What if growing your business didn’t mean sacrificing your time, your health, or your freedom? Working On It is the podcast for service-based founders who want to scale without burning out. Each episode brings you honest conversations with experts, operators, and mentors - the same kind of people who’ve helped shape successful businesses from the inside out. We dive into the systems, strategies, and habits that drive performance - and show you how to build a company that works without you always having to be there. It’s about clarity, leadership, and reclaiming control - of your time, your team, and your next chapter. If you're focused on building a business that runs without you - and a life that works because of you - then you're in the right place
The Price of "More": Why Winning Doesn't Always Satisfy
In this thought-provoking episode, Brad explores the delicate balance between ambition and contentment following a profound conversation with entrepreneur Will Polston. Reflecting on the common cycle of sacrificing health and relationships for financial success, the host digs into why winning often fails to satisfy us and instead merely raises the stakes. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Trap of Moving Goalposts: Continuous success often raises the stakes rather than providing lasting satisfaction, turning yesterday’s dream into today’s baseline expectation. Understanding Hedonic Adaptation: Whether in income, career milestones, or personal wins, humans rapidly normalize achievements, driving an endless search for the next high. How the Perception of Wealth Evolves: Money is critical for security and choice, but as we mature, its real power shifts from buying items to purchasing time and peace of mind. Ambition Needs Definition: Without clear parameters, ambition can consume the very life it was meant to improve, forcing us to sacrifice what matters most to reach arbitrary targets. "Enough" Transforms Ambition into Choice: Deciding what is "enough" doesn't mean halting progress—it turns compulsive chasing into conscious, purposeful growth. BEST MOMENTS "What if the greatest risk of becoming successful isn't losing everything... but losing the ability to recognize when you already have enough?" "He described spending half of his life sacrificing his health to build wealth, only to reach a point where he was prepared to sacrifice some of that wealth to recover his health." "The win didn't satisfy the desire—in fact, it escalated it. Yesterday's dream became today's baseline." "Money matters. It can reduce anxiety, give us choices, and buy back our time... but ambition without definition can consume the life it was supposed to improve." "Enough isn't the enemy of ambition; enough is what gives ambition direction of where to go." VALUABLE RESOURCES LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willpolston/ HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Leveling Up: Lessons in Resilience and Leadership with George McLennan
In this candid episode, Brad sits down with George McLennan, a former professional footballer turned founder of G Mac Gardens. After ten years in professional football, highlighted by a league title win with Cheltenham, injuries, performance anxiety, and burnout forced George to pivot away from the sport. Facing zero income, a broken ankle, and a low point driving Deliveroo with a lawnmower crammed into the back of his Ford Fiesta, George turned sheer necessity into entrepreneurial drive. KEY TAKEAWAYS Necessity Breeds Breakthroughs: Being backed into a corner forces rapid learning and action. When options are limited, survival instinct transforms into powerful entrepreneurial drive. Exposure Dissolves Anxiety: Overcoming fear and performance anxiety doesn't come from overthinking it comes from repeatedly putting yourself into uncomfortable, challenging situations until confidence builds. Fall in Love with the Process: Fixating solely on an end goal or exit strategy can create unnecessary stress. Real fulfillment and sustainable growth come from enjoying the day-to-day journey, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Tailored Leadership Beats One-Size-Fits-All: Inspired by the varying styles of football managers, effective team leadership relies on understanding individual personalities and knowing whether a team member needs an arm around the shoulder or a push to perform. Humility opens Doors: Don't let pride or fear of competition stop you from seeking advice. Most business owners are happy to share insights and point newcomers in the right direction if you simply dare to ask. BEST MOMENTS "I think when you're backed into a corner... your best work is done and your fastest-growing times happen, because you need to learn everything." "Of all the therapy and sports psychology... the main thing that got me out of that anxiety is literally facing fears. Putting yourself in scary situations gives you self-respect." "The fun part isn't the exit—it's the journey. You're progressing, you're learning, you're getting new experiences, and you're meeting people." "I literally had a lawnmower in the back and a Deliveroo bag in the front seat... I was trying to do two gigs at the same time!" HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Handwritten Letters to the King: Inside the Lockwood Clothing Brand
In this gripping episode, Brad sits down with Jacob Lockwood, an energetic, patriotic, and fiercely determined former Coldstream Guard who transitioned out of the military just seven days prior after 16 years of service. Jacob shares the remarkable story behind his rapidly growing British clothing brand, Lockwood, detailing how his military training became his ultimate business education. KEY TAKEAWAYS Military Skills as a Business Foundation: Jacob credits his 16 years in the infantry with giving him the psychological resilience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability required to survive the daily "shock of capture" that defines running a business. The Power of Authenticity and Content: The absolute best advice for any new or scaling business owner is to document the journey relentlessly. Authentic, unpolished content is what genuinely wins people’s hearts in an era dominated by hyper-polished AI media. Fierce Commitment to Local Economy: Despite knowing he could increase his net profit by 35% or more by outsourcing production overseas, Jacob is unyielding in his mission to support British factories, local jobs, and tax contributions. Trusting Your Gut Against Predators: In business, predatory investors look for struggling companies to exploit. Jacob highlights the importance of listening to your instincts and turning down bad money, even when you are facing heavy debt. The Extreme Swings of Entrepreneurship: Within a matter of eight weeks, Jacob went from being four days away from losing his home to signing a life-changing, multi-million-pound funding deal with excellent repayment terms. BEST MOMENTS "I saw the Army as my career. Little did I know, actually, it was just my basic training for running this company." "Your North Star should be like emptying the sea with a soup spoon... It’s so big that it’s almost impossible, but it keeps you driving towards it." "The biggest brain cells you've got in your body are in your stomach. If something just feels off, then listen to it." "Running this business is a little bit like the shock of capture... but it doesn't wear off after two days. It just constantly changes." "Don't try to pretend to be something you're not, and don't try and use our flag in vain. If you're going to manufacture overseas, fine... but don't try and use our flag." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
From Scarcity to Seven Figures: Scaling a Business by Mastering Your Numbers
In this episode, accounting firm owner and entrepreneur John Holliday flips the script on traditional business advice by proving that scaling your company doesn't require massive upfront cash. John shares his unconventional approach to "no money down" acquisitions through strategic earn-outs, discusses how he turned failing practices into booming multi-office hubs, and explains why tracking micro-metrics like quote conversion rates is the true secret to scaling. More than just a math lesson, this conversation dives deep into the personal mindset shift required to build super profits—the financial safety blanket every business owner needs to survive unexpected market slumps, sleep soundly at night, and design a life worth living. Key Takeaways Buying a company with "no money down" is entirely possible through deferred vendor notes and earn-out models, but it requires deep industry credibility and established trust with the seller first. A profit and loss statement only shows the past, which makes proactive tools like forward-looking budgets, scorecards, and lead tracking infinitely more valuable for predicting future growth. If a business is converting more than 90% of its quotes into won jobs, it is almost certainly pricing its services too cheaply and leaving significant money on the table. Business profit should never be viewed as a negative or greedy word; it is the essential financial buffer that protects employees and keeps a company alive during inevitable downturns Episode Quotes "I’m a big believer in growth, because I think that we should give opportunity to other people. I think growth also allows you to buy your way out of problems." "Anyone who does a weekly P&L will make more profit that year than anyone who doesn't do a P&L." "I always say to my team we've got to make X profit. People think that's a lot of money, and it is a lot of money, but the reality is we've got a lot of people. So when things go wrong, we need that buffer." "I'd rather do it and fail, or do it and not enjoy it, or just do it and never do it again, than not do it." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Leading Beyond Your Limits - with Penny Ford
In this inspiring episode, primary school founder turned elite leadership consultant Penny Ford shares the transformative power of choosing a growth mindset over the comfort zone. Drawing from a career that began with shaping young minds and evolved into coaching high-performing CEOs, Penny reveals the hidden mechanics of successful teams, the reality of the 143% rule, and why standard leadership frameworks fail without psychological safety. Discover how to reprogram your brain's fear response, master strategic delegation, and lead with an authentic humility that inspires peak performance even when you step out of the room. Key Takeaways Leaders must operate at a higher standard of intensity because a natural 30% delta exists in performance transmission between a leader and their team. A safe environment where employees feel empowered to pitch bold ideas, challenge authority, and openly admit mistakes is the true driver of high-performing, exceptional teams. True succession planning and scaling require business owners to stop firefighting daily tasks and intentionally protect time for overarching strategy, innovation, and coaching. It is much easier to modify your everyday actions to resemble the leader you want to become than it is to think your way into a new behaviour cycle. Episode Quotes "If you have a solution, you don't have a problem." "Act your way to a new way of thinking is easier than thinking your way to a new way of acting." "That feeling of worry or concern—that's actually good, because that shows we're growing." "If you want your team to be 100%, you've got to rock up as the 143%." VALUABLE RESOURCES LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/penny-ford HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
The Secret to Radical Focus: Ditching Disparity for Discipline
Business coach and fitness mentor Byron Munford breaks through the noise of modern distraction and convenience culture to uncover what it truly takes to optimise your physical performance and business growth. He tackles the modern myth of being "too busy" for self-care, outlining why high-stakes performance requires rigorous internal boundaries. From uncovering the real impact of sleep cycles on body composition to a candid critique of popular medical shortcuts like Ozempic, this conversation offers a strict, no-nonsense diagnostic blueprint for individuals ready to reclaim their focus and operate at maximum capability. Key Takeaways True bodily alignment can be measured internally by waking up feeling Happy, Hungry, and Horny. The human brain does not create permanent physical changes through passive consumption; it changes strictly through creation and discomfort. True supplemental value comes from precise personal blood diagnostics, not mainstream wellness marketing trends. Rest and relaxation are far more rewarding and biochemically effective when hard-earned through intense daily discipline. Episode Quotes "You have to train your mind to be stronger than your feelings, otherwise you'll lose yourself." "Human brains learn via creation, not via consumption." "If you want to be a different person, you have to become that person before you are them." "If you haven't got your basic ducks in a row—sleep, clean eating, and training—you shouldn't even be looking at supplements." Would you like me to refine any specific aspect of these descriptions or titles to better match your distribution platform? VALUABLE RESOURCES ● Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/byronperformancept/ HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
The Instrument Of Leadership: How To Unlock Your Voice's Power - with Daidree Tofano
Behind every great leader is a powerful vision, but how do you ensure that your message actually lands when the stakes are at their highest? In this episode, executive voice and presence coach Daidree Tofano dives deep into how leaders can master the tool they use every single day: their own voice. Drawing from her fascinating, non-linear career path, Daidree shares her unique inside-out philosophy for conquering high-pressure speaking moments. You'll learn how to shift your mindset, step away from your script, and actively use your body and breath to command authority and connect authentically with any audience. Key Takeaways True executive presence requires sharpening your physical instrument—your body, breath, and voice—rather than just focusing on your slide deck or written content. Managing high-stakes speaking anxiety requires building deep physical awareness of your internal tension and your breath before you even open your mouth. Presenting effectively on camera is a distinct skill set from speaking in person, demanding fewer physical movements and a direct, consistent connection with the lens. Great speakers command authority not by rushing, but by intentionally embracing silence, pausing, and physically claiming their environment Episode Quotes "A lot of communications coaching is all around what you say, your content. I look at the instrument that delivers it: the how you say it." "I help leaders, specifically in really high-stakes moments, show up as the best version of themselves and the most persuasive version of themselves." "People don't want to take up space. They don't want to take up physical space, they don't want to take up vocal space... I think that is one of the biggest turnarounds that people can make." "We're all kind of like brains on a stick walking around, and we're in our heads and then we completely forget about the body." VALUABLE RESOURCES ● LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daidreetofano/ ● Website www.impactvoicecoaching.com HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
The Moving Middle: Debunking AI Hype with Applied Innovation
In this episode, applied AI expert Lee Russell sits down with us to separate real-world utility from the loud extremes of Silicon Valley optimism and dystopian pessimism. Steering clear of dense, speculative tech jargon, Lee breaks down how automated systems can drastically elevate trade and service-based businesses by automating the mundane and humanising the exceptional. From creating hyper-personalised customer proposal flows to structural team transformations, this conversation outlines an actionable blueprint for business owners to step away from repetitive day-to-day tasks, scale consistently, and leverage machine learning to become highly strategic orchestrators of their own success Key Takeaways Genuine ROI in business comes from practicing applied AI rather than getting caught up in the far-off "futurist" predictions of massive societal disruption. Successful AI integration is an engineering consistency problem rather than a capabilities problem, requiring strict guardrails, thorough context templates, and deliberate constraints to maximise results. The "10-80-10" model suggests that while AI can efficiently handle the middle 80% of repetitive data processing, human expertise must direct the initial 10% of context setting and refine the final 10% of output. Rather than causing mass job replacement, the emergence of AI allows high-performing teams to elevate their responsibilities, offload the mundane, and focus entirely on high-leverage human connection. Episode Quotes "It is the middle road... It's not going to be as amazing as everyone says, and it's not going to be as bad as everyone says. And that is generally how technology plays out." "When you're doing AI right, that's the signal we look for: Are you becoming a more human business? Are you spending more time with your clients? More face-to-face time?" "If you can think in your business: 'How do I get to try before I buy?' and 'I will pay you to interview with me' because I don't want to waste an hour of my time speaking to someone who's not going to get the job... it's been brilliant." "An AI will be confounded at its current level of a closed door or two sets of data that aren't connected... Humans are insane miracles of evolution. We can look at very strange scenarios that are not normal within your business and look at the context around that instantaneously." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
The Six Pillars of High Performance: Health, Mindset, and Resilience with Byron Munford
Brad welcomes personal health and fitness expert Byron Munford, one of the UK's leading powerlifters and founder of Lifestyle Revolution, to discuss the critical connection between physical health and business success. Byron shares his personal journey from aggressive child to black belt martial artist, crossfitter, and elite weightlifter, highlighting how physical challenges condition the mind to handle daily stress. The conversation delves into the similarities between elite athletes and corporate executives, exploring how both groups utilise a high tolerance for stress and an advanced perception of pain to maintain peak performance. Byron also introduces his Six Pillars of Health exercise, nutrition/hydration, sleep, mindset, stress management, and circadian rhythm, explaining how mastering these elements can transform lives, recover lost time, and optimise both personal well-being and professional success. Key Takeaways An unhealthy individual is consumed by a single problem—their illness—while a healthy person has the freedom to face and manage the thousands of challenges that come with daily life. Elite performance in sports or business relies on conditioning the mind to view high levels of stress and discomfort as a normal, manageable part of the daily routine rather than a reason to stop. True well-being requires a balance of exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindset, stress management, and circadian rhythm, as an imbalance in even one pillar can completely disrupt the others. Lasting transformation comes from focusing on incremental, consistent improvements—like tracking and slowly increasing deep sleep—rather than trying to achieve a flawless standard immediately. Episode Quotes "A healthy man has a thousand problems, an unhealthy man has one problem." "If you look at the average person, they will only ever contract 30 to 40 percent of their max muscular units, but elite athletes can tap into a greater percentage where they're lifting or using 80, even 90 percent." "Learning how to manage stress is one of the best skills you can learn in life because it just buys you back time, buys you back freedom." "Go after what you really want, and not what your parents tell you to do, not what your mates tell you to do, not what the guy down the pub tells you to do. What do you really want without the external influence?" HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Understanding Autism and ADHD in the Trades Industry
Forget the traditional one-size-fits-all workplace; it's time to build an environment where every mind can thrive. We sit down with Melissa, a secondary school teacher, mum, and the driving force behind Neuro Inclusion UK. She shares her deeply personal journey of navigating autism and ADHD diagnoses for both her son and herself. Sparked by conversations with her dad in the trades, Melissa aims to bring foundational awareness of neurodivergence to the construction industry. We explore why genuine inclusion is far more than a tick-box exercise and how small, practical tweaks can massively boost team morale, safety, and productivity. Discover actionable coping mechanisms, understand the exhausting reality of masking, and learn how to foster a culture where everyone feels safe to bring their authentic selves to work. Key Takeaways True inclusion requires a foundational understanding across the whole team, rather than relying solely on human resources departments for compliance. Simple environmental tweaks, like providing written handouts or using visual status indicators, can significantly enhance focus and productivity. Masking neurodivergent traits is an exhausting daily process, and fostering a safe culture allows individuals to operate authentically. Neurodivergence brings distinct strengths to the workplace, such as exceptional attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities. Early education is vital, as teaching neurodiversity in classrooms lays the groundwork for the inclusive leaders of tomorrow. Episode Quotes "It's never been wrong it's never been broken it's just different and it's um yeah so it's yeah there might be times where you think i wonder why that person does it that particular way." "We should be judging it based on the outcomes of what the job was rather than how we think it should be done." "If you want true inclusive culture then everyone should have a foundational knowledge of it to really truly be removing the barriers." "Putting on that mask it's exhausting it's unrelenting and it's you know just being your true self it's that's the bit that's liberating." "Every human on this planet has strengths and they have weaknesses or challenges and we all have to find what how do we get around our own challenge." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
The People's Poll: A Wake-Up Call for the UK
It is time to stop waiting for a silver bullet to solve your problems and start looking in the mirror to see the only person who can actually change your trajectory. Neil Tuson returns to the show to dive into the current state of the UK and why a culture of dependency is the silent killer of both national progress and personal growth. We explore the 25 levers that make a nation tick, the vital difference between $10 support tasks and $1,000 strategic moves, and why the most successful people are those who invest in their own skill sets rather than waiting for permission. Whether you are struggling to break a seven-figure ceiling or just trying to find clarity in the "noisy nonsense" of the modern world, this conversation provides a roadmap for reclaiming autonomy and building a legacy worth being remembered for. KEY TAKEAWAYS Growth begins only when you move from a dependent state to an independent mindset by accepting 100% responsibility for your outcomes. Business owners must differentiate between support, operational, and strategic tasks to avoid the trap of "peeling spuds" when they should be leading. Most criticism from others is actually a reflection of their own internal struggles, making it easier to ignore the noise and stay focused on your vision. Public speaking and sales are the two most critical skills for any young professional looking to fast-track their career in a digital-heavy world. Taking time for silence and internal reflection is often the missing ingredient in solving complex business and life problems. QUOTES The moment you take responsibility, things will happen; until you do, you are going to hide into nothing. Successful people become successful in the time that other people waste. If you start paying attention to the noise at the edges, it disperses the focus on the centre. You do not build relationships through screens; real relationships come from being face-to-face, eyeball to eyeball. Money is just an outcome of doing something that becomes successful. HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
From a VW Polo to a £10M Electrical Empire
Starting out with just a VW Polo and a few tools, Brad Jones didn’t have a business plan—he just had the "bottle" to go it alone when nobody else would hire a fresh apprentice. Today, he’s steering Imperium Group toward a £10M turnover, but the journey hasn’t been a smooth ride. We dive deep into the "scary as hell" moments, like the morning 99% of his revenue vanished and how he fought back through pure persistence. Brad shares the "ruthless" reality of building a team that actually cares, why he still jumps in the van to clear his head, and the exact steps needed to step off the tools and start acting like a businessman. If you’re feeling stuck in the day-to-day firefighting of your trade, this is the wake-up call you need to stop winging it and start scaling. Key Takeaways The Tools Bottleneck: You can’t grow a business while you’re wiring sockets all day; leveraging other people's time is the only way to break the ceiling. Speed Wins: Returning quotes in 10 minutes rather than 2 days is often the difference between winning a massive contract or losing it. Incentivize Results: Moving from hourly pay to pay-per-job creates engineers who treat the business like their own. Resilience is Non-Negotiable: When you lose your biggest client, you either shut the phone down or get on LinkedIn and hunt—there is no middle ground. Integrity Over Flash: Success isn't about Ferraris; it’s about being a man of your word and treating your team like family. Direct Quotes "You can wire a socket up, but apart from that, you ain't got a scooby." "I put four grand into this business... we probably hit 10 million this financial year." "There’s nothing better than proving someone wrong. It’s the greatest feeling ever." "I had two options: I could have turned around or I could say... I’m going to find a way." "If you haven't got the bottle to do that, you're going to be on the tools for the rest of your life." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Perfect Teams: Decoding the Psychology of Success with Neil Tuson
In this episode, Brad sits down with Neil Tuson, the founder of Perfect Teams, a personality profiling system designed to optimize team dynamics. Neil shares his fascinating and non-linear career path, taking us from his early days as a marine engineer in the Navy to selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door in America, which eventually led him to discover a deep passion for personal development. KEY TAKEAWAYS Invest in your own development: Neil paid his own way through his initial Dale Carnegie public speaking courses. He emphasizes that true growth requires taking individual responsibility and investing your own resources rather than waiting for an employer to do it for you. Embrace the uncomfortable: A foundational mantra for Neil, borrowed from Albert Gray's The Common Denominator of Success, is that successful people willingly choose to do the things that failures dislike doing. Sales is a process of listening: Rather than simply pushing a product onto a prospect, effective selling is a questioning process designed to actively listen to the customer and elicit their true needs. Delegation is required for scale: To grow a business beyond a sole operator, founders must transition from working in the business to working on the business. This requires hiring strategic experts, delegating tasks, and trusting your team enough to let them safely fail and learn. Great teams require diverse skills: The three essential components of a highly successful team include an intuitive visionary, an organized process planner to execute the ideas, and an empathetic culture builder to maintain harmony. BEST MOMENTS "Successful people do the things that failures don't like to do." "Two parties come together, there's a sale going on. Either you sell them on listening to you, or they sell you on going away." "If you look at anything that's sustainable, it's got a great education policy behind it." "You've got to break this dependent cycle and get more people recognizing that if they take responsibility and invest in themselves, they will get the rewards." "I consider to be my master's level intern that's sitting by my side answering all the questions that I can't answer." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
From Emmy-Nominated Journalist to Language Architect: Michelle Ponto's Global Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Emmy-nominated journalist and global communications expert Michelle Ponto to explore her fascinating career journey across three continents. Michelle shares her insights on the courage it takes to leave a comfortable career in the US and move to places like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to build new ventures. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace change and take calculated risks: Leaving a comfortable job to explore unknown territories, like moving from the US to Saudi Arabia to help build a university newsroom, can lead to unprecedented career growth. Take control of your personal brand: If you do not actively update your personal brand and tell your own story, others will write it for you based on outdated information. Be a language architect: Effective communication requires building a solid foundation of messaging rather than just using generic words, ensuring your core values are clear across all platforms. Avoid AI-generated fluff: While AI is a powerful tool for writing, it often produces generic corporate jargon, meaning you must inject your unique perspective and specific facts to stand out. Maintain consistency across channels: Your core message should remain identical whether it is on a website, a press release, or a podcast, even if the delivery format changes. BEST MOMENTS "Sometimes you just have to go where the journey takes you." "If you're not always talking and updating people, your personal brand whatever you're doing is stuck in somebody else's mind and it is incorrect. And they make up your own history for you and your own future." "If you don't change, your brain I think kind of can go to mush." "Language is almost like a system... you find these key stories, these key things that will be interesting to your audience, and you build your messaging from there." "AI won't know your personal stories; it will only know what it can find on the internet." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
From Dyslexic Dropout to Multimillion-Pound Empire: The James Martin Story
In this inspiring episode, Brad sits down with James Martin better known online as "Dyslexic James" to uncover how he transformed his early educational struggles into a multimillion-pound property and business empire. Expelled from school at 14, unable to read or write, James used his familiarity with failure as a superpower, leaning into his relentless determination and unmatched social skills. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early struggles with severe dyslexia made James immune to the fear of failure. Because he was already used to failing in traditional academic settings, he had nothing holding him back from taking risks in business. Instead of letting his inability to read and write stop him, James hired a Personal Assistant at just 18 years old. By outsourcing his weaknesses, he freed himself up to focus entirely on his strengths—sales, networking, and growth. Business is fundamentally about people. If you lack certain technical skills, lean heavily into authenticity, relationship-building, and trust. People buy from people they like and trust. There is a clear evolution from being a "solopreneur" (doing the mechanical work), to an "owner-preneur" (managing the business and team), to an "invest-preneur" (buying businesses and providing stewardship while others run the day-to-day). To scale, you must let go of the tools. Don't rely on the government or external economic conditions to dictate your success. Build a highly profitable business by delivering exceptional, "surprise and delight" customer experiences that keep your pipeline full regardless of the broader economy. BEST MOMENTS "When you're used to failing as much as I did from say six years old to say 14... failure was my friend. It was more prominent in my life than most other things. So I just tried everything and anything." "We are on sale. As business people, we are salespeople of us every single day. I soon learned that my superpower was to be very social and be very capable of meeting new people." "A brand is just about promise. More than anything, that is what defines what your brand is. You say you're going to clean windows, they're going to be clean... and they're going to be at a price point. That is the promise." "They've got to have their own set of scars themselves. You can't just have your scars told to them, they need to feel them... you have got an environment where they are allowed to make mistakes." "You need to be your own economy. You need to make sure your company is making profit to afford these turnover taxes that are crippling companies." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Beyond the Bank Balance: Why Your Gut Might Be Tanking Your Profits
In this episode, Brad is joined by Tom Griffiths, a former JPMorgan corporate banker turned fractional CFO for SMEs. Tom dives deep into the most common financial pitfalls business owners face like making gut-based decisions instead of data-driven ones, and shares his expert framework for navigating economic shifts. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many business owners mistakenly equate their bank balance with profit, forgetting upcoming liabilities like VAT and Corporation Tax. There is a critical difference between a P&L statement and a cash flow statement; profit is theoretical until the cash is actually collected from the customer. Every business is made of the same basic parts. To fix a business, you must identify and repair only the malfunctioning "part". To protect margins, business owners must have a clear minimum profit target for every project and be willing to walk away if it isn’t met. Tracking cash flow on a rolling 13-week basis is the most effective way to prevent crises and make proactive decisions. BEST MOMENTS "It's very easy to get into the trap... of making decisions based on how much money's in the bank account... and forgetting that we have upcoming liabilities." "We're just tax collectors for the government, basically. The VAT and the corporation tax—it was never really our money in the first place." "Financial statements were designed by accountants, for accountants... no wonder it’s easier to just look at your bank account." "You can't cut your way to growth. You can cut your way to improved margins, but there’s a limit to how far that can go." "For every small business that's struggling, there is one that's doing tremendously well... the way we choose to see the world isn't out of our control." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week. I
The 80/20 Rule: Balancing Science, Drive, and Personal Growth
Today, Brad interviews Christina Robinson, who shares her extraordinary journey of self-reinvention, beginning with her transition from redundancy to becoming a successful business owner in the marketing industry. Christina discusses the pivotal role social media played in her career and how she eventually orchestrated a management buyout to own her agency. However, the narrative takes a profound turn as Christina recounts a life-altering medical emergency in 2025 that challenged her physical abilities but strengthened her mental resolve. KEY TAKEAWAYS Christina highlights that life often requires us to recreate ourselves multiple times, and dropping out of traditional paths (like university) can lead to discovering true passions, such as social media and marketing. Christina introduces her ‘COGH’ model for overcoming adversity: Community (having the right people around you) Vision (owning where you want to go) Reality (understanding your current situation) Happy (finding joy in the journey). True success in business and personal branding comes from removing the ‘mask’ and being the same person in every environment, from a boardroom pitch to a 2 AM reflection in the mirror. In marketing, focus 80% on educational, inspirational, and motivational content, and only 20% on direct sales to build a loyal audience. When faced with a prognosis that she might never walk again, Christina focused on the ‘possible’ rather than the ‘unlikely’, using the same mental tools that helped her succeed in business to navigate her physical recovery. BEST MOMENTS "You get to a point in life and you realise that you've recreated yourself way too many times." "Success to me is the freedom to be who I am every hour of the day." "The mind only knows what you tell it." "Unlikely means it’s possible, and I’m going to focus there." "Everything happens for you, not to you." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Leading from the Front: Navigating the Jump from Site Work to Leadership
In this episode, Brad sits down with Dan Gurney to discuss his unique career trajectory, transitioning from the host's personal trainer to ascending the ranks as Operations Manager at Aquamark. Dan shares the challenges of moving from hands-on site work to managing a growing team, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining strict standards, leaning on the "teacup method" to stay calm under pressure, and always leading by example. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lead from the Front: Transitioning into management requires setting the standard and maintaining clear expectations across the board. The Power of Discipline: Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is what gets the job done on tough days. Sticking to non-negotiables and pushing through difficult moments ultimately generates the motivation needed to keep moving forward. Always Have a Backup Plan: In operations, unexpected challenges are inevitable. Staying calm under pressure and ensuring you always have a Plan B and Plan C allows the team to pivot smoothly without panicking. Embrace Accountability: A blame culture is toxic to any growing business. Fostering an environment where team members own up to mistakes and use them as active learning opportunities is vital for long-term organizational success. Prioritize Your Own Well-being: You cannot effectively lead a team or support your family if you are burnt out. Committing to your own health and happiness acts like putting on your own oxygen mask first, equipping you to be a stronger, more present leader and parent. BEST MOMENTS "Leaders have to lead. As in, whether I'm in the office or on the field, I've always led from the front." "Discipline creates motivation when all motivation isn't there... once you've done what you should be doing, that motivates you to continue." "If you make a mistake, be accountable for it. I think in order for you to grow, you have to understand where you made the mistake and be accountable for it." "I didn't start as a window cleaner, I started actually as a personal trainer... but I think definitely those fundamentals and the foundations that I learned, work ethic, the simple things I learned in the gym, definitely shaped the way I was going to go about window cleaning." "I just want to inspire people. I think that's a major thing for me this year is like, be like an inspiration if you can." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Trade Growth Club – Unleashing Your Business Potential
Today, Chris and Brad take a look at the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business in the trade and construction industry. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of a supportive community, and unveil the ‘Magic Seven’ pillars for sustainable growth. From mastering financial management to cultivating a strong brand vision, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for ambitious business owners. KEY TAKEAWAYS Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of the trade industry is crucial for growth and emotional support. Success in the trade business hinges on seven key areas: vision, marketing, sales, operations, finance, team building, and scaling up. Understanding and regularly monitoring your P&L, cash flow, and balance sheets is the lifeblood of any successful company. It’s essential to move beyond simply paying bills and focus on producing profit after all expenses and stakeholders are paid. While information is readily available, the key to success lies in taking deliberate, strategic action and having accountability for those actions. BEST MOMENTS "Running a business can get lonely. Sometimes you don't need more hustle, you need more clarity, structure, and the right people around you." "The number one rule or the number one purpose of a business is to make money and produce profit." "The finances are the blood of the company. You have to get that first—for investment, for paying bills, for growing." "Build your business to sell, whether you're going to sell or not, because then it gives you options." "Action is literally the enemy of procrastination, and it will move you forward." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
Beyond Social Media: Creating a Memorable Personal Brand
In this episode, entrepreneur and personal branding expert Kelly Lundberg shares her journey from a cabin crew member in Dubai to becoming an authority on personal branding. Kelly shares the defining moments that led her to recognise the importance of personal branding, particularly her experience with luxury retailer Harvey Nichols. She breaks down her ‘Seven Pillars of Personal Branding’ and explores the power of storytelling and consistency across multiple platforms. Kelly also shares her insights on professional growth, the impact of environment, and how personal branding is about evolving into the version of yourself you aspire to be. KEY TAKEAWAYS Personal branding is often about transitioning from being ‘hidden’ to being ‘seen’, often providing the confidence and clarity that people are truly buying into. A successful personal brand must be consistent across multiple digital platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, websites, and even search results. Your personal brand sits at the top and evolves with you, while business activities and joint ventures may come and go beneath it. Effective personal branding requires an intentional strategy (who you are and what you want to be known for) before jumping into social media content. Storytelling is a crucial element of personal branding that allows for a relational experience, moving beyond generic AI-generated content. BEST MOMENTS "While you think that you're offering transformation and personal branding, ultimately what people are buying into is confidence." "Dubai is the home of reinvention. And more than that, presence and brand is very much Emirates standards." "Your personal brand never stays still. It always evolves. You evolve as a person." "Visibility is your responsibility. No one else is going to talk about you than you." "It's the small things done consistently that makes you memorable, not one big thing." HOST BIO Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow. He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting. Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader. Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week.
