Curious Leadership with Dominic Monkhouse

Are you ready to explore the intersection of passion, leadership, and the groundbreaking world of AI in the tech industry? If you're intrigued by how AI is revolutionising the marketplace and the ways in which businesses can stay ahead of the curve, then this episode of The Melting Pot with Dominic Monkhouse is a must for you today.This week we had the pleasure of learning from Scott Chasin, Chief Technology Officer at Pax8, a leading cloud marketplace for managed service providers. Scott's extensive background in technology and cybersecurity, coupled with his transformative insights on artificial intelligence, positions him as a vanguard in the cloud commerce sector. His keen understanding of how passion drives quality within the workplace, and how it's cultivated through thoughtful leadership and a nurturing culture, makes Scott a true maven in engineering dynamic business environments.In this episode, Scott shares why he believes AI is not just evolutionary but revolutionary, and those who are not embracing it might soon find themselves out of business. He also shares the exciting journey of Pax8’s record months in operations—bucking the narrative of a global recession—and how their business model is innovatively leveraging AI to redefine the way software and hardware services are provided to small and medium-sized businesses. Scott delves into the Pax8 partner ecosystem, consisting of over 30,000 MSPs, and their strategy in utilising AI to fine-tune customer lifecycle solutions, thereby sculpting a three-sided marketplace ripe with opportunities.Moreover, Scott reflects on the resilience and adaptability required to thrive as a unicorn company, underscoring the importance of sustainable growth and conscientious execution. He also weighs in on the potential of remote work and the hybrid models that may shape the future of the workforce. Download and listen today!On today’s podcast: Embracing The AI RevolutionPax8: Passion And InnovationHow Can Leaders Develop People’s PassionHow To Hire And Retain Great PeopleFollow Scott:LinkedInPax8Recommended reading:This Is How They Tell Me The World EndsIn Plain SightEnjoyed the show? Leave a Review

This week we're diving deep into customer experience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence with a returning guest, Joseph Michelli. He is an organisational consultant extraordinaire and the author behind Customer Magic – The Macquarie Way, his new book out on Kindle today in the UK. Joseph shares his insights on the non-negotiable personality traits for success in technology careers, the inherent service gene, the grit to work hard, and the strategic vision to see beyond immediate gratification. He will unpack the fascinating story of Macquarie Technology Group and their bold move from outsourcing to onshoring, hiring savvy university students part-time, and creating a formidable talent pool.Macquarie’s contrarian approach has positioned them exceptionally well in the tech world. Joseph will their clever transition from legacy systems to dominating the cloud business, their diverse revenue streams, and their winning philosophy which intertwines top-tier customer service with solid profitability.A deeply insightful episode with Joseph. He never disappoints. Download and listen today to enjoy the full conversation!On today’s podcast: The Macquarie WayWhat it takes to be a great place to workA high-performing hiring processMcquarie’s contrarian approachFollow Joseph:WebsiteLinkedInX Customer Magic – The Macquarie WayRecommended reading:Think Like A HorseEnjoyed the show? Leave a Review

This week on The Melting Pot, we dive into the depths of business value, purpose, and profitability with none other than the inquisitive and insightful Bo Burlingham. As a journalist and the author of excellent books including Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top, and Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big,  Bo is no stranger to the keys to long-lasting business success.In this episode, Bo imparts wisdom gleaned from 40 years in business, shedding light on dynamic business models and discussing the principles vital for business resilience. He talks about protecting gross margins, the perils of debt, and the agility needed to adapt to industry changes.Bo also introduces us to the world of "evergreen companies" – organisations rejecting the short-termism of outside funding in favour of purpose-driven, employee-focused, and steady internal growth.This episode is a treasure trove of business acumen, discussing the qualities that make a company not just big, but genuinely great—impacting communities, forming personal connections with customers, and employing unique organisational strategies.Download and listen today! On today’s podcast: Evergreen companies and what they have in commonWhat makes a great businessSmall Giants: what makes them successful and how can they failThe Great Game Of Business: key takeaways Follow Bo: WebsiteLinkedInSmall GiantsFinish BigRecommended reading:No Man’s LandThe Great Game of Business Great by Choice Managing Corporate Lifecycles Enjoyed the show? Leave a Review

This week we're set for a riveting discussion with Andrew McAfee, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT and the ingenious author of The Geek Way. In this episode, Andrew and Dominic explore the realm of “geek companies" — organisations that defy the conventional corporate playbook through their technology-driven services and groundbreaking strategies.Andrew shared his unique perspective on why companies like Uber and Airbnb – while not traditional tech firms – epitomise the behaviours and characteristics of this new breed of business. He will explore the essential norms that set these companies apart—science, speed, ownership, and openness—and how these principles fuel high performance and break the shackles of hierarchy and deference that often hold back conventional organisations.During this insightful conversation, Dominic and Andrew dived into the birth of the agile movement, the fallacy of the "Liars’ Club," and the critical importance of autonomy and empowerment in nurturing a successful, forward-thinking workforce. Don’t miss this genuinely insightful episode where we blend the ingredients of business performance, corporate culture, and high-performing teams into a concoction that's bound to challenge your perceptions.Download and listen today! On today’s podcast: What is the Geek WayThe Core Norms of Geek CompaniesSo-Called Tech Firms: Are They Really? Lessons From Jeff Bezos and Elon MuskThe Importance of Transparency and Speed in Project Management Follow Andrew:WebsiteLinkedInTwitterThe Geek WayRecommended reading:The Knowledge MachineElon MuskHow Big Things Get DoneRight Kind of WrongThe Secret of Our SuccessEnjoyed the show? Leave a Review 

Are you harnessing the untapped genius within your organisation and leading with the conviction needed to navigate through chaos? If you're questioning your leadership methods or your ability to break down complex concepts, we have an absolutely fascinating episode for you. This week we delve into the mind of Simon Bowen, a mastermind in distilling intuitive brilliance into structured know-how. Simon is celebrated for applying geometric principles to streamline and demystify dense ideas, transforming the way leaders communicate. Beyond his expertise, Simon also shares his experiences winning an extraordinary array of prizes by finding and analysing patterns, showcasing the practicality of his analytical strategies.During their conversation, Simon shared his critical views on leadership, especially during pivotal organisational growth spurts. Dominic and Simon also discussed pushing through discomfort to maintain a connection with teams, irrespective of size. Simon also uncovers the compelling art of visual storytelling, presenting a methodology that flips resistance to engagement.For anyone involved in business, sales, marketing, or simply intrigued by the mastery of influential communication, this episode promises to equip you with strategies for leadership and clarity.A quick note: to fully enjoy this episode we recommend you to watch it on YouTube. It’s a truly remarkable episode worth watching to experience and understand Simon’s insights. Download and listen today!On today’s podcast:  The power of drawings to understand the worldThinking in models and patternsUnpacking the Genius: from intuitive to organisedThe different dimensions of value Follow Simon:WebsiteLinkedInRecommended reading:Go-Givers SeriesNapoleon HillOutwitting the DevilSomeone has to be the most expensive. Why not make it you?Enjoyed the show? Leave a Review  

Are you leveraging the full potential of your sales team? Do you have a clear strategy for hiring and nurturing top sales talent? And, are you curious about how to infuse your sales approach with vigour and vision? If you’re grappling with these considerations, then today's episode of The Melting Pot is an essential listen for you.This week, we learned from Jamie Hamer, CEO and co-founder of Bolt Cover, a trailblazing insurance tech startup revolutionising the way insurers connect with retailers and manufacturers. Jamie isn’t just a seasoned CEO – he’s a master salesman with a passion for building high-performance sales cultures and an eye for what it takes to succeed in transactional sales environments.In this episode, Jamie uncovers the art of defining values, setting expectations, and the power of hiring through referrals. He delves into the intricate relationship between sales team dynamics and business growth stages, advocating for data-driven decision-making as outlined in his sales-focused book, The Exceptional Sales Career. Jamie’s book is not just a collection of anecdotes; it’s a testament to the strength of networking, evidenced by his lucrative investment in a US solar company. He also offers practical advice from evaluating business ideas to the nuances of introverted versus extroverted selling. Furthermore, our discussion pivots to the balance between office and remote working settings, the integration of insurance products into retail, and the tailored approach needed for sales team management.For business leaders and entrepreneurs, the insights Jamie offers on the importance of patiently refining business ideas, coupled with the practical coaching tips he shares from his tenure at Southwestern Consulting, stand out as essential guidance for those striving for excellence.Download and listen today! On today’s podcast:Connecting insurers to independent retailers and manufacturersThe keys to hiring great salespeopleHow to build high-performance sales teamsThe importance of self-talkFollow Jamie Hamer: WebsiteLinkedInThe Exceptional Sales CareerRecommended reading:The Challenger SaleThe Jolt EffectFrom Impossible To InevitableThe Go-Giver seriesEnjoyed the show? Leave a Review 

Are you tapping into the mind of Generation Z effectively? Have you considered the nuances of their consumer behaviour and their impact on your brand strategy? If you find yourself second-guessing or simply curious, this week’s episode of The Melting Pot is a must-listen for you.This week, we learned from Jay Richards, the innovative entrepreneur behind the game-changing platform, Imagen Insights. Having been sought out by the NFL’s head of retail to craft a marketing campaign rich with Gen Z insights, Jay recognised a persistent challenge for brands: how to rapidly and effectively engage with this dynamic demographic. Out of this, Imagen Insights was born – connecting companies like Amazon, Google, Nike, and others with Gen Z to shape their product design, marketing strategies, and macro-level brand questions.During their conversation, we’ll learn more about Jay’s innovative '’Imagen Index', its applicability beyond the limits of social listening, and the nuanced dynamics it reveals within Gen Z's political and social engagement, particularly in the context of the ongoing U.S. election cycle. They further discuss the pandemic’s lasting impacts on youth development, the rise of zero-party data, and the integration of AI within research methodologies.For business leaders, marketers, and strategists seeking a rigorous, informed approach to engaging with Gen Z, Jay offers not only his perspective but also practical tools that eschew performativity for authenticity. Download and listen today! On today’s podcast:Understanding Gen ZThe Imagen Index The role of social listening and social mediaGen Z’s core values and political viewsUsing AI in qualitative research Follow Jay Richards: WebsiteLinkedInRecommended reading:The Psychology of MoneyHookedElon MuskSteve JobsViola Davis: Finding Me Enjoyed the show? Leave a Review  

Is your business strategy truly positioning you for success? Are you cutting through the noise to deliver a unique and compelling message to your customers? If you're grappling with these pivotal questions and contemplating the essence of an effective strategy, today's episode of The Melting Pot is tailored just for you.This week we learned from Alex Smith, Founder of Basic Arts and the author of No Bulsh*t Strategy: A Founder's Guide to Crafting a Strategy That Actually Works, a tour de force aimed at demystifying strategic planning and bringing it within reach of every entrepreneur. With his unorthodox approach to strategic thought, Alex challenges conventional paradigms, believing that strategy needs to be fun, engaging, and, most importantly, straightforward.During their conversation, Dominic and Alex take us on a journey through Tesla's revolutionary market model, a testament to thinking outside the box and engineering consumer perceptions. Alex also shares the importance of authenticity over mimicking competitors and how personal and team relationships outside the office can significantly enhance strategic outcomes.Whether you're an established CEO or a novice entrepreneur, this is a thought-provoking episode emphasising the role of empathy in customer relations and the importance of aligning your value proposition with market trends. Download and listen today! On today’s podcast: The truth about strategy and how it gets doneUnlocking the value of building relationships within the executive teamThe importance of talking with your customers to understand the problem you’re solvingTesla's outstanding original strategy Follow Alex: WebsiteLinkedInNewsletterNo Bullsh*t StrategyRecommended reading:Nassim Taleb’s BooksElon MuskSteve JobsEnjoyed the show? Leave a Review 

This week on The Melting Pot we learned from the CEO of Fluffy, Pavel Gertsberg. In this episode, Pavel offers us an inside look at the transformation of Fluffy from its roots as a pet insurance company to a comprehensive pet health business that's reimagining support for pet owners. With the rise of pet ownership, particularly after the pandemic, Pavel discusses the fresh challenges that new pet parents face and how Fluffy aims to ease the stress that accompanies caring for our four-legged companions. He'll share how Fluffy’s digital vet clinic and subscription model aim to revolutionise the industry by providing cost-efficient, accessible, in-house pet care.Drawing from his rich background in startups and revenue acceleration, Pavel cautions against the siren call of growth hacking in the early stages. Instead, he advocates for founders to get their hands dirty to find the elusive product-market fit before scaling. How can we develop products that resonate with our customers emotionally? Pavel will help us find the answer using the example of Airbnb’s approach. During this conversation, Dominic and Pavel will also discuss their views on the unpredictable nature of B2C businesses, the strategic advantages the UK presents for B2B enterprises, and the complexities of globalisation for financial firms.Download and listen today! On today’s podcast: An innovative approach to pet healthcareThe impact of COVID on the pet insurance industryThe importance of product market fit before scalingExploring the complexities of globalisation for financial firms Follow Pavel Gertsberg: WebsiteLinkedInFluffyRecommended reading:Paul Graham’s essays Enjoyed the show? Leave a Review 

This week on The Melting Pot we welcomed back a special guest. We're diving into today’s international economic landscape, and the critical debates surrounding Germany's own industrial landscape with none other than the renowned pricing expert and consultant, Hermann Simon.As ever, Simon leaves us with an extremely insightful episode where he explores the provocative argument for Germany's deindustrialisation, the challenges and strategies for managing automation, and the intriguing concept of hidden champions—those mid-sized market leaders in niche sectors that silently dominate the global stage. He examines Germany's rich history of entrepreneurial internationalisation and technological innovation (both fundamental pillars in the DNA of German entrepreneurs), as Hermann shares insights on everything from the inner workings of seed-sorting machines to autonomous driving achievements.During their conversation, Simon and Dominic discuss the complexities of immigration, the need for skilled talent, and Simon's perspective on the essential balance for effective integration. Plus, insights into pricing strategies amid inflation, the significance of education and vocational training in shaping a skilled workforce, and a glimpse at the future role of AI and raw materials in industries like automotive.To top it off, Hermann imparts his wisdom on staying optimistic amid a global economy peppered with uncertainties but also ripe with opportunities. So, gear up for a thought-provoking journey through the economic, technological, and social realities that shape our world. Download and listen to learn more. On today’s podcast: Inflation and its effect on pricing strategyGermany vs UK’s economyWhy Are Hidden Champions ‘Hidden’The DNA of German entrepreneursDeindustrialisation in Germany Follow Hermann Simon: WebsiteLinkedInHidden Champions in the Chinese CenturyConfessions of the Pricing ManBeating InflationBook recommendations Elon MuskForged in Crisis Previous episodes with Hermann:How To Better Combat InflationHow To Become A Hidden ChampionWhy Pricing Is Not Primarily About Price Enjoyed the show? Leave a Review