#founderhacks

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 Opportunity00:19 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:56 Meet Brian Keegan03:38 Inspiration as Fuel04:47 Lessons from Dad10:31 Coaching and Confidence13:26 Books and Flywheels20:31 From Good to Great24:23 Life After Exit30:29 Ikigai and Purpose31:43 Key Takeaways Recap34:57 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 Care00:23 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:45 Meet Maya of Planner Bee02:33 Theme Keep Going03:16 Consistent Action Mindset05:07 Dunning Kruger Explained06:10 Pivot or Push Through10:05 Redefining Productivity14:44 Flexible Work Culture17:40 Everything Is Figureoutable21:19 Authentic Leadership Journey24:55 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 Success00:28 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:08 Meet Our Hosts and Guest02:18 James Bates: From Finance to Hospitality03:30 The Theme of Discomfort in Entrepreneurship04:47 Lessons from a Friend's Business Pivot06:05 The Role of Character in Business Success14:18 AI and the Future of Work23:18 Consistent Success Through Obvious Actions29:28 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysAtomexImage 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 Entrepreneurship00:20 Introducing Founder Hacks02:10 Learning vs. Luck: A Key Theme02:58 Regulatory Changes and Entrepreneurial Resilience05:32 The Power of Team Collaboration09:07 Luck and Learning in Business15:36 The Four Pillars of Success16:08 Applying the Four Pillars to Your Business17:36 Learning from Business Processes21:42 The Importance of Organization27:24 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysAtomexImage 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 Hacks01:34 Meet Our Guest: Simon Ursell02:54 The Importance of People in Business04:14 High Support and High Challenge for High Performance06:57 Implementing Challenge in the Workplace12:06 Leadership and Mentorship at Tyler Grange18:01 Navigating Polarities in Business21:27 Exploring eSports and Collaboration23:06 Balancing Polarities in Business27:36 The Power of Storytelling29:20 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week35:10 The Impact of Stories on Leadership40:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAtomexImage 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 Hacks01:08 Meet the Hosts and Guest02:05 Jos Tasker's Journey and Mission03:23 The Importance of Authenticity04:37 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership06:43 The Power of Purpose-Driven Business08:05 Balancing Authenticity and Commercial Success15:08 Detachment and Letting Go of Outcomes20:06 Personal Development and Business Growth20:59 Letting Go of Outcomes22:12 Empowering Your Niche24:26 The Importance of Authenticity26:28 Purpose and Passion in Entrepreneurship28:12 Capturing Impactful Stories31:54 Final Thoughts and SummaryAtomexImage 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 Welcome01:10 Meet the Hosts03:17 The Impact of AI on Business10:27 Generational Differences in the Workplace20:19 Adapting to Change and Innovation28:50 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsImage 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 Hacks00:53 Meet the Hosts01:20 The Importance of Reinventing Yourself02:20 Challenges of Founder Roles04:35 The 10-Year Rule and Founder Fatigue08:16 Cultural Differences in Business Growth11:44 The Low Altitude Economy in China20:09 The Value of Random Experiences26:00 Conclusion and SummaryImage 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 Welcome00:55 Meet the Hosts01:47 The Theme of Being Human02:09 Alex's Story on Change Management03:47 Antony's Insights on Coaching and Readiness05:42 Ben's Perspective on Managing Change10:13 Antony's Reflection on Social Media and Perfection15:30 Ben's Take on Setting Ambitious Goals20:28 The Power of Authenticity26:54 Summary and Closing RemarksPhoto 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 Dynamics00:41 Welcome to Founder Hacks01:19 Discussing When Things Go Wrong02:20 The CEO's Mistake and Team Dynamics04:52 Heroic Leadership vs. Vulnerable Leadership10:29 The Importance of a Plan B19:21 Letting Things Go Wrong on Purpose27:20 Summary and Closing RemarksPhoto by Di liberto Emanuele on Unsplash