The Business Takeaway Podcast, Leadership & Business Advice

Ben Payne | Leadership Skills & Business Mentor
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Everyone talks about success. This podcast breaks down what it actually takes. From sales to leadership to the moments in business where things nearly fall apart—each episode pulls out the real lessons from people doing the work. It gives you true "Business Takeaways" that you can translate to your daily life. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just honest takeaways you can use. If you want to think sharper, act faster, and avoid the mistakes most people make—this is for you. Follow now and don’t miss the next one.

  1. Why Employees Stop Telling Leaders The Truth - Ep 23 Erin Teter, CEO Teter People Consulting

    22h ago

    Why Employees Stop Telling Leaders The Truth - Ep 23 Erin Teter, CEO Teter People Consulting

    In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Erin Teter, a seasoned fractional CHRO, shares invaluable insights on how HR can be a strategic partner in scaling and managing modern businesses, guiding and helping leadership especially in the era of remote work and rapid growth. Her experience across private equity, tech, and startups offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of HR's role beyond compliance to true business impact. Key topics:How HR is often misunderstood as merely enforcement, versus a strategic growth partnerRecognizing early signs when HR or management cracks begin to form during scalingThe importance of proactive talent management, including behavioral interviewing and scorecardsManaging HR challenges unique to smaller vs. larger organizationsThe impact of remote and hybrid work on internal communications and cultureThe evolving role of AI in HR processes and decision-makingPractical steps for founders and leaders to address urgent people issuesCultivating a purpose-driven workforce without necessarily promoting everyone into management roles Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Erin Teter and her HR journey 02:20 - Common misconceptions about HR roles in business 04:15 - Strategic HR and its influence on business growth 06:42 - Signs of HR and management issues during rapid scaling 08:54 - The significance of internal communication and culture 11:00 - When and how HR policies should be implemented in small startups 13:37 - Structuring compensation and compliance considerations at scale 15:50 - Management cracks that appear as businesses grow 17:23 - Handling career plateauing and strengths-based development 20:07 - The biggest hiring mistakes in today’s competitive environment 22:40 - Using behavioral questions and scorecards effectively 25:21 - Managing wrong hires and quick termination strategies 28:35 - Hiring differences in private equity-backed versus small startups 32:33 - The changing landscape of job loyalty and retention 35:45 - Providing growth and challenge in startup environments 38:02 - HR’s role in remote and hybrid team management 41:23 - Building emotional connections in dispersed teams 44:51 - Recognizing and acting on HR blind spots 47:17 - HR’s balancing act: protecting the business vs. supporting employees 50:12 - The influence of AI on HR functions and decision-making 54:45 - Initial steps for founders facing big people challenges 58:28 - Erin's one golden rule for business success: perseverance and resilience Connect with Erin Teter:LinkedInCompany Website This episode provides a compelling look at why HR is a pivotal element not just for compliance, but for defining company culture, scaling successfully, and building resilient teams in the modern era. Whether you're in small startups or large scale-ups, Erin’s insights challenge traditional views and equip leaders to think differently about their people strategies.

    1h 12m
  2. They Didn’t Win for 108 Years… Then Everything Changed - Ep 22 Joshua Lifrak, Mental Performance Coach,

    Jun 2

    They Didn’t Win for 108 Years… Then Everything Changed - Ep 22 Joshua Lifrak, Mental Performance Coach,

    In this episode, we explore how principles from professional sports, especially baseball, can transform business culture and individual mindset. Joshua Lifrak shares insights from his decades of experience in sport psychology, illustrating how mental resilience, defining organisational identity, strong leadership skills, leadership development and daily habits can lead to consistent success. Key Topics:The evolution of mental skills training in sports over the past 20 yearsHow defining organisational identity (like "champion first") shapes team cultureThe importance of relationship-building before implementing changePractical strategies for resetting mindset after setbacks (“Miles Zero”)The six-step daily process to build resilience and focusThe power of marginal gains—small, consistent improvementsTranslating athletic mental training to corporate performanceHow high-pressure environments foster key traits like belief, determination, and positivityThe value of over-communication and role clarity in team performanceTechniques for managing emotions and maintaining consistency in challenging days Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing lessons from baseball to business leadership 02:17 - How sports psychology evolved over the last 20 years 03:58 - From sociology degree to mental training in sports 06:45 - Building relationships before implementing mental skills 09:25 - Defining your organization’s or team’s identity 12:05 - The opportunity of the World Series and human development 14:50 - Handling setbacks and maintaining resilience in sports 15:53 - Using "Mile Zero" to reset daily performance 18:38 - Belief and determination as key factors for winning teams 20:48 - Celebrating success and managing victory momentum 24:08 - Overcoming a curse: the mythical story of the Chicago Cubs 25:18 - Differences and similarities across sports cultures 28:05 - Applying sports resilience to business environments 29:50 - Six steps to resilience and thriving in chaos 33:30 - COVID as an accelerant for personal growth practices 37:46 - Marginal gains and continuous improvement strategies 41:36 - Critical elements for cultivating high-performance teams 43:33 - Clarity as a cornerstone of effective teamwork 44:17 - Managing emotional setbacks: stepping away and resetting 48:19 - Starting small: the power of setting daily intentions 49:33 - What does “Win Today” really mean? 53:12 - The mindset shift for meaningful, quick transformations 54:17 - How the podcast and book connect to everyday life Resources & Links:Win Today by Joshua Lifrak — Available at Waterstones and other retailersJoshua Lifrak - Official Website Connect with Joshua Lifrak:LinkedIn

    58 min
  3. Building a Business Where People Actually Want to Work - Ep 21 Matt Turner, Founder Clownfish Events

    May 26

    Building a Business Where People Actually Want to Work - Ep 21 Matt Turner, Founder Clownfish Events

    In this episode, Matt Turner shares his candid journey from founding Clownfish Events to discovering new ways to lead and develop organisational culture. His insights highlight the importance of authentic leadership, self-awareness, and creating workplaces that foster joy, growth, and purpose. Whether you're scaling a team or contemplating your next move, Matt’s lessons underscore the power of intentional culture in business success. These are the leadership skills and business advice for anyone. Main Topics:The evolution of company culture from founder to growth phaseHow self-awareness influences leadership and decision-makingPractical approaches for cultivating joy and engagement in teamsThe challenge of maintaining culture during rapid expansionLessons learned about sharing the journey and seeking external help Key Insights:Culture is a reflection of leadership; intentionality shapes the environment.Self-awareness is a core leadership skill and catalyst for personal growth.Building culture involves fun, recognizing achievements, and fostering a sense of purpose.Scaling requires adapting culture practices to larger, more diverse teams.Transparency and vulnerability can motivate teams and foster trust.External mentorship and consultancy were transformative for Matt’s growth.Balance between ambition and well-being is crucial for sustainable leadership.Leadership challenge isn’t just about business metrics but standing firm during adversity. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:29 - Importance of subscriptions and reviews for growth 00:53 - Matt’s initial insights on leadership and culture 01:05 - Reflecting on Matt’s background and journey from DJ to entrepreneur 01:48 - Milestones of Clownfish Events’ growth and accolades 02:14 - The decision to leave and reassess life post-business 03:22 - The role of self-awareness and therapy in Matt’s transition 04:00 - Managing culture while scaling from 27 to 50+ staff 05:50 - Recognizing personal limits and evolving leadership style 06:46 - Building a company culture rooted in fun, purpose, and joy 07:35 - The importance of authenticity versus planned culture initiatives 08:54 - Journaling and self-reflection as tools for leadership clarity 09:53 - The pressure of scaling and radiation of founder’s identity 11:16 - Robbie Williams' "Better Man" philosophy and frozen leadership at 18 12:37 - Maturing as a leader and adjusting organizational expectations 14:47 - Defining Matt’s culture and how it influences Clownfish 15:41 - Culture measured by behavior when leaders are absent 16:08 - Balancing profit with a positive workplace environment 17:07 - The industry's demanding nature and the need for joy in work 18:33 - Creating memories and meaningful experiences through events 19:43 - The importance of fun as a core cultural pillar 20:07 - Authenticity from early days shaping a positive culture 21:27 - How external companies, like Octopus Energy, exemplify strong cultures 22:22 - Hiring, molds, and the natural development of a positive team environment 23:43 - Recognizing when culture isn’t working and adjusting dynamically 25:57 - Achieving industry recognition for innovation and culture 27:10 - Scaling culture in larger organizations – challenges and opportunities 30:02 - The critical role of leadership alignment in large companies 31:30 - Strategies for fostering connectedness in big organizations 33:52 - Humans’ tribal nature and the importance of shared purpose 36:44 - Success stories of companies that prioritize culture intentionally 37:34 - Building culture through thoughtful hiring and engagement practices 41:39 - The ongoing evolution of organizational culture, especially post-pandemic 43:16 - Lessons from life’s hardships and maintaining authenticity 46:15 - Growing a business into maturity and adapting to life stages 48:18 - How team members grow and leave a lasting legacy 50:03 - Reflections on sharing the journey openly and embracing external expertise 54:03 - Core leadership lesson: resilience during challenge and controversy 55:44 - The importance of sticking through tough times for growth 58:44 - The balance of innovation versus continuous improvement 59:35 - Challenging the status quo as a growth imperative 60:08 - Matt’s favorite personal refreshment: Coke Zero with lemon 60:23 - Final thoughts and gratitude Resources & Links:Clownfish EventsMatt Turner Website Subscribe to Matt's YouTube: youtube.com/@MattClownfish?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Matt on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/matt-turner-b5754330

    1h 1m
  4. The Barber Who’s Saving Lives One Conversation at a Time - Ep 20 Tom Chapman, MD Hear to Talk Training

    May 19

    The Barber Who’s Saving Lives One Conversation at a Time - Ep 20 Tom Chapman, MD Hear to Talk Training

    In this episode, Tom Chapman shares his inspiring journey from a hairdresser to mental health advocate, highlighting how everyday conversations—especially in workplaces—can significantly impact mental well-being. Discover practical insights into fostering supportive environments, recognising early signs of struggle, and breaking down the stigma around mental health. This isn't about business strategy. This is about something that we should all be doing especially in the work place as part of the leadership of our businesses. Tom’s personal story of loss and turning it into action through the Lions Barber CollectiveThe unique position of barbers and hairdressers as trusted social "confidants"The importance of early intervention and destigmatising mental health conversationsCreating practical, non-clinical training programs for frontline community workersThe value of informal settings like barbershops for men to open upThe challenges and opportunities of workplace mental health initiativesThe impact of cultural norms and societal perceptions on men's mental healthHow leadership visibility and storytelling can change organisational cultureThe significance of human touch and face-to-face interaction in mental wellnessPractical advice for listeners on how to approach conversations about mental healthBusiness advice how you can implement good work place practice 00:00 - Introduction: Tom Chapman’s journey from barbering to mental health advocate 02:20 - The moment that changed everything: learning about suicide and its ripple effects 05:07 - Founding Lions Barber Collective and the power of community connections 08:27 - Designing simple, impactful mental health training programs for diverse industries 11:09 - The unique conversational space of barbershops and their significance for men 13:05 - The importance of early intervention and how to recognize signs of struggle 15:28 - Moving beyond traditional mental health support: alternative approaches and communities 17:36 - The challenge of stigma and cultural barriers around men's mental health 19:52 - The role of leadership and storytelling in shifting mental health perceptions 22:08 - Societal changes influencing mental health issues, loneliness, and the value of human connection 25:40 - The importance of physical touch and face-to-face interactions in a digital age 28:30 - How workplace environments can better foster open conversations and early support 36:26 - The impact of organizational culture and leadership in mental health initiatives 38:43 - Effectiveness of peer conversations vs formal support structures 40:38 - The reality of corporate mental health programs and unlocking true engagement 44:48 - Culture and societal norms: the influence of different global perspectives 46:43 - Practical tips for organizations to initiate meaningful mental health conversations 50:01 - Personal resilience: the significance of vulnerability, honesty, and community support 54:38 - The importance of perseverance and hope in mental health recovery 56:08 - Taking action one day at a time: maintaining resilience amid challenges 58:52 - Light-hearted closing: Tom’s favorite places and simple joys amidst life's struggles Resources & Links: Hub of Hope - Mental Health Support DirectoryMyPickle.org - Community & Support ResourcesTom Chapman - Lions Barber CollectiveHere to talk TrainingThe Five Steps to Wellbeing

    1h 4m
  5. Why Business Founders Hit the Scaling Ceiling — A COO's Fix | Episode 19 Derek Fredrickson - Founder & CEO, The COO Solution

    May 12

    Why Business Founders Hit the Scaling Ceiling — A COO's Fix | Episode 19 Derek Fredrickson - Founder & CEO, The COO Solution

    In this episode, Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The CEO Solution, dives deep into the strategic role of fractional CEOs and COOs during scaling. Discover what traits to look for in leadership teams, how to overcome common scaling pitfalls, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable growth. Derek provides true day to day Business advice, and the leadership challenges that go with that. Main topics:The strategic function of fractional CEOs and COOs in scaling companies.Key traits and profiles of effective founders and operators.Overcoming resistance to change and implementing accountability structures.The importance of KPIs, metrics, and data-driven decision-making.How to transition from founder-led to team-led operational models.Recognising the signs of burnout and safeguarding leadership resilience. In this episode:Derek shares his journey from operator to fractional CEO provider, helping companies reach multiple seven and eight figures.The significance of understanding and defining a company's North Star and growth objectives.Practical insights on assessing and realigning the leadership team for accountability.Strategies to shift leaders' mindsets from doing to leading and delegating.The common bottlenecks at different growth stages, especially past 10-20 million in revenue.Tips on fostering a culture of ownership and trust through KPIs and structured meetings.The mental models of risk-taking, stability, and the delicate balance of scaling.The vital role of financial literacy and opening financial data for strategic clarity.Practical frameworks for leadership, team, and operational alignment. Timestamps:00:00 - The role of fractional CEOs and COOs in scaling companies 02:12 - What to look for day one as a fractional CEO 03:38 - Defining the North Star and growth objectives 04:50 - Uncovering underlying business issues and resistance points 05:47 - Assessing founder involvement and operational gaps 06:50 - Common traits of high-growth entrepreneurs 07:13 - The differences between entrepreneurs and operational leaders 08:03 - Transforming founder mindset from doer to strategist 09:24 - Signs that the CEO is the bottleneck 10:49 - Profile of effective COO traits 11:30 - The yin and yang of CEO and COO profiles 12:27 - Risk appetite versus stabilization in leadership 13:25 - Cultivating execution without babysitting 14:50 - Building structured systems and SOPs for scaling 15:41 - Overcoming founders’ resistance to process change 17:00 - When full-time leadership replaces fractional support 18:30 - Success metrics for scaling and operational efficiency 19:30 - The importance of team buy-in during transformation 20:32 - How leadership teams benefit from accountability and KPIs 22:48 - Implementing effective team accountability frameworks 25:55 - Striking the right balance with KPIs and metrics 26:34 - The "smoke signals" that indicate health of the business 28:35 - The critical KPIs for CEO overview and departmental health 30:56 - Why financial literacy is pivotal for visionary CEOs 32:14 - Transitioning from doer to leader: mindset shifts 34:30 - Common pitfalls in switching from founder-led to team-led models 38:16 - Where the biggest scaling obstacles appear 39:08 - The right scale for fractional versus full-time operational support 41:16 - Recognizing when growth is not feasible 43:47 - One key focus area on day one for new clients 44:47 - Embracing accountability and process in leadership culture 48:48 - Opening financial data to empower leaders 52:37 - The paradox of CEO autonomy versus strategic oversight 56:25 - The value of adding a COO or fractional leader in alleviating burnout 58:02 - The indirect benefits of scaling: reclaiming time and reducing stress 59:30 - A quick look at Derek’s favorite tools and tips 59:37 - Rapid fire: Resources & Links:The CEO SolutionDerek Fredrickson - LinkedIn

    1h 1m
  6. Leadership After Burnout | Starting Consulting Without the Corporate Chaos - Ep 18, Brad Nelms, Founder TekX

    May 5

    Leadership After Burnout | Starting Consulting Without the Corporate Chaos - Ep 18, Brad Nelms, Founder TekX

    In this episode, Brad Nelms, founder of TekX, shares his journey from a 20-year career in entertainment behind the scenes to launching his own consulting business. He discusses the real challenges and lessons learned along the way, including managing business operations, leadership challenges, adapting to industry shifts post-Covid, start up sales and leveraging technology like AI. Main Topics Covered:Brad’s background in the entertainment industry and decision to start his own consulting firmThe importance of infrastructure setup and setting realistic expectations for growthNavigating financial and legal complexities as a solo entrepreneurThe impacts of Covid-19 on supply, demand, and industry practicesLessons learned from past corporate roles applied to his new businessThe role of AI and technology tools in small business operationsManaging burnout and understanding the importance of work-life balanceBuilding reputation and trust through consistent customer relationshipsScaling challenges and strategic decisions on choosing software solutionsBrad's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and maintaining a positive mindset Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Brad's background in entertainment and consulting 02:04 - What motivated Brad to become an entrepreneur 03:26 - Managing family life and transitioning from burnout 04:49 - Brad’s business model and his vision for flexibility 06:07 - Lessons from corporate roles about processes and infrastructure 07:01 - Challenges with payment processors and legal considerations 09:05 - Balancing work hours and discovering ADHD impacts 10:16 - How ADHD awareness has influenced Brad’s business practices 13:09 - The post-Covid challenges in entertainment and supply chain delays 14:59 - How industry shifts have affected supply and demand cycles 17:35 - Brad’s reflections on business success and revenue fluctuations 18:49 - Economic uncertainties and planning for volatility 23:36 - The impact of global crises on industry and personal safety 23:53 - Brad’s perspective on technology, AI, and data analysis 25:46 - The importance of scalable software solutions 36:39 - Advice on selecting the right tools for growth 40:16 - Mistakes Brad would avoid if starting over 42:21 - The effects of self-employment on quality of life 44:41 - Managing stress and the importance of support systems 45:00 - Brad’s advice for new business owners 47:25 - The value of reputation and networking 49:16 - The art of listening to customers and solving real problems 50:28 - Brad’s vision of success in five years 52:22 - Recognizing burnout and the importance of self-awareness 53:45 - Brad’s golden rule for success: reputation and time management 55:09 - Rapid-fire questions: preferences on tech, travel, lifestyle, and more Resources & Links:TechX Consulting

    58 min
  7. How to Scale a Business to 100 Staff (Without Losing Control) - Episode 17, Sam Tamplin MD, TSL

    Apr 28

    How to Scale a Business to 100 Staff (Without Losing Control) - Episode 17, Sam Tamplin MD, TSL

    Building a Lighting Business: 20 Years of Growth, Ceo insights, Leadership Skills, and business culture with Sam Tamplin In this episode, Sam Tamplin shares insights from building TSL from a small lighting rental start-up to a nearly 100-employee company with international ambitions. Discover how strategic focus, investing in people and systems, and fostering a strong culture have driven his success over two decades. Key topics:Sam's journey from van-based lighting to a global rental businessThe importance of consistency and focus in business growthThe role of reinvestment and the economic flywheel modelHow leadership and management style evolve with company sizeStrategic decisions around technology, systems, and scaling operationsBuilding a company culture based on character and valuesLessons learned from rapid growth, contractions, and industry challengesPlanning for the next decade: consolidation, international expansion, and innovationPractical tips for onboarding, risk management, and financial disciplinePersonal leadership principles: treating others well and long-term thinking Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 02:00 - Sam's background and early career influences 05:20 - The importance of focus and specialization in long-term success 08:00 - The evolution of TSL and growth milestones 12:00 - Recognising the "business moment" and scaling challenges 16:00 - Delegation and offloading roles in a growing business 20:00 - Leadership changes as team size expands 25:00 - Financial discipline and reinvestment strategies 30:00 - Building systems: software, risk management, and operational tech 35:00 - Recruiting, culture, and managing people effectively 40:00 - Defining company values and embedding them into culture 45:00 - The impact of rebranding and visual identity evolution 50:00 - Balancing growth ambitions with consolidation and risk 55:00 - Industry challenges, learning from past projects, and strategic flexibility 60:00 - Planning for future growth: international markets and digital innovation 65:00 - Leadership lessons: managing scale, culture, and the importance of character 70:00 - Sam's personal golden rule and leadership philosophy 75:00 - Rapid fire: favourite tools, habits, and personal preferences 80:00 - Closing remarks and key takeaways Resources & Links:TSL WebsiteJeff Bezos Flywheel Model This episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and industry professionals aiming to scale sustainably and cultivate a strong company culture.

    1h 14m
  8. The Leadership Challenges You Only Learn Under Pressure - Episode 16 Mark Andrew Fire Fighter

    Apr 21

    The Leadership Challenges You Only Learn Under Pressure - Episode 16 Mark Andrew Fire Fighter

    Explore the unique insights from a retired firefighter and paramedic on leadership skills, decision-making, and team trust under extreme stress. Discover how core principles from emergency service leadership translate into effective business advice. In this episode:Mark shares his journey from firefighting to writing a leadership book, highlighting the transferable lessons between fire service and business.The importance of day-to-day leadership and visibility within the team for effective crisis response.How making quick decisions in high-stakes situations reveals a person’s character, and developing trust within teams.Practical strategies for building muscle memory and routines that enable teams to perform confidently in unpredictable scenarios.The role of humility, admitting mistakes, and continuous improvement with after-action reviews—a mindset equally vital in business.How emotional intelligence, especially caring for team members, boosts morale and long-term growth.Trust-building practices, avoiding micromanagement, and empowering team members for scalable leadership.Methods to support mental health and prevent burnout in high-pressure roles through peer support programs.Essential qualities to identify future leaders and the importance of valuing diverse leadership styles. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Leadership lessons from fire service applicable to business 01:00 - Mark’s background in firefighting and writing "Leading Through the Heat" 03:37 - The significance of day-to-day leadership presence in emergency response 04:53 - Recognizing good and poor leadership traits early in a fire career 07:11 - How pressure reveals character: decision-making under heat 08:35 - Building team trust and decentralizing decision-making in crises 10:05 - Practicing skills and building muscle memory for unpredictable scenarios 12:33 - Lessons from after-action reviews: continuous learning and growth 15:50 - Maintaining trust in high-stakes environments: avoiding micromanagement 17:56 - How trust impacts team resilience and development 20:02 - Navigating command transitions and respecting hierarchy on scene 22:55 - Learning from leadership mistakes during critical incidents 25:56 - Managing egos and social dynamics during emergency responses 27:00 - Supporting mental health and de-escalation in trauma-heavy roles 31:25 - Identifying and nurturing future leaders in high-pressure teams 35:01 - Compassion in leadership: caring vs. weakness perception 38:38 - Promoting people by merit, not just ambition 41:36 - Lessons for business leaders about authenticity, care, and continuous learning 45:07 - Supporting mental health: peer support models and recognizing stress signs 46:09 - Advice to young Mark: delegation and trusting your team 50:04 - A leadership “golden rule”: care about your people and treat them well Resources & Links:Leading Through the Heat by Mark AndrewInstagram Note:Practical leadership strategies from high-stress environments like fire services are highly applicable across industries. Use these insights to foster trust, decision-making agility, and mental resilience within your teams.

    54 min
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Everyone talks about success. This podcast breaks down what it actually takes. From sales to leadership to the moments in business where things nearly fall apart—each episode pulls out the real lessons from people doing the work. It gives you true "Business Takeaways" that you can translate to your daily life. No fluff. No recycled advice. Just honest takeaways you can use. If you want to think sharper, act faster, and avoid the mistakes most people make—this is for you. Follow now and don’t miss the next one.

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