Inside the Director's Circle

Hosted by The Director's Circle

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Jan 2024

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We've all heard the adage "It's lonely at the top" and it will resonate with most people in positions of leadership. Each week coaching psychologist Jason Langford-Brown invites members of the Director's Circle business community to support each other to solve challenges they are having in their businesses. Experts from our Knowledge Circles, Jo Keeler (Belbin), Brian Glibkowski (Answer Intelligence) and Alex Bishop (Shoosmiths) to name a few, join Jason and our business leaders to offer further support and learnings.

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30 recent

January 30, 2024Episode 3025 min

Leveraging Digital and Social Channels: The Power of Video in Social Media Marketing

In this episode of Inside the Director's Circle, we're diving into the world of social media marketing. Our host, Jason Langford-Brown, is joined by Scott Billing from Ark Media Group to explore top tips for supercharging your content - with a specific focus on the power of video. They delve into the importance of understanding your audience and objectives, making the most of filming opportunities, creating engaging narratives, crafting compelling hooks, and the long-term potential of video content. They also discuss the psychology behind social media engagement and the need for business leaders and marketeers to prioritize thumb-stopping content. If you're looking to elevate your social media strategy and make a lasting impact in the digital landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice on maximizing the potential of your social media marketing efforts. Topics covered, include: 00:00 Shift from Google to YouTube as go-to. 05:50 Maximizing video content by filming multiple ideas. 08:48 Avoid list format, create engaging narrative instead. 13:07 Create engaging content with three second hook. 14:09 Avoid excessive branding and preambles in videos. 19:28 Maximize video content's long-term potential for ROI. 23:03 Struggle with self-promotion, essential for generating leads. 24:34 CEO expresses concern and questions social strategy. Scott can be found here: linkedin.com/in/scott-billing https://arkmedia.co.uk/ Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

January 30, 2024Episode 2922 min

Social Media in Business: The Pros, Cons, and Strategic Approaches for Success

Welcome to Inside The Directors Circle. In this episode, host Jason Langford-Brown sits down with Scott Billing from Art Media Group to delve into the world of social media and its impact on businesses. Together, they explore the value of social media for businesses, the potential for lead generation, and the importance of strategic planning and consistency in content creation. The conversation also touches on the power of personal branding for leaders within organizations. Join us as we uncover valuable insights and practical tips to supercharge your social media and video content. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of the pros and cons of social media in our modern world. Topics covered include: 00:00 Expanding network, digital impact on branding strategy. 05:26 Lead Gen is possible for most businesses. 08:48 Plan ahead and connect your content. 11:55 Challenges of referrals in professional services explained. 16:10 Consistency and patience lead to social media success. 20:29 Leaders need to connect authentically with workforce. 21:16 Build personal brand for business success. Scott can be found here: linkedin.com/in/scott-billing https://arkmedia.co.uk/ Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

January 10, 2024Episode 2827 min

Strategy As A Process, Not An Event Or Task

In this episode of "Inside the Director's Circle", host Jason Langford-Brown and guest Mike Burke dive deep into the topic of strategy as a process, not just an event or task. They explore the importance of engaging people in the strategy development process, the need for percolation before finalizing strategies, and the critical role of aligning and empowering the people who will implement the strategy. Mike shares valuable insights on the significance of cadence in strategy implementation and the effectiveness of tools such as one-page plans and OKRs in cascading the strategic direction. From the power of weekly check-ins to the significance of regular strategic reviews, this conversation sheds light on the essential elements of successful strategy implementation. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the intricacies of turning strategy into action. 00:00 Agile strategy requires ongoing commitment and expertise. 03:36 Importance of historical strategy for human development. 08:45 Reflect on past mistakes, avoid overthinking, collaborate. 11:49 Delegate driving business strategy, prepare brief, implement. 16:28 Three-step process, base camp, implementation, ownership. 20:08 Check-ins on track, accountability at all levels. 22:50 Advocating for concise one-page plans for businesses. 24:39 Consistent cadence is better than sporadic effort. Michael can be found here: linkedin.com/in/michaelburke173 mburke@bcag.net.au Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

January 10, 2024Episode 2726 min

Strategic Planning - How Can It Keep You Agile?

On this episode of Inside the Director Circle, Jason Langford-Brown and strategic planning expert Mike Burke delve into the essential topic of "Strategic Planning - How Can It Keep You Agile?" as they explore how strategic planning can keep your business adaptive and forward-thinking. They discuss the traits of truly agile companies, emphasizing the importance of regular strategy reviews and solid foundational elements that endure over time, such as purpose, vision, and go-to-market strategies. They also provide actionable advice for businesses looking to embark on their strategic planning journey, highlighting the pivotal role of accountability and the power of taking small, strategic steps forward. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will guide you towards a more agile and proactive approach to strategic planning. 00:00 Specialize in mid-sized market, focus on strategy. 04:07 Quarterly cadence, solid foundation for adaptability. 08:02 Discussing strategy implementation and enduring strategic direction. 09:41 Plan for next three years, avoid constant review. 13:17 Continuous evolution of strategic thinking through learning. 18:47 Mission articulates existence, vision is mountain top. 22:20 Importance of strategy for growing businesses emphasized. 23:13 Be clear on why agile is important. Michael can be found here: linkedin.com/in/michaelburke173 mburke@bcag.net.au Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

January 9, 2024Episode 2625 min

Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast: Myth Or Reality - Jason Guests on The Authentic Advisor Podcast

Listen to this special episode where we let you hear what happened when Jason Langford-Brown was interviewed by James Mason on the excellent The Authentic Advisor podcast. 00:00 Culture is essential for business success. 05:35 Great culture and teamwork trump inefficiency and strategy. 07:43 Trust is the ultimate aim in business. 14:02 Manage and evolve culture for long-term success. 15:18 Creating aspirational culture, setting foundation, handing over. 20:46 Seeking imperfection in high performance culture. 22:59 Culture of values streamlines decision-making, drives innovation. As always, it's a great listen with plenty to take away. Enjoy!

December 4, 2023Episode 2534 min

Energy Hacks To Boost Your Productivity

On this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director's Circle and practicing business advisor and coaching psychologist, he is continuining the conversation about productivity - but extending it out to get some energy hacks As always, there are a couple of great guests to help with the discussion Claire Fudge is the founder of 4D, also a practicing clinical nutritionist and dietitian, also still an active triathlete, fresh back from the world champion Iron Man in Hawaii earlier this year. Graham Nicholl is Managing Director of Atlanta global corporate finance business. Graham's also been MD of Barclays and held senior positions at KPMG. But before that, Graham was an entrepreneur in the fitness space and like Claire, has been a very active guy, done the marathon de Sablas. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Leaders discuss energy and productivity in business. 04:09 Advice for wearable devices: Collect data, analyze. 09:22 Eating late can affect sleep and metabolism. 13:08 Skipping breakfast may lead to overeating. 15:53 Eating breakfast improved energy and muscle tone. 17:44 Choose healthy snacks and refuel after exercising. 21:58 Non-exercise thermogenesis burns energy, consider movement. 25:20 Meetings start five or 35 past the hour. 29:38 Start small, consistent routines, enjoy and improve. 31:41 Measuring data encourages managing and changing behaviors. Claire can be found here: linkedin.com/in/claire-fudge-dietitian https://www.4thdiscipline.com/ Graham can be found here: linkedin.com/in/grahamsnicoll https://www.alantra.com/ Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

December 4, 2023Episode 2428 min

Productivity As A Leader

On this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director's Circle and practicing business advisor and coaching psychologist, he is talking about productivity as a business leader. As always, there are a couple of great guests to help with the discussion Claire Fudge is the founder of 4D, also a practicing clinical nutritionist and dietitian, also still an active triathlete, fresh back from the world champion Iron Man in Hawaii earlier this year. Graham Nicholl is Managing Director of Atlanta global corporate finance business. Graham's also been MD of Barclays and held senior positions at KPMG. But before that, Graham was an entrepreneur in the fitness space and like Claire, has been a very active guy, done the marathon de Sablas. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Manage energy strategically for optimized work-life balance. 05:37 Finding balance in remote work and life. 08:24 Prioritize health and time for productivity. 12:53 Quality, not quantity, of sleep is crucial. 15:24 Frequent blood sugar fluctuations impact energy levels. 18:22 Organizations adapting culture; presenteeism in certain industries. 21:11 Measuring productivity and proving impact with data. 24:24 Measuring productivity, caring for employees' well-being. 27:31 Claire and Graham joining next episode talk. Claire can be found here: linkedin.com/in/claire-fudge-dietitian https://www.4thdiscipline.com/ Graham can be found here: linkedin.com/in/grahamsnicoll https://www.alantra.com/ Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

October 3, 2023Episode 2325 min

Top Tips & The Untold Secrets Of Business Value

In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we look at valuing your business, especially when it comes to exiting your business. Along with Chasz Coulsting who is the Director of Corporate Finance at Crowe UK they give some great value to the entrepreneurs and business owners who get a little overwhelmed when it comes to business value. Timestamps: 00:01:08 Get involved, gain insights, visit director's website. 00:05:48 Maximizing value; finding ideal buyers; management important. 00:10:02 Factors influencing business valuation: profitability and strength. 00:14:33 Value drivers for growing and strengthening businesses. 00:16:34 Recurring revenue, supply chain, and health checks. 00:21:52 Healthy businesses thrive long-term, prepare for exit. 00:24:14 Time on your side, valuable conversations continue. Chasz can be found here: linkedin.com/in/chasz-coulsting-56075441 https://www.crowe.com/global Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

October 3, 2023Episode 2223 min

Why Should I Be Thinking About Exiting My Business?

In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we look at why, when and how you should be looking at exiting your business. Along with Chasz Coulsting who is the Director of Corporate Finance at Crowe UK, they look at the right time to start planning your exit from the business. - Identifying the correct process - and people - to take over - When to tell other people in the business - When and how to approach buyers, or accept approaches from buyers If this is something you are thinking of - listen to this episode. If this is something you haven't been thinking of - you definitely have to listen to this episode. Timestamps 00:00:13 Why thinking about selling is crucial now. 00:04:17 Owner-managed businesses discuss exit plans & retirement. 00:06:51 Frustration for clients wanting to exit business. 00:11:16 Exit potential, management team, and suppressed price. 00:14:03 Planning ahead: management team, strategy, maximizing value. 00:17:18 Plan for management and continuity of business helps increase pool of buyers. 00:21:22 Business leaders struggle with finding worth beyond being busy; recalibration is necessary to maximize value and achieve personal goals. Chasz can be found here: linkedin.com/in/chasz-coulsting-56075441 https://www.crowe.com/global Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777

September 20, 202329 min

The Rise of Chatbots

In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its impact on our daily lives. Jason is joined by Amy-Rose Hayden and Liz Mulley. With the proliferation of AI tools, one particular chatbot called Chat GPT has caught our attention. But as with any technological advancement, there are legal implications and security risks to consider. The need for organizations to stay compliant with UK and EU data regulations is paramount, especially when it comes to the safety and use of data in chat platforms. Throughout the episode, we explore the potential risks and biases associated with chatbots, as well as the importance of regularly assessing processes and data storage methods. Join us as we discuss the finer details of chatbot implementation and the ongoing discussions surrounding GDPR compliance. Timestamped overview 00:00:12 Legal implications of chatbots explored by experts. 00:04:44 Automation and chatbots can enhance productivity. Bill Gates supports embracing the technology. 00:10:30 AI output not always accurate or reliable. 00:12:53 AI regulation varies by jurisdiction, no UK regulation at present. 00:18:26 Chat GPT limited, unreliable for decision-making. Outdated and aggregates fact and fiction. Useful but not to be relied on. 00:21:48 Chat GPT is like a confident apprentice. AI output can be convincing and believable. Deepfakes are concerning and pose risks. AI is based on input and lacks creativity. Careful input and consideration of consequences are important. Businesses should embrace AI with caution. 00:25:54 Balance risk, embrace tech, don't overlook compliance. 00:28:27 Plan, not play randomly. New Facebook? Guest Resources Liz Mulley - Managing Associate in Commercial Litigation (Fraud & Risk) at Trowers & Hamlins linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mulley-8aa98440 Amy-Rose Hayden - Commercial Dispute Resolution Associate linkedin.com/in/amy-rose-hayden-701b3076 Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777