Best Simone Janssen Podcasts (2025)

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Breaking the Chaos Cycle (with Aaron Trahan) 44:47

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4d ago44:47

44:47

Does your business feel stuck, busy but not making progress, with your team caught up in emergencies instead of working strategically? In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock talks with Aaron Trahan, founder and coach at Performance Mindset Coaching, about a common disruptive pattern in small business management. They explain tha…

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Marcus Janssen: Chelsea Lifejackets, bagging a 'MacNab' and recognising the best of the British countryside 33:13

6d ago33:13

33:13

'We still see people out wearing colours which we know for a fact we haven't produced in 15 or 20 years,' chuckles Marcus Janssen, head of Schöffel, as he speaks about the company's gilets — the 'Chelsea Lifejackets' — to James Fisher on this week's edition of the Country Life Podcast. Marcus took over at Schöffel after a career as a countryside jo…

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E125 - The AI Takeover — Tool Or Trap? 19:47

6d ago19:47

19:47

Hey, here is the next one—wherever it fits in the lineup. Show Notes: The AI Takeover — Tool or Trap? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the AI revolution—what it really means for small business owners, and why using it wrong could cost you far more than ignoring it altogether. AI isn’t just a tech trend. It’s a leadership shift. When use…

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Give Your Employees a Raise (Without Spending Any More Money) With Anthony Markey 39:11

11d ago39:11

39:11

Struggling to compete for top talent without breaking the bank? In this game-changing episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Anthony Markey, owner of the Markey Agency, to reveal a counterintuitive strategy that sounds too good to be true—but isn't. The challenge in today's environment is that small busines…

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Corinne Fowler: Exploring the hidden history of the British countryside, one walk at a time 30:04

13d ago30:04

30:04

Corinne Fowler has never been one to shy away from straight talking. The Professor of Colonialism and Heritage at the University of Leicester made headlines for weeks back in 2020 after co-authoring a report for the National Trust on how the history and creation of many of our great houses are bound up with the history of slavery, conquest and colo…

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E124 - Broken Promises, Boiling Points, And Burnout: What Your Team’s Silence Is Really Telling You 23:08

13d ago23:08

23:08

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on why so many small business teams are disengaged—and what your leadership habits may have to do with it. Disengagement isn’t about lazy employees. It’s usually about broken systems, unclear expectations, and leaders who are running on fumes. We explore the real reasons teams stop trying, why yelling is a …

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Mid-Year Small Business Check-In 20:18

18d ago20:18

20:18

At the midpoint of 2025, small business owners find themselves navigating an economic rollercoaster that has included surges, slumps, and everything in between. In this essential episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock delivers a candid assessment of the current market conditions and reveals why the seemingly stable 4.5% u…

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Steve Backshall on sharks, idyllic childhoods and getting his fingertips eaten by piranhas 24:40

20d ago24:40

24:40

The adventurer, broadcaster, scientist and writer Steve Backshall has been a fixture on TV screens in Britain for nearly three decades — and we're absolutely thrilled that he joined James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast. • Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts • Listen to Country Life podcast on Spotify • Listen to Country Life podcas…

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E123 - Why HR Is A Must Have And Why Waiting On It Could Cost You Your Business 38:25

20d ago38:25

38:25

In this episode, Simone and HR expert Katherine Hartvickson dive deep into one of the most misunderstood — and often avoided — parts of running a business: Human Resources. HR has a reputation problem. It’s often associated with getting written up, let go, or stuck in bureaucratic red tape. But the truth? Skipping HR is one of the most expensive mi…

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Increase Small Business Productivity in a Tight Labor Market (with Bill Conerly) 48:14

25d ago48:14

48:14

The KeyHire Small Business Podcast brings you a critical conversation with economist Dr. Bill Conerly that every entrepreneur needs to hear. As Principal Consultant of Conerly Consulting and senior contributor to Forbes, Bill identified a shocking demographic reality 20 years ago that's now reshaping how we think about talent strategy and small bus…

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Hannah Bourne-Taylor: Saving swifts, naked protests and the bird that nested in my hair 26:04

27d ago26:04

26:04

‘I thought, okay, well it worked for Lady Godiva, didn’t it? This whole naked stuff? So let me give that a try. I felt like it was the only option.’ Just as it worked for Lady Godiva, so it has for Hannah Bourne-Taylor, the campaigner, naturalist and writer who has spent years fighting for change to help Britain’s bird population — and particularly…

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E122 - The 80% Shift: Why Doing Less Is The Key To Scaling More 11:27

27d ago11:27

11:27

You don’t need another time management hack. You need margin. Breathing room. Strategic space. That’s what today’s podcast episode is all about: the 80% Rule — and how it could save your sanity, scale your business, and finally get you out of firefighting mode. Here’s the hard truth I unpack: Most SBOs don’t have a time problem. They have a team pr…

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Doubling Down on Certainty During Uncertain Times (with Simone Janssen) 48:53

1M ago48:53

48:53

Are you struggling to maintain your team's alignment and focus in today's unpredictable business environment? In this episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Simone Janssen, founder of Bulletproof Business Growth, to explore how effective leadership can create internal certainty even when the external world …

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Simon Armitage: "I've tried getting AI to write poems — and they've all been reassuringly awful" 30:01

1M ago30:01

30:01

Poet, author, musician and Yorkshireman, Simon Armitage has been Britain's Poet Laureate since 2019 — so we're thrilled that he joined James Fisher on the latest edition of the Country Life Podcast. From the surprising details of what he does — or, more accurately, doesn't — have to do as part of his role, to the primary school teacher who didn't e…

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E121 - Leadership Beyond Fear: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Teams 33:30

1M ago33:30

33:30

This episode is all about leadership - the stark contrast between fear-based approaches and the type of inspirational leadership that truly drives results. As Simone shares, the old-school leadership styles that may have worked in the past are now falling flat, especially with the influx of younger Gen Z employees entering the workforce. The realit…

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How To Package Your Company for a Big Exit (with Eric Grafstrom) 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

Are you a small business owner dreaming of a successful exit strategy? In this compelling episode of The KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with serial entrepreneur Eric Grafstrom, founder and CEO of Exit Guide, to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing today's business owners: how to properly package and prepar…

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Poppy Okotcha: The model-turned-gardener who swapped the catwalk for the vegetable patch 25:11

1M ago25:11

25:11

Amid the birdsong, the snores of a dog, and the purrs of a cat, sits Poppy Okotcha. The horticulturist and author joined the Country Life Podcast this week to discuss all things gardening and, specifically, its restorative effects on not only nature but people. • Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts • Listen to Country Life podcast on S…

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E120 - Unlocking The Mindset Of Freedom And Wealth: From Operators To Entrepreneurs 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

Simone and Nicky explore the journey from being business operators to becoming true entrepreneurs. The conversation underscores how authenticity in business creates both fulfillment and market success. By introducing Jung's archetypes, they offer a framework for entrepreneurs to connect with their true selves and communicate more effectively. Nicky…

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The Entrepreneur Brain: How to Effectively Communicate with Your Leaders (with Marina Morgan) 47:45

2M ago47:45

47:45

Have you ever tried to lead your team, only to be met with disappointing results? The problem might not be your leadership skills but rather the different ways your entrepreneurial brain operates in comparison to your team. In this insightful episode of the KeyHire Small Business Podcast, host Corey Harlock welcomes Marina Morgan, founder of the Mo…

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What you absolutely must see at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, from the King's new rose to the 'perfect' garden 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the high points of the summer: a celebration of plants, gardens and creativity, as well as an unbeatable opportunity to rub shoulders with those who share the passion for making the most of this gorgeous time of year in England. This year, Country Life has its own presence at the show, at stand PW210, and we're thr…

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E119 - AI Isn't Optional Anymore: Why Small Business Owners Must Adapt or Fall Behind 17:19

2M ago17:19

17:19

AI is revolutionizing small businesses across all industries - from contractors to medical clinics to restaurants. What previously took weeks or months (accountability frameworks, hiring systems, org charts) can now be done in minutes with tools like the AI Business Scaling Blueprint, which combines AI efficiency with my 20+ years of leadership exp…

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Can your leadership team can take you to the next level? (with Neil Katz) 37:08

2M ago37:08

37:08

Are you struggling to take your business to the next level? What if the very team you've built is now holding you back from scaling to the next growth milestone? In this transformative episode of the Key Hire Small Business Podcast, Corey Harlock and Neil Katz dive deep into the most critical yet often overlooked challenge facing growing businesses…

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Tony Juniper: Saving the world, breeding budgies and why the King is 'the most influential environmentalist of all time' 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

When it comes to England’s environment and our landscape, few people in the country are as important as Tony Juniper. Since 2019, he has been the chairman of Natural England, the public body for ensuring that the country’s natural environment is protected and enhanced. Not a small job, as we are sure you’ll agree. He is also a recognised authority …

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E118 - Vision-Aligned Hiring: Beyond Skills to Find True Alignment 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

Looking for the right employees in today's market is challenging, especially for small business owners seeking qualified, accountable, and strategic talent. This episode explores why successful hiring goes beyond skills to find true motivational alignment. The most revealing interview question is simple: "Why do you want to work here?" The answer r…

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Building an Online Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business (with Corey Morris) 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

This week on The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Corey Morris, President of Voltage Digital Marketing, for an in-depth conversation on how small business owners can build a powerful and effective online marketing strategy. As part of our ongoing small business management podcast series, this episode focuses on real-world marketin…

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Louis D. Hall: Crossing the Alps, sailing the Atlantic in a glorified bathtub and bringing sanity to how we live with horses 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

Most people have friends who text them about going to the pub. If you're Louis D. Hall, you've got friends who'll text you about crossing a mountain range, sailing the Atlantic or coming face to face with remote tribes. All in a normal day (or week's) work for Louis. Most recently, he's trekked on horseback from Italy to Cape Finisterre in Spain, i…

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E117 - Hiring Right: Navigating Growth Challenges 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

In this eye-opening conversation with hiring expert Corey Harlock from Key Hire, we dive into why so many small businesses struggle with talent acquisition and what you can actually do about it. The brutal truth? Most business owners make three critical hiring mistakes: Unclear role definition (what does success actually look like?) No defined hiri…

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The Boomerang Effect: Rehiring Right or Getting It Wrong? 20:33

2M ago20:33

20:33

This week on The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock dives into the growing trend of Boomerang employees—former team members who return after time away. He unpacks what makes them unique, how they can support your business growth goals, and the right way to bring them back into your team. From hiring challenges and the hiring process to organization des…

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George Monbiot: 'Farmers need stability and security... Instead, they're contending with chaos' 41:05

2M ago41:05

41:05

For four four decades, George Monbiot has been one of Britain's strongest voices speaking out on the environment. After starting his career with the BBC, Monbiot is now best known for his books and his weekly column in The Guardian, winning a reputation as a tireless and passionate advocate for the natural world, as well as making plenty of enemies…

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E116 - Asking For The Sale: Marketing And Copywriting For Scalability 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

Samantha and Simone discussed the critical role of copywriting and marketing in driving business growth and scalability: Salespeople need to be confident in asking for the sale, as effective copywriting can streamline the process. Audience education through low-ticket courses, etc. improves lead quality by helping customers understand value. Unders…

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You are 100% Right in a 200% World (with Dr. Robert Johnson) 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

Clear communication can make or break a business. In this episode, host Corey Harlock sits down with Dr. Robert Johnson, Founder & Managing Partner of Shoreline Partners, to explore powerful strategies leaders can use to enhance communication within their companies. Dr. Johnson shares insights on why being “100% right” isn’t always enough in a worl…

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Vintage tractors and memories of summers past, with Oliver Godfrey 27:00

2M ago27:00

27:00

Everyone has their passions. I, for example, enjoy collecting football shirts. Other people like stamps. Some people like vintage tractors. Oliver Godfrey, from Cheffins, is very good at auctioning them. It is important to understand people and their passions. So we asked Oliver to join the Country Life Podcast, to talk us through the slightly nich…

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E115 - The Hiring Paradox: Why Your Dream Team Keeps Ghosting You 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

The brutal truth? Most small businesses aren't "hiring ready." When 87% of owners can't find qualified candidates, it's time to look in the mirror. This podcast unpacks the Small Business Death Spiral: can't hire quality people → work yourself to exhaustion → no time to train mediocre hires → poor performance → lost customers → reduced profits → ca…

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Overcome Your 2025 Hiring Challenges 30:15

3M ago30:15

30:15

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, Corey dives into the latest findings from the 2025 National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Report and unpacks what they mean for hiring in today’s tough economic climate. With labor shortages, rising wage expectations, and increased competition for top talent, Corey explores the real…

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Melissa Harrison: The accidental nature writer who became an accidental nature app developer 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

The nature writer, children's author and journalist Melissa Harrison joins James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast to talk about her life, her career, and how she found herself creating a smartphone app to help people connect with nature. • Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts • Listen to Country Life podcast on Spotify • Listen to Cou…

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E114 - The Manager Effect On Employee Performance 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

In today's episode, we tackle the critical influence managers have on employee performance and business growth. While 70% of employees would quit over a bad manager, research shows managers can be the second most influential people in employees' lives—creating enormous potential for positive impact. Many small business owners fall into the "just hi…

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The Difference Between Building a Brand & Building a Business (with Eric Malka) 36:25

3M ago36:25

36:25

We're sitting down with Eric Malka, CEO of Strategic Brand Investments and Founder of The Art of Shaving, to explore the crucial distinction between building a business and building a brand. Eric shares his journey from launching and scaling a premium grooming company to becoming an expert in brand strategy and investment. He explains why a strong …

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E113 - Hacking The Watercooler: High Performance By Community 17:17

3M ago17:17

17:17

The modern office is a living social system, yet most fail to cultivate real connections. Over a third of employees would rather clean a toilet than ask a coworker for help - "social muscle atrophy" from remote work and impersonal tools. The result? Quiet quitting, disengagement, and a sense that work is just individual tasks, not shared endeavors.…

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The remarkable history of Britain and its animals, with Karen Jones 28:00

3M ago28:00

28:00

The animals we share Britain with mean far more to us than we realise. Beyond the obvious companionship, food and farming, they are a part of our folklore, our language and intertwined with our lives. Karen Jones, professor of environmental and cultural history at the University of Kent, has long been fascinated by the creatures that populate our i…

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Unlocking Business Growth with No-Code Solutions (with Xan Hong) 37:22

3M ago37:22

37:22

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Xan Hong, Founder and Principal Consultant of Drive Phase Consulting, to explore how small businesses can leverage no-code software to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and build custom tools without the need for a developer. Xan shares real-world insights on h…

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Chloe Dalton: The woman who swapped top-level geopolitics to rescue a baby hare, and had her life changed forever 36:05

3M ago36:05

36:05

Before lockdown changed life in Britain in early 2020, Chloe Dalton led an almost overwhelmingly metropolitan existence. A foreign policy expert, her comfort zone was in the corridors of power, around Whitehall and Westminster, a person who — in her own words — was ‘addicted to the adrenaline’ of flying around the world playing a key role in the de…

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E112 - When Passion And Purpose Drive Smart Growth 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

In this Episode, special guests Vicky and Jo from Canine Business Academy from the UK share how they help their typically operator focused clients become the leaders of successful dog training businesses. Listen to this fun, colored by British-isms episode as we discuss the importance of being the brand of your business and it reflecting who you ar…

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How to Create a Job Description (The Right Way) 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock dives into the critical process of defining roles and responsibilities to create an effective job description. Hiring the right person starts with clearly understanding what the role requires and how it fits into the larger goals of the business. Corey breaks down common mistakes business o…

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The photographer on a 15-year quest to find the most incredible doors in London, with Cath Harries 30:31

3M ago30:31

30:31

It's almost two decades since photographer Cath Harries set out to work on a book documenting London's finest pubs. As she walked the streets of the capital, however, she found herself wondering about a new project: London's most extraordinary doors. The idea took hold, and she found herself embarking upon a project which would take a decade and a …

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E111 - Building a Profit-Focused Culture 17:38

3M ago17:38

17:38

In this episode, host Simone tackles a critical issue for small business owners - establishing a profit-centric mindset throughout your entire organization. We'll discuss why every role in your company needs to be directly or indirectly driving profitability, and provide a strategic framework for instilling this profit-focused culture in your team.…

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Bridging the Gap: Hiring, Empowering, and Retaining Veterans (with Mike Hutchings) 50:14

4M ago50:14

50:14

On this episode of The KeyHire Podcast, host Corey Harlock sits down with Mike Hutchings, CEO of Combined Arms, to explore the advantages of hiring veterans. As a veteran himself, Mike brings firsthand insight into the challenges veterans face when transitioning to the workforce and the unique strengths they offer as employees. Corey and Mike discu…

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Britain's whale boom and and the predator that's far scarier than a great white shark with Dan Abbott, aka Shark Man Dan 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

Wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbott has travelled the world documenting marine life from the peaceful turtles of the Mediterranean to the iconic great white sharks off the coast of South Africa. More recently, though, Dan has hit the headlines for the videos he has shared of the colonies of whales who have made the British coast a regular stop in r…

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E110 - Coming Out On Top: Thriving In Change Fostering Resilience And Adaptability 18:41

4M ago18:41

18:41

In today’s fast-changing world, great leaders don’t resist change—they embrace it, pivot quickly, and lead with trust and empathy. In this episode we’ll explore: How to pivot quickly as a leader How to maintain trust in times of crisis How to lead with empathy during uncertainty By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to become a more adaptab…

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The Power of PEOs for Small Business (with Suzanna Martinez) 39:45

4M ago39:45

39:45

This week on The KeyHire Podcast, Corey Harlock sits down with Suzanna Martinez, CEO of PEO for the CEO, to explore how a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be a game-changer for small businesses. From handling HR, payroll, and compliance to providing access to competitive benefits, a PEO can help business owners focus on growth while red…

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The timeless elegance of English country house style, with Guy Goodfellow and Steven Rodel 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Guy Goodfellow and his Creative Director Steven Rodel have carved out a reputation as two of the finest interior designers working in Britain today. We're thrilled, then, that they were able to join us for the Country Life Podcast, to discuss the unique qualities of British design, the country house look, and what it feels like to see your cushions…