The 100X Leader podcast is back, and this time, Leon, Paul and Dean are talking about a range of communication techniques to help you better engage with people and boost your leadership skills. From stages in the communication process to developing your skills and applying them in the workplace, this episode of 100X Leader is a must-listen. First, the team discusses the 5Cs of communication. By going through each step - critique, collaborate, clarify, care and celebrate - you can wrap communication up into a much broader plan of action for your company. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and being unable to communicate your goals to staff members is only likely to cause even more issues for your company's long term success. Communication is a skill that you can build over time, and the practical implementation of solid communication skills can support your company's process for years to come. Later in the podcast, the hosts discuss nonverbal communication. In any workplace, getting your ideas across through body language and the way you act has subtle benefits in putting you ahead of your rivals. You can better understand the wants and needs, the effect you have on them and the best way forward for you to make the most of future interactions. Learning from verbal communication is essential, but non-verbal communication conveys a story that your client may be too shy to tell deliberately. Finally, listen to a deep dive into the topic of two-way communication. Whilst listening skills are excellent for helping you to absorb information, and strong communication skills can help you convey a message to others, finding a perfect balance between the two in two-way conversations is key. This allows you to understand conversations as they develop, establish the direction in which they are going and interpret what is being said correctly before responding appropriately. If you feel like you struggle with communication in the workplace and need to improve, this episode of 100X Leader offers you the tools needed to take your communication skills to the next level without resorting to technology. Be sure to give it a listen today! Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

The straight-talking smart tech podcast is back, and in this episode, your hosts are joined by Antonio Tombanane. Who has recently been welcomed onto the Forbes Business Council, a growing networking organisation based around some of the most successful business leaders. He has been named one of the 50 most prominent black voices in the UK tech space, and we were honoured to have him in the studio to share some of his wisdom. The gang started with our typical question surrounding the books that have shaped and guided the life of our guests. One of Antonio's answers, Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, offered an exciting insight into the mind and behaviour of an entrepreneur, discussing the management of wealth and how to look after what you've made for yourself. His other responses make for fascinating listening before he and the guys delve into the very nature of influence and ask, "What does it mean to be influenced?". We also talk to our guests about social media. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all have such outstanding impacts on our lives. Our discussion with Antonio about how it helps and hinders our ability to see and understand mental health issues offers a lot to think about. Compassion and understanding since the start of the pandemic are crucial to getting through difficult days. So being able to understand better the way that technology is impacting our ability to emphasise can help us relate to others better. Finally, our hosts discuss self-care and physical health with Antonio. By focusing on dance and being himself, Antonio has lived a healthy and happy lifestyle without needing to drink or rely on things like alcohol for instant gratification. By focusing on eating well and going to the gym, Antonio has developed a lifestyle that he enjoys without putting undue stress on himself. If you're interested in learning more about Antonio Tombanane, his achievements and the way he lives his life, make sure you listen to the latest episode of The Hack. Sponsored by: Talk suicide powered by Think Cloud #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

In this week's episode of The Hack podcast, your regular hosts, Leon and Paul, talk to Gemma and James. From catching up about each others' lives after months of being apart to in-depth discussions about mental health conditions, learning difficulties and the processes used to get through them, this is a jam-packed episode. The gang also talk about the role of emails and the ways that we communicate in the workplace. With email increasingly becoming a core aspect of our day to day lives, the role of technology in our work is evolving all the time. Topics include whether an email is simply being used as a tool for people to push their agendas or if it has the potential to amplify the voices of those in leadership roles, empowering them to work from a position of greater communication. In addition, the team talk about broader purpose. The group theorise about what the true meaning of life is, the importance of saving a life, and whether the real point of life is to leave a powerful legacy behind that people can be proud of. If you are affected in any way by the topics discussed in the podcast, check out Andy's Man Club. The Hack is proud to support Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health organisation set up to discuss and resolve men's mental health issues in a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about your mental health or that of someone you know, it's important you (or the person you know) get the help and support you need. Stick the kettle on and settle into another fascinating episode of The Hack today.

Leon McQuade and Paul Longley are back to host yet another edition of The hack, the smart-talking tech podcast that isn't afraid to dive into a range of issues. In this episode, the team from Dopamin drops in to discuss their work, society, and what social media can mean for the average person going forward. Firstly, the conversation delved into what Dopamin does. A Los Angeles based media company, Dopamin offers free photoshoots to the black and LGBT communities, attempting to level the playing field. This has webbed out to include video work thanks to one of the founder's experiences in sound design, and the company has grown ever since. In a returning regular segment, we get to find out what the founders of Dopamin have been reading. This week we learned about a book centred around a man that pushes himself to the very limit of both physical and mental endurance, offering readers a significant change in perspective for anyone interested. If you want to find out what book inspired our guests, listen to the episode and you may just find your own mindset shifting. Later on in the podcast, our guests discuss failure and the role that it can take in our day to day lives. We all deal with failure at some point in our lives, and the founders of Dopamin are no different. We learned all about how they use failure as a learning opportunity, and a chance to ask questions and grow from the experiences they've faced. As always, The Hack is proud to support Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health charity that is there to listen when you need someone to talk to. They offer mental health support groups every Monday all across the country and can help you in your time of need. Check out Dopamin Media: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

The Hack, hosted by Leon, Paul and Dean are back, and this time, their focus is leadership. The hosts delve into the ‘5 gear action plan’ and the benefits of challenges. For any entrepreneurs, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss out on. The group begin by recapping their last episode, which focused on the 5 gear action plan, which is the different gears you need to be in at different times of the day to succeed, which include: Gear 1: The recharge: when you need it, take time off to recharge and recover from a stressful time. Gear 2: Connect mode: get connected again with the people who matter the most to you, like your family and friends. Gear 3: Social mode: being present with people, such as your workforce. Gear 4: Task mode: focus on the processes and tasks you need to complete, and multitask when necessary. Gear 5: Focused mode: get fully centred on the task at hand so that you can succeed. By mapping out your daily routine into these different gears, you can designate the right amount of time to each, which Leon, Paul and Jo all say has improved their productivity. The Hack hosts further go on to talk about the importance of challenging others when you are a leader. What challenges do your employees need in order to improve and succeed the most? What support can you give them? How can you further challenge your own work to find ways of improving at every turn? Challenging ourselves and others can help us to develop, innovate and grow successfully, but we also need to take the time to appreciate each other's hard work and understand how all of us support each other. Whether you are looking for ways to support your staff more at the office, learn how to manage your time and get more productive, or just want to hear expert advice on technology from business professionals, make sure that you catch up with The Hack podcast today to learn more. Leadership is about finding out what is your best use and then working together with your team. Supporting and challenging each other. If you would like to look at the great platform GiANT use the following link for a free trial. https://www.giant.tv/thinkcloud #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport Powered by Think Cloud Sponsored by Talk Suicide

Some people embrace change and some resist it? The Hack is back again with hosts Leon McQuade, Paul Longley, and Jo Kent. This time, The Hack is joined by guest Gale Acaster. In this episode, we open discussion on the books that have greatly influenced or changed our lives - to quote Gail who quotes Francis Bacon, knowledge is power, after all. We then move on to looking at the positive side of life following all of the negativity that more than a year of COVID-19 has brought us. We also begin by talking a little about how our pasts have shaped us, whether that be for better or for worse. However, it's important to remember that our pasts do not necessarily define us in the present or even in our future selves. How schools have changed in recent years and how we can learn from these changes is also a big part of this conversation. Video games, violence, natural aggressions and more all make an appearance. Spreading love and kindness in the modern world is something our hosts and guests also discuss, alongside daily mantras, meditation, and gratitude journals. So, yeah, quite a bit of contrast in the topics talked about. Much of this episode's discourse is led by the idea of the chimp paradox, based on the book of the same name by Professor Steve Peters. The chimp paradox is a mind management model that allows you to understand and take care of your own emotions, overriding the primitive response of fight, flight, or freeze. Stepping back from the complexities of the modern world is something that our team today has learnt with age, whether that be by going for a walk or listening to music. We finish off the episode talking about who in history we would like to talk to about modern society. Einstein and Princess Diana are two of the prominent names featured. Take a list to this week's podcast with our brilliant guest Gail Acaster, Personal development (putting you on your path in life, work, personal and professional. Providing the tools to succeed.) Why not check Gail on her social platforms: https://www.facebook.com/GARecruitment/ http://linkedin.com/in/gail-acaster-0868b2b2 www.gailacaster.co.uk Gail Acaster on Twitter GA recruitment on Instagram

The Answers We Seek Are Already Within Us ! I've really loved having Evie and Blake on this weeks Podcast what amazing answers to questions that often have many of us stumped about life ! When it comes to living life to the fullest, for me kids are the real gurus of happiness. They truly understand life better than most of us adults do! Evie and Blake have a way of teaching me the most essential things about life that I've sometimes forgotten as I've grown older. I thought as I write this (dictate to Siri)  what are six things I've learned about life from Evie & Blake: #1 Honesty is pure. Keep it that way. #2 Every day is a new day. #3 Stop worrying about tomorrow #4 Stop and smell the roses. #5 Even when you fail, it is always important to try again. #6 Always remember to have fun let me know what you think  #happiness #motivation #leadershiplessons

Join our hosts Leon, Paul and Guest host Dean this Thursday on The Hack.  All the way from the USA, none other than Grammy Award Winning Rapper Murphy Lee, best known as a member of the hip hop group St. Lunatics. CEO of his own label, U C Me Entertainment. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Do not fear, The Hack is here and we're going worldwide! Leon McQuade, Paul Longley and guest host Dean Bulfield are joined by Brooklyn native and hip hop superstar Etcetera.  Etcetera has gone from "The grind to the Grammys" and his appearance on the show provides the hosts with a wide range of interesting topics to discuss. This episode is the first in which Leon and Paul have Dean at their side, and what an episode to welcome him to the show with! Etcetera has been lucky enough to share the stage and the studio with some of the biggest names in the business, from Busta Rhymes to Kanye West, and is currently gearing up to release his sophomore album 'Sagittarius'. Etcetera's career has seen him produce as well as perform and even narrowly miss out on Oscars contention with his song 'Brawler' from the film 'Bare Knuckle Brawler' starring Danny Trejo. As always, our hosts are on hand to provide thought-provoking questions as we seek to peer behind the curtain and into the man. What are the three books that changed his life? What's been the driver behind his career? As ever on the show, there is a focus on people, processes and technology and while the New York rap game seems a world away from the North of England, Etcetera's appearance on the show provides yet another area uncovered until now as we learn more about the music industry, the roots of rap and even the luxury of Lamborghinis! Etcetera's career has been one of highs and lows and he is quick to point out that self-belief has been key in him achieving what he has to date. 'From the grind to the Grammys' isn't just a catchy line but one that reminds him where he's come from. So listen now to another episode of The Hack - you won't want to miss it! Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

The Hack is back, this episode with special guest Luke Scott. Luke's visit to the podcast was all-encompassing and jumped across a range of fascinating topics, leaving it as an episode that you won't want to miss. The guys start by talking in-depth about some of the things Luke is passionate about. From the music that gets him pumped up and ready to take on the day, to the books that he's read and the topics that truly grab him, this podcast offers you a much deeper insight into the mindset of a business winner, and how listening to Adele can be one of the best things to do in a difficult time. The main point of discussion on this week's episode was surrounding mental health. As we all know mental health is something that affects all of us on a day to day basis. The guys talk about an issue that has affected many people recently, and that is the way that lockdown has had an impact on all of us. From difficulties in staying as active as we were before the pandemic to the support networks that we all need when we're struggling, this episode hits a lot of important notes that any of us need to hear in difficult times. There is also a thorough discussion surrounding Andy's Man Club.  Andy's Man Club is a mental health support network set up following the unexpected passing of the founder's close friend. It's a place that men can go to find support and help, allowing people to reach out and talk about the problems they've faced. The Hack is proud to support Andy's Man Club and will continue to do so in order to support those that need mental health support in modern society. If you find yourself affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, don't be afraid to reach out and get the help you need. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

The newest episode of The Hack has been released, with your hosts Leon McQuade, James Ash and Paul Longley, as well as guest Gemma Gibson, all making the most of their time on the air for you. This episode offers everything from nutritional diet discussion to digital distraction, and what we can do to keep our productivity high in today’s technical landscape. The discussion opens up on diet, lifestyle, and what a positive change can mean for both your physical and mental health. James’ visits to a health coach are the centre of discussion, and he teaches the guys a few things about habit changing, and how adjusting your behaviour over long periods of time to become healthier can be more difficult than short, sharp changes in your day to day routine. From here, the discussion turns to the idea of a healthy balance in your life, and what the introduction of social media and the necessity of phones might mean for you. Social media has had such a fundamental impact on everyone’s lives, and we hear first-hand stories from a schoolteacher around the impact phones have on something as simple as eating lunch. The conversation, as usual, returns to business, and how we can apply a step by step ideology to improving our lives. Another idea we explore in this episode is the concept that where you can find a business solution, you can often find a life solution and vice versa. As always, The Hack is proud to support Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity that seeks to ensure that men up and down the company have a safe space they can visit to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and to spend time with others. If you have any concerns about your mental health and wellbeing, visit an Andy's Man Club session near you and get involved. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

As part of The Hack's 100x Leader Challenge, our hosts Leon McQuade, Paul Longley, and Dean Buffield are back to discuss the latest developments in technology and business processes. Today, they're talking about the five gears and how they can be used to balance work and life for busy professionals juggling career and family. The five gears are distinct energy modes: recharge mode, connect mode, social mode, task mode, and focus mode. In this podcast, we discuss the difference between the five gears and how important it is to understand which mode you're operating in at any time. Even when you're just on recharge mode, it's so important to switch off, disconnect, and make sure your time is spent away from screens to make the most of this gear shift - so that you're ready to launch into focus mode when you need to. Leon, Paul, and Dean get into the details of the five gears, discussing which ones they identify working in the most and how people, colleagues, and family members working in different gears must work together and practise shifting gears to align themselves with others when needed. Understanding the five gears and how they can be used as a template to understand and control your working patterns is key to efficiency and productivity in busy modern workplaces. Suppose you're trying to understand your working processes, and you're looking for tips on how to recharge or improve your focus and collaborative skills at work. In that case, this podcast is full of advice that can help you control switching gears and make the most of your free time and your focus time. Listen to The Hack today to hear exclusive insights, as well as work and social hacks that can transform your day-to-day life. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

The Hack is back for the big one! It's Series 10 of the 100x Leader Challenge, our popular mini-series. Hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley are once again joined by Dean Bulfield, as our presenters discuss leadership, technology and their personal usage of social media platforms. The 100X Leader series podcast sees our presenters invite listeners and guests with them on a journey to establish just what exactly leadership is, how you can spot it, and a range of attributes you need to excel in the world of business leadership. In this episode, our hosts take a deep dive into a range of subjects, including a topical look into the marketing of COVID 19 vaccines and how these give us lessons on how to present our products and the role of choice in modern markets. Behavioural science also plays a major role in this episode as Leon, Paul and Dean discuss the science behind refusing to go to bed as a child and how it relates to "decision fatigue", an issue that we all face in our day to day lives. Making decisions is at the heart of management and leadership, after all, working out how and why particular decisions are made can be key to making the most of leadership roles. If you'd like to learn about all facets of leadership, from networking to communication to decision making, there's no better resource than this episode of the 100X Leader Series. The Hack and 100X Leader series strives to promote the great work done by Andy's Man Club, a non-profit mental health organisation focused on getting men the support they need to resolve issues and improve their mental health. Listen to The Hack today for more insight that you can't hear anywhere else. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Returning for another episode of The Hack, the ninth instalment of our 100X Leader series is now available. It features our hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley, who have once more been joined by the dulcet tones of Dean Bulfield. As always, the guys take a meander along the path of leadership, exploring new ideas and leadership concepts along the way. Early in the podcast, your hosts dive headfirst into a discussion around failure and rejection, what that can mean for your self-confidence, and how an effective leader can move past these issues. Converting failure into success is one of the most important things a leader can try to do. That's why striving to make the most of every failure sets poor leaders apart from the pack. Your hosts also delve into a discussion around development and the role of production evolution in modern markets. Technology is moving faster than anyone could have anticipated, which can be worrying for companies that feel somewhat stuck or have a set product that doesn't evolve. Aside from product development, the lads discuss personal development. Leadership courses and personal attributes play a vital role in the world of management today, and if you're not able to develop as either a manager or an employee, you'll get left behind. Focusing on growing as a leader and improving your workplace attributes can put you ahead of the field, something we explore in much greater depth in the episode. The Hack, and the 100X Leader mini-series alike, are proud to support Andy's Man Club, a mental health charity based in the north of England, focusing on ensuring that men get the support they need to live a happy and fulfilling life. You can improve your leadership prospects and even simply have a good time by listening to The Hack today. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

The Hack is back and what a show we have in store for you this week as your hosts Leon, Paul and Jo are joined by none other than Hull rugby legend Lee Radford. Lee is a former England international rugby player who spent most of his career representing Hull. He had a hugely successful spell at the Bradford Bulls sandwiched in the middle, going on to coach the club he represented on over 190 occasions. Lee is now set to become head coach of the Castleford Tigers, where he will look to add to the honours he won as a player. Lee's career provides a perspective not yet covered on the show and one especially poignant with regards to the 100x Leadership challenge which our hosts are also doing on our spin-off series, 100x Leader. To have a leader in elite sport on the show provides a wide range of thought-provoking topics to discuss, including effective leadership, building a team and developing potential. As always, The Hack focuses on people, processes and technology and it's especially interesting to learn the process that goes on at a top-level sporting institution. With Lee set to start a new role as head coach of Castleford Tigers next year, this episode provides an insight into the man himself as our hosts try to discover what makes him tick. From books that have changed his life to small purchases with a positive impact, we're able to learn more about Lee than just his rugby exploits. With his role with the Tigers looming large in his mind, we're able to get a sneak peek into what the club might look like under his stewardship, his plans for the team and his ambition to align the club with the local community. The Hack continues to support the fantastic work of Andy's Man Club, a non-profit organisation in the North of England seeking to provide a welcoming environment for men struggling with mental health issues. All this and more make for another fascinating episode of The Hack that you will not want to miss! Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Supervillain today for us and everyone listening, whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent or a high achiever, is a digital distraction. Think of social media, count up how many messaging platform alerts and app updates you get in one 24hr period. Then look at all of the dopamine hits our brains are subjected to as a result of this. Do you know how many times the average person opens up, let’s say Instagram? It’s 150 times. Even if you open it less, that still means some are opening it up a whole lot more! We only have to stop and think, why is it we do this? The answer is super simple to understand ……… It's because it's by design!  We get this dopamine flood into our brain that drives our habits or addiction for one of a better word. These tendencies form our patterns, influence our actions which have consequences and shape our reality. If you want to jump-start your brain in the morning routine or evening routine, we all want to be more, do more, and get more, which comes from looking at our daily habits.

We're back once again like the renegade master! This week sees us bring you the seventh instalment of The Hack's spin-off mini-series 100X Leader. This week we have a new host joining the team, as Dean Bulfield joins our regular masters of ceremonies, Leon McQuade and Paul Longley, on their journey learning leadership and life skills from the Giant Platform 100x Leader. 100x Leader is a leadership platform developed by GIANT and introduced to Leon and Paul by former guest Steve Cockram. The mini-series of the same name has seen our hosts invite the listener along on the journey with them as they explore and evaluate a wide range of topics and discover what it means to be a successful leader. This latest episode is no different as the hosts dig into the difference between the definition of a boss and a leader, direct and indirect leadership, and how the internet impacts knowledge and intelligence. As always, people, processes and technology are at the heart of the discussion, and this series has seen us get to know our hosts a little better. This extended episode sees Dean join the pair to contribute to the discussion around the program as the trio work to evaluate how we, as individuals, can improve and improve as part of a team. Later on in the show, the lads discuss challenges to personal growth, what might help someone struggling with self-belief and the role of confidence in developing your personal and professional life. As always, The Hack and the 100X Leader mini-series promote the fantastic work of Andy's Man Club, a non-profit organisation in the North of England seeking to provide support and solidarity for men struggling with mental health issues. Listen now to another thought-provoking episode of The Hack. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

It’s that time again people! Your hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley return for another thought-provoking episode of The Hack’s sassy side series 100X Leader, a mini-series devoted to the Giant platform the boys are learning life and leadership skills from. As always people, processes and technology are the centre of conversation as the hosts continue their exploration of the platform they were introduced to by former guest Steve Cockram. This mini-series has seen our hosts challenge themselves, and the listeners, to go on a journey of self-improvement and reflect upon their own personal and professional experiences to become even more effective leaders. This episode focuses on prohibition and inhibition - who says you can’t? Our hosts explore the idea of being prohibited and inhibited what that means professionally and institutionally. There are things that outside factors prohibit us from doing but our own inhibitions often prevent us from doing things too, this episode explores this to try and work out how we can be uninhibited. Our hosts have enabled us further insight into their lives across this series and this episode is no different as the 100X Leader Challenge allows opportunities to reflect upon their personal and professional relationships. As the hosts explore what it means to be an effective leader, it’s evident the platform is starting to create more questions and opportunities for development in their respective lives. As always, The Hack and this 100X Leader mini-series work to promote the amazing work of Andy’s Man Club, an organisation both Leon and Paul have helped to develop, focusing on promoting positive mental health in men and a supportive environment to discuss their issues. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

The street talking, smart tech podcast is back! The Hack is here with an all-new episode. This time around, your hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley are joined by none other than Dr. Andrew Steel of the Plant A Tree Today Foundation. PATT was formed in 2006 in Thailand after a mini-bus trip to the village of Sangklaburi where they carried out their first tree planting project. Now the foundation continues to honour its name by planting trees every day, so many in fact they've planted over 3 million trees already! Naturally, given Andrew's appearance on the show, this presents the opportunity for discussion around the environment, how we can protect it and what donating to the PATT foundation will allow them to do. As always, our hosts are on hand to lead the thoughtful discussion and try to find out what helps Andrew tick, from books that have changed his life to that amp up a song that gets him raring for the day. Andrew opens up on his founding of the PATT foundation, his family and even his sporting pedigree after competing in the first-ever rugby league game on Asian soil. The insight into the Plant A Tree Today foundation provides a reminder of the importance of nature on planet earth. The foundation has 10-15 dedicated team members ensuring over 3,000 trees are planted per day and they want that number to keep growing! Andrew explains how technology is vital to the process of planting trees and the foundation's mission. The Hack, as a podcast, focuses on business, mental health and online working and always endeavours to promote the amazing work of Andy's Man Club, a mental health organisation based in the North of England seeking to promote better mental health in men. Please pay the PATT Foundation a visit at www.patt.org and support the wonderful work Dr. Andrew Steel and his team are doing to help keep our planet alive and healthy.

It's that time again, folks, another new episode of The Hack's new mini-series 100X Leader as our hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley discuss and discover the new life skills they are learning from the Giant platform former guest Steve Cockram introduced to them. As always, conversation centres around people, processes and technology as Leon and Paul ponder what life might start to look like now regulations are easing and what we, as people and organisations, can do to grow and prosper in the wake of the pandemic. This mini-series has seen our hosts explore their professional and personal development as they seek to understand leadership better. The show focuses on the important topic of self-improvement and the opportunity to get to know the hosts a little better. This episode is no different; 100x Leader has asked the listener to come along on the journey and reflect on ways to improve. As the episode continues, the hosts discuss working effectively as a team, leading to successful leadership and managing an effective cohort. There's also a focus on how technology can aid our leadership abilities and our team's strength in reaching their goals. Thoughtful discussion continues around the five challenges to face leading in a digital post-covid world and how leaders need to adapt and change in response to the coronavirus pandemic. All this and more makes this another episode you won't want to miss! The team at The Hack are dedicated to promoting the amazing work of Andy's Man Club, an organisation both Paul and Leon have helped to develop in the North of England promoting positive mental health in men.

This week sees your hosts Leon and Paul bring you another thought-provoking episode of The Hack's sassy sister series, 100x Leader. In this episode, your hosts further examine the new Giant platform through which they are gaining new life and leadership skills. This time around, our hosts discuss circles of influence, the difference between intentional and accidental, and the power of being a liberated leader. The mini-series has provided a new insight into the lives of our hosts and this week's instalment is no different, Leon and Paul provide heartwarming tales and thoughtful reflection upon some of life's issues that we all face. The 100X Leader series has asked the listener to join along for the ride and perhaps reflect and apply some of these skills and techniques to your own life. They consider how these personal experiences and techniques can be applied to the wider world, for example in business and career environments or social situations. They talk about the different types of self-care and how to keep the balance with what's expected of us and what we need to do to look after ourselves. Other discussion focuses on talent, skill and practice, and the differences between those things. How much of what we're good at is talent vs. skill? Whilst always at the heart of every episode of The Hack, this latest episode sees special attention paid to the wonderful work of Andy's Man Club and how it came to be. Leon and Paul's experiences and endorsement of the organisation continue as they discuss the positive work that the organisation does. Listen now to this week's thought-provoking episode of The Hack's 100X Leader mini-series.👊❤🌍🚀    #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

The latest instalment of The Hack's new mini-series, 100x Leader, sees your hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley explore further the Giant Platform that's giving them new life and leadership skills. This episode sees our hosts tackle how we support and challenge ourselves and what we can do to improve rather than 'reinventing the wheel'. The lads talk about how we as humans operate and what it is that makes us tick. They discuss personality testing and the intricacies of human psychology. The Giant Platform 100x Leader, which is the focus of this new mini-series, was introduced by the previous guest Steve Cockram. As our hosts go along this journey, you are invited to explore the platform for yourself and develop your own leadership and life skills along the way. The platform has provided an opportunity for the listener to get to know the hosts a little better and this week is no different as Leon and Paul delve into people, processes and technology as they reflect further upon their personal and professional relationship. This sees the duo not only reflect on their experiences as a pair but also individually, providing an honest insight into their own lives and mental health. Listen now to our latest fresh and insightful episode. 👊❤🌍🚀    #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

This week The Hack is back to business with people, process and technology at the forefront of yet another fascinating episode. Your hosts Leon, Paul and Jo, are joined by Steve Phillip, founder of The Jordan Legacy CIC. Prior to founding the charity, Steve was a successful business owner providing social media training and consultancy. However, Steve's life tragically changed when his son Jordan decided to take his own life at the age of 34. Following Jordan's death, Steve decided he must focus all his energy on preventing suicide. As a result, he founded The Jordan Legacy CIC and now works with Champion Health as Head Of Mission - helping to deliver personal health assessments, bespoke action plans, company reports and mental health training programmes with the goal of saving lives. What does The Jordan Legacy CIC do? Steve and his amazing team provide support to people who are struggling with their mental health or considering suicide. They raise awareness through the ‘Zero Suicide Community Strategy’ to empower businesses, individuals and families to help prevent suicide. What can businesses do? Introducing workplace wellbeing initiatives is vital for any business. The environment and culture you create for your staff can have a significant impact on their mental wellbeing, recovery or willingness to be vulnerable and share when they’re struggling. As you know, The Hack is all about promoting positive mental health and breaking down the barriers of everyday life. Steve's appearance on the show is particularly poignant, with his professional and personal experience providing a wide range of subjects for the group to discuss. As always, the hosts are on hand with inquisitive discussion and thought-provoking questions; what are the three books that changed your life? What small purchase under £50 has improved your life the most? Interestingly with technology always at the forefront of the show, it's the first time an App has answered that question—another example of the ever-changing and developing role of technology in our lives. This and more make this another episode of the street talking smart tech podcast that you won't want to miss. The Hack works to promote the work of Andy's Men's Club, a non-profit organisation in the North of England seeking to create friendships and a healthy discussion about mental health. We would also ask our listeners to please look into The Jordan Legacy and the #Hope4Life events to support Steve's fantastic work in raising awareness. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

In this second episode of The Hack's new mini-series '100X Leader Challenge', your hosts Leon McQuade and Paul Longley dig further into what makes a successful leader, questioning whether your tendency is to protect, liberate, abdicate or dominate. This series focuses on the 100X Leader program, a new Giant Platform offering leadership and life skills. In the last episode, Leon and Paul took on the Peace Index, examining the points which make up their percentage. This episode continues that exploration with the duo contemplating their own leadership styles and areas in which they would like to develop. As we further explore people, processes and technology, this mini-series provides an opportunity for the hosts to take listeners on a journey too, seeking to educate and explore alternative methods for self-improvement. In Episode 2, Leon and Paul discuss elements of their friendship, reflecting on the past and planning for the future - something we should all do with people we care about. They provide a refreshingly honest promotion for men's mental health issues. Conversation centres on the subject of mistakes, and how we pick ourselves up after one. They provide personal anecdotes from their careers and sporting lives. With this new mini-series focused on the 100X Leader platform, rather than a guest appearance, we're able to learn more about our hosts and the way they tick. Inspired by former guests and challenges, the duo's journey allows the listener to develop an understanding of the men behind the microphone and ponder what techniques could help in our own lives. As always The Hack seeks to promote the wonderful work of Andy's Man Club, an organisation both Leon and Paul work with to promote positive mental health in men. Sponsored by: Talk suicide #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

We've got something new for you this week as your hosts from The Hack, Leon McQuade and Paul Longley, begin their new mini-series, 100x Leader. The duo digs further into people, processes and technology as well as the Giant Platform they are learning life and leadership skills from. 100x Leader is a leadership training platform based around The 5 Ps of Performance. Over the course of the episode, Leon and Paul dig into what the program means, how you can apply it to your life and the infinite loop of continual improvement. The hosts go through the Peace index and offer the opportunity for the listeners to engage and go along on the journey with them. The 100X Challenge is focused on spreading knowledge and positivity with the 100 referring to your percentage health and happiness and the X being the intention to multiply into others. This Giant leadership program offers a framework for personal self-improvement and provides a useful tracking tool. The Peace Index specifically can be a useful way to digest and reflect with the goal of self-improvement, something often difficult for mental health sufferers. As the show goes on Leon and Paul get the chance to open up on their relationship with the program and how we can plug in and charge up to 100% in our own lives. The thoughtful conversation provides useful techniques we can all apply to our own lives and provides a bit more insight into our hosts' background. With this mini-series, we invite you to join us along the journey to reach your very own 100% and be the best you that you can be! As always, the podcast aims to promote the wonderful work of Andy's Man Club and this show is no different, with the hosts touching upon their experiences with the organisation. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Once again, The Hack is back and here to attack with more thought-provoking discussion around people, process and technology. This week your hosts Leon and Jo are joined by digital marketing expert Jack Foster, Head of Brand at 43 Clicks North, a digital marketing agency based in Hull. Founded three years ago, 43 Clicks provides international clients with unparalleled service from its base in Northeast England. Aiming to help companies achieve digital success online and beyond, Jack's role in the company is developing branding. He provides valuable insight into what 43 Clicks could do for your company. Jack's appearance on the show allows the hosts to delve into a variety of wide-reaching subject matter. His expertise in marketing provides a fresh and honest take on the role of social media and the benefits from an institutional, as well as individual, perspective. Plus, the group continues to talk about the role of social media in our lives, maintaining a healthy relationship with your phone and using technology for self-improvement. Discussion continues to centre around the effectiveness of work, motivation and process, with Jack providing some thoughtful insight into the world of digital media and how companies are targeting consumers. Throughout the show, there remains an emphasis on how we learn; how we as humans process the information in front of us. This is a topic which perhaps has been complicated by our ever-evolving relationship with technology. As ever, the show aims to promote better mental health by opening the floor to honest discussions. In examining and dissecting the growing role of technology in our lives, the group are able to provide some compelling personal stories of their own. With each of the groups offering some insight into which techniques they use, there are valuable tips and tricks that we can apply to our own personal relationship with our phone and social media, something often overlooked in our day to day lives. One thing that is for sure - your phone is good for listening to this week's thought-provoking episode of The Hack! Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

On this week’s The Hack podcast: Separate your emotions from thinking!  Join our hosts Leon & Paul this Thursday talking about the great podcast  'Unlocking your hidden superpowers!' with Steve Cockram #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

Creating an emotionally intelligent business culture The Hack is back with more of the same and a slightly longer episode today, so we have made it into two parts. Your hosts Leon, Paul and Jo, are joined by Steve Cockram, co-founder of GIANT Worldwide and an international speaker, author and business consultant. Steve is an expert in personality and wiring, organisational leadership, emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication. Steve has also co-authored two books, 5 Gears and 5 Voices, and developed a leadership and management model utilised worldwide. Oh, and a brilliant TEDx Talk. Watch the TEDx Talk  What’s discussed? As always, people, process and technology are at the centre of discussion as the group talk about recovering from failure and the mental blocks to success in business. Our hosts are on hand to deliver some challenging questions as we learn a little about what makes Steve tick. Steve "changes people's lives forever", so what books changed his? What music helps to motivate him? What little purchases have positively improved his life? Perhaps the most interesting debate in this week's show centres on honesty and responsibility. A refreshingly honest insight into the lives of the hosts as they're given the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with themselves and each other. Steve's expertise in leadership enables discussion around the creation of culture in business and the power of reinforcement. Steve's past in America enables interesting discussion around the cultural differences across the pond, with the gang also pondering what it is to be British and the power of communication. Britishness has often been at the forefront of discussion over the last couple of years during the Brexit process. But as the dust has now settled, a conversation separate from politics delivers a genuinely fascinating insight into the British psyche and how it differs from the American one. Find yourself a comfy spot, stick your kettle on and settle into another fascinating episode of The Hack. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Creating an emotionally intelligent business culture. The Hack is back with more of the same and a slightly longer episode today, so we have made it into two parts. Your hosts Leon, Paul and Jo, are joined by Steve Cockram, co-founder of GIANT Worldwide and an international speaker, author and business consultant. Steve is an expert in personality and wiring, organisational leadership, emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication. Steve has also co-authored two books, 5 Gears and 5 Voices, and developed a leadership and management model utilised worldwide. Oh, and a brilliant TEDx Talk. Watch the TEDx Talk  What’s discussed? As always, people, process and technology are at the centre of discussion as the group talk about recovering from failure and the mental blocks to success in business. Our hosts are on hand to deliver some challenging questions as we learn a little about what makes Steve tick. Steve "changes people's lives forever", so what books changed his? What music helps to motivate him? What little purchases have positively improved his life? Perhaps the most interesting debate in this week's show centres on honesty and responsibility. A refreshingly honest insight into the lives of the hosts as they're given the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with themselves and each other. Steve's expertise in leadership enables discussion around the creation of culture in business and the power of reinforcement. Steve's past in America enables interesting discussion around the cultural differences across the pond, with the gang also pondering what it is to be British and the power of communication. Britishness has often been at the forefront of discussion over the last couple of years during the Brexit process. But as the dust has now settled, a conversation separate from politics delivers a genuinely fascinating insight into the British psyche and how it differs from the American one. Find yourself a comfy spot, stick your kettle on and settle into another fascinating episode of The Hack. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

On this week’s The Hack podcast: The Fifth Industrial Revolution and how it will change work life and play! Join our hosts Leon & Paul this Thursday talking about the great podcast  'How to embrace masculine energy, life and business?' With Jason Rickaby. Learning about his journey through business, life and wellbeing. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

On this week's straight-talking smart tech podcast, The Hack hosts Leon, Paul and Jo are joined by none other than Jason Rickaby. Jason is Co-Founder at HMN24. Host of the Live on Form podcast. Investor. Co-Founder and ex CEO PhD Nutrition. Jason formed PhD in 2006 with Mark Bowering and set about taking on the big boys of the industry with a refreshingly honest approach, helping to create a "brand that cuts through the BS". That's certainly something we all need when it comes to nutrition! As always, The Hack team is here to dive into the important topics with an emphasis on people, process and technology. With this episode's focus on sport and nutrition, we delve into the mind and body benefits of looking after your physical fitness. What’s discussed? Having an industry expert like Jason on this week's show presents an opportunity to discuss the link between the body and mental health, as well as masculinity and the very nature of being a man. Jason talks us through his favourite books, his routine, and recovering from failure - something we can all relate to. Jason's journey to the top isn't your typical story. Having started PhD at 28 and working hard to get it to where it is today, he has some wise words to impart to our hosts and our audience. Now in his 40s, Jason is keen to reflect on his journey to becoming the man and the business person he is today. Being at the forefront of a nutrition company in the fitness field means Jason has a fascinating insight into the connection between physical and mental exercise. Jason's experience suggests that finding comfort in your body can transmit comfort to your brain, allowing you to recover from the stresses of day-to-day life, let alone the last year of uncertainty. It might not be a magical cure-all, but there are definitely benefits to be found in exercise and nutrition. All this and much more make for another episode of The Hack. It’s not one to miss. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

On this week’s The Hack podcast: Our hosts Leon, Paul & Jo, take a look back at the brilliant James Ash podcast from last week. What did you learn from it? Take a listen to what the host take home from the podcast was! #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport

When you think of corporate life and entrepreneurship, you don't necessarily think of mental wellbeing right away. It's still not recognised and discussed as much as it could be in many organisations. However, it's exactly what we're here to talk about today. James Ash is a successful entrepreneur who has intentionally prioritised his own mental wellbeing. As you can imagine, this has had a positive effect not only on his inspiration, health and happiness – but on his work, too. James shares valuable insight into his challenges and discusses how he was able to harness his own ADHD to become a success. What is discussed? James' story; from working in mental health to navigating the fashion media marketing world Top tips for business & wellbeing success How to enable effective communication Overcoming mental health challenges Lockdown has led to more mental health challenges for many, and the ever-increasing presence of social media and technology in our lives doesn’t always help. In a time when our freedoms have been limited, it can be hard to access the necessary support and safe spaces required to feel revitalised. For example, not travelling to see loved ones, exploring new places or just not being able to have a holiday somewhere sunny can feel suffocating for those who struggle with their mental health. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of motivation and inspiration at work. Our temporary solution is to daydream together – where will we go when all this is over? What do we want to do next year that we couldn't do this year? James and our team found comfort in focussing on what the future holds, and dreamt up everything from holidays to interviewees and fundraising projects. If you want to join our conversation about mental wellbeing, entrepreneurship and James' dog Dorothy (who just had ELEVEN puppies!), then don't miss this episode of The Hack. As always, The Hack seeks to support and promote the work of Andy's Man Club, a UK-based institution promoting better mental health within men, allowing them to speak and find a community of supportive, friendly ears. Take a listen to this week's podcast. Sponsored by: Talk Suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

This week on The Hack, host’s  Leon, Paul & Jo look back at Martin Johnson founder of Trans2 Performance podcast. Discussing the surprising truth of how we learn as humans. Take a listen to this week's Podcast. #wellbeing #productivity #networking #mentalhealth #itsupport Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

On this week's episode of The Hack, host Leon McQuade is joined by Martin Johnson CEO of Hull's Trans 2Performance, a consultancy specialising in delivering coaching around leadership, management and customer service with an underlying psychological understanding. T2Performance aims to process human behaviour to enable increased productivity. The pair discuss a wide range of topics including the difficulty in utilizing communication and collaboration, the impact of the pandemic on online working, technology and business. Technology is at the heart of this episode as the pair consider what the future may look like in organisations and ponder the possibility of automation, as well as reflecting upon the challenges of an ever-changing workforce. As CEO of T2Performance, Martin's position in the industry has enabled him to speak intelligently on a wide range of subjects and this episode is no different. By using his industry knowledge, he offers a fascinating take on a variety of subjects. Martin's passion for his company comes across, but more so does his passion for understanding the human being. The thought-provoking discussion continues throughout as the pair ponder a variety of technological advancements with psychological implications. Whether a high tech future sounds like a dystopia or utopia, it's important to think about these topics now. Martin asks us to consider that "you're not going to use your phones in 20 years, you're going to be thinking a thought. And through artificial intelligence, it's going to appear on your phone or on your screen" This episode provides a remarkable insight with regard to mental health as the pair focus on the idea of challenging behaviours as an organisation and an individual. Through healthy debate, out-of-the-box thinking, and an exploration of ideas, this episode offers some lockdown friendly entertainment. This is an episode of The Hack you won't want to miss. Listen now. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Ben Rainey is a house DJ and producer. A self-described "mental health facilitator", Ben is quickly developing a reputation with his live stream mixes across the internet. His YouTube mixes are growing in popularity and are sure to perk up the dull lockdown days. During this episode, Ben and host Leon McQuade discuss a wide variety of subjects including mental health, social media and business. They ask, what role does social media have to play in maintaining our mental health? As an online creative entrepreneur, Ben's DJ work has seen him carve a unique career path for himself and hold a position of influence, so he reflects upon his position as a positive influencer, sharing honest updates about his life with his followers rather than sapping constant holiday snaps. This becomes a key focus of the chat, as the pair discuss Ben's work to shine a light on men's mental health issues and the amazing work being done by Andy's Man Club to get men talking to each other about their mental health. Over the course of the podcast, Ben and Leon discuss their own mental health, business and what lessons they've learned recently. The pair discuss and listen to some of Ben's music, with him revealing his favourite work to be a cover of Stonebridge 'put em high', saying "the reason that's my proudest is that it was the beginning of lockdown... it was the point when I was the most anxious and down. All of a sudden, I've got this track and it's breaking multi-millions history." The perfect way to bust those lockdown blues, we explore Ben's music and work as well as bringing you some light-hearted chat. Covering all of this and more, tune in to the latest episode of "The Hack" now. Sponsored by: Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

At first glance, new year's resolutions can seem like a wholly positive endeavour, especially for someone struggling with their mental health. It's an opportunity to create a whole new me' - a fresh start or a new look. With millions volunteering to give that glass of wine the boot for dry January or attempting to get more sleep, it can feel like a massive personal attack the moment you realise you've failed. But is a black and white resolution the only way to make a positive change going into the new year? On the first Pig Wrestling Podcast of 2021, our host’s Leon, Paul and Jo discuss the positives and negatives of new year's resolutions when it comes to mental health, and suggest some alternative strategies that have worked for them in the past. With COVID restrictions ever-tightening across the UK, and the uncertainty reaching an all-time high, a lot more people are concerned about their own mental health or that of their friends and family. This is a particular problem for men, who have the highest suicide rates in the UK. In this episode, the hosts talk about the launch of the new online service Qwell, designed to help men with mental health issues who often struggle to seek help, as well as their own positive exercise habits in lockdown and how to avoid the pitfalls of technology and social media. Later in the podcast, they compare their daily routines for a positive day in lockdown and look back at what worked well for them in 2020 that we can learn valuable lessons from to take into the new year. If you're looking for some reassurance or ideas for how to start 2021 in the most positive way you can, make sure you give this episode a listen. It might just help you with that fresh perspective, even if you've already given up on your new year's resolution. Learn all about Leon’s 7 steps challenge and how the technology he uses help’s him be more organised. Sponsored by:Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Angus Young recently had a guest appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, in which the Gateshead-born journalist talked through some of his past experiences with us. He answered our regular ten questions in enlightening detail. One fascinating answer that Angus offered was the advice that he’d give his former self, and it applies to millions of young people today. Angus’ advice was to have confidence in yourself, and not take no for an answer. Although the first part of this advice may seem to be reasonably straightforward, it’s genuinely enhanced by not taking no for an answer. One famous phrase says “You can get in anywhere with a clipboard and a hi-vis”, the same applies for taking every day with confidence and the belief that you can be anywhere. You’ll look like you fit in, and this confidence can bring you opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise. In today’s world, it can feel almost impossible to get ahead, so putting yourself out there more can only work to your advantage as you set yourself apart from the pack. Young also discussed some advice that he shouldn’t have taken when he was younger. When he was younger, his dad suggested that he avoid a role in the police. Instead, Angus took what was seen as the “second worst” option as a journalist. These are both jobs that lead to something of a work-life balance problem, as Angus says when he talks about it being “difficult to switch off at times”. The job could always come calling, so you need to make sure you’re doing what you love and not just following someone else’s suggestions. Otherwise, you could lose your best years to an exhausting job, not living the life that you’d always planned out for yourself. If you’d like to hear more from Angus Young’s appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, give his episode a listen. Covering topics from West Yorkshire crime novels to Victorian architects and Guild Halls, Angus’ arrival is not one to be missed for the avid listener, or anyone with even a passing interest in journalism.

Sally Wray is a customer-focused businesswoman that looks to improve her hometown of Hull wherever possible. Having started in a position of little business knowledge, Sally has quickly developed into a prominent businesswoman in the area. The learning never stops, and as long as you can keep growing yourself, Wray thinks a perfect world is one in which you can do what you genuinely enjoy. As one of the Pig Wrestling Podcast’s regular features, we asked Sally who she would most like to interview, whether they’re from the past or the present. Her response, in her own words, was “a bit of a cliche” with David Attenborough coming out on top. The amount of the world he’s seen, his travels are indeed a fascinating subject for anyone to listen to. The offer of such a deep dive into the life of a national treasure is too good to pass up. The environmentalist’s vast range of experience and people that he’s met would be a fascinating discussion to have any day of the week. With the amount the world has changed in his lifetime, there’s no end to the talks you can have. Just one of many questions we asked Sally on her appearance, but one we didn’t get round to was asking about her future ambitions. Her drive summed up well, as she stated that “it feels like there’s someone’s hand on my back, just pushing me along”, and having just recently bought a company in Grimsby there’s no sign of slowing down for one of Hull’s most driven businesspeople. Her drive is truly something to be admired, and who knows, maybe an Attenborough meeting could be on the horizon. If you’d like to hear more of Sally’s story, be sure to listen to her appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. Attenborough is just one of the vast range of topics in an interview that touches on personal health and “shiny syndrome”. If you’d like to know what makes Sally Wray tick, be sure to give this episode of the podcast a listen. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Liam Woods has a vision for HU6, centred around making the area a great place to live. As the Project Manager for Unity in Community, the goal is to bring the local community together to build somewhere that people want to live, rather than happen to live. Working in such an inspiring role means he must have some powerful quotes in his back pocket, so we asked his favourite quote on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. Liam’s response was one passed on to him by his dad, being that “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. The idea that if you want something, or need something to happen, you can plug away at it and keep on pushing yourself to make it work eventually. One or two simple barriers can’t be allowed to stop you from completing your goals and reaching your dreams. The idea of if you feel down, you get back up again, is undoubtedly an inspiring one, and one which is somewhat representative of the work that Unity in Community is doing in Hull when attempting to revolutionise the area. Another quote mentioned by Woods was a great Wayne Gretzky quote, “100% of the shots you don’t take don’t go in”. Somewhat similar to the first quote, but it emphasises the idea that if you want to try something, go for it. It’s better to have a chance of succeeding by doing something than having no chance at all because you didn’t try. At the heart of Liam Woods’ ethos, and a combination of drive and willingness to try anything means that his successes are often and wide-ranging. If you’d like to find out more about Unity in Community’s work in Hull or just more about Liam himself, be sure to give his recent appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast a listen. In a conversation including both local projects in Hull and the excellency of Wayne Gretzky’s career, you can learn a lot about Liam Woods and how he’s achieved the success he has so far in his life. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Roger Grannon is a major figure in Hull’s construction scene. Currently the Chief Operations Officer at KWL, Roger started his career at Hull City Council as an electrician before gradually climbing the ladder to where he is today. His constant search for positive change in his life has led to a positive outlook on life, and by combining this with adding new habits to daily life, Roger is always taking significant steps forward in his life. Because of this, he found our question about what habit has had a positive influence effortless. Roger picked up the habit of reading books on holiday, and always found himself thinking “I should write something down”. This thought developed into a writing habit, he most commonly writes about his life in the way that he saw it, and although he’s not yet shared his work with anyone else, he looks forward to the day he can let people take a look, otherwise “those memories are just going to vanish”. This led nicely into the next question surrounding “What advice would you give to yourself?”, which was resoundingly answered by Roger in a way that suits his habits, being always to take any opportunity that comes to you. Roger started writing as an impulse that stemmed from reading plenty of books, and that’s taken him a long way in putting together a memoir. By taking as many opportunities as you can, you’re putting yourself in a better position for success in the future. Trying everything you can gives you a new level of confidence that makes you more likely to succeed, and makes you happier whilst you do it. If you’d like to learn some more about Roger Grannon and his story, listen to his appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. Roger’s experience makes him a profoundly thoughtful person with some great stories to tell, so don’t miss out and listen to this life-changing podcast as soon as possible. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Jerome Whittingham is a renowned freelance photographer, writer and podcast producer, commissioned by a wide range of organisations and enterprises to tell their stories. Such a background in storytelling gives a natural interest in books and writing, so learning about Jerome's most impactful books was an intriguing part of his appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. The first thing noted by Jerome was that the majority of the work he reads is non-fiction, whether that's reports, academic books or books about journalism. This makes some sense, as someone so integrated into the world of journalism and non-fiction writing is likely to find themselves fascinated by whatever work comes from that same world of telling real-life stories. This also shows the passion with which Whittingham views his profession, as something to be engrossed in as often as possible rather than just a meaningless job that he can switch off from at 5 pm on a weeknight. One author that Jerome was sure to mention was Hans Rosling, a statistician with a passion for presenting data in interesting and entertaining ways. One study that Jerome specifically talked about of Rosling's was one in which he asked chimpanzees and people of a range of demographics a similar series of questions, resulting in not a single group scoring higher than the chimpanzees because of their natural biases. This made Jerome feel better about his role as a journalist, as it was demonstrative that people were negative to the job because it's "our biases that are making us feel this way". Rosling's work has been revolutionary in the world of statistics, and it's easy to see why a non-fiction writer would feel so drawn towards these intriguing representations of the very world that we all live in. If you'd like to learn more about Jerome Whittingham, his profession, and exactly how he sees the world, listen to his appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. He goes into depth in a wide variety of fascinating topics, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to broaden their horizons or expand their method of thinking. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Laura Jarvis recently appeared on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, where she talked all about her time as a senior chartered manager working for the Charity Alcohol and Drug Service. She has a high level of expertise in dealing with these issues and has had in-depth discussions with hundreds of people. However, there are plenty of people that Laura hasn't had the chance to interview yet, so we asked Laura who her dream interview subject would be. Laura's response was a powerful one, saying that her dream subject would be Martin Luther King Jr. She admired the way that he was a "fascinating person" in his time and wondered exactly what sort of impact MLK would have had in today's world, given the extended reach of so many campaigns stemming from the growth of social media. In addition to this, Jarvis wondered just what King would think of the last few months in America. With very similar race protests arising in a tumultuous time, she would ask for his thoughts on just how much of an impact King believes he has had on the world and if the decades following his famous protests have gone the way that he had imagined. Laura's first answer was somewhat more off the cuff and less impactful. Her first suggestion was a member of the popular musical group Take That! However, she almost immediately backtracked from this response as she thought it was a bit of a cop-out. Instead, she chose MLK, who is in all likelihood a more intriguing interview subject to really dig into and truly get to know the mindset of. If you're interested in learning more about Laura Jarvis and hearing her answer a range of questions, from advice to her 18-year-old self to lessons she's learned from past failure, listen to her appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. By listening to this discussion of just under an hour you can start to understand the mindset behind one of Hull's most successful business people, and take her advice to drive yourself forward in both the world of business and wider life. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Darren Peacock is your typical working-class boy turned businessman story. Having started his life as a borrow boy at the Fruit Market on Humber Street, he has gradually built a business that employs 102 employees, and when he exited the firm it was worth more than £10 million. Now a finance broker, Peacock has made the most of his lot in life. However, he does have some advice he would like to give his 18-year-old self, to make the most of what he missed. Peacock started by mentioning how a lot of advice comes from the wrong place. People, when they offer advice to others, tend to discuss situations and offer guidance based on how they personally see the world rather than from a perspective that's helpful to the person seeking advice. Unless the person that's giving the advice truly and deeply understands the position the person is in, they should probably take it with a pinch of salt. Darren did give one piece of advice that he considered to be universal in business, that was quite simply "Don't be a dick". He went on to discuss how you can't "win" in business because it's not a game that has an end, and nobody necessarily has to lose. Business can be win-win in all cases, and you don't need to try and force all you can out of someone you're making a deal with to profit. If there's a way to make everyone happy, you should strive for it. There was one final piece of advice Darren had to offer his past self, and this was more about life than business. He said that "life's about creating memories, not collecting things", and that it's more important to enjoy yourself than simply be wealthy in your old age and have nothing to show for it. If you'd like to hear more from Darren Peacock, listen to his appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. His appearance was full of nuggets of wisdom and is a wonderful listen for anyone seeking guidance from someone with a wealth of life experience. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

Doctor Kate Yorke initially came to Hull to go to university and train in psychology but ended up staying. She now lives locally with her partner and dog and is hunting for more wisdom that might be brought on with age. After all, she acknowledges that she might be actively going through a midlife crisis. She brought that wisdom to bear on her recent appearance on the Pig Wrestling Podcast. When asked what one to three books really had an impact on the way she lives her life, Kate first discussed northern author Millie Johnson. She writes with around four characters per book with primarily female characters at the core of her stories, which centre around various different phases of her life. By doing so, the stories are able to humorously explore intricate concepts such as coercive control in relationships and other issues you might come across in day to day life. Dr Yorke also discussed a book entitled "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine". The book centres around a girl who was raised in care, went on to experience an abusive relationship before becoming a lonely character with no friends and only an annual social worker's visit. This allowed the author to explore concepts around loneliness and personal development. Of course, as a psychologist, Kate was able to find a significant amount of interest in this book, and although it explores dark themes, it is one that you can learn a lot from. This all relates to Dr Yorke's deep interest in people, which has been an avid fascination of hers for years now. Keeping an eye on how people tick and what makes people work has been of interest to Kate since her youth and was one of the reasons she took up a career in psychology and loves the books that she does. If you're interested in finding out more about Dr Kate Yorke and the wisdom she brought with her to the Pig Wrestling Podcast, listen to her recent appearance. For an hour of easy listening jam-packed with wisdom, give the Pig Wrestling Podcast a listen today. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

In his recent visit to the Pig Wrestling Podcast, Hull composer Chiedu Oraka talked through a range of subjects, from his best recent purchase to habits that have changed his life. One interesting answer was his response to how he feels he has learned from failure in his life. Chiedu discussed how he spent some time in HMP, which “made me [Chiedu] the person I am”. It was in jail that Oraka decided to turn his life around, and three years after his short stint in the clink he got a degree in sports development and coaching. Chiedu views this as a “massive success story”, and it’s fair to say. Many people who spend time in prison will often find themselves without support on the outside, and slip back into old habits and potentially criminal tendencies. However, the young composer found himself needing a change and forged himself a new path (difficult for someone that sees himself as “not an academic person at all”). As someone who never saw himself following the academic path, Chiedu sees this as his “proudest moment”, which came from his time and development when he was in prison. He went on to discuss the responsibility of being a composer that people feel able to look up to, and the fact that many people view him as a role model puts him in the unique position to use his past when guiding people and giving life advice, rather than avoiding his past. As he said in the interview, “I understand the responsibility because of where I come from, because there’s no one that made it in the genre of music that I have”. As a trailblazer, Chiedu aims to do what he can to improve the lives of young people, whether that’s taking a picture with a fan or replying to everyone on social media. He aims to make a positive impact in any way he can, because there’s “no better feeling” than helping someone through a tough time. You can hear the rest of Chiedu’s open and honest interview on the Pig Wrestling Podcast, and get to learn the Yorkshire musician and poet’s story.raka Musical Artist want to know more about Chiedu Oraka check out his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/chieduorakaofficial/

Andrew Horncastle on the habits and beliefs that have changed his life Andrew Horncastle, a recent guest on The Pig Wrestling podcast, is a highly successful property entrepreneur, and his unique insights and views on running a business have positioned him perfectly for business growth and prominence. He has a record of delivering many projects affordably and often ahead of time, with his business ideology powering him on to the precise requirements provided by a demanding clientele. As the High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, you need a certain level of discipline. Andrew's achievements have also driven him to an MBE, and as a founding member of For Entrepreneurs Only, there is no end to his achievements in sight. In Andrew's recent appearance on the podcast, he was very candid about what habits he has adopted to change the way he works for the better. The first of these was avoiding the news. Andrew said he is "definitely a happier person" without watching the news, partially because of the nature of the 24-hour news cycle. He discussed getting engulfed in the news and the fact that most of it can tend to be negative. Of course, the bad news is what sells, so you can find yourself struggling to live in the moment because of the deeply negative way the world is presented. Another habit that Horncastle picked up is "being more careful with my [Andrew's] diet" following bowel issues. With a proper personal trainer, Andrew was able to focus on getting his body into the best possible condition, and of course, a healthy body means a healthy mind. This, along with making sure "you can fit into your life what you need to fit into your life", gives you the ideal combination of productive work life and happy home life. Getting in the best physical and mental space possible opened up a world of opportunities that would have been missed had this not become a focus. You can hear more about this topic and many more by listening to Andrew Hardcastle's recent appearance on The Pig Wrestling Podcast. Andrew has an inspiring story, and his advice could be life-changing. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

On this week's Pig Wrestling podcast we are joined by Ben Milhench. Ben offers his unique insights into the sporting world, as he played both professional ice hockey and golf before beginning a flourishing career in professional sport. A self-confessed highly motivated, intelligent and enthusiastic person, Ben sets high standards for himself, whether that's playing sport, studying sports companies or raising his 16-month old, Freddy. For over 6 years Ben has lived with Freddy and his wife Charlotte in Beverly. To his name, Ben has a series of awards and accolades, including England and Great Britain International Ice Hockey Player, Assistant Captain Great Britain under 18’s Ice Hockey Team, East Riding and Yorkshire Golf Team member, member of the Grey Goose Gateway and Hooters tour and former member of the Professional Golfers Association. Despite this list of achievements, Ben has a self-deprecating view of his sporting career. He confesses on our podcast, "I was an ice hockey player turned professional golfer. Turns out I was shit at both, and then started working in professional sport and have done ever since." When Ben's time as a professional golfer ended, he did not view the end of his professional golfing career as a loss. Rather, he saw it as an opportunity. "I've believed throughout my career is as soon as one door closes, another one opens." For Ben, another door did well and truly open as he began a successful career in the business side of professional sport. He reveals on our podcast a quote he has always lived by is "you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." He continues to use this phrase to inspire his life and encourages our listeners to "take, take. Don't be afraid to throw yourself out there." Many people don't shoot their shot due to fear of rejection, but Ben takes a unique view of this. "I was always scared of the word no. And evidently, that's the best word in the world. Because if somebody says, no, you don't have to waste your time on them anymore." Listen to this week's podcast with Ben Milhench as we cover everything from the importance of following your gut to the cheap purchase that keeps his toddler endlessly entertained. Sponsored by: Moodbeam, Hopen, Talk suicide Powered By: Think Cloud

17 Years - Think Cloud - Once we were seventeen years old, our story got told......... We celebrate our 17th anniversary of being in business this month. To commemorate this outstanding achievement, co-founding directors Scott Clark, Leon McQuade and Chief of Operations Dean Bulfield have sat down together to record a podcast covering the trials and tribulations Think Cloud has faced during its 17 years in business. Think Clouds success is built on earned knowledge acquired over the past 17 years helping Local Government, Education, Ministry Of Defence Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Financial, and Charity sectors, succeed through digital technology. Think Cloud started small as a Hull IT Support company. 'Scott had a desk.' Dean recalls, 'and I think the day I started, I had a laptop, pen and paper.' The room itself they began working in was similarly bare, as the team remembered 'no windows, no nothing'. In today's economic market, being in business for 17 years is no easy feat. In the past 17 years, Think Cloud has successfully navigated the double-dip recession and are now facing the 2020 COVID-19 recession. On their success, Scott confirms that 'Yeah, we always do our best by the customer.' It is this dedication to their customers that have allowed Think Cloud to grow into the company it is today. Scott explains their company ethos in more detail, stating 'we'll always want to be the best, but we also want to be the best for the customer, we want to be their partner, we want to move the customer forward. We want to see a customer grow; we want them to be a success.' Leon describes his and Scott's first encounters, telling the story of what it was like to be a customer of the, then Virtual Networking. Recalling a time he refused to accept Scotts advise when he wanted to use G Suite to digitally transform a company founded way back in the 1940s.  Scott adding " he wanted me to migrate him to Google G Suite and Xero and to add he told me a week before Christmas. Back then, we were Microsoft; it was what we know and what everyone was using, not GSuite." Leon Admitting he needed to call upon Scott and Dean to rescue him when he took it upon himself to migrate the business anyway.  Admitting "moving to the Cloud, I got it wrong. It was chaos. But what I would say is, you've always had my back, and you sorted everything out in the background, and you got everything I lost back up, and you got it working. The technology-enabled us to communicate quicker, improve on costs and productivity, make decisions quicker. Which resulted in an eight-figure growth and allowed expansion with an international reach that stretched as far as Europe, America and the UAE" It is not just the company ethos that has made the company what it is today, and it is the relationship, dedication and passion of the Think Cloud team. Dean admits that recruitment was of vital importance to Think Cloud. From their early days, revealing 'I think it just takes one bad employee within an organisation to disrupt the full team…and that for me is the culture [of Think Cloud], the team, we're all there to help each other grow, and we want to be winners. That's what I love about working for Think Cloud'. Scott echoes this sentiment on this week's special anniversary podcast, stating 'we always have each other's back as customers and obviously as friends.' Learn more about Think Cloud's 17-year journey by listening to the full podcast now! Powered By: Think Cloud