In this episode of the podcast, Tom Griffiths is joined by Gerard O’Donovan, a multifounder with extensive experience in both the insurance and coaching industries. Gerard shares his journey from serving in the Royal Marines to building and running successful businesses, including Noble Manhattan Financial Services and his international coach training school.

The conversation explores the key factors behind Gerard’s long-term business success, particularly the importance of building and empowering strong teams. He reflects on how having talented individuals with complementary skills—ranging from IT and finance to leadership and training—has been critical to scaling his ventures and navigating challenges. Gerard also highlights the pivotal role of delegation and strategic structuring, referencing the influence of Timothy Ferris’ 4-Hour Work Week in helping him implement a master distributor model. This approach allows his coaching programs to operate across 25 countries, expanding reach while maintaining quality and sustainability.

Gerard discusses how his businesses adapted during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional in-person training was no longer possible. The team’s agility and technical expertise enabled a seamless transition to online delivery, safeguarding both client satisfaction and financial stability. He also shares insights into his financial management strategy, emphasizing careful reinvestment of profits, a strong in-house finance team, and robust partnerships with chartered accountants.

Listeners will gain practical advice on scaling businesses, structuring international operations, and fostering resilient teams. Gerard also touches on the importance of personal focus, highlighting how he and his wife divide responsibilities across their ventures to optimise performance and maintain work-life balance.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone interested in coaching, this episode offers a compelling look at leadership, strategy, and sustainable growth in multi-faceted businesses.

To Contact Gerard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardodonovan/

In this episode, host Tom Griffiths speaks with John Lamerton, author of The False Exit, about why many entrepreneurs focus on selling their businesses when they should instead be building ones that can run — and thrive — without them.

John shares the story behind his book, beginning with a near-sale of his sports-betting business for £2 million. When the deal fell through, he and his business partner realised the company still depended heavily on them — a major red flag for any buyer. What followed was 18 months of deliberate systemisation: creating standard operating procedures, decision-making frameworks, and automated processes that allowed the business to function independently. The result? A company that no longer needed its founders for day-to-day operations — and an owner who finally had time and freedom.

The conversation explores why most small businesses fail to sell, with owner dependency, poor systems, and messy finances as key reasons. John argues that the goal shouldn’t always be a full exit but rather a false exit: removing yourself from operations while keeping the business as a profitable, self-sustaining asset. Ironically, the same work that enables a false exit also makes a company far more attractive — and valuable — to potential buyers.

They also discuss the emotional side of selling, including the loss of purpose many founders face, and the importance of building a business that supports freedom and longevity rather than burnout.

John closes by sharing insights from his 1% Club, a coaching community that helps business owners make continuous, small improvements each week — turning firefighting into fire prevention and creating businesses built to last.

To contact John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlamerton/

In this episode, host Tom Griffiths sits down with Damone, founder of Turtle Enviro, to explore how he’s built one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of underground drainage and water treatment products. With over three decades in the drainage industry, Damone shares the lessons, missteps, and values that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey — from starting out at his dining table in 2016 to running a £6 million business today.

Damone opens up about his guiding principle: “Stick to your knitting — do what you know best.” After decades of experience and several ventures, he’s learned that the secret to long-term success lies in consistency — delivering reliable products, maintaining strong service standards, and building trusted relationships.

The conversation digs into how Turtle Enviro has scaled through strategic partnerships, loyal supply chains, and UK-based manufacturing. Damone explains why he prioritises loyalty and mutual support with suppliers, likening it to a marriage: success depends on commitment, communication, and respect. He also shares how the business weathered the pandemic by focusing on supply chain resilience rather than short-term savings — a move that continues to pay off years later.

Tom and Damone discuss how the company’s products, from manholes to flow control systems, solve critical yet often overlooked problems in the construction industry. They explore how Turtle Enviro supports major housebuilders, contractors, and merchants through tailored designs, strong relationships, and a data-led approach to customer service.

As the episode closes, Damone reflects on leadership, financial discipline, and his vision for the future — aiming to grow Turtle Enviro to £10 million in revenue by 2027, while staying grounded in the principles that got him there: quality, consistency, and care.

To Contact Damone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damone-armstrong-2300a543/