We Built This Business

By: Daniel O'sullivan
  • Summary

  • This is the podcast for business owners to learn from UK business owners. I’m your host Daniel O'sullivan, I believe running a business is one of the toughest challenges you can take on. Each week on the We Built This Business Podcast, I interview entrepreneurs who have started, grown, or exited their businesses, while also sharing my own experiences with building 'The Experience Specialist Group'. These conversations reveal the real-life experiences of business owners who are navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, providing you with practical advice and invaluable lessons.
    Daniel O'sullivan
    Show more Show less
activate_WEBCRO358_DT_T2
Episodes
  • EP25 – How I Scaled My Creative Agency With A Global Freelance Network - James Berg
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business,’ we talk with James Berg from Picaroons, a full-service creative agency. James shares his journey from working in traditional agencies to founding Picaroons, a remote creative agency with a flexible, scalable business model. We delve into the inspiration behind the unique name of his agency, how his background in marketing strategy influenced his approach, and the challenges and successes he’s faced along the way. James also discusses the importance of work-life balance, the impact of his book on his business, and his philosophy of constantly creating and testing new ideas. HIGHLIGHTS 1. The Story Behind Picaroons: How James's love for pirates and a book called Be More Pirate inspired the name and business model of his agency. 2. Remote Agency Model: The advantages and challenges of running a fully remote agency with a small core team and a network of freelancers. 3. Work-Life Balance: James's move to Portugal and how he maintains a balance between work and personal life by surfing and enjoying nature. 4. Marketing Strategy Insights: James shares his approach to marketing strategy, the importance of flexibility, and how he adapts to clients' needs. 5. The Role of Content Creation: How James's book on social media ideas became a pivotal tool in growing his business and attracting high-profile clients like Facebook. 6. Chats with Dad: The podcast James created with his father, offering valuable business advice through casual conversations. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences is a nationwide team-building company that is an expert in keeping things fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences (https://bit.ly/tbe-pod) and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://picaroons.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Page SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE For every episode released, We Built This Business donates £10 to the British Heart Foundation. Help us reach our goal of £520 a year! Support the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • EP24 – How I Defied Traditional Business Strategies and Built A Global Recruitment Company – Rod Bailey
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business we talk with Rod Bailey from Executive Surf. Rod Bailey, founder of Executive Surf, shares his journey of building a global executive search firm that has adapted to the changing landscape of recruitment. From navigating the aftermath of 9/11 to transitioning to a fully virtual company, Rod discusses the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his business. He also introduces his innovative approach to "impact recruitment," where long-term success is prioritized over short-term wins. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Executive Surf's Origins: Rod explains the founding of Executive Surf in 2004 and its evolution from a traditional headhunting firm to a virtual global business. 2. The Impact of 9/11 on Recruitment: How the events of 9/11 led to significant changes in the recruitment industry and the challenges Executive Surf faced during this period. 3. Going Virtual: The decision to close physical offices and transition Executive Surf to a virtual company, allowing for greater flexibility and global reach. 4. Innovative Recruitment Models: Introduction of "impact recruitment," a model that links recruitment fees to the long-term success of placed candidates, ensuring better client and candidate outcomes. 5. Aligning Business with Purpose: Rod shares his thoughts on the importance of aligning your business with your passion and values, especially in challenging times. 6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Rod's advice for those looking to start a business in 2024, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company who are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Team Building Experiences Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.executivesurf.com/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty⁠ How I Built An Award Winning Business As a Working Parent - Lisa Shepherd⁠ ⁠ How I Changed The Internet Forever – Ajaz Ahmed ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • EP23 – How I Grew A Family Business Into A Leading Workwear Brand – Aled Davies
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we speak with Aled Davies from Cobra Workwear, a family-run business specializing in B2B workwear and uniforms. Aled shares the journey of transforming a small family venture into a thriving business in South Wales, offering insights into the challenges of maintaining profitability, managing cash flow, and navigating the complexities of working with family. Aled also discusses marketing strategies, the impact of technological advancements on the business, and the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks like a devastating fire and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Family Business Origins: Aled recounts how Cobra Workwear started from his parents' side business selling safety boots, eventually evolving into a full-fledged workwear company. 2. Navigating Growth: The episode delves into the challenges of scaling a business, particularly in managing cash flow and investing in new machinery and technology. 3. Marketing Strategies: Aled discusses the effectiveness of different marketing channels, from Facebook ads to SEO, and the importance of not relying on a single strategy. 4. Resilience and Recovery: Aled opens up about the struggles the business faced after a fire and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a necessary restructuring to stay afloat. 5. The Role of Sustainability: The conversation touches on the increasing demand for sustainable products in the workwear industry and how Cobra Workwear is adapting to this trend. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://cobra-workwear.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk⁠ EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built An Award Winning Business As a Working Parent - Lisa Shepherd How I Changed The Internet Forever – Ajaz Ahmed ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group with brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website - https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
    Show more Show less
    45 mins

What listeners say about We Built This Business

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.