Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors
Jeff Dewing
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Welcome to Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors. CEO of Cloudfm Group Jeff Dewing talks to entrepreneurs, business leaders and outliers about times they have "Done the opposite" by rejecting commonly held beliefs in their business or profession. They discuss the birth of the idea, the push back and revolutions that ensued.
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Aug 24, 2023
Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors - The Best of Season 3
*SEASON FOUR IS COMING VERY SOON
*
In the mean time, here's a little taster of some of the fabulous guests and insightful discussion with business leaders and game changers from throughout Season 3.
Featuring:
Sue Fennessey - Founder and CEO of WeAre8
Nazir Afzal - Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and former Chief Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service
Simone Roche MBE - Founder of Northern Power Women
Sheila Callaham - Co-founder, Executive Director, and Board Chair for Age Equity Alliance
Dr. Vikas Shah - Entrepreneur, investor & philanthropist
John Mullins - Associate Professor of Management Practice in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at London Business School
Season 4 will be launching very soon, so follow for free so you never miss an episode.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Apr 25, 2023
Sue Fennessey – where there’s darkness, let the sunshine in!
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Sue Fennessey, founder and CEO of WeAre8 which hopes to change the future of social media by building a platform that is positive and puts people and the planet first. Sue Fennessy is a serial tech entrepreneur who has spent 30 years creating disruptive businesses.
Sue describes what motivates, inspires and excites her – and she describes it as a passion for solving problems together and being the ‘antithesis of everything that has controlled humanity over the last 15 years’. She talks about the ‘darkness ‘she sees in the world, such as the economic crisis, mental health crisis, climate crisis and more, and that she sees ‘sunshine’ as the opportunity for change and resolutions in each of these areas.
Sue explains how her social media platform aims to promote collective action on issues – raising awareness and enabling people to celebrate the successes of their friends. ‘We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves’. WeAre8 also aims to raise money for good causes by encouraging its users to watch ads, fully aware that the proceeds of them doing so would be supporting charities and community projects.
Sue and Jeff discuss how to create a movement for positive change in the world. Sue’s platform works with a number of charities and Jeff uses the example of Jeroen van de Waal’s Reef Company (episode 6 of Doing the Opposite). This charity is building engineered reefs to combat climate change, but creating a movement to tackle the scale and funding challenges along the way.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Apr 18, 2023
Celynn Morin – Creating mental margin by listening to our bodies
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Your Wellbeing Whisperer Celynn Morin. Celynn is a registered health practitioner, professional speaker and workplace wellbeing consultant who works with business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams, sharing practical techniques and strategies on managing energy, health, performance and improving resilience.
Our bodies are constantly whispering to us and Celynn says we need to hear those whispers and respond to them so problems don’t build up and the whispers don’t turn to shouts or screams. This is why she calls herself the Wellbeing Whisperer. We should never underestimate our bodies ability to tell us that something isn’t quite right.
Celynn explains how she became an expert in workplace wellbeing, starting at a time when not many people were prepared to listen. She persisted in her vision and has seen a complete culture shift where now wellness and wellbeing are conversations being had in every workplace, and rightly so.
Celynn marvels at the brilliance of the human body as she discusses our three intelligence centres – the head, the heart and the gut. She also explains how looking after one of those centres can impact the others. Small lifestyle changes to improve your health can have massive effects in improving your overall wellbeing.
Jeff and Celynn also discuss the power and importance of downtime and reflection. Celynn explains how giving ourselves time to relax engages our parasympathetic nervous system, which enables us to discover powerful insights and reflections into what you need for your life personally and professionally.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Apr 4, 2023
“Nature has all the answers” - A panel discussion on solutions to the climate crisis
Welcome to a special episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors where Jeff is joined once again by experts who are leading the way in the fight against climate change. Today, Jeff Dewing is joined by Jeroen van de Waal and Rita Carbó from The Reef Company, as well as Cloudfm’s Head of ESG Katrina Christopoulos.
The focus of today’s panel session is to explore the potential challenges or blockages to action and consider the benefits of tech or nature based solutions to the climate crisis.
The panellists begin todays episode by discussing the concept of Greenwashing where companies sometimes make spurious claims or try to suggest that their products may be more environmentally friendly than they actually are. The panel share some examples they’ve seen from false labels for dolphin-friendly tuna, to the common misconception that electric cars are sustainable when actually electricity from the grid used to charge them is often generated by fossil fuels.
Jeff asks the panel to consider the common counter arguments to climate change action, how you encourage the population of the planet to change its behaviour, and how you can bring people on the journey with you.
It was reported recently that bosses at Shell are being personally sued for the organisations failed climate strategy. The panel discuss whether this accountability could be helpful or not in ensuring businesses are focussed on climate goals.
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Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Mar 28, 2023
Nazir Afzal OBE – Giving a voice to those who don’t get heard
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Nazir Afzal; Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and former Chief Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service. He was the chief executive of the Association of Police and crime commissioners and is also a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation Complaints Committee.
Nazir explains to Jeff how the driving force throughout his career has been to provide a voice to those who don’t get heard. He reflects on his childhood and the traumatic circumstances that motivated him to advocate for positive change in the world; from the racist abuse he experienced growing up to a member of his family being murdered by the IRA.
Jeff quizzes Nazir on the strategies he has employed to take on the establishment. Nazir confesses to having an extremenly high work ethic (he left prosecuting with 100 days of annual leave left to take!) so how did he find the time to reflect and consider the best course of action?
Jeff and Nazir also discuss the mindset of leaders in the public sector – particularly politicians. What could the public sector learn from private businesses, and is the behaviour of certain MPs negatively influencing our future generation?
Nazir’s book The Prosecutor is being made in to a TV Drama Series so keep an eye out for that very soon!
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Mar 21, 2023
“Having courage to change” - A panel discussion on the future of the Workplace
Welcome to a special episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors – a panel discussion with innovative business leaders. Today, Jeff Dewing is joined by Nicola Smith who is Interim CEO at Timewise, an organisation championing flexible working and equality in the workplace. Simone Roche MBE is founder of Northern Power Women, a community spanning all sectors, genders and socio-economic groups that is dedicated to accelerating gender equality and social mobility. And Sheila Callaham is a co-founder, Executive Director, and Board Chair for Age Equity Alliance who are committed to helping businesses, organisations, and communities ensure Age Equity in the workplace through education, training, and process evaluation.
There’s no denying that Covid changed the way we all work, forcing many businesses to adopt remote working in a way they may not have done otherwise. But now the pandemic has passed, what legacy is left on the way we operate as businesses and employees. The culture of work has shifted, and employees considering roles are much more focussed on the flexibility around work than they were previously. The panel discuss how businesses need to adapt to be more accommodating, supportive and flexible in order to continue to attract talent and sustain growth.
Furthermore, flexible working isn’t only about location. It’s about how you work, when you work and what’s expected of you. Nicola argues that so long as there are clear and reasonable expectations with buy-in from all stakeholders then often the logistics of how or when work is done shouldn’t be a consideration.
Not all roles can be fully flexible. The panel discuss how businesses can avoid a two-tier workforce emerging, creating separation between the flexible and non-flexible workers. Some work may be time or location specific. How do you avoid those staff feeling like they’re missing out on a more flexible role? Sheila suggests that companies can compensate for that through the policies and programmes and benefits that they offer.
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Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Mar 14, 2023
Vikas Shah MBE DL – Knowing your values and finding your purpose
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to entrepreneur, investor & philanthropist Vikas Shah. Vikas started his first business aged 14 and is now CEO of Swiscot Group (a textiles & commodities trading business) alongside being a venture-investor in a number of businesses internationally. Vikas was awarded an MBE for Services to Business and the Economy in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2018 New Year’s Honours List and in 2021 became a Deputy Lieutenant of the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy.
Vikas and Jeff discuss purpose. What drives us, motivates us and ultimately leads to success? The answer, it seems, is rarely money. So how do you discover your purpose? And how, as a business leader, can you inspire your team to achieve the organisation’s goals whilst also supporting and encouraging their personal development and ambition?
A business’s values should align with the values of the team. If your values don’t match with the organisation your working within, it’s unlikely that you’ll believe in the mission and contribute in achieving it. You need to find a place of work for yourself that aligns with your core beliefs and where your skills and traits are valued and appreciated.
Vikas also explains how he feels that the culture in business has changed over the decades. He felt he did the opposite by opening up and being honest about his depression at a time when it wasn’t understood that business leaders could feel like that. He also shares how his honesty helped other people who felt a similar way.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Mar 7, 2023
Manley Hopkinson – leading teams through compassion, understanding and listening
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Manley Hopkinson; Author, Consultant, Keynote Speaker and leading voice in Compassionate Leadership.
Manley explains that ‘the outcome of leadership should be commitment’. Being a good leader is about enabling people, inspiring them and creating an environment where they want to stay and thrive.
As a leader you need to be able to influence people, but your team will only be influenced if they allow you to influence them. Team members will engage and support you if they feel you have their best interests at heart, which requires a bond brought about ultimately through trust.
Manley and Jeff also discuss how a good leader doesn’t need to have all the answers. In fact, saying ‘I don’t know’ can be incredibly powerful in inspiring others to step forward and share their ideas. As a leader, it’s important to listen and consider other people’s views. “The first thing to do as leader, instead of burst into room and start speaking, it's to burst into room and shut up”.
Jeff and Manley also discuss how covid has helped us rediscover the humanity around our work. Despite suddenly working remotely, managers got to know and understand their teams better and video calls allowed us a small window into other people’s lives. Seeing their bookshelves, pets and families helped us to better understand the people we were working with.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Watch the podcast on YouTube
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Feb 28, 2023
Julio Bruno – reinvention, reassessment and taking time to think
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to CEO, investor and author Julio Bruno. Julio has led many multinational companies including Time Out Group, and is currently Chairman of Mercato Metropolitano, London’s first Sustainable Community Market with 5 locations in the city and expanding internationally. He is also Board Director of Pacha Group, a global entertainment and luxury hospitality platform.
Julio describes himself as an international citizen, born in Spain but having lived and worked all over the world. He explains why he has ultimately settled in the UK and considers himself grateful to have won the ‘demographic lottery’ by being born in a western-culture country.
What motivates people? What engages workers within an organisation and what might encourage people to leave or look for the next challenge? Julio reflects on how his many interests have motivated him to achieve his aspirations in life, and reveals a mindset he has - that he even once gave himself a promotion!
There’s been a lot of talk in the news recently about the ‘Great Resignation’. Julio believes that rather than a resignation, it is in fact the ‘Great Re-Assessment’ as people reconsider their goals, and values and strive to improve their lives and their relationship with work.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Watch the podcast on YouTube
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Feb 21, 2023
John Mullins – the entrepreneurial mindset and breaking the rules
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to John Mullins, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at London Business School.
John shares much of his past experience in business, including the story of a shop he ran that sold fresh pasta. He reflects on the emotional impact of the failure of that business and the factors that led to its demise.
Later John pivoted into teaching and uses the lessons he learnt in business to inform his students and shares the knowledge he has acquired. John is now an award-winning teacher and scholar and one of the world’s foremost thought leaders in entrepreneurship,
Jeff and John discuss the merits of peer learning groups for entrepreneurs. You can not underestimate the value in a business coach, or sharing ideas with other like-minded individuals.
Watch the podcast on YouTube
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Feb 14, 2023
“We need to radically reset” - A panel discussion on sustainability and business
Welcome to a special episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors – our first panel discussion with experts who are leading the way in the fight against climate change. Today, Jeff Dewing is joined by Jeroen van de Waal and Rita Carbó from The Reef Company, as well as Cloudfm’s Head of ESG Katrina Christopoulos.
Not only are we, as a planet, putting out too much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but we are also undermining our most effective carbon sinks. The Amazon Rainforest, touted as the lungs of our planet, is now a net-emitter of carbon. How can we reduce our carbon output whilst protecting our natural carbon sinks?
Katrina talks about the role that infrastructure plays in allowing people to make the right decision. If towns and cities are designed in effective ways, it becomes easier for people to be less reliant on cars to get around.
Jeroen shares some startling statistics, such as how electricity usage is predicted to double by 2050 and the world population wil…
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Feb 12, 2023
Series 3 launches this week!
Welcome to a brand new season of Doing The Opposite: Business Disruptors, where you’ll hear from another set of global CEOs, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders and who will be sharing their experiences of challenge, failure and success.
Also, new for season 3, you can enjoy a number of round-table discussions featuring some of the world’s leading experts as they consider some of the biggest issues facing business today.
Finally, you can also now WATCH the episodes on YouTube.
Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss an episode.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Feb 10, 2023
Jeff’s Favourite Episodes - Jamie Waller – Bringing kindness to a previously unkind industry
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Jamie Waller. Jamie is an East London boy done good who left school at 16 without any qualifications and suffering dyslexia. Jamie got into debt collecting and turned an industry on its head.
Jamie reveals how his motivations have shifted considerably throughout the course of his career – from simply making money, to improving his sector and helping those around him.
Jamie recalls how his career began as a self-employed bailiff and the poor practices that he witnessed in that industry. Appalled by the morals and ethics of some of those in the industry Jamie started his own debt collection business, with a mission to treat people with more respect. His mission to reshape the industry was met with hostility – even leading to Jamie…
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Feb 8, 2023
Jeff’s Favourite Episodes - Emma Stroud – Thrive through Laughter and Authenticity
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Emma Stroud. Emma is a podcaster, author, speaker and clown!!
Em co-founded a business that offered interactive stress management workshops, leadership programmes and coaching. In 2020, she branched out on her own to deliver workplace talks, events and coaching to address staff happiness and wellbeing. Drawing on her experience with clowning, she employs pioneering techniques that force leaders to ‘take fun seriously’ at a time when, she believes, ‘it’s never been more important to find joy.’
Emma coaches CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs on life at the intersection of clowning and business – she shows you how clowning can make you a better business person and leader.
Emma and Jeff discuss the masks that many of…
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Feb 3, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Episodes - Julian Hall – Teaching and Inspiring Entrepreneurship
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Julian Hall who is founder and CEO of ULTRA Education, an organisation which teaches entrepreneurship in schools. Julian created a superhero persona to get kids interested in business and now teaches kids across the country. He set up his first business when he was 18 years old and believes entrepreneurs are made, not born.
Julian was always academic, but wasn’t drawn to the natural opportunities for work that followed education. It was a desire to carve his own way in the world that led Julian to entrepreneurship. After starting many businesses Julian decided he wanted to teach entrepreneurship in schools – something he felt was missing from his earlier education.
Julian’s passion for education and inspiring young people shin…
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Feb 1, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Episodes - Mark Webb – Changing the disability conversation
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Mark Webb, a public speaker and campaigner for all things disability and diversity.
Mark is Shadow Board Member at Reflect, the UK’s only not-for-profit influencer talent management agency. Until very recently he was also Head of Comms at Shift.ms, the worldwide social network for people impacted by Multiple Sclerosis. He has just taken medical retirement. He’s a self-confessed social media floozy.
Mark looks back on how his diagnosis has affected his career as well as his life, and the incredible support he’s been shown by employers such as Dixons Carphone where he became Head of Group Social Media. He reflects on his time with Dixons, working in PR during the 2008 downturn and the merger to become Dixons Carphone.
Mark also…
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Jan 27, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Rob Stephenson – Removing the stigma around mental ill health
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Rob Stephenson, founder of the InsideOut Leaderboard and champion for improved understanding of mental health issues. Rob is an international keynote speaker and mental health campaigner who is on a mission to help create happier, healthier and higher performing workplaces.
When he was 30 Rob was diagnosed as Bipolar. Rob tells the story of how mental ill health affected him earlier in his life and how a former boss encouraged him to seek help, ultimately leading to a diagnosis. From a very dark time in his life, Rob reveals how the support of his friends and family helped him through it and how he now manages his wellbeing better through strategies such as exercise, ensuring good quality sleep and prioritising connections.
Rob and…
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Jan 25, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Alan Brazil – Take your Chances
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to footballing legend and TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil.
Alan reveals how a playground rule at his school that limited ball size, ultimately led to an illustrious footballing career with Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United among others, as well as playing internationally for Scotland.
His football career was cut short by health difficulties at 27 when he began to transition into broadcasting.
Now the host of the breakfast show on TalkSPORT, Alan recalls the story of how he very nearly missed his debut appearance on the station.
Alan also highlights the importance of respect and demonstrating respect to those around you.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
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Jan 20, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Diana Morato Feliciano – Silencing your Critics
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks Diana Morato Feliciano who is Chief Growth Officer at Sensei, a tech company that operates autonomous shopping stores.
Most notably in her extensive career, Diana was responsible for the roll out of Deliveroo to 35 cities across Spain and has been recognised in the Top 100 Female Business Leaders in Spain as well as one of the Most Influential Women in Business.
Diana reveals how many people in Spain thought Deliveroo would never succeed, but she believed in her project and partnered with the best restaurants to ultimately prove the critics very wrong. And she was not averse to getting her hands dirty – in the early days Diana even went out making deliveries to support restaurants and ensure it was successful. Diana also recognises t…
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Jan 18, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Jeroen Van De Waal – Turning the Tide on Climate
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Jeroen Van De Waal, Founder of OrcaNation. Jeroen is a multi-award winning campaigner for the oceans as well as an author and keynote speaker.
Jeroen is building a network to do good. He is focused on bringing like-minded people together to turn the tide on destruction and pollution, and start putting the oceans, planet and nature first.
Hear what inspired Jeroen to embark on his conservational journey as an entrepreneur and how he built his business into an ocean literacy multinational. He also shares the vision behind his latest ocean technology company BOTL and how they are planning to build reefs to support marine ecosystems.
Jeroen also shares what he’s most grateful for in his life and reveals how his positive mind-set help…
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Jan 13, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Mandy Hickson – Failure fuelling change
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons.*
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Royal Air Force pilot Mandy Hickson.
Mandy was the first female fast jet pilot in a Tornado squadron. She’s amassed over thirty years experience in aviation, completing three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq during that time.
In this episode Mandy describes how failing at a critical point in her career empowered her to change the system of recruitment in the Royal Air Force.
She reflects on how her hand was forced into choosing a career path with no chance of promotion after the birth of her children and discusses the changing attitude to work / life balance in the workplace.
Mandy also shares what she’s most grateful for in her life and career, and her key mantra for success.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Gr…
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Jan 11, 2023
Jeff's Favourite Guests - Sir Clive Woodward OBE – Running exceptional teams
*Season 3 of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors is coming very soon. Ahead of the launch, Jeff shares with you some of his favourite guests from previous seasons. *
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In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Sir Clive Woodward.
Clive was a rugby union player and coach, most famous for coaching England during their 2003 World Cup win. He is also a businessman and has been Director of Sport for Team GB during 3 Olympic Games.
In this episode Sir Clive shares his secrets to running great teams and how great teams are all about the individual.
He discusses how we need to revaluate our reaction to winning and losing (it might not be what you think!) and what business can learn from military leadership.
Clive also shares what he’s most grateful for in his life and career and his tips for maintaining great health in leadership.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Jul 28, 2022
Rob Stephenson – Removing the stigma around mental ill health
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Rob Stephenson, founder of the InsideOut Leaderboard and champion for improved understanding of mental health issues. Rob is an international keynote speaker and mental health campaigner who is on a mission to help create happier, healthier and higher performing workplaces.
When he was 30 Rob was diagnosed as Bipolar. Rob tells the story of how mental ill health affected him earlier in his life and how a former boss encouraged him to seek help, ultimately leading to a diagnosis. From a very dark time in his life, Rob reveals how the support of his friends and family helped him through it and how he now manages his wellbeing better through strategies such as exercise, ensuring good quality sleep and prioritising connections.
Rob and Jeff consider the importance of personal and social connections. With interaction with other people being such an important factor in maintaining good mental health, how can…
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Jul 19, 2022
Mark Webb – Changing the disability conversation
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Mark Webb, a public speaker and campaigner for all things disability and diversity.
Mark is Shadow Board Member at Reflect, the UK’s only not-for-profit influencer talent management agency. Until very recently he was also Head of Comms at Shift.ms, the worldwide social network for people impacted by Multiple Sclerosis. He has just taken medical retirement. He’s a self-confessed social media floozy.
Mark looks back on how his diagnosis has affected his career as well as his life, and the incredible support he’s been shown by employers such as Dixons Carphone where he became Head of Group Social Media. He reflects on his time with Dixons, working in PR during the 2008 downturn and the merger to become Dixons Carphone.
Mark also explains why disability charities like shift.ms are so important and of such benefit to people living with a disability. He’s is also on a mission to raise awareness of di…
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Jul 12, 2022
Levent Yildizgoren – Defining moments that make us re-evaluate our lives
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Levent Yildizgoren, who is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, visiting lecturer at Essex University and the Managing Director of TTC wetranslate Limited. Levent works closely with his clients to overcome the language barriers and help them grow their business globally
In this episode, Levent recalls the time he took the plunge and quit his job to go full-time in the family business – how it felt having the fear of leaving a secure, relatively well-paid full-time position to start and develop a business. Levent reveals how that went, the challenges he and his wife faced and how it ultimately benefitted the family.
Levent looks back upon a terrible ski accident that left him injured and hospitalised for a year, and how that experience changed his outlook on life and made him more determined to help others to solve problems.
Levent also talks about his own podcast, Thrive in Global Markets, and th…
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Jul 5, 2022
Emma Stroud – Thrive through Laughter and Authenticity
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Emma Stroud. Emma is a podcaster, author, speaker and clown!!
Em co-founded a business that offered interactive stress management workshops, leadership programmes and coaching. In 2020, she branched out on her own to deliver workplace talks, events and coaching to address staff happiness and wellbeing. Drawing on her experience with clowning, she employs pioneering techniques that force leaders to ‘take fun seriously’ at a time when, she believes, ‘it’s never been more important to find joy.’
Emma coaches CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs on life at the intersection of clowning and business – she shows you how clowning can make you a better business person and leader.
Emma and Jeff discuss the masks that many of us wear as professionals; often pretending to be someone different at work to at home. By removing these masks and being more authentic and present we can often reduce anxiet…
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Jun 28, 2022
Duncan Goose – Great Human Values
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Duncan Goose, founder of One Water. There are one billion people in the world without access to clean drinking water. Duncan knew he couldn’t change one billion lives at once, so instead he started improving access to water for one person at a time.
One Water is one of the biggest water brands in the world and a percentage of their profit goes to charitable initiatives in Africa such as repairing vital water pumps in small villages. One Water’s mission began in 2005, the goal was (and still is) to sell one bottle to help fund water projects across the world.
Duncan describes his experiences that inspired him to lead a life-long mission to get clean water to people who need it, from witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in Honduras in 1998, to visiting remote communities in a round-the-world motorbike trip.
Hear how his family are huge supporters and advocates for his work, and Duncan…
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Jun 21, 2022
Jamie Waller – Bringing kindness to a previously unkind industry
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Jamie Waller. Jamie is an East London boy done good who left school at 16 without any qualifications and suffering dyslexia. Jamie got into debt collecting and turned an industry on its head.
Jamie reveals how his motivations have shifted considerably throughout the course of his career – from simply making money, to improving his sector and helping those around him.
Jamie recalls how his career began as a self-employed bailiff and the poor practices that he witnessed in that industry. Appalled by the morals and ethics of some of those in the industry Jamie started his own debt collection business, with a mission to treat people with more respect. His mission to reshape the industry was met with hostility – even leading to Jamie being stabbed outside his home.
You will also hear the story of the business that Jamie started and sold within a year, netting him over a million pounds a month!
Jamie's…
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Jun 14, 2022
Sam White – Resilience and Adaptability
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Sam White, CEO of Freedom Services Group. Sam cares passionately about diversity, equality, innovation and above all, making business human. Motivated by a desire to change the insurance industry for the better, Sam is a vocal advocate for levelling the playing field for women and championing female leaders within the industry.
Sam started her first company in 1999, just a year after her mother who battled with alcohol addiction tragically died of an overdose.
Despite starting a number of businesses Sam describes herself as an entrepreneur, not a CEO, and she draws an interesting distinction as to why. You’ll also hear how a change in UK regulation led to Sam’s business losing 60% of their revenue in a four week period. Sam describes the difficulties that that presented, and how they set about overcoming those. She also discusses gender bias in society and how she designed an insurance product targ…
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Jun 7, 2022
Julian Hall – Teaching and Inspiring Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Julian Hall who is founder and CEO of ULTRA Education, an organisation which teaches entrepreneurship in schools. Julian created a superhero persona to get kids interested in business and now teaches kids across the country. He set up his first business when he was 18 years old and believes entrepreneurs are made, not born.
Julian was always academic, but wasn’t drawn to the natural opportunities for work that followed education. It was a desire to carve his own way in the world that led Julian to entrepreneurship. After starting many businesses Julian decided he wanted to teach entrepreneurship in schools – something he felt was missing from his earlier education.
Julian’s passion for education and inspiring young people shines through in everything he does. Hear the challenges he faced along the way, including why the DfE were unconvinced by the idea of introducing entrepreneurship onto the cur…
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May 30, 2022
Karen Holden – Motivated by respect for others
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Karen Holden, founder of A City Law Firm. She established the firm to provide experienced and dynamic solicitors in the City of London, who could think outside the box, whilst delivering at competitive costs. Karen was invited and given freedom of the City in 2019 for her work in Equality as such is part of the Guild of Freeman. She has also attended 10 Downing Street where she was awarded small business of the year. From humble beginnings, Karen describes what motivated her to work multiple jobs alongside her A-Levels to achieve and ultimately provide a better life for her family.
Karen was disillusioned by many of the practices she experienced in the legal profession. She found many firms to be too focussed on money and billable hours, rather than the needs of clients and welfare of staff. Karen decided to launch her own firm, operating a very different model, with a view to changing the sector for the…
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May 15, 2022
Season 2 - Coming Soon!
Hi I’m Jeff Dewing and I’m really excited to announce a brand new season of Doing the Opposite: Business disruptors
In season one, you heard from some exceptional leaders from the world of banking, marketing, sport, media and more and they shared some of the means in which they disrupted the commonly accepted “way things should be done” and made big differences to their businesses.
This time, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the key qualities that any great business disruptor must have, from resilience and self-belief to the ability to silence critics, see beyond existing limitations and overcome roadblocks.
You’ll hear people who have built multi million and even multi-billion pounds businesses – often by doing the exact opposite to what everyone else was doing.
I’m Jeff Dewing, author of the best-selling book ‘Doing the Opposite’ and CEO of Cloudfm.
Cloudfm are changing the rules of our industry and doing the opposite to create best value for our…
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Mar 20, 2022
Alan Brazil – Take your Chances
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to footballing legend and TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil.
Alan reveals how a playground rule at his school that limited ball size, ultimately led to an illustrious footballing career with Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United among others, as well as playing internationally for Scotland.
His football career was cut short by health difficulties at 27 when he began to transition into broadcasting.
Now the host of the breakfast show on TalkSPORT, Alan recalls the story of how he very nearly missed his debut appearance on the station.
Alan also highlights the importance of respect and demonstrating respect to those around you.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Mar 13, 2022
David James Drake – Recognising opportunities
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to David James Drake. David started out in banking for the Bank of Boston and Lloyds Bank, moving into the chemical industry in the early 90s. Since then, he has been at the forefront of his industry and is now President of the Brazilian Cleaning Association.
David explains how, as an American-Irishman he ‘did the opposite’ by choosing to base his life and work in Brazil. David used a long-term vision combined with an astute assessment of the Brazilian economy to his advantage.
Unlike most businesses, David’s company grew rapidly during the early months of the pandemic with investment in factories and large-scale recruitment. David explains why this was necessary and how he realised this ambition, whilst also increasing efficiencies.
David also shares what he is most grateful for in life, and what he hopes to be remembered for.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
Website | Facebook | Tw…
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Mar 6, 2022
Diana Morato Feliciano – Silencing your Critics
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks Diana Morato Feliciano who is Chief Growth Officer at Sensei, a tech company that operates autonomous shopping stores.
Most notably in her extensive career, Diana was responsible for the roll out of Deliveroo to 35 cities across Spain and has been recognised in the Top 100 Female Business Leaders in Spain as well as one of the Most Influential Women in Business.
Diana reveals how many people in Spain thought Deliveroo would never succeed, but she believed in her project and partnered with the best restaurants to ultimately prove the critics very wrong. And she was not averse to getting her hands dirty – in the early days Diana even went out making deliveries to support restaurants and ensure it was successful. Diana also recognises the importance of the role her team played, and how their commitment and teamwork led to the success of the roll out.
Now, Diana is disrupting the ‘bricks and mortar’ sho…
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Feb 27, 2022
Pat Murphy – Do what you love
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Pat Murphy, founder of advertising production consultancy MurphyCobb which works with global brands including Cadbury, Pepsico and Ikea.
Hear how Pat defied his family expectation by heading to art school, and was only accepted by his father after landing a role at Saatchi and Saatchi.
Pat describes his business as ‘Production Investment Experts’ and reveals how he has designed processes to add value for clients without cutting costs, in an age where social media and the internet have revolutionised the marketing landscape. He also discusses how taking a course in NLP changed his life forever.
Pat and Jeff also reflect on how the Covid pandemic has forced businesses around the world to ‘Do the Opposite’.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Feb 20, 2022
Jeroen Van De Waal – Turning the Tide on Climate
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Jeroen Van De Waal, Founder of OrcaNation. Jeroen is a multi-award winning campaigner for the oceans as well as an author and keynote speaker.
Jeroen is building a network to do good. He is focused on bringing like-minded people together to turn the tide on destruction and pollution, and start putting the oceans, planet and nature first.
Hear what inspired Jeroen to embark on his conservational journey as an entrepreneur and how he built his business into an ocean literacy multinational. He also shares the vision behind his latest ocean technology company BOTL and how they are planning to build reefs to support marine ecosystems.
Jeroen also shares what he’s most grateful for in his life and reveals how his positive mind-set helps to overcome challenges and setbacks.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
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Feb 13, 2022
Graham Gooch OBE – The skills that achieve success
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to cricketing legend Graham Gooch OBE.
In a career spanning nearly 3 decades Graham has captained both Essex and England and was one of the most successful international batsmen of his generation. In 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and has worked as a coach at Essex, before becoming England batting coach in 2012.
In this episode Graham talks about the decision he made as a young player that revolutionised not just his own career, but the careers of many future international cricket stars. He also explains the four key skills you must hone in order to achieve true success in your field.
You can also hear Graham describe one the funniest stories from his life growing up in Essex, and his reflections on the events and people that he has been most grateful for in his career.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Feb 6, 2022
Linda Green – Overcoming adversity
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Linda Green, Founder and Director of Green Square Communications.
Through a series of personal tragedies, Linda maintained her passion and enthusiasm to succeed. Linda works as a mentor to young people, to support them in finding their own path and appreciating their social value. Linda is a volunteer for a number of youth-focused charities as well as organisations supporting the homeless.
In this episode Linda reflects on the traumatic events of her childhood including the death of her father, and a house fire that left her and her family homeless. She reveals how these setbacks changed her as a person and ultimately led her to completely rethink her goals in life. The desire to build a good life and do different, was the North Star that carried her through to creating a successful Print and Communications business.
She also talks about many life-changing experiences including her volunteer work in th…
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Jan 30, 2022
David Philp – Seizing opportunity
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to musician David Philp.
David rose to fame in the UK after forming his punk band The Automatics in 1976, even reaching No 1 with their track ‘When the Tanks Roll Over Poland Again’. As punk popularity faded David moved to LA before getting a call from Japan in 2000 when everything changed again…
David reflects on the times when he did the opposite including leaving the UK for 10 days but then never returning! He also reveals how trusting his intuition and grasping an opportunity at exactly the right time, transformed his business.
David also shares what he’s most grateful for and a key learning of his life and career.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
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Jan 23, 2022
Mandy Hickson – Failure fuelling change
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Royal Air Force pilot Mandy Hickson.
Mandy was the first female fast jet pilot in a Tornado squadron. She’s amassed over thirty years experience in aviation, completing three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq during that time.
In this episode Mandy describes how failing at a critical point in her career empowered her to change the system of recruitment in the Royal Air Force.
She reflects on how her hand was forced into choosing a career path with no chance of promotion after the birth of her children and discusses the changing attitude to work / life balance in the workplace.
Mandy also shares what she’s most grateful for in her life and career, and her key mantra for success.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
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Jan 16, 2022
Sir Clive Woodward OBE – Running exceptional teams
In this episode of Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors, Jeff Dewing speaks to Sir Clive Woodward.
Clive was a rugby union player and coach, most famous for coaching England during their 2003 World Cup win. He is also a businessman and has been Director of Sport for Team GB during 3 Olympic Games.
In this episode Sir Clive shares his secrets to running great teams and how great teams are all about the individual.
He discusses how we need to revaluate our reaction to winning and losing (it might not be what you think!) and what business can learn from military leadership.
Clive also shares what he’s most grateful for in his life and career and his tips for maintaining great health in leadership.
Hosted by Jeff Dewing
Discover Cloudfm Group
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
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Nov 5, 2021
Coming soon! Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors
Have you ever sat in a meeting where you’ve been throwing around ideas, only to be told “That’s not how we do things around here” or “No one has ever dared to try that before, that won’t work”.
The question is, did you listen, or did you push on regardless and get disruptive with your business or life strategy?
Jeff Dewing is the the CEO of Cloudfm Group - launched in 2011 with the goal of fixing a facilities management £200billion industry that was fundamentally broken.
Now Jeff wants to empower you to make similarly bold decisions for the sector you work in.
Welcome to Doing the Opposite: Business Disruptors.
On each episode, Jeff will be having candid conversations with some of the most daring business leaders and entrepreneurs around today, about the key choices they made to be disruptive and change the game.
For more details head to https://podcast.cloudfmgroup.com/
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