The Business Take-Away Podcast

In this in-depth interview, Greg shares his journey from music retail to founding Headline Audio, discussing how the industry has evolved post-COVID, the importance of personal relationships in sales, and strategies for adapting to market changes. Gain insights into navigating challenges, building a brand, and maintaining a passion for music and business.Key topicsGreg's career evolution from music retail to audio distributionImpact of COVID-19 on the music and retail industryStrategies for small retailers to survive in a digital worldThe importance of personal relationships and customer serviceLessons learned from starting a new business post-COVIDChapters00:00Greg Niven's Journey in Music and Business05:22The Impact of COVID-19 on the Music Industry10:04Adapting to a New Retail Landscape14:58Building a Brand in a Competitive Market19:47Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change24:53The Future of Music Retail and Technology31:20The Importance of Personal Connection in Business34:01Shifting Focus from Sales Numbers to Customer Relationships38:59Balancing Work and Personal Life39:48Navigating Business Challenges and Concerns42:18Learning from Experience and Trusting Yourself47:32Simplifying Business Operations for Success54:16The Emotional Connection in Sales56:43Maintaining Commercial Viability While Enjoying Work59:20The Necessity of Innovation and ChallengeResourcesHeadline Audio WebsiteNord Keyboards

In this podcast episode, Ben Payne interviews Marcel Fairbairn, the CEO and founder of GearNet Holdings, discussing the evolution of the entertainment industry, the importance of data analytics, and the role of AI in transforming business practices. They explore the challenges faced during COVID-19 and how the industry adapted, emphasising the need for innovation and resilience in a niche market. In this conversation, Marcel reflects on the transformative impact of COVID on his business, emphasising the importance of adapting to change and focusing on customer needs. He discusses his evolving attitude towards risk and innovation, sharing lessons learned from significant business challenges. Marcel also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the necessity of understanding market viability and the importance of building a strong foundation for business growth. The discussion concludes with key takeaways from his extensive career, underscoring the value of customer focus and continuous improvement.

In this episode of the Business Takeaway podcast, Fran shares her nonlinear journey to becoming the Commercial Director for Mondial Technology Media, discussing her experiences in the live events industry, the evolution of print media in a digital world, and the challenges of managing large-scale events. She emphasises the importance of passion in the industry, the coexistence of print and digital content, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. Fran also reflects on personal growth, the significance of awards in recognising industry talent, and her mantra of 'better not bitter' as a guiding principle in both personal and professional life.TakeawaysFran's journey to becoming a Commercial Director was nonlinear and filled with diverse experiences.The live events industry is driven by passion and community.Print media still holds value in the B2B space despite the rise of digital.Post-COVID, there has been a resurgence in print media as businesses adapt to new norms.Awards and recognition are crucial for motivating industry professionals.Event management requires careful consideration of guest experiences and logistics.AI is a tool that can enhance workflow but cannot replace human creativity.Personal growth comes from learning from failures and not being too hard on oneself.Building strong relationships in the industry is essential for success.The mantra 'better not bitter' serves as a guiding principle for Fran. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fran's Journey03:49 The Evolution of Print and Digital Media06:46 The Importance of Awards and Recognition in the Industry09:55 Adapting to Industry Changes Post-COVID12:44 The Role of Events in the Live Industry15:59 Challenges in Event Management18:40 The Emotional Impact of Live Events21:45 Marketing Strategies and ROI24:52 The Journey of Marketing Campaigns28:00 The Creative Process Behind Events30:42 Reflections on Success and Future Goals40:42 The Journey of Growth in the Industry41:45 Passion for Celebration and Recognition42:37 The Role of AI in Marketing and Creativity46:48 Human Experience vs. AI in Problem Solving51:47 Managing Responsibilities and Stress Before Events55:38 Decision Making: Gut Instinct vs. Calculated Risks58:40 Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes01:01:48 The Importance of Positivity and Energy in Work01:04:02 Living by the Mantra: Better Not Bitter

The podcast is making a comeback in 2026 with a lineup of great guests and a focus on discussing business challenges in the post-pandemic world, the evolution of technology, and the of course those all important take away's that we want to learn from!Want to be on the show? Drop us a line: [email protected]

Today’s guest is Sharon Livermore. Sharon is the owner and director of Kameo recruitment. Sharon talks to us today about the world o recruitment, the challenges of recruiting in and out of COVID and also the new expectations of staff in the post covid world. It’s really interesting to hear how things have changed in such times and trying to understand what the new “norms” will beSharon also talks to us about the subject of Domestic abuse. Being a Domestic Abuse survivor Sharon now campaigns globally for businesses to adopt policies to help their staff if they find themselves in such a position. We’ll hear her story and her support for anyone who might be going through this at this time.https://kameorecruitment.com https://kameorecruitment.com/domestic-abuse/https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/ https://www.eida.org.uk/become-a-member