Business Problems Solved Podcast

Lee begins his ‘3 Things’ mini series with the 3 things he believes makeup Operational Excellence. He will guide you to help you ‘know, feel and do’ in a new way in regards to Operational Excellence to challenge you or help your confidence so you can take action effectively as a leader of change.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The first is an environment that works daily towards a particular destination. The second is encouraging teamwork and cooperation.  The third is committed, supportive, empowering leadership.  BEST MOMENTS ‘For me, typically, this is about the process of the systems, the organisation, operating in a manner that strives towards excellence. I believe that Operational Excellence is a journey that we should be continuously striving towards.’   ’How clear is your vision? How clear has it been articulated? What do people take from it and are you all striving towards the same end?’  ‘Teamwork is a recognition that the sum is far greater than the individual parts.’  ‘How supportive are we of our people? How supportive are we of each other? How often does one leader sacrifice themselves for the benefit and gain of the whole system?’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 seems to be a culturally significant digit and Lee is running with this, creating a mini-series over the coming weeks on a number of problem-solving subjects titled The 3 Things About... KEY TAKEAWAYS Have you ever thought of why the number 3 is significant? The rule of 3 is a powerful technique used in writing and speaking. Whittle it down to the 3 most important priorities for your team. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m gonna do a mini-series, the 3 things about ‘x’ and over the coming weeks I’m gonna introduce the three things about ‘x’. The 3 Things About Visual Management, The 3 Things About Operational Excellence etc’     ’When you think about plays, and every story in every film, it’s always divided into 3 parts isn’t it?’ ‘I want you to know some stuff’ I want you to think some stuff and ultimately I want you to take action and do some stuff afterwards.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One habit is the differentiator between an environment that sustains and improves and one that does not. The habit that we should all commit to installing in our repertoire is continuous improvement. Lee explains how to make today continuously better than yesterday. KEY TAKEAWAYS By ensuring leaders ask better questions a system of continuous improvement can be installed. There is a difference between identifying blocks to productivity and removing them and improving the actual process by which productivity is achieved.  It all starts with belief. Are you coming from a place where you believe anything can be improved?  BEST MOMENTS ‘I don’t think people really focus on the habit of continuous improvement. The purpose of everything we do is not necessarily to improve the metrics but improve how we do the job.’  ’If you continuously cue, routine, reward it creates a craving in you to want to do it more.’ ‘Use your senses. Use everybody’s senses. What things are you seeing? What things are you hearing? What things are you feeling? What processes are you touching that can be improved?’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When leading people we often look at things on a macro level. Detailing to a micro level can help you change a culture. Culture is a conglomeration of formed habits, and you need to identify the habit loops present and alter them to make any headway in changing culture.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The Habit Loop is the structure of a habit, made up of cues, routine and reward.   To understand habits you need to engage with people and understand their cues, routines and how they feel rewarded.  You cannot just tell people to change, you need to convince them of the need to do so, cultivating their belief and thus desire to change habits.   BEST MOMENTS ‘If you can identify the habits that people do every single day then you can start to change the culture.’ ‘Often I use the example of walking past a piece of rubbish in any working environment. If you do that then you make it instantly acceptable to do that.’  ‘The easiest way to create belief in others is to create a community set of believers. It’s the reason why religion is so popular, it’s the reason why communities are starting to grow.’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most important aspects of driving change in a team or as a change manager is asking the right questions, but is there any worth in repeating questions previously asked? Lee believes asking the same question in the right setting and with the right intent can benefit you as a leader of people and change and he explains why.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Lee asks weekly ‘how have you felt this week?’ and ‘what one thing that’s noteworthy have you learnt this week?’ Consistently asked questions over time can mean a more in-depth and heartfelt response as time goes on as the responder feels safer in their environment.  A follow-up question as simple as ‘and what else?’ can challenge someone to think deeper about the answer they have just given and elaborate.  BEST MOMENTS ‘Every single Friday morning we have a little ‘reflection section’. It’s a small team and we sit around a table and I’ve asked for the last ten weeks the same two questions.’  ‘Over a course of ten weeks, boy, can I tell you the conversations have developed and have changed.’  ‘Fundamentally it’s about making sure you have clarity of intent of what it is, you create a safe space for people to think.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When asking better questions, how comfortable are you with silence as a response? Not all questions require a yes or no answer and a team’s strength is built with open-ended questions that require more thought. Is your discomfort with silence causing unconsidered answers and thus unsatisfactory solutions?  KEY TAKEAWAYS Fundamentally, becoming more comfortable with silence can help you with coaching your team.  Common responses to silence are; rephrasing a question to elicit a more immediate response, answering the question themselves or providing prompts or suggestions. Anything to break the silence.   Ask questions that require more thought such as “How can you visualise the performance of your team?”  Create the space and time for the answer to occur.  BEST MOMENTS ‘You might be somebody that when you get in a lift and you're travelling with people you don’t know, do you break that silence with an uncomfortable giggle?’  ’I encourage you to think of an open question. Think of a question that requires some thinking.’ ‘Your ability to be comfortable with silence I think is an important factor in your ability to coach and lead your people.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you got enough time? If not, you probably need to prioritise. If you place everything in your ‘in-tray’ into your ‘urgent’ tray, then you are probably going to be eternally frustrated. Lee takes a look at how you can denote what needs doing now. KEY TAKEAWAYS What is the most important thing for you to do today? Fundamentally, despite outside pressures, you can only really have one priority at a time. Are you a specialist or a generalist? This will have an effect on your chosen priority for you. If you are pushing everything a little this makes less progress than pushing the main priority hard. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m working with a number of teams currently in a couple of different businesses and they’ve all not got enough time. Each of the leaders has not got enough time, they’re working on too many things.’  ’And I can hear you now saying that you don’t have time and there’s so many different expectations on you to do all sorts of other things, but are you going to some meetings where you’ve only got to provide a 10-minute update in a 60-minute meeting?’ ‘Help your team understand what they need to do and how they can help you overcome and achieve the goals that you’re trying to get to.’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You cannot solve problems in a business if you cannot even find them. Encouraging and training team members to locate problems is a first step to making real progress towards solutions. Lee explains the qualities and mechanisms to put in place to create an army of problem finders.  KEY TAKEAWAYS When something is big enough to quantify as a problem then we often have strategies in place to then find and apply solutions.  All team members need to be able to identify problems, especially those that have not yet grown into large system breaking blocks.  To create a good problem finder, have clarity of direction, understand expected standards, have good visual management to prompt the right focus, demonstrate compelling engagement, create confidence and empower those that are closest to the problems.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Recently with one of the teams that I’ve been working with, they have a belief or a perception that they are really good at problem solving.’ ’The real crux of this change and improvement thing is to be able to have everybody finding problems. Solving problems is the easy bit.‘ ‘The reward is a resolution of those challenges and that only comes from having a feedback mechanism or empowering those that are closest to it to fix 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Lee wants to talk to you about simplicity. Over complication is the enemy of comprehension so when leading people keep it concise and simple to facilitate better understanding with those you lead. KEY TAKEAWAYS Often when in change mode we can become over enthusiastic and overload a task explanation to a team member decreasing their comprehension, knowledge and confidence in the change at hand. Keep instructions to one for each task and you will be unlikely to have to repeat yourself. Really understand the task from the perspective of the other person to be able to communicate in the most sympathetic way. BEST MOMENTS ‘If you can’t explain something simply you don’t understand it well enough.’ ‘When we start to deliver change in organisations and in businesses, we don’t necessarily keep it simple for the person, we over complicate things..’ ‘The simpler you can make what they hear and not necessarily what you say, then that will help you be more successful.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee goes back to basics and discusses some of the common pitfalls of business change. You may recognise some of these problems in your own change team and systems as many people have before. Listen in and see if you can avoid these problems before they occur. KEY TAKEAWAYS Immediate success and instant change is rare to impossible. Change is a process and a journey.  Communicate clearly to achieve change. Be sure your message has been received. Involve the people who are in the process to develop the change. It is more likely to be successful with buy-in from the initiators.  Be flexible. Be ready for fluid change when encountering problems in a plan.   Take care of your people. Involvement in change decreases the fear of it.  Celebrate success. Recognise things that are going right, nor just things that go wrong.  BEST MOMENTS “There is no moment when a monkey learns to ride a skateboard. It’s a process.” ‘Just consider are you involving enough people? And how are you involved with those people?’  ‘Leading change can be stressful and it’s really important to take care of your team or the people and peers that you’re working with during this process.’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whose job is it to create motivation? Having a reason to take action is the meaning of ‘motivation’, but whose role is it to demonstrate the reasons to act? The fact is everyone needs a reason to do what they do, but what is the best motivation for your team to not only apply themselves but to do so energetically and enthusiastically?  KEY TAKEAWAYS We have to have clarity of understanding of the reason why we are doing our tasks.  As leaders, it is up to us to create the ideal environment to motivate with the right measures, vision, clarity, reward and recognition. Understanding the full reasons for their tasks is important for staff. A seemingly pointless activity is demotivating.  BEST MOMENTS ‘“Bob lacks motivation.” They are pointing the finger of blame at Bob and suggesting that it’s all Bob’s fault. But I think that as leaders of people and of change we have got a role in creating the environment to allow the people to have greater reasons to do the stuff than not do the stuff.’ ‘Nobody goes to work to do a bad job, I genuinely believe that. But not everybody is motivated to do a good job.’ ‘There’s so many factors that we need to consider and when we’re dealing with medium to large organisations it’s not simply just to give everybody the business reason to act because that does not motivate people.’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are not asking our people and each other enough questions as leaders. When we speak of engagement we need to engage the heart, hands and mind. Lee delves deeper into this concept of questions and answers and asks if, with all the technology providing instantaneous answers, are we losing the habit of asking each other questions at all?  KEY TAKEAWAYS We need to create an environment where we are asking better questions. Fast solutions for problems often do not provide complex solutions to the given question.  With the rise of social media and information sharing, we borrow other solutions to our problems but in doing that we are missing out on a learning opportunity. If we want our people to think more we have to challenge them to ask the pertinent questions that will provide the most creative, innovative and effective answers.  BEST MOMENTS ‘The world of AI is creating answers and things for us to do just with a few commands. Is this going to create a bigger problem when we stop asking questions because all of the answers are already provided for us?’  ‘If we’d have started by just identifying the correct priorities it would have become a little bit mechanical and we may not have seen the issue that would be solved by us asking that new question.’ ‘We don’t want to live in a world where all of the answers already exist. We want to live in a world where we are asking better questions of everybody.’  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 2023! We are about to start the New Year which of course means new years’ resolutions made in good faith and zealously followed for, perhaps, a month and then dropped like yesterday’s old chip fat-soaked newspaper until 2024. Lee is here with his 3 most relevant and attention-worthy business problems that you should be addressing in 2023.  KEY TAKEAWAYS How do you plan and execute in continuing uncertain times? We still have instability so it is important to effectively translate what our strategies are into meaningful things for our people to do at all levels of the hierarchy every day.  How do you effectively lead in onsite and home hybrid working environments? A quarter of all workplaces utilise hybrid working. Regular collaboration is still stunted and complicated by hybrid working and solutions are still being developed to solve this. Specific systems need to be found to bring the right people together at the right time. How do you reduce your costs and still delight your people and customers? The cost of living is affecting staff, supplies and customers. Your people need more from you now than ever and your customers still need to be served effectively.   BEST MOMENTS ‘At the start of 2021, I decided to write a blog article that was also actually a podcast episode about what I believed were the top 4 business challenges for 2021. I’m going to just go back over them for the start of 2023.’    ‘How do we translate our vision into making it meaningful for our people so they know every single day what they need to do to help us achieve our goal and work towards that on a daily basis as opposed to crossing our fingers?’  ‘Those are the four C’s that we spoke about. They still exist. Connect, converse, collaborate, celebrate. Those are the four principles I believe in working together.’  ‘Do you believe that the culture of your organisation is what you want it to be? Is it role modelled by you and the leaders? Does everybody do what is expected of them when nobody's looking?’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the difference between an Internal and External Improvement Person, be that a Coach, Consultant or Change Practitioner? Lee has been both and in this episode will detail not only the differences but the commonalities, be it the way the two are perceived by their team or those they are working with, the preconceived notions of seniority or the level of credibility offered and maintained.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The differences appear in the way the Change Leader is perceived. People often find External Change has more credibility as they are tackling a problem That the internal system could not solve. This credibility is fragile and harder to maintain. Internally it is harder to gain credibility with those with whom you have previous working relationships. The relationships are at a more equal level, but once respect and credibility are achieved it is easier to maintain amongst familiar companies.  Internal change is advantageous due to knowledge of processes and established working relationships with teams. However, an over-familiarity with systems may prevent the spotting of long-term obvious errors and an impartial conception of changes required.  BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve had the opportunity to be both an Internal Change Person and currently an External Change Person supporting businesses and teams and leaders to do what they do better.’  ‘It’s harder to gain credibility because you’ve got to deliver stuff. You’ve got to have a background in delivering, or a level or seniority that allows people to know that you mean business and you can actually help them.’  ‘With an External, it’s easier to ensure that people have the ownership and accountability of the solution and of the answers because you don’t know the processes.’  ‘They each bring different challenges, but I think it comes down to credibility. External people have instant credibility that can be lost in how they turn up, show up and what they do. It might take a little bit longer to build credibility depending on your level of seniority and what it is that you do to help people win.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback is often seen as one of the main drivers for improvement, but the nature of that feedback can have a direct bearing on the continuation of the task and the satisfaction and motivation of the staff members involved. Lee explains the feedback ‘sandwich’, the relevant time and forum for feedback, your relationship with the person you are approaching and how you encourage development and learning by asking the right questions.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The definition of ‘feedback’ is ‘information about reactions to a product or person’s performance off a task which is used as a basis for improvement.’ A constructive feedback method, the ‘sandwich’ is to offer a positive then an area that can be improved and then another positive. We need to give feedback at the right time and correct forum to offer maximum benefit to the target of the feedback. Feedback is down to your relationship with the person who you are trying to benefit. If your goal is to improve the person that is receiving the feedback, then your role is to keep them thinking, not offer your solutions to the situation. BEST MOMENTS ‘As a leader of people or of change we are often tasked with giving feedback to build the capability of others.’   ‘When we consider feedback, sometimes we take things personally. In the world of improvement we have these daily huddles, the daily standup. I think that there are different kinds of feedback in that situation that we need to consider.’  ‘One of the key questions that you need to ask during the initial conversations is how would they like to receive the feedback that you’ve got?’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In improving the working environment the action of adding tools and changes is often reduced to a box-ticking exercise and not approached as a continuous ongoing task requiring regular attention and updating. Lee is here to encourage you to not let all your approaches slide away and degrade and to keep up that constant improvement.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Introduce every new tool on a timeline to keep a close eye on how they are maturing and integrating as they mature and regularly check in on their progress.  Process capability and people capability need to move forward together and this does not occur without observation and maintenance. Understand what is required to develop the tools and maintain and improve in the future.  BEST MOMENTS ‘You might have a ‘huddle’, a Daily Standup Meeting, a Short Interval Control Board, some sort of daily conversation taking place. Success is not that the daily conversation is taking place, ‘box ticked’. Success is that you’re constantly, consistently developing the daily conversation in line with what it is you need to deliver.’   ‘We want everything to be improving together, and continuously adapting and changing depending upon what is being seen, what is happening in the environment that the process is being worked in.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our comprehension of specific words is often informed by the experience of learning its meaning, where we got it from or the person who taught us, for example. In this way, our communication should concentrate on what has been heard, rather than what has been said to avoid misunderstandings. Is your teams understanding of a high performing team in sync?     KEY TAKEAWAYS To gain an understanding of peoples opinion of high performance, ask each person to choose an example which for them exemplifies a high performing team. Ask them what they think will exemplify themselves as a high performing team so they can understand the different aspects that are required. BEST MOMENTS ‘I asked everybody to think of a non-work related example of a high performing team. Typical answers are Formula One, the British Cycling Team, Englands Women’s Football Team. When I ask this question it’s to give me a reference point for each person.’ ‘It’s vital that we provide spaces for people to explore and share what they have heard not just accept because something has been said that everybody has understood it in the same way.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode's guest is Chris Rainsforth, an award-winning Customer Contact Specialist who has been in the Industry for over 15 years working in both in-house and outsourced contact centres, holding roles in Operations, Training and Support Functions across Front & Back Offices. Chris has experience in developing multi-site, multi-culture and multi-channel change programmes, working across global regions to deliver successful initiatives including enablement, quality assurance, speech analytics and Training and has a demonstrated history in Program Leadership across many functions in a range of industries. His experience is shared as a thought leader and Keynote speaker who has experience delivering small training and discussion workshops up to large-scale conferences and events. Lee and Chris discuss his journey from homelessness to successful change leader, working for The Forum, a professional training and coaching company, bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to use in helping clients develop innovative and robust approaches to customer service. KEY TAKEAWAYS At 15 Chris became homeless from detrimental choices and being an ‘idiot’, but luckily met people who put him on the road to his current success. Chris’ experiences have led him towards a career advising and guiding other people. Contact Centres are great places to launch a business career as it teaches you so much, be it Customer Service, HR, Management or Training. To circumvent mistakes of the past, Chris’ family have a very open environment so discussions can be easily held. It takes a degree of confidence to issue Keynote speeches, lead Change Groups and run open conferences and events. It is much easier to be yourself in these environments as having to keep up an appearance is exhausting. Be authentic. BEST MOMENTS ‘We help organisations that run any type of customer operation, whether it’s a contact centre or a back office or retail business, help them understand their requirements and give them learning development and support to make themselves and their people better.’ – Chris ‘One of the key things for me was finding that you don’t need to do everything alone. That’s the place I was in, that I had to do everything alone. It taught me that I don’t need to be expert at everything, I don’t need to know everything, but I do need to know that there are people out there that can help.’ – Chris ‘What three words do you think your daughter would use to describe you?’ – lee ‘I honestly think she would say that I am caring, generous, and I would imagine she would say I’m a role model.’ – Chris ‘People will like me or they won’t, and that’s fine, I’m happy with that. I am who I am and I’m not going try and change who I am anymore. I’ve tried that and it’s exhausting.’ – Chris 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode's guest is Matt Grady. Born in Leeds, Matt is a thoroughly sporty chap and became a professional golfer which took him to the PGA and via Oxford to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates setting up golf courses until the financial crash of 2008. Returning to the UK and quitting golf, Matt found employment in Sales, particularly in Recruitment, and in the last 11 years has progressed to working for international Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies. A specialist in solving leadership challenges via recruitment solutions, Matt has turned his hand to writing a book, “Making The Cut : Turning Pro in Sport, Business and Life.” He has his own podcast and is a guest on many others. Lee and Matt chat about becoming a professional sportsman, his golf career, his move to sales, recruitment, writing a book as a dare for motivation, podcasting and the nature of inspiration. KEY TAKEAWAYS At 10, Matt couldn’t see life without golf. His success came from heavily visualising his future and having a great sports teacher at school. Having the right support and the right drive was intrinsic. Matt joined the recruitment industry via his sales skills and claimed the stability and investment in his future that golf didn’t offer.  “Making the Cut : Turning Pro in Sport, Business and Life.” Was written determinedly in 30 days.  Matt has his own podcast, ‘ The Domus Search Leadership Podcast’, tackling the subjects of Health, Mindset, Personal Growth, Nutrition, Training and a weekly segment joined by special guests. Filter opinions based on the experience of the person providing them.  BEST MOMENTS‘I’ve got a nine year old aspiring goalkeeper next door. Fingers crossed, that’s my retirement plan. What is it that kept you going to actually realise your dream, and did you realise your dream?’ – Lee‘I was thinking seriously about becoming a sports teacher. Turns out my college didn’t do the A Level, so it was back to plan A all the way.’ – Matt‘In ten years when I’m 50 I’ll be playing golf on the champions tour and I’ll retire having the time of my life.’ – Matt‘I’m very much a one man band in a bigger organisation, competing in a very challenging sector, with a lot of competition. So I’m doing, hopefully, what others won’t do today so I can get the results that they won’t have tomorrow.’ – Matt‘I think if I was talking to a younger group now, teenagers, you might think that someone is going to come and save you, and give you all the skills and all the support, but actually probably 99% of it is you and you really have to do the work.’ - Matt VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast          ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee needs a favour. He has started to write a book. A work in progress with a working title of ‘The Leadership Cheat Code.’ Be Lee’s writing accountability partner and ensure that he creates real actionable content and go to bit.ly/theleadershipcheatcode and sign up for progress updates and keep him on track.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The book will be a practical guide to help leaders of people and change and create high performing teams.  The acronym C.H.E.A.T currently stands for Communication, Humility, Engagement, Authenticity, Teamwork. Chase, nag, cajole, pursue, encourage, persuade, advise and suggest until Lee produces a book that actually can be used to create real change in, and for, its readers.  BEST MOMENTS‘I spoke on the podcast about an acronym called T.E.A.C.H. And is anybody working out that the letters in ‘teach’ are the same as ‘cheat’. So there is some commonality with what I shared in that podcast and what I will be writing about in the pages of this book.’  ‘We’ve spoken about humility before and that is not thinking less of yourself, it is about thinking about yourself less. It’s the difference between selfish and selfless.’ ‘In the book I will also be sharing Chris’ story because that’s the foundation for it and sharing the three lessons and where they came from, and then how they feed into The Cheat Code.’ VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast          ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee relates his journey and career as an Improvement Coach. An immense learning experience and the best and worst job he’s ever had, Lee explains how he has got to where he is now in the career that has given him the greatest satisfaction. KEY TAKEAWAYS In 2006 Lee was offered a job that included training in workplace organisation, visual management, standards and problem solving and then presenting it as improvement to teams. Lee then spent ten years on projects and programs on problem solving, specific issues that businesses were having difficulty with. This involved end to end visualisation of processes. Resistance in improvement made Lee focus on people and their importance in creating systems. BEST MOMENTS ‘This is how I believe looking back how my career in improvement has transitioned.’ ‘It required somebody as part of the solution to move desks. I thought it was a small part of the solution. To him it was massive. It was like I was asking him to uproot his whole family, or leave his family!’ ‘When I think about my journey as an improvement person there’s three wheels that I’ve been consistently trying to turn.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As leaders of people and change, we are always trying to get people to do the right thing at the right time, every time. Rather than repeatedly just telling or ordering them to do so, which requires intervention from you constantly, there are other ways to persuade people to continuously commit to action which Lee explains to you in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS If someone is working a process they have to be either really well trained to the point where the actions become habitual, but not everything we do is a consistent action.  If the action is a response to circumstance then training will not help, the person has to make the right decision.  The three main influencing strategies are ; using the Person, using Social influence or using the Environment to support it. (PSE). You may face resistance due to the pain required to change may surpass the pain of the current process.  You can create a sense of belonging and teamwork. Can you provide a role model to the process?  Ensure the whole environment is supportive of doing the right thing. For example, easy provision of equipment.  Create trust as people need to believe that change is for the greater good.  BEST MOMENTS‘Our job as leaders is to help them think about it enough to then, hopefully, do the right thing.’``We spoke about pleasure and pain quite a bit in the past as well. We always, typically, try to paint this picture of pleasure. The dream that we are trying to create, the process and the place we want people to work in.’‘The conditions within our environments that we’ve created are also factors we need to consider.’‘Do not just tell them. Do not just tell people to do something. There are so many other strategies that you can do to help people do the right thing at the right time, every time.’VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast         ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee speaks on the importance of understanding not only the way your own head works but also the thoughts of people you work with. Are you getting in your own way, becoming stuck in your own mind in meetings? Do you make assumptions about what others are thinking which alter your attitude and actions, often incorrectly? Lee explains how perceiving your own internal habits and perceptions can be essential to communication and knowing others thoughts crucial to understanding. KEY TAKEAWAYS Your own thoughts and reactions to others are often a block to being the person you want to be and the messages you want to convey in your meeting. The eclectic nature of our thoughts means we can often bypass sharing all the ideas that occur to us.  Our own assumptions drawn from body language and other inconclusive external information can often lead us to prejudge the conversation we are about to have with others.  How a meeting starts and its tone often dictates the flow onwards, so it is important to be aware of your own thoughts and the effect others will have on you at this stage. We have no control over others' thoughts. We can only persuade people to follow our ideas. Asking people what they are actually thinking can often lead to creative and unexpected results.  BEST MOMENTS‘You might go to a meeting and you might recognise that there’s somebody who has been a bit negative about what it is you’re trying to achieve and that might help or hinder you.’‘Often people say that the first few interactions in any meeting set the meeting tone for its duration.’ ‘Giving a point of fact, bit of data, maybe a few slides for context and then just opening the floor and asking ‘what are you thinking?’’‘Only by sharing the thoughts and ideas that everybody has can we really create amazing solutions and create greater and stronger connections because we are understanding more about each other.’ VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast         ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a lot of teams and businesses when you try to influence one or all of your staff to move faster or push harder you often find you encounter resistance. Lee explains this thorny issue and what you can do to circumvent it.KEY TAKEAWAYS Deadlines are often set in isolation and that means absolutely nothing to the staff member that is required to meet it.  It is important that people connect on three different levels. To you as a person, to the problem that needs to be solved, and to the solution. Why would an individual support a change if it’s not to their advantage? No amount of influence or manipulation will speed them up.   Personal influence is the consideration of what the advantage is personally for the individual. Social influence is demonstrating other people doing the task you want them to undertake, resulting in peer pressure and example. Environmental influence is changing the surroundings to make it easier to take the action required such as providing the right equipment or circumstances for action.  BEST MOMENTS‘Often we don’t necessarily understand where the starting position for everybody is and whether they actually want to go at the pace you’re going.’ ‘Everybody moves at the pace they want to go.’‘If they do not benefit from it and can’t relate to the benefit you’re proposing, why would they do what you want them to do?’  ‘If you want to have a daily huddle with a white board, then make sure that the room supports having the white board.’ VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast         ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding the end destination and result is fundamental in successful leadership, business improvement and change. Lee explains the steps to achievement by asking the question ‘What needs to be true?”.KEY TAKEAWAYS What are the tangible signs as well as key measures that will let you know when you have achieved your target, destination, vision or change? Just because you have achieved a measurable result does not mean it is sustainable. A short term result is not necessarily going to make a difference unless full time repeatable systems are in place to produce it. Do not be reliant upon the subjective vision of other people to indicate that an objective has been reached. Agree upon a verifiable set of results beforehand to fully confirm that the objective has been met. BEST MOMENTS‘One way that we try to articulate this for teams and for businesses is “What habits need to be displayed? What behaviours are being displayed? What outputs need to be produced?”‘You might need to create something, you might need to start a conversation, you might need to factor something in. So this is truly about understanding where it is you’re trying to get to and then making it real in everybody’s eyes.’‘What does it look like, feel like, sound like as well? What are the habits, the behaviours and the outputs? And then what needs to be done to create those things? Now you know, tangibly, how you're going to get there.’VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast         ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flourish ; To grow and develop in a healthy or vigorous way especially as a result of a particular environment. Isn’t this what we want for all our people? We need a welcoming and encouraging environment to allow our team to develop their skills, express their ideas and creativity and effect positive changes to their workplace. Lee takes a look at how we can accomplish this. KEY TAKEAWAYS We need to concentrate on people and process capability. Develop these two things together and you can create a future ready and fully engaged workforce. Being able to develop, learn and progress are always noted as motivating factors by staff within the work environment. Allow people to speak and share in a timely, regular and open fashion to take full advantage of problem solving, process adjustment and to also show that your people are essential and valued. BEST MOMENTS ‘As leaders we have such a huge role in creating a space for people to flourish. It doesn’t just happen overnight.’ ‘Often processes are worked multiple times every single day and things that get in peoples way are identified every single day so what you don’t want to do is have a meeting structure that is monthly.’ ‘First things first, it is individual to that person how much they want to grow, how much they want to develop and how much they want to really, really flourish.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which statement resonates best with you ; “I will be successful if I can” or “I will be successful if I want”? No one expects to go to work and do a bad job but we don’t provide the environment for people to flourish. Lee discusses the differences in motivations that can drive your team in this episode.KEY TAKEAWAYS These questions are to encourage discussion on the nature of motivation for people in their workplace. If the answer is “want”, the outcome is dependent on motivations utilised by the organisations on the individual. If the answer is “can” the outcome is dependent on external influences like training and equipment. Does the person have the things they need to be able to create? As a leader if you ask these questions you will establish you have a far bigger role in this than you think. What are the environmental factors that will allow your people to become self motivated? BEST MOMENTS‘It’s a motivation challenge. It’s about unpicking and understanding what is required to motivate. Are you moving towards pleasure or are you moving away from pain to that neutral state?’‘The things that motivate us internally are actually external things.’‘You’ve got a big role to play in motivating your people. Don’t just rely on the carrot or the stick. Understand the environmental factors.’ VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness Problems Solved Podcast         ABOUT THE HOSTFor 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 METHODYou can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode 200! To mark this event Lee has a fascinating interview with Jim Longton, former senior executive, CEO/MD of major manufacturing businesses in the United Kingdom, USA, Portugal and South Africa. Jim has had a long career starting in engineering in the 70’s, with experience of the turbulent working environment of poor industrial relations, change resistant work practices and aggressive uncooperative work environments. Jim was intrinsic in changing the culture of the places he worked by introducing a Participation Committee fostering communication between workers and management.After a long career solving industrial relation problems and setting up and managing production environments, Jim is now available for Consulting, helping you do and achieve your aims and goals. If you need any help or advice implementing changes with regard to improving industrial relations, employee participation in continuous improvement, increasing productivity or total quality improvement - every area of your business, contact Jim and he will see if he can help.   KEY TAKEAWAYS After leaving school with one ‘o’ level due to undiagnosed dyslexia Jim started as a general engineer apprentice and gathered a Higher National Diploma.  When young in the 1970s, Jim experienced and witnessed very bad relations between workers and management.  Small issues led to disputes and weeks of strikes.  When Jim rose to a position of high enough influence he fostered cooperation and prevented stoppages and inefficiency by calming and increasing communication and problem solving between management and workers.  Jim has never left a job for another seeking higher wages. It has always been for new opportunities. Purpose is more important than payment.  Dosulting is consultation based on action. Having retired Jim will now only help people willing to commit to the process fully and respect their people.   BEST MOMENTS So I went down to the pattern shop and I walked in and I  was completely amazed. This whole woodworking activity is going on in this huge engineering company.’ – Jim  ‘To me it was archaic the way the people spoke to each other, the way that Management reacted and supervisors etc.’ - Jim  ‘What gave you the confidence to try something different and to challenge the norm? – Lee ‘Once you can get rid and eliminate the suspicion, once they trust you, once they realise that they can talk to you and you’ll listen to them, there’s no problem. You’re pushing at an open door, it’s wide open. The problem is always middle management.’ – Jim ‘I knew we could do so much better in terms of meeting deliveries and quality of things and I was more or less getting there, I was right in the middle of firefighting.’ - Jim  ‘Why is everything always in Germany? The industrial revolution started and we did everything. In 1852 in the UK we made 90% of everything that was manufactured in the world.’ – Jim ‘The answer is no. Not unless you absolutely convince me that you are willing to do it. That you are willing to respect your people, talk to your people, take an interest in their needs and their problems because they don’t.’ - Jim    GUEST RESOURCES LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jimlongton   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meetings play a fundamental part in a lot of peoples roles and are a huge opportunity if we keep them for just the two key occasions required. Lee details those two circumstances and how you can make the most of a meeting when it occurs.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Communication. To pass information back and forth ensuring the right people are present and the correct data is shared. Collaboration. When a task requiring more than one team member requires completion. There are no other reasons in a business context to hold meetings.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Ultimately it's about making things better and improving people and process capability.’ ‘I think I truly understand the communication flow. If somebody today on your team had an idea, a suggestion, a challenge, an issue, what is the flow of that information to get it resolved?’ ‘Are we asking the right questions? Where does the information stop and how long does it stop?’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee explains one of the main reasons why Improvement Teams, Change Teams and Lean Teams fail within an organisation and the link between physical fitness and organisational fitness.   KEY TAKEAWAYS If we want to permanently improve our health then we have to make permanent changes to our lifestyle to achieve this. Often improvement is treated like a finite project but it reverts at the end so it is best to think of improvement as a permanent change, much like our health. We need to change people to fix the critical stuff that’s hurting the organisation at this point in time but we need to treat improvement as an ongoing task.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Typically we treat improvement like projects, but we need to treat it like a way of being and if we treat it like a way of being, as opposed to a start and a stop date, then it is just how we are.’ ‘If I was to hold your hand, in say four months time, and walk in and you’ve created this amazing, amazing environment, what does it look like? When you’re looking around, what do you see people doing? What are they using?’ ‘You only need to have a project if there is something that is really affecting you today.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee has placed a pole on LinkedIn asking when you start your lean journey what is the ultimate measure of success? Is it the tools that you introduce? Is it how people feel? Is it about the output or performance of the process? Currently there are two leaders, feelings and output. An interesting result bearing in mind not many people start a change process to improve the engagement of their people. When we acknowledge the importance and engagement of people, do we really honestly respect them and ourselves?   KEY TAKEAWAYS Do we properly engage with our people or respect the time of our people, always turning up on time for group meetings? The reason we invest in tools and methods is to create an environment for people to flourish, but we don’t often regard the process from that perspective. Lean practitioners and improvement practitioners are trained in tools, they’re not trained in influencing people, building relationships, empathy, building trust, better communication which are skills required to develop great teams.   BEST MOMENTS ‘When I wrote the question this is what I was expecting but maybe not as much on the people's side because, typically, when people start a lean initiative or an improvement initiative it is to fix a particular metric.’ ‘We become so fixated on the tool that we are trying to shoehorn in or introduce into the process that really the people element goes a little bit wayward.’ ‘A lot of the guests that I’ve had on this podcast have in the later stages of their career recognised the importance of this.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee chats to the multitalented Ray Newland. With a very successful goalkeeping career under his belt, Ray setup Just 4 Keepers training schools to prepare young talented goalkeepers for work in the football industry. He also brought to market his own goalkeeper sports brand J4K. Alongside all of this, Ray has become a business coach and published six books on mental resilience and self help.   Lee and Ray talk about how he started out, his entrepreneurial career, his international sports training and clothing brands, his writing, and his plans for the future.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Ray became a professional goalkeeper at 18 years of age and was coached by Neville Southall, Peter Shilton, Gordon Banks and Joe Corrigan. After his goalkeeping career ended Ray became financially independent by property development and ownership. Ray is not so much concerned with financial success but with more worldly and down to earth goals. Writing self help books was something Ray accomplished while travelling all around the world and being unable to sleep in transit..  Ray plans to become a personal coach and business mentor when he is less busy running Just 4 keepers.    BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ll try and keep my intro down to about two hours.’ – Ray ‘I basically had no choice. I had a young family to support and I basically knew that I had to have my own business.’ – Ray ‘There is no other goalkeeper coach in history that has done what I’ve done and has ended up taking the concept around the world.’ – Ray ‘I got frustrated with other authors who would just go on too long and again I always planned to do personal coaching and I’ve done it over the years, helping people personally and in business.’ – Ray ‘I never wanna sell Just 4 Keepers, Lee. I always said I’d do it till I’m 55 and I know it looks like I’ve got 15 years left, I’ve got four years left. I’m 51 next week.’ - Ray    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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Lee talks to David Holmes who has worked in Contact Centres and Customer Operations across Sales, Customer Service and Digital for some of the biggest companies in the UK, currently Operations Director at Cigna Healthcare. Lee and David chat about success and its definition, “harmonious friction”, the team leader role and how open mindedness can make the difference.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Find the job that generates enthusiasm in you. Learn to enjoy challenges to your methods and thinking. Having an open mind and being willing to listen is important.  There is only negative feedback or constructive negative feedback. Generally it is about something that needs improvement. Positive feedback is affirmation.  Being a team leader is about being able to look forward to a destination and then planning on how to get there.  It's ok to bring people outside of the business to be critical and challenging in a way that those inside are too invested to achieve.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone comes along and shows you something new.’ – David ‘What is it that excites you about what you do and why? I love working with people, Lee.’ – David ‘That “harmonious friction” generates my passion and I hope I never lose it’ – David ‘Let’s talk about your past actually. What is it that people saw in you to allow you to create this history?’ – Lee    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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee's guest in this episode is Phillip Holt, author, operational excellence guru and senior Vice President at GKN Aerospace and a Board Member of the Operational Excellence Society. He studied Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University and Management at the Wharton School of Pennsylvania and the University of Warwick, was an engineer at Gillette and led the Lean Deployment worldwide at Philips for over twelve years. He achieved Lean Master status and has now authored three books, Leading With Lean, The Simplicity of Lean and his latest Leading Lean By Living Lean.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Lean Leader means someone who is focused on making their organisation have the biggest positive impact on its workers and customers. A lean business model focuses on improving processes across the value stream in order to eliminate waste and deliver optimised value to the customer. To change an organisation to a lean model you have to concentrate on change in the culture and behaviour within the value stream. The pandemic has helped destroy the myth that if someone sits at a desk for 50 hours a week they are productive. A lean model allows all employees involved to feel positive about the impact they are having.   BEST MOMENTS   ‘We talk about work life balance a lot but for me I don’t like that term. For me it’s about having a life in balance.’ – Phillip ‘I started to realise that as I was there for those two weeks that we were changing some parameters, we were changing a process, characteristics. We weren’t changing the value stream behaviour.’ – Phillip ‘I think that people don’t look in the mirror first, they look out the window at other people’ – Lee ‘We want to make GKN aerospace and this industry far better from an operational excellence perspective.’ - Phillip 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again, inspiration has struck, this time while cooking the kids tea. Lee, in tasting a single piece of pasta, assumed all the other pasta were cooked. Let's face it, he was probably right. But not when it comes to people….people are most definitely not like pasta.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  There are some people and places that try to treat everybody the same. When we try to effect change we give the business reason for that change but that does not enthuse everyone. We need to create personal motivation. People's way of thinking is created by the experiences that they have had, creating different approaches and motivations. We should be increasing the connection between us and other people so we can understand their thoughts and motives.    BEST MOMENTS ‘They try to put everybody into a single bucket and expect everybody to have the same outcome, the same thoughts, the same feelings.’ ‘If like me you believe that everything stems from thought or belief, that everybody thinks differently then what we’ve really got to do is we’ve got to challenge the thinking of people.’ ‘Pasta doesn’t think but people do.’  ‘We need to feel belonging. The more we understand people the more we belong and together achieve amazing things.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we celebrate success are we considering what we are celebrating enough? Do we congratulate our successes enough? In this episode Lee tackles how we should be celebrating success not just more often but changing its focus to good skills and habits.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  We typically celebrate end results, above and beyond, things that exceed expectations. However, we see it as instant failure when they fail to meet our expectations or standards when things are not going as planned.  There is as much learning to be done about success as there is about failure.  Celebrate success more often. Become familiar with success and the circumstances that cause it, just as you do with failure. Do we celebrate the skills and positive habits of our people, or just targets, benchmarks and deadlines?    BEST MOMENTS ‘I think we find it harder to celebrate stuff than we do to find fault in things. I think we need to redress the balance a little bit.’  ‘By asking “what are we celebrating” then we become more familiar with celebrating stuff.’ ‘If we can truly celebrate the habits and behaviours that we want in our people as opposed to the results that we’re getting, or trust in the behaviours of the right ones to get the results then the results will just 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee has recently suffered a bereavement with the loss of his best friend. Upon his passing Lee asked about life lessons and Lee has shared these lessons with many people including via this podcast. After using these lessons to bring extra value to those he helps and supports he has added real value to his coaching. However, one 4th, hidden lesson has been revealed to help you stay true to these three principles.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The three lessons were be yourself, make good friends and time is limited.   Truly understand your motivations and reasoning. In the space between an occurrence and our reaction there is an opportunity to understand our thoughts and change what we do. We have an opportunity everyday with everyone to make good friends. All your interactions are an opportunity to make new friends and connections at different levels. Make solid use of your time. Recognise you need to act. ‘Always make time’ is how we apply these three lessons. Take time to consider our thinking. Take time make good friends and build connection. Take time for the priorities. BEST MOMENTS ‘I think, fundamentally, to be a better leader, to be a better change person and to be a better person, understanding what these three lessons mean to you could be the difference.’ ‘Always being yourself, for me now, is about understanding whether the voice in my head is helping or hindering. Its about I’m in control of that voice in my head and I can share and try to create more positive outcomes as opposed to negative and challenging outcomes.’ ‘When you start a video call, when you start a meeting do you just dive into the process or do you create a space for asking different questions.’ ‘If time was not limited there would be no real need to do anything, we’d just get round to it. We’d always just do it tomorrow, day after tomorrow.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks with Lisa Moody, a Senior Change Manager in the Land Registry. She has been in change management for ten years, previously working in local government in service improvement and customer service. People focused skills have led her to her current role. Lee and Lisa discuss her move into change management, ambition, her civil service role, and how to create a change team with the concept of ‘The Invisible Change Manager.’   KEY TAKEAWAYS Ambition doesn’t mean striving for the next opportunity, it can just be to do a really good job of what you do day to day.  The civil service has currently a focus on digitisation and automation, allowing customers to self-serve and speed up service operation.  Improvement is about a better experience for the user of the process whether it be a customer or an internal employee. Co-design wherever you can. Work with your stakeholders and the people affected by the change to help craft the solutions.  The ‘Invisible Change Manager’ is the concept of the leadership figure of the department being the visible focus of change while actual change management remain background facilitators.   Change Management is a natural career step from a process management  perspective, but we are now seeing change managers that are more people focused, relying on the operational knowledge of the team they cooperate with and guiding the change process from a more psychological angle.   BEST MOMENTS ‘The beauty of the civil service is you can move departments, you can move within one department, you can do a whole multitude of different jobs so you tend to find people that do stick around quite a long time.’ – Lisa  ‘It's about making the experience better for whoever is using that process. Ultimately, I guess, everything we do from an improvement perspective should be about that end user, whether it’s the customer, whether it is for us in the civil service, case workers or internal people.’ – Lisa   ‘In those cases be super honest. Be really clear on what’s negotiable. I go back to FNC in these cases. What’s fundamental, what aren’t you going to influence at all. Be really clear about that. Be open and honest.’ – Lisa  ‘A lot of people change that I know, some of them have got egos and they’re in position because they’re the ones that like to have the answer. Have you had any challenges with that?’ - Lee   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee chats to Mark Drager, marketing expert and Canadian fine-haired business consultancy owner. He has worked on thousands of projects for hundreds of different companies ranging from international brands and airlines to small pre start ups. He is also a podcast host of “We Do Hard Things”, brand strategist and speaker. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mark originally went to film school and left to work in television and eventually a corporate environment producing training materials and marketing. To build a company takes time, experience compounds, connections build and skills improve. Overnight success can be perceived, but in the background all the past experience helps support the version of the person people see. Be specific. Vagueness achieves very little. Be precise about your goals and they will be easier to aim for. BEST MOMENTS ‘I started “Phantom Media” in 2006. I was 23, my oldest daughter was only a week old when I decided to do this. My wife had no income and within two months I quit my job, had no money, no income, new born baby, my wife was at home and I was like ‘ Im gonna start this company” - Mark ‘You can show up like an overnight success because people won’t see the work you’ve done in the background. The work you’ve done in the background doesn’t have to be a slog or even linear.’ – Mark ‘If we are vague, if we’re fuzzy, if we’re not quite sure. I’m struggling with this right now. I have a podcast that we are a year and a half into, eighty episodes into and I’ve still not really defines enough who my audience is.’ - Mark GUEST RESOURCES Website https://www.markdrager.com/ Podcast https://youtube.com/c/MarkDragerYT   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee’s job is to get organisations to adopt continuous improvement and problem solving cultures for the long term. There are three high level categories within this process and Rob explains them in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Finding Problems. You may know your problems or survey your employees or customers to find problems. Find them when they are small by increasing discussion and communication between everyone involved in processes and asking better questions. Solving Problems. These are the tools and methodology that you employ to solve problems. Invest in training problem solving staff. Sustaining Solutions. Keep those solutions running and involve everyone so they engage with the new way of working. BEST MOMENTS ‘Typically when people engage us and engage other companies to help them create a problem solving culture or to create an army of problem solvers they want people to be trained in tools and techniques that actually solve problems.’ ‘Problem finding is not randomly or through annual data or monthly meetings but through daily conversations, through visuals, through challenging thinking including everybody that's involved in the process.’ ‘We treat problem solving like a special event for these big problems. We need to treat it like a Monday, a Tuesday, a Wednesday, a Thursday…like everyday.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee chats to Jared, speaker at the Virtual Lean Summit, an online event bringing together experts and leaders from all over the business industry to educate and share their methods on customer care and service, team building and efficient business problem solving. Jared works for the Port of Seattle as the Continuous Process and Improvement Program Manager.    KEY TAKEAWAYS ‘Lean thinking’ is a transformational framework that aims to provide a new way to think about how to organise human activities to deliver more benefits to society and value to individuals while eliminating waste. Jared's day job is creating operational improvements in the busy and varied environment within the Port of Seattle, which is a government agency, during its numerous activities involving both private industry and the general public. Jared started work when he was 12! His first job was picking strawberries and selling them to his neighbours. While working for Daimler, Jared saved them millions of dollars using simple solutions by asking the right, simple questions.  This year's Lean Summit Theme is about going out and achieving a successful and continuous improvement culture within your organisation. It is more efficient to convince people of the advantage of lean thinking than forcing them to do it.   BEST MOMENTS ‘We shortened it on a business card because that’s too long, to the CPI Program Manager. What we do is we help the organisation to really embrace lean thinking and go ahead and think differently.’ - Jared ‘Being able to go ahead and identify the problem, that root cause, is important. I think even more important than that is being able to have a critical eye and asking questions.’ – Jared ‘Construction has always been part of my blood. My Dad, my Uncles, they all started construction businesses. I even worked for my Uncle who had a Finnish cabinetry business.’ - Jared ‘The first day is about embarking on your lean journey. The second day is about establishing a lean culture change. The final day is about embracing lean thinking.’ – Jared  ‘Whether we use the ‘L’ word or whatever improvement methodology we navigate towards is fundamentally about increasing the number of thoughts in our people and reducing the time from thought to conversation to action.’ – Lee    GUEST RESOURCES https://www.virtualleansummit.com/   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are certain words that people believe are negative which can, in fact, in the correct context, be considered very positive. Language itself is a challenge due to the understanding and definitions of words changing depending on personal experience and how they are used.  Lee discusses how important it is to consider this when communicating effectively.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  To understand what has been heard by the person listening to you communicate, one must understand the experience of that person.  Failure happens. Mistakes happen. Things go wrong. It is a waste of time to mourn mistakes and failure and not just fix it and move on. If failure incurs punishment or ridicule it is more likely that problems will be covered up or ignored rather than dealt with.    BEST MOMENTS ‘The goalkeeper coach said “part of the goalkeepers job is to let goals in”. Which surprised me at first when I heard it but he was making it acceptable.’  ‘It would make that process far better because you wouldn’t have people hiding and covering stuff up, manipulating things to make it look better.’  ‘You want all of those things to be exposed so you can understand when all of those things have happened so you can put them right. If you can’t see it, you can’t fix 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asking the right questions can be a great and essential method of becoming an efficient and effective leader. Often we fall into habits of asking the same questions but what approach should we be taking to affect change and motivate?   KEY TAKEAWAYS The secret of problem solving is are we finding enough problems?  Listening is the best way to formulate our questions. If you are attentive then your team will know you value their time and opinion. If we want to develop our people and encourage their self development then we’ve got to be asking more than just repeated set questions.  Ask questions that keep the other person thinking. You can affect their problem solving by the nature of the questions you present.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I genuinely believe that the secret of asking better questions is by being a better listener because if we are listening more than the person that we’re asking the questions of knows that we are interested in the answers.’  ‘The first time that we start to listen to the answers that are given we will think about those things that are being said.’ ‘The measure of success is all about the thoughts of our people and if we are creating good thoughts in our people we will get more ideas and more suggestions and we will make more improvements.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee, through his work with teams, has been asked for feedback on how he would assess the teams performance. When reducing the time from thought to conversation to action there are three biases that characterise different groups' approach to actioning ideas.    KEY TAKEAWAYS  The Silent Bias. This is when we don’t feel comfortable or confident enough to share what we think  The Conversation Bias. We are happy to share ideas but tend to stick at the discussion stage, reluctant to commit and action the idea. The Action Bias. We would rather get straight to the action rather than spend time discussing it.  The ideal situation is to find a balance between all three.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I think what we have to try to find is a balance for this. We have to try to find a way to navigate through this on an individual and a team level.’ ‘You’ve got to create more thoughts in your people. You’ve got to get them thinking differently. You’ve got to inspire and motivate them and challenge the heads of our people.’ ‘need to create a place where people can do things and try things themselves and this is a challenge in finding a balance between all three.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Golden Circle is a model applied by influential speaker and author Simon Sinek to explain the success of leaders in fields ranging from invention to politics. In this episode Lee explains and contextualises The Golden Circle so you can apply it to your business role. KEY TAKEAWAYS Simon Sinek is critical of businesses who apply the following in the wrong order. We should start with ‘why’, move to ‘how’ and then to ‘what’. Why is it important for the senior leadership team or the change team, HR, team leader, operators? By asking these questions you allow people to buy into what you require from them. The how is the differentiator. This is the performance. This is the area that will make you stand out. How you do what you do will define your change. How do you do things differently? The what is the result and if you begin with the ‘what’ you fail to establish the structure and motivation to achieve it. BEST MOMENTS ‘ There’s different purposes for each of these different statements. So, the why. The why do we do it is for people to build connection to whatever it is.’ ‘When you’re delivering change the outcome is the ‘what’.’ ‘So someone’s bias was towards problem solving, another ones bias was towards a daily meeting structure. Ultimately, those are just tools to help create leaders to ask about questions and all of that stuff.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee chats with Josh Gain, founder of The 10x Manager Community, an organised skill sharing group dedicated to helping managers be the best in their current leadership role and preparing them for the next. One of 10x leaderships philosophies is “Management is a title given to you by a company. Leadership is when somebody decides that they are going to create change and impact their team, their business, their industry and beyond. Leadership has nothing to do with job titles, it's all to do with people and their actions.” KEY TAKEAWAYS After studying history at The London School of Economics, Josh began a sales career but always with a mind to starting his own business. One of the real challenges in the scaling of high growth business is attracting the best people and retaining them. 10x Management is a community driven learning platform where managers come together and share knowledge and insights to ultimately improve in their positions. 10x has developed a whole training platform that helps people train in the 12 key areas of management. We need new ideas that are implemented or perhaps even fail, to learn. We need to analyse the results and 10x allows you to share these insights with the community. Have clarity on your destination. Set clear goals with timelines and measurable results. BEST MOMENTS ‘I graduated with a history degree and then tried to work out ‘what do I do now with a history with a history degree?’ and I Kind of fell into sales’ – Josh ‘The real problem was, managers need better training. They need to become better leaders. Companies are aware of it and managers are aware of it but no one really does much about it’ – Josh ‘When you talk about those twelve things, how did you identify those twelve?’ – Lee ‘Through all the conversations we’ve been having. Each week we do a Management Masterclass. We bring someone in to speak about what they are great at and how people can actually replicate that.’ - Josh ‘We prompt everybody to reflect into the community. Based on the experience that you’ve had and the insights that you’ve taken in we prompt them to say something or ask a question into the community that can help have a discussion and prompt more ideas from other people to really develop that thought and that learning.’ – Josh ‘I can always get better and I can always improve and there’s always people to learn from.’ - Josh GUEST RESOURCES Website ; https://www.linkedin.com/redir/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisit%2E10xmanagers%2Ecom%2F-home&urlhash=821F&trk=about_website 10x on LinkedIn ; https://www.linkedin.com/company/10x-managers 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Lee details two key factors that are essential to driving your improvement project forward. Creating change can be achieved much more quickly by applying these two methods.   KEY TAKEAWAYS We need to be more aware and understanding of the process of forming ideas, expression of ideas and actualisation.  The length of time from thought to actualisation, the lead time from idea to action, should be discovered. We should do what we can to reduce that time span. Increase the number of constructive thoughts that people have. Engage them so they want to produce results towards your business. Ask them questions more frequently, create structured conversations for them to have ideas and express them. Put in place a safe environment. Do not criticise ideas pejoratively that will make your people reticent to express themselves. Understand how comfortable your people are with group or one to one meetings.    BEST MOMENTS ‘We need to be like magicians and make the invisible visible.’ ‘If this is done in a way that is creating the right thoughts in people then you are going to create more positive actions in the goal or destination that you are trying to achieve.’ ‘Is it easy for people to see what should be happening now and whether it is or isn’t happening the way that it should be happening?’ ‘They’re giving a month for the action because that’s when the next meeting is going to take place. But the action might only be an hour or two hours.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee outlines the 3 factors that can lead to the success of any change team within an organisation. He strongly suggests you apply the PIE ; Performance, Image and Exposure. If resistance is something you face, these three factors can positively affect the efficiency of your team. KEY TAKEAWAYS This is the main body of what you do, done excellently. It is the fundamental of career success and effectiveness, be good at what you do. Do people think of you positively and accept you as a change maker? Do they understand your role and your abilities? How many people know the change team? How many can see the impact the change team is having? Are your senior leaders aware of your value and effectiveness? These three factors can reduce resistance to any change you effect. BEST MOMENTS ‘Performance is 10% of this overall pie. Doing what you say you’re going to do and your level of performance.’   ‘What can you do to try to build a stronger image? Do you have a brand? Do you have a logo? Do people understand what it is that you do?’ ‘As a leader of a change team it is arguably your role to maximise the level of exposure that the team get with the senior leaders and other departments.’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee chats internationally! This episodes guest is Nicholas Faribeau, originally from France but currently resident in Canada, who helps people discover their voice by matching their mindset so the two are in sync, clear and understandable. Often peoples voice, the way they present themselves, is confused because we don’t understand how we say things rather than what we say. Nicholas aims to put this right to improve engagement and communication. KEY TAKEAWAYS How you speak as opposed to the words you say is important to psychologically engage with our audience. When we communicate we tend to speak quickly to transfer information. However, when you bear in mind that we only hear about 10% of what is said to us, the importance of how we speak and making our speech memorable becomes prevalent. Now we work from home and with modern telecommunications, voice only is often adopted, so clarity, tone and impression are even more important. The first word you speak, the first tone you take determines who you are. The initial ten seconds of communication is key. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve been on two stand up comedy courses. Not because I wanted to be a stand up comedian but I believe that comedians help people feel something emotionally far quicker than most other professions.’ – Lee ‘For example for me it’s more difficult for me to understand an English song because I’m French, buts it’s easy to remember the melody of the music and the tone of the voice of the musician.’ – Nicholas ‘They call me a voice designer because it’s like design your voice, your communication, design your image. Voice designer, it’s a nice word to express myself.’ - Nicholas 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is so much conflicting or contradictory advice on this subject. Lee brainstorms to get to the bottom of this primary dilemma.     KEY TAKEAWAYS If you consider marketing, people recommend that you start small and target your messaging to a niche target, but you need to start big with your target vision. When starting with the end goal in mind the start may seem big, but can be broken down into smaller challenges, but most problems seem huge at the beginning. If you're leading change, think about the tiny actions you and the people you are helping need to take to get to their goal.  If you do go small quickly it is easier to learn from the actions you have taken because you are experimenting as you go. It is more difficult to unpick a complex, large, detailed task.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Is it best to be a mile wide and an inch deep or is it best to be an inch wide and a mile deep?’ ‘I think there is something about starting big and starting small because you need to start big on where you're trying to get to, what it is that you’re trying to overcome.’ ‘When we think about leaders and leadership, we train people on the fundamentals of the process of being a leader, the back to work interviews, the personal development plans, setting appraisals, but what about the small actions that are required for being a leader?’ ‘If you wanted to start flossing your teeth you should make sure that the floss is next to your toothbrush because then you’re stacking it on top of a pre existing habit.’   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Lee has the immense pleasure of interviewing much lauded author of ‘The Balance of Excellence’ Carl Klemm. The former head of Toyota plants shares his story and wisdom on manufacturing management culture, success and failure, leadership, coaching, writing, team structure, training good habits and learning.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Carl started off as a young apprentice with Vauxhall Motors and continued with them for 23 years ending up as a general manager in charge of plant quality. He then took up a post as General Manager for Quality Assurance with Toyota.  He started his own management consultancy sharing his wealth of knowledge he has gathered over so many years in the motor manufacturing industry.  The shift between GM and Toyota was a culture shock. GM was a competitive, non cooperative command and control structure. Toyota, however, was a collaborative, planning, teamwork structure. A real issue for organisations effecting change is if the upper management or CEO does not want to accept the changes to their own job. There has to be a steady flow throughout the power structure.  Top management is busy. They don’t have any spare time so are trained for fast decisions. Persuading them to consider the problem at the point of problem is difficult so get them to do it at least 12 times and they will adopt it as a habit. Learning is forever changing and evolving due to the nature of the journey.    BEST MOMENTS ‘And the President only asked one question, he asked “Why do you want to join Toyota” and I said “I spent four years studying Toyota for GM, including the plant in Fremont in California. Then I came back and tried to implement it and I failed miserably. But I want to succeed so I want to join and I want to learn how its done and then I want to share it.”’ - Carl ‘Coming from being a very successful General Manager in GM to a General Manager in Toyota but realising very quickly that I was an apprentice was really hard to swallow.’ -Carl ‘There is no other way, actually, than doing it. That’s why my first sentence is “I swore never to write this book.” - Carl  ‘I’m working with a national organisation at the minute and I had no influence on where they started and the pilot location, and we are at a point now where we’ve created a rhythm and a communication flow within a single location. What it has highlighted is that before I work with them they’ll have a monthly meeting structure, but then when you introduce a daily meeting structure and its feeding into a monthly meeting structure there’s a huge disconnect there.’ – Lee ‘I’ve written it from a selfish point of view to help me to explain to people, especially top management people, what it is we are talking about and how it all fits together and which bit of it we are working on now.’ - Carl   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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Language can have positive or negative connotations depending on context and our own personal feelings and experiences, culture and society. Lee has four examples of words that have negative definitions in the world of change and leadership ; failure, problems, conflict and challenge.    KEY TAKEAWAYS If we are all heading in the same direction and we have the same destination these four words do not have to be negative. It is a safer and better environment if we have more of them, a more open, communicative, accepting and encouraging environment. Failure means that you’ve tried something. This is a positive thing as the more tasks or goals attempted the better. Failure needs to be encouraged , not chastised, belittled or singled out. The more problems we can find the more beneficial our journey towards our goal is. Problems solved are systems perfected. Hidden problems continue to be just problems.  Conflict over differing ideas about how to reach the destination all are pulling towards are useful. Two ideas are always better than one and conflict is part of perfecting methods. A fear of being challenged keeps us from creating an open environment with failure, problems and conflict. If you are challenged then that’s an opportunity for you to learn about your approach.    BEST MOMENTS ‘We are trying to remove problems. We are trying to remove opportunities for failure. But I think we need to encourage more of it.’ ‘We are trained in improvement. We are trying problem solving. We prefer problems not to happen and not to occur. But, if we are finding problems, then that means that there are things in our way getting towards where we are trying to get.’   ‘Conflict is just a difference of opinion. And if that opinion is something about the journey or destination then conflict is a positive thing, because you're going to create a better solution or a better outcome because you’ve got two people with two different opinions that can be spoken about openly.’  ‘Be open to being challenged. How can you create, within yourself, more comfort about being challenged? I work with a lot of leaders and they don’t being asked questions where they don’t know the answer because of the challenge and the conflict that might arise.’    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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to form new positive habits you have to have the intensity, or strength of reason, and frequency to retrain your neural pathways to adopt them. Lee’s consultancy ‘Get Knowledge’ uses this method to encourage people to create a strong collective reason through a jointly owned vision and this is the intensity component of habit forming. Identified positive behaviours are then coached consistently, with frequency, to become habitual.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Lee has developed his own positive habits in relation to his podcasts due to intensity and frequency.  Understand your reasons for implementing a change. Bring people on board with your vision. Have clarity and ‘make it real with look, sound and feel.’  Be consistent with your message and disciplined with your frequency and your positive habit will be team wide.    BEST MOMENTS ‘Intensity and frequency in terms of habit forming has been pivotal to what I have been doing through what we’ve been doing at ‘Get Knowledge’ through business improvement.’  ‘I’ve committed to myself that I’m going to publish a podcast every single week, I’m going to post daily on LinkedIn, post daily on TikTok, post daily on Instagram. And I’m not bothered about the number of followers, I just want to be more conscious about what I'm posting and what ideas will come from it, and hopefully more people will be helped.’      ‘On day one you might not get the answers to the new questions that you’re asking, whether they be for yourself or they be for your team. All the time, by continually asking the same questions you will get better answers.’     VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee has developed an acronym, TEACH, which can keep you informed on how to achieve consistent improvement by changing your mindset. Remember the five essential ingredients that can keep your development going.    KEY TAKEAWAYS First of all we have to be open to change and be willing to apply the lessons we’ve learnt. Mindset is the most important lesson of all.  TEACH stands for Teamwork, Engagement, Accountability, Communication and Humble leadership. If you start with these five areas and look to improve them then your productivity, cost challenge or quality challenge might be resolved as a direct result.  Teamwork. You may have a working team but you may not have teamwork. What can you do to build trust and have more constructive conflict in your team? Engagement. Only by having a proper relationship with your people can you gain trust, through full engaging discourse. Do they believe in your journey? Accountability. We need to have clarity on who is doing what and when they are going to do it. Communication. Ensure people's interpretations of your messages are correct by staying clear and consistent. Equally ensure you understand what is being said to you and it’s intention. Humble leadership. Be selfless. Be there to help your people. It’s ok to not know answers.    BEST MOMENTS ‘Those five things really are, for me, the five main things that this ‘improvement’ thing that we all talk about could really solve. The symptoms of an ineffective system or environment create poor productivity, low customer satisfaction, poor quality, increased costs.’  ‘Trust is situational, its individual. I would trust some people to look after my children but I wouldn’t trust them to record a podcast for me.’  ‘If we assign tasks to whole teams of people it adds an element of doubt, and we need to start to take ownership of the things that we can do.’ ‘People will raise a problem, an idea, an opportunity but then they’ll not be communicated back to, we’ll not close the loop to understand why it can or cannot happen.’    VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to you about customer experience, (different from customer service), and how you should be thinking about the interactions you have with your clients and everybody within the organisation.      KEY TAKEAWAYS When we analyse a touch point with a customer you should be considering what they see, think, feel, and hear in detail. In this way, you can step away from the process and step into the customer's shoes. This method works for employee experience as well. Be aware of how perceptions can build through witnessed action. Every interaction creates an impression. Be aware of how your actions as a leader can create the culture of your organisation.   Display reliability, credibility and capability. Every conversation is an opportunity to create a more flourishing and meaningful relationship.   BEST MOMENTS ‘When doing that, when setting the stage, there’s a realisation in people that they have a role to play with other customers. So as a leader, it could be argued that some of their customers are the people that work for them.’ ‘We have an opportunity to influence how people feel and think about us and also the organisation, the team or even just their day.’  ‘Every single interaction and touch point we have with people, how are we with them? How does that make them feel? What conversations are heard and what can they see?’   VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second funniest lean guy Lee chats with the funniest lean guy Jake Harrell. Jake has been in various leadership roles in manufacturing and distribution and utilises his seductive personality to move people onto the same page as himself and gain business results through cooperation. Even though barely clothed, Jake still discloses all his secrets on problem solving and motivation. Oh, and dating adventures.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Jake started in hospitality, as the ‘hi, how are you?’ guy. This is  how he learned to be skilled in interactions and full on seduction.  You have got to want to solve the problem more than anyone else in the room. Enthusiasm gets everyone's attention. Make it fun and the people will want to engage. Collaboration, although not a natural instinct in competitive industries, is the main key to problem solving and the general smooth running of business. Jake is living the dream encouraging people to do this.  Just do the things you want to do. Over caution and risk avoidance is no fun. No one ever had a good time putting money in a savings account.   BEST MOMENTS ‘If I walk in and go, “Y’all suck. How we gonna get better? Well you guys know you’re not doing the best you can right now.” That just sucks, right? The animation, the attitude I can bring can make it fun where it's not personal to the individual.’ – Jake ‘All I want is for Lee Houfton?…Hoofton?…Hoogieton?..Hufton? All I want is for him to be successful. If I want that more than I want it for myself people are going to come to me for collaboration not the other way round.’ -Jake  ‘I remember being told by a consultant to smarten my act, get better shoes, stop wearing jumpers, start wearing shirts to actually make it as a consultant because that’s what he perceived was the successful thing a consultant needs to do.’ – Lee ‘Remove that barrier of yourself holding you back. If there’s something dumb you want to get out there and do, do it. Have you ever played Monopoly..ly? Imagine you go round the board, but the only rule is you can’t spend money on anything.’ – Jake   GUEST RESOURCES Jake Harrell his Linkedin Link: (99+) Jake Harrell - The Funniest Lean Guy | LinkedIn His video podcast link: A Quality Podcast - John Thacker and Jake Harrell - YouTube VALUABLE RESOURCESBusiness 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all measure stuff. Why? The sole purpose of measuring something should be to learn something, but often its done to prove our worth. Data gathering and counting is time consuming, so what are the best circumstances in which to start measuring? KEY TAKEAWAYS We should only measure to learn and understand what things are getting in the way of what we are trying to achieve. What are the measures that allow you to understand that you are achieving your standards. Anything else is superfluous. Are you employing effective leading measures? Will they inform you of an impending problem which you can then avoid? Measures can be complex so should be easy to understand and provide knowledge, understanding and wisdom to the organisation that they are detailing. BEST MOMENTS ‘You might be measuring all sorts of different processes, the outputs of different processes to put into a dashboard to go to a monthly meeting. To look good. To make it all green.’ ‘If you read the newspaper or the football scores after ninety minutes as a football manager its too late to affect the result of that game.’ ‘How can you make sure that the measures give you enough information for the things that you control and can control to make it better?’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee interviews Becca Francis, who at the age of 34 was diagnosed with ADHD and she’s here to dispel the myths and stereotypes of ‘single parent mums’, ‘naughty boys’ and how she’s been able to turn it into her superpower!    KEY TAKEAWAYS The importance of looking after your customer facing frontline staff cannot be ignored. If you have higher workforce engagement, it can really deliver customer satisfaction. If there’s a gap between changing how business leadership works versus how markets move can leave the whole business outmoded and unattractive to customers and staff alike. Being honest and open about a condition and communicating the actual facts of it is the only way to break the negativities and stigmas.   BEST MOMENTS  ‘It’s a people game, not a process game.’ ‘It's about our attention being re-focused on things that are more appealing to us’ ‘Do I talk donkey language because no-one else sees things the way I do?’ ‘If I can talk about my experiences and that can help one person, that makes me feel like I’ve done a good job. And that’s all I aim to 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-f1312/https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6823892562441502720/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee interviews James Lott, MD and founder of Working Knowledge, a business and education consultancy. Working Knowledge concentrates on improving employment opportunities, guiding people towards the right job for them. Creator of the Digital Market Apprenticeship designed to provide employees with the business skills to shine in their position. He also works with Further Education Colleges, helping them launch young peoples careers with practical guidance and by improving links between the college and potential employers.      KEY TAKEAWAYS James believes in providing young people with career opportunities in entrepreneur led, scale up businesses so they can get a great start to their working lives. He was inspired on this path from teaching sailing to young people and seeing their receptiveness and enthusiasm. Lots of people are reluctant to take on young people because they believe the media image of hoody wearing, knife wielding layabouts. When they meet young people they realise that actually they are innovative, creative and inquisitive. LinkedIn opens opportunities by offering to chance to present ourselves and our skills in a professional way. When you are young it’s a good idea to have had at least a basic work experience to jump off from.     BEST MOMENTS ‘It was all built on this passion of ‘what does talent look like, and how do you get that talent into entrepreneurial businesses in order for those businesses to scale and thrive?’’ ‘At the same time, in their questioning, because they’re unencumbered by years of experience narrowing our focus, they’re asking the questions we’ve forgotten to ask ourselves often in a business setting.’ ‘People talk about transferable skills and they absolutely are there. So go and do something. It could be volunteering as well, people forget about that.’  ‘Nothing comes to life for free. You cant wait around waiting for it to happen to 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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In todays podcast Lee chats to Gary Nightingale, founder of Gary Nightingale Creative, who make illustrations and animated instructional videos mostly for the business and leadership coaching and mentorship industry and increasingly therapy, crisis and counselling services.  Gary talks about his working history and how he ended up where he is helping others effectively visually express their message.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Illustration and animation often provides a communication need that cannot be easily or concisely articulated. Clients frequently are unsure of the nature of the message they require. Gary gets to know the client and their audience to find what they need. Gary has developed processes within his business to apply to individual clients to standardise and notate his skills based on repetition and refinement. It is a good idea to analyse how the end users interact with your content. In doing this Gary found he discovered the viewers paused and discussed the training as it progressed. When creating an expressive message carrying illustration, think about who you are talking to, what it is you want to say to them, why you want to say it and what you want them to do. Then just doodle your way to the required image.   BEST MOMENTS ‘I looked at their profile pictures. What do these people look like? How do they talk?  What are their job titles? That gave me a big insight into his audience.’ ‘I know a lot of people talk about separating personal and business. I just can’t. They’re so inextricably mixed.’ ‘A domestic abuse charity weren’t getting many referrals from the police, and there were others that were getting more, and they felt that their services they offered were more wide ranging than others around them. I made them a video that they used as part of their presentation to the police and they said that the police loved it and had no idea of what their charity offered. Now they are pushing more referrals their way.’   GUEST RESOURCES Www.Garynightingalecreative.com   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 07813342194Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee continues the conversation about communication with a thought-provoking episode that asks the crucial question: what is the difference between team work, and a team that works? And how can we play a greater role in maximising productivity as a leader? KEY TAKEAWAYS A team's work is measured through metrics, but these can only be truly achieved through effective teamwork. We must seek to create environments that encourage teams to pull together to work collaboratively towards achieving the vision. It is incumbent upon leaders to not just encourage their teams, but to ensure that their achievements are celebrated. BEST MOMENTS 'It's encouraging the team to collaborate on achieving the vision' 'It's easier to say what it isn't, rather than what it is' 'Expectation, direction, clarity, conversation, communication, should be created top down' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the advent of the new year, Lee reflects upon the learnings and the insights from 2021, with a specific focus upon the improvements we can make for 2022, and how better communication can provide the bedrock for positive change. KEY TAKEAWAYS Making improvements and becoming more effective in what we do, all comes down to teamwork, and unless we are communicating well with our teams, we can't hope to see those improvements being made. Conflict is not always a bad thing. Conflict can be seen as meeting of differing ideas, the resolution of which all lead to a better solution. Building in a reflective practice is beneficial as it promotes motivation, and causes us to constantly evaluate what has come before and set new goals. BEST MOMENTS 'Conflict is a positive thing' 'You don't want everyone to agree. You want people to challenge the situation' 'The more you talk about something, the deeper you'll understand 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Robinson is man who knows all about teamwork, having served for almost three decades in operations within Toyota Motor manufacturing UK ltd. Kevin joins Lee this week to talk about his business journey, how development strengthens teams, and the importance of true leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS Development is the key to not just strengthening people, but teams. If individuals become stronger, then they strengthen the teams of which they are a part. Planning for the future is not just about striking when opportunities arise, but also looking for ways to mitigate challenge should it arise. Always plan for contingencies. If we see problems setting in, then it could be down to poor leadership. It is incumbent upon as leaders to look at ourselves and how we have provided leadership, and mark any issues that could create negative impact. BEST MOMENTS 'The ethos is all about developing people' 'It all comes back to good leadership' 'My journey so far has been very rewarding' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee meets Lee Chambers, a psychologist and founder of Essentialise, which aims to fuse the scientific performance aspects from sports coaching, the bounty of benefits from the world of neuroscience, with the wisdom of ancient philosophers, in order to unlock the potential that is inside everyone. Lee talks about the ways in which his work has helped others, how you can essentialise your own life, and the beauty and value in being unique. KEY TAKEAWAYS By helping others to realise their potential, we incrementally build a better world. Making it our mission to help others improves life for all. There's so much noise and so many opinions in the world today. The key to improvement is to slow down and focus on a few simple things and look for incremental wins. Never strive to be one of the crowd. You are an endlessly unique creation, and you bring something rare and special to the world. BEST MOMENTS 'I'm making a difference, and that makes me feel great' 'Essentialising your life and your business is about stripping back a lot of the complexity' 'The beauty is that every business and every human being is individual' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast          Essentialise - https://www.essentialise.co.uk/lee-chambers/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Nigel Peters, the Ingredients Opertions Director for Ornua, an agri-food commercial co-operative which markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Ireland’s dairy processors and in turn the Irish dairy farmer. Nigel talks about his life in food manufacturing, how a food hamper change the course of his life, and why balancing work and life is more important than we may believe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes life takes you on journeys you're not quite expecting. Opportunities come our way and it is up to to embrace them, and follow the routes it takes us upon. Success is relative, and not always necessarily something we can measure through our working careers. Success is about growing, developing, taking opportunities and seeing how they can shape us. Balancing life and work is incredibly important. We must remember that the reason we want to do well at work is so that we can provide our families with better lives. However, better lives also mean time well spent in their company. BEST MOMENTS 'As one door closes, another one opens' 'I love everything I do about my job, and they've all been part of a journey to get me where I am today' 'Being happy in what you do is something that gives you energy' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast          Nigel Peters LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-peters-b8b51321/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Cameron has always been curious, and this has led to his constant questioning about not just the world around him, but also internally about himself. Mark joins Lee today to talk about why being inquisitive about the world is important, as well as the role of health in his journey, and how to strike a better balance in life. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's important to ask questions about the world around us. This is how we learn and grow and taken on new perspectives. But it's also crucial to ask questions about ourselves, because this is how we grow as a person. When our beginnings are surrounded by adversity, it instils a sense of resilience and hard work. Often, those with tough beginnings end up being the most successful. Health is very important, both physically and mentally. It is far better to be happy than it is to present a perfect version of ourselves to society. BEST MOMENTS 'You've got to be the best example of what you're questioning other people about' 'I just question why a lot' 'I want to work hard. I want to value the things that I have' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Edmundson is a master of all things eCommerce, and dedicated to helping business owners to find the straight-forward strategy to build their online business, and discover the tools to be successful. Matt talks about his journey in business so far, the power of teams, and his own definition of what success really means. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many of the bigger opportunities in life come quite by accident. We have to recognise them when they arrive and take full advantage. Teams are the building blocks of any good business. By leveraging talent and working towards a shared purpose, we are able to achieve far more. Success takes many different forms. Many see it as the accumulation of wealth, whereas those who have achieved it know that success comes from elevating your life and finding yourself in a place that means life is more enjoyable. Finding the right people for your organisation is not just about qualifications, but more importantly there must be an alignment of values. BEST MOMENTS 'There's an opportunity in front of you and you have to take advantage' 'I like creating something together that's just extraordinary' 'I would say I'm successful but not because of the business or the money' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast         Matt Edmundson - https://mattedmundson.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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Real Story comes from Stuart Boocock, the man who's guided many a young soul into the world of sport and fitness through coaching and junior football, and who's here to discuss why sport can be the key to instilling discipline while also providing a sense of fun, camaraderie and motivation. KEY TAKEAWAYS If children are interested in playing football, it's always best to get them started on that road as early as possible, Developing skills and talents can be begun before the age of ten years old and can give them an advantage later on down the road. Sport and training can act as a structure around which we can grow and develop. The central thesis of physical training is betterment, with each discipline adding to wellbeing, including that of self-awareness and mental growth. We are always learning - this is the key to mastery. When you seek out knowledge and development, and learn from mistakes, you become the best at your chosen pursuit. BEST MOMENTS 'No one in the world hands you anything. You have to go out and fight for it' 'Looking back, I didn't even know what a career was at that age' 'If your heart's set on it, then you'll always find a way to get what you want' 'You've got to keep going at it. You've got to keep learning' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the real story comes from Dave Scholes, the founder of Mindsight, and a man who has navigated a journey of grief, loss, and most importantly connection, in order to connect people and encourage healing conversations. Dave talks to Lee about the power you can find in connecting with others, and how his personal journey has made him into the person he is today. KEY TAKEAWAYS When we overcome challenge, we learn more about ourselves, but we also fortify our resilience and increase our solution toolbox. This can then be used to help others to overcome their own challenges. Listening is only part of what makes a connection. By talking, and relating our stories to others, we grant the agency required for them to offer their own stories. Connection is a simple concept but can be difficult to master. When we create new connections we must come from a genuine place of understanding. BEST MOMENTS 'I spent many years navigating a personal journey' 'If anybody came into my world and had something going on, I can point them in the direction of a potential solution' 'As soon as you start telling a story, it gives other people licence to tell theirs' 'Connection is key' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast        Dave Scholes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scholsey77/?originalSubdomain=uk Mindsight - https://selnet-uk.com/mindsight/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hailed as the first full-time female firefighter in the UK, Britain, Jo joined Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service in 1982 at just 17. With the world watching, she was determined never to be the weakest link. Using determination and inner strength to overcome prejudice, she proved that women could make great firefighters. Jo joins Lee this week to talk about her groundbreaking, empowering story, and what we can all learn about breaking barriers in order to achieve more and change the world for the better. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes, when the things we want aren't available, we must look elsewhere for opportunities, even though these opportunities may sound wild at the time. When you start a job or new branch of your career, all we really want is not to stand out. Trailblazers like Jo stand out naturally, which increases the pressure immeasurably. When we stand out from the pack in obvious ways, the best thing to do is to set an example and get through the work, showing that we are capable, despite people's preconceptions. Belief in ourselves comes through proving to ourselves that we can be more than we think. Remove doubts and look ahead. BEST MOMENTS 'I didn't know what I was getting into, to be honest' 'I'm an independently-minded girl' 'I was wearing a man's outfit, which was a lovely look for a 17 year-old' 'I don't fear anything' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast        Jo Reynolds - https://www.josephine-reynolds.com Jo Reynolds Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SamuiJoReynolds/ https://www.facebook.com/FireWomanJo1 Jo Reynolds Twitter - https://twitter.com/FireWomanJo1 Jo Reynolds Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fire_woman_josephine/ Jo Reynolds LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/atzeropercent/ Email - josephinereynolds815@gmail.com Unique design Rebel Slogan T's - https://firewoman.teemill.com/ Signed Author Copies of Fire Woman - https://fire-woman.sumup.link/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Dunlop is a lean consultant, dedicated to continuous improvement, whose career has taken him through many sectors and endowed him with a wealth of business experience. Paul talks to Lee today about the ways he has persistently looked for opportunities for growth, how to get the best out of people, and his personal definition of what lean really means. KEY TAKEAWAYS Learnings sometimes come through failure, but the lessons gained through doing so can end up being more valuable in the long run. Lean is fundamentally about people, and centres around engaging with, and providing growth and development for people. True servant leadership starts with respect for people, humility, and vulnerability. They are sometimes easier said than done, but it is always a journey of growth. BEST MOMENTS 'I've developed a passion for continuous improvement' 'Sometimes it's a bit of a now or never thing' 'Often there's layers that you have to break through to start the conversation' 'It's about hearts and minds. It's about fundamentally respecting people' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast        Dunlop Consultants - https://www.dunlopconsultants.com.au/about/about-paul 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are you doing? Or more specifically, what are you doing, about what you are doing? In this week's show, Lee talks to the founder of Diary Detox, Paul Holbrook, about the ways in which we can become more aware about the activities you engage in, in order to improve.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The quality of answers you get from someone entirely depends on the quality of the questions being asked. Valuable questions lead to invaluable answers. Many people spend their time doing things that aren't required of them - tasks they take on due to frustration at its not being performed well. We all have job and tasks in our role descriptions, but what many of us lack are truly focussed targets - things that we must achieve and deliver. Detoxing the diary is not a set of instructions designed to tell you how to live and how to perform. It is a carefully constructed map of everything we already do so as to aid us in making smarter, time-based decisions. BEST MOMENTS 'In my world, the C word is "coach"' ''Stop looking out of the window and start looking in the mirror' 'This is about giving you a fundamental awareness' 'We know that not all plans go the way we expect them to'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast       Diary Detox - https://diarydetox.com Paul Holbrook LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmichaelholbrook/?originalSubdomain=uk What Are You Doing by Paul Holbrook (Amazon) 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After being inspired recently by watching the film, 'Making Shankly', Lee has recognised some of the valuable, transferrable lessons that we can take to other areas of our lives. In this week's show, Lee tells you all about them, and how best to apply them.  KEY TAKEAWAYS As a working community, the village of Glenbuck believed in working hard. If people didn't then they didn't prosper. Community provides direction. Teamwork was incredibly important across the entire community of Glenbuck. People pulled together to achieve a common aim. Desire spurred many on to do better. Putting this alongside community and teamwork led to the foundation of a famously successful culture. BEST MOMENTS 'We've got to light fires within people' 'We have to think about desire, teamwork and community' 'What you are trying to achieve is actually achievable'  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a new year, and time to look ahead! With this in mind, Lee is here to talk about the four biggest challenges facing businesses in 2021, and how best to make sure you're prepared to face them.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Hindsight is all very well, but it doesn't help in the present. Focus on the vision, the reason that drove us to begin in the first place, and make this the driving force behind your year ahead. Customers' needs change. Always be ready to pivot when required, and learn to evolve with your customer base. Look at what they need and supply it. Embrace the new working environment. The world has changed. Change with it. Embrace connection, conversation, collaboration and celebrate your wins. Work to reduce your cost and yet still delight your customers over the next year. This is the biggest challenge we face in 2021. BEST MOMENTS 'For some the last twelve months has been about stability and survival. For others it's been about growth and demand' 'Have sight of that vision and direction and remember the reason why you do what you do!' 'Never has there been a greater need to really understand your customers' 'Where are you heading to, and is it being communicated effectively to your team?'  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing comes without hard work. Those who reach the pinnacle of success have put in the time in order to get there. In this week's show, the first of the new year, Lee's here to talk about why putting in the hard work is worth it, and to reassure you that there's really no such thing as an overnight success.  KEY TAKEAWAYS No one has a foolproof formula for instant success. Everyone has to work hard at something in order to find success. Never believe that people get there without effort. When entering the world of business, especially in a leadership role, instant success is almost expected, but this is unreasonable. Sports professionals are required to train and develop in order to become the best in their field. This is the way we should view those in business. It takes time to develop greatness. BEST MOMENTS 'It's consistency. It's continuing to go and continuing to try!' 'Trying, getting better and learning is the way that we want to move forward, culturally'  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Ayesha Murray, host and creator of The Parent Equation Podcast, as well as a coach for working parents who joins the conversation to discuss the ways in which the world of work changes when children arrive in our lives, and the best way of striking that work/life balance.  KEY TAKEAWAYS It is often difficult to view our own careers and achievements with the necessary perspective required, in order to properly steer us towards where we need to be. The main challenge facing working parents is to find the correct balance and headspace between work and home. We all want to do the best in both fields, and we can as long as we recognise that each has its place. Perfect balance for one might no necessarily work for someone else. Each person bring their own challenges. Sometimes the challenge is recognising that it isn't even time to ourselves that we require, but something far different. A coach in these circumstance is useful in creating a safe space, and who will identify limiting beliefs, and then break them down. The most important element is that it is action-driven. They must provide practical ways to move forward. BEST MOMENTS 'It took someone else to highlight my potential' 'That is a hell of a lot for a mind to balance' 'Balance is completely different for every single person' 'It's about challenging myself to do something new'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast      The Parent Equation Podcast - https://www.ayeshamurray.com/podcast.html Ayesha Murray - https://www.ayeshamurray.com/my-story.html 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people are advocates of starting with "Why?", but in this episode of Business Problems Solved, Lee offers another layer to this fundamental question that might just change your thinking...  KEY TAKEAWAYS In order to best motivate someone you must feel something. You cannot discount the power of emotion. it is the difference between good and great. Are you chasing a goal that is pleasurable? If not, then is there enough of a reason for us to chase that goal at all? It's important that our motivation is strong enough, and affects us on an emotional level. BEST MOMENTS 'People give the answer that they believe is the right one to give' 'What is the pleasure you're trying to achieve, or the pain you're trying to overcome'  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lee interviews Jordan "The Wanderer" Reynolds, a British pro-Boxer whose message really is that you can achieve anything if you have the mindset of a champion! It's an incredibly empowering conversation that'll make you believe that if you can change the way you think, you can achieve anything.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Trauma in life, especially in our young years, may seem cataclysmic, but it also prepares us for the rough waters of life. Positivity can be achieved by visualising the future we want. Keep your eyes on the prize and work hard. Remember why you're doing it. If you believe in something enough, stick with it and keep going. Keep believing, and good things will happen. There isn't anything you can't achieve' We can't blame children for their lack of attention when we as parents do not do enough to curb their addictions to social media and technology. We need to take responsibility and reconnect. BEST MOMENTS 'If you stick at something, you'll always overtake people' 'I've never shied away. I've always been me' 'I'm the type of guy...' 'The wanderer has still got plenty of time to wander'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast     Jordan Reynolds Twitter - https://twitter.com/reynoldsboxing Jordan Reynolds Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jreynoldsboxing/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's show, Lee revisits the topic of confidence, and how you can grow and develop your own confidence levels by breaking it down into three areas, and working on each one in small, incremental ways. However, after a recent challenge, Lee returns to re-examine the subject with a new element in mind... KEY TAKEAWAYS Confidence can be broken down into three CUEs. By scoring each out of ten, we gain our confidence score, and can focus on incrementally raising each score up to gradually increase confidence. The CUE for Confidence is: Comfort Understanding Effort If you can demonstrate the thing you're good at, but not in order to promote ourselves, or to make ourselves the beneficiary of praise, and instead to help others, then arrogance can be avoided. BEST MOMENTS 'There is a line between confidence and arrogance' 'Are you selfish or selfless in the act that you're completing?' 'I'm a big proponent of "thinking drives behaviour"' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please be upstanding, as Business Problems Solved welcomes a real-life member of the nobility to the show. Lord Simon Jacobs joins Lee to discuss his journey through business, which led to the founding of Professional Weirdos, a creativity training company designed to encourage the unique gifts in everyone, and which help to create an effective business culture. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many people find themselves hired for their creativity and unique abilities, only to have these singular qualities lost and diluted as time goes by. Professional Weirdos is designed with keeping this singular spirit alive in people. An important part of being creative is the ability to also accept feedback. If you put anything out into the world, you have to be open to all types of feedback, positive and negative.  Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. We must never assume that we do not have a creative side. Even the act of problem solving involves a level of creativity within ourselves. We must seek to redefine what professional means,. For many it is the stereotypical image of an executive, when it actual fact, a professional does not need a suit a tie. It is reflected in the qualities we present in business and in life. BEST MOMENTS ‘For the individual there’s motivation and new ideas. For the company, there’s innovation, there’s motivation, and there’s efficiency’ ’There are weirdos who do things professionally, and there are professionals who are weird’ ‘Fundamentally, being human means that you are creative’ ‘Professional means being timely, being honest, it means being polite'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Lord Simon Jacobs LInkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonjjacobs Lord Simon Jacobs Twitter - https://twitter.com/lordsimonjacobs?lang=en Professional Weirdos - https://www.professionalweirdos.co.uk/founder/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s show, Lee talks to Katie Anderson, a leadership coach, independent consultant, author of ‘Learning To Lead: Leading To Learn’, and a passionate advocate of helping to develop individuals’ confidence and capabilities in improving themselves and their organisations. Katie discusses the incredible journey that led to the insights she now uses to empower others, the value of recognising your purpose from moment to moment, and why balance might be the ingredient you’re missing when it comes to developing and leading teams.  KEY TAKEAWAYS We should always remain open to opportunities, and to the "golden seed” moments that can bring about an awakening, and a whole new perspective. Perspective, experience and wisdom allow us the vocabulary we need in order to both recognise and communicate our purpose. We must always try to develop people with the right intentions. It is not a box ticking exercise. We must help others to rise so that they can contribute their unique gifts and insights to the wellbeing of the business. We cannot convince people to change, but we can offer experiences that change their thinking, and their perceptions in such a way that they seek change of their own volition. BEST MOMENTS ‘It’s enriched my own perspective about leadership’ ‘If there’s a big disconnect between your purpose and the moment, there’s a different problem you need to address’ ’The process and the people are two sides of a balance that needs to be working in sync’ ‘Identify the process they need in order to help support the people'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Katie Anderson - https://kbjanderson.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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Morley was the original drummer and a founder member of Scritti Politti, the 80s band who were pioneers of DIY music before appearing successfully on the dance scene. Unlike other bands Scritti Politti used to make half their songs up on stage, so from an early age Tom got used to taking risks in public. Through a scientific method, Tom has developed an entirely unique form of team building known as INSTANT team work, which he has been pioneering with great success in order to bring teams closer together. In this week’s show, Lee talks to Tom about the science behind the method, and how teams are at the heart of any endeavour. KEY TAKEAWAYS No matter which walk of life we belong to, we all spend time in the womb, subjected not to all five senses, but something more primal. This primal connection continues through life, and manifests itself in connections with others. Science has recently proved that drummers experience the world differently. Their acute sense of rhythm means they see patterns everywhere, including patterns of behaviour. Being able to read ‘the energy’ of a room fast Tom creates INSTANT teams, delivering INSTANT team work. Society is designed around happiness through consumerism. By reconnecting to one’s spirit, we gain this rush of happiness through natural, primal means. The simple act of synchronising our movements with another’s leads to an instant sense of participation and team spirit. In this sense, rhythm may be the missing component in any business’s team-building endeavours. BEST MOMENTS ‘We all respond to a beat!’ ‘Business people are goal-orientated, focused, and interested in new things if they are packaged in short bursts’ ‘Most people live lives of quiet desperation and go to their graves with their song unsung’ ‘I am the permission. I am the Rock Star Activator!'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Tom Morley - https://tommorley.com/about/ Tom Morley LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommorleyrockstar/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do you celebrate success? In this week’s show, Lee talks to Neil Skehel, the CEO and founder of Awards International, dedicated to helping success in others to be celebrated! Neil discusses the importance of honouring positivity and achievement, and how the act of recognising success can be truly life-changing and empowering. KEY TAKEAWAYS Recognition reinforces self-belief. Rewarding achievement should be commonplace, allowing our people to prosper, and leading to transformation. Society tends to be afraid of boasting and bragging. Some think that if they tell someone they’re doing a good job, it somehow disempowers them. If we recognise people in the right way, however, they will do more. A marvellous way of emboldening our team members is to tell them privately. Removing the suspicion that praise is being given so as to glorify the praiser, can certify and endorse that praise for the recipient. People need to learn and develop whenever possible. By endowing people with skills, we give them the accolades to do better. BEST MOMENTS ‘People who receive good, clear, strong recognition can become transformed’ ‘Positive recognition does change your life’ ‘Celebrating success is also about feeling okay as a person’ ‘When people enter awards they create a case study in change' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Awards International - https://awardsinternational.com/author/neil-skehel/ Neil Skehel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilskehel/?originalSubdomain=uk Neil Skehel Twitter - https://twitter.com/neilskehel?lang=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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are so intent of teaching our children about the world that we sometimes miss the things that they can teach us. In this week’s episode, Lee tells you about the five most valuable lessons he’s learned from his own children and his own childhood.   KEY TAKEAWAYS It takes around 3000 attempts for a child to learn how to walk. They fail often, but we encourage them to try again. We are instilling a positive learning ethic, and yet this ethic is lost as education develops. We must create an environment in which it is okay to fail sometimes in which experimentation and risk-taking are encouraged. Kids are always pushing against boundaries. As we grow up we find ourselves adhered to laws, beliefs and rules. What can we do to break the rules and push the boundaries in adult life? BEST MOMENTS ’You don’t know if something works or not until you try it' ‘We don’t get as many opportunities to fail as we do as a child’ ‘Learn like a child. Test the boundaries. Push the boundaries' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Anish Hindocha Twitter - https://twitter.com/hindocha_anish?lang=en Jigsaw Consulting - https://www.jigsawconsulting.co.uk Anish Hindocha LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishhindocha/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lee talks to “Mr Habits”, Anish Hindocha, the founder of Jigsaw Consulting, and a lean consultancy expert devoted to driving improvement through teams.  Anish discusses the importance of reflection in every business journey, how we can shape the habits that will lead us to success, and how we can gain back focus and see through distractions when we need to.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Every step we take is a learning experience. Especially in the beginning of a business journey, when we are left to ourselves in many cases, we should focus on each step we take, and examine the things that we learn along the way.  Time gives us perspective. We cannot always recognise the value in feedback when it is given. We gain clarity over time, and recognise the value in feedback.  Habits are all a matter of triggers (the circumstance that activates the need for something), and the reward (the thing we do for ourselves in reaction to the trigger).  Modifying our environment is essential in diverting distraction. Tailor each day and space to the task at hand. Get the toughest tasks out of the way first, turn notifications off, spend at least 25 minutes on focussed work, then take a break and repeat!  BEST MOMENTS ’There’s lots to gain from taking a step back and looking at what you’ve learned’  ‘When you start to understand yourself more, you start to understand the feedback from the past’  ‘If you want to change a habit, you need to know what the trigger is, and what the reward is’  ‘For years we have trained ourselves to be distracted'  VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Anish Hindocha Twitter - https://twitter.com/hindocha_anish?lang=en  Jigsaw Consulting - https://www.jigsawconsulting.co.uk  Anish Hindocha LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishhindocha/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Julian Roberts, an expert leadership and business consultant (and now fellow podcaster), about how he helps organisations to thrive, and how through listening and employing a technique known as “inner wisdom", he has helped senior and emerging leaders to build resilience, facilitating them to their next level, creating deep self-awareness along the way, and enabling them in times of company growth.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Coaching and consulting is the art of listening, and using the “inner wisdom” to discern the key words that indicate the needs of clients. The most important component in true listening is to develop a mind-set that steers us towards understanding our conversation partner, instead of simply waiting for your turn to speak. Resilience can be developed by becoming more accepting of change. By resisting, we enter survival-mode, which instantly raises defences. Instead, look for the opportunities that change can bring. Clean language can help to kick-start conversations. It’s a technique that helps to remove pretence and allows the client to step outside of the experience in order to open up more fully. BEST MOMENTS ‘You’ve got to shoot for the moon and stars’ ’The biggest thing for me is listening’ ’Seek first to understand before being understood’ ‘It’s like kicking a boat without rudder into the water, to see where it goes' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Julian Roberts Consulting - https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com Julian Roberts LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesroberts/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Mark Rice, the Group Chief Information Officer for The Big Word, a market leader in translation, interpretation, localisation and language technology solutions. Mark discusses his business philosophies, the “Larry” rule and how it can help your business ideas, and how The Big Word are adapting to a new business landscape. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most ideas that enhance or upgrade a business are essentially re-runs of older ideas. It is the interpretation of these ideas, and the adaptation into a new landscape that set them apart. Ideas always transmit better when they are crystallised. If you can’t distil an idea into a thirty second pitch, then you need to go away and think about it again. Workers who are free to express themselves creatively, and with less pressure, will always deliver better results in the end. Remote working should never be all-or-nothing, but tailored to each worker’s circumstances. It is unfair to expect our workers to live and work constantly in the same place. We should be giving options. BEST MOMENTS ’The first thing is have we got data? Have we got numbers? The second thing is have we got logic?’ ‘My start point is that if I understand it, then other people will understand it’ ‘I have a desire to make things easier and simpler for people’ ‘I like less bureaucracy and more chaos' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    The Big Word - https://en-gb.thebigword.com/about-us/ Mark Rice LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rice-03791623/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the extraordinary achievement of reaching the 100 episode milestone, Lee has turned the reins of the show over to you, the listeners, and some very special guests, for a truly interactive episode where Lee answers as many of your questions as possible! Join Lee in the hot-seat then, for this peek behind the curtain of your host and guide. Welcome to the epic, 100th episode of Business Problems Solved! KEY TAKEAWAYS Always do your best for your organisation, but always remember that we need to be happy. We must put ourselves first, and consider what it is that we want. Finding your place in the world isn’t just about achieving the right salary, or being in the right job. It’s about enjoying the work you do. Enjoyment in your career will energise you, and spur you on to do better. Sometimes, leaving a position, or recognising that you are in the wrong place in your career, can be the moment that helps you to define your true place. There are no such things as failure - only lessons. Success is all about starting small, having a clear vision of where you want to end up, and being comfortable with the journey. Our heads decide exactly how our eyes work, how our mouths open and close, what we say, and whether or not our eyebrows raise... BEST MOMENTS ’The world is a massive place, and you can influence it all' ‘You can’t walk through the same stream twice’ ‘It’s about thinking creatively, and overcoming the challenge’ ‘You are where you are because of the steps that you’ve put it' ‘You two have no issues with opening your mouth, do 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach the special 100th episode, Lee reflects upon the journey so far, and more specifically, tries to figure out which of the 99 that precede it, is his favourite so far. The answer may surprise you... KEY TAKEAWAYS Each episode represents a challenge or question that Lee has asked, or been faced with. And each episode has represented the solution to that problem. Sometimes we only remember the larger outcomes to which we are emotionally attached in some way. We may often miss the incremental steps or learnings that brought us there. Business Problems Solved has acted as a form of recording the building blocks that have formed the structure of Lee’s business journey. Do you have a way of looking back at your learnings? BEST MOMENTS ’They’ve all been a reflection of where I’ve been at that point in time’ ’The 99 podcasts have all been an individual step to where I’ve got to today’ ‘You can only join the dots looking backwards if you can see the bloomin’ dots!' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet people every day, online and in life. But how meaningful are these connections? And how much more powerful could they be if we took the time to get to know people better? In this week’s show, Lee talks to a relatively new connection, but one that has made a marked impact upon his life - Victoria Hamilton, who joins the show to discuss the benefits of spending more time getting to know people. KEY TAKEAWAYS In the new landscape of the business world, it’s the companies who focus on people, and trying to reach their customers in more creative, empowering ways, will be the ones who thrive. Happy people lead to happy customers. We can create happy people by installing a culture of comfort, support and collaboration in our organisations. The art of empathy allows us the insight to recognise when people are coming from a different place. The slightest trip along the way can affect a person’s outlook. We must understand where people are coming from. Having a sensation or feeling removed from our reach, such as the ability to physically connect, makes it all the more desirable. Lockdown has demonstrated that we crave human contact above all things. BEST MOMENTS ‘It’s such a time of unparalleled change’ ’The culture, behaviours and values of an organisation are what will shape and determine the impact and success of your focus on the customer’ ’Try and walk a mile in the other person’s shoes’ ‘We have a chance to relearn, reset and recalibrate!’ VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Victoria Hamilton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/customertransformation/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee has recently embarked upon a course in stand-up comedy in order to not just hone his sense of humour, but also his skills in communication.  Stand-up comics are masters of delivering messages through an entirely different form of story-telling, and in this week’s show, Lee tells you all about it.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The three most important elements of stand-up comedy are Connection, Performance, and then Material, meaning that jokes are actually the third most important part of being a comic.  In business improvement, we are often trained rigorously in a particular material, meaning that it is the material itself that takes priority. But this is the wrong way to look at it.  In a joke there is always a setup and then a punchline. When you deliver learning, we must seek to differentiate the key learning points from the rest of the information.  BEST MOMENTS ’There are actually transferable lessons between stand-up comedy and business improvement’  ‘Connection is first - second is performance’  ‘Everybody that’s in front of you is different'  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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opera singer, author, coach, and founder of ’The Voice of Your Mind’, Emma Buratti, joins Lee on this week’s show, to talk about how we can instantly optimise our body language and our voices in order to maximise our communication potential.   KEY TAKEAWAYS We are immediately attracted to those who speak well. The voice is like a diet - it requires work and training in order to optimise it. Often, when trying to improve the voice, the aim is not to minimise the dialects or regional inflections, but to train the voice in how to breathe properly, or soften consonant in order to reduce plosives. A good technique for improving your energy in a video call, is to first dress for the occasion, and secondly to set the area up as though you are staging an important meeting.  To make a larger impact, we must never underestimate the power of silence. A well timed pause can add gravitas and emphasis to a verbal bullet-point. BEST MOMENTS ’The voice has always been important’ ‘Everybody can keep their accents - it’s about softening the consonants’ ‘If your energy goes down, guess where it shows…' ‘If you want to be confident, then you have to learn to stand in your own power’   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Emma Buratti LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-buratti-30472a33/?originalSubdomain=uk The Voice Of Your Mind - https://www.thevoiceofyourmind.com/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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the great ones in business have in common?  Those who succeed are not always the most talented in the room. But they do have willpower. Perseverance and clarity about people and ourselves are the forces that can take anyone towards their goals. KEY TAKEAWAYS Knowing ourselves is the first step in understanding each other. By tapping into ourselves, we unleash a new level of creativity. The message and the content aren’t always the most important step. We need to create a connection before we can properly deliver the message. Everything must start with people. We must begin with thought, and a better understanding. Everyone is an individual. BEST MOMENTS ‘It’s your thoughts that drive your creativity’ ‘Business improvement is not just about the methodology’ ’A habit is an automatic action' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Tom Lock, the founder of The British Snack Company, one of the most popular snack brands in the country. Tom discusses the importance of brand identification, perseverance, and the lessons he learned while scaling a small business concern to one of national importance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Perseverance is the secret to success. If the idea you have is a viable one, then keep pushing. Eventually, your product will reach the right person. Whether you’re selling to a single pub or a chain of supermarkets, the principle is always the same; you’re knocking on a door and selling yourself and your idea.  We must never be scared to leverage the people around us, or ask for help. We cannot be the best at everything. Focus on the tasks in which you excel and delegate the rest. Creating a brand is about boiling down the essence of your values, and marketing your idea through that filter. Tom is proud to be British, and his products all reflect the tastes of the country.  BEST MOMENTS ’The longer you’re in it, the harder it is to walk away from’ ‘I guess it’s always been in me, to start a business’ ‘You can’t be ashamed of trying to get in front of people, and trying to command their attention’ ‘As any organisation grows, you have to delegate and hire more people' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Tom Lock LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-lock-ba446740/?originalSubdomain=uk The British Snack Company - https://www.britishsnackco.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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Oliver Burton of Forbes Solicitors about the importance of people, the true meaning of leadership, and why the wisest and most influential minds in business are the ones who keep the individual front and centre. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding what makes ourselves tick and what makes others tick, allows us to get the best out of everyone, and subsequently improve the business. Wins should always be celebrated. It is acceptable to look to the future, but we must never sacrifice our time in the present. Being respected is just as important, if not more so, than being liked. Those who lead with compassion and enthusiasm are the ones who find the right balance between both. We do our best when we create an environment so that others can acknowledge and understand where they are, coupled with where we think they are, and the providing of a personal development plan for each individual. BEST MOMENTS ‘When you’re in a big PLC, change passes through you’ ‘I never wanted to look back and think “what if?”' ‘Culture is about finding fun in what you’re doing’ ‘You have to be able to reward and recognise and celebrate along the way' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Oliver Burton LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oburton/?originalSubdomain=uk Forbes Solicitors - https://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/news/41780/forbes-appoints-oliver-burton-as-chief-executive-officer 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks again to Emily Leyland, the Operations Director for Fresh Perspective, an innovative recruitment agency, specialising in helping businesses to find their ideal candidates by offering highly bespoke, internal solutions. In this episode, Emily talks about what makes her tick, the importance of personal branding, and how she’s developed the will and the determination to rise to the crest of business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Self-belief begins with your own authenticity. By determining our own happiness with the way we are, we make it far easier to plot out own course through life. Living in the moment is crucial to find that sense of grounding; of connecting entirely to the present. We can use breathing techniques and mindset to hit the reboot button. The best way to appeal to people is to subvert the accepted thinking and forget “niche”. Go as broad as you can, and then focus upon your respondents. Don’t ever be afraid to pivot. If something isn’t working for you, then take the lesson and change to a strategy that does dynamically improve your reach. BEST MOMENTS ‘It doesn’t matter what other people think. All that matters is what you think’ ‘You’re a LinkedIn legend!’ ‘We warm up the market - we see what’s happening!’ ‘Everyone’s favourite topic is themselves' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Emily Leyland LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyleylandfreshperspectiveresourcing/?originalSubdomain=uk Fresh Perspective - https://fp-resourcing.co.uk/who-are-fresh-perspective/emily-leyland/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Emily Leyland, the Operations Director for Fresh Perspective, an innovative recruitment agency, specialising in helping businesses to find their ideal candidates by offering highly bespoke, internal solutions. Emily talks to Lee about Fresh’s unique outlook on recruitment, and how they are disrupting the industry with empowering alternatives and forward thinking. KEY TAKEAWAYS Typical recruitment agencies will generally accept a job spec from a company and find candidates that fit the requirements. Fresh Perspective offer a far more personalised solution, based upon investigative action. Feedback is essential for candidates, even if they are unsuccessful. People can take the learning and apply solutions in order to make themselves stand out in future. Recruitment can be a huge drain on a business’s resources. With a little forward thinking, companies can save time and money. The great agencies are the ones who do not go for quick wins, but try to add true value to their profession by supplying a quality service. In the long run, quality counts for more than money. BEST MOMENTS ‘We offer a more internal approach to recruitment’ ‘We become your brand ambassador’ ‘We want to disrupt the industry. We want to make the industry better’ ‘If you add value every single day of your life, then you’re definitely doing something right'   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast    Emily Leyland LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyleylandfreshperspectiveresourcing/?originalSubdomain=uk Fresh Perspective - https://fp-resourcing.co.uk/who-are-fresh-perspective/emily-leyland/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more people out there searching for work right now, it’s important to make sure we give ourselves the best chance possible. With this in mind, Lee talks this week about how you can optimise your LinkedIn profile, in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Endeavour to tailor your LinkedIn profile to the job for which you’re applying. Consider the type of job you’re looking for, and then adjust your profile accordingly. The sentence below your name is your opportunity to tell the world what is you do, and who you do it for. Don’t waste the opportunity to sell yourself. Create engaging content, specifically designed to appeal the people you want to work for, and make your About section keyword heavy, and useful for recruiters. How can you solve their problems? BEST MOMENTS ‘Your LinkedIn profile is your electronic CV’ ‘How can you talk to the ideal client, to make it more about them than you?’ ‘It’s not a numbers game. It’s not a vanity game' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When was the last time you read something, or learned something, about marketing? Marketing is something that we all need to know more about, and yet many of us don’t spend the time developing this vital business skill. In this week’s show, Lee talks about why it matters so much, and how you can follow the advice of an ancient philosopher in order to make your marketing strategy more dynamic. KEY TAKEAWAYS The principles of Aristotle’s Pyramid Of Persuasion is still being used by marketers today: Logos - Appealing to logic Pathos - Appealing to emotions Ethos - Appealing to a sense of trust In marketing, we must try to get people to feel something whenever we can. We are trying to appeal to the universal in humanity.  In order to get to where we want to be, we need to create allies, communicate effectively, and overcome the objections that people have in what you are trying to achieve. BEST MOMENTS ‘We’re trying to market a way of making today better than yesterday’ ‘I thought these sounded like the Three Musketeers!’ ‘The difference between being good and being great is getting people to feel something’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the more fascinating concepts being discussed today is that of “humble curiosity”, the act of learning with humility, in order to directly benefit another. In this week’s episode, Lee discusses this invaluable concept, and talks about the ways in which it can instantly enrich your life. KEY TAKEAWAYS The definition of being humble is showing a moderate or low estimate of one’s importance. Curiosity’s definition is a strong desire to know or learn something. Humble curiosity is the art of learning something for other people’s benefit. Great leaders and change agents are the ones who unselfishly recognise that by strengthening others, we strengthen ourselves. We should sometimes feel the courage to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers. We can empower others by encouraging them to seek answers without us. BEST MOMENTS ‘Humility is not thinking less of one’s self. It is thinking about one’s self less’ ’The method you should use depends upon your desired outcome’ ‘Is your level of curiosity for yourself, or for other people?' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jazmine Wolf is a business and life coach who’s gained an incredibly empowering viewpoint upon life and success through a series of setbacks that may well have derailed the ambitions of a less resilient spirit. Jazmine joins Lee today to talk about the power of trust, empowerment, positivity and the force of will that has led her to founding a highly successful business that seeks to embolden others. KEY TAKEAWAYS Empowerment comes from surrounding ourselves with the people who can vitalise the areas in which we hope to gain strength. Empowering our teams empowers ourselves. Authenticity is very attractive to people, and provides an extra level of engagement in business. People love a story, and they engage with honesty In business, in tends not to be the processes and systems that need improvement, but the mind-set, beliefs, and self-imposed limitations that people put upon themselves. An effective technique in empowering people, is to show them the potential future version of themselves and their plans, in order to help them visualise a successful outcome. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m a natural nurturer of people’ ’There’s nothing like being authentic’ ‘Most people get in their own way in business’ ‘You can always find positives when working with people' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast   Jazmine Wolf - https://www.jazminewolf.com/about Jazmine Wolf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazmine-wolf/?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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s special guest is a specialist side-splitter, and pioneer of the revolutionary idea that laughter can help to turn your workplace into a far less stressful environment. Lee is joined by Laughing Yoga expert and founder of Canned Laughter, Mr Pete Cann, who talks about why laughter is the best medicine, not just for individuals, but for businesses! KEY TAKEAWAYS By practising laughter yoga, we effectively trick our bodies into thinking that we are laughing authentically, and trigger the same release of endorphins and dopamine. One of the greatest benefits of laughter yoga is that it can be practised remotely. It was founded as a collective exercise, but can be just as effective through networking technology. Laughter is a proven method of combating lack of sleep, rising stress levels, anxiety and mental discomfort. Especially during lockdown, it has proven remarkably effective. People are becoming far more accepting of laughter as a way of treating mental health, and more and more people are losing their inhibitions in order to give laughter yoga a try. BEST MOMENTS ‘You release stress, anxiety, and connect with other people!’ ’This is my gold’ ‘I wasn’t expecting such a lengthy ha!’ ‘If I can crack chefs then I can crack most people!' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast   Canned Laughter - https://www.petecann.com Pete Cann LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cannedlaughter/?originalSubdomain=uk Laughter And Positivity Podcast - https://www.petecann.com/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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we begin the transition from lockdown back to the workplace, Lee takes this opportunity to answer a vital question: how can we hope to work as a close-knit team without being able to huddle and get together regularly in the same way? KEY TAKEAWAYS The first step in developing new ways of working is to ask ourselves why the old practices were in place in the first place. If you do plan to take action, consider what you’d like people to know, how and what do you want them to do, and how you want them to feel. Connection, conversation, collaboration and celebration will always exist in whatever workplace we return to. We simply need to redesign the way we think about them. BEST MOMENTS ‘We talk about things to engage people!’ ‘We should engage people to make today better than yesterday’ ’Think creatively about solving the problem at hand' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the main reasons for employees leaving their positions within companies, is that they’re not enjoying their job. With that in mind, Sunny Sandwell, the Managing Director of Fun At Work, is on a mission to bring the culture you need in your workplace, in order to retain and inspire the people you worked hard to assemble. In this week’s show, Sunny talks through her philosophy around keeping fun as a central part of any business, and what companies can gain from keeping their workforces happy and engaged! KEY TAKEAWAYS People often misconstrue fun in the workplace as silly, or a distraction. But Fun At Work is living proof that fun can be constructive and purposeful. This in turn benefits the business by strengthening teams and helping to dismantle divides. There is a preconception among some companies, that their workforce should act as robots, who do nothing but sit still and produce results. But human beings are conditioned not act as worker ants. Breaks are essential. Fun events such as team building exercises, tend to be held annually. By the time the next event arrives, the positive effects have begun to wane. The key is to have fun incrementally, and more often. People are often reluctant to engage with activities outside of work, if they feel they are being forced to do so. It is incumbent upon us to market these events in such a way that makes it appealing and valuable. Fun is far easier to incorporate into your working life if it's done sooner rather than later. Treat it as a core principle upon which your company is founded. BEST MOMENTS ‘My business is evidence that fun isn’t distracting’ ‘Fun is a good thing for us, and for mental health and wellbeing’ ‘I’d like fun to be part of our core values’ ‘Fun is the thing that will hold your business together' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast   Sunny Sandwell LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-sandwell-fun-at-work/?originalSubdomain=uk Fun At Work - https://funatwork.co.uk/about-us/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your story is incredibly important.  No matter where you’re from in life, you’ve overcome far more than you may even remember to get to where you are today. As Lee discusses in today’s show, the sum total of your life experiences may be the key to building successful relationships, and to overcoming the hurdles of the future. KEY TAKEAWAYS Recognising that you are already the veteran of many challenges in life, can help people buy into your story. We build relationships by connecting our stories to those around us. It is the bringing together of shared or aspirational experiences. By focusing on the moments of elation in our livers, we can take from them the lessons that matter most to us. BEST MOMENTS ‘Everybody’s stood on a mountain of value’ ‘What is it that gives you that feeling of scoring a goal?’ ’Don’t be afraid, because these are the things that have shaped you as a person' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a change agent, it’s crucial to develop and nurture your personal brand, and your approach in bringing people along with you on the journey towards change. Peter Brodie, known as THE Sales Coach, is a man who specialises in coaching the best of the coaches and consultants, and joins Lee today to talk about the ways in which change agents can evolve and expand to become true innovators. KEY TAKEAWAYS Work carefully to build credibility and brand. Provide clarity in who you are, who you serve, and what the benefits are of working with you. By engendering trust, we become the go-to voice when help is needed. Positioning ourselves as someone to be trusted will mean that they will come to you at the right time.  VITL = Valuable, Individualised, Timely, and Legitimate. If your message follows these four parameters, then people will welcome your input. Clients will always gravitate towards a specialist in the area they need help with. It’s best to emphasise your talent for specific niches than try to appeal to many bases. It’s crucial to find your own individual style, stick to it, and enhance it. You’ll attract the set of clients who want to work with your specific style. If you’re trying to be something you’re not, the clients you attract will be the wrong ones. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’m the only sales coach that guarantees their outcomes’ ‘It’s all about trust and timing’ ‘You attract the right clients for you by being yourself’ ‘If you try to please everyone all the time, you can kiss your ass goodbye'   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast   Peter Brodie LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-brodie-bys/?originalSubdomain=uk BYS Coaching - https://www.byscoaching.group 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For change agents or leaders working in business, one of the greatest challenges can be in how to differentiate yourself. How do we make ourselves stand out? As Lee discusses in this week’s show, the best way of standing out can be in the way we communicate, and by maximising the significance of each interaction, through using a simple formula. KEY TAKEAWAYS Impact means many things, but most importantly, it represents the outcome we aspire to receiving after any communication. Lee’s formula for maximising impact through communication is: Intent - why are you communicating in the first place? Memorable - how can you make sure you stand out among the other communications? Passion - are we communicating emotion in the message? Actionable - have we included a call to action with a timeframe involved? Clarity - can you communication be understood by everyone? Targeted - is your message directed to the relevant person or team? BEST MOMENTS ‘If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll make the impact you always have’ ‘What do you want somebody to know, to feel, and to do?’ ‘Clarity reduces the chance of misinterpretation' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a return engagement for Damian Hughes, best-selling author and Professor Of Organisational Psychology & Change. Damian has returned to Business Problems Solved to guide you through how to unlock the secrets of high-performance in people, so that you can invigorate your business journey! KEY TAKEAWAYS High performers are generally blessed with a rare humility. It is this humility that allows them to see the potential of external change. Everybody has the capacity to be a high performer in a selected field. The key is to unlock the identity of that field, and help that person to become the best performer they can be. The transition into becoming a high performer is often triggered by an event that jolts our way of thinking. these are the “golden seed” moments as described by Freud. The art of successful teaching is the art of reducing an idea, or gestating it, so that the idea is refined to its core. By discovering the seed of the idea, we can make it translatable to every kind of audience through the outer garments of words. When we slow down, we come to appreciate the speed at which we were moving. The lockdown has given us all the benefit of seeing how reflection can alter perception. BEST MOMENTS ‘We are often distracted by the outcome of a performance instead of the seeds of it’ ‘If you’re good at something, then you’re also smart enough to be able to explain why you’re good at it’ ‘At some stage in your life, someone comes along and sows a golden seed that makes you believe in yourself’ ’Sometimes ideas need time to gestate and grow’ VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast   Damian Hughes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-hughes-a376121?originalSubdomain=uk Damian Hughes - https://www.gordonpoole.com/talent/damian-hughes/ The High Performance Podcast - https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KrR4/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a time for reflection, and due to popular demand, Lee has decided to share his own highly personal story; the powerful advice that has brought him here, as well as the emotionally-charged lesson that drives him forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sometimes it takes the darkest moments of tragedy in life to wake us up to the missing components in our own lives. Always be yourself. Make good friends. Time is limited. These are the lessons that mean the most. It’s vital to achieve your goals on your own terms. Always be yourself, and never try to be a carbon copy of someone you emulate. BEST MOMENTS ’There are some pivotal moments in life that have shaped me into the person I am’ ‘If I went now, would my kids be proud of what I’ve achieved?’ ’The key to successful change is people' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to Paul McGee, also known as "The Sumo Guy”, the author of many books that have had a transformative effect on the way we think, and which have helped many in the business industry to adopt a new, more empowering way of operating. Paul joins Lee today for a very special conversation in which he discusses the message of inspiration he lives by, how evolution can be more powerful than revolution, and the importance of looking forwards. KEY TAKEAWAYS SUMO is an acronym for “Shut Up, Move On”, a phrase that soon became the more inspiring “Stop. Understand. Move On”, a mantra that has led Paul to great success. People are a much more effective way of creating change and growth. We need to focus less on technological innovations, and more on understanding people. Dwelling on our failures only keeps us rooted in the present, instead of driving us forward. Learn and grow with each failure, and treat them as lessons. It is the response to any challenge that influences the outcome. Making sure our messages are eternal and relevant will ensure their survival, and our success. The art of empowering communication is the distillation of any concept into concise simplicity, and transmitting it in the most powerful way at that moment. BEST MOMENTS ‘Get the best out of yourself, the best out of others, and the best out of life’ ‘My life’s been about evolution, not revolution’ ‘I want to equip the next generation with skills that will last a lifetime’ ‘I’ve got a message that is relevant for your life. I’m scratching where you’re itching’ VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast The Sumo Guy - https://www.thesumoguy.com Paul McGee Twitter - https://twitter.com/thesumoguy Paul McGee Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/paul.mcgee.5245 Paul McGee LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulm5/?originalSubdomain=uk Paul McGee YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUn8r9hCk8ewTXHapv1-Ngg How Not To Worry by Paul McGee 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoff Ramm is the owner and creator of Celebrity Service, a professional speaker, author and customer service and marketing specialist. Geoff is the architect behind Celebrity Service, a system designed to give your business a customer service experience that will radically alter the way your customers see you. It’s a system that can create a paradigm shift in the way you operate; which can give you an insurmountable lead over your competitors today! KEY TAKEAWAYS We can learn and develop ourselves exponentially by applying the lessons learned and recounted in stories. The art of storytelling is the art of improving ourselves through refinement. The accepted wisdom is that businesses need to go the extra mile, and to exceed expectations. These are not new or disruptive teachings. We need to go deeper. Celebrity Service is founded upon the principle of closing the gap between the service we give customers, and the aspirational service we would give to the biggest celebrity in the world. The main problem businesses face in increasing their service levels is engagement between their staff and customers.  There’s always a nugget of information in the things that customers say; a small truth that can enable you to fully understand their needs, and to better serve them. BEST MOMENTS ‘I genuinely believe that Celebrity Service is the differentiator between you and your competitors’ ‘I’m not telling stories. I am in the stories’ ’Small-minded people say “cost”. The positive people say “invest”' ‘Celebrity Service is the art of asking questions and listening to the nugget’ VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast Geoff Ramm - http://www.geofframm.com To take Geoff up on his incredible offer, connect with him at geoff@geofframm.com Geoff Ramm LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingspeakermarketing/ Geoff Ramm Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Geoff-Ramm-Celebrity-Service-OMG-Marketing-Speaker-192560274147492/ Geoff Ramm Twitter - https://twitter.com/GeoffRamm 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now may be a time for self-reflection, and to examine the many pathways that have merged to form our own unique journeys. Lee has been considering his own story as a change agent, specifically examining the sometimes loneliness of change and its implementation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Being a change agent means that often we are the sole voice of innovation. It takes a certain mental fortitude, as it’s not always a happy place to be. Leaders of organisations often attribute stagnancy and failure to its people. They believe that things that have worked in the past should work always, and never need to be revolutionised. The only factors we can truly change are our perceptions about others, and our feelings towards our role and how we perform.  What can you do to challenge your own thinking? Are there angles you haven’t considered? Only by opening our minds to the wisdom of others can we approach challenges from a differing perspective. BEST MOMENTS ‘We can be the only person in that organisation pushing that boulder up a hill’ ‘You can only change the things you have direct control over’ ‘Concentrate on you first before anyone else' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee is with Trish Wilson -  Continuous improvement specialist and professional Network Catalyst from New Zealand who has successfully built international networks over the last 6 years. As a curator of networking Trish knows how to develop the right culture and the importance of learning from each other in smart inspirational conversations where an initial spark can take a conversation on an unexpected journey that provides everyone involved with something special. This is a great conversation with Lee and Trish exploring the key elements of networking and explaining why being with others to learn and share is so inspirational and a vital part of continuous improvement for everyone.   KEY TAKEAWAYS If everyone was able to talk to each other everything would be so much better. The network is an ecosystem there are those who are really involved and those who only dip in occasionally. Why network? – It’s all about being around people sharing ideas, not being alone, inspiring others and learning something new. It’s about people who are doing sharing with others who are doing. To get into networking you need to be curious. You ask a question and then you are curious about the answer so you can ask another question. Don’t write anything or anyone off at the beginning you never know where something amazing is going to come from – you have to be an explorer. People are amazing but there are a huge variety of wants and needs across any group and its about being able to have a smart conversation where everyone comes in on the same level. Being able to successfully curate is about developing the right culture When you put like-minded people together they are all able to bring something that benefits others. It’s a journey an exploration and people resonate with different networks, you have to find out who you are, how you are.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Often the conversation goes off in all sorts of different inspirational ways’ ‘You have to be a bit of a giver to network successfully’ ‘It’s a pivotable role to make the acceleration happen and the connections stick’ ‘It’s about sparking the initial conversation’   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast  CICE website Trish Wilson LinkedIn   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to motivational speaker, communications expert and self-professed “Zookeeper”, Nigel Risner, a man who’s been on both sides of success, and who’s since devoted himself to helping businesses and their leaders improve in over seventy countries. Nigel joins Lee to discuss his formula for success, and to talk about his incredible “zookeeper” theory, designed to allow leaders to unlock the potential in their teams. KEY TAKEAWAYS Speak with authenticity. Speak from the heart. Share your message with honesty and passion. A valuable message will always find its way to the right people. You lead people and you manage things. When you’re a parent, you lead your child to success, and you manage the objects and processes around them. It’s the same in business. We need to know when to lead and when to manage. Most of us, instead of listening, are waiting to respond. The greatest zookeepers are the ones who listen. Treat participants in the conversation as though they are the only thing that matters in the world. Nigel’s top two tips for those wishing to supercharge their speaking career: You need to have a “Martini Speech” - Develop a keynote speech that you can deliver “anytime, anyplace, anywhere” You need to become phenomenal at marketing - Get out there and understand how to sell your services and yourself. Never give “feedback". Give "feed-forward”. People can’t turn back time and do things differently. Constructive input happens in the moment, and is far more effective as a tool for future positive outcomes. Too many businesses focus on the last customer instead of the next customer. By giving each interaction our total attention, we create life-changing experiences. BEST MOMENTS ‘Making money isn’t complicated. Working with people is complicated’ ‘If you’re in the room, be in the room’ ‘LISTEN contains the same letters as SILENT’ ‘If you’re brilliant, but no-one knows it, you’re not brilliant’ ‘I am your most important person in the world right now'   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast Nigel Risner - https://www.nigelrisner.com Your Best Year Starts Here Podcast - https://www.nigelrisner.com/podcast Nigel Risner LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-risner-chief-zoo-keeper-09632/ Nigel Risner Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nigel.risner Nigel Risner Twitter - https://twitter.com/Nigelrisner 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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee is with Gavin Preston Business Strategist and Growth Expert who has extensive expertise and experience helping businesses to scale and grow. In this time where for many small businesses it’s all about survival, they discuss the ways this can be achieved successfully with Gavin’s ‘Keep Your Boat Afloat – A Business Survival Guide for COVID19 Times’ We are all in a period of enforced change and the most important thing for any business is to be able to make it to the other side. There is great content and practical advice in this episode listen in and find out how to survive and thrive moving forward.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The most important thing is to get your business out the other side so you can take advantage of the opportunities when the resurgence of the economy begins. Sometimes when you in the middle of everything it can be difficult to think rationally because you are in a flight or fight mode. Once you have established the basics you can move forwards People are now beginning to think about how they can use this time productively to be in the best position moving forward. People are on different parts of ‘the change curve’ created by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Some people have already moved to acceptance and are looking at opportunities whilst others are still in denial. Focus on small simple steps you can take every day to get back in control. The emotional journey of change is one where there is a grieving process that has to be experienced and moved through. People who have their own businesses are creative, flexible and like to solve a problem. This will be a defining moment for many businesses and there will be entrepreneurs who will find solutions that will move their businesses forward over the next 5 years. The pdf ‘Keep Your Boat Afloat – A Business Survival Guide for COVID19 Times’ provides the 8 steps any business needs to work through to be able to survive and then thrive as the opportunities come on the other side of this situation. The 8 steps; looking after your employees, cash strategies, ascertaining your supply chain, talking to your customers, Pivoting and adaptation and marketing along with community and mindset play a vital role in the survival of any business.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Sometimes when you are in the middle of everything it can be difficult to think rationally because you are in a flight or fight mode’ ‘I have lived through the rise and demise of a business, I was the person centre stage with the suppliers, clients, staff and other stakeholder groups’ ‘If you cut too deep and too soon you won’t have a business on the other side. It’s about achieving the right balance’   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast  Keep Your Boat Afloat Pdf The Business Mastermind Podcast Gavin Preston Website   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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Business Problems Solved Podcast, Lee Houghton explains the 4 C’s of communication and how they can help us during these difficult times in business during the COVID-19 outbreak. It can be hard to get the team together and to promote productivity whilst we are all working from home, Lee suggests some key ways that we can keep positive and maintain team spirit. Lee also applies the 4 C’s to people who are living in isolation, working on relationships and supporting your friends and family whilst maintaining good mental health.   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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Priestley is an author, speaker and entrepreneurial mastermind, as well as the founder of Dent Global, one of the world’s leading strategists in ensuring your business is able to tap into the wealth of expertise and value that sometimes isn’t used to its full potential. Daniel’s here to talk about the importance of becoming the “key person of influence” in business, and the value in treating business as your passion, and as a game we all play. KEY TAKEAWAYS Daniel has been hooked on entrepreneurship since his early days in business, when he found himself going it alone, after a slight disagreement with his boss. Since then, he has grown six global businesses, and has no plans to slow down. As products mature, so too do they become commonplace in the marketplace. The way that we can differentiate our product from others in a crowded field, is to employ a “key person of influence” in order to boost its profile. A good example of this is Richard Branson. Being a key person of influence requires a certain level of experience, insight and the raw materials required to stand out. Daniel runs an accelerator designed to boost people, and recommends that they come in with at least 15 years’ worth of experience. So many people spend far too long admiring the value in others, but failing to recognise the value they have themselves. By assembling the many elements of their success, their value can be easy to demonstrate. They key elements of importance when it comes to positioning yourself as a key person of influence are: You need to have a product eco-system (gift - prospects - robust core product - retainer model) Develop a functioning team. Entrepreneurship is a team sport. It’s far easier to be happy in your professional life when you’re doing something you love, and are passionate about. Daniel is lucky in that entrepreneurship is his burning passion. The thrill of business is always in the pursuit. Money is a great way to shed light or truth on what you’re doing, and to determine if what you’re doing is working, but it should never be the end result. Following the money is always doomed to failure. If you’re looking at a potential project in which money is already being made, the chances are that you’ve already missed the boat. You’ll only be playing catch-up. Trust your awareness. If your instincts are ringing alarm bells in your head, then make sure you’re attuned to them. They’re ringing for a reason. Daniel’s Five P’s, when it comes to being a Key Person Of Influence are: Pitch Publish Products Profile Partnership Sales is an unnatural type of behaviour. Most people hate the prospect of sales. Daniel likens it to physical exercise, in that we don’t enjoy it, but it is necessary. Roleplaying is good way of practicing sales. Data will be the new way of marketing in the future. It has already been used for presidential campaigns and for political purposes, and will be much stronger, in the end, than social media itself. BEST MOMENTS ‘From my passion in entrepreneurship, I went off and wrote four books’ ‘Until you’re a key person of influence, your job should be to becomea key person of influence’ ‘People want to know that you’ve succeeded at something’ ‘You’re looking for that rag-tag bunch of people who’ve got time available’ ‘I love to geek out!’ ’The money’s there to keep score, but that’s not the point of the game’ ‘It’s hard to sell yourself. It's much easier to sell a sports car or a piece of camera equipment’ ‘I was a weird kid' VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast Dent Global - https://www.dent.global Daniel Priestley - Key Person Of Influence eBook - https://amzn.to/2w638EO Daniel Priestley - Oversubscribed eBook - https://amzn.to/3d9QZ2m Daniel Priestley - Entrepreneur Revolution eBook - https://amzn.to/2wdMdA6 Daniel Priestley - What’s Your Business Worth? eBook - https://amzn.to/2Wjtkq1 Daniel Priestley - 24Assets eBook - https://amzn.to/2Wlk98I 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/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want the best processes, results and people think about the BEST model. In this episode Lee explains what the BEST model is and how it can have a positive impact on your business. He also discusses the importance of creating a positive environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS The environment that people work and the results that people get are driven by the leaders. B – Leadership behaviour. What are the things that you can do to influence leadership behaviour? Leaders have a direct impact and influence on how engaged their employees are. E – Employee engagement. This drives customer satisfaction. S – Customer satisfaction. If customers are happy then your business targets will naturally follow. T – Business targets and results. Putting in solutions to move the dial of a particular problem that they’re seeing. Start by looking in the mirror and seeing what you can change to ensure you’re creating the best environment that allows people to speak up and drive improvements. BEST MOMENTS ‘Leadership behaviour drives employee engagement.’ ‘Help foster and nurture improvement’ ‘It’s not about process, It’s about people’ ‘If you can change, you can help other people change’ 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 Website: Lee@leehoughton.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDwSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘It’s about getting young people ready for the real world’ Lee is in conversation with Kamal Ellis-Hyman founder of ‘Aim a Little Higher’ Kamal has a passion for helping young people get ready for the real world and works with them to build their aspirations based on their potential, not their circumstance. They discuss the journey Kamal has taken and the very different aspirations of young people and the ways they interact with the world. Kamal is working towards a world where the ‘playing field is even for young people’ listen in and find out how he is achieving this through his passion.   KEY TAKEAWAYS I write about life and whatever is on my mind. My spoken word poetry is about empowering people. I’ve always been surrounded by the idea that if you want to do something then you should just go for it. It’s about getting young people ready for the real world, with their aspirations based on potential rather than circumstance. I help young people figure out who they are, what they want and how to get out there and get it. When talk to young people about my failures they engage with me and I can talk about my successes and what I want for them We want people to; Know yourself Know your vision Don’t chase your dreams, build them for yourself. Knowing yourself as a teenager is about knowing what you like. Start now and take small steps every day.  In pursuit of our dreams, we forget to recognise and celebrate our achievements on the journey. Growing a business is about being resilient and it’s a beautiful journey when you don’t let it affect your heart. I’ve found my thing I’m a good communicator and I like working with an audience, performing – it’s me.   BEST MOMENTS ‘A world with an even playing field for young people where they understand there is stuff they are good at and stuff they suck at’ ‘A world where everyone feels comfortable doing what they want to do because they want to do it’ ‘I talk to them like a big brother’   VALUABLE RESOURCES Business Problems Solved Podcast  Aim a Little Higher website Kamal Ellis- Hyman LinkedIn   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/                              See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are two elements to become a high-performance team. Celebrate success and Self Reflection. Lee identified that having two small Team huddles, 10-15 minutes in length, can turn your team from average to high-performance. The first Team Huddle should look to identify and celebrate the things that went well. Small and big wins, things that succeeded and should continue to persist with as well as the continued success of previous wins. The second Team Huddle commences after, later in the week. This meeting is to identify and highlight where things didn’t go quite right (or even wrong!). Focus on self-reflection and improvement; what? how? Why? And then what you, as a team, will & can do to resolve and prevent it moving forward. Lee explains that by having this two-step process, he has worked within unknown teams to develop independently but also as a team far better than without this method. “Everybody needs to recognise that they can do things differently… Every team, every leader that I have supported, there has always been an opportunity for improvement”-Lee Houghton Lee also covers briefly the B.E.S.T. model for leadership and what that means; B = Leadership Behaviour E = Employee engagement S = Customer Satisfaction T = Business Targets & Results   VALUABLE RESOURCES   Business Problems Solved Podcast Mike Dennison at Speakers.com - https://www.a-speakers.com/speakers/mike-denison/ Lean Mentor International - http://www.leanmentorinternational.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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee talks to executive coach, Mike Dennison, about the role of an executive coach. There’s a huge difference between being a consultant, a coach and a mentor, and Mike breaks it down one-by-one.  Mike is an incredibly successful guide for businesses and individuals alike, who are seeking to develop themselves and their staff, and in this week’s episode, he tells you exactly how he goes about it, as well as the secret to making businesses understand why they should begin. KEY TAKEAWAYS An executive coach is someone who works at a higher level in organisations, and to help and develop those in need of development, without putting themselves in the way of that growth. A consultant has generally performed in the role previously, and is using their experience to act in advisory capacity. A mentor is much like a consultant, but acts as a one-to-one guide with someone. They make it their goal to develop and grow an individual based on their experience and wisdom. A common weakness in many organisations is the inability of leaders to connect with their staff, and understand their needs effectively.  The key to helping any company is to show them the possibilities of what development can achieve in their case.  Once you establish principles that are meaningful for the leadership team, you can then use those principles to engage with your staff. Leaders should always use more explorative open questions in order to truly get the best out of their team, and to help them discover the best way of training. Leaders should aspire to grow at all times. Never accept the status quo. Leaders need to learn that what worked yesterday, and what caused their ascent, will be different today from yesterday. Human beings have far more potential than they will ever apply in their lifetime. We are limited by our imaginations whether we like it or not, as we can't always get there. By effective coaching and mentoring we can reach new heights. BEST MOMENTS ‘De-Brie everywhere…’ ‘Most people have the capacity to think through things, but they get stuck in their own heads’ ‘I try to bring it back to the principle element’ ‘People will not share problems if they do not trust their leader’ ‘Leaders still think that because they’re a leader, what’s got them to where they are now, is going to get them to where they need to be in the future’ ‘Commitment comes through clarity'  VALUABLE RESOURCES   Business Problems Solved Podcast Mike Dennison at Speakers.com - https://www.a-speakers.com/speakers/mike-denison/ Lean Mentor International - http://www.leanmentorinternational.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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of businesses forget about the process of learning and only focus on getting the tasks they’re set to do right first time. However, in this episode Lee reminds us of how important it is to remember how we learn and how we can use failures to improve.   KEY TAKEAWAYS When we learn to walk we don’t just walk, we fall, get back up, fall, get back up and fall until you’re able to walk consistently. Allow people to fail in a safe environment and encourage them to get back up and learn from their failures. Whatever process we’re in there’s players who actually do the doing and the leaders who don’t usually do any of the doing. You can’t be good at both at the same time. Assess where you and your team are but don’t do the doing for them. Allow them to do what they’re set to do. Doing this will allow people to develop and allow them to learn. If you’re do things for them then they wont be able to learn and improve from their mistakes. BEST MOMENTS ‘Let them fail’ ‘Think of your process’ ‘Everyone should know their roles.’ 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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Bovis is a management consultant, and the originator of the "psychology of change”, dealing with organisational transformation, and lee has most definitely not been stalking him for some time on LinkedIn… David has kindly joined the podcast today to discuss why change must always begin with people, how to make real, sustainable change, the science behind brain development and learning, and why it’s vital that we get people to “fall in love” with change. KEY TAKEAWAYS David quickly came to realise early in his business career that true change begins not with procedures or products, but with people. After applying himself to pursuits such as neuroscience, he developed his own theories and methods on how to implement core change. The best way of demonstrating the need for change, is to discuss the potentialities of what can be achieved: Brain Mind Culture Strategy Change All leaders are human beings. We need to remember that they are probably doing the best they can under very challenging conditions. The universal language of science is the key to importing the values and developments made in Asian businesses, and adapting them for the western way of business. The rate of change in the human brain, the time in which change is truly implemented and becomes a normal part of the brain’s operation, is generally around nine months. The only way you can really accelerate change is to affect or provoke our fear-based defence mechanisms, as in the way we fall in love and then have our trust broken. We tend to fear change that is imposed upon us. David’s definition of culture is through language. If you understand that culture pivots on language, then by implementing new language, you will have a fundamentally positive effect upon culture. You will always find that transition that is uncomfortable will cause people to leave instead of change. The imposition of change is the true obstacle. Developing the language of the brain is a vital component in the development of children, whose brains are consistently undergoing rapid shifts in neuron growth. Depending on how we act during this time has a huge impact on their educational development. BEST MOMENTS ‘I didn’t actually know what the word “philosophy” meant’ ‘Once people know this stuff, it completely transforms the way they see the world’ ‘What you’ve got to try and do is to get people to fall in love with change’ ’There’s a lot going on in the brain’ ‘You need to go to where people are at in their minds’ ‘It’s a bit like trimming the branches on an apple tree'  VALUABLE RESOURCES   Business Problems Solved Podcast David Bovis at Duxinaroe - https://www.duxinaroe.com/who-we-are.html David Bovis LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/duxinaroe/?originalSubdomain=uk Blame My Brain - Nicola Morgan - www.amazon.co.uk%2FBlame-My-Brain-Amazing-Revealed%2Fdp%2F1406346934&usg=AOvVaw1HUfhsgDCOFD5jJ13KrmM   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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve got a team or a business you always need a vision! In this episode Lee explains how to create and pursue a vision for your team or business.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Think back to the DUSK model (Desire) is what creates a vision. If you want to create a vision, then you need to include everyone who is involved. Think back to where you are then where you want to be. Decide whether your vision is going to be a picture, words or both. Pictures can be a great way to help people understand what your vision is. Check back with as many people as possible so you can get different iterations of the vision and then check back with everyone to ensure you’ve all got one same vision. Keep your vision relevant by holding morning meetings to discuss how you’re moving forward to your vision. Ensure you can sum up your vision really simply and that you can measure your progress.   BEST MOMENTS ‘Try to articulate the vision you have really simply’ ‘Recognise where you are today’ ‘Create the conversations and the platform to engage your people on a daily basis’   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   Website: Lee@leehoughton.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/  Facebook: www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved   Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘If you break down your life into 4-minute sections and keep at it you will become one of the 2% of truly happy people’  Lee is with Dr Andy Cope, Author, Teacher, Speaker, Happiness expert and a keen learner.  He is the UK’s one and the only doctor of happiness so if he’s having a bad day then the nation is having a bad day.  They are discussing the science of well-being and positive psychology. Andy explains how he trundled through life being fairly average before he discovered positive psychology.  We know nothing about what’s right with us, psychology has spent many years focusing on what makes us ill, but Andy is asking what makes happy people happy?  Happy people live in the same world as everyone else they are subject to the same external experiences but their positive mindset and choice to be happy along with their desire to be the best they can be impacts not only on them but creates a significant ripple effect on those around them, listen in to hear more.     KEY TAKEAWAYS  We are all happy and upbeat sometimes but the world beats the crap out of us and we become ‘mood hoovers’.  Mood hoovers suck the happiness out of you and leave you feeling a bit sad and grumpy. It only takes one mood hoover to bring everything down.  Happy people choose to be positive. Positivity is a mindset and you can get better at it; happiness is an emotion that you experience when you are in a positive mindset.  Take personal responsibility – how can I upgrade me? Doing this puts you in a better place to deal with things.  Happiness can only emulate from your thinking. The brain is a problem-solving machine with a negative bias.  You have neuroplasticity – your brain is malleable so you can change the way you think.  When you feel amazing you are more creative, and there are lots of things you will be able to do that you couldn’t have done before.  Culture change starts from inside out, it starts with you first and foremost and when you are feeling amazing it creates a ripple effect.   Flourishing is when your happiness is bigger than you and it creates positive spirals of happiness emotion in the people around you.  4-minute rule -It’s about being the best version of yourself, when you do this, others around you catch that emotion  If you are your best self for 4 minutes others around you have almost no choice other than to catch how you feel.  If you are upbeat for the first 4 minutes of a meeting the positivity will carry on.    BEST MOMENTS  ‘You see opportunities when your wellbeing is in balance’  ‘You can create an environment where well-being is the most important element’  ‘What hasn’t happened, that you didn’t want, that you haven’t celebrated’  ‘It’s simple but not easy to do’     VALUABLE RESOURCES  Business Problems Solved Podcast  Art of Brilliance website  Jimmy's Diary YouTube     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/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much time do you think you spend in the past? How much time do you think you spend in the future? How much time do you think you spend in the present? In this episode Lee explains why it’s so important to live in the present and how it can help you achieve your goals.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Consider how much time you’re actually consciously aware of what’s going on right now.  Disney, as an example, do an amazing job of getting you to think in the present time because of all of the experiences they give you.  You can steer a conversation or meeting by being in the present, don’t worry about the future.  Spend more time in the ‘here and now’ especially is you’re working through a process. Engage in the convocation while it’s happening.  A way to help you do this is by turning off all mobile devices when you’re trying to spend time with people or achieve a certain goal.  BEST MOMENTS  ‘Having a moment with someone is because you’re both in the present’  ‘Ask a question and then move on’  ‘Spend time with the people you’re engaging with in the present’  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   Website: Lee@leehoughton.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/  Facebook: www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved   Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Lee talks to former BBC Breakfast presenter, Penny Haslam, who’s become one of the country’s most sought-after motivational speakers, helping others to achieve their optimal confidence levels and providing them with the boost they need in order to succeed. But can Penny’s inspiring message help those looking to succeed in business? And how? Find out in this fascinating, empowering conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Penny left broadcasting because she felt as though she could never truly be herself. Moving into motivational speaking is where she feels she has always belonged, as she gets to help people, work with people, and has made numerous connections along the way. Media training is hugely expensive and is really only available to a chosen few. Having spent so long in broadcasting and seeing how fame and media training can help businesses succeed, Penny decided to put her considerable experience into helping others become “a little bit famous” The old idea of the business persona is gradually slipping these days. It is far more valuable to be ourselves in the business world. Speaking and acting in a natural way is far more appealing. Telling stories is an act of development. It comes from trying, failing and eventually succeeding in getting the ingredients just right. Penny’s acronym of FACE is designed to help storytellers develop their skills: F - Tell us a Fact A - Add a bit of detail C - What is your Comment? E - Give us an Example A common trait among business owners is the sense of static that comes from reaching a certain level of success, and feeling as though they are not being asked to do more. This is in stark contrast to the exciting, early days of growth and invention that kicks off a business’s life. Building confidence and engendering faith in one’s self must begin at home. Outwardly, confidence may seem natural to some, but privately confidence is something that many of us work on constantly. BEST MOMENTS ’No one wants to be a best-kept secret’ ’The broadcasters need experts, so how do they do that?’ ’Most sensible people in business have got better things to do than be a massive famous person’ ‘You’ve got to be a visible leader’ ‘Preston itself was still the same underneath’ ‘Be yourself. Be bold as well. And be visible’  VALUABLE RESOURCES   Business Problems Solved Podcast www.pennyhaslam.co.uk penny@pennyhaslam.co.uk How To Make Yourself A Little Bit Famous - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Yourself-Little-Bit-Famous/dp/1912300273/ Penny Haslam LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyhaslam/?originalSubdomain=uk Penny Haslam Twitter - https://twitter.com/pennyhaslam Penny Haslam Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pennyhaslamspeaker/?hl=en%20 Penny Haslam Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PennyHaslamSpeaker/ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the new year—to the new decade!  Where do you want your life to go now? It’s always the same question, same habit of doing a new year’s resolution every start of the year. It’s a cycle you need to keep doing (since it will benefit you so much) even though some say it’s useless. Let it be emphasised: getting clear on your vision will never be useless.  In the first episode of the Business Problem Solved Podcast this year, we talk about how we can plan better and deliver so much more. Lee, our host, shares DUSC (Desire, Understanding, Skills, Confidence) and Jab, Jab, Move, templates you could follow when setting and achieving goals this 2020. Jab, jab, move is Lee’s most effective way when he’s trying to influence more people.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  The first day on the calendar are great indicators for you to set clear of your goals and visions of your future. Where do you want your life to head? When do you want IT done? When do you do the following tasks? Knowing your skillset, resources, and timeline lets you aim for a more attainable goal.  Jab, Jab, Move – This is Lee’s technique when he’s mentoring and coaching. According to him, it’s vital to know at least two things that you want to consider BEFORE moving forward. What two things do you want to improve? What two can you do to get started? And so forth.  For Lee, it’s about helping more people this year and to influence them to do the same. In all honesty, Lee wasn’t expecting the BPS podcast to reach this far. So, as long as there are people who get inspired and educated, he’ll continue producing valuable content.  BEST MOMENTS  “Jab, jab, move as many times as you possibly can to as many different people.”  “For the Business Problem Solved Podcast, I’ve got a big plan this year.”  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   Website: Lee@leehoughton.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/  Facebook: www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved   Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Business Problems Solved Lee explains what DUSC is and how you can implement it into your life to reach your goals and destinations that you want to reach. KEY TAKEAWAYS D = Desire: Having a clear vision and destination that you want to get to, that you have an emotional attachment to. Ensure everyone is moving in the same direction as you and shares the same desire. U = Understanding: Ensure everyone understands what role they have to play in getting to the destination. S = Skills: Do the team you have have the required skills to get you where you want to get to? Know what good looks like. C = Confidence: Ensure your team have the confidence in you and themselves to do what is necessary to get you to your destination. Score yourself and see whether you have all 4 of these things and ask your team to score themselves too. These can all be delivered through training if any of your team who feel they're missing any of these points other than confidence which usually takes more coaching rather than training. By gaining skills you will gain confidence though. BEST MOMENTS ‘DUSC can generally help you' 'Is it an environment of trust?' 'Practice the required skills' 'Understand what 'goog' looks like' 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee has recently taken learnings from a visit to Toyota and from the film ‘The Karate Kid’. He explains what he learned and how you can take his learning and apply them into your business to encourage a better environment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS In the training room there was equipment, such as rope, that encouraged people to move in certain ways and do particular movements. The equipment in the training rooms were teaching the fundamental movements that people will need to use. Break down the process of a something and make it easy to repeat the behaviour in the easiest way possible. Think about the habits you’re trying to create and break down what it is you need to do in order to make these habits happen. How can you break things down into the smallest form and get people to do these things continuously? Once you get people to do the first thing you can get stack these habits up. BEST MOMENTS ‘wax on wax off’ ‘Break down the process’ ‘re-programme the mind’ 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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week it’s “Seconds Out!" as Lee is in conversation with former world boxing champion, personal performance coach, author and professional speaker, Billy Schwer! Since retiring from boxing, Billy has been working with business leaders, showing them how to empower, achieve and score huge wins in business and life. Billy joins Lee on today’s show to discuss his incredible journey from sportsman to the business world, the effect upon his mental health, discovering his true life’s purpose, his fascinating ‘Man Up’ success model, and the importance of self-development and transformation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Billy’s whole life has been founded upon the drive to prove his worth, and to show the world that he is strong enough to take anything on. This is a belief that he tries to instil now into those he coaches. Transitioning from professional sportsman to life in the real world was something that Billy struggled with a great deal, as he was forced to analyse himself all over again. Billy likens the process to mourning the death of a friend. Billy The Boxer was someone who suddenly did not exist anymore, and the effect upon himself was devastating. Time and perspective have allowed Billy to realise that although he spent the first part of his life fighting and pushing himself in order to achieve his goals, when he reached them, he suddenly came to the understanding that the journey itself was the important part. The things that caused Billy to be a champion inside the ring, also caused him to fail outside of it. Always be conscious of every outcome of the decisions we make in life. By stepping back and analysing himself in detail, he realised that and was able to make valuable adjustments. Billy found it necessary to rewire his mental attitude in order to adjust to life in the real world. It involved getting in touch with his feminine side.  Trust in yourself and keep pushing yourself. Failure is the courage to pursue what it is you really want. Every setback is a learning experience. Energy is vital. Billy meditates and works on his energy levels each day. Take the right supplements, eat well and sleep well. These are the basics of becoming the best person you can be. Think, reflect and create. BEST MOMENTS ‘I’ve finally caught the chicken!’ ‘I remember standing outside the MGM Grand and my name was in flashing lights’ ‘I realised how much I love people’ ’The best is yet to come. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet’ ’Trust in yourself. You are it. You are the one you’ve been waiting for’ ‘Fail your way to the top’ ‘Why not cut the middle man out and eat the grass?'   VALUABLE RESOURCES   Business Problems Solved Podcast Billy’s Website: https://mentalboxing.com Billy Schwer Online - www.billyschwer.com Billy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-schwer Billy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/billyschwer/?hl=en Billy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/billyschwer1 Man Up by Billy Schwer - https://amzn.to/2JsksaY ABOUT THE GUEST Billy Schwer spent twenty years at the top of his field in arguably the most gruelling and demanding sport there is – Boxing.  During his professional career he won British, Commonwealth, European and IBO World Boxing Titles. One of the most consistently brilliant fighters Britain has ever seen, Billy’s sharp skills, courage, determination and grace in the ring attracted a huge fan base.  His engaging personality and ready wit made him a favourite amongst other boxers, promoters and the media. Billy is a reflective and engaging speaker who demonstrates honesty and intelligence.  These qualities have led to him being sought out by various journalists to contribute to radio discussions, feature articles and opinion pieces on a breadth of subjects. Through sharing his own amazing story, Billy regularly shows audiences how to take their performance to the next level and encourages them to push their own boundaries to produce extraordinary results. 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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have seen our guest’s content once (or maybe a lot of times) online. It might be through his YT videos, through his book (which is available for free on his website!), or through his seminars. Whatever it is, surely, James Sinclair has established himself as the go-to expert in building a business. And today I the Business Problem Solved Podcast, he’s ready to help more people by sharing his experiences and some business secrets. Listen to his insights on how to grow an empire, what problems are small to medium enterprises (SME) facing at the beginning, how to make a business profitable quick, what two things to focus on, and many more. He also lets us in about some marketing tips from his book, so tune in.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Entrepreneurs differ greatly from each other. If borrowing a million pounds seem absurd for some, James is ready to jump into if he gets a chance, especially if he sees a business that he can grow into an empire. Of course, it has to be a venture that you fully understand before anything else.  When you’re building a business, focus on two things: innovation and marketing. Let your team handle logistics management, acquisitions and other operations. It’s important also to invest on the talents you hire—no worries about small things and an unmatched attention on the sales and marketing aspect, which primarily grows your figures.  What makes a profitable business? Improve your customer service will not just get you more customers but also maintain the growth in the incoming years.  Utilise the Internet and the free social media platforms. It’s the web where people mostly are—they have their e-mail addresses, their socmed accounts, their own websites, etc. Know your market first before choosing what marketing approach to do.  BEST MOMENTS  “I want to grow into the size in which my team loves being part of.”  “The more you focused on sales and marketing, the faster you going to grow.”  “You need to make customers to make money.”  VALUABLE RESOURCES  James Sinclair YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTm2gK928YuBSEU0lvdFJoA   Get your copy of ‘Millionaire Clown’ for FREE (https://jamessinclair.net/millionaire-clown)!  ABOUT THE GUEST  James Sinclair  James is the Founder and CEO of the Partyman Group of Companies.  James started his career entertaining as ‘Jimbo the Partyman’ aged 15, built up an entertainment agency, then moved into acquiring his first soft play venue, laser arenas, day nursery and outdoor venues.  Today, James operates a £12 million business which includes leisure, childcare, outdoor attractions, a web-based soft toy business as well as a training business.  (Source: https://jamessinclair.net/)   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   Website: Lee@leehoughton.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/  Facebook: www.facebook.com/THEBusinessProblemSolver/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusiProbsSolved   Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_business_problem_solver/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsf0YC2_ZBuhtC_s-AbHaDw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘You can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink, you need to make it thirsty.’ In this episode of Business Problems solved, Lee explains the importance of finding problems rather than starting with a solution. He also discusses how you can do this with your team to improve their thirst for getting to where they want to be.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The secret to successful change is finding the problem rather than starting with a solution. If you can understand the problem, you want to solve without a solution already in mind then you have a better chance of success. This is because you may lead the problem down the wrong path. Engage with the people you’re working with on the problems that they have today. Approach the problems by saying the problem without giving any solution. The easiest ways to make people thirsty is to find problems with them. Forward framing is truly understanding what it looks like after you’ve achieved your goal. When you understand where you want to get to, look at how you’re going to get there by finding the problems and see how far away you are. BEST MOMENTS ‘You have to start with the problem’ ‘The thirstier you can make them, the easier it will be’ ‘It’s not about solving problems; it’s about finding them.’ 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/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Have a look in the mirror and ask yourself how much of an impact you have on the team you lead.’ In this episode Lee explains the importance of not pointing the necessarily at your team but looking at what you can do yourself. This is to help develop them so you can all work towards the same end vision. KEY TAKEAWAYS Irrelevant of the amount of time you’ve been in your position for, be aware that all of your actions have an impact on the team you lead. It’s a lot easier for people to point their finger at someone else at what they’re not doing right. But it’s easier to point that finger back at yourself when there’s a mirror in front of you. You need to consider whether you all have the same clarity of the vision you all should have. Consider the impact you’re having on other people before you try to point your finger at anyone or you say anything. You have to work with what you’ve got in majority of situations and you don’t get a choice. So it’s important to have a look at yourself before anyone in your team. It’s about making people and developing them so that you’re all working towards the same end goal. Understand where your focus is, ensure it’s on making people not pointing your finger at them or things that don’t work. BEST MOMENTS ‘How often do you look in the mirror?’ ‘People have a different interpretation of impact’ ‘Are you staying true to the direction you’re going in’. ‘They make products by making people’. 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/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.