Business Without Bullsh-t

EP 384 - This week Daniel Priestley discusses how we build a new role for Britain post Brexit (yes, we dropped the B-Word in 2025). Basically Britain faces a choice between being that, a lapdog for the US or the sixth best Scandinavian country.The way he says it, it makes sense. Particularly when he is talking about how hard it is now to grow a business with “escape velocity” in the UK these days.Serial entrepreneur Daniel also talks us through:The importance of personal brand and why it is replacing geography in business decision makingHis 7-11-4 model for growing your personal brandHow AI is here to supercharge small businesses (and rightsize large ones)He also said that long-form podcasts are AI resistant. Which is lucky.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Daniel Priestley01:17 Meet Daniel 02:16 Daniel's Entrepreneurial Journey03:40 The Rise of Personal Brands in Business06:46 AI's Role in Business and Employment12:35 Daniel's Current Ventures and Business Insights19:22 The UK's Business Environment and Future Prospects41:37 Entrepreneurial Spirit in the UK42:52 UK vs. US Business Landscape45:48 The Role of AI and Technology in Business48:34 Future of Education and High-Velocity Careers59:38 Strategies for Attracting High-Value Clients01:03:31 Failures and Lessons in Entrepreneurship01:05:14 The 7-11-4 Rule for Building Relationships01:13:26 Quickfire - Get To Know Danielbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 383 - Jonathan MacDonald is back on the show and keener than ever to get you interested in Ethical Tech.We discuss why now, more than ever, people need to be given the tools, and moral frameworks to inform their interactions with increasingly opaque technology. How things like social media are seemingly set up to keep us amused, distracted and rob us of our critical thinking faculties and what that means for humanity in the long term.Jonathan isn’t an anarchist in a tin foil hat (or a cryptoevangelist in a blonde wig come to that) but he is very compelling on why we need to question whether Big Tech algorithms and the people who control them actually have our best interests at heart.He’s pretty convinced that they don’t, or at least don’t care about us beyond what we can do for them. Which is why he has set up SELF - a personal privacy filter - and also ETHICS TV to help people discuss, understand and control their own moral choices around tech.We also chat about the Roman Empire and its attitude to analogous situations. We know plenty of you like to think about that kind of thing quite a lot.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Jonathan MacDonald02:23 Meet Jonathan03:18 The Mission: Alternative Future for Technology04:44 Humans Are Batteries05:05 The Reality of Free Services05:58 The Normalisation of Surveillance06:29 The Impact of Social Media on Society07:33 The Coercion of Media and Politics08:37 The Evolution of SELF: Personal Privacy Filter09:50 The Demand for Privacy in AI Tools10:50 The Future of Privacy: Self-Sovereign Mechanisms11:47 The Physicality of Data Privacy12:37 The Ineffectiveness of GDPR13:09 The Dark Side of Data Exploitation14:53 The Post-COVID Awareness Shift34:02 Ethics in Technology37:28 The Problem with Modern Democracy39:18 The Importance of Critical Thinking39:58 The Role of Media in Critical Thinking42:30 Education and Critical Thinking46:15 Ethical Issues in AI and Media46:41 The Dystopian Future of AI53:37 Building Ethical Technology01:04:36 Personal Reflections and Advice01:11:08 Quickfire - Get To Know Jonathanbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 382 - April's quiz round up sees Alex Edmans, Anand Menon and Psyfer play the game to see if they think Brexit, Labour Government, GDPR, Crowdfunding, Lobbying Client Lunches and are business or just complete tosh!*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Is it Business or Bullsh*t?00:45 Brexit01:37 Labour Government03:18 GDPR04:16 Crowdfunding05:25 Lobbying07:48 Client Lunchesbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 381 - This week we talk to Alex Edmans about how you make decisions in a world full of misinformation. Alex is a Professor of Finance who has written and spoken extensively about subjects such as ESG (why those three letters don’t belong together) and why cognitive, rather than demographic diversity is a better indicator of business success.He’s managed to do all that without getting cancelled, because his findings and talking points are guided by objective data rather than opinion. Though we do discuss how data itself can be misleading.So if you want to know why too much diversity can be a bad thing, then dive in.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Alex Edmans01:15 Synopsis02:07 Meet Alex - Professor of Finance03:54 Challenges in Assessing Cognitive Diversity08:08 The Role of Academics in Real-World Impact18:00 Confirmation Bias and Its Impact on Decision Making30:36 The Nuances of Diversity and Inclusion35:22 The Evolution and Challenges of ESG Reporting39:20 The Burden of Reporting40:31 The Problem with Standardised Metrics42:16 Regulation vs. Market Demand43:21 SMEs and Purpose-Driven Business44:52 The Complexity of ESG48:29 Governance: A Historical Accident01:11:40 The Importance of Financial Literacy01:13:22 Quickfire - Get to Know Alex01:17:50 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 380 - This week we're trying a cultural experiment - to start an occasional series called Business Without Baggage that helps people understand the nuances of doing business across different cultures. To kick us off, we invited accomplished French corporate Lawyer and expert on cultural intelligence Olivier Lopez onto the show.  We asked him to explain the nuances of doing business with the French and also got some expert hints about how different cultures operate around the world.We chatted about how you can trace many of France’s cultural instincts and attitudes back to  a revolutionary spirit, the application of logic and an abiding need to feel Liberté, Egalité et Fraternité in all of their dealings as well as finding a balance in life.We also put these attitudes in a wider cultural context - amazingly a lot of it is to do with food, but not in the way you think. But we do have some fine wine and lovely cheese along the way.We’d love to do more in this occasional series, so if you want to talk about what it’s like to do business with your fellow country folk (even if you’re only from Yorkshire) get in touch. You’ve got a lot to live up to on the food front mind.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Olivier Lopez01:00 Special Episode: Business Without Baggage01:29 Meet Olivier - Legal Expert and Negotiation Teacher02:16 The Path to Becoming a Lawyer04:58 Cultural Identities in French Business08:42 Regional Differences Within France14:34 Negotiation Tactics Across Cultures42:52 The Role of Lawyers in Business46:45 Invoice Payment Practices in France47:51 Hierarchy and Flat Structures in French Business49:13 French Cultural Values: Equality and Rebellion51:17 Engaging a French Audience: Expectations and Preferences56:04 Collaborative vs. Individualistic Work Styles59:30 Financial Support and Equality in France01:03:57 Setting Up a Business in France01:09:51 French Cultural Nuances and Business Practices01:26:02 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 379 - Our guest this week is artist and bitcoin evangelist Psyfer. He wants to get you all high on the Hope-ium that Bitcoin (not any other crypto-currencies, they are all Sh*tcoin apparently) are the way to end inequality and injustice. We weigh up the pros - it’s decentralised and accessible to everyone.The cons - it’s a scary mystery to most people that feels like a scam.And the revolutionary - how bitcoin challenges the existing power and wealth structures of governments, corporations and the obscenely wealthy (although they could all just buy bitcoin)So, are Bitcoiners just getting high on their own supply or will it change the world? Get Psyfer-delic with this week’s episode. Turn on, tune in and find out!*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Psyfer02:05 Meet Psyfer - Art and Financial Rebellion02:35 The Mystery and Security of Bitcoin05:50 Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptocurrencies08:26 The Future of Money: Bitcoin's Potential13:28 Economic Implications of Bitcoin Adoption27:57 Public Services and Private Markets33:45 Responding to Technological Change34:17 The Flexibility of Remote Work34:44 Using Bitcoin in Everyday Transactions35:27 The Inclusive Bitcoin Community36:22 Finding and Joining Local Bitcoin Meetups37:31 Tax Implications of Bitcoin Transactions38:42 Bitcoin's Role in Global Economics39:40 The Future of Money and Bitcoin46:45 The Problem with Fiat Money56:49 Quickfire - Get to Know Psyfer58:44 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 378 - Political scientist Anand Menon joins us this week to talk about the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the choices facing the UK in a rapidly changing world. We discuss how we all need to redraw a mental map of the “Western Alliance” as a result of the Trump administration, how the UK government is walking a diplomatic tightrope between the US and the EU and why their positive drive for growth could get derailed by events outside of their control.Anand brings evidence, rather than opinion and ideology to the table. Which helps navigate emotionally charged issues such as whether immigration is good for the economy, and why the net immigration numbers are set to fall (hint, it’s nothing to do with small boats).We even managed to have a sensible conversation about Brexit, the pros, the cons, the winners and the losers who are likely to pay the highest price for it. It might not be who you think.As Anand says, “people tell us, that the reason that they listen to us is that they don’t know what we are going to say”*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Anand Menon02:21 Meet Anand03:14 Brexit's Psychological and Political Impact03:32 Trump's Influence on Global Politics09:06 UK's Immigration System: Challenges and Changes21:25 Economic and Social Consequences of Brexit34:48 Historical Reflections and Trade Realities36:57 Brexit's Timing and Globalisation Challenges38:02 Political Nuances and Public Opinion38:55 Future of UK-EU Relations44:13 UK's Global Role and Diplomatic Strengths47:14 Think-Tank Insights and Regulatory Challenges57:42 Quickfire - Get To Know Anand01:02:20 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 377 - March's quiz round up sees Ben Askins, Alex Depledge MBE and Brad Burton play the game to see if they think GDPR, Angel Syndicates, Crowdfunding, Client lunches and ChatGPT are business or just complete tosh!Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Business or Bullshit Quiz00:57 GDPR02:26 Angel Syndicates04:13 Crowdfunding06:07 Client Lunches07:01 Chat GPT08:42 Digital Nomadsbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 376 - Our guest this week freely admits to have totally made up the idea of the UK having a #1 motivational speaker (to be fair, it’s not a chart rundown show we would watch anyway).Brad has some interesting things to say about how getting your belief and your attitude right is the key to success. He also has practical tips on how to create that optimism, find peace, and live more in the now. The last two involve turning off your phone.Crisps, Maltesers and wizards also get a mention.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Brad Burton01:14 Meet Brad; Resilience and Reinvention03:38 The Power of Belief in Business08:37 Living in the Present: Letting Go of the Past12:36 The Impact of Digital World on Modern Life18:06 The British Moat: Self-Belief and Humility24:35 Chasing Dreams: When is Enough, Enough?26:33 Finding True Happiness27:26 The State of Society and Business27:52 Challenges of the Modern Economy31:09 The Benefits Trap34:35 The Importance of Mindset38:50 Work-Life Balance and Business Success46:08 Quickfire - Get To Know Bradbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 375 - The conversation ranged far and wide with Alex Depledge, CEO of Resi and newly coined “Tech- Sis”.  It took in her frustrations that no-one wants to have a long term conversation, how the short term news cycle is killing politics and why increasing polarisation is killing informed debate and damaging society.She came out to bat for the Labour government in general - we should give them time - and Rachel Reeves in particular for her willingness to stand behind a decision, even if it is unpopular. She did not come out to bat for bats, people who play the victim and using regulatory sledgehammers to crack walnuts.  If you like your opinions strong and your laughter infectious, listen in.FACT CORRECTION - Alex stated that the UK Electric Grid energy wastage is at 40% which may have been true at the time of recording. Most recent figures show that it is nearer 10%.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 BWB with Alex Depledge MBE03:29 Alex's Current Role and Responsibilities04:54 Challenges in the Housing Sector05:57 Energy Efficiency and Renovation06:49 Fragmented Construction Industry16:11 Government Policies and Long-term Solutions19:21 Labour Party's Approach to Business and Economy27:57 *Andy's Key Takeaways* 30:34 Regulations and the Role of Bats34:20 The Impact of Private School Attacks34:51 Understanding the Worker's Rights Bill35:13 Probation Periods in Employment37:11 Planning and Business Efficiency38:29 The Housing Crisis and Council Incentives39:22 Environmental Regulations and Development40:16 The Importance of Company Policies44:12 Diversity of Thought vs. Quotas48:49 *Andy's Key Takeaways*52:31 The Immigration Debate54:14 Challenges of Modern Employment58:27 Quickfire - Get To Know Alex01:05:03 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark