Shows
Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri GhijbenEp 18 Stop Breaking Your Back - Use Machinery to Scale Your Tree BusinessStruggling to grow your tree surgery business? Join our Mastermind & Coaching Waitlist to be the first to know about upcoming business growth opportunities designed to help you gain more time, increase profit, and build a business that works for you! https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/mastermindwaitlist – Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners – Tired of grinding out week-long takedowns with a crew of three and a pickup...
2025-12-1609 min
Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri GhijbenEp 2 The Untouched Story: How I Turned a 10 Grand Loan Into a Thriving Tree Surgery BusinessDownload our FREE 7 Steps Guide: How to Acquire Commercial Clients and get the roadmap to land high-value contracts. https://info.treesurgeonsbusinessacademy.co.uk/Commercial-Client-Toolkit ----- Join our free Facebook community to network with other tree surgeons, get valuable answers to your questions, and connect with professionals focused on growing their businesses! https://www.facebook.com/groups/treesurgeonbusinessowners ----- Summary: I'm Henri, a seasoned entrepreneur from Southampton, with 13 years of experience running a successful tree surgery business. I started my venture at 24 with a £10,000 loan and grew it to...
2024-09-1737 min
Tree Surgeon's Podcast with Henri GhijbenEp 1 How Henri Built a Successful Tree Surgery Business: A Journey of Resilience and GrowthHenri's journey from a troubled youth to a successful tree surgeon is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite academic struggles and early career challenges, he eventually found his calling in tree surgery, where he thrived under the mentorship of experienced professionals. The financial backing from a former client during the 2008 recession allowed Henri to establish his own business, which grew rapidly despite industry challenges. His ability to navigate tough times, including a major financial setback, and his commitment to hard work and learning from mistakes, have been key to his business's ongoing success. Today, Henri's story...
2024-09-0329 min
Fail Forward113 We do not have infinite time!Respect the time you have. You can keep busy with many important things, but that doesn't mean they are the best things for you. In this episode I talk about moving yourself away from the £10 tasks in your business and onto the £1000 tasks. Always ask yourself "Is this the best use of my time?" Most people when asked what they want to earn say they want to "earn £10k a month and work a 30 hour week". That means an hourly rate of £83.33. So when you're doing a £10 task ask yourself, is this the best us...
2024-05-2107 min
Fail Forward112 Decisions, decisions, decisions..Life is a series of decisions, and in Episode 112 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the art of decision making. Listen as I uncover what makes the basis for good decision making, starting with the importance of removing emotion from the equation and getting into a neutral state, where you can approach decisions more objectively. Additionally, the significance of data driven decisions must not be ignored and recognising the power of knowledge gained through education and mentorship. Finally, the benefit of stepping away from the situation to gain perspective. Don't make decisions after 6pm, af...
2024-05-1408 min
Fail Forward110 No one gives a sh*t about youNo one gives a sh*t about you! What they care about is how your product or service can solve their problem now. In this episode I talk about dropping the jargon. Stop saying, "we do this, we do that, we've got this kit, the latest technology." People don't give a sh*t. They just care about what you can do for them! Drop the features and benefits. What problems do you actually solve? Back in the day I would sell to anyone who would buy from me. But working with m...
2024-04-3005 min
Fail Forward109 Success Is A Summitless MountainIn Episode 109 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the analogy of success being a summitless mountain. Reflecting on an outdoor retreat experience led by CEO Adventurer, John Beamson last year, I draw parallels between facing challenges in the Scottish mountains and navigating business hurdles. I share insights on the importance of appreciating the journey, embracing setbacks as part of the process, and finding beauty in the progress made. John told us to turn around and look back, and it was the most beautiful view, we had achieved so much. And this is what we d...
2024-04-2307 min
Fail Forward108 Number 1 skill every business needsSales! It's the one thing people fear the most. In Episode 108 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I tackle the essential skill that every business must master: sales. It's all about output, the more you do the more you will create. I draw the distinction that marketing is NOT sales. Marketing lays the groundwork by attracting prospects, but sales close the deals and drive revenue. We've all experienced the clucky salesman who is trying to sell you something you don't want or need. The first thing to get across is we are n...
2024-04-1608 min
Fail Forward107 My advice on avoiding burnoutIn this episode I talk about burnout - how it affects us and our business. Working with 43 business owners in the tree surgery mastermind I now deal with so many who are in burnout. But what is burnout? It's when you put all your effort into your life and your business and you end up frazzled, overwhelmed, left with no energy, you feel numb and neutral about everything. It's awful. So how can we avoid it when we are always on the go? Having gone through 3 of the toughest m...
2024-04-0914 min
Fail Forward096 Could you be sitting on a goldmine?In this latest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I ask are you unknowingly sitting upon a goldmine? After losing my tree surgery business, I initially believed that my industry was one of the hardest. But as I rebuilt the business, I realised I had always been sitting on my own goldmine. Key Insights from My Experience: Diversification of Income: I learned the hard way the importance of having multiple income streams. Uncovering the Hidden 'Goldmine': Inspired by Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," I share the stor...
2024-01-2308 min
Fail Forward095 Dedicated to two amazing peopleIn this episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I take a deep dive into the role of workplace culture, reflecting on my own journey with two invaluable team members, Sophie Rogers and Mike Netley. This episode is dedicated to them! Twelve years ago, when Mike started, it was just me, Mike, a van and a chipper. Sophie joined us nine years later. From those early days, my goal was always to create a safe and welcoming place to work, a place that genuinely looked after its people. This episode really homes in on the importance...
2024-01-1607 min
Fail Forward094 Should you invest in a mentor?Episode 94 of the Fail Forward podcast delves into the crucial question: 'Why invest in a business mentor?' The episode explores the two paths' business owners can take—paying in time or paying in money. Henri emphasises the pitfalls of relying solely on free resources and fumbling your way through endless mistakes to get to your goal in 10 years (if you're lucky that is). Or the impact of investing in mentors who have done it, learnt the lessons, and can now advise you against them so you can get you your goal in half the time. ...
2024-01-0907 min
Fail Forward093 Stop making excuses and take action!This episode is all about ditching excuses and taking charge. I share the common reasons for not getting things done, like blaming past circumstances, the lucky fortunes of others and not having time. I challenge you to check how much time you spend on distractions like social media (hint: you do have time). Success is in your hands, so hold yourself accountable. Skipping work today leads to a habit of not showing up. I encourage waking up with a positive mindset every day and building the life you want. Excuses just get in th...
2024-01-0205 min
Fail Forward092 My first episode back after my strokeThis one is personal—it's my first recording since experiencing a light stroke on October 7th. During those three days in the hospital, I had some serious reflections. After my initial scan, they said I had something wrong with my head, I immediately thought I had a brain tumour. I seriously questioned my life and bargained for more years, for my kids' sake. In this episode, I delve into filling your diary with purpose and learning to say no. The doctors told me to take it easy for the next 8-12 weeks, no work. My te...
2023-12-2609 min
Fail Forward091 Interview: Chris HawkinsWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I talk to Chris Hawkins, the early morning DJ and "How to DJ" podcast host as he shares his journey into radio. Stemming from his early days work experience at BBC Radio Shropshire where he kept his badge and just kept turning up and making tea, to his current role at BBC 6 Music. A true enthusiast of the medium, Chris emphasises the importance of dedication in the world of radio – noting it's the 10,000 hours that it takes to get you...
2023-12-1932 min
Fail Forward090 You don't have a business, you have a job!Welcome to this rerun episode of the Fail Forward podcast. With me almost back to full fitness, I thought I would reshape this episode as it is become more important to me in the last few weeks than ever. If I had been working in rather than on my business without the relevant systems and processes in place, I would never have been able to take the time necessary for me to recover. So listen closely because you don't always get to chose whether you have to step back from your business, sometime life decides t...
2023-12-1209 min
Fail Forward089 Interview: Jay Allen Part 2Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this Fail Forward episode I collaborated with Jay Allen of My True North and Add a Zero. Just to recap, Jay Allen is a qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology. This is Jay's second time on Fail Forward and if you haven't listened, I highly recommend you take a scroll back to his first appearance. This time round we ar...
2023-12-051h 03
Fail Forward088 Interview: Jay Allen Part 1Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In the longest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast to date, I talk to Jay Allen, qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology. Jay shares his story of life before the British Army to life as a leading business mentor and lecturer leading fascinating research into the causes of business failure. After joining the army for a 5 year stint to clear his student debt, Jay was m...
2023-11-281h 20
Fail Forward087 Interview: Amy RowlinsonWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this slightly different episode, I am interviewed by Amy Rowlinson, podcaster, coach and podcasting mentor. Over the next 40 minutes, Amy asks what made me set up my own podcast, why the topic of failure and my plans for the future. The first question was an easy answer, Amy is who I have to thank for setting up my podcast. When I shared the idea of the podcast with her I said I was plann...
2023-11-2140 min
Fail Forward086 Addiction can be a superpower!Welcome to the Fail Forward podcast. I believe that having an addictive personality can be a superpower. Stay with me. Those of you who have followed me for a long time will know that I have struggled with addiction in the past. I have an addictive personality and have learnt to channel that energy into positive things like running. I can't say I particularly enjoy the activity, but nothing beats the feeling you get afterwards. In this episode I share: > An insight...
2023-11-1408 min
Fail Forward085 Understanding empathyWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. This podcast episode is an ode to my wife, the most empathetic person I know. I wasn't very good at showing empathy before I met Sarah and, if I'm totally honest, it's taken me a while to master even with her support. Before my business went under, I'd come home from a day at work feeling incredibly frustrated by mistakes people were making. After moaning to Sarah, she would often say 'Have you asked them if they're ok...
2023-11-0709 min
Fail Forward084 Are you the bottleneck in your business?Welcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Are you the bottleneck in your business? If you're the main decision maker in your business, it's likely that you hold things up from time to time. It could be because you don't have the capacity, or headspace. In this episode I ask, is there anything you can do to change this and move your business forward? It could be giving yourself more free time, or having a business coach to turn to for advice. Even better? Try...
2023-10-3104 min
Fail Forward083 People, teams and businessWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode, I talk about the importance of building an effective team. When I started my business, I pledged myself to do whatever I could to look after my team. There are often people in business whose only priority is making money. The truth is that by looking after your team, your staff retention will go up and so will your revenue and profit. We all spend more time at work than anywhere else. When your staff c...
2023-10-2411 min
Fail Forward082 Stop giving a fu*kWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. How often have you let what someone thinks of you stop you from being yourself? As humans, it's in our nature to want to be liked. It makes us feel good! But it's not always conducive to business. When it comes to business, you need to be able to step outside of your comfort zone. That's impossible to do if you're always worrying about what people think. In this episode, I talk about how to stop giving a f*ck...
2023-10-1706 min
Fail Forward081 The One Percent GainWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode, I speak about remaining dedicated, no matter what. Something that's reflected in fitness as it is in business is that it can take time to see improvements. When you're working hard in the gym and eating well, you expect to see that reflected in the mirror after a few months. But that doesn't always happen. In fact, it rarely does. All these things take time. Real change is made from the cum...
2023-10-1008 min
Fail Forward080 Achieving a positive mindsetWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode, I talk about achieving a positive mindset. Getting yourself in the right mindset helps you turn up every day. When it comes to business, this is key as there can be days when it feels like everything is going against you. It's those days that you need to be able to break through barriers in your mind and have the tools in front of you to change your mindset. In this episode, I go thro...
2023-10-0318 min
Fail Forward079 Why is failure so common in business?Welcome to the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I talk about failure. As my podcast name suggests, this topic forms the building blocks to my content. It's clearly close to my heart, I think the reason for that is because its so closely connected to business. All you ever hear is, "80% of businesses fail in the first five years", or "1 in 5 businesses fail in their first year". There seems to be a new statistic every week! I take the view that this is du...
2023-09-2616 min
Fail Forward078 Stay open minded to experiencesWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "Some of the most amazing things are in the places we least expect." We all have experiences that we wouldn't try. It could be due to preconcieved ideas, either from yourself or from others, or simply that you've decided it doesn't fit with your values. I used to have negative preconceptions about people exercising on holiday. "Who on earth would exercise in the limited time they have to have to relax?" I would think. Well, on my late...
2023-09-1905 min
Fail Forward077 How to save timeWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast discussing how to save yourself some time. One thing that's limited in life is time. It wasn't until I lost everything that I first discovered how to be efficient with my tasks. Living in rented accommodation with mould up to the ceiling of my baby's bedroom, I knew I needed to be productive to make some money and provide a nicer home for my family. In this episode I talk about the hacks I learnt...
2023-09-1219 min
Fail Forward076 Interview: Keeley TavernerIn this episode I'm joined by psychotherapist, Keeley Taverner, who runs a coaching and therapy business called Key for Change. Keeley is refreshingly real. I couldn't help but be drawn in by her incredible energy when I met her and I'm confident that it will be the same for Fail Forward listeners. "When you've got nothing to lose, you're not afraid of asking." With a USP of helping people break away from narcissistic individuals, Keeley explains that her end goal is always to help her clients unlock their potential....
2023-09-0553 min
Fail Forward075 Interview: Natalie PottsWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie Potts, an entrepreneur who spent 19 years climbing the corporate ladder before taking the jump to go out on her own. Today she works as a coach, mentor and strategist for business owners. "The people who are out there creating success are the ones who are taking action." Having spent her entire career in the corporate world, Natalie imagined she would stay there for rest of her life. Her m...
2023-08-2958 min
Fail Forward074 Interview: Sal KassamWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I talk to Sal Kassam, a Personal Trainer (PT) who helps men over 50 get strong. Sal explained there are three reasons why he works with people in this age bracket. After passing the milestone age, his dad experienced two heart attacks and was diagnosed with cancer. Sal reflected on the change he saw in his dad during this time, going from someone he viewed as invincible to a...
2023-08-2249 min
Fail Forward073 Interview: Callum WebberWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I talk to Callum Webber from Freedom Lifestyle. Throughout this insightful conversation, Callum invites young people to really think about what will bring them happiness in life. He explains how to break away from societal norms and the benefits of doing so. Having spent most of his school life watching the clock, Callum wondered whether there is more to life. Instead of following the traditional route that his family, like many others, put on a pede...
2023-08-1547 min
Fail Forward072 Interview: Alexis KingsburyWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. Regular listeners of the Fail Forward Podcast, plus members of my Tree Surgeons Mastermind will have heard me talk about time management. Have you considered how artificial intelligence (AI) could be your best tool when it comes to saving time and stimulating creativity? In this episode I'm joined by someone who has not only delved into the three pillars of AI and embraced them in his own business but who now helps others to benefit from it too - Alexis Kingsbury "You can add...
2023-08-0853 min
Fail Forward071 How I failed at businessWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've been very open about the catalyst for Fail Forward but since the podcast has been running we've gained new followers who may not have heard my story. In this episode, I'll be giving you the potted history that led to me launching the Fail Forward Podcast. If you're a new follower - I highly recommend you scrolling back to Episode 1 to hear the full story. I'll be sharing: Where my disru...
2023-08-0120 min
Fail Forward070 Interview: Nick JamesWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. If you've been listening to the Fail Forward podcast for a while, you'll have heard me talk about my mentor, Nick James. Now, it's time to hear from him first hand. In this episode, Nick shares his business experiences - the highs and the lows, plus gives you a whistle-stop tour of his somewhat unusual introduction to the world of personal development. "Reaching the top you discover it isn't the top. It's just a series of levels."
2023-07-2552 min
Fail Forward069 Business can be hardWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Business isn't always easy and it isn't always plain sailing. When things feel tough it's human nature to start to procrastinate or avoid doing things you know you need to do. Yet it's also the time you need to find the determination to push through and come out the otherside. It's OK to say no to things for a while. Or to adapt your plan and change direction. In this episode I share how I bel...
2023-07-1805 min
Fail Forward068 How to be successful in businessWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "The more you take yourself out of your business, the more you'll be able to turn up as a better leader." I get it. It's your business. You've grown it from scratch. Lost sleep over it. It feels like your baby! But you don't have to be there ALL the time in order for it to flourish. On the contrary, it'll probably thrive faster if you take some time out. Meditate. Take a...
2023-07-1107 min
Fail Forward067 You have to be ruthless to be successfulWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "You have to be ruthless to be successful". Possibly the biggest lie you'll ever hear! When things go catastrophically wrong there is no shortage of people telling you where you went wrong. And if you've ever been in that situation, you've probably heard it yourself. Maybe you've even said it to someone else. Here's the truth. You CAN have a successful business and: Have good intentio...
2023-07-0405 min
Fail Forward066 The 5 pillars you need for a successful businessWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. If you've been following this podcast for a while, you're probably thinking, "No Henri, it's FOUR pillars". BIG NEWS… There's a new pillar in town and it is a game changer! Today the four pillars of a successful business become five as Mindset slips into the number one slot. In this episode I share why I've added Mindset to the pillars of a successful business as well as why it deserves top billing:
2023-06-2706 min
Fail Forward065 My 3 best tips to gain more timeWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Did you start your business because you wanted to spend all your time busting a gut working and no time having fun? I'm guessing the answer is no. Yet all too often that's the reality of building a business. Whilst a brand new business might mean you need to be the "Swiss Army Knife" for a while - doing all the tasks, the reality is - you can't grow that way. It is simply...
2023-06-2010 min
Fail Forward064 Interview: Jay AllenWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. It's a first for Fail Forward as I collaborate with Jay Allen of My True North and Add a Zero. Just to recap, Jay Allen is a qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology. This is Jay's second time on Fail Forward and if you haven't listened, I highly recommend you take a scroll back to his first appearance.
2023-06-131h 02
Fail Forward063 How to get to where you want to goWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, or saying, "They were successful because…" In the nicest possible way - that's an excuse and it's b0ll0&%s!!! The difference between people who are successful and people who are not, is that successful people don't make excuses, they take action. What you see as someone else's overnight success is actually the results of consistent effort and action by them. Listen now as I share why I believe...
2023-06-0605 min
Fail Forward062 5 tips to build resilienceWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Resilience is like a muscle. Life will always throw you curveballs. Be it relationships, business, money or health. How you deal with them, and your stress response depends on your resilience. By building your resilience you become better equipped to deal with life's curve balls. In this episode I share what I believe are the five steps to becoming more resilient when things don't go to plan: Get out of your comfort zone Cold water th...
2023-05-3014 min
Fail Forward061 Interview: James SeiloWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. When I welcome a guest to the podcast I never know quite how the conversation will go and am always blown away by the stories people share with me. In this episode I'm joined by James Seilo of Catalyst Personal Training who shares the epiphany that triggered a complete change of career direction. "I was dying a little bit inside and knew I had to get out." James shares how he put serious childhood abus...
2023-05-231h 04
Fail Forward060 5 tips to try to overcome failureWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "Fear of failure can paralyse your ability to take action" When the fear of failure gets in the way of taking action to achieve your goals, you're already failing. You just might not realise it! Yet, when you learn to see failure as a positive that moves you closer to making you dreams a reality, it's suddenly far less daunting. In this episode I share what I believe are the 5 steps to overcoming failure: Accountability Recording what went wrong Self care Acceptance K...
2023-05-1610 min
Fail Forward059 The decisions you make contribute to where you are nowWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "You are where you are now, because of the decisions you have made." Realising this can be tough - especially if you're not where you want to be right now! But acceptance is the first step to changing your life In this episode I share: > How becoming accountable leads to empowerment. > Why self awareness is the most powerful factor in changing your life. Listen now and ask yourself; do you co...
2023-05-0906 min
Fail Forward058 Interview: Alexis KingsburyWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. Regular listeners of the Fail Forward Podcast, plus members of my Tree Surgeons Mastermind will have heard me talk about the four critical pillars of building a successful business - one of which is systems. In this episode I'm joined by someone who doesn't just know about systemising business, but someone who can make the process interesting - Alexis Kingsbury "Great people + great processes = great business outcomes." After spending years helping large corporates systemise their...
2023-05-021h 05
Fail Forward057 Millionaire in trainingWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. The 12th April 2023 marks 12 months to the day that I took the plunge and started the Fail Forward podcast and I'm feeling a little reflective. This podcast, becoming a keynote speaker in property and building an industry changing mastermind are, for me, all part of my training to achieve my goals, dreams and aspirations. To build a legacy for my family and to create positive change for those I'm privileged to help along the way. And everytime I deliver a keynote speech or record a...
2023-04-2505 min
Fail Forward056 Interview: Julie WongWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. Regular listeners of the Fail Forward Podcast plus members of my Tree Surgeons Mastermind will have heard me talk about the importance of knowing your numbers for some time now. In this episode I'm joined by "accidental accountant", business coach and finance mentor, Julie Wong. "If you're not in control of your finances, you're not in control of your business." Julie shares how her dentistry destiny took an unexpected turn, and how, after accepting an acc...
2023-04-1844 min
Fail Forward055 Failing Forward for a whole yearWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Imagine what your life would be like if it was impossible to fail. In this, the 1st birthday episode, I'm talking about the power of ice baths, personal accountability and getting out of the blame game. It's not that long since I was terrified to walk into a room of 20 business owners at a networking event. Now, I'm standing up delivering key notes to 600+ people and sharing some of my innermost thoughts on this podcast every week. And le...
2023-04-1110 min
Fail Forward054 Why I do what I doWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "Henri - why do you bother?" In this episode I'm talking about why I do what I do. Juggling multiple businesses and growing a community isn't easy. And sometimes people ask me why I bother. The truth is, helping people gives you the kind of buzz that's hard to get anywhere else. As a bit of a petrol head I'm familiar with the buzz of driving a fast car. But when you own your d...
2023-04-0406 min
Fail Forward053 Talking about addictionWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking about addiction. It's something close to my heart, and something I don't shy away from talking about "in real life" but have never really spoken about on the podcast. Yet it's an important topic that can affect anyone. Addictions come in many different forms - exercise, alcohol, food, sex, dieting, drugs - legal and not - the list goes on. Whatever the addiction is, they stem from the common f...
2023-03-2808 min
Fail Forward052 Building winning teamsWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. Ever heard someone say "If you want a job doing right, do it yourself"? Absolute nonsense! In fact, I suspect trying to do everything myself used to be my biggest weak spot. In this episode I explore: > Why you must trust in other to achieve your big goals > Why it's OK for people in your business to better than you > Why you have to learn to accept that 70-80% perfec...
2023-03-2109 min
Fail Forward051 Interview: Ellie McKayWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm joined by the host of the "On a mission" podcast, Ellie McKay. "The more you learn, the more you learn you know nothing!" As the host of her own podcast that is regularly in the top 3 downloads in its genre, there was never a moment's doubt that Ellie would be an amazing guest. Listen now for an uplifting and entertaining hour Ellie talks about her breathtaking journey from life as a 19 y...
2023-03-141h 01
Fail Forward050 Paying for advice vs free adviceWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. With so much free advice readily available on podcasts, websites, YouTube and even from your mates at the pub - why bother paying for it? "Free advice is worth every penny!" Rob Moore When I first heard this I didn't quite understand what Rob meant. But now I do and it's so true. In this episode I share: > The problem with free advice > A great example of how free advice isn't valued ...
2023-03-0706 min
Fail Forward049 Caring less about what people think of meWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. A podcast guest once said to me, "What other people think of me is none of my business!" Does it bother you what people think of you? From a young age I moved around a lot, went to lots of different schools and had to become good at making friends. And it really bugged me if people didn't like me. Looking back now I can see that it's perfectly normal. Nobody likes everyone. There...
2023-02-2805 min
Fail Forward048 Turning up as a human being"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." Henry Ford I've heard a lot of quotes over the years and this is one that always stays with me. How we show up in life - business or personal - impacts everything we do. So it's vital that we take time to check in with ourselves from time to time. Something I've recently learned, and started to use with the people I mentor is scoring my energy in five different ways. In t...
2023-02-2111 min
Fail Forward047 Interview: John BeamsonWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I talk to John Beamson aka The CEO Adventurer. "Be the first domino of happiness every day" During a humorous and inspiring 55 minutes John talks about his journey from life in the British Army to leading ambitious CEOs on "robust days out" that test their endurance, challenging them to embrace life outside their comfort zone. Triggered to make business changing decisions following no holds barred "constructive criticism" from renowned coaches, John took...
2023-02-1455 min
Fail Forward046 Interview: Jay AllenWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In the longest episode of the Fail Forward Podcast to date, I talk to Jay Allen, qualified psychologist, former social worker, medically retired Sergeant Major of the British Army, business mentor and creator of the "Add a Zero" business growth methodology. Jay shares his story of life before the British Army to life as a leading business mentor and lecturer leading fascinating research into the causes of business failure. After joining the army for a 5 year stint to clea...
2023-02-071h 18
Fail Forward045 Why competitors are goodWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast discussing learning to love your competitors. I once heard someone exclaim that they would prefer their business failed than spend time in the same space as their biggest competitor. That's a whole load of negative energy and emotion being expended in a completely pointless way. Competition always has, and always will, exist. And I think that's an amazing thing! Why? Have a listen to this episode and I'll challenge you to cons...
2023-01-3108 min
Fail Forward044 Suicide in men, the biggest killer in the UKIn this episode we are talking about the very serious, and incredibly sad fact that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 years of age in the UK. A staggering and heartbreaking statistic I am sure you will agree. Regular listeners will already know that I am passionate about reaching as many people as possible in order to overcome the fear of failure. Yet the stark reality is, too many people - but especially men - feel they have no alternative but to take their own lives...
2023-01-2413 min
Fail Forward043 Goal Setting: Welcome to 2023Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. Whether you're a New Year Resolution setter or not, there is something about January that makes (almost) everyone think about their goals and ambitions for the coming year. In just 10 minutes I'll take you through how to approach your goal setting in a methodical way and why you must start by reflecting on what went well, and not so well, last year. As you know, this podcast is all about taking the positives from our failures - large or small - in order to...
2023-01-1711 min
Fail Forward042 Interview: Ben DruryWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I talk to Ben Drury, a.k.a The Culture Guy. During an insightful 49 minutes Ben shares fascinating observations of the behaviours, language and mindset that can make or break a company by creating a culture that is just plain wrong! Like many of my guests, Ben didn't leave school aspiring to help companies create a great culture. Rather his reputation as The Culture Guy is the result of a diverse career working for a mix...
2023-01-1049 min
Fail Forward040 Interview: Jamie StewartWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking to Jamie Stewart, business coach and one of the founders of Circle Networks. During the next 50 minutes Jamie and I set out to get to the core of why some networking activity works whilst others don't. Jamie shares his journey from the corporate world to creating a business that supports his life's priorities, and how he's made the shift from anti-networker to the co-founder of a growing network. In previous episodes I've often talk...
2022-12-2752 min
Fail Forward039 Interview: Graham ToddWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking to Graham Todd, a.k.a Todd, owner of Spaghetti Agency. During the next 45 minutes Todd shares his journey from employed wine delivery driver to heading up his own digital marketing agency with a very strong brand identity. Like many of my guests, Todd's story is a fascinating listen. You'll hear his humorous reflections of how a wine tasting event he shouldn't have been at was the catalyst to leaving his marriage, job and...
2022-12-2052 min
Fail Forward038 Talking about the recessionWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I am talking about recession. More specifically - I am urging you, as a business owner and entrepreneur, to proactively seek out the opportunity that arises in every recession. And to not talk yourself into making emotionally charged decisions based on the doom and gloom of the mainstream media. There is no denying that times are tough for lots of people right now. But history shows us that: 👉 Rece...
2022-12-1306 min
Fail Forward037 Turning up as your best selfWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. "The ability to regulate your performance and your mental and physical state will determine the success in your business." That's quite a powerful sentence when you break it down. Essentially it means that, as the business owner, it's all on you. And that can feel like a lot of pressure. But here's the thing - when you know you HOW to show up as your best self, it becomes a lot easier to do so. In...
2022-12-0406 min
Fail Forward036 How can we learn to enjoy the journeyWelcome to the Fail Forward podcast. What left Stephen Bartlett feeling empty when he learned his company was worth millions? Why did Jonny Wilkinson plummet into depression after taking England to World Cup Victory? What has that got to do with you and your business? The answer is, remembering the journey is as important as the destination! In fact, the journey is arguably the most important and most fun part of achieving your goals. Because once you achieve them - what's next? ...
2022-11-2908 min
Fail Forward035 Interview: Amy RowlinsonWelcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking to Amy Rowlinson, podcaster, coach and podcasting mentor. During the next 40 minutes Amy shares the twists and turns of her career taking her from unfulfilled employee on auto-pilot to a purpose-led coach, mentor and podcaster helping others align their lives with their values and create exciting mid-life beginnings. Amy's passion for personal growth, her fearless approach to embracing change and her desire to seize new opportunities are evident throughout the interview. She reflects on...
2022-11-2240 min
Fail Forward034 HRG MastermindWelcome to episode 34 of the Fail Forward podcast. In September 2022 I took the Tree Surgeons Business Academy to the APF Show. One thing that quickly became clear is that the concept of a business mastermind isn't well understood across the industry. In this episode, I expressly talk about what a mastermind is, and how it helps tree surgery businesses. Not a tree surgeon? No problem - this episode will still help you understand more about how masterminds help whatever the business type. In just 20...
2022-11-1521 min
Fail Forward033 Addressing your comfort zoneWelcome to episode 33 of the Fail Forward podcast. We've all heard the saying "Good things happen when you step out of your comfort zone" and I couldn't agree more. In fact, I reframe the so-called comfort zone as a danger zone. Because, all too often, when you are comfortable you relax. Maybe even become a little complacent. And, in my experience, you become a little less productive. In this episode I explore why being out of your comfort zone can result in the most productive periods of your life, how to overcome the c...
2022-11-0807 min
Fail Forward032 Interview: Toyin AyandareEP32 Interview with Toyin Ayandare Welcome to episode 32 of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking to Toyin Ayandare, founder of Icon Range. Over the course of the next 40 minutes, Toyin shares her journey from a young girl who relocated from Nigeria to the UK, to the head of a growing, profitable property portfolio and training business. From her earliest experiences of finding work in the UK, to leaving corporate life in order to pursue her dream of building financial freedom, Toyin talks openly about what fuelled her...
2022-11-0139 min
Fail Forward031 Interview: Gordon GrantEP31 Interview with Gordon Grant Welcome to episode 31 of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm talking to Gordon Grant, founder of Dads Mean Business. Over the course of the next 50 minutes, Gordon shares his journey from the weary days of selling bootleg video games, his life as a single, globe-trotting professional to the life-altering realisation that as a husband and father he needed to make significant changes to his life. During the interview, I explore how Gordon recognised the need to change direction, what...
2022-10-2549 min
Fail Forward030 We are now 6 months inEP30 We are now 6 months in... Welcome to episode 30 of the Fail Forward podcast. I can hardly believe that this episode marks six months since the launch of the Fail Forward Podcast. Thank you to everyone who has watched, listened, shared and joined the conversation. Content over the up and coming 9-12 episodes is going to become more aimed at tree surgery business owners who I know are listening. There will still be plenty of value if you're not a tree surgeon so do stay tuned! I...
2022-10-1810 min
Fail Forward029 Mental HealthEP29 Talking about Mental Health Welcome to episode 29 of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I am talking about mental health and vulnerability. Suicide affects men and women but, in the UK, is the biggest killer of men in certain age groups. To me, the thought that anyone thinks they have no alternative but to end their own life is heartbreaking. As men we grow up hearing male adjectives like; tough; strong; macho; manning up. We hide our feelings and can believe it's weak to show our vulnerability....
2022-10-1110 min
Fail Forward028 You do not have a buiness, you have a job...EP28 You don't have a business Welcome to episode 28 of the Fail Forward podcast. OK - this is going to hurt. If you can't take two weeks off, work flexibly in terms or hours or location, or completely switch off from time to time - your business needs to change. In fact if your business can't function without you - you don't have a business, you have a job! And it's probably a very underpaid job as well… In thi...
2022-10-0408 min
Fail Forward027 EmpathyEP27 The importance of having empathy Welcome to episode 27 of the Fail Forward podcast. Do you have empathy for others? I confess that I haven't always been the most empathetic person. I may have thought I was, But in reality, it was my wife, Sarah, who really taught me about empathy. I'd come home in a bad mood, venting about people at work I believed had let me down or done something I considered to be unbelievably stupid. I'd shout in the car when...
2022-09-2709 min
Fail Forward026 MindsetEP26 Mindset Welcome to episode 26 of the Fail Forward podcast. I've talked before about the importance of mindset and its role in finding your winning formula. Your mindset is arguably the most critical factor in achieving your goals, which means it is vital to understand how to manage your mindset for the best possible outcomes. Having always considered myself a positive person, I was surprised when a mindset coach quickly picked-up on my subconscious habit of negative self-talk. Once it was pointed out to me, I became proactive about ca...
2022-09-2006 min
Fail Forward024 The importance of having your WhyEP24 The importance of having your why Welcome to episode 24 of the Fail Forward podcast. On the days you feel like you're paddling upstream, what is it that keeps you going? Whether it's your business or your personal life, we all have something that gets us out of bed even on the days we least feel like it, and makes us keep moving forward towards our goals. In this episode we take a look at how to understand what your true why is and how you...
2022-09-0609 min
Fail Forward023 LonelinessEP23 Loneliness Welcome to episode 23 of the Fail Forward podcast. What does loneliness mean to you? For most people the word evokes negative emotions and memories; sadness, childhood trauma, isolation, depression, failure. And I can't lie - I would have said the same until I listened to Steven Bartlett's podcast (Diary of a CEO) with Jay Shetty. If you haven't heard it, I'd recommend you give it a listen. That episode completely changed my perspective of loneliness and what it means to do things alone. Here...
2022-08-3005 min
Fail Forward022 People ManagementEP22 People Management Welcome to episode 22 of the Fail Forward podcast. Stop! In the inimitable words of Tina Turner, we don't need another hero! I employed people for a long time before I realised that I didn't actually have a clue how to manage them. Sure, I'd built a great culture, I knew the names of all my staff, their families, kids and pets, but I was disempowering them. And in turn, I was undermining my business! In this episode I share the mistakes I mad...
2022-08-2312 min
Fail Forward020 Businesses And Time ManagementEP20 Business and Time Management Welcome to episode 20 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes I have talked about the iceberg effect and why comparison is an unhelpful distraction because what you see on the surface is only a fraction of someone else's reality. When I talk to people I don't know well and tell them I have five businesses, the first reaction is almost always, "How do you do it all?" Well, it's that iceberg again! I don't - and can't - do it a...
2022-08-0913 min
Fail Forward019 When To Say NoEP19 When to say no Welcome to episode 19 of the Fail Forward podcast. I always say failure is only a negative if you do not learn from it and give up. However, as with any 'rule' there is always an exception. And in this episode I talk about the importance of recognising when to say no, or to stop doing something. I'm not talking about giving up on your hopes and dreams, business or personal. I'm talking about stopping repeating the behaviours that aren't serving you...
2022-08-0209 min
Fail Forward018 PerceptionEP18 Perception Welcome to episode 18 of the Fail Forward podcast. If you have ever caught yourself comparing your life, business or situation to others, this episode is for you. Comparisonitis is possibly one of the most dangerous activities we can engage in when it comes to damaging our feelings of self-worth or our mindset. And the explosion of social media platforms over the last two decades has only exacerbated the problem beyond measure Yet - if we are honest about our own social media habits - mos...
2022-07-2613 min
Fail Forward016 The importance of Goal SettingEP16 The importance of goal setting Welcome to episode 16 of the Fail Forward podcast. You wouldn't attempt to drive from Southampton to Scotland without a map, a satnav or a good plan for how you are going to get there. Yet one of the most common things I see when working with new members of my tree surgery mastermind, is a lack of planning. Either a total absence or a very hit and miss approach that just doesn't get results. Over the years Sarah and I hav...
2022-07-1216 min
Fail Forward015 The Importance Of NetworkingEP15 The importance of networking Welcome to episode 15 of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode I'm going to share my insights about the importance of building a broad network around you. It's something I didn't think too much about the first time around. But when I opened my mind to self development and started learning how to create a strong, resilient business, time after time networking came up as a critical marketing channel. Tim Sanders' popular quote says: "Networking is your net worth" and it's something I now tot...
2022-07-0511 min
Fail Forward013 Why Coaches, Mentors and Masterminds are important!Welcome to episode 13 of the Fail Forward podcast. If you've listened to previous episodes, you'll have heard me talking about how changing my mindset about education has been key to rebuilding my life after I lost my first business. I left school with the firmly-held belief that education wasn't for me. I'd failed at school (or perhaps school had failed me) and from there on in, I was going to work things out on my own. Hard work and determination were to become my mantra. Now - with...
2022-06-2109 min
Fail Forward012 Why you need to know your numbers!Welcome to episode 12 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've talked about the four critical pillars to building a successful business. In this episode we take a deep dive into numbers covering: Why you need to get a grip of your numbers.. What happens if you don't know your numbers. A technique I use in all my businesses that you can immediately implement in yours. When you listen to this episode you'll learn the unlikely link between knowing your numbers and elep...
2022-06-1410 min
Fail Forward011 Finding the 4 Pillars to a Sustainable BusinessWelcome to episode 11 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've touched on what I believe are the four critical pillars you need to build a successful business. In this episode I take you through each one in turn, explaining why I think they're so important. You will learn: What the four pillars are How the four pillars support your business How to get started with implementing the four pillars in your business I have no doubt there'll be experts out...
2022-06-0713 min
Fail Forward009 Winging It V Self DevelopmentWelcome to episode 9 of the Fail Forward podcast. In my early, boom days as a business owner I often joked about the fact I was 'winging it'. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't blagging it. I was emulating people in my industry who seemed to have it nailed. I was jumping in at the deep end, working things out as I went along and failing forward. Until I couldn't any longer. I learned the hard way, winging it is not sustainable! When my ability to successfully wing it r...
2022-05-2411 min
Fail Forward008 Juggling parenting and life can be tough!Welcome to episode 8 of the Fail Forward podcast. If you've listened to previous episodes, you'll know that I'm a family man. Parenting and business are both super tough in their own right. Put them together and the pressure can feel overwhelming. This episode is part reflection of my own parenting journey and part some advice I wish I'd had before things went wrong. Parenting through the good times When my daughter was born, life was good. I had a thriving business, we had a nice lifestyle, and our baby gir...
2022-05-1611 min
Fail Forward007 Don't make the same mistakes I did - What went wrong with Henri GhijbenWelcome to episode 7 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've been very open about the catalyst for Fail Forward. But I haven't yet covered what went wrong in any great detail. When I start to share my story, I'm always asked the same questions: Why did the business fail? How did I grow a business from zero to 47 staff, and then lose it all? What went wrong? In this episode I'm going to share with you, what I be...
2022-05-1011 min
Fail Forward006 Why you must find your Winning Formula! With Henri GhijbenWelcome to episode 6 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've talked about accountability and the importance of being accountable when things go wrong. But what if you could put a framework in place that helped you ensure you maximise your potential for success every day? In this episode of the Fail Forward podcast, I share my personal winning formula that helps me start each day in the best possible shape - mentally, physically and psychologically. It's something I've been practising and developing over recent years and...
2022-05-0309 min
Fail Forward005 How I recovered from failure quickly - AccountabilityWelcome to episode 5 of the Fail Forward podcast. In previous episodes, I've talked about accountability and the importance of being accountable when things go wrong. But what does that mean? In this episode of the Fail Forward podcast, we will take a deep dive into accountability and why it is such an essential step in failing forwards. Before my business went under, I worked with a business coach, Jeff Shrimpton. Jeff is an ActionCoach, and one of the things he talks about is being...
2022-04-2609 min
Fail Forward004 Liam Doe: The assets are going to bail you outWelcome to episode 4 of the Fail Forward podcast. In this episode, I'm talking to Liam Doe, one of the owners of Old Bond Store in Southampton. A unique member-only workspace. Over the next hour, you'll hear first-hand Liam's journey so far, what's gone wrong and how he bounced back when it looked like he'd lost everything. During the interview, I've asked Liam searching questions about what it means to be successful and what he considers the personality trait you'll find in every successful entrepreneur. We examine the difference between a business op...
2022-04-1955 min
Fail Forward003 What is failure? with Henri GhijbenWe are conditioned to avoid failure from childhood and be afraid of it. In this episode, I'm taking a deep dive into failure, answering three key questions; What is failure? How does failure affect our approach to life? What can you do to change your perspective? When you look up fail, failure and failing in the Oxford English Dictionary, you'll read three of the most negative definitions I've ever seen. However, when you break it down, failure is everywhere. We f...
2022-04-1212 min
Fail Forward002 What is perfect?Looking back on when things have gone wrong can be painful, embarrassing or any other uncomfortable emotion. As a result, it's often easier not to and instead focus on what's next. In this episode of Fail Forward, I reflect on how it felt to listen back to episode 1 when I was interviewed by Amy Rowlinson and consider the importance of taking time to reflect and learn throughout our lifetime. You'll frequently hear me say, "Failure isn't a negative if you learn from it" - something I passionately believe. T...
2022-04-1206 min
Fail Forward000 Fail Forward trailerFailure is only negative if you don't learn from it Fail Forward is the weekly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and family man Henri Ghijben. In each episode you'll hear from Henri and guests as they share real-life experiences of positives born from failure, reflections on the lessons learned from 'losing it all, and what fuels Henri's desire to help others overcome personal and business challenges in order to create the lives they want to live. Who is Henri Ghijben? Growing up in Bury St Edmunds, Henri's first memorable experience of...
2022-04-1101 min
Fail Forward001 Why Fail Forward? with Henri GhijbenIt takes more than determination and long hours to build a sustainable business. Setting the scene for the rest of the season, this episode reflects on my journey from leaving school with no qualifications, bouncing from job to job before setting up my own business in my 20s, growing it to a team of almost 50 and then losing it all. But that's not the end of the story. Armed with a "What went wrong?" document, I made peace with the uncomfortable recognition that I just wasn't good enough and set about re...
2022-04-1147 min