Business Without Bullsh-t

Oury Clark

Business Without Bullshit brings candid, no-nonsense conversations about the world of business. Join us as we break the rules, challenge the status quo, and share unfiltered insights with entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators. This is your space for bold ideas and likeminded conversations - minus the buzzwords. Tune in for refreshing perspectives and real talk every episode, every Wednesday at 7am. read less
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Episodes

Cream Rises Slowly, Sh*t Floats Quickly
5d ago
Cream Rises Slowly, Sh*t Floats Quickly
EP 363 - Turns out that leadership is always the problem, luckily it’s also the solution. We sit down with business turnaround specialist, author and reluctant influencer Chris Hirst to find out why and how to fix it (turns out that leadership is always the solution as well).Leadership transforms business for good and bad, Chris talks us through why the smallest unit of any business is a team, and that all teams have leaders. We also discuss ‘culture’ and why most leaders think about it the wrong way, and how if you get it right it is a business superpower. If you want to get an equation for understanding leadership impact (yes an actual equation), learn how to mitigate against 20% of your team providing 80% of your businesses value or just get your head round the fact that failure is a prerequisite for success this is the episode for you.He’ll also explain how to write a book by accident.You can buy Chris's books on AmazonChapters:00:00 BWB with Chris Hirst01:15 Meet Chris02:43 The Essence of Leadership09:41 Understanding Culture12:35 Flexible Working and Team Dynamics16:10 Challenges in Leadership26:06 The Importance of Clarity and Action32:45 Leadership in the Macro and Micro38:59 The Power of Writing39:31 Clarifying Ideas Through Writing41:17 The Joy of Problem Solving41:43 Understanding Business DNA42:03 Making Work Work for You42:57 Promotions and Fairness in the Workplace43:44 Motivating Employees with Responsibility53:42 The Importance of Fair Compensation58:17 Turning Around a Failing Business01:02:26 Quickfire - Get To Know Chrisbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
The Business Without Bullshit OG Conversation : Richard Oury
08-01-2025
The Business Without Bullshit OG Conversation : Richard Oury
EP 362 - Richard has a wide career from running and building the family business, to acting as a chairman of a FTSE quoted company, to being an entrepreneur in Wine, Music, Cosmetics, Food Manufacturing, Hedge Funds, and more.  To all of these activities he has applied a deeply independent mindset, this entrepreneurial independence is what has grown Oury Clark from a tiny firm in Slough to a unique Top 50 professional firm in the UK.We recorded this episode sometime back, and it was the final time my sister appeared on the podcast before she died of cancer.  I was honoured to record this, and it is a joy to bring her back to life once more in this interview.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Richard Oury00:59 Episode Synopsis03:51 Quickfire - Get To Know Richard05:35 Early Career and Education11:50 Family History and Business Ventures38:35 Father's Religious Background and Beliefs39:20 Huguenot Heritage and Philosophy40:45 Grandfather's Life and Struggles43:42 Mother's Resilience and Frugality45:40 Career Ventures and Business Decisions50:48 Challenges in Business and Governance01:10:05 Trust and Integrity in Relationships01:15:20 Company Culture and Management01:17:00 The Role of Banks in Business Financing01:17:25 The Psychology of Debt Collection01:17:55 The British Relationship with Money01:21:04 Work Culture and Efficiency01:28:57 Challenges in Professional Services01:32:17 Family Business Dynamics01:35:49 Reflections and Advice01:44:37 The Future of the Firmbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebookIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
The Problem With “Inspiration Porn” according to fashion pioneer Victoria Jenkins
18-12-2024
The Problem With “Inspiration Porn” according to fashion pioneer Victoria Jenkins
EP 361 - This is an absolute cracker from the archive for you this Christmas, one that will help you see the world around you through other people’s eyes.We meet adaptive and universal fashion pioneer Victoria Jenkins (don’t worry, she explains the difference between the two).  We talk about how successive governments have created a truly hostile environment for disabled people. Why 2023’s “Ask Don’t Assume” campaign was, frankly, a right pain in the “ask”.  And the problem that Victoria has with "inspiration porn” in general, and the Paralympics in particular.There is also quite a lot of chat about velcro.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Victoria Jenkins - Re-Visited 02:01 Meet Victoria - Adaptive Fashion Pioneer03:04 Victoria's Personal Journey with Disability05:02 The Birth of Unhidden06:42 Challenges in the Fashion Industry16:30 Representation and Media Challenges21:45 Government and Disability Rights29:45 Marketing and Business Hurdles31:36 Dragon's Den Experience32:38 Pitching and Investor Insights33:53 Advice and Mentorship35:01 Living with Disability41:01 Quickfire - Get To Know Victoria44:48 Business or Bullshit quiz!54:49 Unhidden Clothing and Future Plans55:15 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Failing To Invest in Young People? Then Prepare for Society to Fail
11-12-2024
Failing To Invest in Young People? Then Prepare for Society to Fail
EP 360 - Don’t knock teachers unless you’ve tried to do it yourself! Why politicians should find the money to fund education for all and stop using teachers as a political punchbag, especially if they have never set foot in a state school classroom.Our archive special this week is Mehreen Baig, author, documentarian and former secondary school teacher who makes a compelling case that failure to invest in young people in general and education in particular is storing up problems for society in years to come.We thought it was timely to revisit this episode, to see if Labour’s ‘milestone’ announcement around investment in early years education measures up to what is actually needed.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Mehreen Baig - Revisited01:38 Meet Mehreen02:21 Challenges in Teaching03:25 The State of the Education System06:50 The Impact of Socioeconomic Status09:33 The Role of Parenting and Privilege22:58 The Emotional Toll on Teachers29:46 Future Goals and Reflections36:32 Rhubarb Revelations36:44 Words of Wisdom from Leslie Joseph37:40 Mehreen's Transition to Media38:18 Accidental Media Career41:44 Quickfire - Get To Know Mehreen45:11 Mehreen's Book and Podcast Recommendations47:17 Business or Bullshit Quiz!53:35 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
COP This. Your Tote Bag Isn’t Going to Save the World.
20-11-2024
COP This. Your Tote Bag Isn’t Going to Save the World.
EP 357 - As COP 29 draws to a close in sunny, oil rich Azerbaijan we revisit our spirited conversation with political economist Grace Blakeley. We talk about Green New Deals and why we need to restore faith in democracy above all else.Grace makes a compelling point that dealing with Climate Change shouldn’t be put on the shoulders of individuals but those of institutions and businesses, as only they can affect the systemic changes required. We discuss how investing money in fixing problems now will pay for itself in the long run (it worked after WWII after all) and how community wealth building offers a credible alternative to the idea of “stakeholder capitalism”.Spoiler alert - Grace is not a fan of stakeholder capitalism.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Grace Blakeley02:10 Meet Grace02:44 Climate Change and the Green New Deal06:25 Economic Inequality and Political Disconnect16:33 Taxation and Wealth Distribution24:31 Community Wealth Building: The Preston Model25:59 Stakeholder Capitalism: Myth or Reality?31:35 Introduction to the Grace's Career31:54 Writing and Media Appearances32:17 Grace's New Book: Vulture Capitalism32:55 Career Journey and Early Experiences34:03 Long-Term Goals and Challenges of Writing36:03 Grace's Upcoming Projects37:13 Biggest Mistakes and Lessons Learned38:23 Passions Outside of Work40:28 Advice and Reflections45:53 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Grace52:05 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Blast of Past Wisdom: In Conversation with Martin Wolf CBE
13-11-2024
Blast of Past Wisdom: In Conversation with Martin Wolf CBE
EP 356 - We are doing some hefty metaphorical redecorating at BWB at the moment (remodelling for our American friends). That means that we will be using the next few weeks to look back into our catalogue and republish some choice episodes. Conversations that we think are as relevant today as they were when they were first released. First up Martin Wolf CBE - Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator at the FT.We kicked off 2023 talking to Martin about the state of the Nation and his thinking will give you a helpful lens to hold up to UK current events such as the budget, democratic reform and how our future is shaped by the economic choices that we make now.And Martin's keen eyed analysis and clear headed assessment of the current state and future of the British Economy, Political Realm and our role in the world when it comes to trade is as relevant now as when we first sat down in 2023.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Martin Wolf01:14 Revisiting the UK's Economic Identity Post-Brexit02:05 Current Global Challenges08:09 The UK's Economic Strengths and Weaknesses11:02 Regional Inequality and the Future of British Cities15:53 The Challenges of Long-Term Policy Making28:57 The Role of Education and Skills in Economic Growth34:07 The Future of British Industry and Innovation44:02 Evaluating Productivity Measures44:36 The Complexity of Data Presentation45:12 The Importance of Honest Data46:30 Navigating Economic Uncertainty48:31 Understanding Modern Monetary Theory55:18 The Impact of the Energy Crisis01:00:58 Brexit and Global Trade01:11:59 The Future of UK Politics01:28:39 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Weird Is Good: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Entertainers With Big Mo
06-11-2024
Weird Is Good: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Entertainers With Big Mo
EP 354 - This week we catch up with broadcaster, entertainer and tech entrepreneur Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts.  Kody combines being “Big Mo” the ring announcer for Boxxer on Sky and NBC with being the COO of SaaS scale up Sports Thread.We chat about why the most important skills for any role are really hard to put in the job description, why being distinctive, putting time and effort into standing out is as important in business as it is in entertainment and why the rapid rate of change in both combat sports and tech means that the areas have more in common than you would think.We also discover that no-one in the podcast studio knows the name of Liverpool FCs home stadium. (hint producer Dee: it’s not Old Trafford).Chapters:00:00 BWB with Kody 'Big Mo' Mommaerts01:08 Meet Big Mo02:03 The Journey of Sports Thread Inc.02:58 The Role of a Ring Announcer04:18 The UK and USA Sports Connection10:05 The Art of Ring Announcing25:54 The Complexities of Boxing Promotions31:51 Fighters and Promotional Companies32:24 Marketing and Promotion in Boxing33:11 The Business of Boxing35:42 Personal Journey and Public Speaking38:14 The Art of Communication46:31 Cultural Differences in Business Communication49:13 Innovating Boxing Entertainment52:05 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Kody01:00:02 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Why is Britain in such a state? Plain English answers and solutions with Andrew Craig
30-10-2024
Why is Britain in such a state? Plain English answers and solutions with Andrew Craig
EP 352 - In a very timely episode, with our politicians talking about growth, budgets and black holes, we talk to author, investor and founder of Plain English Finance Andrew Craig about:> How Britain has shot itself in the foot through a series of dreadful regulations.> Why the awful state of the British economy is a function of the parlous state of the British stock market.> How improving overall financial literacy could help that.We don’t actually talk about black holes, but we suspect that one might be created somehow if Andrew ever met our previous guest Gary Stevenson in a pub.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Andrew Craig01:12 Meet Andrew: Financial Expert and Author01:59 The Challenges of UK Financial Services02:52 The Impact of Regulation on Investment07:14 The Decline of the London Stock Market08:22 The Role of Financial Literacy and Investment31:14 The Rise of Passive Investing35:09 The Crypto Conundrum37:46 The Allure of Quick Riches and Financial Illiteracy39:06 The Importance of Financial Education39:41 Jordan Peterson and Mental Health40:50 Historical Progress and Capital Markets41:36 The Role of Biotech in Solving Global Issues41:52 Celebrating Human Progress43:49 The British Psyche and Economic Challenges50:31 The Press and National Unity56:35 The Impact of Immigration and Refugees58:04 Capital Markets and Government Finance01:00:50 The Future of Biotech and Personalised Health01:02:48 Quickfire Round - Get To Know Andrew01:08:46 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Female Investment Madness: Redressing the balance with Sarah Turner of Angel Academe
16-10-2024
Female Investment Madness: Redressing the balance with Sarah Turner of Angel Academe
EP 348 - Just 3% of angel investments in Europe went to all female founding teams last year. Last time we checked, half the population was female (women also own 50% of the wealth in the UK!). Sarah Turner, CEO and cofounder of investment network Angel Acadame, gives us an education about how we can redress the balance and get rid of the Silicon Valley style macho bullshit..We talk about how the Government fundamentally misunderstands the value of entrepreneurs, why nobody, left or right, is really listening to business and why it’s perfectly OK to pitch for investment when you are pregnant.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Sarah Turner01:15 Meet Sarah: CEO and Co-Founder of Angel Academe02:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Female-Led Startups03:31 The Importance of Female Angel Investors05:33 Unconscious Bias and Communication Differences07:16 The Silicon Valley Model and Female Entrepreneurs07:57 FemTech Unicorns and Gender Disparities09:11 Angel Academe's Mission and Operations10:26 The Role of Women in Investment and Business18:18 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship26:54 The Current UK Investment Climate32:05 Addressing Misconceptions in Business Law32:52 Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs33:55 Small Business Struggles with HMRC36:05 Angel Academe: Mission and Vision38:16 Gender Dynamics in Investment41:01 The Importance of Adequate Funding42:41 Best Practices for Angel Networks46:59 Success Stories from Angel Academy53:46 Quickfire Round: Getting to Know Sarah56:58 Wrap Upbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark
Devices not Drugs: How rethinking patient care could help save the NHS with Michael Branagan-Harris
09-10-2024
Devices not Drugs: How rethinking patient care could help save the NHS with Michael Branagan-Harris
EP 346 - We chat with the founder & CEO of Device Access - who help MedTech companies gain market access and regulatory approval - about how over regulation can stifle innovation and lead to an adverse impact on patient care and outcomes.Michael Branigan tells us about:Why US companies aren’t interested infringing their devices to the UK anymore (hint it’s cos we are tiny)Why regulation is stifling innovation, and how that is bad for all of us, but particularly the NHSHe also mentions Brexit, but not for the reasons that you’d expect.Chapters:00:00 BWB with Michael Branagan-Harris01:51 The Changing Landscape UK MedTech02:46 Impact of European Medical Device Regulations04:46 Challenges in the MedTech Industry05:55 Gov Initiatives and Their Shortcomings07:28 Understanding Medical Device Regulations14:42 The Role of NICE and Market Access28:56 The Future of MedTech and Market Strategies35:22 Affordability vs. Innovation in Healthcare37:00 Challenges in Medtech vs. Pharma37:39 Navigating the NHS Procurement Process38:59 Leveraging Data for Healthcare Solutions41:53 Global Perspectives on Healthcare Systems49:20 The Role of MedTech in Modern Healthcare52:12 Independent Clinical Evidence55:34 Quick Fire Round - Get to Know Michael01:00:06 Wrap Up and Advice for Entrepreneursbusinesswithoutbullshit.meWatch us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterIf you'd like to be on the show, get in contact - mail@businesswithoutbullshit.meBWB is powered by Oury Clark