Business Problems Solved Podcast

Andy Henderson is the founder of Forward Thinking Ltd, and Your Affordable Board, helping business leaders to guide their teams to success.

Andy joins Lee to talk about the importance of serving people and making a difference, what it takes to be a successful leader of people, and how by engaging with our workers we can create positive business impact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Being a boss is about more than just telling people what to do. We cannot hope to win the respect of people if we treat them as mere machines. Leading people is about inspiring people, and ourself.
• It is not enough for the leaders in a business to know about the direction being planned. We must effectively communicate it to everyone in order to align the vision across the board.
• Employee engagement feeds customer satisfaction, Customer satisfaction feeds the business itself. It all begins by inspiring our people.

BEST MOMENTS

'I fight to be the opposite person that I used to be'

'Inside I felt hollow. A Void. It was a lack of community'

'Success is about slowing down but having a greater output'

'We need to create businesses that have meaning'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Forward Thinking Ltd - https://forwardthinking.ltd

Andy Henderson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyjhenderson/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, the real value comes from the story of Lili Boyanova, about her incredible journey, in which she has found herself reinventing what life looks like, and finding time to add true value to the world at every opportunity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The story we build in life can take us on some unexpected diversions. When challenges arise, we overcome and begin a whole new direction.
• Life changes dramatically when we become parents. Finding the balance between personal and business life is suddenly very different.
• The people we meet add to the value we are able to create. They provide inspiration and support, and can greatly affect the direction we take.
• The pandemic has shown us that actually we can survive in the world with less than we thought. We are able to realistically question the need for "more"

BEST MOMENTS

'I came to this country and decided to create value in the world'

'It got me to question how to face the stigma, and how I will cope with it'

'It was a big, big cultural shock'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Lili Boyanova LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliboyanova/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to life coach, Gloria Milner, whose fascinating life began in advertising, where she built a reputation through her wisdom, acumen and ability to sell media spots on television.

Since then, Gloria's journey has been a diverse one, and in this episode, she talks to Lee about the path that brought her to her true calling as a life coach.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gloria generation was one that had very different societal expectations of what women should be. Her determination to do better for herself was a driving factor in breaking the mold.
• Levelling the playing field in our minds is the art of remembering that people are people. No one is better than another person.
• Coaching and mentorship have not always been a resource. Today's world is extraordinarily lucky to be able to learn from the paths and lessons of others.

BEST MOMENTS

'I was from a generation where women were expected to teach'

'There was a sense that I could so it, and I wanted to succeed where others had not'

'Women want to advance in their careers'

'There's a lot of opportunity to help people'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Gloria Milner LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriamilnercoaching/

Gloria Milner - https://www.gloriamilner.com

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to Herb Morrick, whose fascinating true life story has taken him from South Africa to South Wales, and which has seen him experience much that the twentieth century has had to offer. Herb talks about the power of choice, why culture and values shoud be at the forefront of every business, and how best to create trust.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Building relationships and delivering on what we promise allows us to create trust and enrich life and business at every turn.
• When we put our core values at the forefront of business, we create trust and a sense of safety. Our clients become connected to our story.
• Different opinions and different skill sets are not necessarily a weakness when it comes to partnerships. Opposing perspectives and skills actually end up complimenting the other, and thereby strengthening us.

BEST MOMENTS

'Life in my family has made me sensitive to how other people feel'

'We were four guys who absolutely believed in making a difference'

'Just remember that you're going to have differences'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to business coach, Harry Armistead, about the ways in which he coaches others to achieve the mind-set that allows them to succeed in business, and how to dismantle the limiting beliefs that may be holding us back.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• If you don't start with adjusting the mindset, then nothing else matters. Mindset is the foundational key to success upon which all other factors are based.
• We cannot help who we are on the inside, and nor should we try to alter who we are in order to fit in. We cannot live life to suit others.
• If we apply ourselves to a task and are determined to see it through, then half the battle is won already. Most things can be overcome if we believe that they can be.

BEST MOMENTS

'People want something more than mediocrity'

'It took me time to own it'

'There is a way forward. There is a plan. There needs to be a plan'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Harry Armistead LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryarmistead/?originalSubdomain=uk

Harry Armistead - https://harryarmistead.com

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

In the fifth part of his new mini-series, focussing upon real people with real stories that give real value, Lee talks to Sally Chapman of Shine Coaching, about the journey she's taken through life so far, and how she helps people to rediscover the sparkle they thought may have been lost, and help them to shine at whatever they do.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We all face challenges in life, and barriers and obstacles that bring us down. What matters is how we deal with them, and the direction we choose afterwards.
• We can transform any situation by maintaining a positive outlook and attitude. It can be the deciding factor in whether a challenge derails us or not.
• When we have clearly defined goals in business and life, it makes the pathway more easier to traverse. We must focus on the point ahead that we want to reach and keep moving forward

BEST MOMENTS

'Something's going to happen to you, whether it's good or bad'

'I've always had a drive to do things, and do them to the best of my ability'

'There's got to be more...'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Sally Chapman LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-chapman-shine-coaching/?originalSubdomain=uk

Shine Coaching - https://shinecoaching.org.uk/a-little-about-me  

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

In the fourth part of his new mini-series, focussing upon real people with real stories that give real value, Lee talks to author and creator, Karyn Ross, about not just her incredible story, but also why kindness should lie behind every motivation in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We are never too old to begin a new venture and try to put a little more positivity into the world. There is always room for more.
• Kindness leaves a huge imprint upon the world and the people we meet. Kindness is remembered, and its effects can be felt for a lifetime.
• The main cause of problems, in business and life, is failure in leadership and failure in kindness. When we put them together you can trace the root of all problems.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's super important to me to create a foundation for a better world'

'You use the stuff you learn along the way to make a better world'

'Compassion is feeling someone else's suffering and wanting to do something about it'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

In the third part of his new mini-series, focussing upon real people with real stories that give real value, Lee talks to Matthew Davies, about his passions in life, and the fascinating overlaps that occur between the world of business and sports

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sports and the discipline involved in mastering that sport, can aid in making us better leaders and better managers of people.
• Organisations have often seen coaching as a remedial thing, when in fact it should be seen as an ongoing process - a matter of course.
• Connections are far easier built if done with personality, and in some cases, humour. It can help us to create rapport, instant understanding, and allow us to be better understood.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've always filled every minute of my spare time with things'

'It's about your ability to engage and connect with people'

'There are a lot of reluctant leaders in big organisations'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

In the second part of his new mini-series, focussing upon real people with real stories that give real value, Lee talks to Scott Rolph, a firm believer in the power of people, about why they belong at the heart of everything in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The most powerful achievements in life, those that make true positive impact, are the ones built upon the collaborative efforts of teams.
• In order to build successful teams, we need to trust in the abilities and capabilities of others. If we empower, then others grow.
• Self promotion is never a bad thing. Recognition of achievement should be encouraged, as it inspires us all to do better.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've only succeeded because I've had great teams working for me'

'It's about a common sense of purpose'

'If nobody knows who you are then you only have yourself to blame'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week sees the launch of an all-new mini-series, 'Real People, Real Stories, Real Value', in which Lee talks to incredible real people about their amazing life journeys.

Lee's first guest is Lewis Barton, who's tale of resilience and will power is a true inspiration to everyone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We often face the toughest challenges in life on our own. Although we may have the support and love of others, the internal struggles are ones we must face alone.
• When we face the truth of a situation, we can then look to find the bright spots and constructive positives in any bad circumstances.
• When we face our own mortality, we come to realise how much we have taken for granted in the past. Even the small things matter. There is beauty and positivity in things we pass by each day.

BEST MOMENTS

'Everybody's got different experiences, and everyone's got different value'

'If you don't know whether you're going to live or die, it plays on your mind every single second of the day'

'In a really strange way, I was looking forward about what was to come'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

In this week's show, Lee tells you all about why management needs to be more than just visual aids, but a more deep-rooted set of standards that we all hold to.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Visual management could be seen as the visible things needed in order to control a process or people.
• Management in the open is more than a whiteboard bearing targets and indicators. If we want to make failure visible, then we need standards.
• Sensory management allows us to create a safer environment for people as it allows people's own senses to recognise where they are and where they need to be.

BEST MOMENTS

'Visual management is not just about performance boards'

'We need to recognise instantly when something does not align'

'We need sensory control'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

Failure doesn't always have to be cast as a negative thing. In fact, there are many instances when failure can be seen as a positive. In this week's show, Lee tells you why it might be time to re-frame those negative setbacks, and look at them with a more constructive eye, beginning with leading by example.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Social media is awash with purely perfect perspectives - displaying only the things that make us appear to be faultless, but this isn't authentic.
• There is a safety to be found in perfection, or at least the sight of it. As humans we strive for commonality and feelings of comfort.
• Whether we're delivering change or leading teams, we need people to be open and honest throughout. This promotes truth, and allows us to solve problems in a far more efficient way.

BEST MOMENTS

'We're not wired to share failure'

'Be open to opinions that differ from your own'

'We have to lead by example'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee discusses the ways in which we can use the art of comedy to overcome resistance to change, and how by thinking differently, we can make sure that we act differently, finding new solutions to problems that we may not have considered before.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• If you want to achieve different results, then you must think differently. Those thoughts will create and drive new ways of implementing action.
• Refusal to comply with change is always a personal choice. Each person chooses whether or not support an initiative. Change, therefore, is a personal choice.
• When delivering information or data or any kind of address, we always communicate in the ways in which we like to receive. In comedy, we have two ways of delivering - the set up and punchline. We should vary the ways in which we deliver both so as to signal the points at which engagement must follow.
• Timing is everything. We must plan out what we are to deliver, but we must also execute it using perceptual timing - adapting to the moment itself.

BEST MOMENTS

'You have to think and do different, in order to be different'

'Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something'

'Our job as change leaders is to make people thirsty'

'Perceptual timing is what is happening in front of you'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to Craig Dean, a LinkedIn expert and coach, about how we can better use LinkedIn to leverage connection, and in doing so, create clients and leads so as to fortify and grow our business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many believe that a LinkedIn profile is some kind of resume for a job. If a profile is tailored this way, then it can be a barrier to gaining clients. It needs to be repurposed.
• Building a client base through LinkedIn is the art of building rapport, and starting conversations that begin connections between people.
• Connecting with people on LinkedIn should be treated the same way as a real world interaction. Consider the way in which we connect at networking events, and treat the conversation the same way.
• Never underestimate the power of a powerful banner. Catching the eye immediately is crucial as it makes you instantly memorable.

BEST MOMENTS

'I love helping people to achieve more'

'You take people from cold to sold'

'I help people to generate leads by teaching people how to start a conversation'

'The person on the other end is a person, and not a pound sign'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

Craig Dean LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-dean-influxeo/?originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

It's a spellbinding show this week, as Lee is joined by customer experience expert, magician and hypnotist, Ricky Locke, who talks about the importance of creating a better customer experience and how to make sure that each customer interaction is memorable and magical.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Our business journeys are as changeable as our life journey. Never believe that you're stuck in one place. There's always another way forward.
• Believing in yourself and keeping an open mind are the essential tools you need to surmount challenges when they arise.
• We fulfil our potential by trying new things, and identifying the points at which passion is ignited. Follow these pursuits all the way to mastery.
• People never forget about the way you make them feel. Sharing a moment with someone else is too often undervalued. Create a magic spark between you both and the effects will last a lifetime.

BEST MOMENTS

'Step out of your comfort zone, keep an open mind, and try new things'

'You don't truly realise what you've got until it's gone'

'There's always been something inside of me asking "How far can Ricky go?"'

'Magic, to me, is not about the trick. It's about the experience - the feeling you feel'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

Ricky Locke - http://www.rickylocke.co.uk

Ricky Locke Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rickylockemagic/?hl=en

Rickys course - how-to-create-a-magical-customer-experience

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, it's a masterclass in mindset as lee meets Nat and Kim from MasterMindSet, a "New Learning Foundation For Leadership: Different by Design Delivering C-Suite Executives the Skills, Strategies & Networks to Lead in the 2020s and Beyond".

Nat and Kim talk about the things they've learned from helping others, the dangers of a blame culture, and how trust can energise your business relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Everyone makes mistakes in business and life. We must seek to establish a culture that does not place reliance on blame.
• We establish trust by trusting others. The best way to operate is to trust without reserve, and only withdraw that trust if we are let down. We do no favours to anyone by being guarded from the off.
• Always trust your heart and your gut feeling. Your inner voice can usually identify things that your conscious mind cannot.
• By keeping your mind open, you can learn from everyone each day, and develop into a better version of yourself.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've learned so much about communication'

'Amateurs complete and professionals partner'

'Anyone who says they're perfect is just lying'

'It's not the mistake that defines you'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

MasterMindSet - https://www.mastermindset.co.uk/about/

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to Katie Anderson, a leadership coach, independent consultant and author of "Learning To Lead: Leading To Learn".

Katie discusses the concept of connection and how the writing of the book influenced her own viewpoints on this, as well as coaching and the foundational keystones upon which all good leaders must build their outlook.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Connection with humans and the world around us is the foundational place upon which leaders and change agents must build.
• We build connection by being authentic, and endeavouring to remove any kind of hierarchy that we may imagine exists.
• When we coach or act as leaders, we should not try to have the answer to every question. It is our responsibility to guide others towards solutions, not provide them on tap.
• We cannot control events, but we can control our reaction to these events. Leaders and coaches are the ones who must act as the calming voice when challenges arise.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's hard to listen to your own voice, but it's important, too'

'That's the foundation of leadership and continuous improvement'

'Connection is the key to everything'

'There can be an unnatural balance in hierarchy'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast        

Katie Anderson - https://kbjanderson.com/about/

Learning To Lead - Leading To Learn - https://kbjanderson.com/learning-to-lead/

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, join Lee for a highly personal reflection upon the third anniversary of one of life's more momentous events - one that shaped Lee's future forever after.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By pretending to be something we're not, we only ever hold ourself up to unhappiness. We can't be truly fulfilled in life unless we're living on our own terms.
• The best friends in life are the ones who'll be there when you need them. But friendship is a two way street. You also need to be the friend they need in times of trouble.
• We need to create environments and avenues for people, so that they can share when they are not feeling at their best.

BEST MOMENTS

'The last three years have arguably been the most transformational'

'I have tried to be the kind of person that other people would want me to be'

'Make good friends, because you never know when you'll need them'

'People - that's the secret to everything we do'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

This week, Lee talks to fellow podcaster, Martin Teasdale, the voice behind the Get Out Of Wrap podcast and one of the most experienced contact centre operators ever, about the background in life that gave him the skills to strike up an instant rapport, the power of "JFDI", and what really goes on behind that voice on the end of the line...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The military lifestyle, of constantly being on the move and making new friends, while often seen as a negative, actually instilled in Martin the gift of being able to quickly strike up rapport with people.
• Teams are often a reflection of society as a whole. You can find representatives of youth, education, the older generations, part-time workers and even those with a high level of experience.
• People calling into contact centres are generally not calling for fun. They always call with a purpose. They have a need. Sometimes, we must put aside our own feelings and tribulations, and engage empathetically, which can be tough.
• Whenever we face down a challenge, we must remember that the pain is temporary, and that all things will pass. Push through and the challenge will be little more than a memory before long.

BEST MOMENTS

'There's a part of you that says - JFDI!'

'It's a microcosm of society'

'People come into work and they are dealing with the challenges of life'

'When things are going bad, it is just a moment'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Get Out Of Wrap Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-out-of-wrap-contact-centre-chat/id1462669837

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

What do you do when you retire at the age of just 28 years old?

If you're anything like this week's guest, Norman Crowley, entrepreneur and environmental campaigner, you jump straight back into the world of business. Norman is a driven business genius, who sold his welding company for a six figure sum, and used it to not just reinvest in business, but also to help change the world for the better. In this week's fascinating show, Lee talks to Norman about what drives him, and how to be a force for good in the world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The skills we learn are often the result of necessity, and not always supplemental. When we need a task to be completed, and we have no one on hand, we develop the skills required, and therefore become able to complete these tasks in the future, broadening our skill-sets.
• Success is never a series of uninterrupted wins. Every empire is built upon failures. These failures provide teachings, which steer us towards success.
• Fear prevents us from finding out what is possible. If we defy fear and develop the right mind-set, we can surprise ourselves by what is out there.
• If we keep our goals and aims to ourselves, then there is no compulsion to succeed in them. If we verbalise and announce our goals, then we commit ourselves to seeing them through.

BEST MOMENTS

'A lot of walking on hot coals, is about getting people into the right mental frame'

'In my world, the divide between work and time off is very blurred!'

'It's very hard to bottle up secrets of success'

'Success is a series of failures tied together with optimism'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Crowley Carbon - https://www.crowleycarbon.com

ABOUT THE HOST

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194

Lee@leehoughton.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/