Ambitious Minds

Jay Lawrence
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Ambitious Minds

The Podcast for Fellow Ambitious Minds! Welcome to Ambitious Minds, where Jay uncovers the inspiring stories of relatable, ambitious individuals who are all looking to leave a mark in their industry - whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching startups, or reinventing their careers. Each episode covers key topics such as career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming impostor syndrome, networking, personal branding, business strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success. Expect raw, relatable insights from rising stars and industry disruptors who are turning their passion into progress. If you're an ambitious mind looking for career advice, business inspiration, or motivation to take the next step, I hope this show brings you some inspiration and relatability, and helps you see yourself in aspects of these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2D AGO

    #54 – EXPLAINED: Gary Stevenson vs Daniel Priestley on Diary of a CEO | Breaking Down Wealth Inequality

    In this episode, I’m joined by fellow finance professional Scott Foley to discuss the viral debate between Daniel Priestley and Gary Stevenson on The Diary of a CEO. With wealth inequality at the forefront of global discourse, is a wealth tax really practical? We unpack and explain their clashing views on economic freedom, taxation, and government policy. We explore the most controversial solutions to narrowing the wealth gap and discuss some bold ideas such as a 100% inheritance tax, a land value tax, and taxing unrealised gains, We also look at the impact of AI, globalisation, and property prices on the economic landscape—and what it all means for the future of wealth creation and distribution. 00:03 Debate Breakdown: Daniel Priestley vs. Gary Stevenson 01:39 Key Points of Agreement and Disagreement 04:05 Economic Freedom and Entrepreneurship 04:29 Wealth Inequality and Taxation 11:00 Global Economic Policies and Their Impact 17:05 Profit Shifting and Consumption Tax 32:07 Inheritance Tax and Wealth Distribution 35:46 Unlocking Unrealised Gains 36:34 100% Inheritance Tax and Its Implications 38:39 Property Prices and Housing Crisis 42:30 Why Gary is Wrong about the History of Property Ownership 44:05 The Truth About the UK Under High Taxation 49:41 Land Value Tax as a Solution 01:00:58 Quantitative Easing and Inequality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m

  2. MAR 21

    #53 - How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Using AI to Scale Faster!

    Is AI Going to Disrupt Your Job or Help You Scale Your Business Faster? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Phil Chell, founder and CEO of Hera Waterproofing and Chiron AI, to talk all things AI, entrepreneurship, business growth, and how tech is reshaping the way we build successful companies. Phil shares what it really takes to build a profitable business in a saturated market. We explore how AI is helping founders reduce startup costs, streamline operations, and scale faster than ever. He breaks down the importance of cash flow management, how to land your first customer, and the value of leveraging your network to grow. We also get into the personal side of entrepreneurship - dealing with stress, maintaining work-life balance, and learn what Phil risked to go from corporate life to the freedom of building something of his own. 00:00 Trailer 01:05 Freedom and Loneliness in Business 03:43 The Catalyst for Change: Leaving the Corporate World 05:17 Starting a New Business 08:56 Innovative Approaches in the Construction Industry 12:04 Integrating AI: Transforming Business Operations 21:38 Financial Literacy and Business Planning 25:28 Cash Flow Management: Why Cash Is King 32:44 Defining Success in Business 33:47 Investment and Growth 36:46 Valuing a Tech Business 37:54 Hiring and Company Culture 40:47 Personal Reflections on Success 46:38 Managing Work-Life Balance 52:41 Ambition and Mentorship 01:02:39 Final Thoughts and Advice Discover Phil LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philchell Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

  3. MAR 14

    #52 - How to KEEP More of Your Money - Smart Financial Moves for Millennials with Lawrence Bearman

    Are you earning more but still feeling like you don't have any extra income in your bank account each month? We often assume that a bigger pay check guarantees financial security, but without the right strategy, lifestyle inflation, tax inefficiencies, and poor financial planning can quietly erode wealth. This week, I'm joined by Lawrence Bearman, a financial advisor specialising in helping high-income Millennials keep more of their hard earned cash. We discuss how to manage wealth, optimise tax efficiency, and avoid the common money pitfalls high earners face. Expect to learn: 02:03 Lifestyle Inflation: The Hidden Trap 03:15 Understanding Expenditure 04:42 The DIY Investor Dilemma 06:14 The Value of Financial Advice 13:29 Common Financial Challenges for High Earners 15:51 Tax Efficiency Strategies 18:57 Property Investment vs. Renting 23:05 The Emotional Side of Financial Planning 30:16 Finding Financial Balance 31:35 Avoiding Lifestyle Creep 33:39 End of Tax Year Planning 34:44 Understanding Pensions 39:41 Lawrence's Best Investment 45:26 Social Media for Financial Advice 49:59 The Role of AI in Financial Planning 55:04 Summary of Financial Tips Discover Lawrence LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-bearman Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast NOTE: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or tax advice. Any opinions expressed are those of the guest and host and do not constitute recommendations for specific financial decisions. You should always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment, tax, or financial planning decisions. Investments can rise and fall in value, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  4. MAR 7

    #51 – Is the Corporate Career Dream Over? What Graduates Should Do Now with Peter Wood (The Graduate Guide)

    This week, I sit down with Peter Wood, co-founder of The Graduate Guide, to discuss the biggest challenges facing university graduates in today’s job market. With AI, automation, economic downturns, and the decline of traditional corporate careers, graduates are questioning whether a 9-to-5 job is still the best path. We explore why the graduate job market is so challenging, how to stand out in a competitive job market, the importance of personal branding on LinkedIn, and how to leverage social media for career success. Peter also shares his journey from history student to startup founder, offering insights on networking, breaking free from societal career norms, and finding opportunities beyond traditional corporate jobs. If you're a student, recent graduate, or considering a career change, this episode will give you practical strategies to future-proof your career, land better job opportunities, and navigate today’s evolving job market. 00:00 Trailer 01:08 Challenges Facing Graduates 02:03 Navigating the Job Market 03:48 The Graduate Guide Mission 05:12 Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Paths 08:04 Advice for Non-Traditional Career Paths 09:10 Building a Personal Brand 21:26 The Role of AI in Recruitment 35:56 The Power of Personal Branding 38:41 Building Your LinkedIn Presence 41:50 Balancing Career and Personal Life 45:47 Overcoming Social Pressure and Cringe 56:14 The Journey of Building a Business 01:00:20 Joining the Entrepreneurial Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m

  5. FEB 22

    #50 – How Launching a Podcast Taught Me to Think Like an Entrepreneur

    In this 50th episode milestone, I’m pulling back the curtain on what I’ve learned from the last 12 months launching and growing this podcast - and how these lessons apply to starting any business. From dealing with imposter syndrome to experiencing the benefits of consistency and building a personal brand. I’ll also share the costs of podcasting, why networking is a superpower, and the real struggle of staying focused when opportunities are everywhere. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a content creator, or just someone who wants to level up, these 10 lessons will save you time, money, and frustration as you build your own path to success. Expect to learn: 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Year in Review 02:21 Lesson 1: The Importance of Getting Started 04:02 Lesson 2: Embrace Imperfection and Progress 10:02 Lesson 3: Consistency is Key 11:54 Lesson 4: Managing Work-Life Balance 17:17 Lesson 5: The Power of Networking 22:48 Lesson 6: Dealing With Imposter Syndrome 28:30 Lesson 7: Building Your Personal Brand 36:51 Lesson 8: The Challenge of Staying Focused 40:39 Defining Success and Ambition 50:41 Lesson 9: The Cost of Running a Podcast 58:53 Lesson 10: The Reality of Burnout 01:08:08 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  6. FEB 14

    #49 - How to Grow & Exit a Successful Shopify Business – 5 Steps to Double Your Profit with Dan McClen

    Dan is an e-commerce expert who turned his Shopify side hustle into a £5 million revenue business. In this episode, he reveals how he scaled his company, maximised profitability, and ultimately exited successfully. The 5-Step Formula to Doubling Profit: Most Shopify store owners focus on traffic and ads, but Dan shares his proven strategy for increasing profit margins - giving you more cash to reinvest in customer acquisition. Accountant’s Guide to Running a Profitable Business: With his finance background, Dan breaks down how to structure your business for sustainable growth, so you’re not just making sales—you’re building a long-term success story. What Happens After a Successful Exit? As an ambitious entrepreneur, what do you do after selling your business? Dan reflects on his journey and shares what he’d do differently if he started again. Whether you're launching a store, scaling to six or seven figures, or planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this masterclass in e-commerce success! 01:39 From Corporate Career to Entrepreneurship 02:07 Why Entrepreneurship? 03:16 Starting the Business 07:56 Scaling and Hiring 15:56 Understanding Unit Economics 19:00 5 Step Formula to Double Your Profit 47:33 Lessons Learned 48:29 The Waitlist Strategy 49:05 Balancing Profit and Growth 53:51 The Importance of Customer Experience 58:24 Resilience in Business 01:07:39 Future Ambitions and Projects Discover Dan Website - https://hellotmrw.io/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mcclen Double Your Profit Cheat Sheet - https://hellotmrw.io/pages/double-your-profit Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m

  7. FEB 7

    #48 - The TRUTH about Entrepreneurship & Why Most Businesses FAIL - Anthony O'Brien, Managing Director of Profici

    In this episode, entrepreneur Anthony O'Brien shares his experiences and challenges in building a successful business. He discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong team, the concept of a fractional C-suite, and the struggles of managing cash flow and staff. He also talks about his personal motivations, the impact of ADHD on entrepreneurs, and the need for adaptability in business. Key takeaways include the value of hiring people better than oneself, the significance of failure as a learning tool, and balancing personal life with business demands. 01:31 The Concept of Fractional C-Suite 06:30 Delegation and Building The Perfect Team 08:23 ADHD and Entrepreneurship 16:14 “The Hardest Year Of My Life” 20:02 Common Issues in Growing Businesses 32:49 Revenue vs. Profit: The Age-Old Debate 33:39 The Entrepreneur's Ego and Revenue Obsession 36:40 Challenges of the Current Year 37:52 Adapting to Change: Pivot or Perish 39:04 The Role of Luck in Business Success 41:09 Balancing Business and Personal Life 52:01 The Fear of Failure as a Motivator Discover Anthony Website - https://profici.co.uk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-obrien/ Podcast - https://profici.co.uk/profici-podcast/ Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m

  8. JAN 31

    #47 - What Men Don’t Talk About (But Should) - Adam Smith, co-founder of A-Game and High Performance Coach

    Adam is the co-founder of A-Game and coaches high achievers to improve performance across multiple areas of their lives. Adam share his own journey, from hitting absolute rock bottom, to building a successful business and helping others to achieve the same. In this conversation we discuss simple strategies to improve your personal performance and relationships. We explore why many men suffer in silence, and discuss how better communication is the answer, but most importantly, how to do this effectively!  Adam also provides tips for how men can listen to their partners, something that many of us struggle with, which will lead to a happier and healthier relationship. This was a pretty powerful episode and I’m so grateful to Adam for sharing his personal journey, but also providing some actionable takeaways for others to make small improvement in their lives. Expect to hear: 03:49 Struggles with Validation and Comparison 08:34 Hitting Rock Bottom 14:04 Rebuilding and Finding Purpose 18:56 Starting a Business 26:25 The Power of Small Habits 30:14 Challenges and Growth in Business 41:10 Effective Communication 46:30 How To Listen To Your Partner For a Better Relationship 47:52 The 'Empowerment Dynamic' 55:54 The Power of Helpful Thoughts 01:03:15 Finding Purpose and Fulfilment 01:12:14 Practical Steps for Personal Growth Discover Adam Website - https://agameconsultancy.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/ Instagram.- https://www.instagram.com/agameconsultancy/ Get In Touch LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 24m
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    Ratings & Reviews

    About

    The Podcast for Fellow Ambitious Minds! Welcome to Ambitious Minds, where Jay uncovers the inspiring stories of relatable, ambitious individuals who are all looking to leave a mark in their industry - whether they’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching startups, or reinventing their careers. Each episode covers key topics such as career growth, entrepreneurship, overcoming impostor syndrome, networking, personal branding, business strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success. Expect raw, relatable insights from rising stars and industry disruptors who are turning their passion into progress. If you're an ambitious mind looking for career advice, business inspiration, or motivation to take the next step, I hope this show brings you some inspiration and relatability, and helps you see yourself in aspects of these stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Information

    • Creator
      Jay Lawrence
    • Years Active
      2024 - 2025
    • Episodes
      55
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Jay Lawrence
    • Show Website
      Ambitious Minds

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