Overcoming Your Ego with Mary Gregory talks to the trailblazing winner of the Best Coach at the 2024 Best Businesswomen Awards. She opens up about her unique path from the corporate world to becoming a seasoned leadership coach. Her captivating journey, enriched by stints at prestigious companies like Ralph Lauren and Tesco, sets the stage for a deep dive into the complexities of ego in leadership.

Mary’s expertise, rooted in her psychology background, sheds light on the crucial role of self-awareness and the all-too-common pitfalls of ego traps. She specialises in empowering purpose-driven leaders to maximese their potential. Her book, "Ego: Get Over Yourself and Lead," serves as a guide for leaders, aiming to transcend these challenges, uplifting their leadership potential.

Together, we unravel how ego traps—often fueled by ingrained childhood beliefs—manifest in counterproductive behaviors like overworking and the relentless chase for perfection. By exploring Mary’s conversations with 50 leaders during the lockdown, we reveal stories of resilience, empathy, and innovative thinking.

Mary also explains how ego can deter entrepreneurs from entering awards. By overcoming that, the positive benefits of applying are clear. Mary has already been featured in several newspapers, and seen an uplift in credibililty as she markets her services.

Coaching emerges as a pivotal tool, offering leaders a renewed perspective and the support needed to tackle their toughest challenges.

Join us for an episode brimming with insights on fostering innovation, empowering teams, and the transformative power of coaching in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

{1:42} How Mary became a leadership coach.

{2:41} Why Mary set up her own practice.

{5:25} Why Mary wrote a book about ego.

{8:36} The most common ego traps.

{11:41} Interviewing 50 leaders on leadership.

{13:35} The typical qualities of excellent leaders.

{13:58} Listening is a skill.

{16:26} Why Mary started to enter awards.

{20:25} Experiencing the Best Businesswomen Awards Gala Final.

{22:00} Publicising her award win.

{23:17} Mary's PR wins.

{24:13} How coaching helps Mary's clients.

{26:51} Energising through offloading.

{28:00} Mary's coaching services.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Mary: https://www.marygregory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary_gregory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/marygregorycoachandauthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygregory/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaryEGregory

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryGregoryLeadershipCoach

Ego: Get Over Yourself and Lead: https://shorturl.at/DZiwJ

Anna Neville, the visionary founder of Kidslingo, unveils her fascinating journey from marketing professional to the creator of a thriving national language franchise. With a passion for language learning and teaching, Anna shares her experiences filled with challenges, triumphs, and the bold move into franchising. A huge leap given she knew little about it initially!

Anna founded the Kidslingo franchise in 2013. Eleven years later, the franchise boasts over 80 franchisees across the UK. She still plays an active role in the business and has led the franchise to many successes and awards. They include the Most Loved Creative and Academic Activity in the What's On 4 Kids awards 2023. She also won Club Hub UK's Franchise of the Year 2024 and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

On a personal level, Anna recently won Woman Who's Solopreneur award and is a finalist in three categories in the EWIF (Encouraging Women in Franchising) Awards 2024.

She discusses how she built Kidslingo into a network of over 90 franchises across the UK and highlights the critical role of support networks in the children's activities sector. Anna’s commitment to mentoring aspiring franchisors showcases her dedication to nurturing a new generation of business leaders in the language learning industry.

Discover how awards and recognitions play a pivotal role in enhancing brand reputation and attracting attention in the competitive marketplace. Anna recounts her experiences of winning multiple awards and how these accolades have helped Kidslingo gain visibility and credibility.

From the vibrant market of children's language classes to celebrating a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Club Hub Awards, Anna's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience. For those considering franchising, she offers invaluable insights into navigating the journey successfully by leveraging awards, building trust, and always seeking guidance from seasoned experts.

{1:34} Anna's path to Kidslingo.

{2:17} The start of Kidslingo.

{4:34} Anna's knowledge of franchising before launching.

{5:42} How Anna gained her franchise information.

{6:33} Recruiting the first franchisee.

{7:43} Going nationwide.

{8:19} Why Anna started to enter awards.

{9:27} Benefits of awards for a franchisor.

{12:14} Leveraging PR for award wins.

{13:49} What is needed to start a franchise.

{15:28} What makes a good franchisee.

{16:38} How franchisees have helped grow Kidslingo.

{17:39} Changes in children's language learning.

{18:22} The Kidslingo age range.

{19:22} Supporting the national curriculum.

{20:08} The profile of a typical franchisee.

{21:06} Winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Club Hub UK Awards.

{22:18} Anna's awards agenda for the next twelve months.

{23:51} Anna's general awards strategy.

{26:00} Anna's future business plans.

{27:39} Future overseas and UK expansion.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Anna: https://www.kidslingo.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidslingofranchisehq/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidslingoUK/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kidslingo-ltd/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/KidslingoUK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KidslingoUK

Rachel Peebles, the visionary force behind Estrellas Brillantes, shares her extraordinary journey from the bustling streets of Bolivia to the classrooms of Scotland. With a background in economics and a profound love for the Spanish language, Rachel's story is one of transformation and tenacity. Her commitment to empowering others through language learning has not only enriched her life but also the lives of countless children and adults in her community. As she recounts her experiences, from supporting families in Bolivian prisons to founding a successful business back in the UK, listeners are offered a narrative filled with resilience and inspiration.

In this episode, Rachel opens up about the role of awards in elevating her business's profile and how such accolades have become a beacon of encouragement through challenging times. She candidly discusses the personal hurdles of balancing entrepreneurship with her and her son's neurodiversity, highlighting the importance of seeking support and understanding one's unique strengths. Rachel's reflections on her late ADHD diagnosis offer a poignant look into the complexities of her journey, emphasizing the power of creativity and perseverance. This conversation is an uplifting reminder of the strength found in embracing one's challenges and working tirelessly towards success.

She also works with a charity in Bolivia providing low-cost services in healthcare, sport and education, and another doing vital work in Uganda.

{2:13} The journey to Estrellas Brillantes.

{3:07} Life in Bolivia.

{5:32} Coming back to Britain.

{6:00} Starting to teach Spanish.

{7:00} The benefits of learning a language.

{7:49} Why Rachel bought a franchise.

{9:45} The benefits of a ready-made business model.

{10:22} Expanding into adult learning.

{11:08} When awards arrived on the radar.

{12:20} The benefits of completing the awards process.

{13:38} Rachel's list of award entries.

{14:15} What Rachel has gained through entering awards.

{16:02} Rachel's awards strategy.

{19:00} Rachel's most significant challenges.

{23:19} Dealing with neuro-diversity.

{24:53} ADHD can be a superpower.

{27:00}Don't try to do everything yourself.

{29:00} The flexibility of running a business.

{30:11} The charities Rachel works with.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Rachel: https://estrellasbrillantes.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estrellas.brillantes.spanish/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Estrellas.Brillantes.Spanish

Foundation Totai: https://foundationtotai.org/

Ever wondered if hiring an award writer is actually cheating? Join us as we unravel this common misconception in The Award Writer with Lucinda White from Pure Awards, who brings nearly two decades of invaluable experience to the table. Lucinda, with her rich background in fundraising, event management, and specialized award writing, makes a compelling case for why external expertise can be a game-changer for businesses aspiring to stand out in the competitive awards landscape. We discuss the importance of effectively communicating your achievements to judges and how an expert can help you overcome the challenge of self-articulation.

In this episode, we also shine a spotlight on the complexities surrounding awards for women in business, using the "I Also" campaign by F:Entrepreneur as a key example. Lucinda offers strategic advice on selecting the right awards, emphasizing less competitive categories and the nuanced nature of judging. We delve into the essentials of crafting robust award entries and the frustrations of incomplete submissions. Alongside these insights, Lucinda imparts broader business wisdom on persistence, setting goals, and maintaining integrity. Tune in for a treasure trove of tips to elevate your journey to award-winning success!

{1:42} How Lucinda got into award writing.

{4:11} Is it right to hire an awards writer?

{8:14} Interviewing the client to understand their business.

{8:54} Creating a strategic awards plan.

{11:18} Why you must attend award ceremonies when shortlisted.

{12:31} The error in not responding to organiser's communications.

{13:42} The importance of F:Entrepreneur.

{14:15} Does Lucinda enter awards for her own business?

{15:49} Lucinda's advice for selecting the right awards for your business.

{19:40} Rationalising why entrants don't get shortlisted.

{21:20} Recognising finalists as well as winners.

{23:29} The vagaries of voting contests.

{25:07} Putting effort into awards entries.

{28:00} Lucinda's business tips.

{30:27} Treat award organisers well.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Lucinda: https://pureawards.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pureawards/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551643543196

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pureawards8040

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pureawards/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pureawards

In this episode of The Business Awards Show, I speak with the remarkable Alison Edgar, MBE, an expert in improving performance inside organisations. Throughout Alison’s years advising entrepreneurial businesses, she has discovered important factors that make them successful. Alison takes these lessons on enhancing motivation, communication, and agility and shares them with enterprising businesses. She is also author of two bestselling books on sales.

Our conversation delves into Alison's inspiring journey, beginning when she started her business at the age of 46, after a successful career in hospitality and corporate sales. She shares her unique background, highlighting her experiences working for prestigious companies like Radisson and BT, explaining how her hospitality roots shaped her approach to sales and customer service. We discuss the pivotal moment that led her to establish her own sales training company, emphasizing the importance of starting small and transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time venture.

Throughout the episode, Alison offers invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the significance of setting clear goals and maintaining a strong support network.

We also explore Alison's upcoming event, "Smash It Live," set to take place in January 2025. This event aims to empower entrepreneurs with actionable skills and confidence, and it marks her return to live, ticketed events after five years.

In addition, we consider the transformative power of awards in business. Alison recounts her own experience winning her first award, which opened doors to media opportunities and significantly boosted her credibility. She emphasizes that winning an award is just the beginning; it’s what you do with that recognition that counts.

Finally, we touch on the darker side of the coaching industry, where vulnerable individuals can be exploited by misleading promises of quick success. Alison's passion for ethical business practices shine through as she advocates for transparency and genuine support in the entrepreneurial community.

This episode is packed with practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a wealth of knowledge making it a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the world of business with confidence and integrity. Be sure to check out the links to Alison's upcoming event and her resources in the show notes!

{2:42} Alison's early career.

{6:08} Why Alison started a business aged 46.

{7:35} How she came to write a book.

{9:25} Alison's return to live events.

{13:10} Avoiding business BS.

{14:20} Keeping it real.

{16:35} Manipulation in the coaching space.

{17:35} How not entering an award transformed Alison's thinking.

{18:50} The impact of winning her first award.

{21:00} Maximising your profile after an award win.

{22:58} Being awarded an MBE.

{25:23} Being invited to get involved in the Earthshot Prize by Prince William.

{26:40} Doing a TedX talk.

{28:07} Alison's top business tips.

{31:54} The Amazon Prime TV Show.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Alison: https://www.alisonedgar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealisonedgarmbe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.edgar.mbe

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-edgar/

X: https://x.com/thealisonedgar

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thealisonedgarmbe

Smash it Live!: https://www.smash-it.live/

Previous to her life as a sign teacher, Julie was a qualified Chartered Accountant and both External and Internal Auditor for a large professional firm in Birmingham. She is an expert practitioner in this field, gaining a degree in Accounting and Finance.

{1:47} Julie's Journey from accountant to franchisee.

{4:06} Benefits of baby signing.

{6:06} Julie's class structure.

{7:36} Choosing to buy a franchise.

{9:00} Franchise support and longevity.

{9:28} Due dilgience for potential franchisees.

{13:10} Winning a Lifetime Achievement Award.

{16:55} Julie's charitable work.

{17:54} The joy of being recognised locally.

{18:30} Forging community links to build a successful business.

{20:06} Julie's growth plans.

{20:31} Investing in personal development.

{21:16} Learning to understand British Sign Language.

{22:02} The communication differences between hearing and non-hearing communities.

{24:10} Julie's words of wisdom.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Julie: https://www.tinytalk.co.uk/julieh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinytalk_southbrum_julieh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinyTalkSouthWestBirminghamandNorthWorcestershire

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwEytCppzI8&t=5s