Sparks by Ignium

Don’t have the time, energy or cash to invest in happiness? The truth is, it’s already affecting your bottom line. Nic Marks, speaker, author and statistician with soul, shows how emotions and numbers absolutely do mix, revealing the real ROI behind happiness strategies he has used everywhere from NHS trusts to the National Grid to smaller Scale Up businesses.. In this smile-inducing episode, Nic explains why happy teams outperform, offering practical, research-backed takeaways you’ll want to implement immediately, whether you’re scaling a team or working with a business growth coach to achieve your most audacious goals. We know you’ll love these highlights: ‘Mindful breathing with carcinogens.’: the SMOKING model that will have you rethinking the cigarette break – and what your smoking colleagues have been getting right all along - and you don't even have to take up smoking to benefit!What happy-but-slacking and performing-but-miserable teams have in common, why they’re impacting your bottom line and what you can turn them around.The surprising driver of innovation and creativity, and how to flip the switch.‘Measure, meet, repeat’ – the feedback loop that keeps happiness alive.The Greeks had a different view of time, which we’ve lost touch with in our modern world. Their three Gods of time teach us how to reclaim lost connections with people, purpose and prosperity.Why ‘engagement’ is a problematic term that deserves reframing.The differences between contentment, boredom and stability. Why sometimes they are a good thing, and what to do if they’re becoming a problem?Long weeks kill happiness and productivity: what’s the working-week sweet spot?Two genius concepts Shakespeare taught us about intensity and complexity.The simple, fuss-free way to remove friction and encourage flow within your teams, setting them up for happiness and success. The five easily implementable drivers of happiness that never fail – principles any business growth coach would champion. ‘People don’t mind solving hard problems together. What they don’t want is to be pressured and brutalised by the system.’ Nic succinctly explains. ‘Great culture allows teams to be happy and successful.’ It’s something we’ve always known – we love that Nic’s here to back it up with data. A few quotes we love: ‘If you invest in happiness, you invest in success.’‘Happier employees deliver superior outcomes.’‘Engagement is a code word for productivity. It feels one-sided. Happiness reframes the contract between employer and employee so it’s mutually beneficial.’‘Organisations that embrace this will future-proof themselves for the next generation cohort coming through.’‘Time is the currency of relationships.’ TL;DR This episode with Nic Marks explores why happiness is a powerful performance driver and how happier teams consistently deliver better results. He breaks down the data behind wellbeing, the habits that fuel creativity and productivity and the simple, actionable practices any leader or business growth coach can use to build a thriving, future-ready culture. Texts mentioned: Nic Marks – Happiness is a Serious BusinessDaniel Preistley – Key Person of InfluenceJames Clear – Atomic HabitsJames Hillman – Archetypal PsychologyRicardo Semler – MaverickAlex Soojung-Kim Pan – ShorterRobin Dunbar – The Social Brain More about our Guest Nic Marks is a statistician, speaker and author who pioneered the field of workplace wellbeing. After reading Mathematics at Cambridge, he trained in organisational change and psychotherapy before founding the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation. There, he created influential frameworks including the Happy Planet Index and the Five Ways to Wellbeing. A sought-after international speaker, his TED talk has been viewed millions of times, and his TEDBook A Happiness Manifesto helped put measuring national wellbeing on the global agenda. Today, as founder of Friday Pulse, he helps organisations improve team happiness through science-led feedback. His latest book, Happiness is a Serious Business, shows why happy teams perform better. Where to find Nic: Check out his website for more information on his work and his book:https://nicmarks.org/Nic’s useful tool for releasing friction and increasing flow:https://fridaypulse.com/ Nic’s Happy Planet Index TED talk:https://www.ted.com/talks/nic_marks_the_happy_planet_index

TLDR: Leadership, resilience, and letting go of control—lessons from the middle of the Atlantic. In this powerful episode of Sparks by Ignium, Phil Rose is joined by professional adventurer-turned-executive coach Sally Kettle, the first woman to row the Atlantic Ocean twice from East to West—once with her mum! From navigating literal 20-foot waves to navigating team dynamics in the high-pressure environment of an ocean rowing boat, Sally shares raw, practical leadership wisdom forged under the most extreme conditions. Her stories are captivating, often hilarious, and deeply human. You'll explore:🚣‍♀️ Why purpose and meaning aren’t always what we think they are🌊 What to do when the waves (literal or metaphorical) hit—two simple, powerful pieces of advice💬 How leadership thrives not on perfection, but on presence, perspective, and patience🧭 Why letting go of control is often the key to clarity and forward movement💡 The importance of self-actuated change, not waiting for external rescue “Find meaning in experiences that are not leading to your purpose.” Whether you're scaling a business, managing a team, or facing your own personal ‘storm’, Sally’s reflections offer reassurance, courage, and a refreshing reminder that growth lies just beyond the edge of our comfort zone. Summary: ‘If the ocean is a metaphor, it’s that it will never be always flat and calm. And do we want it to be?’ In this episode of Sparks, Phil Rose sits down with former professional adventurer, executive coach and speaker Sally Kettle. Having traversed the Atlantic in a rowboat not once but twice, these days she’s also founder and CEO of the Active Pregnancy Foundation and Deputy Chief Guide in the UK. What do you do when 20ft waves tower over your tiny boat (both metaphorically and literally)? The intrepid challenge-taker gives two pieces of advice – listen in to find out what they are. You’ll also discover: When terms like purpose, meaning and inspiring can be restrictive – and when they can be expansive.The false assumptions that can be in place when we put a team together, the conversations that are missing, and the dire consequences when a squall suddenly hits.How the quarter-life challenge can be the best thing for some young people in discovering the path they were meant to take.The importance of charting your own route and the value of being blown off course.Why positive and easy experiences aren’t the same thing.What training as a coach taught Sally, and what we can all learn from this about listening, stress management and alignment.When hope doesn’t help – and what works better instead.Why you cannot dictate the impact you’ll have on other people: they’ll take away what they need from the interaction, and sometimes it’ll surprise you.How perspective, context and patience can give us the space we need to heal relationships and take skills on board.The clarity that comes when we release what we’re trying to control, even if it felt like liberation at the time. Scaling a business can feel like navigating a boat in choppy waters, so Sally’s nautical wisdom is reassuring and confidence-building. It’s an important conversation we need to have: how will we discover what’s beyond the horizon if we never put out into open water? We love her fearless energy and we hope you will too. These are a few of our favourite quotes: · ‘I’m at my best when things are at their worst’. · ‘Find meaning in experiences that are not leading to your purpose.’ · ‘A singular change in mindset doesn’t always change a person’s behaviour… it’s not a singular moment, it’s many.’ · In leadership, ‘If the overall experience is positive, we’ve done a good job’. · ‘If you want to change how you are, how you feel, it has to be self-actuated.’ It’s a warm and lively conversation with encouraging takeaways for any business owner, particularly those ambitious but struggling in difficult times. 👉 Key questions to ask yourself. Before you even listen to the episode, here are 3 questions based on the conversation that I think you might like: When was the last time you did something that genuinely scared you, but did it anyway?· Sally’s journey as an ocean rower began not with expertise, but with courage and commitment. What challenge are you putting off because you don’t feel ‘ready’? 2. How would your life change if you stopped trying to control the outcome and started embracing the journey?· Sally speaks about relinquishing control and letting go of perfection, trusting the process instead. How often does fear of failure keep you from taking the first step? 3. Who do you become when you say ‘yes’ to something that feels impossible?· From stormy seas to shifting team dynamics, Sally’s leadership was forged under pressure. What leadership qualities emerge from you when you're pushed beyond your limits? 🎧 We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we have recording it. What would you like us to talk about? Drop us a line and let us know. And remember to like and subscribe to hear more. ♻️ Feel good about sharing this podcast with someone who’ll find it helpful; that would mean so much to us and them. Key nuggets to listen out for: Leadership Isn’t About Control—It’s About Trusting the Process Sally shares how trying to control every outcome can hold us back. The moment she stopped clinging to control—both on the ocean and in life—was when true clarity and progress began. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means making space for adaptability and growth.Teams Break When Conversations Don’t Happen One of the most impactful insights is Sally’s reflection on team dynamics—how false assumptions and unspoken expectations can lead to dysfunction, especially in high-pressure environments. Leaders must create space for open, uncomfortable but essential dialogue. Hope Is Not a Strategy—Action Is Sally powerfully challenges the idea that hope alone is enough. She explains that real change requires self-initiated action. You can’t wait to be saved—you have to start paddling. This is a mindset shift every entrepreneur and leader needs to hear. 🎧 We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we have recording it. What else would you like us to talk about? Drop us a line and let us know. And remember to like and subscribe to hear more. ♻️ Feel good about sharing this podcast with someone who’ll find it helpful; that would mean so much to us and them. Texts mentioned: Claude M Bristol – The Mag...

Cashflow Is King: Why Every Business Must Tell Its Financial StorySummary: Don’t grow broke. Safeguard your company’s future and increase its value by understanding the whole picture and making the complicated simple. Do this by measuring, charting and planning how you’re going to get from A to B in a way that everyone can follow and they can get excited about. It’s about the numbers showing up in human benefit for all stakeholders. Cash: one of the four essential elements you need to scale a business successfully. But how do you ensure you have what you need so you don’t grow broke? According to global expert Alan Miltz, it’s time to talk numbers – but in a way that everyone will understand and care about. Not everyone on the board can be a specialist in finance but with Alan’s approach and tools to hand, all heads at the table can have a clear picture of where the company is going and their role in getting it there. In other words, once we understand the rules of the game, we can play it better. Show Notes In this podcast discussion with Alan Miltz – Co-author of Scaling Up, Co-founder of Cash Flow Story and Sparks host Phil Rose you’ll learn:The four chapters of your cashflow story. Are you one of the 40% stuck on chapter one?Why you should know about the seven levers of improvement and the secret to flipping every one green.Why your proficiency with ‘soft’ skills has an impact on hard cash and how the three traits of a great leader will help you to grow your company faster and sell it for more.How the Power of One drives autonomy and accountability to strengthen the collective.Why volume of sales could be damaging your cashflow and what you can do about it.How we can mind the gap between where we are now and where we want to go. ‘You can survive with decent people, decent energy and decent execution, but run out of cash and it’s game over’, the chartered accountant, turned entrepreneur, turned global speaker says. The role of CFO is ‘not about reporting, it’s about improvement,’ he continues. ‘The numbers belong to everyone.’ Alan’s a specialist in making the complex simple and we love the way he talks about the mathematics of business in a way that everyone can understand. This is a call for leaders and founders everywhere to have a more grounded, integrated approach across the board so that we can all win at the numbers game – and sleep better at night. Key Insights: Cashflow isn’t just about survival—it’s the language of business value.Most entrepreneurs don’t understand their financials well enough to make confident decisions. Alan shows them how.“Cash Flow Story” simplifies complex financials into a story any leader can understand and act on.Purpose and clarity in numbers unlocks strategy, leadership, and scalability.Startups often struggle due to cashflow ignorance; even growth-stage businesses face value erosion without financial storytelling.💡 Memorable Quotes: “Profit is an opinion. Cash is a fact.” “If you don’t understand your numbers, you don’t understand your business.” “The secret to scaling is not in more sales—it’s in managing your cash cycle.” Texts mentioned: Scaling Up – Verne Harnish, Alan Miltz et al. More about Alan Find Helen Nicholson at: Alan Miltz is the global authority on financial storytelling, cash flow strategy, and business valuation. As co-author of the best-selling book Scaling Up (the Financial Chapter) and creator of the Cash Flow Story platform, Alan has helped over 30,000 businesses and 500 banks globally transform their understanding and management of profit, cash, and value. He’s a sought-after speaker for the Entrepreneurs' Organization, Young Presidents' Organization, the TEC Forum, and Scaling Up. He serves as a board member across industries, helping leadership teams simplify financial decisions and scale smarter. Cash Flow Story is a powerful financial storytelling platform built to help business owners, CFOs, and advisors make sense of their numbers—fast. With just four pages and three key cash flow metrics, CFS simplifies financial reporting and helps leadership teams drive better decisions.Trusted by leading banks, advisors, and thousands of businesses worldwide, it brings clarity to the most important question in business: ‘Where is the cash?’. Learn more at www.cashflowstory.com Learn More:§ Visit the Ignium website§ Subscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank here§ Listen to the show here Keywords in this episode: Cashflow storyScaling Up

In this episode of Sparks by Ignium, our podcast created to help you scale your business with purpose, Phil Rose talks to author, mindfulness expert and Networking Queen, Helen Nicholson. If the thought of networking finds you heading for the nearest exit, you’ll be surprised to hear that introverts have a distinct advantage over extroverts when it comes to building connections that last. The pair take a trip through the neuroscience behind the concept of ‘social battery’ and what extroverts can learn from their introverted counterparts. In this idea-packed episode, discover: · The simple secrets of building a powerful network and the surprising role of dopamine in whether you’ll enjoy a busy room.· The deep, psychological reason why your camera should be on during an online meeting.· Understand the three steps of the branding pyramid: if you want strength at the top, you need a solid foundation at the base.· The inextricable link between personal brand and purpose: why having clarity about one will give you focus on the other.· Why your strengths say more about you than your weaknesses? Your brain may be playing tricks on you.· The fool-proof pathway to finding your purpose and why patience, play and self-care help clear the way.· What happens when the notion ‘no one is coming to rescue you’ no longer induces fear but inspires change and a search for new opportunities. · Why fifty-five is the perfect age to learn how to sing, dance and crochet. Key nuggets to listen out for: ‘I believe personal branding is actually deeply spiritual: it's you uncovering your purpose. It's you uncovering what you were put on this planet to do… Then you communicate that value through your network.’ ‘Often, to have jobs that you don't like prior to 35 is actually very powerful because that ‘not liking something’ gives you clarity about what you do like.’ ‘We've got to realise that we are the ones we've been waiting for. And there's an element of excitement and there's an element of scariness around that.’ 👉 Key question: Helen uses the phrase ‘no one is coming to rescue you’ as a guiding mantra for taking responsibility for your life. For the next week, take time to notice the areas in your life where you ARE NOT taking responsibility. Where are you blaming others for your current position when you should be taking charge? Where can working with a coach help you?” 🎧 We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we have recording it. What would you like us to talk about? Drop us a line and let us know. And remember to like and subscribe to hear more. ♻️ Feel good about sharing this podcast with someone who’ll find it helpful; that would mean so much to us and them. Texts mentioned: Helen Nicholson – Networking for Introverts also on SpotifyHelen Nicholson – Mindfulness: How to Stay Sane in an Insane WorldJoe Dispenza – Breaking the Habit of Being YourselfMatthew Walker – Why We Sleep More about Helen Find Helen Nicholson at: Website: https://helen-nicholson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/networkwithhelen/ Key Quotes ‘One of the best pieces of advice I got, which I've since paid forward to other people, is follow your envy.’ ‘You can’t be brave if you’re not well.’ ‘We only light people up when we’re on fire ourselves.’ ‘If you don't have clarity about your purpose or your personal brand, then other people impose their clarity on you.’ Learn More:§ Visit the Ignium website§ Subscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank here§ Listen to the show here Keywords in this episode: Purpose-driven networking Personal branding Introverts vs extroverts in networking Social battery Neuroscience of connections Building a powerful network Dopamine and social interactions Online meetings and camera use Branding pyramid Strengths and weaknesses Finding your purpose Self-care and purpose Taking responsibility for your life Spiritual personal branding Life clarity after 35 Self-responsibility and coaching Growth and transformation Helen Nicholson interview Sparks by Ignium podcast Mindfulness in networking

In this insightful episode of Sparks by Ignium, host Phil Rose speaks with Erika Robinson, from Constant Contact, about how small businesses and entrepreneurs can build powerful customer relationships through intentional marketing and meaningful email communication.Drawing on experience across global brands Erika shares a strategic, human-centred approach to digital marketing. Her insights reveal how purpose-led brands can leverage segmentation, automation, and storytelling to connect deeply with their audiences.Marketing is one of the most difficult things to do successfully when you’re starting or scaling a business. So, how do you get your message out there and build awareness when your resources and time are already stretched?How do you build the essentials of connection: namely, know, like and trust?Erika Robinson, UK General Manager of Constant Contact, may have the answer. In this episode, she talks to host Phil Rose about how digital marketing tools like hers can give small business owners the leading edge over their competitors. An AI-based system like this can only complement the human element, but it’s clearly valuable in helping to communicate where you sit in the marketplace when you know what your story is.As business coaches, we’re first to say there’s no shame in using something that takes the weight and gives you:• More time, fun and balance in life.• Less drama, overwhelm and frustration.So in the podcast Phil and Erika cover how Constant Contact has been specifically developed to help the ‘small stand tall’ – and what we can all learn from this, whether we use this system or not:• When do sales messages become boring? Erika reveals the optimal ratio between storytelling and promotion.• How do you ensure you keep the human element when using an AI tool, and why is this important?• Where the lead magnet comes in when building a quality, engaged mailing list.• What are the advantages of sending emails compared to reaching out via social media?• Why we shouldn’t be afraid of the unsubscribe button.• How tech is enabling a return to direct mail.• Over 50% of Brits have a side hustle – how AI is helping them to realise their dreams?• What took Erika from finance, into marketing, into her role at the head of Constant Contact in the UK?• What do you talk about when you think you have nothing to say?• What we can all learn about being bold, ambitious and purposeful when facing the uncertainty of the future. The message that runs through this podcast is one that we at Ignium are 100% there for: it’s all about giving something a go. If you try it out and it’s not for you, then try something else. There is no failure, only learning opportunities.We’d love to know what you think about Erika’s approach, so please drop a comment or send us a message.♻ And please share this podcast with someone who’ll find it helpful; that would mean so much to us. Texts mentioned:Phil Rose – Fancy Running? The How to Guide to Fancy Dress Marathon RunningJim Collins – Good to GreatThis episode is a must-listen for any business leader or founder looking to grow with intention and market with impact.Key Takeaways:Authenticity is essential in modern email marketing. Know your audience and speak with clarity and heart.Smart segmentation leads to trust. Relevance is key to engagement.Automation can scale impact, but it must retain a human tone.Partnership marketing is about shared values, not just access to new audiences.Great marketing is great storytelling—start with your purpose, and speak to your customer’s challenges.Erika’s marketing mantra: “Be strategic, but also be human.”Memorable Quotes:"It’s not just about sending emails—it’s about starting conversations that matter." – Erika Robinson "Marketing today is less about pushing products and more about pulling people into your purpose." – Phil RoseActionable Insights:Revisit your welcome email series to ensure it clearly introduces your purpose.Use segmentation to personalise your outreach based on your audience’s behaviours and needs.Audit your automation workflows to ensure they reflect your brand voice and values.Consider partnerships with aligned organisations to co-market authentically and amplify reach.Listen to This Episode If You Want To:Strengthen your email marketing strategyMarket with more heart, less hypeLearn practical insights from a seasoned marketing leaderUnderstand how to scale communications without losing connectionBuild stronger business relationships through values-led storytellingAbout Today’s GuestErika Robinson is the UK General Manager of Constant Contact, a digital marketing platform that helps small businesses across the globe grow. Constant Contact’s market leading, game-changing technology has helped millions of small businesses over the last three decades. Erika has spent two decades working across strategy and finance for some of the UK’s most recognisable brands, including financial software giant, Intuit, mental health company, Headspace and telecommunications leader, Virgin Media. Erika led Commercial Strategy for Intuit Quickbooks UK and pioneered the commercial launch of Headspace’s mental health offering across Europe and the UK. An entrepreneur at heart, Erika founded her own business in 2019, of which she remains CEO, and therefore has an in-depth understanding of the small business owners’ priorities and predicaments. Picnic is a children’s play centre located in Kingston that has employed over 30 people from the surrounding area and welcomed 200,000 parents and children through its doors.Erika holds a B.A. in Visual Communication from Birmingham University, an MBA from Kingston University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). She lives with her husband and two children in London. How to connect with Erika RobinsonFollow Constant Contact and their sponsorship of Chelsea Women’s FC: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJoONkItC0K/Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarobinson/Find out more about what Constant Contact have to offer at: https://www.constantcontact.com/ukLearn More:§ Visit the Ignium website§ Subscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank here§ Listen to the show here<...

In this special 100th episode of Sparks by Ignium, host Phil Rose reflects on five transformative years since the podcast’s inception in 2019.Our business growth podcast with a difference has reached its centenary, and we couldn’t be happier or more proud. It’s given us a chance to share space with forward-thinking and successful entrepreneurs who have added value to their businesses while adding value to their lives.And this is so important because we believe that a vital part of growing your business should be getting your life back. So balance and integration are threads that run right through every conversation alongside core business strategy and insider knowledge.What You’ll Learn:🌱 How Sparks by Ignium evolved from a marketing idea into a mission-driven platform🎧 The role of the pandemic in opening up new ways of connecting and learning🔍 Key leadership lessons around authenticity, vulnerability, and navigating uncertainty🤝 Why purpose is the golden thread through every conversation and every guest🔥 Reflections on building community, sharing wisdom, and growing stronger togetherOur roundup 100th episode at a glance: The story behind the podcast and the lockdown days of its infancy.How your business strategy will morph over time and why that’s a good thing.Why as an SME you have superpowers over big business.And we look back on the time we spoke to:The late, great godfather of sustainability Robert Barnard-Weston: equal parts successful entrepreneur and eco-warrior.DEI champion Julie Kratz about the benefits of genuine inclusion and allyship.Michael Tanner on leadership that people want to follow.Demetria Sloan on the important role women play in leadership once they discover and bring to light the valuable talents they have – a lesson for all of us regardless of gender.Verne Harnish and the freedom we find when we play to win vs playing not to lose.Daniel Marcos and the three elements you need to invest in to grow your business. He talks about how to scale with impact while reducing the drama.Ambassador of hope Andre Norman and the tough personal choices that took him from gangland in prison to going back to help others as an inspirational speaker and coach.Walking business coach Jackie Jarvis about what she learned from her adventures on the Camino trails: taking your own path and only carrying what you need.The podcast is just one of a number of resources we have in our Spark Tank for people who want to grow their business with purpose. Why? Because we believe that small business has the power to transform the economy and the way we do things.But being a business owner isn’t easy. We all put a lot on the line, so every bit of help we can get is valuable.Enjoy this roundup and let us know what you think. Delve into a few of the episodes above or save them for when you’re walking the dog or on a long drive.Memorable Quotes:"We set this podcast up to market the business… but what it’s become is something far more meaningful." – Phil Rose"We talked about 2020 with 2020 vision—turns out we were wildly wrong. But what we learned was even more powerful.""Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with authenticity, even when you’re uncertain."Takeaway Actions:• Reflect on how your business has evolved in the past five years. What themes have emerged for you?• Reconnect with your purpose: Why did you start what you’re doing, and how has that evolved?• Revisit past Sparks episodes for lessons you might’ve missed—or need to hear again.♻ Feel good about liking, commenting or sharing this. We believe that SMEs have the power to transform the world and drive our economy but only if we stick together and share what we know.____________________________Books and Articles mentioned:Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a TeamPatrick Lencioni - The Six Types of Working GeniusKen Blanchard - One Minute ManagerJim Collins - Good to GreatLearn More:§ Visit the Ignium website§ Subscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank here§ Listen to the show herePrimary Keywords (High Relevance & Search Intent)Purpose-driven leadershipEntrepreneurial mindsetBusiness growth strategiesLeadership developmentAuthentic leadershipScaling up a businessBusiness transformation podcastBusiness podcast for entrepreneursLessons from the pandemic for leaders5 years of business growthReflecting on business success🔎 Secondary Keywords (Supportive for Niche/Long-Tail Searches)Purpose-led businessPhil Rose podcastSparks by IgniumLeadership during uncertaintyStrategic thinking in businessPodcast for business ownersCoaching for entrepreneursBusiness evolution storiesLeading through changeMarketing vs purpose in podcastingRemote podcasting lessons

Is it time to rethink everything you’ve ever learned about the USP (or unique selling point)? What is a USP in business and do they work? How do you know?What’s the alternative?In this episode of Sparks by Ignium, speaker and author Chantal Cornelius explains why she abandoned the concept of USP in business growth long ago. After twenty-five years of achievement in her own marketing company, extensive research, and three books she knows her no-nonsense approach isn’t edgy for the sake of it – it just works.Setting out the secrets for success taken from her recently released book StandOut Strategies, this second conversation* with host Phil Rose outlines:The five types of strategy a business can use to stand out from the competition – and each turns everything we know about USP in business on its head.Why services and high-ticket items aren’t about helping someone to do something. It’s about them feeling something like reassurance, connection or a sense of belonging, even excitement, an energy rush or the power of impact.If 95% of our buying decisions are made subconsciously, irrationally and emotionally, how do we tap into this powerful seat of motivation to become the ‘no brainer’ option?The vital question every business owner should be asking their clients and customers – along with how (and how not) to ask it.Why some don’t ask or miss the important details of what’s said. What language should you be picking up on and what do you do with it? What’s holding you back?Tune in to find out which strategy aligns with your company’s culture, purpose, and client base.Discover new ways to understand what clients want and how to serve them because, in that way, everyone wins. By digging in deep and getting to the root of what people struggle with and what they desire, we can show up and deliver using our unique skills and abilities.Is it time you upgraded the USP in your business growth plan to something else?*check out Chantal and Phil’s first podcast foray into marketing success here. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. To get our message out there, share this episode with someone you think could benefit from it. Thank you.Chantal Cornelius:Chantal left the corporate world in 2000 to set up Appletree Marketing. It was the second best decision she’s ever made. Since then, she’s filled her time helping hundreds of coaches, consultants, and speakers to grow their businesses. Her marketing advice is straightforward, practical, and down-to-earth. She’s written three books, with the latest, StandOut Strategies, published in October 2024. When she’s not speaking, training, or handing out marketing advice, you’ll find Chantal riding her horse, growing vegetables in her garden, or whizzing down a ski slope— but not all at the same time!Memorable Quotes:"Standing out isn't about being different; it's about being true to yourself and your customers.""In business, it's not just about doing things right—it’s about doing the right things."Takeaway Action:Reevaluate your business strategies—are they truly standing out, or just blending in?Take time to reflect on your business’s core purpose and how it resonates with your clients.Commit to continuous learning and personal development, whether through reading, speaking, or networking.Books and Articles Referenced:Stand Out Strategies. Chantal Cornelius.One in Ten: How to Survive Your First Ten Years in Business. Chantal CorneliusMagnetic Marketing. Chantal Cornelius.Learn More:Visit the Ignium websiteSubscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank hereListen to the show here Connect with today’s guest: Check out Chantal’s book, Standout Strategies—available now.

For the first show of 2025, we have a life-affirming story about the power of ‘forums’ in transforming the lives of entrepreneurs and leaders from a very human standpoint.Mo Fathelbab talks to our host Phil Rose about his journey and what led him to found the International Facilitators Organisation. A renowned speaker and author, Mo outlines how forums work, why purpose is prosperity, and what it is about the model that’s so powerful.A few of the points they cover:· The nature of the forum methodology that creates a safe environment for peers to share openly and honestly about what’s going on in their lives.· Why it’s good for business (and his clients include Google and Harvard Business School). It’s no secret that when people feel safe, supported, seen and loved for who they are they perform at their best.· How meeting Scaling Up and Young Entrepreneurs Organisation founder Verne Harnish, over 30 years ago, changed the direction of his life and career.· What he’s learned about the benefits of the emotionally connected hive mind – in particular the powerful role of continuous learning together in leadership development.· His ambitious plans to train enough facilitators to give at least 1 billion people access to forums and the wide-reaching benefits beyond the workplace.· The power of sharing stories rather than giving advice in shedding judgment and finding commonality.· How taking the first step into courageous vulnerability creates a safe space for others.Centred around Mo’s moving personal story and the focus that led him to where he is today, it’s a convincing manifesto for prosperity through honest, genuine human connection.We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. To get our message out to a wider audience who can benefit from the words of wisdom, please share this episode with someone you think could benefit from it. Thank you. Books mentioned:Forum: The Secret Advantage of Successful Leaders – Mo FathelbabThe Friendship Advantage – Mo FathelbabMain Points for Listeners:[8:40] Mo’s Journey with Forums: Mo describes his life as “before Forum” (BF) and “after Forum” (AF), highlighting how the peer group process transformed his perspective on vulnerability and connection.[9:04] Real Relationships Matter: He discusses the impact of genuine relationships built on shared experiences and open communication, creating bonds that go beyond business.[10:35] Understanding the Forum Process: Mo introduces the concept of forums, explaining their roots in YPO and how they provide a safe space for leaders to openly share, learn, and grow.[11:00] Building a Safe Space for Vulnerability: Through forums, Mo learned the importance of creating environments where people can be themselves, supported by empathy and respect.[1:00:24] The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership: Mo shares stories that show how vulnerability can strengthen trust, authenticity, and connection within teams and among leaders.[12:10] Lessons from Peer Groups: Mo’s experiences in peer groups underscore how these settings help leaders challenge personal beliefs, expand perspectives, and grow beyond comfort zones.[14:20] Leading with Empathy and Authenticity: Emphasizing empathy, Mo discusses its crucial role in effective leadership, building meaningful relationships, and fostering personal growth.[15:45] Communication as the Key to Strong Leadership: Phil and Mo highlight how consistent, intentional communication builds trust and resilience within teams, cultivating a supportive and engaged work culture.Quotes and Highlights:"I decided not to let politics hijack my emotions." – Mo Fathelbab"Building real relationships means having meaningful conversations for the sake of connection." – Mo Fathelbab"We don’t build relationships because we want to be liked. We build them because it drives trust, engagement, and commitment." – Mo FathelbabLearn More:Visit Ignium [https://www.igniumconsult.com]Subscribe for exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank [https://www.igniumconsult.com/the-spark-tank]Listen to the show [https://sparksbyignium.transistor.fm/episodes]Connect with the Guest:Mo Fathelbab’s Website: https://www.mofathelbab.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mofathelbab/Books and Articles Referenced:Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't - Verne Harnish LinkKeywords in this episode: Real Relationships, Vulnerability, Peer Groups, Forum Process, YPO, Leadership, Empathy, Communication, Trust, ConnectionDownload Links:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle Podcasts