Bulletproof Entrepreneur

Send us a textHenry is the co-founder of the fast-food restaurant chain Leon with the unforgettable strapline ‘If God did fast food..’From humble beginnings, with one small shop in Carnaby Street in London to a national and international brand which eventually sold for a reported £100 million Henry is undoubtedly a bulletproof entrepreneur.During our conversation, he explained:How they came up with the memorable name Leon and the vital importance of getting your business name right from the outset.What he believes to be the two most important attributes that any entrepreneur must have to succeed .The value of narrative and storytelling to help grow your media presence and generate new customers.And as we were wrapping up the conversation, Henry provided us with one of the best definitions I've ever heard of what True Wealth really is.His new book, "Ravenous," has just been published and is a seriously good read if you're interested in learning about our food system and how to optimise for maximum energy  - something that every entrepreneur needs to do.LinksHenry DimblebyLEONRavenous: How to get ourselves and our planet into shapeBillionaire Issa brothers buy Leon for £100m | Evening StandardThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textOne of the original ideas behind the podcast was to create a repository of essential insights, experiences, and information. A knowledge hub that you can dip in and out of whenever you needed to be reminded of key issues throughout your business journey.One thing is certain and that is that you’ll need to work with a lawyer at some point, and judging from conversations I’ve had with previous guests, understanding the role of a corporate lawyer, and finding a good one is a vital part of the process.I’ve known today’s guest, James Crotty of Foot Anstey for a few years. I worked with him on a transaction where I was buying another wealth planning business a couple of years ago. I got to know James and his team and found them to be supremely professional, of course, but equally as important, they were very human and recognized the emotional strain that owners are under as a transaction proceeds. So, I was keen to get him on the podcast to share his experience and his wisdom.What we have is a masterclass covering all the legal aspects involved in selling your businesses, - from before there’s even a deal on the table, right through to well after the sale has concluded and you're on to your next adventure.James reveals his 8-step process, breaks it down in detail and outlines what to expect and how to prepare for the experience.Towards the end, he explains a new service that he’s recently launched that, I believe every business owner who thinks they may sell at some point should look at.The episode is a bit longer than the others, but there’s a lot involved in the legal process.Exploring the essential legal information, you need to know before selling a business, ladies, and gentlemen I give you Mr. James Crotty. Links:https://www.footanstey.com/our-people/james-crotty/https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-crotty-0b8a5062This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textI’ve been following an anonymous account on Twitter for some time, and I’ve really enjoyed a lot of the content and thoughts shared on some of my favourite topics such as  entrepreneurship, mergers & acquisitions, and intelligent investing.The Twitter handle is an anonymous one - The Secret Accountant, but I can now officially reveal the identity of this mysterious business expert as being none other than Mr Craig Richardson.There’s a good reason for the nom de plume which he explains during our conversation, but the headline relates to a new book that he recently published called "How Do You Really Sell Your Business" - which is obviously right in the sweet spot for you if you’re a bulletproof entrepreneur and a fan of this podcast.And the good news is that to celebrate this episode, Craig AKA The Secret Accountant has slashed the price it sells for on Amazon for the next few weeks!So, as soon as you’ve listened to this episode, jump over to Amazon, and grab your copy - the link is in the show notes.   Now Craig’s got an incredibly interesting back story. He’s been a poacher turned gamekeeper turned poacher again and is reluctant to call himself an entrepreneur – he says that if indeed he is an entrepreneur, he’s an accidental one!He started by qualifying as a chartered accountant in the corporate finance team at KPMG and it was there that he caught the bug of working with founder owners. He just loved helping them grow their companies and plan a successful sale and exit.But then came a change of strategy at KPMG and their desire to focus on bigger corporate clients. So, Craig decided to leave to be able to continue to work with SME business owners, which is where his passion always was.Since then, he’s spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs successfully grow, improve, and sell their businesses and now runs his own company where he continues to advise, consult, and invest in companies and their owners.I found it fascinating listening to him explain that the skills required to take a company from £1m to £5m turnover are different to those needed to take a company from £5m to £10m and then to £20m and above - some great insights wherever you are on that scale.He also talks of the importance of what he calls the magical entrepreneurial dust that only a founder is capable of sprinkling over his company and why they should focus on this more than some of the more regular day-to-day roles And as someone who's worked with business owners and continues to support them, he breaks down the key attributes which are essential in an ideal ‘Trusted Adviser’ relationship which is designed specifically for entrepreneurs.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Craig Richardson AKA The Secret AccountantLinksThe Secret Accountant (@TheSecretAcct) / TwitterCraig Richardson - Non Executive Director - BIL Group | LinkedInDSW ConsultingPHD Industrial HoldingsHow do you really sell your business - Book offerThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textYou've heard of a ‘horse whisperer’, perhaps a ‘dog whisperer’, but you’ve probably never heard of a ‘seller whisperer’ - but that’s exactly what Denise has become known as.With a background as a mental health professional turned lawyer who went on to build her own legal practice, she then sold her business. Rather unsuccessfully, in her own words.During this time, she learned a lot of lessons and has now carved out a role  as a specialist adviser, coach, consultant, speaker, and writer on the complex subject of selling your business - the emotional journey as well as the business journey.I've often referred to the content of this podcast as being at the intersection of business, money, family and life and, honestly, no one is better qualified to speak on that precise intersection than Denise.One of the best storytellers you're ever likely to encounter, she is the author of an incredible book called The Seller’s Journey, which is essential reading for anyone who's building a business and anyone who advises business owners.Denise reminds us that, whether you like it or not, you are leaving your business one day. It’s not ‘if’, it's ‘when’ - and the worst thing that you can do for yourself, your business, your employees and your family is to be unprepared.In a wide-ranging conversation, we cover a lot of issues including.What are the key attributes to look for in a trusted adviser and someone that will help you navigate the challenging process before, during and after the business sale?Understanding something she calls “O-MY Syndrome” and how to avoid the hidden road bumps that will kill your deal.A process to help you get clear on everything that your work currently provides for you - other than money and financial security. Understanding this and preparing for life after your sale is essential in ensuring a successful transition.Towards the end, Denise shares a deeply personal story which will help you focus on what's truly important in your own life.A wonderful conversation with a lady who's been there, seen it, done it and come out the other side - and now spends her life sharing her insights and wisdom with other entrepreneurs.The links to her book, website and contact details are all in the show notes.I give you -  Denise LoganLinks:https://deniselogan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniselogan/https://twitter.com/DeniseLoganUSAhttps://deniselogan.com/the-sellers-journey/This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textAs we kick off Season 2 of the podcast, I’m taking the opportunity to share a little of my own journey, both personal and professional.For most of us, our childhood experiences shape our thoughts and actions as we get older and I’m no exception. A happy childhood in Scotland was interrupted by some personal and family challenges that have been influential on me and the decisions I’ve taken. A very average student who dropped out of college attracted to the bright lights and big city of London, I could be described as an ‘accidental entrepreneur’. I love hosting this podcast and I hope you get value out of listening to it.Get in touch to give me feedback, ideas, and recommendations for future guests.Welcome to the Bulletproof Entrepreneur - it’s great to have you along for the ride.Alan Smithwww.capital.co.ukwww.bulletproofentrepreneur.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapitalTwitter @alanjlsmith This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textRobin is a journalist at the Financial Times and is the editor of the popular column Alphaville.He’s also the author of a fabulous new book called Trillions.As a business owner, one thing is certain - you’re going to leave your business one day. Whether that’s through a sale of the company or through retirement and you’re going to need to know how to best invest your capital to provide for your family’s long-term future.This conversation with Robin will provide you with clear directions as to how to stack the odds in your favour and give yourself the highest probability of financial success.Amongst other things we discussThe rise of index investing and how the evidence in support of it is now overwhelming.Warren Buffett’s famous bet with a Wall Street hedge fund manager. His thoughts on crypto and bitcoin - well worth listening to.And towards the end of the conversation, he explains exactly what he would do if he were a successful entrepreneur looking to invest the proceeds of a business sale or retirement fund.Robin spends most of his time studying and writing about the markets and the players that participate in them. That’s some insight that you don't want to miss.LinksTrillions: How a Band of Wall Street Renegades Invented the Index Fund and Changed Finance Forever Hardcover – 14 Oct. 2021FT Alphaville | Financial TimesDimensional InvestingThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textAlan Smithwww.capital.co.ukwww.bulletproofentrepreneur.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/alancapitalTwitter @alanjlsmith This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textI’ve described this podcast as being ‘inspired conversations at the intersection of money, business, family, and life’ and none better sum up that complex blend than the one I had recently with Brian Portnoy.Brian is a coach, consultant, entrepreneur, and author of one of the best books I’ve ever read on all things financial and our behaviour around money. - The Geometry of Wealth.A recent study confirmed that 73% of people say money is the most stressful factor in life - more stressful than death, politics, or religion - and it’s either the first or second most important issue behind divorce.As a business owner, you're going to be dealing with money issues every day and if you do have a liquidity event through a business sale or external investment then you need a playbook to help you manage the issues.This conversation is a highly practical source to help you navigate the uncertain terrain ahead. During the interview, Brian explains:How to define true wealth and how you can define it for yourselfA 3-step mental model to help you build a path to achieve it How to consider the question How Much is Enough?And towards the end of the conversation, he provides a detailed breakdown of a process that every business owner must undertake way before they sell their business or retire - don’t miss that, it’s pure gold.Links:The Geometry of Wealth: How To Shape A Life Of Money And Meaning Paperback – 11 Jun. 2018Shaping WealthYour Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today , Hershfield, Hal - Amazon.comThe Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything=have Everything PaperbackEudaimonia - WikipediaThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textThis is a special episode as it’s the last episode of Season 1 and so we’ve put together a compilation of the greatest hits covering some of the key ideas, insights, and themes that have emerged from the 15 conversations I’ve had so far.In this episode, you’ll find the best comments, quotes and thoughts from the world-class entrepreneurs and experts I’ve spoken with over the last 6 months.The subtitle of the podcast is "Inspired Conversations" and obviously, I'm biased, but as I’ve reflected on the series of interviews, I do think we’ve delivered on that claim.I’ve spoken with successful founders, some of who’ve had one sale and exit. And others who’ve had multiple exits.My conversations have taken me across the UK, Ireland and the United States.I’ve spoken with men, I've spoken with women.I've spoken with entrepreneurs who started their businesses when they were in their teens and those who launched their first company in their 50s.Across the episodes, there is a combined exit sale value well in excess of £1 billion.I’ve also spoken with some of the top experts who provide advice to the founders - a leader in M&A and corporate finance, a specialist accountant and a veteran wealth manager who’s been advising business owners for over three decades.So what we have here is an Entrepreneur’s Exit Planning Playbook - 15 hours of detailed conversations revealing the lessons learned and the words of wisdom of those who have walked the walk and, during our discussions, have certainly talked the talk.You’ll learn about:Do you build a company with a sale and exit in mind from day one  - or do you just build a company and see what happens?The importance of ensuring you’re on the same page as your co-founders.Don’t waste time on unimportant things.The vital importance of knowing your Magic Number.Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted - be prepared for sacrifice and hard work.Do your homework on your acquirer.Hire a professional who can help you secure the best deal.Network like crazy.Life after your business sale/exit.Thank you for all your support - please subscribe and leave a 5-star review.See you for Season 2 This podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management

Send us a textLet me start by sharing a statistic that’s quite shocking- less than 2% of Venture Capital funding goes to all female founder teams. So those female founders who’ve managed to get started, and raise some capital are rare in the extreme.Those who’ve done it multiple times and had successful exits are even rarer - so Louise really is something special. A born entrepreneur who started working in her father’s store as a schoolgirl and then after college started her own business using a car loan - shhh don’t tell the bank that she started a company instead of buying a car!She went to grow her first start-up and successfully sold it several years later - and then did it all over again in a different company, funded with bank loans and through private investors.That second business was scaled successfully and sold earlier this year - and guess what? She’s going again with a new start-up which looks like it could be the most successful of all her companies.She did all this whilst raising a family and even doing a master’s degree in her spare time - Superwoman has nothing on Louise!The three lessons I learned from our conversation are:Always be networking - Louise puts a lot of her success down to good old-fashioned face-to-face networking. Getting out to meetings, conferences, and coffee catch ups. Asking questions and sharing ideas.Build a 10-slide pitch deck - this is your calling card and you share it with anyone who may be interested. It’s a snapshot of the business and your credentials and summarises why your business is the best at what it does and why people would want to invest or become a client.The power of PR - Louise managed to get a slot on radio explaining what her company does and she won several huge client contracts as a direct result. She is a huge fan of sharing your message, using TV, radio and social media to let people know who you are and what you do.I’m so pleased to have Louise on the show, and I hope she’ll inspire other entrepreneurs, especially female founders to build their businesses and make an impact in the world as Louise has surely done.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Louise GrubbThis podcast is produced by GR Media Sponsored by Capital Asset Management