Welcome to Episode 91 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, the go-to show for ambitious business owners committed to driving significant and sustainable growth for both themselves and their companies. Hosted by Jay Allen, founder of My True North and a renowned ethical business coach, this episode dives deep into one of the most overlooked keys to real progress: embracing failure as a crucial step toward success.

Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur with bold dreams, or a leader keen to future-proof your company, this episode is packed with practical insights, hard-earned lessons, and leadership strategies to help turn your obstacles into powerful opportunities.

• The Real Value of Failing Forward: Discover why mistakes and setbacks are not roadblocks but essential milestones on your business growth journey.

• Business “Banana Skins”: Learn to spot the most common pitfalls (Jay’s “banana skins”) successful businesses encounter – and how to avoid slipping up.

• Case Study – The 64% Revenue Risk: Hear a real-world client story about dangerous overreliance on a single income source, and how to shift toward a more resilient, diversified revenue model.

• Leadership Blind Spots: Uncover the subtle warning signs leaders often miss amid busy day-to-day operations—and how an outside perspective can reveal hidden opportunities and threats.

• The Power of Non-Negotiable Standards: Understand how maintaining and upholding consistent business standards is vital for trust, growth, and long-term reputation.

• Practical Steps for Sustainable Growth: Actionable advice to help implement change, evaluate your business from multiple perspectives, and lead with greater confidence and integrity.

In an eye-opening client case study, Jay discusses a company where a single client made up a staggering 64% of annual revenue. This overdependence created massive cash flow vulnerability, especially when payment terms slipped out of sync. Jay’s solution? Diversify revenue sources to ensure no invoice or client exceeds the net annual profit, drastically reducing risk and ensuring business continuity—no matter what happens to one major account.

Borrowing lessons from his time in the British Army, Jay explains the concept of “the standard”—a non-negotiable benchmark that defines how business is done. He warns against the slow erosion of standards (like quietly accepting late payments or overlooked conditions), because these small lapses can undermine trust and set dangerous precedents. “The standard is the standard,” he says—keep your word, uphold your terms, and maintain consistency in every facet of your company.

Even the best leaders can miss subtle signs of trouble: loyal team members leaving for competitors, suppliers bending rules, or seemingly small exceptions to your core policies. These “leadership blind spots” often go unaddressed when things are generally good, yet they can hide serious risks or lost opportunities underneath the surface. Jay stresses the value of seeking outside perspectives—from a coach, mentor, or even by role-playing as your own supplier or employee—to catch what you might otherwise overlook.

The episode closes with a call to action: regularly step out of your business and look back with a critical eye. Evaluate your company from the perspective of clients, suppliers, stakeholders, and potential recruits. This 360-degree view can be the catalyst for game-changing breakthroughs, revealing new paths for growth while protecting against avoidable disasters.

#BusinessGrowth
#SustainableGrowth
#FailingForward
#BusinessLessons
#BananaSkins
#CashFlow
#DiversifyIncome
#Leadership
#BusinessRisks
#EthicalBusiness
#MyTrueNorth
#AddAZero
#BusinessOwner
#EntrepreneurMindset
#BlindSpots
#BusinessCoaching
#ScaleYourBusiness
#NetProfit
#BusinessStandards
#LearningFromFailure
#BusinessAdvice
#UKBusiness
#LeadershipDevelopment
#BusinessMentor
#SustainableSuccess

Episode 90: How We Found £225,000 in Hidden Revenue – Real Business Audit Breakdown | #Add A Zero Podcast

Unlock hidden profits in your business! In this episode of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen shares the step-by-step process he used to discover over £225,000 of missed revenue for a business owner—before they even became a client. Dive into real examples of common business leaks: unbilled work, underpricing, missed upsell opportunities, and the importance of effective follow-up.

Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a thriving company, learn actionable strategies to plug hidden profit leaks and scale your revenue. Listen as we break down real-life business challenges, discuss ethical scaling, and showcase how My True North’s award-winning #AddAZERO methodology empowers UK business leaders to achieve sustainable growth.

Don’t miss:

• Real-world audit findings turning lost time into cash

• How a simple follow-up can immediately boost revenue

• Steps you can take today to uncover and reclaim lost profits in your business

• The value of ethical consultancy in sustainable business success

Subscribe for more powerful business growth tips and stories!
#BusinessGrowth #BusinessAudit #AddAZero #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #EthicalBusiness #RevenueGrowth #MyTrueNorth

— Presented by Jay Allen, Founder of My True North – The UK’s Leading Ethical Coaching Company
Listen now and discover the hidden gold in your business!

Welcome to Episode 89 of the #Add A Zero Podcast!
Are you a business owner looking for sustainable growth and real-world insights?

In this episode, hosts Jay Allen does a deep dive into the theme: “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” Jay shares the journey of Alex, a business owner who transitioned from redundancy to running a thriving business—before encountering the roadblocks of time, scaling, and burnout. Discover how targeted auditing, strategic tweaks, and courageous investments can transform your business trajectory.

Learn:

• Why working harder doesn’t always lead to meaningful growth

• The power of stepping off the tools and working ON your business

• When and how to seek outside help, including funding and mentorship

• Real stories of scale, including how Alex doubled his business output and began winning five-figure contracts

• The critical importance of exit strategies and leadership planning for long-term business security

Whether you’re just starting up, finding yourself stuck, or planning an exit, this episode delivers valuable takeaways on scaling sustainably, maintaining work-life balance, and future-proofing your success.

👥 Hosted by: Jay Allen, presented in partnership with My True North – the UK’s leading ethical coaching company

Subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts below!
Contact us at podcast@mytruenorth.biz

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SustainableScaling #Podcast #AddAZero

Are you a business owner committed to the sustainable and significant growth of your company? In this episode, Jay Allen (he/him), founder of My True North and ethical business growth expert, dives deep into the top five future trends every SME business leader needs to prepare for to succeed in the next decade.

Building on insights from his popular TEDx talk, “The 50 Careers to Train for Which Don’t Exist Yet,” Jay shares the realities and challenges business owners face as predicted changes arrive faster than expected. Covering key themes—hybrid working, skills evolution, employee well-being, technology and AI developments, and the rise of purpose-driven business—this episode is packed with actionable ideas.

Key Topics Covered:

• The rise and impact of hybrid working and why resistance is futile

• How evolving skillsets and continuous professional development (CPD) are essential for business survival

• The growing importance of workplace wellness and supporting employees as humans, not just “resources”

• Navigating the relentless pace of technology and staying relevant with AI, machine learning, and automation

• Why leading with purpose now outweighs sheer profitability and how to build a business people are proud to support

Whether you want to attract top talent, retain customers, or ensure your business thrives in shifting times, this episode provides the guidance you need.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments, or email us at podcast@mytruenorth.biz

Brought to you by My True North—the UK’s leading ethical coaching company, helping conscientious business owners scale and leave a meaningful legacy.

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #FutureofWork #AIPodcast #SME #BusinessTrends #HybridWorking #PurposeDriven #MyTrueNorth

Are you building a business for today—or for the future?

In Episode 87 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen of My True North challenges conscientious business owners to confront one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects of business leadership: planning your exit.

Jay shares real-life stories, including his own hard lessons from running a company that faced upheaval when a major client collapsed, and the personal cost of being “tied” to a business with no succession plan. Discover why even successful, thriving businesses face the risk of sudden collapse or unethical closure if continuity and legacy aren't part of your growth strategy.

Through insightful examples—from sudden health scares to undervalued business sales and fractured partnerships—this episode unpacks the importance of:

• Building a business that thrives without your daily involvement

• Creating continuity and legacy plans to protect your team and investment

• Establishing clear, legally binding partnership agreements before you need them

• Ensuring your business, brand, and staff are future-proofed against the unexpected

Whether you intend to sell, scale, or simply secure your enterprise for the long haul, Jay’s advice will provoke important questions and offer actionable steps to future-proof your company.

Here are 3 key takeaways every conscientious business owner should consider:

• Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Even thriving businesses are vulnerable if the owner is at the center. An unexpected health issue or life event can derail years of hard work if there’s no succession plan in place.

• Your Business Needs Independence: The more your business relies on you personally, the less valuable (and less stable) it becomes. Building systems and a strong team enable your company to grow and succeed—with or without your daily involvement.

• Plan for Legacy, Not Just Income: Closing the doors on a profitable business when you retire isn’t just shortsighted—Jay argues it’s unethical if it puts loyal employees out of work. Planning for exit ensures your business, and the livelihoods it supports, continue to thrive.

Ask yourself honestly: If you had to step back tomorrow, would your business (and your people) flourish or flounder? Now is the time to put solid continuity and exit plans in place—for your peace of mind, your team, and your legacy.

Want to learn more about exit planning, succession, and ethical business growth? Don’t miss this powerful conversation designed to help you create a company that leaves a lasting legacy, not just a bottom line.

Tune in now and take the next steps toward a more resilient, impactful business!

#Tags:
#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ExitPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #EthicalBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #LegacyBuilding #FutureProofYourBusiness #Partnerships #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SustainableGrowth #BusinessAdvice #AddAZero #MyTrueNorth #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #JobCreation #BusinessContinuity

Listen and discover why every business owner needs an exit strategy—before you think you need it!

Are you building a business for today—or for the future? In Episode 87 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen of My True North challenges conscientious business owners to confront one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects of business leadership: planning your exit.Jay shares real-life stories, including his own hard lessons from running a company that faced upheaval when a major client collapsed, and the personal cost of being “tied” to a business with no succession plan. Discover why even successful, thriving businesses face the risk of sudden collapse or unethical closure if continuity and legacy aren't part of your growth strategy.Through insightful examples—from sudden health scares to undervalued business sales and fractured partnerships—this episode unpacks the importance of:Building a business that thrives without your daily involvementCreating continuity and legacy plans to protect your team and investmentEstablishing clear, legally binding partnership agreements before you need themEnsuring your business, brand, and staff are future-proofed against the unexpectedWhether you intend to sell, scale, or simply secure your enterprise for the long haul, Jay’s advice will provoke important questions and offer actionable steps to future-proof your company. Here are 3 key takeaways every conscientious business owner should consider:Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Even thriving businesses are vulnerable if the owner is at the center. An unexpected health issue or life event can derail years of hard work if there’s no succession plan in place.Your Business Needs Independence: The more your business relies on you personally, the less valuable (and less stable) it becomes. Building systems and a strong team enable your company to grow and succeed—with or without your daily involvement.Plan for Legacy, Not Just Income: Closing the doors on a profitable business when you retire isn’t just shortsighted—Jay argues it’s unethical if it puts loyal employees out of work. Planning for exit ensures your business, and the livelihoods it supports, continue to thrive.Ask yourself honestly: If you had to step back tomorrow, would your business (and your people) flourish or flounder? Now is the time to put solid continuity and exit plans in place—for your peace of mind, your team, and your legacy.Want to learn more about exit planning, succession, and ethical business growth? Don’t miss this powerful conversation designed to help you create a company that leaves a lasting legacy, not just a bottom line.Tune in now and take the next steps toward a more resilient, impactful business!#Tags:#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ExitPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #EthicalBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #LegacyBuilding #FutureProofYourBusiness #Partnerships #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SustainableGrowth #BusinessAdvice #AddAZero #MyTrueNorth #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #JobCreation #BusinessContinuityListen and discover why every business owner needs an exit strategy—before you think you need it!

Are you building a business for today—or for the future? In Episode 87 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen of My True North challenges conscientious business owners to confront one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects of business leadership: planning your exit.Jay shares real-life stories, including his own hard lessons from running a company that faced upheaval when a major client collapsed, and the personal cost of being “tied” to a business with no succession plan. Discover why even successful, thriving businesses face the risk of sudden collapse or unethical closure if continuity and legacy aren't part of your growth strategy.Through insightful examples—from sudden health scares to undervalued business sales and fractured partnerships—this episode unpacks the importance of:Building a business that thrives without your daily involvementCreating continuity and legacy plans to protect your team and investmentEstablishing clear, legally binding partnership agreements before you need themEnsuring your business, brand, and staff are future-proofed against the unexpectedWhether you intend to sell, scale, or simply secure your enterprise for the long haul, Jay’s advice will provoke important questions and offer actionable steps to future-proof your company. Here are 3 key takeaways every conscientious business owner should consider:Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Even thriving businesses are vulnerable if the owner is at the center. An unexpected health issue or life event can derail years of hard work if there’s no succession plan in place.Your Business Needs Independence: The more your business relies on you personally, the less valuable (and less stable) it becomes. Building systems and a strong team enable your company to grow and succeed—with or without your daily involvement.Plan for Legacy, Not Just Income: Closing the doors on a profitable business when you retire isn’t just shortsighted—Jay argues it’s unethical if it puts loyal employees out of work. Planning for exit ensures your business, and the livelihoods it supports, continue to thrive.Ask yourself honestly: If you had to step back tomorrow, would your business (and your people) flourish or flounder? Now is the time to put solid continuity and exit plans in place—for your peace of mind, your team, and your legacy.Want to learn more about exit planning, succession, and ethical business growth? Don’t miss this powerful conversation designed to help you create a company that leaves a lasting legacy, not just a bottom line.Tune in now and take the next steps toward a more resilient, impactful business!#Tags:#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ExitPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #EthicalBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #LegacyBuilding #FutureProofYourBusiness #Partnerships #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SustainableGrowth #BusinessAdvice #AddAZero #MyTrueNorth #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #JobCreation #BusinessContinuityListen and discover why every business owner needs an exit strategy—before you think you need it!

Ready to break through the ceiling and scale your business from seven figures to eight? In this powerful episode of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen—founder of My True North, the UK’s leading ethical business consultancy—dives deep into the real challenges and opportunities of innovation for multimillion-pound business owners.

Jay reveals the two classic traps that high-revenue businesses face when striving for that next level: clinging to “the way we’ve always done it” and getting lost in a never-ending cycle of innovation without genuine traction. With stories, actionable insights, and wisdom from blue ocean strategy and change management, Jay unpacks how to keep your business relevant, avoid costly mistakes, and truly own your market niche.

You’ll learn:

• Why your current success could be holding you back from bigger opportunities

• How businesses thrived or failed during the 2020 lockdown by innovating (or not!)

• The crucial importance of staying relevant to your ideal target client

• Jay’s four-step Blue Ocean Strategy to escape price wars and become a “Category of One”

• When and how to diversify, what to stop doing, and how to serve your best-fit customers even better

Whether you’re aiming to scale your business sustainably, retain loyal customers, or position your brand as a market leader, this episode is packed with practical advice and provocative thinking to drive you forward.

Don’t miss out—listen now, subscribe for more no-nonsense business growth strategies, and start innovating your way to the next level!

Keywords: business growth, innovation, 7 figure business, 8 figure business, relevance, market positioning, blue ocean strategy, business podcast, business advice, scaling business, My True North, Jay Allen, #ADDAZERO, ethical business, sustainable growth, UK business, entrepreneurial podcast

Hit subscribe to empower your journey toward ethical, profitable, and impactful business growth!

#BusinessGrowth
#ScaleYourBusiness
#EightFigureJourney
#BlueOceanStrategy
#DisruptiveThinking
#BusinessInnovation
#SustainableGrowth
#StayRelevant
#BusinessEvolution
#ChangeManagement
#EntrepreneurMindset
#EthicalBusiness
#CategoryOfOne
#BusinessStrategy
#LeadershipMatters
#SmarterScaling
#CustomerCentric
#BusinessPodcast