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'

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Pablo Hepworth Lloyd, a social entrepreneur and champion of ethical leadership. They discuss Pablo's journey from a finance career to becoming a leader in education and entrepreneurship, the impact of his OBE award, and the importance of mentorship in helping aspiring entrepreneurs. Pablo shares insights on finding purpose in work, the significance of education, and his current projects, including Visionaires and his role at Twin Group. The conversation concludes with a discussion on ethical leadership and Pablo's upcoming book.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pablo Hepworth Lloyd

03:17 Pablo's Journey: From Finance to Social Entrepreneurship

06:20 The Impact of Education on Personal Growth

09:04 The Significance of the OBE Award

10:53 Navigating the Startup Landscape

15:02 Finding Your Ikigai in Business

17:57 The Birth of Visionaires: Supporting Entrepreneurs

23:52 The Future of Visionaires and Twin Group

29:19 Ethical Leadership and Writing a Book

32:22 Conclusion and Future Aspirations