We Built This Business

By: Daniel O'sullivan
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • This is the podcast for business owners to learn from UK business owners. I’m your host Daniel O'sullivan, I believe running a business is one of the toughest challenges you can take on. Each week on the We Built This Business Podcast, I interview entrepreneurs who have started, grown, or exited their businesses, while also sharing my own experiences with building 'The Experience Specialist Group'. These conversations reveal the real-life experiences of business owners who are navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, providing you with practical advice and invaluable lessons.
    Daniel O'sullivan
    Show more Show less
activate_WEBCRO358_DT_T2
Episodes
  • EP24 – How I Defied Traditional Business Strategies and Built A Global Recruitment Company – Rod Bailey

    EP24 – How I Defied Traditional Business Strategies and Built A Global Recruitment Company – Rod Bailey
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business we talk with Rod Bailey from Executive Surf. Rod Bailey, founder of Executive Surf, shares his journey of building a global executive search firm that has adapted to the changing landscape of recruitment. From navigating the aftermath of 9/11 to transitioning to a fully virtual company, Rod discusses the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his business. He also introduces his innovative approach to "impact recruitment," where long-term success is prioritized over short-term wins. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Executive Surf's Origins: Rod explains the founding of Executive Surf in 2004 and its evolution from a traditional headhunting firm to a virtual global business. 2. The Impact of 9/11 on Recruitment: How the events of 9/11 led to significant changes in the recruitment industry and the challenges Executive Surf faced during this period. 3. Going Virtual: The decision to close physical offices and transition Executive Surf to a virtual company, allowing for greater flexibility and global reach. 4. Innovative Recruitment Models: Introduction of "impact recruitment," a model that links recruitment fees to the long-term success of placed candidates, ensuring better client and candidate outcomes. 5. Aligning Business with Purpose: Rod shares his thoughts on the importance of aligning your business with your passion and values, especially in challenging times. 6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Rod's advice for those looking to start a business in 2024, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company who are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Team Building Experiences Visit Team Building Experiences and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://www.executivesurf.com/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty⁠ How I Built An Award Winning Business As a Working Parent - Lisa Shepherd⁠ ⁠ How I Changed The Internet Forever – Ajaz Ahmed ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • EP23 – How I Grew A Family Business Into A Leading Workwear Brand – Aled Davies

    EP23 – How I Grew A Family Business Into A Leading Workwear Brand – Aled Davies
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode of We Built This Business, we speak with Aled Davies from Cobra Workwear, a family-run business specializing in B2B workwear and uniforms. Aled shares the journey of transforming a small family venture into a thriving business in South Wales, offering insights into the challenges of maintaining profitability, managing cash flow, and navigating the complexities of working with family. Aled also discusses marketing strategies, the impact of technological advancements on the business, and the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks like a devastating fire and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. HIGHLIGHTS 1. Family Business Origins: Aled recounts how Cobra Workwear started from his parents' side business selling safety boots, eventually evolving into a full-fledged workwear company. 2. Navigating Growth: The episode delves into the challenges of scaling a business, particularly in managing cash flow and investing in new machinery and technology. 3. Marketing Strategies: Aled discusses the effectiveness of different marketing channels, from Facebook ads to SEO, and the importance of not relying on a single strategy. 4. Resilience and Recovery: Aled opens up about the struggles the business faced after a fire and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a necessary restructuring to stay afloat. 5. The Role of Sustainability: The conversation touches on the increasing demand for sustainable products in the workwear industry and how Cobra Workwear is adapting to this trend. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://cobra-workwear.co.uk/ Host Website – https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk⁠ EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT How I Turned an Event Equipment Hire Startup into a £5 Million Revenue Business – Taran O'Doherty How I Built An Award Winning Business As a Working Parent - Lisa Shepherd How I Changed The Internet Forever – Ajaz Ahmed ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group with brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website - https://webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk Podcast Linkedin Page Podcast Instagram Page Facebook Instagram Page Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • EP22 - How I Built an Online Bingo Empire and Sold It For Millions – Phil Fraser

    EP22 - How I Built an Online Bingo Empire and Sold It For Millions – Phil Fraser
    Aug 20 2024
    In this episode of ‘We Built This Business’ we talk with Phil Fraser from The Business Sounding Board. Phil shares his incredible journey of starting the world's leading online bingo comparison website from his kitchen table and eventually exiting that business in a multi-million pound deal in 2018. From a failed investment pitch to creating a thriving business model based on affiliate marketing, Phil’s story is a fascinating look at entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the art of building a sellable business. He also dives into his current venture, The Business Sounding Board, where he provides mentorship and guidance to business owners. HIGHLIGHTS • From Failed Pitch to Success: How a rejected investment pitch led Phil to accidentally create an online bingo comparison website. • Affiliate Marketing Mastery: The two business models Phil used to monetize his website and how he capitalized on the online gaming boom. • The Evolution of Online Bingo: Why the UK market was slow to adopt online bingo and how Phil's company was perfectly positioned to take advantage of the shift. • The Sale Process: Phil shares his experience of selling his business, including the challenges and triumphs along the way. • Imposter Syndrome & Growth: How Phil overcame self-doubt and boredom to scale his business, eventually leading to its sale. • Life After the Exit: Phil's transition to becoming a business coach and mentor, helping other entrepreneurs navigate their own challenges. PODCAST INTRODUCTION Daniel Osullivan invites business owners and industry experts onto the We Built This Business Podcast to discuss how they have built their business. We discuss how they started, their business challenges, successes, failures and everything in between. Running a business is hard work so why not learn from business owners who are currently building or who have built a business. PODCAST SPONSOR Team Building Experiences are a nationwide team-building company who are experts in Keeping Things Fun for companies. With a wide range of mobile events such as Game Shows, Sports Days, Crystal Challenge, and more, there is something for every company. Visit Team Building Experiences - https://bit.ly/tbe-pod and quote PODCAST15 to receive 15% off your next team-building event. VALUABLE RESOURCES Guest Website - https://philfraser.co.uk/ Host Website – https://beacons.ai/wbtb EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Episode 4 - How I Built a £6 Million Revenue Print and Promotional Business by The Age of 24 - Taylor Tassie Episode 5 - How I Built a Global Tech Events Business and Thrived in the Pandemic - Johnny Edser Episode 6 - How I Built a Digital Marketing Business and How I Exited - Alex Minchin ABOUT THE HOST Daniel Osullivan is the CEO of The Experience Specialists Group we have brands in the events, entertainment and media industries including Red Cactus Events, Team Building Experiences, Shizzoo.co, Football Zorbing UK, Nel Events and X Event Solutions. CONNECT & CONTACT Daniel Osullivan Daniel Osullivan Linkedin Page Email: daniel@webuiltthisbusiness.co.uk We Built This Business Podcast Website - https://beacons.ai/wbtb Podcast Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/we-built-this-business-podcast/ Podcast Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/webuiltthisbusiness/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558034352661 Donation: Every week that we release an episode of We Built This Business we give £10 to our Charity the British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/ (Started 21.05.2024 we hope to donate £520 a year)
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
Economics
Show more Show less

What listeners say about We Built This Business

Average customer ratings

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

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available