An Unorthodox CEO

On this weeks episode, Steve & Jason discuss Jason's journey from travelling the world after university to building a successful career as a commercial agent in the furniture industry. They explore the importance of customer service, what makes retailers and suppliers successful & the challenges of being an agent. Plus the episode also dives into Jason's passion for rugby coaching!

00:00 Intro
01:44 When Jason & Steve first met
02:44 Life growing up & who Jason works with
06:30 Jasons world tour after uni
11:00 Finding Jobs around Australia
15:21 What inspired Jason to travel when he was young
18:13 Getting his first job in Furniture
23:30 Working for Sealy
25:00 Importance of training and right tools for the job
27:49 Why the big suppliers of the 00’s are no more
30:17 What makes suppliers successful
32:04 Why desire is so important
34:05 Customer Service is top of the list
35:20 Being the ‘middle man’
37:40 What Jason finds the most challenging part
41:35 What makes a great retailer
44:25 A mattress protector story
49:35 Jason & working in the same industry as his brother
51:57 Why Jason became a commercial agent
58:00 The differences between a Agent & a Rep
1:00:30 How a trauma shaped Jasons route
1:03:20 Jasons love for Rugby & coaching Rugby
1:12:00 Quickfire Questions
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In this weeks episode Steve chats with Jon our Logistics Manager all about his early job and love of football, to becoming Logistics Manager at Sussex Beds. Plus they talk about the challenges of the role, how delivery has changed over the years, the story behind Jon returning to SB and life outside of work!

00:00 Intro
02:08 Life growing up
04:30 Jons love for playing football
07:27 His first job & taking the leap into a managerial position
10:30 Dealing with his first job going into administration
13:10 Finding a new job - Coming to Sussex Beds as a driver
14:58 How our transport & way we deliver has changed
18:11 Why Jon decided to move on
19:22 The story behind Jon coming back to SB
23:22 Biggest challenges of being a logistics manager
25:49 Fantastic feedback about our delivery guys
27:20 Why Delivery experience matters
30:30 Jons wife Zoe & what they have learnt from her business
32:15 Most stressful part of Jons job
35:50 How Jon de stresses
37:37 Quickfire questions
44:05 Outro
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This week, Steve sits down with Adam Hankinson to break down the psychology behind great sales, the 7 habits every salesperson should master, and what truly wins the sale. Plus, they chat about the top tips to help overcome barriers with customers!

00:00 Intro
01:43 How Adam got into the furniture industry
08:00 Why Adam went out on his own
08:46 Why Managers are key in store
11:06 Has they way we sell changed or is it the way we buy
16:05 What’s the most influential part of obtaining the sale
20:00 Customer “Must haves” are so important
22:45 Important first questions when approaching a customer
24:01 Emotional & Logical responses
25:00 Overcoming barriers with a customer
32:15 What makes the best sales people the best
35:00 Commitment to what you are doing is so important
39:37 About Adams book - Selling Furniture
42:52 The 7 habits in Adams book
50:56 Quotes & importance of the follow up
53:29 Adams book is out now!
55:50 How he handles challenges
57:24 Quickfire Questions
1:05:20
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In this episode, listen as Steve is joined by Ollie Jeffs, CEO of The Pelham, to explore the powerful role community can play in changing lives.

Ollie shares his journey to leading The Pelham, how the organisation is building meaningful connections, and the vital work they’re doing around suicide prevention. We also dive into the realities of running a purpose-driven organisation — from managing funding and volunteers to balancing growth, leadership, and personal wellbeing.

00:00 Intro
01:25 About The Pelham & Ollie
04:00 Inspiration to create The Pelham
06:00 How Ollie got involved & journey to CEO
08:30 What The Pelham does for the community
13:15 Why the Pelham focuses on creating connections
17:01 Their work on Suicide Prevention & what you can do
27:06 Managing people on payroll vs volunteers
31:28 Most challenging part of Ollie’s role
33:15 The success rates of bids and the time they take
35:15 How they manage their funding and how growth is impacted by this
38:28 How The Pelham want to link with the NHS & what they are currently doing
44:50 Managing work / life balance
48:08 Quickfire questions
55:55 Outro
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A one-year special from An Unorthodox CEO! Listen as Steve & Vic as they chat through their past year of podcasting—from the journey to personal insights, funny moments, and everything in between.

We will be back at the end of May, so keep an eye out for the start of season 4!

00:00 Intro
01:00 A big THANK YOU!
01:35 Some quick stats from our year
02:24 The podcast journey
10:10 Personal Insights
16:22 Fun & lighthearted
22:07 Outro
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