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The Hack Podcast

The Hack Podcast

By Leon McQuade Paul Longley Dean Bulfield

The Hack Podcast, straight-talk smart tech.
Leon McQuade, Paul Longely and Dean Bulfeild bring a leader’s eye over technology drivers shaping the world back to East Yorkshire. We now live in a dazzling world of screens that continues to revolutionise how we live, work and play. The futures arriving faster than ever before, it's time to Think Different.
We talk transformation and change focusing on People, Process and Technology. Originally Inspired By Pete Lindsay and Mark Bawden's Book “Pig Wrestling” The Brilliantly Simple Way to Solve Any Problem and create the change you need.
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Failure as Feedback - Nathan Freer - Head of Youth Strength and Conditioning at Hull FC

The Hack PodcastJul 30, 2020

00:00
54:04
Team Performance Assessment: Unlocking Your Teams Potential

Team Performance Assessment: Unlocking Your Teams Potential

In the dynamic arenas of business and organisational growth, harnessing a team's collective power remains one of the most influential factors dictating success. Team leaders, business managers, and HR professionals increasingly recognise the critical importance of assessing team performance not as a bureaucratic checkpoint but as a strategic lever to unlock the full potential of their workforce.

In this Episode of the 100x Leader, Leon Paul and Dean discuss 'Team Performance Assessments' and how all problems are rooted in one of five key leadership areas. Tune in to find out how to identify and solve them in this inspiring podcast.


Mar 15, 202401:04:27
Elevating Success: Productivity Hacks and Thriving in the Digital Age.

Elevating Success: Productivity Hacks and Thriving in the Digital Age.

We are back; it is 2024 (we are a bit late to the party), and we cannot wait! New year, new resolutions and fresh starts. We are excited to bring you our first podcast of the year, filled with motivation and inspiration for the year ahead.

In this episode, Leon, Dean, and Paul will delve into the significance of setting realistic goals, discovering your greatest strengths, and maintaining motivation throughout the year. We will also provide valuable insights on making your resolutions stick and avoiding the pitfalls of old habits. Join us as we explore these topics to enhance your personal growth and success.

 It's 2024, and we're thrilled to kick off the new year with a bang. It's all about new beginnings, setting resolutions, and embracing fresh opportunities. Today, we are delighted to bring you our first podcast episode of the year, packed with motivation and inspiration to fuel your journey.

In this exciting episode, we have a powerhouse trio - Leon, Dean, and Paul - ready to dive into the importance of setting realistic goals, uncovering your unique strengths, and staying motivated throughout the year. Along the way, we'll share valuable insights on how to make those resolutions stick and avoid falling back into old habits. We aim to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need for personal growth and unparalleled success.


So, grab your favourite beverage, get comfortable, and join us as we embark on this insightful exploration. Let's make 2024 a year of incredible achievements and limitless possibilities.


Feb 16, 202446:06
How to Defeat Drama & Gossip: Go to the Source.
Jan 08, 202427:27
New Leadership in an Era of Thriving Organisations 100x EP42

New Leadership in an Era of Thriving Organisations 100x EP42

Maximising Performance: Lead Organisations Worth Following

Effective leadership has emerged as an indispensable catalyst for success as businesses constantly evolve and adapt to the rapid changes of the modern world. In today's era of thriving organisations, it is more important than ever for leaders to adopt a new mindset and approach focusing on maximising performance.

In this week's podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean discuss the qualities and characteristics that make a lead organisation worth following. From effective communication and fostering a positive company culture to open-mindedness and adaptability, the conversation delves into their key traits and those that leaders must possess to thrive in today's business landscape.


Oct 24, 202335:57
Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence for All Ages - Furqan Alamgir: Founder and CEO of Connexin

Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence for All Ages - Furqan Alamgir: Founder and CEO of Connexin

In this episode of the Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean engage in an insightful conversation with Furqan Alamgir, Chief Executive Officer at Connexin.

Furqan shares his journey as an entrepreneur and how he grew Connexin into one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK. He also discusses the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame them to achieve success.

One of the key topics discussed in this episode is the importance of collaboration and connectivity in today's digital age. Furqan highlights how Connexin plays a crucial role in providing connectivity solutions to businesses, cities, and communities. He also talks about their innovative approach to smart infrastructure and its potential to transform how we live and work.

They also explore people, processes, and technology as the three fundamental elements of a prosperous enterprise. Furqan highlights the significance of passion and curiosity as crucial factors for success.

Tune in to hear Furqan Alamgir's story and learn more about the future of connectivity. Keep an eye out for Connexin as it continues to expand and revolutionise the technology industry.


Oct 16, 202301:04:01
 Intentional Transfer Plan Delegate Elevate

Intentional Transfer Plan Delegate Elevate

Our latest podcast features Leon, Paul, and Dean as they share their collective wisdom on the concept of 'intentional transfer planning' - a strategic approach to effective delegation designed to foster real growth within your team.

The three bring unique perspectives, offering invaluable insights into how leaders can identify the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities they need to transfer to their team members. This conversation is not just about delegation; it's about empowering your team, boosting productivity, and driving your organisation forward using tools to support delegation effectively.

The concept of intentional transfer planning is two-fold: understanding the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities you need to delegate and how best to communicate this information meaningfully.

Whether you're a fledgling manager or a seasoned executive, this podcast promises to be enlightening, engaging, and full of practical tips you can apply to your leadership style. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and dive into the nuances of intentional transfer planning!


Sep 21, 202334:21
Chief Security Fanatic of Security Fanatics! - Nick Espinosa

Chief Security Fanatic of Security Fanatics! - Nick Espinosa

Welcome to our Hack Podcast, where we have the pleasure of featuring the only Nick Espinosa joining us from across the pond. We are thrilled to have Nick here with us after Leon and Dean had the privilege of collaborating with him in Amsterdam as part of IT Nation Evolve.

Imagine sitting at a dinner table, and someone leans over and asks Nick, What is it that you do?" Nick's response is always intriguing. He looks them straight in the eye and says, "I lie to you." They usually say really, and he replies 'no'. Of course, this usually catches them off guard, but it's just his way of injecting humour into the conversation.

In reality, Nick is deeply involved in cyber security, with his company specialising in cyber warfare, cyber terrorism, infrastructure, and government compliance. And it's not just limited to the US government; they also handle compliance on a global scale, including GDPR. Nick's expertise extends beyond his company Security Fanatics; he is a regular contributor to Forbes, a seasoned TED talk speaker, and even hosts a syndicated radio show in the USA.

Nick's job title says it all, he thrives in the fast-paced world of cyber security. He always seeks new challenges and never likes to be bored. Join us as we deep dive into the fascinating world of Nick Espinosa and gain insights into the ever-evolving realm of cyber security.



Sep 04, 202354:03
Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation: Think Cloud Marks its 20th Anniversary!

Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation: Think Cloud Marks its 20th Anniversary!

As we embark on Think Cloud's 20th Anniversary, it's time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible journey that has led us here. Over the last two decades, Think Cloud has pioneered ground-breaking solutions, driving digital transformation across industries and borders.

Today, we are thrilled to have Scott Clark, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Think Cloud, join us in the studio for our Hack podcast. Join Leon, Dean, Paul, and Scott as they delve into the fascinating story of how it all began. 

Scott envisioned taking a start-up from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in Managed IT and Cyber Security Solutions. With his passion for continuous innovation, he and his award-winning team have developed a service that exists to help customers succeed through the adoption and use of digital technology.

We invite you to listen in and celebrate this significant milestone with us as we share our stories and insights on the journey so far.


Full Blog on www.think-cloud.co.uk


Aug 21, 202355:28
Breathe Well to Live Well - Josh Connolly & Ed Jenneson

Breathe Well to Live Well - Josh Connolly & Ed Jenneson

In this week's The Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean are joined by Josh Connolly and Ed Jenneson to delve into self-reflection and emotional release. Together, they explore how these practices can empower individuals to become exceptional in life and business. They also delve into the profound impact of self-awareness and finding a deeper sense of purpose. Josh and Ed graciously share their personal experiences, highlighting the significance of these principles for today's well-being.

Tune in as we ask our 10 thought-provoking questions specifically to Josh and hear why they believe self-reflection and emotional release through activities such as breath work are essential for creating meaningful relationships, developing resilience, and becoming the best version of yourself.



Aug 11, 202359:58
Never Mind The Pitch: It’s All About The Passion - Phil Ascough
Jul 12, 202301:13:03
Pings, Rings and Dings: How to Become Indistractable
Jun 28, 202343:23
Breathe, Believe and Succeed In Business with - Ed Jenneson

Breathe, Believe and Succeed In Business with - Ed Jenneson

In today's fast-paced world, people often find themselves overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. In this engaging podcast, our hosts Leon and Dean chat with Ed Jenneson and delve into the power of discovering yourself and incorporating self-discovery as an essential tool for dealing with these challenges and achieving a balanced life to improve our mental well-being and cultivate resilience for personal growth.

Ed Jenneson is a recognised leader in employment law; he advises on all aspects of employment law. He has been helping clients navigate legal and HR matters for over 20 years with a passion for people and human-centric solutions.

In the podcast, Ed shares his insights into his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia and explains how important it is to create a space for self-reflection to develop emotional intelligence and handle life’s challenges more effectively. He emphasises the importance of addressing our behaviour, thoughts and feelings to help improve our performance, relationships and work-life balance.


Full Blog on www.think-cloud.co.uk

Jun 12, 202301:16:59
Part 2 - 100 x 39 Getting Others To The Next Level & 40 Two Sides Of Leadership
May 26, 202328:08
Part 1 - 100 x 39 Getting Others To The Next Level & 40 Two Sides Of Leadership

Part 1 - 100 x 39 Getting Others To The Next Level & 40 Two Sides Of Leadership

In today's 100 x podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean emphasise the importance of simplifying leadership opportunities and challenges to add value to one's team. As Sherpas, leaders need to clear the path for their team and guide them. The strategies mentioned in the podcast help assess oneself as a leader and your team in a way that leads to focus and momentum in climbing the mountain together.

During the podcast, the guys emphasise the importance of leaders taking a simplified approach when leading their teams. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller manageable steps and providing the right kind of support, leaders can help their teams reach new heights of success. 

Furthermore, delegating tasks and setting priorities can help increase productivity and efficiency while encouraging individual growth and development helps create an atmosphere of continuous learning and improvement. These strategies can help foster a positive work environment, leading to better employee engagement, retention, and performance. By embracing the challenge of leadership through empathy, delegation & prioritisation and celebrating successes together, leaders can foster an environment of growth and learning, which is critical to getting others to the next level of that mountain!


Part 2 will be out soon...


For a full Blog Go Over To www.think-cloud.co.uk


May 17, 202331:46
The Power of Change: A Guide to Overcoming Resistance

The Power of Change: A Guide to Overcoming Resistance

As a leader, business owner, or entrepreneur, you know that change is inevitable - and often painful. You might resist or even dread making changes to your workflow or processes because, deep down, you fear the outcome won’t be successful. But what if we told you that resistance to change could provide positive opportunities for growth and success? By learning how to spot signs of resistance and find ways of dealing with it effectively, you can gain skills that will improve your organisation's overall performance in the long run. 


In this edition of the 100 x podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean discuss overcoming resistance to change and how mastering this process can help take your company from good...to great!

Identify the source of resistance; what types of resistance is the team currently facing?

It is essential to understand the different types of resistance the team may face to identify the source of resistance. Are they barriers, hurdles or gaps?  Barriers refer to an external block or obstruction that prevents change from occurring that you cannot get around, such as a lack of resources or technology. Hurdles are internal factors which can create doubt and hesitation in making changes, the things you have to avoid, like fear of the unknown or a lack of belief in the success of the process. Gaps mean that something is missing that needs to be filled in before moving on. Some examples of hurdles the boys addressed included prohibition, or limiting beliefs that stop people from achieving success; inhibition, or a sense of apprehension and anxiety around a specific task; and inertia, or a lack of motivation to make the change.

Once you have identified the type and source of resistance, it is essential to understand why it is there in the first place. This can be done by looking at risk aversion, cultural norms, financial implications, and psychological effects.


Full Blog on Think-cloud.co.uk

Apr 12, 202321:41
How To Stay Hopeful In A Hopeless World - Citizens  with Jon Alexander

How To Stay Hopeful In A Hopeless World - Citizens with Jon Alexander

In this edition of the Hack Podcast, Jon Alexander speaks with Leon, Dean and Paul about his journey in the marketing and advertising industry, where he sold some of the world's biggest brands. Eventually, he realised he was trapped in a narrative that didn't align with his beliefs - the Consumer Story.

In his book Citizens, written alongside New York Times bestselling author Ariane Conrad, Jon outlines how to redefine our roles as citizens and create a better world for ourselves by shaping our communities, organisations, and nations through collaboration, care, and creativity to benefit everyone.

The Power of Citizenship

Citizens trace the history of humanity from kings and empires to our current consumer-driven story, illustrating that, as individuals, we have always been citizens by nature. It provides us with the tools we need to reinvent our organisations, politics and even our species to confront the challenges of this age. It encourages us to discover what we must do to succeed - both individually and collectively and asks some fundamental questions;


  • What are we doing to ourselves when we tell ourselves we're Consumers 3000 times a day?

  • What would it look like to put the same creativity and energy into involving people as Citizens?

  • What would you do at this time if you truly believed in yourself and those around you?


The headlines of our time are enough to make anyone feel helpless. But everything changes when we think and act like Citizens, not Consumers.


Full Blog o our website Think Cloud

Mar 30, 202351:58
The Change Equation: “The Formula To Drive Change”

The Change Equation: “The Formula To Drive Change”

The idea of 'change' affects every business at some point. Whether introducing a new product, adapting to market trends or responding to customer feedback - change is simply a part of doing business. In this week's 100 x podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss the change equation and how to apply it in your industry.

Change can be incredibly beneficial - helping us grow and take our team to the next level. On the other hand, it also has its challenges, especially for leaders of people who must navigate an ever-changing environment. Using the Change Equation to help ensure you're making the most effective and efficient changes possible can be beneficial.

The Change Equation

The Change Equation is an equation used to calculate how successful a change process will be. Executing this equation helps create a strong foundation for implementing positive changes in a timely and cost-effective way while also being able to identify possible problems before they become more significant issues. They are many models used in change management. We use a formula similar to the Beckhard-Harris example, which considers Dissatisfaction, vision, and the natural next steps to provide the least resistance.

Here's an example of how the equation looks:

Change = D X V X N > Resistance

The first side considers Dissatisfaction with the status quo (D), which refers to the current state of affairs and what you may be dissatisfied with. A vision of the future (V)  is the desired outcome that you want to reach. Natural Next Steps (N)  indicates creating an action plan to move from the current state to the desired effect to overcome Dissatisfaction and make this vision happen.

By looking at each of these variables and how they interact, it becomes easier to create an effective change equation.


Mar 14, 202327:14
5 Laws To Cultivating a Go-Giver Mindset - With Bob Burg

5 Laws To Cultivating a Go-Giver Mindset - With Bob Burg

If Bob Burg were to describe himself at a dinner party, he would say that he speaks at conferences and conventions and writes books on personal development, sales and communications skills.

In our latest podcast hosted by Leon, Dean and Paul, special guest Bob Burg reveals that the best way to achieve lasting financial success is by refocusing on customer service and satisfaction; this outlook brings greater joy and helps business owners reap higher rewards. He has assisted companies, sales leaders, and their teams for three decades to convey their value proposition better while selling with minimal resistance at higher prices. He also empowers them to develop a booming business through endless referrals.

The American Management Association has duly awarded him as one of their 30 Most Influential Leaders, and Richtopia also declared him among the Top 200 Most Influential Authors in the World.


Read the full blog at www.think-cloud.co.uk

Mar 02, 202332:17
Putting Sustainability at the Heart of Your Business with Harry Rix

Putting Sustainability at the Heart of Your Business with Harry Rix

Meet Harry Rix, the CEO & Founder of tech company Accountabl based in Hull and the sixth-generation CIO of well-known family business J.R.Rix & Sons Ltd, which has been around the city for 150 years.

In this podcast, we discover how to put a sustainability strategy at the heart of your business and develop healthy habits for success. With an impressive background in technology and traditional family businesses, Harry offers invaluable insight into how to stay ahead of the competition and provides valuable insight into what it takes to run a successful business, especially one passed down through multiple generations.

Green to Gold

Rix Petroleum is the most prominent member of the J R Rix & Son group of companies and is a significant distributor of hydrocarbon products. Selling domestic and commercial heating fuel and doing loads of other things like manufacturing. Harry explains how they are now in the renewables game. One of the most important influencing books he has read is called Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage. It looks at how you can put a sustainability strategy at the heart of your business to try and give you a competitive advantage to better position yourself in the market to ensure your business can succeed for the next 150 years.

Harry advises how large and small businesses can save costs and create sustainability by investing in solar or buying a renewable energy tariff. He explains the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and how doing so can help you save money. Harry is passionate about sustainable business for future generations and has developed a culture in his organisation that encourages staff to take responsibility for their actions.

Full Blog On Think Cloud website

Feb 12, 202351:58
Clarity To Scale - Unpacking The Path to Success 100x ep36

Clarity To Scale - Unpacking The Path to Success 100x ep36

Are you feeling stuck in a rut with your team's goals? The ‘Clarity Tool’ can help you break through and achieve clarity to reach those goals. This simple methodology enables leaders and service providers to communicate and receive messages effectively, ensuring everyone is on the same page. With the Clarity Tool, teams can better achieve their goals by ensuring everyone is aligned with a shared vision. Listen to our latest 100x Leader Podcast with Leon, Dean and Paul to learn more about how breaking projects down and applying a little ‘clarity’ can help your team reach its full potential!

Unlocking Clarity: How the Clarity Tool Can Help Your Team Reach Its Goals What is the clarity tool?

Clarity empowers effective action. And action generates results. How do we know when something is obvious? We might think something needs to be clarified only to find out what we're talking about or have forgotten too quickly.

The Clarity Tool is a practical resource that helps people establish and maintain clarity when leading or serving teams. It gives us an easy checklist to help us filter our plans, products, and ideas to make sure it's sticky enough, powerful enough, and valuable enough to generate meaningful results. The tool also encourages participants to think about how messages will be communicated and received to ensure everyone works towards shared goals and vision.

By using this tool, leaders and service providers can be confident that their intended audience understands what is being communicated and can take action accordingly.

Today the boys have been identifying projects they're working on and asking these questions:

  1. SIMPLE: Is this easy enough to understand? If not, how do I make it more clear?
  2. SUSTAINABLE: Is there a system in place that is sustainable?
  3. SCALABLE: Can everyone get on board with it? Is it scalable?

To any idea, product, or plan, we should ask, "Is it Simple, Scalable, and Sustainable?". Simple techniques or products can be understood easily and communicated clearly to others. They reduce friction and excuses for lack of execution.

Scalable plans and effects allow you to grow smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems. Sustainable strategies and methods ensure you don’t burn out your people or resources but rather continue adding value that generates meaningful results.

Dean uses a great example of a challenging monthly task he once thought only he could do. Still, he applied the clarity model and has been able to delegate his task effectively and sustainably by creating a process, breaking it down and giving his team the tools to carry out the job in his absence.

With complete clarity, your team and service offerings will live up to their full potential and performance. It’s not just about you thinking things are clear, but about making your people think.

Full Blog at www.think-cloud.co.uk

Jan 30, 202326:24
Unlocking the Secrets of Disney's Magic - Dan Cockerell Former Vice President Of The Walt Disney Company

Unlocking the Secrets of Disney's Magic - Dan Cockerell Former Vice President Of The Walt Disney Company

In this Hack episode, Leon, Paul and Dean talk to the former Vice president of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Florida, on how to magically lead a team and offers insights into creating a positive culture that encourages creativity, collaboration and innovation and customer success. Dan talks candidly about his lessons and how to generate creative ideas in a team environment and create a magical customer experience.

During his time as VP at Disney, Dan managed a team of 12,000 cast members and entertained over 20 million guests annually. In this role, he oversaw all operations of the world-renowned resort and maintained Disney's impeccable reputation for providing top-notch customer service. He also worked tirelessly to ensure that the guest experience was consistently excellent, leading to record-breaking guest satisfaction scores across all properties in his tenure.

After fulfilling an exciting 26-year career with the Walt Disney Company, Dan and his wife Valerie decided to set out on a new venture and start their own consulting and speaking business https://dancockerell.cm/. His experience in the industry makes him one of the most sought-after advisors in the business.

Bringing the Magic into Your Business

Parks and Resorts have been Dan Cockerell's lifelong passion. He remains a leading innovator in the field, pushing the industry standards for customer service and creating memorable guest experiences worldwide. He will always be remembered for his commitment to excellence at Disney Parks and Resorts, which helped make it one of the most beloved travel destinations.

To bring the magic to your business, you need to get the basics right, take time, focus and consistency; put yourself in your customer's shoes-see what the experience is like from customer'scustomer's point of view-talks to your employees to bring the right approach to your business.


Full Blog over on www.think-cloud.co.uk

Jan 13, 202350:43
Technology Trends Shaping How We Live, Work & Play In 2023 And Beyond

Technology Trends Shaping How We Live, Work & Play In 2023 And Beyond

2023 is just around the corner, and several new technology trends will shape how we live, work, and play. Some of these trends are already taking hold, while others are still on the horizon.

In this podcast, Leon, Paul and Dean discuss 10 of the most important technology trends we need to keep an eye out for, as they are sure to have a significant impact on the way we do business and life in general over the next few years.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

An explosion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is adding rocket fuel to Process Automation. Today humans account for 58% of all work, with machines managing the remaining 42%.

AI is already making a huge difference in business operations, from customer service to analytics. As AI technology continues to become more advanced over the next few years, it will become an increasingly important tool for businesses of all sizes.

Our phones are packed with Artificial intelligence - the virtual assistant Siri makes your life easier. It helps send texts, make calls and make reminders for important tasks. Other AI applications include delivery robots, facial recognition software, and more.

2. Process Automation

Businesses increasingly turn to automation for mundane or repetitive tasks, such as customer service and bookkeeping. Automation helps companies save time and money by freeing up resources directed towards more productive endeavours. Examples include chatbots, robotic process automation and workflow automation. The trend of automation has been growing for many years, but with the introduction of AI technology over the next few years, automation is sure to become even more widespread. Automation is already being used in many industries, such as manufacturing and retail, helping businesses streamline processes and increase efficiency.

Automating processes can also improve employee satisfaction by freeing employees’ time for more critical work. Not only can automation technology enhance workflow efficiency, but it can also reduce costs associated with manual labour and help ensure accuracy on complex tasks.

3. Zero Trust Security

Cybercrime is rising, and organisations of all sizes must take security seriously. Zero Trust Security is a more effective approach to security, which assumes that all users and networks are potential threats rather than trusted entities. As businesses adapt to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, Zero Trust will become an essential tool for keeping data safe; examples include multi-factor authentication, encryption and access control.

From a security point of view - don't trust anyone or anything!

4. Exceeding Your Customer's Expectations

There is loads of technology that can help improve the customer journey and needs, from data collection and customer surveys to website chatbots. Customer expectations are constantly changing, and businesses must be ready to adapt to stay ahead of the competition. Technology can help make this easier by providing better insights into customer behaviour and preferences and more sophisticated marketing tools.



For the full blog, please go to the Think Clouds website

Dec 16, 202235:37
Multiplying Magic - How to Effectively Identify, Communicate, And Multiply Key Skills To Your Team.

Multiplying Magic - How to Effectively Identify, Communicate, And Multiply Key Skills To Your Team.

In this episode of the 100x Leader podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss identifying and multiplying what you do well for your team. They explore strategies for identifying key skill sets and multiplying them effectively so everyone on the team can benefit. They also discuss the importance of recognizing any underlying assumptions we may have as leaders that might not be benefiting the team.

As a leader, you know that your experience and expertise can be invaluable in helping those on your team succeed. You may have built up many skills and perspectives over the years, but it's not always easy to pass them on to others. As a Sherpa, you are the one going ahead of your people and preparing the way – In this episode, the boys explore how you can leverage your experience to develop your team and ensure they have the skills and knowledge to do their job well.

What is your "Super Power"?

The skills, perspectives and techniques you have gained over the years are what have helped you to succeed. These "Super Powers" are invaluable and can be used to support your team to reach their full potential. But before you can make the magic happen, you need to effectively identify, Communicate, And then Multiply those Key Skills!

We all have skills, habits and behaviours we are competent at but unaware of. You do it without thinking. Unconsciously competent learners have learned to carry out a task without consciously thinking about it. They can do the job quickly and accurately, but if asked to explain the steps they take to complete the task, they cannot articulate them. An excellent example of this is driving a car. After going for a while, you no longer have to think about the steps required to complete the task. You can do it without thinking.

Nov 25, 202231:15
Problem Solving, and Creating Value - Azam Jaafri, Entrepreneur

Problem Solving, and Creating Value - Azam Jaafri, Entrepreneur

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND CREATING VALUE

Our hosts, Leon and Dean, are joined by Azam Jaafri,  a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of skin in the game across multiple sectors, food manufacturing, retail, health and wellness, e-commerce, real estate, leisure, and Web3, to name but a few!

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. It takes a special kind of person to be able to take an idea and turn it into a successful business. Azam is one of those people and a confessed problem solver who is always looking for ways to improve people's lives.

His genuine interest in people's needs and wants has led him to build thriving businesses. In this show, he shares his tips and tricks for success as an entrepreneur. These tips are sure to inspire anyone looking to start their own business. If you're feeling stuck or need motivation, read on to learn more about Azam's story. You might find inspiration to take your business to the next level.

Problem-Solving and Creating Value

Azam now lives in Dubai but was born and raised in Yorkshire. He started his journey as an entrepreneur in the property business, buying and renovating houses, then started larger-scale brownfield developments. Through that process, he discovered that building products were wordy, and people started buying things on the internet. He decided to try and sell stone products online. He felt It just made a lot of sense. It could be easier to shop for on the internet and make it more affordable; "everyone laughed at me and said, who would buy anything on the internet? And I said, well, I'm assuming they will. And so that was my first e-commerce business back in 2004."

Since then, Azam has built various other businesses across dental, mental health, and web 3 with different purposes and goals.  One of his most recent ventures is within the health and fitness space called Graftism. The first of many is a London-based gym that helps people achieve fitness goals, social aspirations, and personal needs.

Azam has yet again used his knowledge acquired over the years to understand what his consumers want and need to create added value for them.


Oct 19, 202201:41:18
Evolve by Defining and Accomplishing Your Goals - Dan Scott IT Nation Community Director

Evolve by Defining and Accomplishing Your Goals - Dan Scott IT Nation Community Director

In our latest podcast, our hosts Leon and Paul are joined by Dan Scott, Director of IT Nation Community - EMEA at ConnectWise. Dan has over 15 years of experience in the UK technology community and knows a thing or two about leadership.

A recent study shows that people who report to positive leaders are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to leave their companies. But what does it mean to be an effective leader and accomplish your goals?

What’s discussed?

A Fish Stinks from the Head Down

We all know the saying, "A fish stinks from the head down." meaning that when something is wrong with an organisation, it's typically because of poor leadership. But what does it takes to be a great leader?

Dan believes that “people who don't feel as though they've got a vision, mission, strategy, appreciation, recognition, encouragement and someone who believes in them and challenges them, and it makes them far more of a  flight risk.”

He says, “We must focus on the people, then we focus on the services we build, then we focus on the clients, and the pounds will take care of themselves.”

Positive leaders believe in their team's ability to do great things. They know that every team member has the potential to contribute in a meaningful way, and they work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be nurtured to grow, be supported and appreciated.


Go to Think Cloud for the full blog.

Sep 12, 202201:04:07
Don’t Be The Smartest Person In The Room - Setting Clear Expectations

Don’t Be The Smartest Person In The Room - Setting Clear Expectations

As a leader, setting clear expectations is crucial to your success. If you set unrealistic expectations, you will quickly lose the trust and respect of your team. On the other hand, if you set clear, realistic expectations, you will empower and motivate your team to reach new heights.

In this podcast, Leon, Dean and Paul are back discussing the importance of setting effective expectations and how to do it effectively to motivate and inspire people to create a 100X culture. They also look at the different types of expectations and how they impact team performance.

So, how can you set clear expectations that will empower your team?

First, you need to understand the different types of expectations. There are four main types of expectation setting:

- Outcome Expectations: These are what we expect people to achieve, and they should be specific, measurable, and time-bound.

- Process Expectations: These are the expectations we set for how people do their work, and they should be clear, attainable, and aligned with our values.

- Behavioural Expectations: These are the expectations we set for how people behave, and they should be positive, respectful, and consistent with our culture.

- Attitude Expectations: These are the expectations we set for how people think and feel about their work. They should be realistic, positive, and aligned with our mission and values.

Learning to set Effective Expectations: The Expectation Scale

The expectations we set for people can either empower or inhibit them. Learning to set effective expectations is a crucial leadership skill, and it will empower your team to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

When setting expectations, Learning to set clear, realistic, and effective expectations is crucial to motivating and bringing out the best in everyone.

Remember the different expectations you can set: outcome, process, behavioural and attitude. If we do not, we will limit our people, burn them out, or create confusion that inhibits our culture and performance.

Understand the learning path:

  1. Unconsciously Incompetent
  2. Consciously Incompetent
  • I Do You Watch
  • You Do I Help
  • You Do I Watch

Read full Blog at Think Cloud

Sep 08, 202237:28
How to Use Emotional Mind Management to Get the Better Out of Yourself - Glenn Mead

How to Use Emotional Mind Management to Get the Better Out of Yourself - Glenn Mead

Do you sometimes feel like you're not in control of your emotions? If so, you're not alone. Emotional mind management is a term used to describe the process of understanding and managing emotions.

In this week's episode of The Hack, Our hosts Leon and Paul, along with guest host Sam Cawley are joined by Glenn Mead -  a coaching psychologist who specialises in the neuroscience of decision making. Glenn explains how emotional mind management can help us get the better out of ourselves and other people and talks about the importance of accepting our emotions.

EMOTIONAL MIND MANAGEMENT

Glenn Mead is currently a Coaching Psychologist and Director of Face Value Performance Psychology Limited. He specialises in individual and organisational performance at all levels, using techniques and approaches grounded in neuroscience and occupational psychology.

With services ranging from individual executive coaching, and small group facilitation to masterclass workshops and keynote talks, he aims to help clients to improve effectiveness and efficiency through team engagement and retention, reduced stress, and increased resilience, communication and leadership.

Glenn has previously worked with Steve Peter's company Chimp Management Limited as the Director of Corporate Programmes. His role was to help improve performance and change organisational settings for big companies, Supermarkets,  NHS etc., by explaining how to use emotional mind management to get the better out of yourself and other people.

Building on the “Chimp paradox” developed by Prof Steve Peters in “The Mind Management”, Glenn compares the independent emotions of our “inner chimp” generated within the limbic system of the brain that leads to an initial uncontrolled emotion or reaction with the executive, logical and learned responses that come from the frontal cortex. It is essential to recognise, know and “reflect” on your “natural” CHIMP, what triggers it, know your reaction and be prepared to articulate and control it.

He knows how to communicate with employees and, during the podcast, explains that "it's normal to have emotions. If you can understand where they're gonna come from and what the triggers are, then you can work out your options. When you're in a calm mind, you'll be better off when the moment does happen. And it's important to accept it and accept that's the way we are; we are human beings-We do get emotional."

To get the better out of ourselves, we need to understand and manage our emotions; this is where emotional mind management comes in. Emotional mind management is a process that helps us to understand our emotions and how they affect us so that we can control them instead of them controlling us.


Full Blog - Think Cloud

Aug 18, 202201:20:26
100X INVESTING TIME

100X INVESTING TIME

Investing Formal vs Informal Time with Your Team: What Matters Most?

As part of The Hack's 100x Leader Challenge, our hosts Leon McQuade, Paul Longley, and Dean Buffield are back to discuss the latest developments in technology and business processes. Today, they're talking about how to be a better leader by consciously investing both informal and formal time into your people.

What’s discussed?

As a leader, investing your time in the right ways is important. Some time is more valuable than others, and it's essential to understand the difference between formal and informal investing. Formal investing happens in a structured setting, while informal investing happens spontaneously. Your team needs both kinds of investing to be productive and grow.

This mini-podcast will explore the importance of investing formal and informal time with your team.

How we spend our time matters to those we lead

But not all time is the same. To improve as a leader, you must consciously invest informal and formal time in your team. The skills and relational dynamics that each sort of investment fosters are essential.

It’s a bit like walking a tight- rope, but both have benefits to productivity and growth; On one side, we've got:

- formal and structured time.

On the other

- informal and spontaneous time

This balancing act is not an exact science but an art form. Leaders must intentionally provide a balance of both to their people, helping them get to 100% and multiply that with others.


Read the Full Blog over at Think Cloud!

Aug 10, 202231:08
Accepting the Challenge of Change - Dr Chris Westoby

Accepting the Challenge of Change - Dr Chris Westoby

Do you ever feel like the world is just too much? That you can't keep up with the demands of everyday life? If so, you're not alone. In today's podcast, Leon, Paul and Jo chat with Dr Christopher Westoby, Programme Director of MA Creative Writing at the University of Hull. They discuss the value of mindfulness and other creative pathways to becoming more focused and content and accepting the challenge of change to cope with our hectic world.

In this episode, Chris tells us that his first book, The Fear Talking: The True Story of a Young Man and Anxiety (2020), is a true story of how his mental condition collided with his early adulthood. He now applies the same research techniques found in Creative Writing to other subjects, including gender inequality in higher education institutions and social media’s effect in the aftermath of a suicide. Chris believes that educating others about his experiences is critical and assisting others in the process helps him just as much.

What's Discussed? Mindfulness

The team discuss how mindfulness is being aware of the present moment and not getting caught up in thoughts about the past or the future. It can help us focus on our actions and be more present in our lives.

Chris explains how he tries to bring mindfulness into his everyday life by paying attention to the simple things he does, like walking or hugging someone. The point is to focus on the sensations you're experiencing in the present moment rather than letting your mind wander off.

The books that most greatly influenced his life includes “wherever you go, there you are.” and “Full catastrophe living”, both by Jon Kabat-Zinn's which are based on his renowned mindfulness-based stress reduction program.

Chris explains how his "mind is too trapped in catastrophising and thinking of different scenarios that he is afraid of. Mindfulness is a way to try and pay more attention to the surroundings and hence kind of like snap out of whatever it is I'm thinking about, even if it's just for a second."

These two particular books are about learning mindfulness and meditation practices but being aware of the lives that we live in and what and how that might take shape.

Practice is key to meditation and it's important to be consistent with mindfulness. It takes time to make a change in your life. You have to keep at it; eventually, it becomes second nature.

Read full blog - Think Cloud

Jul 27, 202201:04:37
100x - The Responsive Leader

100x - The Responsive Leader

In this week's podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss how the responsive leader understands the importance of people within the organisation and works to ensure their success. They delve into how this type of leader recognises that each person has unique needs and strengths and how to work to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Responsive leaders can create a positive culture within the organisation, they know how to build relationships and trust, and they work to create an environment where everyone can feel valued. This type of leader understands the importance of communication and collaboration, and they use these skills to bring people together to achieve success.

Imposter Syndrome

The guys talk about how Imposter syndrome may affect you as a leader, especially if you are a first-time leader. Imposter syndrome plagues many people in leadership positions, and it's the feeling that you're not really supposed to be there and that sooner or later, someone will figure it out.

They talk about how important it is to be confident in your abilities and trust yourself, even if you feel like a fraud. Leadership is hard. But being a responsive leader can help you overcome some of the role's challenges.

Sometimes insecurities can come across as ignorance or a general lack of confidence. It can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, where you believe you're not good enough and so you don't try or give up too quickly.

You may even become a Resistant leader, someone who doesn't know their worth. Resistant leaders do not recognise that they have influence and do not understand what it truly means to be a leader. Resistant leadership of self and team will create pride, arrogance, and insecurity, all of which undermine productivity, effective growth, and communication.


To read The full Blog visit Think Cloud

Jul 13, 202225:24
Building Resilience To Navigate Change - John Hotowka

Building Resilience To Navigate Change - John Hotowka

We're back and have the wonderful John Hotowka joining Leon, Paul and Dean in the studio. John is a motivational speaker who enables individuals and teams to build resilience and manage change to become even more productive and effective. How? He talks about life experiences, shares proven practical insights and tools that can be applied immediately bringing comedy and magic into his talks so people can learn through relatable fun!

What's Discussed?

Audiences love John’s unique ability to make them laugh while delivering powerful messages that resonate long after his talks are over. He doesn’t just motivate people – he equips them with the mindset, skillset and toolset they need to navigate change. John’s talks are based on his life experiences and proven practical insights from the University of life!

John talks about how change can be challenging, but we all must go through it. He shares some tips on how to deal with change, how to stay positive when things get tough, and the importance of having a support network.

The guys talk about focus; if we have a challenge or a problem we're often focusing on, we need to change that thinking to focus on the solution. We all have challenges in life. John describes how the majority of his challenges have been self-made because of how he thought. We often know this, we know what we need to do, but do we put it into action? "One of the greatest talents we have as human beings is forgetting."

The one book that started everything for John was Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz; it was the very first, first help book he read. And it was brilliant because it talks about visualisation and the power of the mind. And that's when he realised that for us humans, "it's what goes on between our ears", which makes the difference.

The Power of the Mastermind

After a crisis in confidence, John explains how he realised he needed a team of people around him, a support group of some sort. He read the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which talks about the power of the mastermind and subsequently formed a group that meets every six to eight weeks.  Members each bring issues, challenges, and opportunities that they might have and need to discuss and put into perspective.

It is easy to focus on the negative when things are not going our way, and the brain is looking for threats and trying to protect us. But if we take the time to focus on what is going right in our lives, we will be much happier and more productive overall.

Surrounding yourself with a group of people who will challenge you in a supportive way often gives you the reality check you need.


Check Out The Full Blog at Think Cloud

Jun 30, 202240:29
100x How to Develop Others Effectively

100x How to Develop Others Effectively

Is it easier to just do it yourself?

On this week's straight-talking smart tech podcast, The Hack hosts Leon, Paul, and Dean talk about 100x Leader Developing others. They examine the subject of developing others within teams and how to overcome the challenges and manage the process effectively when delegating to different kinds of people.

"It takes hard work to develop others, but it doesn't have to be difficult."

What's discussed?

The first step in becoming an effective leader is developing a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Once you have a good sense of your capabilities, you can begin to identify the areas in which you need to develop others. One of the most important aspects of effective leadership is the ability to help others reach their potential.

Dean quotes, "Sometimes you don't necessarily feel like you are leading and developing others effectively. It’s not just skills; we focus on developing people based on skills and past experiences."

The five levels of leadership!

A book which has inspired Leon recently by John C Maxwell-The 5 Levels of Leadership, has a great quote where John says: “nobody achieves anything great by giving the minimum, no teams win championships without making sacrifices and giving the best.”

We often have to give more than the minimum to develop others effectively. We have to be willing to sacrifice our time, energy, and resources to help others reach their potential. Doing so can create a legacy of greatness that will outlast our lives.

Maxwell's book shows you how to go from being a boss to becoming a genuine leader, get people to follow you without relying on your position, and create a legacy that will endure the test of time.


To read The full Blog visit Think Cloud

Jun 23, 202240:29
 Silence is Golden and Powerful-Embrace the Quiet and the Now?? - With Faz Balouchi

Silence is Golden and Powerful-Embrace the Quiet and the Now?? - With Faz Balouchi

This week, we are joined on The Hack by Faz, a great friend of Leon who has just emigrated to Canada.

But before he left, we got him to do a quick Podcast with us...

Join Leon and Paul with guest Faz (Faisal) Balouchi talking about how their love for rugby created a friendship and bond that will last a lifetime.

What is Discussed?

Paul was Leon and Faz’s rugby coach when they were both youngsters, and over the years, the pair grew to become more than teammates but also good friends. Faz was among the first people who helped Leon get Andy Mans Club off the ground after an inspirational discussion in the pub!

Faz admits he struggled with mental health in the past. He had a high flying job and had some fantastic experiences. But when he returned from the Middle East, it broke him. He had confided in his close friend Leon, which hurt his ego.

He still bears the scars from that experience, but he is a much stronger person now. Faz has shown that it is possible to come out the other side and rebuild your life.

Silence is Golden when it comes to Listening.

Faz found talking things through in a safe environment hugely beneficial and is now trying to master the art of being a good listener. Listening is an important skill and isn’t always easy when trying to help solve a problem; you need to be more conscious and in the moment. Silence is golden and powerful…

If you want to be a great listener, you must learn to be silent. This way, you can hear what is being said!

It can be challenging to keep quiet, especially if you’re eager to offer your opinion or share your own experiences. Taking the time to listen to someone indeed shows that you respect them and value what they say.


Read the full Blog at Think Cloud

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Jun 07, 202201:05:02
How To Stay At The Top Of Your Game? With Noel Parkinson

How To Stay At The Top Of Your Game? With Noel Parkinson

In this week's Podcast, Leon and Paul host the show with guest Noel David Parkinson, ex-footballer, businessman and mentor.

Noel can tell you one thing for sure: it's not easy to make it as a professional football player. Noel was born in Hull in 1959 and is a former English footballer who played in the Football League as a midfielder, beginning his career at Ipswich Town, but he had to retire from football earlier than he would have liked due to injury. However, he didn't let this stop him from achieving future success.

After retiring from the game, he became a radio sports reporter in Humberside and a photocopier salesperson. Following this, he was employed in car sales and became a director of e-commerce. He was made redundant from his job in 2004, but he used his redundancy money to start wewillbuyyourcar.com, a nationwide vehicle-purchasing website, which now ???? turns over more than £20 million per year.

So how did Noel go from a football player to a successful businessman? We sat down with him to find out as Noel shared his insights on staying "on top of your game" and "earning your right to play!"

These days he supports other entrepreneurs with their business growth through mentoring and assisting with research and development. He sees himself as a project gamekeeper specialising in business operations and sales. Noel attributes much of his success to his positive attitude, determination and "hates to lose." You've got to want it more than anyone else; You've to be prepared to put the hours in and make the sacrifices. For him, football is like life. "Everything that goes on in football happens in day-to-day life."

Earn your right to play

During the podcast, Noel talks about the two inspiring quotes his football coach Sir Bobby Robson used to say, "don't forget; earn your right to play, which Noel explains; "you need to get on top of it, doing everything right yourself and on top of your opponent so that you can then go on to express yourself."

"So if you think about that in any terms, that's where you want to be. You want to be on top of your own game, doing the things that you do well and right and getting on top of what might be your competition. That way, you'll reap the rewards," Noel feels he has done all along.

The top two inches are everything

His second favourite quote from Robson is that "the top two inches are everything", which refers to the top two inches of your head. Noel explains this means "you're tactically astute. You're mentally attuned. Your competitive spirit is there, and you want to win, and then you piece it clinically all together while you're playing, then you are flying!"

The top 2 inches are the difference between success and failure-referring to mental strength and are vital to success, particularly in sports, as it often separates the good from the very best.

Noel talks about the lessons he has learnt from failures, how he went through a divorce, learned to take stock and understands he had a part to play in that and that the losses can teach you a lot about yourself; he recognised he was working too much with too longer hours which added to the breakdown.

"You learn as you get older, you are going to lose at times, things are not going to go right, you are going to get beat."

Head over to Think Cloud for the Full Blog

May 26, 202254:05
The Truth About Limiting Beliefs - A Pathway Through The Jungle.

The Truth About Limiting Beliefs - A Pathway Through The Jungle.

We all have limiting beliefs of some sort. They can be about our abilities, worth, or what's possible for us. And these beliefs can keep us from achieving our goals and living the life we want to live.

It doesn't have to be that way. We can overcome our limiting beliefs by identifying them, understanding their origins, and creating new, more empowering beliefs. So, what exactly are limiting beliefs? They are simply ideas or thoughts that we have about ourselves that hold us back somehow. Maybe you believe you're not good enough or don't deserve success. Perhaps you think you can't achieve your dreams or that it's impossible for you to be happy and fulfilled.

These are all examples of limiting beliefs, which can significantly impact our lives if we let them. Limiting beliefs can keep us from going after our dreams, trying new things, or taking risks. They can make us feel stuck and like we're not in control of our lives.

But here's the good news: we can change our limiting beliefs. Just because we have them doesn't mean we're stuck with them forever. We can choose to believe something different. We can create new, empowering beliefs that will help us achieve our goals and live the life we want to live.

I'm a huge fan of Bob Proctor and his definition of a limiting belief or paradigm. He better describes the software we have unknowingly installed in our heads that keeps us from achieving our full potential.

Bob explains a belief is only a thought that we keep thinking about, and a paradigm is a set of those beliefs. When we change the paradigms in our heads, we change our lives. It's not easy to do, but it's worth it. I challenge you to look at your own life and see where you might be holding yourself back with some self-limiting beliefs. Then, change those beliefs and watch your life change for the better. You'll be glad you did!

What Is A Paradigm?

When we think about a paradigm, it's like installing software in our subconscious. A mental program with almost exclusive control over what you do habitual behaviour-wise!

Stop and think about it. Virtually everything we do is habitual. Even things that you might not consider habitual, like getting out of bed to head off to work on time to go to sleep at night, are routines that you follow daily. And the way you eat, exercise, work, and relax are all habits you've developed over time. Even the time you wake up and go to sleep is usually based on habits you've formed.

So when you think about it, virtually all of your behaviour is habitual. And while some habits might be more challenging to break than others, the fact is that all habits can be changed if you're willing to put in the effort.

Now, let’s look at other aspects of your life that your paradigm has enormous influence over.

Your paradigm controls many aspects of your life, like how you feel about yourself and others. It also controls your…

  • Use of time
  • Perception
  • Creativity
  • Productivity
  • Ability to earn money
  • Effectiveness
  • Logic

The box that is your mind can be tough to break out of, but there are no limits once you do.

Read More of the blog on our webpage: Think Cloud

May 12, 202234:44
100x We Had A Fight - Storming Forming Norming and Performing With The Secret We Learned From The Red Arrows !

100x We Had A Fight - Storming Forming Norming and Performing With The Secret We Learned From The Red Arrows !

100X Leader We Had A Fight - Storming Forming Norming and Performing  With The Secret We Learned From The Red Arrows!

Welcome to the hack podcast! In this episode, Dean, Leon and Paul are sharing how they dealt with conflict in our team using 4 simple lists. Plus, we share the secrets we learned after spending the day with the red arrows.


Team leaders can learn a lot from the Red Arrows about how to deliver feedback. The Red Arrows have a very clear process for dealing with communication and feedback as there believe there is never such thing as a perfect flight!


When it comes to conflict, the Red Arrows handle it in a very constructive way. They understand that conflict is a normal and necessary part of a healthy team's development.The Red Arrows have a very clear process for dealing with communication and feedback as there believe there is never such thing as a perfect flight! This process can be applied to any team in order to help them resolve conflicts and improve communication.


If you're having conflict with your team, try to see it as an opportunity to grow and learn together. And if you're a team leader, don't be afraid to step in and help guide (share this podcast with your team) through the 4 natural phases we share in this video. Remember, this is a normal and necessary part of a healthy team's development!👊❤️🌍🚀

Apr 21, 202232:29
New Ways To Lead Business And Marketing - with Laura Greenwood

New Ways To Lead Business And Marketing - with Laura Greenwood

The Hack podcast is back once more, and this time hosts Leon, Paul and Jo talk to their special guest, Laura Greenwood. This particular show aims to discuss new ways to lead business and marketing. There is an emphasis on the timid amongst us and how people with this trait can still thrive within these settings. The podcast draws on some of Laura’s own real-life experiences within this environment.

The team look at how literature can influence business practices, and Laura discusses three books that she feels greatly informs those practices. She mentions the influence that Pam Featherston has had regarding personal coaching. Another notable shoutout was Carol Dweck’s work on the mindset used much more generally to prepare oneself for everyday life.

One highlight of the podcast is the quartet’s discussion on the power of intention and what this can do, especially for parents. It stresses the importance of setting yourself clear intentions because if not, what are you ever going to look for or work towards. The example used in the podcast is to look for a green car or a cow on the way to work. It sounds simple here, but these skills can be developed and transferred to a marketing background.

Throughout the podcast, Laura looks back on her career. She highlights the importance of looking back and being able to say that she went for various opportunities and challenged herself. Laura talks about how intention can be applied to this. She intends to look out for opportunities and continue to attempt them throughout her career. It’s more admirable than drifting along without a specific purpose.

The podcast also looks at the importance of building a team and how to achieve this effect. An honourable mention from Greenwood is Chet Holmes’s 12 key strategies to create a sales orientated team. One tactic applied in workshops is to get a team to note down a practical list of what a tenant doesn’t know about a business. This list is put into a folder, and each week, the sales team examines this list and decides how they can hone in on making these features and turn them into a strength.

Tune in to learn more about how to improve market practices today!

Laura and her company, Your Lead Generation, work in your sales funnel and support you to get your world to generate leads at the level your business needs, either on a one-off project or retained monthly work. Your Lead Generation offers comprehensive and transparent telemarketing and outreach package. Some clients need the telemarketing work as part of a very smooth, systemised and automated journey which they have already worked out. Other companies reach out for telemarketing and fuller support to get their world in order and create the prospect journey and lead generation system – every scenario is different.

Laura would love people to follow her on LinkedIn as she uses the platform everyday https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragreenwoodleadgeneration/

Sign up to my email tribe https://bit.ly/2OyC5Ye

Website - https://yourleadgeneration.co.uk/

Sponsored by: Talk suicide

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Apr 13, 202201:00:41
 From Crowns to Robins! How stepping into a moment changed the clubs future!

From Crowns to Robins! How stepping into a moment changed the clubs future!

On this week's straight-talking smart tech Brand new podcast, The Hack hosts Leon, Paul and Jo are joined by Craig Frankin, Head of Marketing at Hull KR.

Being More Inclusive

This week's The Hack episode, hosted by Leon, Paul and Jo, features Hull KR Head of Marketing Craig Franklin, discussing his role at the professional rugby league club which competes in the Super League.

In this episode, Craig explains how fans across all sports are changing how they consume content in the digital age and that competition for fans’ attention and interest has never been greater.

Craig was involved in a two-year process to redesign the club crest evolving it to a format that would maximise their exposure on digital platforms broadcast media and provide better commercial opportunities to secure the sport’s future whilst ensuring it

kept the club’s strong identity and respected its history, inspiring a new generation of supporters to carry their rich tradition forward.

Be Bold to Drive Change

Craig identified that change was needed, and a world-class identity was the reason underpinning the period of transformation the club needed to go through to rebrand and find a fresh new look.

During the initial research phase, fans were keen to ensure this was a natural evolution rather than an overhaul. They recognised the club needed to evolve to move forward in the digital world. After numerous variations involving the input from supporters aged 4 to 75 get engaged alongside key partners, former players, and club historians, the final design received overwhelming approval from the sounding fan board.

Everyone at the club is now focused on moving forward and building for the next 140 years of club history. The new badge merges the original concepts or the crown and the robin with a simple modern appeal, and changing for the digital future has enabled the club to tell their story in an 8mm x 8mm digital space!

We need to Rebrand Mental Health.

Similarly, the team discuss how we need to rebrand mental health.

‘Mental’ does not have the right connotation for health for a start. Clinical and medical environments can be daunting and feel unnatural. Often the best support can come from those around us, people we know and trust who we can open up and be honest around in day to day life.

Buddie schemes and learning to talk naturally by being around people we can trust to listen without offering to fix things. This is especially important for younger people. Therefore, changing the culture early on is essential, so it becomes a natural part of what we do!

Likewise, in the rugby word-despite being Rugby rivals. Hull FC and Rovers have a lot they can learn from and give each other, their community and their city. The clubs will always benefit by being there to help each other out.

You have to put the work in before getting the results.

Planning and preparation are essential for success. If you want to succeed, you have to work hard. Like the athletes, you dedicate time to practice. Both during training sessions and on your own, prepare yourself for the task ahead.

The day you wake up and dread going into work is the day you should quit! If you’re not happy, either fix it or solve it. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re not enjoying it anymore, take a step back and determine why.

Sometimes you need to work through conflicts, plan, be ready, commit and don’t look back! It can be challenging to walk away, but we have one chance at life and need to be happy.

Change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing; It can be the thing that propels you to new heights.

Remember, good things take time, take more fulfilment from your experience and embrace change!

Mar 17, 202201:02:49
Looking into the future of business!

Looking into the future of business!

This week's The Hack episode, hosted by Leon, Paul and Jo, features the brilliant guest Andrew Grill to discuss his career as an actionable futurist, what that entails and how technology is transforming the world around us.

Looking into the future professionally.

In this fascinating episode, Andrew Grill discusses his career as a futurist and what it takes to look into the future and predict what might happen. He takes the team back to when he started in Adelaide, Australia, writing an essay for his degree on the future and a brave new world and how this led him towards actionable futurism. He describes how he has to stay months, rather than decades, ahead of his clients and how near term futurism can be more practical and useful than flying cars.

Transformative technology.

The team discuss recent innovations in the technology sector, like Facebook's new Metaverse, NFTs and office communication tools like slack. They also talk about the challenges that come with a rapidly expanding tech sector, the new skills we have to learn and how hard it can be trying to keep up. They also talk about the huge way technology can improve lives and make things easier, with online video calls instead of flights across the world, but also the joy of finally getting back on stage. As always, the recent pandemic has shifted communication online more than ever before and it has also brought a range of challenges for people as they rethink their careers.

A collaborative workspace.

Talking about the power of collaboration, the way technology enables this and how to work out loud, they look at how businesses can communicate better. They also think about the leaders of the future, whose first phone was an iPhone and how they might use technology to open communication throughout organisations. They talk about having the right IT support in place to handle the recent surge in online communication, from cyber security measures to cloud platforms.

Learning from experience.

Whether working with major companies like IBM, Telstra and Optus to helping young startups, Andrew Grill shares his unique experiences and insights and how we can all try and embrace the future together.

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Feb 24, 202201:03:46
Making resolutions or finding solutions?

Making resolutions or finding solutions?

Join your regular hosts, Leon and Paul, talking to life coaches Gemma Gibson and James Ash in a brand new The Hack podcast-the straight-talking smart tech podcast, where we discuss the ever-changing world we live in. It's time to start thinking differently as Hull and East Yorkshire’s very own digital tech experts talk transformation and change, focusing on people, process and technology.

For their first podcast of the year, they were catching up on where they left off from their 90-day challenge that turned into 183 days and still going, where they see 2022 professionally and personally.

They talk about what they will be taking into 2022, from what they learned in 2021—learning from mistakes and deciding whether it is best to make a new year's resolution or just to find better solutions?

Gemma says, 'A breakdown happens before a breakthrough.'  So this year, she will help the men smash through that wall of inconsistency. What happens is people go hard and give themself challenges but then burn themselves out, so never continue. It's about doing one thing or small things consistently, rather than lots of big things inconsistently.

Trying to find solutions rather than setting resolutions is essential 

It's good to have something in life that you want to achieve; 90 days is an excellent way of ticking things off your list and making progress. It challenges people with weight loss, fitness, bad habits or even just with business goals and aspirations.

It is long enough for people to see results, but it's not too far away, so they are still driven and are good for people to start with if they don't have many ideas or just starting out. While 90 days isn't too long, it is about giving yourself a starting point, and then what happens is when you've reached 90 days, you'll be thinking, "I'm nearly there," and that will push you on!

This year, Leon and Pauls aim to keep consistent, living by the 80/20 rule. 20% fitness and 80% in the kitchen. They explain how 80 per cent of your happiness comes from 20 per cent of your activities and that 80 per cent of your results come from 20 per cent of things you do.

The 80-20 rule principle is to identify an entity's best assets and use them efficiently to create maximum value. (Pareto principle - Wikipedia by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto)

Eating well is the highest on their list as they feel they have a good balance of fitness. It's about working out what you are most likely to succeed at and what's most important, sometimes this can be something as simple as making more time for yourself!

Leon and Paul have even upped their game by joining a fancy new gym (Nuffield Health). They realise that there is value in paying a little more for something that will be more worthwhile and will pay off by helping them achieve their goals while improving their physical and mental health too!

Feb 10, 202255:02
Christmas Special - What will next year hold for you?

Christmas Special - What will next year hold for you?

Goal setting for 2022

This week, in a Christmas special, hosts Leon, Paul and Dean discuss goal setting for the next year and how to shift your mindset to be able to achieve the goals you set yourself.

Christmas is a time of year for reflecting, so they talk about what they have achieved this year and where they want to take that next year. From mental health, fitness, and growing your technology business, you will be able to use this advice to further yourself going into the new year.

What’s discussed?

Goal Setting Mindset

The hosts talk about the tendency to reflect, without stopping to look at how far we have come. An important part of goal setting is being able to recognise your achievements, and to get rid of the negative voice inside your head that will hold you back, instead of thinking “I can’t do this”, saying “I will do this”.

Goal setting technique

In order to set goals effectively, they speak about a three-column process. The first is a list of things you want to experience, from being a better leader in business to spending more time with your family. The second lists what you need to achieve to have the experiences you want in column one. This could be training in marketing or cyber security, creating a healthier routine for yourself or delegating from a leadership position. The third is to list what you want to give back after having achieved everything in column two and experiencing everything in column one. This could be giving back to people in your community, family or a charity.

How to set achievable goals

The hosts stress the importance of being specific when setting yourself a goal. They discuss ten questions you can use to make sure your goal is quantifiable and will help you grow. They talk about how this year has been the hardest but also the most rewarding, and how to push out of your comfort zone.

👊❤🌍🚀

#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Dec 23, 202133:08
100x Maximising Influence- Relationship Before Opportunity

100x Maximising Influence- Relationship Before Opportunity

In this episode of The Hack Podcast on IT from Hull, Leon, Paul and Dean take a look at how to maximise influence, by looking at the subject of relationship before opportunity. They consider the importance of taking time to build relationships both at work and at home as well as who has had the most influence on them in their lives and how to be vulnerable to grow connections.

Prioritising relationships
In this honest podcast, the team discusses how important it is to build up trust and relationships slowly over time. They consider different ways that people can become a leader through building relationships, from IT support to encouragement to lowering walls and letting people in. They talk about how important it is to have a collaborative culture and how remote working has changed the way we maintain relationships with our colleagues.

Appreciating influencers
By diving deeper into what influence is and how relationships impact us, the podcast looks at how we can learn from those who have influenced us. In this personal episode, they discuss who influenced them the most and what they have learned from them, from wise lessons from Dad to football management techniques. They also think about appreciating the influential people in their lives and making sure they know what impact they have had.


Leadership qualities
When it comes to leadership, relationships are so crucial, as are the personality traits that can help with building these. They consider how important it is to be a people person as a leader and how to work on understanding other people. They talk about the importance of being competent and credible in order to be trusted by those you are trying to influence. By prioritising relationships, it can become easier to have people follow you as they have that connection already.

#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

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Dec 16, 202127:56
100x Over Coming Self-Preservation

100x Over Coming Self-Preservation

Welcome back to another episode of The Hack. This week, the guys reflect on the recent training they have received on self-preservation and explore tips on overcoming self-preservation.

Nothing is off-limits in this week's podcast as the hosts discuss the topic of self-preservation in terms of grief (reflecting on the loss of their fathers), conflict in the workplace and redundancy. One of our hosts explains his own experience with being made redundant and how this impacted his personal self-preservation.

The podcast kicks off with a fact that may surprise some listeners: humans are born with only two fears, the fear of loud noises and falling. Everything else is a learned behaviour. This information can put other fears, such as the fear of failure, into a unique perspective and explains why many people default to self-preserving tendencies.

The hosts discuss overcoming self-preservation, which calls out your own behaviour and holds you accountable. To be effective, the questions must be answered with total honesty.

In addition to reflecting on overcoming self-preservation, The Hack podcast hosts offer advice based on their own experiences working in IT support, suggesting one of the most effective ways to overcome self-preservation is to stay in your own lane, learn from your own mistakes, and focus on yourself rather than making frequent comparisons to others.

Listen to the full podcast here for more detail or get in touch with The Hack team for more information on cyber security and IT Hull.

👊❤🌍🚀

#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Dec 09, 202131:40
Fill a void with positivity!

Fill a void with positivity!

This week's podcast was recorded after hosts Leon and Paul attended Ant Middleton's tour, 'Mind of over muscle'.

Ant Middleton rose to fame in 2015 when his show 'SAS: Who dares wins' first aired on Channel 4. He continued to be the primary host and instructor of the show until 2021, when he was terminated from the position due to his controversial behaviour on social media and reports of misconduct towards members of the crew on set. Middleton has landed on his feet despite this controversy and has found success by touring motivational speeches based on his books.

Leon and Paul discuss on the podcast how they were both struck with Middleton's ideas on mindsets and how many of us operate in a negative mindset, whether in our personal or professional lives, without realising it. Instead of being indulged, negative voids must be filled with positivity. Both Leon and Paul share personal experiences with loss and explore this subject about negative mindsets.

The hosts note that the talk's timing was particularly poignant as Middleton presented an analogy about World War 2, exploring how the British public was forced to adapt, adjust and build due to the war; this is particularly relevant due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although pandemic restrictions may be out of our control, both men agree we've got to get on with it, and we've got to make the best out of it.

In addition to sharing what Paul and Leon believe to be the best advice given by Middleton, such as 'change starts with you' and 'there's no growth in comfort, they share their own experiences such as the fear of committing to change and the fear of failure.

Listen now to learn more about overcoming the fear of failure and the importance of having a positive mindset when running or starting a business in a pandemic. Alternatively, for more information on cyber security and IT support, contact Think Cloud Inc for IT Hull based.

#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Dec 02, 202122:60
One giant leap into digital technology- with Phylip Morgan!

One giant leap into digital technology- with Phylip Morgan!

During this edition of The Hack, with Leon and Paul, the guys sit down with special guest Phylip Morgan and dish on leadership and all things tech. They aim to wake listeners up to what life would be like without the tech in our lives – especially in the healthcare sector, without specific cancer treatments and MRI scanners, etc. Also, they discuss how technology has shifted these days from NASA sending a man to space in 1961 to how Elon Musk is decarbonising his Tesla vehicles in 2021, etc. This blog post aims to capture the standout moments from this podcast – giving you three reasons to listen in.

The importance of switching off!

Throughout this podcast episode, all three talk about the importance of reaching into your bag or pocket and switching off your phone. It can be empowering to put this to the back of your mind and focus on your work or what you enjoy. However, they acknowledge how complicated this process can be. What if I miss out on something important? It's an acknowledgement of the grip that technology can have over our minds.

How technology saves time!

Around the midpoint of the podcast, induction to chargers is made. Usually, one is kept in the car, the other in Leon’s person. This is a note on how technology is used to save us time. By placing our phones on induction chargers, we’re still free to carry on with whatever we are doing. We’re saving ourselves time as we’re no longer chaining ourselves to desks or having to take time out whilst waiting for our tech to recharge. However, we pay money for this, and it’s a rather interesting notion that we pay more for technology that saves us time.

The importance of technology to businesses!

Throughout the podcast, one point is that knowing all there is to know about repairing a particular brand’s motorbike is a lot easier than doing business out of it. This is because of the technological knowledge that people have to have on administrative processes before they can even think about becoming leaders in that area.


#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Nov 25, 202101:01:00
100X How to Build Trust and Maximise Influence

100X How to Build Trust and Maximise Influence

The Hack hosts Leon, Paul and Dean are back this weeks for the 100x Leader episode 13 – exploring people, processes, and technology in more depth.

How to build trust and maximise influence

In this episode, Leon, Paul and Dean focus on how to build trust and maximise influence – whether it be in a team or individual context. In particular, the hosts talk about the impact of character and credibility on people’s ability to influence others and inspire them—understanding how morals and values can affect leadership to owning your processes.

What’s discussed?

For this instalment, the team examine how character, chemistry, credibility, and credibility – the four C’s if you will – are essential when it comes to building trust and maximising influence.

First, the team discuss the importance of leading by example rather than for positional power in inspiring others and building trust. By setting an example through strong morals and principles, you’re able to filter these values down your team and foster a positive work culture. For Leon, Paul and Dean, trust isn’t earned through pestering others to comply with your view, but rather channelling your views into how you operate as a leader.

The Hack hosts discuss the role that character and chemistry play in one’s ability to influence others. Who is this person? What do they stand for? What are their values? These preliminary questions help determine whether someone is a good cultural fit. If the characteristics fit the team, you can build on their skills and competency.

The team talks about competency and credibility and how these skills easily translate into strength and power. With competency, you must establish transparent processes and own them. When someone critiques these processes, it’s crucial that you listen and don’t take it personally. You want to show your ability to adapt and get the most out of your interactions with other team members.

Once you have all these characteristics in check, you’re on the road to creating a collaborative team that trusts your opinion and values your influence. This episode of 100X Leader is worth a listen. You can learn more about how to motivate others through your characteristics and set clear examples for those looking to follow in your footsteps. Give it a listen today!

#productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Nov 18, 202133:55
Active listening and the communication code - 100x Leader Ep 12

Active listening and the communication code - 100x Leader Ep 12

The 100X Leader podcast is back, and this time, Leon, Paul and Dean are talking about a range of communication techniques to help you better engage with people and boost your leadership skills. From stages in the communication process to developing your skills and applying them in the workplace, this episode of 100X Leader is a must-listen.
First, the team discusses the 5Cs of communication. By going through each step - critique, collaborate, clarify, care and celebrate - you can wrap communication up into a much broader plan of action for your company. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and being unable to communicate your goals to staff members is only likely to cause even more issues for your company's long term success. Communication is a skill that you can build over time, and the practical implementation of solid communication skills can support your company's process for years to come.
Later in the podcast, the hosts discuss nonverbal communication. In any workplace, getting your ideas across through body language and the way you act has subtle benefits in putting you ahead of your rivals. You can better understand the wants and needs, the effect you have on them and the best way forward for you to make the most of future interactions. Learning from verbal communication is essential, but non-verbal communication conveys a story that your client may be too shy to tell deliberately.
Finally, listen to a deep dive into the topic of two-way communication. Whilst listening skills are excellent for helping you to absorb information, and strong communication skills can help you convey a message to others, finding a perfect balance between the two in two-way conversations is key. This allows you to understand conversations as they develop, establish the direction in which they are going and interpret what is being said correctly before responding appropriately.
If you feel like you struggle with communication in the workplace and need to improve, this episode of 100X Leader offers you the tools needed to take your communication skills to the next level without resorting to technology. Be sure to give it a listen today!
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Nov 11, 202129:47
Digital Revo-Hull-tion with Antonio Tombanane

Digital Revo-Hull-tion with Antonio Tombanane

The straight-talking smart tech podcast is back, and in this episode, your hosts are joined by Antonio Tombanane. Who has recently been welcomed onto the Forbes Business Council, a growing networking organisation based around some of the most successful business leaders. He has been named one of the 50 most prominent black voices in the UK tech space, and we were honoured to have him in the studio to share some of his wisdom.
The gang started with our typical question surrounding the books that have shaped and guided the life of our guests. One of Antonio's answers, Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, offered an exciting insight into the mind and behaviour of an entrepreneur, discussing the management of wealth and how to look after what you've made for yourself. His other responses make for fascinating listening before he and the guys delve into the very nature of influence and ask, "What does it mean to be influenced?".
We also talk to our guests about social media. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all have such outstanding impacts on our lives. Our discussion with Antonio about how it helps and hinders our ability to see and understand mental health issues offers a lot to think about. Compassion and understanding since the start of the pandemic are crucial to getting through difficult days. So being able to understand better the way that technology is impacting our ability to emphasise can help us relate to others better.
Finally, our hosts discuss self-care and physical health with Antonio. By focusing on dance and being himself, Antonio has lived a healthy and happy lifestyle without needing to drink or rely on things like alcohol for instant gratification. By focusing on eating well and going to the gym, Antonio has developed a lifestyle that he enjoys without putting undue stress on himself.
If you're interested in learning more about Antonio Tombanane, his achievements and the way he lives his life, make sure you listen to the latest episode of The Hack.
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#wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport
Nov 04, 202101:04:50
Check In With Yourself: For Emotional Wellness 100x

Check In With Yourself: For Emotional Wellness 100x

In this week's episode of The Hack podcast, your regular hosts, Leon and Paul, talk to Gemma and James. From catching up about each others' lives after months of being apart to in-depth discussions about mental health conditions, learning difficulties and the processes used to get through them, this is a jam-packed episode.

The gang also talk about the role of emails and the ways that we communicate in the workplace. With email increasingly becoming a core aspect of our day to day lives, the role of technology in our work is evolving all the time. Topics include whether an email is simply being used as a tool for people to push their agendas or if it has the potential to amplify the voices of those in leadership roles, empowering them to work from a position of greater communication.

In addition, the team talk about broader purpose. The group theorise about what the true meaning of life is, the importance of saving a life, and whether the real point of life is to leave a powerful legacy behind that people can be proud of.

If you are affected in any way by the topics discussed in the podcast, check out Andy's Man Club. The Hack is proud to support Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health organisation set up to discuss and resolve men's mental health issues in a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about your mental health or that of someone you know, it's important you (or the person you know) get the help and support you need.

Stick the kettle on and settle into another fascinating episode of The Hack today.
Oct 28, 202101:03:07
Changing your mindset with a burst of dopamin - with Andrew & Teresa of Dopamin Media over in LA.

Changing your mindset with a burst of dopamin - with Andrew & Teresa of Dopamin Media over in LA.

Leon McQuade and Paul Longley are back to host yet another edition of The hack, the smart-talking tech podcast that isn't afraid to dive into a range of issues. In this episode, the team from Dopamin drops in to discuss their work, society, and what social media can mean for the average person going forward.
Firstly, the conversation delved into what Dopamin does. A Los Angeles based media company, Dopamin offers free photoshoots to the black and LGBT communities, attempting to level the playing field. This has webbed out to include video work thanks to one of the founder's experiences in sound design, and the company has grown ever since.
In a returning regular segment, we get to find out what the founders of Dopamin have been reading. This week we learned about a book centred around a man that pushes himself to the very limit of both physical and mental endurance, offering readers a significant change in perspective for anyone interested. If you want to find out what book inspired our guests, listen to the episode and you may just find your own mindset shifting.
Later on in the podcast, our guests discuss failure and the role that it can take in our day to day lives. We all deal with failure at some point in our lives, and the founders of Dopamin are no different. We learned all about how they use failure as a learning opportunity, and a chance to ask questions and grow from the experiences they've faced.
As always, The Hack is proud to support Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health charity that is there to listen when you need someone to talk to. They offer mental health support groups every Monday all across the country and can help you in your time of need.
Check out Dopamin Media:
Website
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Oct 21, 202101:08:29