Category: PodCast

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and Managing Director of Executive Training Consultancy, to talk through a topic that trips up small businesses time and again – project management.

Whether it is launching a new product, switching software or building out a new service, many small business owners dive in without the structure to see it through. Doug breaks down why projects drift, what good project planning actually looks like and how even the smallest team can use simple tools and clear communication to get from idea to outcome without the chaos.

Key Takeaways

Always start from the end.

The first question on any project should be what does success look like? Knowing the outcome tells you whether the project is worth doing, gives everyone a shared goal to work toward and allows you to build your timeline backwards from the finish line rather than guessing your way forward.

Every task needs a named owner and a deadline.

If nobody is specifically responsible for a task, it will not get done. This applies whether there are two people in the business or twenty. Assigning tasks and agreeing realistic timeframes – by asking, not telling – means problems surface early when they can still be fixed.

Simple tools work just as well as complicated ones.

A shared spreadsheet, a WhatsApp group or a basic Gantt chart can be enough to keep a small business project on track. The goal is visibility – everyone being able to see what has been done, what is next and where things stand. Complexity for its own sake does not help.

Review every project – and celebrate what went well.

Once a project is complete, taking time to look back at what worked and what could be done better is what makes the next one go more smoothly. Equally important is acknowledging the people who made it happen. Teams that feel recognised are teams that stay engaged.

Key Moments

“You only have one captain on a ship. When you’re running a project, you have one person who is responsible for the outcome.”

“If you haven’t analysed it properly in the first place, you might start a venture that actually isn’t very profitable – because somebody thought it was a good idea.”

“You can’t solve the problem if you don’t know it is a problem. So you have to communicate.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by Jo and Wayne Pearce, founders of Eaglet Business Systems, for a conversation that bridges ISO standards, AI compliance and the very human challenge of running a business with your spouse.

With over 3,120 successful certifications behind them and 29 years in business, Jo and Wayne bring a wealth of hard-won experience to the table. They also deliver a timely and practical warning about AI tools and GDPR that every business owner should hear.

Key Takeaways

ISO certification is an external stamp on internal quality – not just a box to tick.

Like an MOT for your car, it is a third party confirming that what a business says it does is what it actually does. The right reason to pursue it is to become more efficient and effective, not just to win a tender.

Written communication is non-negotiable when you work with a partner or spouse.

It’s in their own communications procedure – verbal communication (particularly at bedtime) is only recognised once followed up in writing. The result is fewer things falling through the cracks.

A plan does not have to be a straight line – it just has to point somewhere.

Jo describes it as a squiggle that still moves forward. Having that direction keeps you from wasting time and resources going in circles, even when the path is messier than you expected.

Getting out of your own way is the hardest and most important thing a business owner can do.

Wayne says surrounding himself with the right people – masterminds, consultants, accountability partners was what changed that. You can’t know what you don’t know and nobody grows without support.

Key Moments

“The reason to get ISO is to improve your effectiveness, efficiency and become better at what you do.”

“If you plan it, you are not going to waste time and a load of money realising something’s not right.”

“I asked Claude: are you compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR? It said no.”

About the Guests

Eaglet Business Systems Ltd helps organisations achieve and maintain ISO standards through practical support, auditing and consultancy. Founded in 1997 by Wayne Pearce, the business brings specialist knowledge across ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO22301, ISO27001 and ISO45001. Wayne is an experienced ISO specialist and lead auditor, while Jo Pearce, who joined in 2004, oversees client care, daily operations and business growth. Together, Jo and Wayne provide a hands-on, approachable service that helps clients build better systems with confidence.

Eaglet Business Systems: https://ebs4iso.co.uk/

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and Managing Director of Executive Training Consultancy, to dig into one of the most challenging aspects of running a business – managing change.

Whether it is a new piece of technology, a shift in internal processes or a change that will affect customers directly, Doug breaks down why so many change initiatives fall flat and what business owners can do differently. The answer, it turns out, is less about the change itself and almost entirely about how it is communicated and who is brought along for the journey.

Key Takeaways

Most people are hardwired to resist change.

It is not stubbornness – it is survival instinct. Human beings are built to find comfort in routine and to fear the unknown. Understanding this as a business owner means you stop asking why people are resistant and start thinking about how to reduce the fear around what is coming..

Buy-in is everything.

If the people affected by a change do not want it to happen, it will not happen – no matter how much pressure is applied from the top. Getting buy-in means selling the benefits, not just the change itself. Once someone can see what is in it for them, their attitude shifts.

Always start with the outcome.

Before communicating any change internally or externally, be clear on what you are actually trying to achieve and why. Change for its own sake wastes time and money. If you cannot articulate the benefit, it is worth asking whether the change is necessary at all.

Internal and external change follow the same rules.

Whether you are managing a team through a new process or communicating a change to clients, the approach is the same – explain what is happening, why it is happening and how it will benefit the people it affects. Customers and staff deserve the same level of transparency.

If it is not working, pause and listen.

When a change is meeting resistance mid-implementation, the instinct to push harder rarely helps. Bringing people together, asking what is going wrong and genuinely listening to the answers will almost always surface the real problem – and point toward the solution.

Key Moments

“If you don’t know what’s coming, there’s a built-in fear. It’s a survival mechanism – human beings need to know what’s around the corner.”

“As soon as people want the benefit, they are happy to have the change.”

“Communication is everything. If you don’t communicate around change management, you might as well forget it.”

About Business Made Smarter

Business Made Smarter is the podcast from Executive Training Consultancy, bringing no-nonsense practical advice to help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.

Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and MD of Executive Training Consultancy, each episode draws on over two decades of real-world business experience to give listeners strategies and insights they can start putting to use straight away.

How to Get in Touch

To book a free two-hour business review with one of ETC’s expert consultants:

Website: www.exec-tc.com

If you found this episode useful, subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.

 

Episode – From £47K to £2.6M: How to Scale a Creative Business the Right Way

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by Scott Clarke, co-founder of Kensa Creative, to unpack the journey from a £47,000 turnover startup to a £2.6 million business over the past decade.

The conversation explores what it really takes to scale – from learning to delegate and building a management structure, to using data to drive decisions and creating a culture where people take ownership. Scott shares honest insights into the challenges of letting go, balancing creativity with commercial reality and building a team that can grow with the business.

Key Takeaways

Growth requires letting go

Scaling a business means stepping away from doing everything yourself and trusting others to take ownership of delivery and decisions.

Data removes guesswork

Tracking time, costs and performance at a detailed level allows you to understand what’s actually profitable – and where changes are needed.

Empowerment drives performance

Giving teams visibility of budgets and responsibility for outcomes creates accountability and improves results.

Clarity in your offer makes growth easier

Being clear on what you’re good at – and communicating it effectively – helps attract the right clients and simplifies sales.

Key Moments

“You physically can’t do everything yourself if you want to grow.”

“Is the client happy? If yes, it’s a win.”

“If you don’t measure it, you’re just guessing.”

“You get better results when people feel they have a stake in the business.”

About the guest

Scott Clarke is the co-founder of Kensa Creative, a full-service marketing agency specialising in design, video and development. Working with businesses of all sizes, Kensa helps clients create memorable marketing through branding, campaigns and digital experiences.

About Business Made Smarter

Business Made Smarter is a podcast focused on helping business owners improve performance, productivity and profitability through practical advice and real-world insights.

Hosted by Doug D’Aubrey of Executive Training and Consultancy, each episode explores key areas of business growth with actionable takeaways.

Take the Next Step

If you’re looking to scale your business and improve performance, you can book a FREE 2-hour Business Review with Executive Training and Consultancy.

Visit: https://exec-tc.com/ to find out more.

 

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and Managing Director of Executive Training Consultancy, to tackle one of the most overlooked habits in small business management – the regular meeting.

Far from the dull, overlong affairs many business owners dread, Doug explains that the right meetings, run well and held consistently, are the single most effective way to keep a business coordinated, productive and moving in the right direction. From weekly check-ins to quarterly strategy sessions, this episode covers why meetings get skipped, what happens when they do, and how to make them genuinely worth attending.

Key Takeaways

Skipping meetings is a habit that creeps up on you.

Missing one meeting rarely causes an immediate problem, which is exactly why it is so dangerous. By the time the consequences show up – friction between partners, things falling through the cracks, customer service slipping – the meetings have often been absent for months.

Meetings only work if everyone has a voice.

A meeting where the MD does all the talking is not a meeting – it is a briefing. When each person reports on their own area of responsibility, brings their own agenda items and is held to account for agreed actions, the whole team becomes more engaged and more invested in outcomes.

Structure and timing are non-negotiable.

If a meeting is scheduled for 30 minutes, it should take 30 minutes. Agendas should be circulated in advance so everyone arrives prepared. When one topic threatens to derail the agenda, it should be parked and handled separately. Meetings that consistently run over stop getting attended.

Someone has to own the meeting.

In small businesses especially, meetings disappear because nobody is formally responsible for making them happen. Assigning one person to put it in the diary, send the agenda and chase attendance makes all the difference between a meeting that happens and one that quietly gets dropped.

Mid-week check-ins keep things on track between meetings.

A quick 15-minute health check on a Wednesday or Thursday – just touching base on the key actions agreed in the previous meeting – means you arrive at the next one knowing things have actually been done, rather than discovering too late that they haven’t.

Key Moments

“The meetings are the oil. They keep the cogs moving, keep everything lubricated so the business runs smoothly.”

“If you stop putting oil in your engine, it’ll keep running for a while – but eventually it will break down.”

“We talk all the time. Yes, I know. But are you organising with each other?”

“The big takeaway is simple: just do the meeting.”

About Business Made Smarter

Business Made Smarter is the podcast from Executive Training Consultancy, bringing no-nonsense practical advice to help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.

Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and MD of Executive Training Consultancy, each episode draws on over two decades of real-world business experience to give listeners strategies and insights they can start putting to use straight away.

How to Get in Touch

To book a free two-hour business review with one of ETC’s expert consultants:

Website: www.exec-tc.com

If you found this episode useful, subscribe, share it with your network and leave a review.

 

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by David Hyner, a researcher and professional speaker who has spent nearly three decades interviewing high achievers to understand how they think and behave.

The conversation explores what truly drives success – from having a powerful reason why, to setting meaningful goals and, crucially, taking consistent action. David breaks down the simple but often overlooked principles used by top performers, showing how anyone can apply them to achieve better results in business and life.

Key Takeaways

Most people don’t know how to set goals

Goal setting is widely talked about but rarely taught properly, leaving many people unclear on how to actually achieve what they want.

Success is built on simple, consistent actions

The fundamentals are not complicated – but top performers execute them relentlessly, while others give up too early.

Prioritise the hard things first

Focusing on the most important and challenging tasks early creates momentum and makes everything else easier.

Big goals need small, consistent steps

Massive goals provide motivation, but it’s the daily “smart steps” that drive real progress and results.

Key Moments

“You’re looking at someone who strived for and achieved mediocrity.”

“Over my dead body am I going to fail.”

“Most failure isn’t lack of skill – it’s lack of graft.”

“The massive goal is motivating, but doing the small stuff is inspiring.”

About the guest

David Hyner is a researcher and professional speaker who has spent over 28 years interviewing successful individuals from all walks of life. He distils their thinking and behaviours into practical models that can be applied by others to improve performance and achieve meaningful goals.

About Business Made Smarter

Business Made Smarter is a podcast focused on helping business owners improve performance, productivity and profitability through practical advice and real-world insights.

Hosted by Doug D’Aubrey of Executive Training and Consultancy, each episode explores key areas of business growth with actionable takeaways.

Take the Next Step

If you’re looking to improve performance and achieve more consistent results in your business, you can book a FREE 2-hour Business Review with Executive Training and Consultancy.

Visit: https://exec-tc.com/ to find out more.

 

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey, Founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy, to explore one of the most important (and often misunderstood) aspects of running a business: people management.

Doug explains why people management is both an art and a science, highlighting the importance of understanding individual motivations, adapting your approach and creating a culture that drives performance.

From hiring the right people to handling difficult conversations and building long-term loyalty, this episode offers practical, no-nonsense advice for business owners looking to improve team performance and avoid common management pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

People management is both an art and a science.

The science lies in understanding that everyone is different, while the art is in adapting your approach to motivate and manage each individual effectively.

Hire for fit, not just skill.

Even highly skilled individuals can damage a business if they don’t align with its culture, values or ways of working.

Culture starts at the top.

The business owner defines the culture. Your behaviour, standards and expectations shape how the entire organisation operates.

Don’t avoid difficult decisions.

Keeping the wrong person for too long can disrupt the business. Address issues early rather than adapting the business around them.

Develop people continuously.

People management doesn’t stop once someone is settled. Ongoing feedback, support and development are key to long-term success.

Key Moments

“One size does not fit all when it comes to people.”

“If they don’t fit the culture, you have to let them go – no matter how skilled they are.”

“Maybe you need to look at yourself as the business owner.”

“Culture is set at the top – it flows down through the business.”

“Your biggest job as a manager is people management.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

 

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, host Doug D’Aubrey is joined by Michele Ibbs, Director of I’m Your PA, to explore what it really takes to scale a business effectively. Following her previous appearance, Michele shares how the business has expanded into three distinct service areas — and the practical decisions behind that growth.

The conversation focuses on building the right structure for scale, from hiring the right people and implementing automation, to managing risk and planning for the unexpected. Michelle offers honest, experience-led insights into what business owners need to prioritise if they want to grow sustainably.

Key Takeaways

Build solutions around constraints

Growth often creates challenges like space or capacity limits. Instead of stalling, find practical ways to work around them — such as remote teams or new service lines.

Hire the right people for the role

Different roles require different personalities and skillsets. Matching the right person to the right job is key to maintaining productivity and quality.

Automation drives efficiency

Automating repetitive tasks saves time, improves consistency and frees up capacity to focus on revenue-generating work.

Plan for risk and continuity

From backup systems to contingency planning, businesses must prepare for worst-case scenarios to ensure they can continue operating.

Invest in everything that matters

Sustainable growth comes from ongoing investment in people, systems, knowledge and the business itself.

Key Moments

“Automation saves time to do the things that actually earn you money.”

“If you’re not prepared to invest, don’t bother running a business.”

“Where’s your backup plan?”

“Running a business is about people development.”

About the guest

Michele Ibbs is the Director of I’m Your PA, alongside its sister services Truly Yours Agency and I’m Your VA. With a focus on call handling, automation and administrative support, Michelle has built a growing business centred around efficiency, structure and people development.

https://imyourpa.co.uk/

https://www.trulyyours.agency/

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

 

In this episode of Business Made Smarter, Ed Nell and Doug D’Aubrey discuss one of the biggest steps in growing a small business: building a management team.

Many business owners start as solo operators and eventually reach a point where growth becomes impossible without delegation. Doug explains why productivity is closely linked to management structure, how to recognise when it’s time to build a team around you, and the challenges that come with letting go of control.

Key Takeaways

Productivity starts with management.

Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. A well-structured management team helps ensure responsibilities are shared and the business can grow beyond a single decision-maker.

Know when it’s time to build a team.

If you’re overwhelmed, turning down work or struggling to manage multiple staff members yourself, it’s usually a sign that a management structure is needed.

Hire for culture as well as capability.

Skills are important, but shared values and alignment with the company’s culture are critical for long-term success within a management team.

Don’t delay difficult decisions.

Holding on to the wrong hire for too long can damage team morale and business performance. If it isn’t working, address it quickly.

Remember: it’s your business.

Employees will never think about the business in quite the same way an owner does — and that’s normal. The focus should remain on results and customer satisfaction.

Key Moments

“Without delegation, the business becomes bottlenecked around one person.”

“If you’re overwhelmed and can’t take on any more work, it’s time to start building a team.”

“The hiring isn’t as difficult as the firing.”

“Hire slowly, fire quickly.”

“Loyalty isn’t demanded – it’s earned.”

About the host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), leverages extensive senior management experience to help businesses across the UK and Europe. With tailored consultancy packages ranging from short-term projects to 3-year growth programs, Doug aids companies in improving operations and achieving results. Doug’s success lies in his honest communication with leaders, identifying strategies to enhance management skills and optimise service delivery for measurable outcomes.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.

 

In this February episode of Business Made Smarter, host Ed Nell is joined by Doug D’Aubrey to kick off the year’s deep dive into small business management with a focus on organisational structure. Rather than legal company structures, Doug explains the practical framework of activities that allow a business to function, grow and remain profitable.

The conversation explores how clearly defining responsibilities, workflows and accountability transforms efficiency, culture and decision-making. Through real-world examples, Doug demonstrates how even small businesses benefit from understanding how work flows through the organisation – and why structure is the foundation for sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways

Organisational structure is about activity, not job titles.

The focus is on mapping what actually happens inside the business – the tasks that generate revenue, win customers and support operations – rather than assigning impressive titles.

Every business has three core drivers.

Operations, sales and marketing and support services (admin, finance, HR, logistics) form the backbone of organisational clarity.

Structure improves accountability and culture.

When people understand their responsibilities and how their work connects to others, confusion and overlap reduce, creating a more productive and positive working environment.

Flowcharts reveal gaps and inefficiencies.

Mapping how work moves through the business highlights missing roles, duplicated effort and bottlenecks – often uncovering hidden problems that limit growth.

Delegation becomes easier with clarity.

A defined structure allows business owners to assign responsibility confidently, whether to employees or subcontractors, freeing time for strategic priorities.

Organisational structure is a living system.

As businesses evolve, their structure must evolve too. Regular reviews ensure it remains aligned with growth, new services and operational demands.

Small businesses benefit most from structure.

Even lean teams perform better when responsibilities are clear, reducing wasted effort and allowing focus on the activities that drive profitability.

Best Moments

“An organisational structure gives you a picture of what you’re actually managing.”

“If everyone’s doing everything, nobody’s truly responsible.”

“Activity flows through the business – structure makes that flow visible.”

“You don’t build growth on guesswork; you build it on foundations.”

“Your organisational structure should grow as your business grows.”

About the Host

Doug D’Aubrey, founder and Managing Director of Executive Training and Consultancy (ETC), brings decades of senior management experience helping businesses across the UK and Europe improve performance through structured systems and practical leadership strategies. Doug works closely with business owners to clarify operations, strengthen management capability and deliver measurable results.

Take advantage of a FREE 2-hour Business Review with ETC’s expert consultants to identify goals, tackle challenges, and create a clear plan for growth. Visit https://exec-tc.com/ to book your review.