This week's scale-up confession comes from Harriet, a CEO of a growing SaaS company that provides cybersecurity risk assessment software for professional services firms. Responding to Harriet's letter, Rob is joined by marketing expert Nicola Anderson, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/] Jo Harley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/] - Co-Founder of Korero and Greg Wellman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjackwellman/]- Co-Founder of Agora Talent to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Nicola Anderson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/ Jo Harley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/ Greg Wellman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjackwellman/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's Scale-up Confession comes from Luke, who runs a SaaS company that provides HR and payroll automation software. Responding to Luke's letter, Rob is joined by marketing expert Nicola Anderson and fractional CFO Pete Donnell to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Nicola Anderson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/ Pete Donnell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-donell-0508272b/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's Scale-up Confession comes from Ed, the founder of a software business focused on supporting financial advisory firms with performance analytics. Responding to Ed's letter, Rob is joined by marketing expert Nicola Anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/] and technologist Tim Palmer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpalmer/ https://thinkbluehat.com/] , to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Nicola Anderson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/ Tim Palmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpalmer/ https://thinkbluehat.com/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's Scale-Up Confession comes from Sophie, who runs a software company that specialises in project cost estimation tools for architecture firms. Responding to Sophie's letter, Rob is joined by Korero's Leadership Team - Jo Harley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-harley/], Steve Kennaird [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kennaird/] and Sean McSweeney [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcsweeney-b624b7122/] to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Jo Harley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmhitchcock/ Steve Kennaird - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kennaird/ Sean McSweeney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcsweeney-b624b7122/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's Scale-Up Confession comes from James, who runs a software company that simplifies compliance management for mid-sized manufacturers. Responding to James' letter, Rob is joined by EOS Implementer Darren Hitchcock and Mick Gosset, Founder of Jointflows [https://jointflows.com/]- a sales cycle software, to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Darren Hitchcock- https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmhitchcock/ Mick Gosset - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickaelgosset/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's Scale-Up Confession comes from Tom, the founder of a SaaS company specialising in workflow automation tools for construction firms. Responding to Tom's letter, Rob is joined by marketing expert Nicola Anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/] and technologist Tim Palmer, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpalmer/] to discuss possible solutions. Thanks to our panellists: Nicola Anderson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonnicola/ Tim Palmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpalmer/ https://thinkbluehat.com/ Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

This week's scale-up confession comes from Emma, an entrepreneur running a growing eco-conscious marketing consultancy. Responding to the letter, Rob explores how misalignments within Emma's leadership team seem to be paralysing decision-making, impacting morale and which components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) are most likely to offer a solution. Connect with Us: Have your own business question or leadership challenge? Please email Rob at rob@mission-group.co.uk (and let us know whether you would prefer a private answer or are happy to feature in a future episode). You can also reach Rob on LinkedIn via https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/ or to book some free time https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

Jonathan Dunn is Co-owner and CEO of Initium Corporate Finance, with 25+ years of experience in the UK and international M&A market. In this episode of the First-time Founders podcast, Jonathan explains why selling your business may be the most challenging experience of your working life but how - with the right preparation - it can also be the most rewarding. We also cover how you can: - Understand, shape and maximise the true value in your business prior to an exit - Secure the best possible deal terms when the right time comes to sell; and - Achieve freedom, create lasting impact, and exceed your expectations post-sale. Interested viewers can reach Jonathan via https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathandunn3/ and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard).

Simon Vella [https://www.eosworldwide.com/simon-vella] is a Certified EOS Implementer with 20+ years experience holding various senior leadership roles in the ICT industry.  He credits EOS with allowing him to transform his last company together with its leadership team, scaling from 24 to 50 employees and doubling financial results. Simon will be hosting a masterclass at the EOS European Conference on 27 September in London titled "Getting your Vision Shared by All" (09:30-10:15, Break Out 2). In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Simon previews some of the big ideas to be covered in that session. Get your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eosworldwide/1227926 (ask your EOS Implementer for their discount code for 40% (c. £200) off or please feel free to use code "EOSI-RobL" if you don't have one). You can also connect with Simon on LinkedIn, via https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-vella/.

Sylvie Milverton is Co-founder and CEO of Lynx Educate (a learning benefit platform to help companies retain workers by differentiating their benefits offering) and Host of Talent is Everywhere Podcast. Sylvie and her team are backed by leading investors in the EdTech and Future of Work space, including Rethink, Emerge, Southern New Hampshire University and Brighteye Ventures. Her customer list includes well-known logos such as Deliveroo and Lynx Educate has been voted Top 200 European EdTech startups (Holon IQ) and Top 20 EdTech startups globally (ASU GSV). Before co-founding Lynx Educate, Sylvie spent her career in various Finance seats, growing and operating international education companies in Latin America and Europe. So, in this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, we discuss how and why she stepped out of being an employee finance executive and into being a 'visionary' founder leader - and what she's learned through her unusual entrepreneurial journey. Interested viewers can reach Sylvie via https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviemilverton/ and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

Ryan Markewich is a business coach and a Great Game of Business certified practitioner. Having run a successful landscaping company for over 29 years, he's passionate about teaching other owners how to create cultures of ownership, accountability, and transparency that drives performance and profits. In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Ryan shares his knowledge and skills in Open Book Management, a proven system that empowers employees to think and act like owners, and aligns them with the company's goals and vision. This is a 'must listen' if you want to increase your profits, have more time for yourself, and find enjoyment in the process along the way. Interested viewers can reach Ryan via https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-markewich/ and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). You can buy a copy of the Great Game of Business via Amazon here: https://amzn.eu/d/5Lyo2xe.

In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Rob walks listeners through the personal and business scorecards he uses to keep his life on track despite the uncertainty of the entrepreneurial journey. Interested listeners can reach Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Rob explains why so many Founder suck at financial and operational forecasting, why that's a problem and how to get better at predicting your organisation's future. Interested listeners can reach Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Rob explains his view that a happy entrepreneurial life rests on 3 pillars: process, practice and peace: PROCESS - an overarching framework you're willing to believe in (how to be a good dad; what constitutes being a good husband; how to run a good company if you're a CEO; how to execute a golf swing etc :); PRACTICE - committing to actually implement your chosen framework; PEACE - a sincerely held belief in your inner goodness, that practice of your process will get you to where you're 'supposed to be' (and accepting that where you're supposed to be may not be where you think you want to be!); and why lacking any one of the 3 often leads to frustration, stress or worse. Interested listeners can reach Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

Are your frontline people so busy 'doing the work' that you fear rolling out Level10 meetings and other EOS Foundation Tools down to their level? Sid Jashnani (who personally led a frontline organisation in his prior entrepreneurial journey) makes a compelling case that, contrary to some Leadership Teams' fears, rolling out EOS actually saves frontline people time and their organisations from process breakdowns. Sid will be hosting a masterclass at the EOS European Conference on 27 September in London titled "80% of the challenge is rolling out the EOS Foundation Tools" (14:00-14:45, Break Out 1). Get your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eosworldwide/1227926 (ask your EOS Implementer for their discount code for 40% (c. £200) off or please feel free to use code "EOSI-RobL" if you don't have one)

Jonny White is the Founder of Ticket Tailor, a bootstrapped SaaS ticketing platform which helps event organisers sell 1 million tickets per month. In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Jonny explains how he managed to build TicketTailor to scale without a cofounder or any outside capital (Jonny attributes his success - for those of us who define success as building a profitable company that operates with purpose - preserving optionality, keeping things simple and taking actions today with a clear vision for tomorrow in mind). Interested viewers can reach Jonny via https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnywhite1/ and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

Can the Leader of an entrepreneurial company ever 'outgrow' being accountable for People & Culture? And if you do need a 'People Person', what's the difference between an HR Manager, a Leader of People and Culture and a Business Leader (and which of these does a growing company need, when)? Are your people ready to fulfil your growth aspirations? Alice Jordan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-jordan-45340610/] is well-placed to answer these and all your People and Growth Agenda questions, having spent the first 20 years of her career in senior people roles in big companies and having since led more than 300 sessions as an EOS Implementer, helping entrepreneurial leadership teams build really strong, heart felt cultures to drive growth and productivity. Alice will be hosting a masterclass at the EOS European Conference on 27 September in London titled "Preparing Your People Agenda for Growth" (13:10-13:55, in the Main Space). Get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/erpXCMcK (ask your EOS Implementer for their discount code for 40% (c. £200) off or please feel free to use code "EOSI-RobL" if you don't have one)

If you're into EOS, be sure to print a copy of your Accountability Chart and take it to Dean Breyley [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#]'s "The Devil is in the Accountability Chart" masterclass at the We Run on EOS European Conference on 27 September (11:40-12:25 in the Main Space). Dean has facilitated over 600 full day EOS Leadership Team sessions and will draw on his full experience to help you sense check - ie with interactive examples - how many of your company's issues trace back to structure (it could be as many as 80%). Get your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/eosworldwide/1227926 (ask your EOS Implementer for their discount code for 40% (c. £200) off or please feel free to use code "EOSI-RobL" if you don't have one)

Tyrone Croome-Carroll is a 3-time COO and accomplished people-centric leader, currently with Cadence (the leading language solutions provider to the global investment community). In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Tyrone shares what he learned leading multiple B2B information services businesses and explains why its important to build systems to support high performance teams in rapidly scaling environments. Interested viewers can reach Tyrone via https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyronecc/ and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com

Julie Wilkinson is an accountant on a mission to save the world from failed acquisitions. Her firm, Wilkinson Accounting Solutions, works on business acquisitions between £1m and £20m turnover and also actively acquires other accounting firms to scale its own operations. In this episode of the First-time Founders Podcast, Julie gives Rob an 'idiots guide' to what a good small business finance function should look like and discusses the perils for exiting (and acquiring) entrepreneurs who don't build adequate strength in this area. Interested viewers can reach Julie via https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ or julie.wilkinson@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk (also check out her 'Understanding Accounting Lingo' course here: https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/masterclass/understanding-accounting-lingo/) and Rob (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertliddiard/) at Rob@mission-group.co.uk (or to book some free time with Rob, visit https://www.eosworldwide.com/rob-liddiard). Alternatively, if you'd prefer Rob to send you a free copy of Traction (the book by Gino Wickman which explains The Entrepreneurial Operating System) just complete the form here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-giveaway?implementer_email=rob.liddiard@eosworldwide.com