The pandemic wasn’t planned for. The Russian invasion of Ukraine wasn’t planned for. Even though we knew Brexit was coming, not enough planning took place for it. All these events have a massive impact on the economy generally – and on businesses and their strategies specifically. The automotive industry is very close to my heart. … Read more
There is no easy route to becoming the best. Achieving a world-class level of performance requires focus, determination and a lot of hard work. The difference between the people who achieve a superior level of performance and those who don’t often comes down to just how much they want it. It is not about how … Read more
Over three decades or so I’ve been involved with more than a dozen businesses. All but one has been extremely successful*. The key and consistent factor to their success is leadership that inspires the teams to strive for excellence. An inspirational leader is the catalyst for creativity and innovation. Inspirational leaders don’t just point the … Read more
Whether the numbers support it or not, the UK economy feels as if it is in recession and that’s a serious concern for many businesses. The critical challenges a recession throws up are typically sluggish cashflow, fewer sales as customers prioritise what they spend their money on and the subsequent anxiety for both business leaders … Read more
Many people never really consider what they want to achieve in life. We follow a path defined by our opportunities and challenges around us. But if you don’t set out to build your own vision of success, you will spend your life helping others build theirs. What is your vision of success? We all have … Read more
Your dream isn’t going to be everyone’s dream. Some people will try to tell you what you ‘ought’ to be doing – but you’ll never be as committed to something that isn’t 100% what you want to achieve. If you’re going to dream, be clear about what it is that you really want to achieve. … Read more
In every business I have led and doubly in every startup I have founded, we have adopted the motto that ‘Cash is King’. From the day you set up a business, until the day it’s a billion pound success, it’s essential to keep expenditure in check if you intend to survive and thrive. This is … Read more
When we set out on the project to set a world record for rowing the Atlantic we knew we would need to be the best to do it. We knew what the best was. The previous world record for a 5-man crew on the route we were following was set by the Nauti Buoys at … Read more
When you create a high performance car every tiny screw and nut is there for a purpose, when one goes missing the car may continue to function for a while, but eventually something is going to go wrong. In the same way, it doesn’t matter how senior or junior a team member’s position may be, … Read more
There’s so much doom and gloom about, whether it’s the economic crisis, the government’s decision making – or even the weather, and what other nation spends so much time talking about that? It’s time to look at something more positive – the untapped potential we have in our population. Getting a business off the ground … Read more
I have just spent a day visiting two of the companies that I am involved with. In one company I led the team through a substantial turnaround before appointing a new CEO and stepping back into the role of executive chairman. The CEO has developed and led the new team and taken the business forward … Read more
This term is often heard in relation to leaders, but it goes far beyond a leader who stands behind their ideals. A company has a brand and identity and everything they do and say at every level influences what the outside world thinks of the company. That includes individual team members. When the Ocean 5 … Read more
Work should be fun. But my idea of fun might not be the same as yours. I love my work and split my time between several companies. If I’m not visiting them, I’m working at home in my office – often until late into the evening. I keep intending to slow down, but I enjoy … Read more
Trust is critical within any successful team. How does trust grow in a working team? The simple answer is that it is built through clarity, honesty and openness. It’s reinforced through shared values, which are essential for creating a team culture of shared responsibility that can deal with whatever is thrown at it. Honest communication … Read more
Most leaders find themselves in the position, at some point, of thinking ‘we could do better’. In some cases, the organisation may have even arrived at a point where it needs bold decisions and fast action to survive. As a leader this will test your ability, your courage, your integrity and your commitment to the … Read more