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In this Founder Hacks episode, Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alex Moore interview Irish entrepreneur and Scaling Up coach Brian Keegan, who recounts learning entrepreneurship by watching his father bring back ideas from overseas and apply practical rules of thumb. Keegan discusses how inspiration comes from relatable role models and broad horizons, and highlights Jim Collins’ Good to Great—especially the flywheel concept—as a key framework he used to build a self-reinforcing growth engine in his payroll business through systemization, offshoring, and efficiency. The group explores why few good companies become great, citing opportunity recognition, saying no to distractions, leadership development, scalable systems, and effective marketing. Keegan also emphasizes preparing for life after exit, describing widespread “post-transaction stress disorder” and urging founders to cultivate purpose, identity beyond the business, and a “third act” guided by ikigai. 00:00 Prepared for Opportunity 00:19 Welcome to Founder Hacks 01:56 Meet Brian Keegan 03:38 Inspiration as Fuel 04:47 Lessons from Dad 10:31 Coaching and Confidence 13:26 Books and Flywheels 20:31 From Good to Great 24:23 Life After Exit 30:29 Ikigai and Purpose 31:43 Key Takeaways Recap 34:57 Thanks and Sign Off

Founder Hacks hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alex Moore welcome Maya Vertigens, founder of Planner Bee, a remote virtual assistant team supporting sustainable and ethical businesses. Maya’s theme is “keep going,” emphasizing consistent action even when results lag, using the Dunning–Kruger effect to explain confidence dips and the need to push through the “valley of despair,” while also knowing when to pivot after giving something a fair trial. She recommends Grace Beverley’s Working Hard, Hardly Working, reframing productivity and self-care as overlapping and urging founders to ignore hustle-culture expectations, listen to themselves, and reduce anxiety through flexible rhythms of work and rest—principles she applies in her flexible, remote team culture. From Marie Forleo’s Everything Is Figureoutable, she shares the mindset of saying yes to opportunities and figuring out execution along the way, learning even when outcomes aren’t perfect, and developing authentic leadership. 00:00 Productivity Meets Self Care 00:23 Welcome to Founder Hacks 01:45 Meet Maya of Planner Bee 02:33 Theme Keep Going 03:16 Consistent Action Mindset 05:07 Dunning Kruger Explained 06:10 Pivot or Push Through 10:05 Redefining Productivity 14:44 Flexible Work Culture 17:40 Everything Is Figureoutable 21:19 Authentic Leadership Journey 24:55 Key Takeaways and Farewell

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alex Moore welcome guest James Bates, founder of QVO Hospitality. The discussion delves into how character, resilience, and humility contribute to entrepreneurial success. Bates shares insights from personal experiences, relevant readings, and learned lessons, emphasizing the importance of sitting with discomfort to foster growth and sustainability. Topics include the role of AI in business, maintaining balance, and the continuous journey of personal development in leadership. 00:00 Introduction: The Secret to Success 00:28 Welcome to Founder Hacks 01:08 Meet Our Hosts and Guest 02:18 James Bates: From Finance to Hospitality 03:30 The Theme of Discomfort in Entrepreneurship 04:47 Lessons from a Friend's Business Pivot 06:05 The Role of Character in Business Success 14:18 AI and the Future of Work 23:18 Consistent Success Through Obvious Actions 29:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Atomex Image by Tim Bell from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Antony, Ben, and Alex explore the intricate dance between luck, timing, skill, and hard work in the entrepreneurial journey. They discuss how regulatory changes and seemingly bad luck can be transformed into learning experiences that fuel business growth. Through various anecdotes, including a dive into Lando Norris's path in F1, they highlight the importance of leveraging the advantages one has, taking pride in meticulous organization, and embracing the learning from due diligence processes. They emphasize that while luck plays a role, it is ultimately the hard work and organization that help entrepreneurs get 'lucky' faster. Tune in for practical insights and inspiring stories to navigate and thrive in the business landscape. 00:00 The Misconceptions of Entrepreneurship 00:20 Introducing Founder Hacks 02:10 Learning vs. Luck: A Key Theme 02:58 Regulatory Changes and Entrepreneurial Resilience 05:32 The Power of Team Collaboration 09:07 Luck and Learning in Business 15:36 The Four Pillars of Success 16:08 Applying the Four Pillars to Your Business 17:36 Learning from Business Processes 21:42 The Importance of Organization 27:24 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Atomex Image by myshoun from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Antony Enright and Ben Thomas welcome Simon Ursell, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Tyler Grange, an environmental consulting firm. They explore Simon's core belief in 'people-led' businesses and how prioritizing employee well-being and engagement can significantly boost performance. Simon shares insights from his journey, including the implementation of a four-day work week that led to a 30% revenue increase, the importance of balancing high support with high challenge for optimal productivity, and the power of storytelling in leadership. The discussion delves into various polarities in business, such as competition vs. collaboration and doing it right vs. just doing it, stressing the importance of finding a balance. Simon also introduces the role of stories in managing change and driving engagement, offering a refreshing perspective on modern business practices. 00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks 01:34 Meet Our Guest: Simon Ursell 02:54 The Importance of People in Business 04:14 High Support and High Challenge for High Performance 06:57 Implementing Challenge in the Workplace 12:06 Leadership and Mentorship at Tyler Grange 18:01 Navigating Polarities in Business 21:27 Exploring eSports and Collaboration 23:06 Balancing Polarities in Business 27:36 The Power of Storytelling 29:20 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week 35:10 The Impact of Stories on Leadership 40:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Atomex Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

In this episode of Founder Hacks, Ben Thomas and co-hosts Alexander Moore and Antony Enright interview Joss Tasker, the founder and CEO of Sync Savings. Joss shares insights from her journey in entrepreneurial leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and detachment from specific outcomes. They discuss Joss's inspiration from 'The Law of Detachment' by Morris Schwartz, which advises founders to release attachment to outcomes to enable greater opportunities. Themes of standing for something, how you've made others feel, and nurturing authenticity in business interactions resonate throughout the conversation. Joss also highlights the importance of being open-minded, recognizing real success moments, and aligning with one’s purpose in driving transformative results in business. 00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks 01:08 Meet the Hosts and Guest 02:05 Jos Tasker's Journey and Mission 03:23 The Importance of Authenticity 04:37 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership 06:43 The Power of Purpose-Driven Business 08:05 Balancing Authenticity and Commercial Success 15:08 Detachment and Letting Go of Outcomes 20:06 Personal Development and Business Growth 20:59 Letting Go of Outcomes 22:12 Empowering Your Niche 24:26 The Importance of Authenticity 26:28 Purpose and Passion in Entrepreneurship 28:12 Capturing Impactful Stories 31:54 Final Thoughts and Summary Atomex Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

In this episode of 'Founder Hacks,' the hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore, discuss the necessity for younger generations to master reinvention and adaptation in our swiftly changing world. The conversation covers insights from their collective 50-year experience in starting, growing, and leading businesses, as well as wisdom gathered from other entrepreneurs. Key topics include the unforeseen impacts of AI on platforms like Pinterest, generational differences in workplace expectations, and the importance of continual innovation in maintaining business uniqueness. Through real experiences, readings, and learnings, the hosts emphasize the value of listening, being curious, and staying ahead in the evolving business landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:10 Meet the Hosts 03:17 The Impact of AI on Business 10:27 Generational Differences in the Workplace 20:19 Adapting to Change and Innovation 28:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Image by Gerd Altmann

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore discuss the importance of keeping an open mind to evolve as a founder. They explore how founders can reinvent themselves at different stages of growth, how paying attention to global trends like China's low-altitude economy can spark innovation, and the benefits of exposing oneself to new and unexpected experiences. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes and professional insights, all aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the dynamic landscape of business growth. 00:00 Introduction to Founder Hacks 00:53 Meet the Hosts 01:20 The Importance of Reinventing Yourself 02:20 Challenges of Founder Roles 04:35 The 10-Year Rule and Founder Fatigue 08:16 Cultural Differences in Business Growth 11:44 The Low Altitude Economy in China 20:09 The Value of Random Experiences 26:00 Conclusion and Summary Image by Gerd Altmann

In this episode of Founder Hacks, the hosts discuss the importance of embracing authenticity and effectively managing change within businesses. Alex shares insights on leading change by involving team members to ensure success, while Antony highlights the pitfalls of following motivational content that claims to have all the answers. Ben emphasizes the power of being genuine in business interactions. The conversation underscores the value of human relationships and the need to balance ambition with realistic expectations, fostering a supportive and dynamic business environment. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:55 Meet the Hosts 01:47 The Theme of Being Human 02:09 Alex's Story on Change Management 03:47 Antony's Insights on Coaching and Readiness 05:42 Ben's Perspective on Managing Change 10:13 Antony's Reflection on Social Media and Perfection 15:30 Ben's Take on Setting Ambitious Goals 20:28 The Power of Authenticity 26:54 Summary and Closing Remarks Photo by manas rb on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Alexander Moore, and Antony Enright discuss the complex dynamics of leadership and how embracing vulnerability can enhance team trust and growth. They explore the notion that sometimes leaders must allow small failures to foster learning and decision-making within their teams. The trio also delves into the importance of having a 'plan B' to ensure calm and rational decision-making in business. Additionally, they highlight the balance between leading decisively and creating space for others to take responsibility. The conversation is enriched with real-life experiences, offering listeners valuable insights into the intricate journey of leadership in growing businesses. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Dynamics 00:41 Welcome to Founder Hacks 01:19 Discussing When Things Go Wrong 02:20 The CEO's Mistake and Team Dynamics 04:52 Heroic Leadership vs. Vulnerable Leadership 10:29 The Importance of a Plan B 19:21 Letting Things Go Wrong on Purpose 27:20 Summary and Closing Remarks Photo by Di liberto Emanuele on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, the hosts delve into the importance of recognizing unseen aspects in businesses, particularly when familiarity breeds ignorance. They discuss strategies to maintain fresh perspectives, such as bringing in external advisors or working from different locations. The conversation also touches on the authenticity of LinkedIn posts and the gap between perception and reality in social media. Finally, they explore the concept of narrative identity and how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our business decisions and personal growth. Through these discussions, the hosts emphasize the value of vulnerability and genuine connections in achieving business success. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:52 Meet the Hosts 01:40 Perception and Business Insights 03:40 The Value of External Perspectives 10:03 LinkedIn and Social Media Realities 19:04 Narrative Identity and Personal Growth 27:19 Conclusion and Summary Photo by Behnam Samipour on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas, Antony Enright, and Alexander Moore discuss the importance of undertaking hard tasks and difficult conversations in business. They explore how addressing cultural issues within a company through effective line management can yield positive transformations. The team underscores the value of organization, emphasizing checklists as a tool for comprehensively managing tasks and avoiding future problems. Alex shares his personal experience of a difficult cycling journey, stressing the benefits of taking time for physical and mental challenges to reset and reenergise. The discussions offer insights and practical advice on achieving business growth and personal fulfillment through perseverance and strategic problem-solving. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Introducing Founder Hacks 01:16 Meet the Hosts 01:51 Theme of the Episode: Doing Hard Things 02:54 Antony's Story: Cultural Architects to Cultural Assassins 04:07 The Power of Effective Leadership 05:49 The Importance of Tough Conversations 11:05 Ben's Insight: The Checklist Approach 15:06 The Power of Accountability Lists 15:41 Keeping Business Simple and Organized 16:25 The Importance of Checklists in Business 18:09 Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges 20:24 The Benefits of Physical and Mental Challenges 21:28 Finding Personal Restoration and Recovery 27:04 Summarizing Key Takeaways Photo by Cody Engel on Unsplash

In this episode of FounderHacks, hosts Ben Thomas and Antony Enright welcome entrepreneur Ben Goldsmith, who shares his wisdom on simplifying business strategies and the power of relationships. Ben talks about the impact of Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle on his company’s purpose, the benefits of using Vern Harnish’s Scaling Up methodology, and how focusing on building authentic relationships has fueled his success. Ben emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies, leveraging strengths, and the vital role of timing in implementing effective business practices. 00:00 Introduction to Founderhacks 01:27 Meet Ben Goldsmith: Entrepreneurial Journey 02:41 The Power of Simplicity in Business 03:22 Simon Sinek's Golden Circle: Finding Your Why 08:56 Scaling Up: Strategies for Growth 15:45 The Importance of Relationships in Business 25:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

In this episode of Founder Hacks, hosts Ben Thomas and Antony Enright are joined by Aingaran Pillai, CEO and founder of Zaizi. Over the past 18 years, Aingaran has navigated his business through various challenges to become a leading technology provider in the public sector. The discussion focuses on the theme of 'grit' and how enduring struggles can lead to success. Aingaran shares lessons on the importance of culture, as reflected in his experience of creating a 'winning culture' at his company. He also references Ben Horowitz’s book, 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things,' particularly the section on 'The Struggle,' which resonated deeply with him during tough times. The conversation further explores the complexities and loneliness of being a solo entrepreneur and the continuous journey of learning and storytelling to maintain and scale company culture. 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle and Success 00:46 Welcome to Founder Hacks 01:15 Meet Aingaran Pillai: CEO and Founder of Zaizi 02:21 The Importance of Grit in Entrepreneurship 03:25 Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast 05:13 The Role of Storytelling in Building Culture 11:05 The Hard Things About Hard Things 21:02 The Loneliness of a Single Entrepreneur 26:33 Passing the Baton: Sharing Knowledge and Experience 27:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash

In this week's #founderhacks we look at Turnaround. Can you develop the discipline to focus on controlling the controllable when you are turning things around? Removing those emotions and frustrations, rage, or anger that can paralyse us might prompt us not to fight back but to fight forward.