Business Without Bullsh-t

EP 338 - Charles Firth and James Schloeffel otherwise known as Wankernomics are an Australian comedy act famed for their (piss)take on today’s absurdities of workplace culture, capitalism, and the corporate world.Our unfiltered chat exposes the concealed incompetence behind business jargon and workplace language. We discuss generational and cultural differences in communication, the role of humour in office dynamics, and insights from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We talk about how to navigate corporate jargon with a comedic edge, the power of humour in dealing with life, and why comedy censorship qualifies for the big bin of bullshit.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Wankernomics00:42 Meet James and Charles01:32 The Absurdities of Workplace Jargon03:25 The Origins of Corporate Buzzwords06:32 Emails and Passive Aggression13:42 Cultural Differences in Business Communication18:52 The Role of Humour in the Workplace23:22 The Edinburgh Fringe Experience25:51 Future Plans for Wankonomics30:57 The Brutal Nature of Comedy Feedback31:30 The Unique Environment of Comedy32:05 Comedy vs. Other Art Forms32:58 Breaking Down Business Silos34:01 The Role of Social Media in Comedy34:38 Comedy in Different Markets35:53 The Art of Business Meetings38:14 British Hospitality and Productivity44:33 Personal Relationships in Business45:36 Challenges and Cock-Ups in Comedy46:13 The Role of Agents in Comedy53:25 The Bullshit in Comedy57:38 Humour in Difficult Times01:00:03 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 337 - Former CEO of Porsche, BMW and Lamborghini, Kevin Gaskell jumps in the quiz seat to discuss and debate various business practices - from TikTok to corporate gifting, from metaverse offices to B Corp certifications, Kevin shares his wise and candid views.NDAs, alternative investment markets, and physical meetings vs. virtual ones also make the shortlist.Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kevin Gaskell00:37 TikTok: Business or Bullshit?01:07 Corporate Gifting: Building Relationships01:39 Metaverse Office Spaces: Real or Fake?02:27 Understanding B Corp and ESG03:42 Sweat Equity: The Entrepreneur's Dilemma04:58 NDAs: Necessary or Not?05:35 Alternative Investment Markets (AIM)06:17 Christmas Bonuses08:14 Asking Favours: The Right Way10:03 E-Meetings: The Future of Work?12:13 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 336 - Kevin was CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini and BMW in the UK who led the companies to hugely successful turnarounds and business growth. He remains actively involved in numerous companies worldwide, as both a founder investor and chairman, currently including the UK’s fastest-growing fibre network provider.To date, Kevin and his teams have created over £4 billion in shareholder value, making him one of the UK’s Top 40 leaders.We discuss Kevin's remarkable journey, both personal and professional: from transforming luxury brands into thriving enterprises to becoming the oldest man to row the Pacific Ocean at age 66!Kevin reflects on his career challenges, his hands-on business strategies, and his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through his initiative, Smarter Britain.We recount Kevin's thrilling experiences of rowing the Atlantic, drawing parallels between his survival endeavours and business strategies. Kevin also explains why government inefficiencies qualify for the big bin of bullshit.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Kevin Gaskell01:27 Kevin's Current Ventures02:14 The State of UK Fibre Infrastructure03:40 Kevin's Business Philosophy04:34 From Civil Engineer to Business Leader05:23 Turning Around Porsche16:39 BMW's Transformation22:44 Managing Corporate Culture and Unions41:07 Acquiring and Building Epics41:44 A Business Failure in South Africa44:01 Lessons Learned from Business Failures45:04 Current Ventures and Future Plans45:35 Introducing Smarter Britain48:37 Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs56:51 Frustrations with Government and Taxes01:08:46 Fun Questions and Personal Insights01:14:51 Adrenaline Junkie: Adventures and Challenges01:24:42 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 335 - Generative AI educator and author David Birss takes the business or bullshit quiz offering his insights on various topics. From client lunches to golden parachutes and tax systems, David shares his candid views and has a very strong message for all TikTokers!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Dave Birss00:46 Silicon Roundabout and Client Lunches02:56 R&D Tax Credits and Fraud05:05 Dress for Success?07:33 Golden Parachutes and Employment Law12:30 Trickle Down Economics and Wealth Disparity15:56 Digital Nomads and Tax Avoidance18:02 Message for all TikTokers21:37 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 334 - Dave is a renowned speaker, advisor and educator in Generative AI, and author of The Sensible AI Manifesto.We discuss the real-world applications of AI in business, common misconceptions and productivity myths while exploring the ethical, economic, and creative implications of integrating AI. Dave shares his transition from a creative director to an AI educator, discusses the Sensible AI Manifesto, and emphasises the importance of responsible AI use to augment human abilities. We also discuss the necessity of human creativity, quality training, and continuous learning in maximising AI's potential. Dave also explains why corporate attitude towards staff training qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t. Chapters:00:00 BWB with Dave Birss01:48 The Sensible AI Manifesto03:18 Challenges with AI Implementation03:48 AI and Productivity Myths07:27 The Human Impact of AI16:33 AI in Warfare and Global Threats26:11 Training and Education in AI32:22 Cultural Attitudes Towards Training33:52 Political and Social Commentary43:27 The Misconception of AI's Capabilities44:51 The Art of Prompting AI47:35 A Journey Through Music and Creativity52:11 The Intersection of AI and Human Potential01:00:12 Challenges and Missteps in Innovation01:02:27 The Importance of Human-Centric AI01:11:46 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Dave01:20:52 Dave's Top Business Tipsbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

Prolific ex-CEO and the man responsible for saving UK chain store giants Wickes and Iceland - Bill Grimsey - is in the quiz seat tackling topics like monthly management accounts, first mover advantage, golden parachutes and digital nomads, reflecting on his own experiences and sharing his unfiltered opinions ;)Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Bill Grimsey00:37 Monthly Management Accounts: Biz or BS?00:45 Debating Incubators and First Mover Advantage02:14 Golden Parachutes and Client Lunches03:05 Loving What You Do and Lifestyle Businesses03:39 Free Ports and Digital Nomads04:57 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 332 - Bill has been a serial CEO, Director and Non-Exec spanning a 40 year career in retail working for companies like Tesco, Budgens, and earning a reputation for his role in masterminding the recovery of DIY group Wickes and the Iceland Group.Bill is also the author of The Grimsey Reviews 1 and 2 which were both widely acclaimed with local governments both here in the UK and abroad adopting many of his key recommendations.We discuss Bill's efforts to revitalise town centres, the shortcomings of government reports, and his influential Grimsey Reviews. We cover the evolution of retail, challenges like Amazon's market dominance, and the problem of tax avoidance by wealthy individuals and corporations. Bill also offers priceless advice for entrepreneurs and explains why modern automated customer service qualifies for the big bin of bullsh*t.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Bill Grimsey00:54 The Grimsey Reviews: Independent and Influential01:34 Challenges and Changes in Retail03:12 Success Stories: Transforming Towns05:19 The Role of Leadership in Town Regeneration07:17 Impact of Amazon Tech on Retail08:49 Revitalising Town Centres11:27 The Importance of Vision and Leadership11:49 Challenges in Local Government and Privatisation23:30 Advice for Entrepreneurs26:37 Political Landscape and Leadership47:27 Class Tensions and Education in the UK48:17 Personal Education Journeys50:23 The Importance of Mentors52:10 Private Equity and Its Impact01:00:41 Challenges in Retail and Technology01:05:36 Taxation and Wealth01:14:44 Customer Service in Retail01:21:55 Quickfire Round - Getting to know Billbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 331 - International trade expert Paul Webster takes the quiz seat giving us his views on various terms as either business or bullshit - equal paternity leave policies, British politeness in business, foreign espionage risks and adult entertainment industry all make the shortlist!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Paul Webster00:54 Debate on Equal Paternity Leave03:54 Discussion on British Politeness05:30 Hashtags and Social Media06:40 Foreign Espionage Risks07:31 Influencers and Public Messaging09:00 Porn and OnlyFans: controversial?11:20 Final Thoughts and Scoresbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 330 - Paul is Principal of International Expansion Partners (IEP) and AUS UK. His career spans both the private and public sectors having worked in financial services and management consulting in Australia before moving into the international investment sector.Paul shares his expertise on the potential of the Oz UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), SME opportunities in government procurement, and cultural nuances between the UK and Australia. He also gives invaluable tips for founders on international expansion, making the most of free resources, and managing organisational change.Essential listening for founders and entrepreneurs looking to expand their business internationally.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Paul Webster00:56 Exciting Developments in UK-AUS Trade01:32 Government Procurement Opportunities for SMEs02:30 Challenges and Opportunities in UK-AUS Trade03:43 The Complexity of UK and AUS Banking Systems07:49 The Impact of Free Trade on Food and Drink13:57 Cultural Differences in Business Practices23:04 Paul's Career Journey23:14 The Role of International Expansion Partners34:06 Navigating Government and Bureaucracy37:23 Rebranding Controversy38:19 Government Support for Businesses40:04 Challenges for Small Businesses44:45 Lessons from Personal Mistakes50:46 Effective Communication Strategies59:58 Quickfire Round - Getting To Know Paul01:06:32 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark

EP 329 - Global Thought Leader in Business Futurism - Kate Ancketill - is the quiz seat this week tackling Andy's list of subjects as 'business' or 'bullshit' - family dynasties, DAOs, corporate gifting and Labour government are all on the list!Chapters:00:00 Business or Bullshit with Kate Ancketill00:28 Family Dynasties: Business or Bullshit?01:16 DAOs - Yay or Nay?01:56 Multiple Careers: Focus or Fail?02:14 Royal Warrants: Prestige or Pointless?03:13 Enterprise Zones: Opportunity or Illusion?03:53 The Etiquette of Asking 'How Are You?'05:11 B Corps: Genuine Effort or Paperwork?06:25 The Metaverse: Future or Fad?08:02 Corporate Gifting: Generosity or Corruption?09:57 Labour Government: Hope or Hype?11:25 Final Score and Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark