Business Backstage with Bukola Osuntuyi

Bukola Osuntuyi
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“Founders start the journey. But it takes a village to build a sustainable business.” The UK's tech landscape is evolving fast – fuelled by bold founders, innovative ideas, and a growing ecosystem of talent. But building a business that lasts takes more than a great pitch and a visionary leader. At Business Backstage, we’re widening the lens. This virtual show is about the entire cast behind business success – the strategists, operators, HR leaders, finance experts, product minds, developers, investors, and tech ecosystem builders working behind the scenes to turn bold visions into resilient, scalable businesses. Hosted by Bukola Osuntuyi, each episode dives into honest conversations with professionals who’ve helped shape startups, scaleups, and global enterprises. We go beyond the launch story to reveal the practical frameworks, leadership decisions, and sometimes tough lessons that make business growth sustainable. Whether you’re a founder looking to build strong foundations, a professional growing your career in tech, or someone who wants to understand how successful companies actually work, Business Backstage is your front-row seat to the realities of building business resilience. Watch on YouTube. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episodes

  1. Mar 27

    Why Your 9-5 is Your Best Startup Incubator | Imani Maatuka Esq.

    Is your 9-5 holding you back, or is it actually your most valuable startup incubator? In this episode of Business Backstage, we’re pulling back the curtain on "Dual Ambition". If you’ve ever felt caught between a demanding career and the drive to build your own legacy, this conversation is your roadmap. I’m joined by Imani Maatuka, Esq., a high-stakes US commercial litigator and serial entrepreneur who has mastered the art of building "backstage." Imani shares the unfiltered reality of balancing Big Law with multiple ventures and why she prioritises "boots on the ground" experience over a traditional MBA. We discuss: The 9-5 Blueprint: How to use your current role as a high-level "paid internship" for your future business.The Jay-Z Trap: Why lateral networking with your peers is more powerful than chasing a mogul.International Scaling: The expensive legal landmines that can bankrupt a startup before it even launches in the USA.Sustainability: Building a business that lasts beyond the initial "hustle" phase. Imani’s perspective is a masterclass in intentional execution. Listen in to discover why your current career might just be your greatest secret weapon. Connect with Imani Maatuka Esq.Website: https://www.imanimaatuka.com/https://bridgingthegapscholarship.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanimaatuka/ Join the Business Backstage CommunityYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BukolaosuntuyiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/business__backstage/

    39 min

  2. Feb 28

    AI is Replacing Processes, Not People: Scaling with Sheryl Newman

    What worked five years ago is now your biggest bottleneck. Are you trying to scale your organisation using a traditional rulebook that no longer exists? In Episode #8, we are joined by the refreshingly practical Sheryl Newman. From her journey of building a business from the kitchen table to achieving B Corp status, Sheryl shares the gritty reality of digital transformation. We move past the AI hype to discuss how artificial intelligence is a strategic partner for your workforce—not a replacement for it. Highlights include:The Scaling Trap: Why most SMEs hit a wall and how to break through.The M365 Secret: Why your existing tools are more powerful than you realise.AI Governance: Protecting your data while innovating.Workforce Transformation: Preparing your team for the AI age.As an operator, this episode hits home. It is honest, practical, and full of advice that actually moves the needle for UK businesses.

    49 min

  3. Feb 1

    Caregiving is Changing: 3 Things Every Leader Needs to Survive

    Caregiving is a journey that eventually touches everyone, whether we are providing care, managing it, or receiving it. But in an era of burnout and high turnover, how do we build care businesses and personal routines that actually last? In the Season 2 premiere, we explore the intersection of empathy and entrepreneurship. We break down how to lead with faith, leverage technology to enhance (not replace) relationships, and build franchise systems that prioritise a "culture of rest." In this episode, we discuss: The Business of Care: Navigating accountability and systems within a franchise model.The Human Element: Why faith and psychological resilience are the backbone of long-term caregiving.Smart Innovation: How technology is shifting from a "tool" to a relationship-builder.Sustainability: Practical self-care strategies to prevent caregiver burnout. Whether you are a personal caregiver in the trenches, an agency owner looking to scale, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a roadmap for the future of the industry. Timestamps: 00:00 – The Journey into Caregiving08:31 – Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers13:00 – The Role of Faith in Caregiving18:06 – Entrepreneurship & Franchise Models23:20 – Creating a Culture of Rest in the Workplace26:11 – Technology’s Role in Modern Care35:03 – Self-Care as a Business Foundation Subscribe & Review If this episode helped you see caregiving in a new light, please leave us a review and subscribe for more insights into the care industry!

    40 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Your Team Does Not Need You As Much As You Think

    Most leaders think being needed everywhere is a sign of impact. In reality, it’s often a sign of risk. In this episode of Behind the Build, I talk about delegation, control, and the uncomfortable truth many managers avoid: that real leadership isn’t measured by how much depends on you, but by how well your team functions without you. We explore why some leaders struggle to delegate, how information hoarding quietly damages teams, and what happens when people are trusted to think, decide, and even fail forward. I also share a simple framework to help you build teams that are more confident, productive, and capable of running with responsibility, even representing you when you’re not in the room. This conversation is for founders, business leaders, and aspiring managers who want to build resilient teams, reduce burnout, and create businesses that don’t collapse in their absence. If this resonates, subscribe for more practical insights on building strong operations and sustainable leadership. For sponsorships or promotions, contact Bukola@businessbackstage.co.uk

    12 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    The Mental Cost of AI in Today's Workplace

    Artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces at a pace that many professionals are still trying to make sense of. While the conversations often focus on productivity and automation, a deeper story is unfolding beneath the surface: the emotional, psychological, and identity-level impact on today’s workforce. In this powerful Season 1 finale of the Business Backstage Podcast, I sit down with therapist and mental health advocate Nara Morrison to explore the human side of AI adoption. We discuss the rising anxiety around job displacement, the silent pressures leaders face, the identity crises triggered by automation, and what it truly means to create psychologically safe spaces in the age of AI. If you’re a tech professional, leader, HR practitioner, or someone navigating the emotional weight of AI in your career. This episode is one to listen.

    39 min

  6. 11/16/2025

    How to Spot the Early Signs Your Business Needs an ERP

    Every business reaches a point where the tools that once worked start to hold everything together with duct tape. In this episode, The ERP Doctor, Dr James Robertson, breaks down the real signs that your organisation has outgrown its systems, from hidden risks to everyday pain points leaders often overlook. We explore why every organisation already has an ERP (even if it’s just spreadsheets), the dangers of delaying structure, and why business executives need to lead ERP implementations. A simple, practical conversation for founders and leaders building for scale Contact Dr James Robertson via his website and assess your ERP's health using Dr Robertson's Assessement scorecard.

    38 min

  7. 10/09/2025 ·  Bonus

    Why Your Startup Feels Chaotic (And How to Fix It)

    Feeling like your startup is growing faster than your structure? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly what this episode is about. In this solo episode of Business Backstage, Startup Operations Director - Bukola Osuntuyi breaks down what it means to build solid operational foundations in a tech startup without killing your speed or creativity. Learn: 1. What “operational maturity” looks like for a seed-stage tech startup 2. The biggest operational mistakes founders make early on 3. How to prioritise which systems to build first (hiring, onboarding, customer ops) 4. When it’s the right time to bring in an Operations Lead or Head of Operations This episode is packed with practical insights from my experience helping tech founders build resilient, scalable businesses, especially in their messy early days. - Bukola.

    18 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    Adeyinka’s Playbook for Building Influence Abroad

    In a new country, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost everything you worked hard to build. The networks, the credibility, the identity – it can all feel out of reach. But the truth is, relocation doesn’t erase your achievements; it challenges you to rebuild, influence differently, and embrace change. In Episode #4 of the Business Backstage podcast, I sit down with Adeyinka Fakunmoju, a dynamic tech leader and ecosystem builder with a career spanning global enterprises like HP and leadership roles in sales, customer success, and partnerships. We discuss what it means to lead without authority, build successful partnerships, adapt to technological advancements, and navigate the hidden pressures of career transitions and relocation. Adeyinka shares his personal playbook for embracing technology, maintaining identity in a new environment, and using mentorship as a tool for long-term impact. Whether you’re a professional navigating a relocation, a leader dealing with unseen pressures, or someone seeking practical ways to adapt and grow in a fast-changing world, this conversation will give you authentic insight and actionable takeaways.

    44 min

  9. 09/06/2025

    The Secrets of Intelligent Marketing

    In Episode #3 of Business Backstage, host Bukola Osuntuyi dives into the modern marketing equation with Peter Dickinson, a seasoned business strategist and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. With over 25 years of experience, Peter shares insights on aligning sales and marketing strategies for sustainable growth, the practical application of AI in business, and the importance of cultural understanding in international market expansion. Discover how Vision to Success and the Power Network are empowering entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive. Contact Peter Dickinson: Email: Growth@kub-uk.net Website: Vision to Success: Website Power Networkers Hub Watch the Episode on YouTube

    35 min

  10. 09/06/2025

    The Hidden Risks of Artificial Intelligence No One’s Talking About

    In a world where AI tools can now generate fake news videos that look more real than reality, the question isn’t if your organisation should care about AI ethics… It’s how soon you’ll be forced to. In Episode #2 of the Business Backstage podcast, Bukola Osuntuyi sits down with Tim D. Clarke, NLP engineer and deep thinker with a background in anthropology, data science, and real-world operations, to have the conversation more leaders need to be having right now: how to lead AI responsibly, before regulation or reputational damage forces your hand. From practical frameworks to the real risks of AI tools, this episode unpacks what responsible AI actually looks like in everyday business, not just in labs or big tech. Whether you're a founder, executive, or curious professional seeking to understand how AI fits into your work and leadership, this conversation will provide you with the language, perspective, and practical steps to think ahead. 🔗 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes conversations that unpack the realities of building sustainable businesses in tech. 📘 Book Tim referenced: Ethical Machines by Reid Blackman Watch the Episode on YouTube

    41 min

  11. 09/06/2025

    The Silent ROI for Developing Line Managers in Tech

    In this powerful debut episode of Business Backstage, I sit down with leadership development expert Gayle Thompson to explore a subject every tech entrepreneur needs to understand – the silent ROI of developing your line managers before it's too late. From training engineers on how to use computers in 1990s South Africa to working in castles, prisons, and sheep farms, Gayle brings a colourful, deeply insightful lens to what it really takes to build effective managers in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. In this episode, we cover: The red flags founders miss when poor management is hurting their startup Why middle managers are your organisation’s most underdeveloped asset What happens when leadership is left to chance How to build a pipeline of leaders without burning people out Why psychological safety is non-negotiable The messy reality of career development in modern teams Whether you’re a founder, people manager, or someone figuring out their place in a growing tech company, this conversation is packed with real stories, practical advice, and sharp truths. Featuring: Gayle Thompson – Leadership Consultant, Trainer, and Developer of VILT: Virtual Intelligent Leadership Transformation 🎙 Hosted by #bukolaosuntuyi Founder & Host, Business Backstage

    47 min

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    Prelude Episode – Why I started the Business Backstage Podcast

    In this prelude episode, #bukolaosuntuyi shares the story behind the Business Backstage podcast: why it exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect in the episodes to come. From my roots in theatre to over a decade of experience leading business operations in global tech startups, this podcast is a fusion of everything I’ve learnt and everything I believe should be talked about more openly in the tech world. Too often, we focus only on the visionary founder. But behind every successful startup, there’s a backstage crew: COOs turning ideas into systems Product leads translating pain points into features Finance experts spotting problems before they escalate Customer success teams managing relationships Ecosystem builders creating space for innovation Business Backstage is here to spotlight these voices. We’re unpacking the real work behind building sustainable businesses: – The systems and structures – The messy lessons – The decisions that shape long-term growth – And the professionals who’ve been in the trenches Whether you’re a founder, a team lead, a career professional, or someone trying to find your place in the tech community, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and join me as we kick off this journey to explore the other side of business building. Watch podcast episode on Youtube

    5 min

Trailer

About

“Founders start the journey. But it takes a village to build a sustainable business.” The UK's tech landscape is evolving fast – fuelled by bold founders, innovative ideas, and a growing ecosystem of talent. But building a business that lasts takes more than a great pitch and a visionary leader. At Business Backstage, we’re widening the lens. This virtual show is about the entire cast behind business success – the strategists, operators, HR leaders, finance experts, product minds, developers, investors, and tech ecosystem builders working behind the scenes to turn bold visions into resilient, scalable businesses. Hosted by Bukola Osuntuyi, each episode dives into honest conversations with professionals who’ve helped shape startups, scaleups, and global enterprises. We go beyond the launch story to reveal the practical frameworks, leadership decisions, and sometimes tough lessons that make business growth sustainable. Whether you’re a founder looking to build strong foundations, a professional growing your career in tech, or someone who wants to understand how successful companies actually work, Business Backstage is your front-row seat to the realities of building business resilience. Watch on YouTube. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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