Summary

In this episode of Business Tales, Chris Simmance speaks with Veronica Heaven, founder of the Heaven Company, an ESG consultancy dedicated to making sustainability a reality for businesses. Veronica shares her journey from corporate responsibility director to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, corporate responsibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's business landscape. She discusses the launch of Briefcases, a program connecting students with real-world business challenges, and highlights the need for cross-functional collaboration within organizations to drive meaningful change.

Takeaways

Veronica Heaven is a leader in sustainability and corporate responsibility.

She emphasizes the importance of making measurable impacts in business.

Her journey to entrepreneurship was influenced by her corporate background.

Sustainability should be a core value for all businesses.

The launch of Briefcases connects students with real-world challenges.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for a thriving workplace.

Cross-functional collaboration can solve complex business problems.

Education and business partnerships are crucial for future leaders.

Veronica believes in sharing knowledge to foster growth.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility are interconnected.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Business Tales and Veronica Heaven

02:01 Veronica's Journey to Entrepreneurship

05:06 The Impact of Early Experiences on Business Philosophy

08:36 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life

10:32 Lessons Learned in Business Ownership

11:31 Navigating Challenges in the ESG Sector

15:47 Launching Briefcases: Bridging Education and Business

17:59 Engagement and Mentorship in Education

19:54 The Power of Long-Term Relationships

20:55 Finding Motivation in Challenges

22:40 Inclusive Leadership and DEI Initiatives

27:18 The Importance of Cross-Functional Collaboration

In this episode of Business Tales, Chris Simmance interviews Stephen Wheatley, founder and CEO of HearAngel, who is dedicated to preventing avoidable hearing loss among headphone users.

The conversation explores Wheatley's journey from an engineering background to entrepreneurship, the impact of headphone use on hearing health, and the innovative solutions provided by HearAngel. The discussion also touches on the importance of longevity and health span, as well as the World Health Organisation's guidelines on hearing safety.

In this conversation, Stephen Wheatley discusses the evolving landscape of headphone safety regulations, emphasising the importance of consumer awareness and the role of organisations like the World Health Organisation in promoting safe listening practices. He also shares his personal journey with the RNLI, highlighting his commitment to community service and the impact of the organisation over its 200-year history.

Takeaways

• Hearing health is crucial in today's technology-driven world.
• HearAngel aims to provide actionable information to headphone users.
• There is a growing concern about hearing loss among younger generations.
• Regulatory changes are influencing the headphone market.
• Longevity and health span are becoming increasingly important.
• Community service, like that of the RNLI, has a profound impact.
• Fundraising efforts can be both challenging and rewarding.
• Teamwork in lifeboat service fosters personal growth and fulfillment.
• Understanding the risks associated with headphone use is essential.
• Technology can play a significant role in protecting hearing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hearing Health and HearAngel

02:52 Stephen Wheatley's Journey: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

05:44 The Impact of Headphone Use on Hearing Loss

08:57 HearAngel: A Solution for Safer Listening

10:23 The Importance of Longevity and Health Span

13:28 The Future of Hearing Health and WHO Guidelines

24:13 Navigating Regulatory Changes in Headphone Safety

31:02 The Role of RNLI and Personal Commitment to Service

Summary

In this engaging conversation, branding expert Barnaby Wynter shares his extensive experience in brand creation and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what a brand truly is, beyond just a logo, and discusses his journey from aspiring educational psychologist to branding powerhouse. Barnaby explains the Brand Bucket program, a systematic approach to building successful brands, and shares valuable lessons learned from his career, including the significance of aligning marketing strategies with business goals. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of marketing and the importance of clear communication in business.

Takeaways

Brand is every experience that affects the relationship between a product and its buyer.

Most people mistakenly think a brand is just a logo.

Effective branding requires understanding the target audience's psychographics.

Marketing should be measurable and aligned with business objectives.

A written brief is essential for clear communication in marketing.

The Brand Bucket program consists of seven key steps for brand development.

Investing in unfamiliar businesses can lead to losses.

The culture of a business should prioritize marketing's role in decision-making.

Ideas emerge from a well-filled box of knowledge and experience.

Commercializing relationships is the essence of business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Barnaby Wynter

03:07 Defining Brand Beyond Logos

06:22 Barnaby's Journey into Branding

09:54 The Difference Between Marketing and Advertising

12:33 The Brand Bucket Program Explained

21:35 Lessons Learned from Branding Failures

29:51 The Making of 'Become the Go-To Brand'