12/02/2025

Ep 12: Baked-in Brilliance with Aisling Tuck

What does it take to scale a bakery into Ireland’s largest vegan cookie supplier starting from your mum’s kitchen at 21? In this inspiring episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Aisling Tuck founder and CEO of Naked Bakes, who shares her journey from passionate home baker to entrepreneur and emerging sales leader. From experimenting with vegan recipes to overcoming a steep learning curve in leadership and finance, Aisling opens up about the realities of running a fast-growing business. She discusses building a team from scratch, the impact of lockdown, and learning to set the right culture from the top. Plus, hear how Naked Bakes’ products make a real difference for customers, and why empathy and networking are essential for success. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Aisling’s journey from Dublin kitchen to scaling a business 06:42 Rushed hiring due to stress led to mismatches 09:46 It's about the people: Working with an amazing team and making a difference in customers' lives. 11:20 Balancing your time and work stress is challenging; downtime is essential for productivity. 14:34 Future plans and launching new products 18:14 Never leave anyone on a sinking ship 23:32 Networking is essential for growth 24:36 Prioritise empathy with team and customers. If you loved hearing Aisling’s honest reflections, make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode of Sales Leader Secrets. Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs:Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership:Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Aisling Tuck: Aisling Tuck is an entrepreneur from Dublin and the founder of two food brands shaping the future of plant-based baking in Ireland. She began studying Commerce International at UCD but left to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. After gaining hands-on experience in hospitality both in Ireland and abroad, she launched her first baking venture from her parents’ kitchen in 2018 at the age of 21. Since then, she has scaled the business into one of Ireland’s leading producers of...

27 min

11/04/2025

S2, Ep 11: Leading Through Language with Anne Unsworth

What does it mean to lead with trust and transform an organisation for the future? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Anne Unsworth, Head of Retail Operations at Dee Set: Complete Retail Solutions, master practitioner of NLP, and a passionate champion of people in commercial teams. Anne’s journey is a lesson in resilience and curiosity. From building her career at Master Foods (Mars), through two decades at Tactical Solutions supporting iconic brands in retail, to leading ESG strategy and championing diversity, her approach is founded on integrity, transparency, and the belief that people are at the heart of every successful business. If you’re interested in leading sustainable change and tapping into the power of communication, make sure you tune in. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Anne’s career journey from hospitality to field marketing 02:09 What is field marketing in retail? 03:17 Leading ESG: sustainability and social responsibility 05:10 Focusing on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 06:52 Anne’s first management role and building relationships 07:32 How team meetings shaped her approach to leadership 08:45 Learning every day in ESG 12:39 The core leadership values: trust, transparency, and integrity 13:58 How personal adversity shaped Anne’s leadership journey 16:42 Discovering NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and its impact 17:51 Why the language we use matters in sales and leadership 22:11 Training Tactical teams in NLP for confidence and communication 23:31 Building team resilience and delivering change projects 25:43 Advice for sales leaders: be authentic, encourage debate 27:25 Anne’s sales leader's secret. Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs:Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership:Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Anne Unsworth: With 25 years in the Grocery Retail industry, I have built a successful career in account and field performance management. Working with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and brands. I’ve also led...

29 min

09/02/2025

S2, Ep 10: Leading The Disability Activism Agenda

What’s it like to build a career around changing the way we think about disability? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks with Esi Hardy, founder of Celebrating Disability and a leading voice on inclusion. Esi’s path has been far from typical. From training as an actress and working in performing arts in LA, to moving into health and social care, she’s now running her own business helping organisations and individuals create spaces where disabled people can thrive. If you’re interested in leadership with purpose and building workplaces where everyone belongs, this episode is worth a listen. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:50 Starting a business after leaving charity work 06:42 Driving disability inclusion with Homes for Students 09:53 Learning leadership through early challenges 13:04 Building inclusive hiring practices 18:48 Choosing value-driven clients and redefining authenticity at work 22:40 Building a value-led pipeline through SEO and exploratory calls 28:36 Disability activism shifted my mindset 33:09 Faking It, Making It Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs:Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership:Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Esi Hardy: Esi Hardy is the founder and Managing Director of Celebrating Disability, a consultancy established in 2017 to promote disability inclusion in workplaces. With a background in public services, social care, and the charity sector, Esi has consistently focused on advocating for the rights of disabled people. Her diverse career path includes experiences as a theatre actress and a psychodynamic counsellor, all unified by her commitment to disability advocacy. As she has cerebral palsy and identifies as a hybrid wheelchair user, Esi draws on her lived experience to highlight the barriers faced by disabled people. This perspective enriches her consultancy work, enabling organisations to implement strategies that foster truly inclusive environments. Celebrating Disability offers tailored services, including disability...

34 min

08/05/2025

S2, Ep 09: Ella Cookson on Leading Freedom for 2,500 Women

What does it take to lead a team of over 2,500 people and still keep things grounded? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Ella Cookson, a standout leader at Tropic Skincare. Ella’s story is one of resilience. After a tough few years, she rebuilt her confidence and has gone on to support thousands of ambassadors across the UK. Ella talks honestly about the ups and downs of leadership, how she’s grown her team, and what’s helped her stay true to herself along the way. You’ll hear how Tropic has shaped a fresh approach to direct selling, and why community and recognition matter more than ever. If you’re leading a team or thinking about taking that step, this one’s for you. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:45 Preservative-free natural skincare (the tropic difference) 09:17 Empowering women through skincare sales 11:45 Empowering team leadership 15:00 Letting go of control 19:31 Using human design to unlock your power 22:06 Understanding your team 25:01 Empower and celebrate your team 28:59 Sales leadership secrets revealed Join us each month between August and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Ella Cookson I’m a mum of two young kids, a skincare enthusiast, and a proud ambassador for Tropic Skincare. I’m part of Tropic’s Diamond Advisory board, which means I get to help shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing ethical beauty brands, while also supporting an incredible team of women to build flexible businesses around their lives.

30 min

07/01/2025

S2, Ep 08: A Glamping Good Leader!

Ever thought a farm field could turn into a five-star getaway? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Joanne Collinge, a former teacher who traded the classroom for a life on the family farm in Lancashire. What started as a challenge to bring in extra income has grown into Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping, a rural retreat with serious charm. Joanne shares how she built the business from scratch, using creativity, second-hand materials, and sheer determination. With no background in sales or marketing, she learned as she went, often with her daughter by her side guiding her through social media. Listen to hear how Joanne turned a side project into a standout brand, what it’s really like running a business with your family, and why keeping it personal has made all the difference. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 A career crossroads, from the classroom to the farm 05:14 Glamping begins: A naive idea, and taking a bold leap 07:58 Growing with grit: Building with scrap and story 10:32 Leading as a family: roles, respect, and Rr16:43 Standing out in sales: Marketing & ‘Four in a Bed’ fame 19:34 Values-driven leadership: respect, autonomy, and mistakes welcome 22:15 Looking ahead: vision, sustainability, and boutique growth Join us each month between July and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Joanne Collinge Joanne is a former teacher turned entrepreneur who left the classroom to create a one of a kind glamping site built from upcycled materials on her family farm. Passionate about sustainability and the great outdoors, Joanne's innovative retreat has won multiple awards and even been on TV. She thrives on connecting people with nature. Find out more: https://www.littleoakhurst.com/

29 min

06/03/2025

S2, Ep 07: Lee Personius on Leading Growth, One Pizza At A Time

Have you ever wondered how a small food startup with just four people became one of the UK’s leading names in the food-to-go industry? In this episode of Sales Leaders’ Secrets, Amanda Downs sits down with Lee Personius, founder and CEO of Tugo. From humble beginnings in a rundown trading estate, Lee has grown Tugo into a £22 million business and he’s aiming to double that in the next decade. He shares how he secured early investment, won over big customers, and maintained a close-knit team culture along the way. Tune in to learn more about leadership, growth, and why celebrating with pizza matters more than you think. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:16 Early stage mistakes and growth 06:56 Startup journey with key support 11:23 Balancing family feel & performance 13:47 Why some people are built to be entrepreneurs 18:39 Developing a softer leadership style over time 21:48 Reliable support in tough times 24:28 Caution in crisis 27:54 Be clear on what you do Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Lee Personius: Lee Personius is the Founder & CEO of Tugo Food, a forward-thinking foodservice company on a mission to make great food more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable. Tugo works with partners across the food industry to deliver smart, flexible food solutions that meet the demands of modern service without compromising on quality or values. Under Lee’s leadership, Tugo has grown into a purpose-driven business that doesn’t just talk the talk. They’re proud to be a certified B Corp, a Gold-accredited Investors in People organisation, a Times Best Places to Work honouree, and a National Living Wage Employer. That people-first, sustainability-focused mindset is baked...

30 min

05/06/2025

S02, Ep 06: Leading Potential through Direct Sales with Babette Ogden

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan). Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training 08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000 12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling 14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives 17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling 25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values 28:35 Unlocking potential through leadership. Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Babette Ogden: I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing...

30 min

04/22/2025

S02, Ep 05: The Authentic Leader Lens with Katey Coleman

Are you ready to redefine your sales leadership approach? Join your host, Amanda Downs, as she sits down with Katey Coleman, Associate Director at Carl Zeiss. With over seventeen years of experience, Katey shares her journey from being a young sales manager at only 20, to leading cross-functional teams today. Discover her secrets to maintaining team engagement, fostering emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of stakeholder management. Whether you're on the cusp of your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode is full of insights that will elevate your sales leadership. Tune in and unlock new strategies to empower your team and achieve business success! Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Keeping remote teams engaged 08:46 The importance of understanding the people around you 13:49 Advice for effective stakeholder management 18:24 Leading with authenticity and vulnerability 23:53 Katey's tips for future sales leaders Join us each month between April and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Katey Coleman: With over 17 years of commercial leadership experience in the fast-paced FMCG sector, Katey Coleman has mastered the art of driving exceptional business results while leading with authenticity. Throughout her distinguished career, Katey has successfully led field teams, national account managers, and entire commercial functions for some of the industry's most prestigious blue-chip manufacturers. Today, she brings this wealth of expertise to the optical industry, where her strategic vision continues to create meaningful impact. What truly distinguishes Katey is her unwavering commitment to authentic and vulnerable leadership. She firmly believes this approach represents not merely a passing trend, but the future of effective leadership. Katey genuinely walks the...

27 min

Sales Leader Secrets

Ep 12: Baked-in Brilliance with Aisling Tuck

S2, Ep 11: Leading Through Language with Anne Unsworth

S2, Ep 10: Leading The Disability Activism Agenda

S2, Ep 09: Ella Cookson on Leading Freedom for 2,500 Women

S2, Ep 08: A Glamping Good Leader!

S2, Ep 07: Lee Personius on Leading Growth, One Pizza At A Time

S02, Ep 06: Leading Potential through Direct Sales with Babette Ogden

S02, Ep 05: The Authentic Leader Lens with Katey Coleman

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Coming Soon - Sales Leader Secrets

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Sales Leader Secrets

Episodes

Ep 12: Baked-in Brilliance with Aisling Tuck

S2, Ep 11: Leading Through Language with Anne Unsworth

S2, Ep 10: Leading The Disability Activism Agenda

S2, Ep 09: Ella Cookson on Leading Freedom for 2,500 Women

S2, Ep 08: A Glamping Good Leader!

S2, Ep 07: Lee Personius on Leading Growth, One Pizza At A Time

S02, Ep 06: Leading Potential through Direct Sales with Babette Ogden

S02, Ep 05: The Authentic Leader Lens with Katey Coleman

Trailer

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