade journey, the dramatic difference between franchise and independent dealerships, and why traditional car finance was failing the industry. She opens up on leadership struggles, building a high-performing team, and how DSG now leads with compliance-first thinking to support over 300 deals a month.If you’re in the motor trade, work with car finance, or care about FCA regulations, this one’s unmissable.🔍 What You’ll Learn:Why Laura originally turned DSG Connected downThe major differences between franchise vs independent dealersHow traditional finance models let independents downDSG’s innovative “total takeover” service for non-prime customersThe role of leadership, emotion & culture in automotive teams00:00 – Chaos at the Dealership01:00 – Meet Laura Jones from DSG02:15 – How DSG Connected Was Born03:30 – Franchise vs. Independent Dealers05:00 – What DSG Really Stands For06:15 – The Reality of Leadership08:00 – Mental Health & Talking It Out10:15 – Building Culture at DSG12:00 – Compliance in the Real World14:30 – Traditional Finance Is Failing Dealers17:00 – Why Test Drives Are Broken20:30 – Automating Finance for Speed and Accuracy23:30 – Commission vs. Acceptance: What Really Matters26:00 – The Future of Non-Prime Lending28:20 – Closing Thoughts & What’s Next🎧 Listen & Subscribe:👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-isLaura Jones:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-jones-8a609057?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Br07rUGrwTZuZAOWpFbubLg%3D%3DDSG:🌐 https://dsgfs.com/connected/🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dsg-finance-group🚀 More from The Compliance Guys:🔗 https://linktr.ee/TheComplianceGuys👍 Like what you heard? Subscribe and share this with someone in the motor trade, finance, or compliance.#motortrade #carfinance #cardealership #automotive

    29 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    Are Schools Failing Our Kids? 2B Enterprising on Real-Life Skills & The Future of Education

    Are Schools Failing Our Kids? In this episode of How It Is, we sit down with Jayne Brewer from 2B Enterprising to ask the big question: Is the education system preparing children for life or just for exams?2B Enterprising is working directly with schools to enhance the academic journey by delivering real-life skills that often get left out of the curriculum. They understand that schools only have so much time in the day, so they’re helping fill the gaps with practical learning that prepares children for the real world.From resilience and emotional intelligence to financial literacy and enterprise education, Jayne shares how their Adventures in Honeywood program is helping young learners gain the confidence, creativity, and skills to thrive, not just academically, but in life.If you're a parent, teacher, business leader, or anyone who cares about the future of education, this is a must-listen episode.We explore how teaching real-world skills like communication, confidence, and problem-solving, from as early as five or six years old, can transform the classroom. Jayne also breaks down why traditional systems aren’t keeping up with the needs of today’s students, and how 2B Enterprising is helping schools embed enterprise and personal development into their curriculum through Adventures in Honeywood.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Why emotional intelligence and resilience need to be taught young- How enterprise skills help kids far beyond business- The importance of financial literacy for children and parents- Why some teachers are leaving the profession—and what can change- How 2B Enterprising is supporting schools across Wales, England & beyond- What AI could mean for future classrooms- How businesses can meaningfully support educationGive back to the community and support a school:https://www.2benterprising.co.uk/businesses/00:00 – Welcome Back & Guest Intro03:53 – Starting with To 2B Enterprising05:32 – Why Emotional Intelligence & Resilience Matter07:15 – The Financial Literacy Gap in Schools09:06 – Is the Education System Failing Our Kids?11:00 – Curriculum Differences: Wales vs. England13:17 – Are We Preparing Kids for Real Life?15:40 – The Power of Role Models & Early Development21:00 – AI in Education: Opportunity or Threat?25:29 – Fixing Education: 3 Key ChangesBumbles of Honeywood:https://www.2benterprising.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/2benterprising/Jayne:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynebrewer?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BQagqHPP6QK6ZRqn0R2rxSA%3D%3D🎧 Listen & Subscribe👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W?si=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-is🚀 For more from The Compliance Guys & exclusive compliance insights:🔗 linktr.ee/TheComplianceGuysTopics Covered:-UK school partnerships-Community and charity support

    29 min

  7. 07/07/2025

    Building Young Entrepreneurs: 2B Enterprising’s Mission in UK Schools

    2B Enterprising is on a mission to build the next generation of entrepreneurs starting in primary school. In this episode of How It Is, we sit down with Jane, one of the powerhouses behind Bumbles The Adventures in Honeywood, to explore how enterprise can be introduced into the curriculum in education, transforming classrooms across the UK. From teaching 6-year-olds confidence and communication to showing them how to think like business leaders, Jane’s work is closing real gaps in our education system with proven impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - How 2B Enterprising is reshaping primary education in the UK - Why teaching enterprise skills early makes a lasting impact - Jane’s journey from speed dating startup to national school programs - What Adventures in Honeywood teaches kids about business - The power of confidence, resilience, and communication at any age - How real business partners are backing classroom transformation - Why traditional education doesn’t fit every child and what’s changing - Jane’s experience leading a startup while raising two young children The entrepreneurial advice every parent and teacher should hear00:00 – The Power of Enterprise in Education 01:04 – From Academic Path to Business Planning 03:00 – Writing Plans for Unusual Startups 05:07 – Launching Swansea’s First Speed Dating Company 07:37 – Finding a Niche: From Side Hustle to Impact 09:04 – Building The Compliance Guys & Business from Adversity 11:43 – Taking Risks and Redefining Career Paths 13:05 – Challenging the University-Only Mindset 16:05 – Scaling Be Enterprising and Partnering with Businesses 29:00 – Future Plans: Animation and Expanding Impact If you're a business passionate about inspiring the next generation or just love a good entrepreneurial story hit play, subscribe, and consider sponsoring a school near you! Let’s build the future, one bold young mind at a time. Bumbles of Honeywood: https://www.2benterprising.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/2benterprising/ Give back to the community and support a school: https://www.2benterprising.co.uk/businesses/ Jayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynebrewer?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BQagqHPP6QK6ZRqn0R2rxSA%3D%3D 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W?si=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566 🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-is 🚀 For more from The Compliance Guys & exclusive compliance insights:🔗 linktr.ee/TheComplianceGuys

    32 min

  8. 06/23/2025

    Trust Is the Best Marketing Strategy. But Will AI Kill the Agencies? - Jon Wilson

    Trust is the best marketing strategy. In this powerful episode of How It Is, we explore why trust has become the single most important factor in marketing and how consumers are now more likely to believe a TikTok creator than a traditional ad. As AI rapidly reshapes how products are found, recommended, and sold, we ask: are agencies still needed or is trust the only thing that can’t be automated?If you're in marketing, finance, or the motor trade, this is the ultimate reality check for how fast things are shifting and how you can stay ahead without losing what matters most: human connection. What You’ll Learn:- Why trust, not tech, is what makes people buy- How AI and ChatGPT are changing how consumers search and shop- Why polished ads are out, and real, raw content wins- How word of mouth and influencer trust outperform paid media- The future of agencies in a world of automation and instant search- Why personal branding for your team is a marketing superpower- What authenticity looks like in the age of TikTok, Google Ads, and AI- How founders are using AI to scale without losing their human edge- Real stories on balance, burnout, and finding purpose in the hustleChapters:00:00 – The Power of Trust in Modern Marketing03:01 – Social Media and Influencer Impact05:21 – Content That Converts: Simplicity Wins06:32 – Emotional vs. Rational Marketing07:23 – The Google Ads Shift and Search Decline09:17 – AI and the Future of Shopping12:29 – Embracing AI in Business Operations17:20 – Personal Growth and Business Balance21:03 – Partnerships, Sacrifice, and Long-Term Vision23:02 – The Future of Personal Branding🎧 Listen & Subscribe:👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14YEU0UkAOGpdWbazdZ19W?si=QFJhoDO2Q7CrcYDHiMaMEA🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6rha39hiiHtbGoHVFnTGA🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-it-is/id1783785566🎞 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/e12b1c97-e5d0-4d11-8fcd-ca31a0ea12a1/how-it-isJohn Wilson / Social Tap:https://www.social-tap.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwwilson?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BSzdCObpqQ1yHrgfX%2FXSuSg%3D%3D🚀 For more from The Compliance Guys & weekly compliance insights:🔗 https://linktr.ee/TheComplianceGuys👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone in automotive sales or marketing looking to scale smart in 2025.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Music from Tunetank.comRocknStock - Power (Copyright Free Music)Download free: https://tunetank.com/t/2iqo/1458-power----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    35 min
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About

Welcome to the How It Is Podcast, where we tell you how it is! Dive into the realities of building a business, navigating the auto finance industry, and mastering compliance. We share unfiltered conversations about the highs, the lows, and everything in between—offering insights, tips, and stories from the front lines. Whether you're a business owner, a professional in motor finance, or simply curious about the challenges of a highly regulated industry, this podcast gives you the real deal. No fluff, no filters—just how it is.

Information

  • Creator
    The Compliance Guys
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Compliance Guys
  • Show Website
    How It Is