The Beautiful Business Podcast

In this special episode of The Beautiful Business Podcast, co-founders and lifelong friends Paul Bulpitt and Peter Czapp take us on a nostalgic and humorous journey through the 20-year story of The Wow Company. From their spirited debate over whose surname should headline the business (thankfully vetoed in favour of “WOW”) to Peter’s childhood stint on TV showcasing his antique elephant collection, their reflections are as entertaining as they are inspiring.Paul and Peter share how their decision to niche into agencies, consultancies, and tech businesses transformed their company and created lasting impact. They recount the risky yet rewarding adoption of tools like Xero (prompted by a chance encounter at a party) and reminisce about the hilarity of their early days - like celebrating their first client win by blowing the profits on drinks. Their camaraderie shines through, especially in their tradition of Friday walks and pub talks, which have sparked many of The Wow Company’s greatest ideas.Looking ahead, they discuss their vision of building a “forever business” - one that’s sustainable, people-centred, and purpose-driven. Packed with candid insights, laughter, and a few surprises, this episode is a celebration of what it takes to build a beautiful business - and the friendships that sustain it.Website: The Wow Company

In this episode of The Beautiful Business Podcast, Lucy Adams, founder of Disruptive HR, joins us to share her revolutionary approach to people management and building exceptional workplace cultures. Frustrated with the lack of innovation in traditional HR models, Lucy founded Disruptive HR to tackle these challenges head-on, and she has since become a leading voice in rethinking how organisations inspire and engage their teams.Lucy explains why material incentives like bonuses and perks often fall short in creating meaningful connections within organisations and argues that true engagement stems from fostering trust, collaboration, and authentic leadership. Through practical insights and real-world examples, she challenges us to rethink outdated methods and adopt fresh strategies to align with the needs of today’s workforce. For more on Lucy’s perspective, check out her article, “Forget Bonuses: Here’s How to Really Reward People”, which delves deeper into why traditional rewards often fail and what truly drives employee satisfaction.This episode also delves into Lucy’s personal journey in launching Disruptive HR and her mission to change the way we approach people management. Her insights will inspire leaders to focus less on rules and rewards and more on relationships and genuine connections. With actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a thriving workplace culture that prioritises people over processes.

In this episode of Beautiful Business, Chloe speaks with Nils Leonard, co-founder of Uncommon, the creative studio behind some of the most thought-provoking work in branding today. Nils brings a profound understanding of what it takes to build brands that resonate—not through fleeting trends but through meaningful, lasting connections. At the heart of Uncommon’s ethos is the belief that the best brands are built slowly, with intention and purpose, much like the greatest bands in history. This approach challenges the fast-paced, short-term mindset dominating today’s market and invites businesses to embrace longevity and depth.Throughout the conversation, Nils reflects on his unconventional path—not rebellious, but one of deliberate choices to break from conformity in meaningful ways. He shares his insights on creating brands that people wish existed, highlighting the importance of authenticity and purpose. “You wouldn’t meet a human without purpose,” he says, “so why accept a brand without one?” It’s this vision that has made Uncommon a leader in the creative industry, building work that doesn’t just sell but inspires.The episode also explores the intersection of creativity and technology, with Nils offering a compelling critique of AI’s limitations. While he acknowledges its efficiency, he argues that the raw human experiences of joy, grief, and ambition are irreplaceable drivers of truly impactful work. This blend of human emotion and purpose, he believes, is what elevates brands from functional to transformative.This conversation is a masterclass in leadership and creativity, providing invaluable insights for anyone looking to create work that stands the test of time. Whether you’re a brand builder, a business leader, or someone inspired by the power of slow, deliberate growth, this episode offers a vision for what’s possible when purpose meets creativity.

Blair Enns, the visionary behind Win Without Pitching, joins us to chat about how creative professionals approach sales. Sharing his insights from a tranquil mountain village in British Columbia, Blair challenges the traditional sales narrative with integrity-based selling and value-based pricing. With his latest book, "The Four Conversations," Blair encourages shifting from providing solutions to probing with the right questions, setting the stage for those eager to refine their sales strategies in the creative sector.We tackle the stigma around sales roles, redefining them for experts, advisors, and practitioners. Blair advocates for a shift from sales pitches to advisory roles, focusing on establishing trust and authenticity from the get-go. This approach not only secures more business but also leads to richer collaborations. By maintaining an expert persona throughout, we explore how genuine connections lead to more successful client partnerships.Explore the nuances of avoiding needy sales dynamics and the significance of listening over persuasion. Blair delves into the power of maintaining authority without desperation, navigating the delicate balance of desirability and desire. Recognising the pivotal "flip" moment, where one transforms from vendor to expert, we discuss how this can shift the entire sales process. Whether you're grappling with the fear of narrowing your focus or striving to become a trusted advisor, this episode offers valuable frameworks to master the art of expertise-based selling.Blair's new book 'Sell and Price Like the Expert You Are is available here.TakeawaysEstablishing oneself as an expert in the sales process is crucial for success.The sale itself is a sample of the engagement, and the roles are established in this conversation.Behaving as an expert in the sales conversation sets the tone for the engagement.Not establishing the expert self can lead to decreased odds of winning, higher costs, and a less impactful engagement. The book introduces a new approach to selling based on four conversations: value, qualification, discovery, and closing.Shifting from a vendor mindset to an expert mindset is crucial in selling.The 'flip' moment, where the client sees the seller as the expert, is a key turning point in the sales process.Selling in a tough market requires maintaining confidence and expertise.Niching down and focusing on a specific area of expertise can enhance credibility and attract clients.Listening is more important than presenting or convincing in sales conversations.