The Ultimate FD Podcast

Hosted by Joshua Keegan

Business

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

ULTIMATE FD PODCAST

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60 recent

June 14, 20261 hr 0 min

EP#227 - Rob Balderstone - AI EXPERT EXPLAINS: 5 AI Tools That Will Transform Your Business

In this episode of The Ultimate FD Podcast, I speak with AI expert Rob Balderstone about the innovative landscape of artificial intelligence and its profound impacts on businesses today. Rob, founder of Appleboar, shares his extensive experience in implementing AI solutions across industries, discussing how companies can harness these technologies to stay competitive. We delve into the distinctions between automation and AI, highlighting when and why each should be used to maximise business efficiency and productivity. Listeners will discover insights on how Rob applies AI to real-world business challenges, transforming tedious processes into streamlined workflows. He discusses some of the game-changing technologies in his stack, including Google Gemini and NotebookLM, emphasizing their potential to enhance business operations. Rob also provides an in-depth look at specific AI applications, from automating marketing tasks and refining internal processes to overcoming personal productivity hurdles. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on AI's potential to reshape industries while maintaining a balance between leveraging innovation and ensuring reliable business outcomes. 👉 YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLEBBOAR HERE: https://appleboar.com 👉 YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH ROB BALDERSTONE HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalderstone 👉 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit 👉 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 👉 DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK OF SMALL BUSINESS, BIG PROFIT HERE: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Small-Business-Big-Profit-Audiobook/

June 10, 20267 min

MAGIC MOMENTS: The Secret to Reducing Financial Frustrations

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode I sit down with Stephan Latham to uncover the insights and strategies behind managing a successful property business. This shortform episode segment distills actionable tips to enhance productivity and commercial acumen in finance departments. Stephan shares his experience in recalibrating his team to be more commercially-minded, reducing unnecessary workloads, and achieving significant cost savings. The conversation delves deeply into the intricacies of optimising cash flow, one of the biggest challenges for property businesses. Stephan emphasizes the importance of having the right people in place and ensuring teams are aligned with the company's commercial needs. He shares his journey towards leaning out business operations and strategically planning for the future, underscoring the wisdom of not overextending resources and sticking to a steady growth trajectory. As Stephan unfolds the strategic importance of a five-year business plan, he offers listeners seasoned insights into dealing with fluctuating market conditions and leveraging debt prudently. This episode weaves through themes of resilience, strategic foresight, and the delicate balance between ambition and sustainability in business growth. Stephan's grounded perspective on growth offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs facing similar industry challenges. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

June 7, 202643 min

#226 - 12 Step Company Health Check (in 30 seconds)

In this highly informative episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, I unveil my 12-step company health check process – a rapid yet thorough evaluation he applies to businesses to assess their financial vitality. This health check can be conducted in under 30 seconds and aims to identify critical areas that determine a company's overall financial wellness, thus enabling entrepreneurs to make sound, decisive improvements. I emphasize the necessity of transforming top-line revenue into bottom-line profit, revealing that many businesses with impressive turnover figures often falter at profit conversion. Diving into the process, I detail the key aspects of the health check, such as analyzing bank balances, assessing accounts receivable and payable, scrutinizing credit card usage, and understanding the implications of loans and invoice factoring. By examining these elements through the lens of clean and accurate bookkeeping, I highlight the importance of financial clarity and control. Entrepreneurs are equipped with actionable insights to eliminate inefficiencies, manage cash flow adeptly, and maintain consistent profitability even amidst turbulent market conditions. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit 👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK OF SMALL BUSINESS, BIG PROFIT HERE: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Small-Business-Big-Profit-Audiobook/

June 3, 20268 min

Unlocking Recurring Revenue: The Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode I delve into the art and importance of establishing a recurring revenue model in your business setup. Recurring revenue not only ensures a more stable cash flow, covering overheads and potentially increasing net margins, but also enhances the intrinsic value of a business, making it more attractive for eventual sale. Throughout the episode, I outline the vital components of structuring a business with a modern touch of sustainability and profitability. With recurring revenue models such as subscriptions, service-based retainers, licensing, and even commissions, businesses can achieve a more predictable revenue stream. I underscore the importance of having at least 20-30% net profit from recurring sources, allowing for greater freedom and less business volatility. Whether you are contemplating selling your enterprise or simply seeking a more efficient operational model, this episode is rich with insights for you. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

May 31, 20261 hr 2 min

EP#225 - Tax Talks - Real Problems faced by 7-Figure Entrepreneurs

In this episode Tej Gill and I dive deep into the intricate world of entrepreneurship, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by 7-figure business owners. This lively and insightful discussion provides listeners with a realistic view of the hurdles entrepreneurs face when building, scaling, and selling businesses. My impassioned rant, something I rarely indulge in, is a highlight of this episode, reflecting the pressures and frustrations that often accompany entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout the episode, we discuss common issues such as burnout, talent acquisition, and the necessity of building a machine-like business structure for success. The conversation tackles the frequent underestimation of building a sustainable and profitable business and highlights the importance of systematic processes in preventing chaos. Listeners gain valuable insights into distinguishing between stars and superstars in their team, the significance of reducing revenue volatility, and exploring the ultimate value of a business exit. These key themes are intertwined with practical advice and real-world examples that make the episode not just informative, but also a motivational resource for entrepreneurs seeking to refine their strategies. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit 👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK OF SMALL BUSINESS, BIG PROFIT HERE: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Small-Business-Big-Profit-Audiobook/

May 27, 20265 min

MAGIC MOMENTS: Unveiling Secrets Tax Accountants Don't Want You to Know

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ Tej Gill and I delve into insightful discussions on optimizing tax strategies for entrepreneurs and businesses. I introduce a theory on why tax accountants frequently fall short of expectations, citing that the overexpansion of tax firms leads to diminished quality of service. The discussion explores how businesses can leverage organized financial presentation to improve the quality of advice received from tax professionals. Tej highlights the benefits of maintaining polished financial records, which allow accountants to dedicate time to devising tailored tax-saving strategies instead of sorting through disarrayed data. We stress the significance of quality over quantity in client service at accounting firms. Tej shares insights into his business approach, limiting client numbers to prioritize excellence. The episode wraps up with a remarkable anecdote illustrating the responsive, high-quality service provided by Tej's firm, emphasizing how timely and organized financial management can yield considerable tax savings. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

May 24, 202652 min

#224 - Dan Madge - How to De-risk £33M of Property Developments

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Madge, a trailblazing property developer who has successfully scaled his operations into multi-million pound developments. Dan shares his inspiring journey from personal fitness to property mogul, driven by a strategic pivot to affordable housing in South Wales. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in risk management, advanced business modeling, and sustainable growth in property development. Through his unique approach, Dan has managed to balance significant enterprise growth while minimizing risk, making his model both efficient and resilient against market fluctuations. Exploring key strategies that helped him transform and de-risk his property business, Dan Madge offers an in-depth look into business partnerships and the importance of aligning with ethical collaborators. With a solid focus on providing affordable housing, Dan reveals how he navigates the challenges of property development, ensuring stability and profitability amidst economic uncertainty. This episode delves into his actionable insights on maintaining longevity in business partnerships, interpreting financial data for business expansion, and leveraging smart work practices over hard work alone for overcoming the typical challenges faced by property developers. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit 👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK OF SMALL BUSINESS, BIG PROFIT HERE: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Small-Business-Big-Profit-Audiobook/

May 20, 202612 min

Overnight Success? The Myth and Reality of Financial Freedom

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this episode I speak to Joe O'Connor to explore transformative approaches to wealth building, productivity, and personal development. From challenging the use of the word "try" to a deep dive into Joe's invaluable life philosophies, this conversation provides listeners with motivational strategies for turning failures into successes. Listeners are treated to profound discussions on the significance of honesty, integrity, and fairness, properties that form the cornerstone of Joe's personal and professional life. By examining the frameworks within Joe's Pathfinder program and reflecting on historical lessons and experiences, the conversation illuminates how failure and introspection can foster success. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to fortify their mindset, improve efficiency, and pave their way to new opportunities in both business and personal life. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.

May 17, 202630 min

#223 - AI for the Rest of Us - 7 Tools to Increase your Margins

In this episode of the Ultimate FD Podcast, I share seven AI tools I am running inside Ultimate FD right now to save time and increase margins without rebuilding how the business operates. I am not an AI expert or a coder. What I am is a finance professional who has spent the past year testing these tools in a real business, failing on some of them, and landing on what has made a genuine difference to the bottom line. On marketing, I walk through how I moved away from AI-generated copy that reads as obviously artificial and instead brought in a consultant to build a custom language model trained on ten years of my own LinkedIn posts. I also cover Whisper Flow, a tool that sits above every application on a Mac and converts speech to text instantly, and how pairing it with Gmail lets me write a professional email in under a minute. For finance and delivery, I cover Sift Reporting, which pulls data from Xero automatically and produces AI-generated summaries that clients can question through a built-in chatbot. I also walk through using Claude to run cash flow analysis, turning downloaded financial reports into usable insight in minutes rather than half a day of manual work. This episode is for finance professionals, business owners, and anyone managing a team who wants a straight account of where AI is saving real money and time right now. Everything covered here can be acted on immediately. 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD A COPY OF OUR BOOK SMALL BUSINESS BIG PROFIT FOR FREE: https://ultimate-fd.webflow.io/small-business-big-profit 👉🏻 HOW FINANCIALLY FIT IS YOUR BUSINESS? Take the Ultimate FD Acid test to find out and have a bespoke report in less than 5 minutes!!! Take the test here: https://josh-dtlqxm7w.scoreapp.com/ 👉🏻 DOWNLOAD THE AUDIOBOOK HERE: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Small-Business-Big-Profit-Audiobook/B0GJT8Q63B

May 13, 20268 min

MAGIC MOMENTS: The 80-Year Harvard Study that Reveals the Key to a Happier Life

Welcome back to another episode of Magic Moments ✨ In this engaging episode Sebastien Page and I delve into wealth-building strategies and personal development insights, inspired by a notable Harvard study. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nurturing positive relationships, not only to bolster self-reported happiness and mental health but also to enhance physical well-being over the long term. Sebastien Page highlights a crucial finding from an 80-year Harvard study led by Robert Wallinger, revealing that positive relationships are the key determinant of lifelong happiness and health. The episode provides actionable strategies for individuals to navigate challenges effectively, prioritize impactful relationships, and optimize their personal and professional lives for sustainable success. Did you enjoy this Magic Moment? Click here for the full episode.