Business Problems Solved Podcast

This week, Lee talks to Paul Serafino, the founder of Accelerated Journey, helping people to amplify their impact and soar to the executive level.

Paul discusses why change doesn't take year but only a decision, as well as the power of your network, and how to energise and positively impact your own business journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Quality connections are worth far more than a myriad connections. By focussing on the ones that matter, we strengthen our network instead of diluting it.
• if we hope to make real impact in the world, we can't just sit and wait for it to occur. We have to go out there and find it. We have to take control.
• If we enable others to do better through effective leadership, then we should be allowing them into our way of thinking without making them feel as though they are not in control.
• Being a leader is not about changing people. It is about empowering them to do better as part of your team. This requires internal work first.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's not about quantity - it's about quality'

'I connected with people and learned as much as I could'

'It's amazing what people want. They want to lead all kinds of amazing things. They want to change the world'

'Perception is huge'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Paul Serafino - https://paulserafino.com

Paul Serafino LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pserafino/

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 is in conversation with Kate Miles-Roberts and Bev Holden, the founders of Clear Thinking, about the ways in which we can think a little more clearly, to feel more at ease and in comfort, and by doing so create great things.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Wisdom so often resides in a room with people in it. The purpose of Clear Thinking is to create a sense of ease and comfort, which in turn encourages the perspectives, input and wisdom of those in the room.
• Thinking is the most important starting point for any endeavour. It is far more effective that fulfilling some nameless API or business target.
• Every thought we have affects the way that we feel. This in turn affects the way we behave or operate. Therefore, effective thought is at the heart of every action.
• Effective coaching is the form that causes people to think, and to try and find the solution for themselves.

BEST MOMENTS

'We love creating environments where clear thinking is inevitable'

'Some of the greatest business minds in the world do the thinking'

'We're helping people to "be" in the moment'

'The quality of everything we do depends on the quality of the thinking we do'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast       

Clear Thinking - https://www.clearthinkinguk.com/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 engages in a fireside chat with fellow business expert, and the man behind the ultra-successful 'Scale Up Your Business' podcast.

Lee and Nick discuss their respective business journeys, the lessons they've learned along the way, change, business, and the things that are truly important in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sometimes the hardest moments in life are the ones that help us to realise what's important. This leads us to a sharper focus.
• You can't ever be truly successful unless you're spending each day on something that aligns with your beliefs and values.
• Time is a gift. We should use each moment with care. We never really know when our time here runs out, so we must make the most of each day, of each opportunity. that's what life is all about.
• Certain aspects of business are never going back to the way they were. Remote working has been proven to work. Hybrid workplaces are bound to become more normalised.

BEST MOMENTS

'I've been able to have amazing conversations with amazing people like yourself'

'At the heart of all of these things are people'

'Always be yourself. Make good friends. Time's limited'

'The idea that people can be productive out of the office is part of a systemic change'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

ABOUT THE GUEST

My name is Nick Bradley. I’m an entrepreneur, author, speaker and investor. My background is in growing and scaling VC and Private Equity backed businesses. Having successfully built, bought and sold a number of companies, and removed myself from day-to-day operations, my focus now is on helping entrepreneurs get to where they want to be, in business and in life. As well as investing in growth businesses and backing turnarounds - with the ultimate aim of creating value from significant capital events.

I’m passionate about personal and professional development - showing up and being the best version of myself ... every day. My bigger vision is to help bring entrepreneurial skills, experience and mindset to people in developing nations - so they can follow their dreams, live life more on their terms - utilising entrepreneurship as a global force for good.

Nick’s Facebook Page: https://scaleup.vip/FB

Nick’s LinkedIn: https://scaleup.vip/LI

Nick's Instagram: https://scaleup.vip/IG

Scale Up Your Business website: www.suyb.global

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 final episode of the 'Not Just An International Author' series, Lee talks to globally renowned employee engagement consultant, speaker and author, Chester Elton!

Chester joins the discussion to talk about how he and his co-author came to be dubbed as "The Apostles of Appreciation", and why striking the right balance between work and the home should be at the cornerstone of every decision we make.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When interacting with others, no matter how slight, always try to do so with empathy and consideration. You never know what that person is going through.
• Business is important, but it can never be as important as the happiness we seek to build at home. We need to consider what's truly important.
• The greatest businesses, the greatest leaders, and the most harmonious companies, are always based on a celebratory culture and gratitude.
• Leaders must try to show their own vulnerability in order to win the respect of their people. By displaying their humanity, they become far more relatable.

BEST MOMENTS

'You work really hard, you surround yourself with really good people and you do the right thing'

'Be good to everybody - everybody's having a tough day'

'If they tell me "You are your father's son" - that's the greatest compliment that anyone could ever give me'

'No success in business can ever compensate for failure in the home'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Chester Elton - https://chesterelton.com

Chester Elton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chesterelton/

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 in the 'Not Just An International Author' series, Lee talks to Alain Hunkins, the author of 'Cracking The Leadership Code' about what leadership really means, how best to influence in order to achieve our goals, and the three key elements of a great leader.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Leadership is the art of understanding people and achieving outcomes through using that understanding in order to influence others.
• There are patterns among the best leaders, who all use connection, communication and collaboration to inspire others.
• We cannot hope to truly connect with others if we do not truly listen to them. If someone is trying to tell us something, we owe it to them to give our full attention and absorb their message entirely.
• There are four essential needs in order for people to work at their best - safety, energy, ownership and purpose.

BEST MOMENTS

'Whenever we're trying to get someone else to do something, that is leadership!'

'Everything gets done through, by and with people'

'What helps us learn best are stories'

'The ability to sit still, listen and be quiet, I have found to be an incredibly useful leadership skill'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Alain's website: www.alainhunkins.com

Alain's book site: www.crackingtheleadershipcode.com

Alain's linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alainhunkins

Alain's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/alain_hunkins_the_basic_truth_most_leaders_neglect

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 third instalment in the mini-series 'Not Just An International Author', Lee talks to author, speaker and LinkedIn expert, who joins Lee to talk about her array of skills, her business journey so far, and why it might well be time to rethink that LinkedIn profile of yours...

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• LinkedIn profiles are often simply structured as online resumes, when in fact they should be crafted so as to give a far better picture of who you really are.
• People are attracted to a story. By creating your own narrative, you essentially welcome people into that story.
• A LinkedIn profile needs to aligned to your goal. We need to ask ourselves what the true purpose of our presence there, really is.
• A reworked LinkedIn profile may sometimes receive less hits, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It may mean that you're getting more qualified hits - that you have refined it to suit your actual target audience.

BEST MOMENTS

'The LinkedIn profile is more than just your online resume'

'You can control what people think through the story you tell'

'When you tell your story and let people how you shine and why you shine, good things happen to you'

'Sometimes it's not even on LinkedIn that you'll feel the success'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Donna Serdula - https://donnaserdula.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/

Lee continues his "Not Just An International Author" mini-series, by talking to Mark Graban, a management consultant, and the author of several works, including ‘Lean Hospitals’, and ‘Measures Of Success’.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mark has found great success by taking the lessons learned from various sectors, and translating them into others, such as healthcare.
• The older, more traditional models say that the higher up you go, the more infallible you become, or the more answers you have. This runs counter to effective problem solving.
• Many use the metric of follower numbers in order to denote success, but it should really be measured on the quality of the message.
• There is always the element of luck when it comes to opportunities. But luck favours the prepared. We can only take advantage of fortuitous chances if we have laid the groundwork that enables it.

BEST MOMENTS

'I was applying problem solving, and leadership methods from other industries into healthcare’

‘These approaches might run counter to what we’ve been taught’

‘Even if I’m not inventing methods, I’m good at connecting dots’

‘You just have to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself, even if it wasn’t part of the plan’

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Mark Graban LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraban/

Mark Graban - https://www.markgraban.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 first of this, a new mini-series for Business Problems Solved, Lee talks to Adam Lawrence, who is "Not Just An International Author", but also the managing partner of Process Improvement Partners.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sometimes the thoughts and feelings inside us need an outlet. The results can change lives for others if channelled correctly.
• We pour energy and resources into solving problems that sometimes don't stay solved. The way to sustain solutions is through the art of sustainability.
• Sustainability removes the element of doubt, and the drain on time, that we expend by revisiting issues. It allows us to focus on other things.
• One of the main issues leaders worry about is the lack of time. Sustainability can aid in helping them in a valuable way, to save time on repetitive challenges.

BEST MOMENTS

'Once the problem was solved, it didn't stay solved'

'I knew that there was something that had been bothering me for many years'

'I am somebody who typed a lot of words and had a lot of help'

'Their solution was still solved, and even better than when we left it'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Adam Lawrence LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-t-lawrence/

Process Improvement Partners - https://pi-partners.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 this final episode of the Confident Women Leaders series, Lee talks to Chief Executive and keynote speaker, Susie Palmer-Trew, who talks about the value in learning from mistakes, the importance of great teams, and why we should always be true to ourselves.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We learn the best lessons and develop the most from making mistakes, recognising them as mistakes, and overcoming the challenges themselves.
• Our powers and skills are amplified and energised by surrounding ourselves with a great team. Connecting with real people provides the best value in business.
• There is no shame in failure, and the great leaders are those who help others to understand that, and to move on when it occurs.
• There is no substitute for being yourself. The more we try to emulate others, the more we bury the unique gifts that make us individuals.

BEST MOMENTS

'I make lots of mistakes and learn from those mistakes'

'From each of my decisions, I've learned something about me'

'What if you fail? But what if you fly?'

'It's about coming home to yourself'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Susie Palmer-Trew LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-palmer-trew-13108646/?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/

In this continuing series of conversations with confident women leaders, Lee talks to Sandra Thompson, founder of EI Evolution, and the first Goleman Emotional Intelligence Coach in the UK, who joins the show to talk about her career so far, the role of emotional intelligence in business and life, and the best ways in which to get what we want in life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sometimes you need to leap before you look, or the chance to make a positive impactful change can pass you by.
• Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand the emotions within yourself so that you can develop your relationships and better your life.
• Historically, consultants have gone into businesses with the aim of trying to improve measures or metrics. They then moved to improve customer satisfaction. Employee engagement came next, followed by leadership behaviour.
• If you can focus upon a goal enough, and chase a desire with enough passion, then it is always achievable. If you want it, you can have it.

BEST MOMENTS

'You don't know until you say yes and then figure it out'

'If you want it, you can have it'

'It call comes to down to how you recognise and understand the emotions in you'

'A lot of people think it's a magic wand'

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

The EI Evolution - https://www.eievolution.com

The EI Evolution Summit - www.eievolutionsummit.com

Sandra Thompson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cxeisandra/?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/

In his continuing set of conversations with confident women leaders, Lee talks to Angie McQuillin, a confidence and career success coach, about the incredible content she provides, her journey in business, and how people can improve their own confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There's a misconception about people who work at an executive level. People assume that those in positions like this must be filled with confidence, and this may be the external picture isn’t always a true reflection of how someone feels.
• The internal battles we face are generally not that uncommon, They may feel particular to us, but more people suffer from inferiority than we think.
• People seems to gain confidence from the things they achieve, but the part that affects self-esteem are the internal challenges.
• The coaches we find ourselves drawn to are not necessarily based on society or gender. We find the best coaches by looking for the energy that attracts us.

BEST MOMENTS

'That might be their game face, but it doesn't mean that's what they're feeling behind it'

'It's been an ongoing journey to where I am now'

'You are the person in that seat, so you have to be comfortable in yourself first'

'It comes down to the energy we project as coaches'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Angie McQuillin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiemcquillincoaching/?originalSubdomain=uk

Angie McQuillin - https://www.angiemcquillin.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/

The Confident Women Leaders series continues with a conversation with Alison Tansey, the co-founder of Simply Brilliance, in which Alison discusses her path to business success, the values she adheres to, and where her passions lie in the business landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You don't always find your groove by working in a job. Sometimes you have to take a risk in order to find fulfilment.
• We identify the business needs of others by sometimes identifying the needs of ourselves. Looking at what's missing for us, can show us the missing piece for everyone else.
• Life is far too short to be serious for too long. Bringing a sense of fun and humanity to business helps to make jobs more inspiring.
• Using devices to learn, instead of the more traditional ways of reading, is changing, slowly, the ways in which our brains work.

BEST MOMENTS

'I'm a bit of an accidental entrepreneur'

'I had to get somebody quick, they had to be great, and there was no way of doing it'

'The aspiration is to have suppliers from every aspect of HR'

'You need to get it, and understand what works and what doesn't'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Alison Tansey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisontansey/?originalSubdomain=uk

Simply Brilliance - https://www.simplybrilliance.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 continues his series surrounding confident women leaders in business, by talking to Kate Birtles, customer services director for Biffa, about her amazing journey through life and business - taking in everything from dancer to director!

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sometimes the best directions for our careers, are the ones that allow us to develop and broaden the skills we have, and to develop new ones.
• When trying to effect change, we must recognise that the individuals we work with have valuable insights, perceptions and input.
• There is always further that we can go. There is always higher that we can reach. We must constantly be on the lookout for ways to be the better versions of ourselves.
• Our careers are often the result of someone seeing something within us, and giving us a chance. It is incumbent upon us to do the same when we see others that aspire to being better.

BEST MOMENTS

'I'm very people focussed - I really like people'

'People give me the inspiration to better myself'

'What can I learn now? What's different? How can I develop?'

'I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been given opportunities by other people'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Kate Birtles LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katebirtles/?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/

In the next part of his continuing insight into confident women leaders, Lee talks to Veronica Owusu, a transformational online course creation strategist and online deep-dive mindset coach, about her incredible journey through business so far.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By harnessing the power or "gold dust" of other leaders, impactful change can be made as they take their own messages out into the world.
• At certain times in life, we are presented with defining moments that divert us towards different and radically new pathways. We must embrace them and recognise that change is occurring.
• We create internal prisons for ourselves by living the life meant for others, and pretending to be someone we're not.
• Everyone is the sum of their own stories, sometimes buried, that tell the complete tale of who we are. If we unearth these tales, then we come closer to fulfilling our potential.

BEST MOMENTS

'Through the essence of my gold dust I serve with focus and clarity'

'This voice was my fearless warrior, but she was caged'

'The powerless transformed into the power'

'Today I want to equip other coaches with the mind-set and tools to thrive online'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Veronica Uwusu LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-owusu-byczkowska/?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/

In the first of a new mini-series focussing upon confident women leaders, Lee talks to Clare Muscutt, the CEO of Women In CX, as well as a global keynote speaker and podcast host, about the incredible work she's doing in order to empower and inspire women in business around the world.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• There is a level of conditioning that comes from working in a corporate environment, especially for women, who are made to attach their identities to the role they occupy.
• For those feeling fundamentally unhappy, the first thing to come to terms with is finding the bravery to step away from the elements of unhappiness, and being true to ourselves.
• The best way to combat any kind of negativity is to take action. Never let your emotions and our thoughts become your reality. Remember that we can always change our outcomes.
• The platform being developed now is designed to raise women up so that their voices can be more effectively heard, and to create spaces for them to better collaborate.

BEST MOMENTS

'We're empowering women around the world to support, inspire and grow together through collaboration'

'I am currently undergoing my own transformation'

'The connections that we made, made me realise that we are not alone'

'I've finally found my purpose'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

CMXperience - https://www.cmxperience.com/about-1

Clare Muscutt LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-muscutt/?originalSubdomain=uk

Clare Muscutt Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecxnomad/?hl=en

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 talks to self-professed "revenue strategy nerd" and sales legend, Liston Witherill, about the concept of ethical communication, and how to be a better and more intentional listener in order to create sales.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The things that hold many businesses and their leaders back, are their inability to communicate clearly and directly, listening and asking great questions.
• Ethical communication is about understanding who we are talking to, and communicating clearly and with honourable intent.
• If we feel that ethical selling sounds better on paper, but that it will not help you to close vital sales, then it's a signal that you do not have enough demand, not that the concept itself is lacking.
• If you want to become known for solving a problem, you have to have content. There is no other way to achieve this position.

BEST MOMENTS

'I founded what amounts to an idea about how business could be'

'Business must be ethical considerate and empathetic'

'One of the things that makes it easy to be ethical is to have confidence that another opportunity will come soon'

'The problem with a generalist position, is that there's no compelling reason to attract anyone beyond word-of-mouth'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Liston Witherill - https://www.liston.io

Liston Witherill LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/listonwitherill/

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 Paralympic athlete, coach and podcast host, James Owen Roberts, about what it really takes to become a champion, both in business and in life.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• We must always follow our hearts and our instincts, even when others try to steer us down a path we are not comfortable with. Your destiny is your own.
• All we can do is give others the tools that will lead them to success. The will to win has to come from inside.
• We must decide if the competition is between us and others, or against ourselves. Matching the achievements of others can help us to go further, but exceeding our own expectations is what is truly important.
• Real power comes through bringing people from a discontented state to success. We must endeavour to bring positive impact to the world when e can.

BEST MOMENTS

'You said I can't - ultimately I'm going to show you that I can'

'I've always been very competitive - sometimes too much so'

'It's been a battle, not knowing where I fit in'

'You have to look at the bigger picture'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

James Owen Roberts Twitter - https://twitter.com/jamesoroberts11

James Owen Roberts LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesoroberts11/?originalSubdomain=uk

James Owen Roberts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesoroberts11/?hl=en

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 Ron Pereira, the man behind the Gemba Academy, who help people to grow per­son­al­ly and pro­fes­sion­al­ly by building an orga­ni­sa­tion­al cul­ture of con­tin­u­ous improve­ment.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Solutions are driven by the desire to implement and invoke real change. Gemba was born out of a need to make solutions better.
• We do not make organisations better by simply training our people. We make it better by going out into the organisation and invoking change.
• We can make a huge difference to other people, and help them to realise their potential, by simply employing kindness in the way we interact.
• Anybody can make an impact upon anyone else at any time. Therefore, we must consider carefully, each interaction we have.

BEST MOMENTS

'I want to help them invoke change'

'You're going to be able to go now and real value'

'We're accelerating the change process'

'You can make a huge difference by the way you behave'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Gemba Academy - https://blog.gembaacademy.com/author/rpereira/

Ron Pereira LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leansixsigmaacademy/

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/

How many communities are you a part of? And are you an active member of those communities?

As business leaders and change agents, we should seek to create more communities and collaboration between others. But how do we go about doing this? In this week's episode, Lee talks to Julie Creffield, a community engagement expert, who's here to tell you how to get started, and why it matters so much.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many talk about tribe building, but what they really mean is building a customer base. Tribe building is not about growing a base that you can sell to - it's about creating interaction and belonging.
• Building a community is about making people feel as though they belong to you. It is about creating shared objectives.
• Finding your people is about how you activate them. It is the process of inviting everyone, but sparking a community among those who matter by careful targeting through effective messaging.
• Be clear about your mission. Explain why you're doing the things you do, and why it's important. You can't make everyone take action, but by communicating the bigger picture, you'll reach those who need you.

BEST MOMENTS

'When people feel that they belong to you and your brand your community, they're much more likely to buy'

'How do we become the things we are most proud of in real life?'

'They bought into the ideology of what I was trying to do'

'It's about giving people permission to understand why you're in business in the first place'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Julie Creffield Twitter - https://twitter.com/JulieCreffield

Julie Creffield - https://juliecreffield.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/

Lee talks to Andrew Miller, founder of Business Enjoyment, about the fascinating subject of the very real enjoyment we get from being in business, and we can make sure that our workplaces provide that sense of excitement.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Money is almost never the main driving factor behind personal endeavour. Happiness is a far more common driving force behind people's intent to do well.
• Every single day should be spent in taking your business forward in some way, and also understanding how this forward motion is making an impact.
• Intentions and values are separate things. We must recognise the difference the values we aspire to achieving, and the values we actually see around us.
• As business owners, our DNA is at the heart of every venture. As this scales and grows, we hope to assemble teams who share these values. It is the companies who retain these values that create workplaces people aspire to joining.

BEST MOMENTS

'It's really important to enjoy what you do'

'Success is not the same as enjoyment'

'At the heart I am one thing'

'I create a distinction between enjoyment and happiness'

 VALUABLE RESOURCES

Business Problems Solved Podcast      

Andrew Miller LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrmiller/?originalSubdomain=uk

Business Enjoyment - https://www.businessenjoyment.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/