Speaking Business Podcast

This week I've gone a bit off-piste, I haven't got one of my speakers as a guest, instead I have Chris Wharton who is Creative Director of 2ndfloor, a web and design Studio. Chris is my go-to guy for all things website and branding and I thought I'd quiz him a bit to help speakers or anyone else looking for assistance in this field. Chris has been working on a computer since he found MS Paint and created bank cards for his sister to play shop with. He has successfully managed, consulted and worked on projects for RBS, Renault, Coutts Bank, IKEA, WorldPay, Schroders, amongst others. Chris has a wide range of skills including digital consultancy, UI design, UX and web build, sketch and illustration and project management. He knows a lot basically! Chris has created the branding for two of my businesses, Maria Franzoni Ltd, speaker bureau and for Speaking Business Academy. He also designed, built and maintains the Speaking Business Academy website as well as creating our company brochure.   Recorded: 5th Februar

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. In this episode we are going to talk about economics and history with Dr Linda Yueh. Dr Linda Yueh is a leading economist, writer and broadcaster. Her latest book, The Great Economists: How Their Ideas Can Help Us Today answers the biggest economic questions of our time by drawing on the ideas of the thinkers who have changed our world. It was selected as The Times's Best Business Books of 2018 and also by Newsweek magazine in the U.S. as the Best Fiction and Non-Fiction of 2018. Bio Dr Linda Yueh is Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, Adjunct Professor of Economics at London Business School, and Visiting Professor at LSE IDEAS. She is a broadcaster, including for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service, and was the BBC's Chief Business Correspondent and host of "Talking Business with Linda Yueh", as well as Economics Editor at

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. In this episode we are sharing the secrets behind some of the world's elite business, sports and military organisations. My guest is high performance culture expert and best-selling author James Kerr.  James authored the global best-selling book Legacy: What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life.  His work explores what drives the best teams to extraordinary results, including a relentless focus on excellence a collective commitment to an 'uncommon cause' and emphasis on individual accountability James has advised US and UK Special Forces, Formula 1 teams and Olympic Performance Directors - as well as corporations from Google to PayPal, Red Bull to Unilever, and Shell to Boeing.  Bio James Kerr is a bestselling author, speaker and business consultant specialising in defining, designing and delivering change for leaders of world-

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. This week we talk about how the Americans and the British do business very differently. We discover the mistakes businesses make when entering the US market and what leaders should be doing to build their personal brands. My guest this week is advisor, author, broadcaster and entrepreneur - Allyson Stewart-Allen. Allyson has advised over 200 businesses in 26 countries on how to successfully avoid the minefields of international expansion. She has authored the best-selling book Working with Americans, and is a regular media commentator for the BBC, CNN and the FT.  Bio Allyson Stewart-Allen is a renowned marketer, whose expertise in brand internationalisation is sought by leading businesses globally through her consultancy, publications, appearances, mentoring and corporate education. A Californian based in Europe for over 25 years, Allyson applies

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. Today we are going to find out about the commercial advantages of B2B sponsorship and the importance of being relentless in your quest for success.  My guest is author and entrepreneur, Jackie Fast. Jackie sold her sponsorship agency for millions just 6 years after starting it in her bedroom with £2k, she now covets clients including Sir Richard Branson and the Rolling Stones along with FTSE 100 brands.  More recently she's launched a global ice wine brand to create a new drinks category for the masses.  And if you are a fan of The Apprentice, we are going to ask the questions that you are dying to ask. Bio Jackie Fast, former Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Media Disrupter of the Year recipient is no stranger in utilising change to amplify growth.  She directs leaders on how to succeed through the power of sponsorship in the current era of dis

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. This week we talk about letting go of the old command and control style of running organisations in order to transform them.  We talk about how leaders' egos can get in their way.  And my guest who is ranked 4th most influential living management thinker in the world by The French National Foundation for the Management and Business Education) reveals that he will coach CEOs for free provided they have paid him to speak and bought him lunch. My guest this week is Isaac Getz.  Isaac is a Professor at the top-ranked ESCP Europe Business School and is former Visiting Professor at Cornell and Stanford. Dr. Getz's work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Strategy+Business, Financial Times, Le Monde, CNBC, Fox and other leading media on four continents. He is a columnist in Le Monde and won the best Op-Ed 2017 award. Bio A 2016 study by

Each week I invite one of my speakers to talk about their life, work, passions and leisure so that you can get to know the person who is the speaker behind the mic. My guest this week is Maneesh Juneja, Digital Health Futurist, or as we call him MJ. In this episode we talk all things technology but with some talk of gadgets too, which I absolutely love.  Maneesh also tells us why all business and organisation are going to be in the business of health.    Bio Maneesh Juneja is a Digital Health Futurist who explores the convergence of emerging technologies to see how they can make the world a healthier and happier place. He looks at these technologies in the context of socio-cultural, political and economic trends, helping organisations to think differently about the future. In 2016, he was ranked 7th most influential in Digital Health, and at the beginning of 2015, Maneesh Juneja was ranked 10th most influential in Wearable Technology. In 2012, he left the security of his career at GlaxoSmithKline, to immerse

This week we are doing something a little bit different, going a bit off piste, because my guest this week isn't one of my speakers, he's actually a voice coach. You would think that people who use their voice as an instrument for their work would actually have voice coaches but many speakers don't look after their voices and end up struggling, straining and not using their voices to their full potential. So my guest is jazz singer and voice coach, Jimmy Cannon.  Bio Jazz singer and vocal coach Jimmy Cannon teaches techniques to sustain and protect the most important instrument in speaking; your voice. Jimmy has toured and recorded with Sir Tom Jones, The Commitments, Rodriguez, Roger Taylor, and has appeared on 'The One Show' and 'This Morning'. Recorded: 13th December 2018 Links: More about Maria Franzoni Ltd Connect with Maria on Linkedin Connect with Maria on FaceBook To book any of the speakers featured on the Speaking Business podcast, click here

My guest this week is world record breaking mountaineer and adventurer, Jake Meyer In this episode we talk about being too cool for school, the dangers of getting out of the wrong side of the bed, embracing stress and the importance of choosing the right team mates when your life is in their hands.  Bio Jake Meyer is an experienced public speaker whose incredible story of climbing Mt Everest aged only 21 is an inspirational tale of determination, tenacity and an unerring will to succeed. Jake was only 14 when he set his sights on wanting to climb the '7 Summits' – the highest mountain on each continent. At 6.30am on the 4th June 2005, aged only 21 and 135 days old, he reached the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world and his 7th continental highpoint. At the time, he was the youngest Briton to climb Mt Everest, and the youngest man in the world to complete the 7 Summits. Not content with just the 7 Summits, he also holds the record for the fastest ascent of the highest mountain in each of

My guest this week is bestselling author, broadcaster and leader of the global Slow Movement, Carl Honoré.  In this episode we talk about slowing down.  How it makes you more productive, improves your relationships and your health. So, if you would like to learn how to unleash your inner tortoise this podcast is for you. Bio Carl Honoré is a bestselling author, broadcaster and leader of the global Slow Movement. His TED talk on the benefits of slowing down has been viewed 2.6 million times. Described by the Wall Street Journal as "an in-demand spokesman on slowness," Carl travels the world to deliver powerful keynotes that put time and tempo in a whole new light. His message is simple but counterintuitive: To achieve peak performance in a fast world, you have to slow down. Carl's talks are dynamic, inspiring, informative and full of humour and his audiences range from business leaders, entrepreneurs and sales professionals to teachers, academics and medical practitioners. Carl's first book, In Praise of Slow,

My guest this week is business analyst, consultant and former Trustee and Communications Director for the Cutty Sark, Stephen Archer. Stephen talks about leadership in the context of the changes in European and global economics and the shifts in the political impetus behind globalisation.  He is both excited and vexed by what is going on.  His work is focused on supporting leaders to navigate through the chaos of what may seem impossibly unpredictable times.  In this week's show, we talk about making sense of the chaos of what is going on in world and we hear about the 5 traits that make a great leader. Bio Stephen Archer's expertise and experience uniquely places him to speak on the changes in worldwide economics and structural changes and their impact on your organisation. The 'new order' of globalisation is now being rocked, free trade is no longer a given and even democracy cannot be taken for granted.  In short, we have entered a period of instability. All of these fundamental 21st century changes are ha

My guest this week is one of the most fortunate people you're likely to meet. He should be dead many times over and his exploits have been covered in a Discovery documentary with the very cheerful title 'I Shouldn't Be Alive.'  My guest is Chris Moon.  Chris knows exactly what it takes to overcome adversity and supposed limitations. He was blown up in Africa whilst clearing landmines for charity, losing his lower arm and leg. Less than a year after leaving hospital he completed the London Marathon and now runs the world's toughest ultra-marathons. He's also one of the few Westerners to have survived being taken prisoner by Khmer Rouge. In this week's show, we find out why Chris was kidnapped by the Khmer Rouge and how he negotiated his release. How he defied all expectations to run the London Marathon after losing his lower right leg and arm in an explosion clearing land mines and why the biggest limits in life are those, we impose on ourselves often without even realising it.  Bio Chris Moon is one of the mo

Today my guest is Michael Solomon.  Michael "wrote the book" on understanding consumers.  Literally. Hundreds of thousands of business students have learned about Marketing from his books, including Consumer Behavior: Buying, Having, and Being -- the most widely used book on the subject in the world. Michael often is asked to provide briefings to global executive teams who want significant increases in their bottom line and who understand that's accomplished by a deeper connection with their customers. Michael's mantra is:  We don't buy products because of what they do.  We buy them because of what they mean. He advises global clients in leading industries such as apparel and footwear, financial services and e-commerce, retailing, sports and transportation on marketing strategies to make them more consumer-centric.  He is frequently quoted in major media outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Adweek and Time. In this week's show, Michael and I fight to get heard over an electric drill, I ask why compa

Today Maria's is Mark Gallagher.  Mark has held leadership roles in F1 for over 30 years with Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth Formula one engine company. Today he runs his own consulting business and is a F1 analyst for media organisations. In this week's show, we find why out what is it about Lewis Hamilton that makes him the champion driver he is. We discover what people really thought about Eddie Jordan when he first entered Formula 1. We find out who Michael Schumacher considered his only real rival and we get amazing insights into how to lead high performance teams. Bio Mark Gallagher has worked in the high performance environment of Formula One motor racing for over 30 years.  Today he is a Formula One analyst for the BBC, makes regular appearances on global media outlets and is founder of his own consulting business, Performance Insights Ltd. Mark Gallagher's management career in Formula One included more than a decade on the management board of the highly successful Jordan Grand Prix t

Today Maria's guest is award-winning author, innovator, entrepreneur, leadership futurist and transformational catalyst, Nick Jankel. In this week's show, we talk about one man's journey from McDonald's burger maker to student of philosophy, we talk about how everybody is born to transform and we find out why innovators and business leaders have never had so much political responsibility. Bio Thought leader Nick Jankel switches on people all over the planet with the limitless opportunities of the Networked Age...and how to leave behind redundant Industrial-Age thinking, mindsets, and processes that block us from fulfilling our potential as leaders and as organisations. A former elite scientist, Nick has spent close to 30 years developing a rigorous brain-based methodology and complete toolset for personal and organisational transformation - the hardest tasks in the world - that ensure his clients such as Unilever, HSBC, Kelloggs, Zalando, and Nike are match fit for the future. Having initially made his name a

Today Maria's guest is international brand specialist, Kubi Springer. Kubi has 20 years' experience in consumer brand marketing with some of the world's top brands as her clients.  Quite simply Kubi builds brands.  She describes herself as a little girl with a big mouth and I'll tell you what every word that comes out of that mouth is pure wisdom. Recorded: 2nd October 2018 In this week's show, we do some serious celebrity name dropping.  If you are a music fan like me you are going to love some of these names.  We share a bit of tough love and we get some really top advice on how to truly connect with your customers for sustainable commercial growth. Let's dive in…. Links: Connect with Maria on LinkedIn Connect with LSB on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on Facebook Connect with LSB on Facebook  To book any of the speakers featured on the Speaking Business podcast, click here Listen here: Libsyn  Itunes  Stitcher Spotify Bio Since 1996 brand specialist Kubi Springer has been working with companies and high profi

Today Maria's guest is Mary Tillson.  Mary is the Head of Momentum and Executive Learning at MFL. Mary has worked internationally as a management and leadership development Principal Consultant. She has held leadership roles, both within the training industry, for OnTrack International, GBS Corporate Training, and for American Express where she jointly ran the UK 24-hour Authorisation Centre. As Head of Momentum and Executive Learning at MFL, Mary provides 90-minute Injections of Inspiration workshops as well as custom designed learning programmes and masterclasses. Most recently she has taken on the role of head of Learning at Speaking Business Academy, an organisation providing support, training and coaching to speakers at all stages of their speaking business. Recorded: 2nd October 2018 In this week's episode, we are going to be talking about the cost of forgetting, how to set yourself up for a success when you book a speaker, how you get a better return on investment and we are also going to delve into Ma

Today Maria's guest is Neil Armstrong.  Neil has been making films and TV programmes for over 33 years. He started his career as a Film Assistant at the BBC and worked his way up to become a highly respected and sought-after Series Producer and Director. Neil's credits include 'Alter Ego' with Jon Culshaw, 'Renford Rejects', 'The Miners "Location, Location, Location", "House Doctor" for C5), and the "Teletubbies". Neil has filmed all over the world writing, producing and directing for a great range of brands from Astra Zeneca, Barclays and UBS right through to L'Oreal, John Lewis, Microsoft and Tate&Lyle. He has also made Speaker Showreels for Roger Black, Sahar Hashemi, Sally Gunnell, Jamil Qureshi, Linda Yueh and Viv Creegor amongst others. Recorded: June 2018 In this week's episode, we learn the difference between how to shoot a show reel vs shooting a normal event, we learn about what else you could add to your reel other than video and why owning a spanner doesn't actually make you a mechanic. So, le

Today Maria's guest is James Kettle, a professional script and speechwriter. He has written for the likes of Rory Bremner, Ed Balls, David Gower and Miles Jupp. Recorded: March 2018 In this week's episode, we find out that a speech writer has a lot in common with the effervescent vitamin tablet Berocca, making speakers "them", but them on a really good day.  And we hear about liquid lunches with former English cricketer David Gower.  So, let's dive right in. Links: More about Maria Franzoni Ltd Connect with Maria on Linkedin Connect with Maria on FaceBook Listen to Jack Milner's podcast   To book any of the speakers featured on the Speaking Business podcast, click here

Today Maria's guest is James Pearce. For two decades, James has been one of the most regular faces on the BBC's television news bulletins. An award-winning correspondent, James freely admits to having one of the best jobs in the world. You name it, he's reported from it. Recorded on: 12th July 2018 James tells us how Gloria Hunniford gave him his first broadcasting break at the tender age of nine, he teaches me how to elegantly deflect awkward questions, and James shares with us an embarrassing broadcasting moment.  All this and more… Links: More about Maria Franzoni Ltd Connect with Maria on Linkedin Connect with Maria on FaceBook