Business Growth Talks is a show about what it really takes to build and grow a business. Hosted by Mark Hayward, each episode goes beyond the polished success story to explore the decisions, setbacks and turning points behind the results. Mark talks with founders, business leaders and experts about the challenges they have faced, what they learned and what they would do differently. From finding customers and leading people to adapting when a plan stops working, the conversations bring you ideas you can use in your own business. If you want honest business stories, useful lessons and questions that make you think differently about growth, you’re in the right place. Find more details about the podcast www.businessgrowthtalks.com Join my community - https://www.patreon.com/Businessgrowthtalks Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/markjhayward Twitter - https://twitter.com/markhayward169 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183
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October 21, 2026Episode 6327 min
Why I Wasted Weeks Waiting for Permission (and How to Stop)
The most expensive habit in business isn’t overspending. It’s waiting. When I left corporate, I finally had no boss, no sign-off, total freedom… and for weeks I did absolutely nothing. In this episode I share the three things I wish someone had told me back then, plus the five words that finally snapped me out of it. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, waiting for the right time, more money or to “feel ready”, this one’s for you. ⏱ Chapters 0:00 The most expensive habit in business 0:25 You’ve been trained to wait 2:28 The right time isn’t coming 4:17 Doing it badly beats not doing it 6:27 Three things to remember 💬 Tell me in the comments: what’s the one thing you’ve been waiting on the “right time” for? 📺 Every Friday I cover the five biggest business stories of the week. Subscribe so you don’t miss it. 🎙 Business Growth Talks: conversations and lessons for founders, CEOs and business owners. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 21, 20262 min
Introducing the Jordan Harbinger Show
In this enlightening mini episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward shares The Jordan Harbinger Show - a podcast which listeners of Business Growth Talks should both enjoy and get massive value from.
October 19, 2026Episode 6311 hr 0 min
He Built a Firm for 23 Years, Sold It, Then Watched It Collapse | Dr. Mark L. Vincent
Mark L. Vincent spent 23 years building Design Group International. He was founder and CEO for almost 18 of those years, then chair, and then he sold his stake. A few years later, after a record year, the firm went into receivership. In this episode, Mark explains what went wrong after he left and why most founders’ businesses don’t outlive them. He also covers what you should be doing in the five years before you sell so yours does. We talk about: The 3 mistakes that sank the business after his exit: vision by committee, a slow response to margin compression, and no capital plan to buy out departing owners The clause in his buy-sell agreement that sent his IP back to him when the firm collapsed, and how he turned it into a new business Why an up-to-date balance sheet is the first thing he asks every owner for Moving from specialists to a true executive team, and avoiding fiefdoms Why a mastermind group can beat a consultant or advisor on ROI How the business nearly closed in 2008, and the one metric that saved it “Firm with process, soft with people”: how his leadership evolved Managing helplessness, perspective after loss, and what legacy really means If you’re a founder, CEO or business owner thinking about succession, selling or stepping back, this one is for you. Find Mark: maestrolevelleaders.com | marklvincent.com If you got something from this conversation, hit subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple or Spotify. It helps more people find the show. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 16, 2026Episode 63015 min
Bumble Lost 90% of Its Value. Here's the Lesson for Your Business
A dating app worth $14 billion just sold for $1.3 billion. In this week’s BGT Weekly News, Mark Hayward breaks down what went wrong at Bumble, and what every business owner can learn from it. Plus four more stories business owners in the US and UK need to know this week: JPMorgan boss Jamie Dimon’s warning about “rogue” AI agents, Bank of America’s $1.2 billion fine, the UK’s plan to make Amazon, eBay and Temu collect tax for their sellers, and why British companies are being bought up and heading for New York. Every story in plain English, with what it means for your business. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 $14 billion to $1.3 billion 0:30 Why Bumble collapsed 4:30 Jamie Dimon’s warning on AI agents 7:45 Bank of America’s $1.2 billion fine 11:00 Amazon and eBay tax crackdown 14:15 Why UK companies are being bought up 17:30 Dog news 18:30 This week’s takeaway Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 12, 2026Episode 6291 hr 11 min
His First Idea Sold for 99 Cents. His Next One Did $100 Million – Steve Rolle
In this compelling episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward welcomes successful entrepreneur Steve Rolle, who shares his journey from the US Army to becoming a high-achieving businessman. Despite societal pressures to conform to traditional career paths, Steve followed his entrepreneurial instincts and built businesses that collectively generated over $100 million in sales. The conversation delves into the core question of whether individuals are truly living a life they have chosen or merely inheriting a path laid out by others. Steve emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's future, starting side hustles, and navigating the perceived safety of corporate jobs. Steve recounts the challenges and strategies he faced, including the decision to merge his company, One Shop, with Diversified Hospitality Solutions in 2022. He highlights the importance of diversification, founder dependency, motivation, and the role these factors play in achieving personal and financial freedom. Throughout the episode, Steve shares insights on how boring businesses can be lucrative opportunities, emphasizing the need for founder involvement to morph into systems-driven operations. He also discusses his book, "The Future You Choose," which serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs to take agency over their life’s direction. SPONSOR Are you getting enough online visibility? If the answer is no then consider being a guest on podcasts to grow your business. Visit www.podcastintroduction.com and set up a call to talk to the team Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurial Journey: Steve Rolle conveys the significance of pursuing businesses in underexplored sectors and the transformative power of turning a side hustle into a full-fledged venture. Control and Freedom: The theme of living a life of choice versus inherited paths underscores the conversation, with Steve stressing control achieved through multiple income streams. Merger Strategy: Explores the strategic decision-making involved in the merger of One Shop with Diversified Hospitality Solutions, emphasizing cultural integration and value maximization. Motivation and Success: Discusses the profound impact of discovering personal motivation and learning through repetitive, low-stress experimentation. Building a Personal Brand: Highlights the long-term dedication required for personal brand development through platforms like podcasting and content creation. Resources: Steve Rolle's LinkedIn: Visit Page The Future You Choose: Book by Steve Rolle (available on Amazon) Podcast: Role of Steve: Delving into business and motivation (No link provided in the transcript) Book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan - Recommended by Steve as a transformative read. Podcast Introduction: Website By diving into this enlightening conversation, listeners can glean from Steve Rolle’s insights and learn how to strategically navigate their own career paths towards the life and success they truly desire. Tune in for more empowering content and transformational stories from Business Growth Talks. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 9, 2026Episode 62814 min
Weekly Business News 9 October 2026
Discover how recent shifts in the US job market and interest rates could impact business strategies, as Mark Hayward dives into the week's top business stories. Explore the surprising trends in consumer spending, the role of AI in shopping, and the monumental merger creating Hollywood's new giant, Skydance. Learn why a record number of Brits are telling the taxman they're leaving, and enjoy an uplifting 'dog news' segment from Tennessee. Tune into Business Growth Talks for essential insights every business owner should know and make sure your customers can find you, even through AI. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 5, 2026Episode 6271 hr 1 min
Unlocking the Secrets of Seamless Sales: From Leaky Funnels to Closing Deals With Jason Kramer
In this episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward welcomes Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to delve into the often-ignored aspect of lead management and follow-up processes. What happens after a potential lead shows interest? Jason, who transitioned from running a creative agency to founding Cultivize, sheds light on how businesses can streamline their follow-up procedures to maximize lead conversion and sustain ongoing customer relationships. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the critical importance of follow-up processes. Jason humorously notes that only about 36% of businesses have a structured lead nurturing process, emphasizing the untapped potential for growth lurking in proper follow-ups. He outlines his five-step process focusing on discovery, diagnosing problems, designing solutions, implementing the appropriate technology, and ongoing optimization. Jason also shares his thoughts on the right and wrong way to implement CRM software and the importance of consistency in business prospecting. With a particular focus on helping small to mid-sized enterprises, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies and advice for entrepreneurs looking to refine their sales and marketing tactics. Key Takeaways: Consistency in Prospecting: Regular business prospecting is crucial. It's important to allocate dedicated time daily to maintain a steady flow of leads. Follow-up Importance: Many companies lack a structured follow-up process, resulting in lost opportunities. Automating follow-ups can significantly increase conversion rates. CRM Implementation: Proper evaluation of business needs is crucial before selecting a CRM system. Avoid basing choices solely on features without considering practical alignment with business processes. Utilizing AI: Leverage AI tools for data cleanup, process automation, and ideation. However, remember that AI is only as effective as the quality of input provided. Human Connection: Despite automation, maintaining human interaction in sales and follow-ups is critical. People buy from people, and building genuine relationships can be pivotal in securing business. SPONSOR CEO Friend : A tool for competitor analysis that aids in strategic decision-making and growth planning. Go to link https://bit.ly/4vkeNXQ And go to a free month trial on https://bit.ly/4eKb15o Resources: Cultivize : The company founded by Jason Kramer, offering CRM solutions and lead management strategies. LinkedIn : Mentioned as a platform for business prospecting and engagement. AI Tools : For data cleanup and automation, with specific mention of tools like Apollo and ChatGPT. Afterthelead.com : A resource provided by Cultivize with a guide on CRM selection. Dive deeper into how you can transform your lead management and sales strategy by tuning into this enlightening conversation with Jason Kramer. Stay subscribed for more insightful episodes that bring the best business growth advice right to your ears! Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
October 2, 2026Episode 62620 min
Weekly Business News 2 October 2026
Join Mark Hayward on Business Growth Talks as he unpacks pivotal stories affecting businesses globally. Discover the impact of America's tariff truce with China and its implications for importers. Explore the pessimistic mood among American consumers, the sharp increase in UK household borrowing, and Manchester City's financial scandal. Understand how global oil dynamics are influencing prices and business costs. Plus, delve into a light-hearted tale of dog world records. Stay informed on how these events might affect your business strategy with Mark's insightful analysis and tips. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
September 28, 2026Episode 6251 hr 4 min
Offshore Hiring, AI, and the Secrets of Success With Brian Hunt
In this engaging episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward sits down with Brian Hunt, an experienced entrepreneur and founder of Kore BPO, to discuss the intricacies of offshoring and global hiring. The conversation delves into the common misconceptions around offshoring, emphasizing that talent isn't typically the issue but rather the processes and management after hiring. Brian shares the lessons he learned from his time at consulting giants Deloitte and Accenture, which equipped him with unique insights to scale businesses effectively. Brian underscores the importance of having a clear strategic path for offshoring success. He elucidates the challenges and opportunities businesses face when deciding between local hiring, nearshoring, or offshoring to regions like Latin America and India. With an emphasis on understanding the “breaking points” and growth dynamics of organizations, Brian advocates for a deep internal analysis to identify key areas of improvement or investment. The discussion touches on essential skills for managing remote teams, the underestimated value of global talent, and the impacts of AI on traditional job roles, offering insights for navigating the modern business landscape. SPONSOR CEO Friend : A tool for competitor analysis that aids in strategic decision-making and growth planning. Go to link https://bit.ly/4vkeNXQ And go to a free month trial on https://bit.ly/4eKb15o Key Takeaways: Offshore success depends more on clear processes and management than on finding talent. Understanding your organization’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial before engaging with global teams. Local hiring is not always the best choice; the value of diverse, global talent is often underappreciated. Effective remote team management requires clear communication of goals and recognition of every team member's importance. Despite the rise of AI, human-driven management and strategic decision-making remain vital. Resources: Brian Hunt on LinkedIn: Connect with Brian Hunt Kore BPO: Visit Kore BPO's Website Listen to this full episode to get deeper insights into optimizing offshoring strategies and managing global teams effectively. Stay tuned for more discussions that drive business growth on Business Growth Talks. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
September 25, 2026Episode 62415 min
Weekly Business News 25 September 2026
Join Mark Hayward on Business Growth Talks as he unpacks crucial developments in the business world. Discover how AMD's trillion-dollar valuation parallels the Dutch economy and the implications of AI's rapid growth on competitive markets. Dive into the significance of a historic $2.2 trillion dinner featuring the planet's wealthiest and the President of the United States. Understand rising interest rates and their impact on your finances, and explore the evolving dynamics of employee sick pay. Plus, learn about Meta's innovative AI agent, Muse, and finish with an inspiring tale of Joey, a heroic canine rescuer. Support the show If you want to watch the full video of this episode go to: https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks Do you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to: www.podcastintroduction.com Find more details about the podcast and my coaching business on: www.businessgrowthtalks.com Find me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw... Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183 YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
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