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Misfits Mindset

Misfits Mindset

Written by: Caleb Parker
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 The Podcast about Founders, For Founders (and aspiring entrepreneurs). Not just any entrepreneur, we interview Founders of fast growing impact companies making a positive impact on the world. The misfits, the rebels. The square pegs in round holes. The disrupters. Hosted by entrepreneur and award-winning podcaster, Caleb Parker, these episodes feature founders who are steering their high-impact companies and rewriting the narrative of change. We believe entrepreneurs make the world a better place, even though we're often considered misfits in our own industries, because we embrace change. What kind of mindset does it take to innovate and scale for impact? Join us as we delve deep into the minds of these extraordinary creators, the square pegs in the round holes, the pioneers who redefine the very notion of possibility. Through the labyrinth of funding and moments of pivot, through cresting highs and weathering lows, these stories encapsulate unyielding resilience. We're navigating conversations that matter, confronting tough decisions, cultivating emotional intelligence, and embodying the true essence of leadership.2024 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Why Brand Matters When Raising Capital

    Why Brand Matters When Raising Capital
    Jan 1 2024
    Summary: In this episode of Misfit's Mindset, award winning podcast host and Founder of Brave, Caleb Parker chats with Andy Barlow, the visionary behind Chatloop. Based in Manchester, Andy shares his journey from a pivotal moment on a train platform to closing a funding round of 2.1 million. From disagreeing with a sports pundit to attracting major brands for an open innovation program, Andy's story is a testament to the power of disruptive thinking and building meaningful connections. Takeaways: From Idea to Seed Funding: The journey of securing a $2.1 million seed round after identifying a gap in the market demonstrates the importance of recognizing opportunities, acting on innovative ideas, and the power of storytelling to secure funding, even in challenging times. Building with User Input: The creation of the open innovation program and collaboration with key potential clients in the product development stage underlines the significance of understanding customer needs and incorporating feedback, ensuring the product offers real value to its users. Flexible Work Culture for Growth: The discussion around building a team culture with a mix of remote and in-office work highlights the need for flexibility and trust in a team. This approach can enhance productivity and satisfaction, crucial for fostering a growth mindset within a rapidly expanding company. Importance of Balance in Meetings: The conversation highlights the value of face-to-face interactions for deeper connection and trust-building, suggesting entrepreneurs should strike a balance between remote and in-person meetings to foster better relationships and collaborations. Planning for an Exit Strategy: The conversation about exit strategies emphasizes the necessity for entrepreneurs to have a clear vision of their company's future, whether that involves acquisition, IPO, or other avenues. Understanding this early can guide decision-making and business structuring to maximize potential success and investor returns. Connect with today's guest • Andrew Barlow on LinkedIn • Chatloop Website • Chatloop on LinkedIn Connect with your host Caleb Parker: • Caleb's LinkedIn • Caleb on X (formerly Twitter) Sponsors: TSK: Website | Dan Pilling LinkedIn TSK makes workplaces better for fast growing companies by aligning physical places with their purpose and culture to attract the right talent as they grow. Brave: Website | Instagram Brave is the community for those who dare to innovate. Join today to connect with like-minded innovators, receive invites to events like Misfits Mondays, and gain access to exclusive content, co-working spaces, and our Brave ecosystem to help you grow and inspire new ideas. Launch Your Own Podcast: A Podcast Company is the leading podcast production and strategic content company for brands, organisations, institutions, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Our team sets you up with the right strategy, equipment, training, guidance and content to ensure you sound amazing while speaking to your niche audience and networking with your perfect clients. Get in touch jason@apodcastcompany.com
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    37 mins
  • Part 2: What Does It Take to Get a £500M Acquisition? The Office Group's Formula for Success

    Part 2: What Does It Take to Get a £500M Acquisition? The Office Group's Formula for Success
    Dec 25 2023
    Summary: (This is Part 2 of 2) In this episode of Misfit's Mindset, award winning podcast host and Founder of Brave, Caleb Parker chats with with Charlie Green, co-CEO of The Office Group (TOG). In this candid conversation, Charlie reflects on the journey of building and scaling TOG, sharing valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining company culture during growth, making tough decisions, and the transformative impact of a strategic deal with Blackstone valuing the company at £500M. As he steps into a new chapter, Charlie also discusses his thoughts on the future of office real estate, emphasising the need for a focus on sustainability, wellness, and creating environments that people want to be in. Takeaways: • Embracing Change and Preserving Culture: Charlie emphasises the importance of embracing change as a business grows while preserving the core values and culture that define a company. He shares insights into TOG's family-like approach to caring for its employees and the challenge of maintaining authenticity as the company scaled. • Strategic Decision-making: Discussing significant decisions, Charlie acknowledges the inevitability of making mistakes but stresses the importance of forgiveness and learning. He shares a standout example involving a crucial decision with Blackstone, highlighting the complexities and foresight required in such strategic moves. • The Future of Office Real Estate: Offering insights into the evolving landscape, Charlie envisions a shift in the conversation from hybrid working to a more nuanced approach. He emphasises the need for quality, flexibility, and a focus on high-demand central locations. Additionally, he explores the growing importance of sustainability, wellness, and mental health considerations in real estate. Connect with today's guest • Charlie Green on LinkedIn • The Office Group Website • The Office Group on LinkedIn Connect with your host Caleb Parker Caleb's LinkedInCaleb on X (formerly Twitter)Caleb on Instagram Sponsors: TSK: Website | Dan Pilling LinkedIn TSK makes workplaces better for fast growing companies by aligning physical places with their purpose and culture to attract the right talent as they grow. Brave: Website | Instagram Brave is the community for those who dare to innovate. Join today to connect with like-minded innovators, receive invites to events like Misfits Mondays, and gain access to exclusive content, co-working spaces, and our Brave ecosystem to help you grow and inspire new ideas. Launch Your Own Podcast: A Podcast Company is the leading podcast production and strategic content company for brands, organisations, institutions, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Our team sets you up with the right strategy, equipment, training, guidance and content to ensure you sound amazing while speaking to your niche audience and networking with your perfect clients. Get in touch jason@apodcastcompany.com
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    35 mins
  • Part 1: What Does It Take to Get a £500M Acquisition? The Office Group's Formula for Success

    Part 1: What Does It Take to Get a £500M Acquisition? The Office Group's Formula for Success
    Dec 18 2023

    (This is Part 1 of 2) In this episode of Misfit's Mindset, award winning podcast host and Founder of Brave, Caleb Parker chats with with Charlie Green, co-CEO of The Office Group (TOG). They take us on a journey through the evolution of flexible office spaces. From the humble beginnings of a converted pub in Islington to the towering skyline of Chancery House, Charlie shares the unique challenges and triumphs that have shaped TOG's success. Learn how a philosophy shift from corporate norms led to groundbreaking design, customer-focused strategies, and a cultural transformation within the industry. In a candid conversation, Charlie reflects on the company's growth, strategic partnerships, and the crucial role of culture in building a thriving business.

    Takeaways:

    • Authenticity Over Homogeneity: TOG distinguishes itself by individually designing each building, responding authentically to the unique features of architecture, location, and local audience. This approach fosters a genuine connection with customers, setting them apart from competitors.

    • Cultural Challenges of Co-Leadership: As TOG scaled, one of the significant challenges for Charlie and Ollie was transitioning from a startup mindset with clear roles to managing a C-suite and fostering a cohesive culture. Balancing exceptional talent seeking clarity with the co-CEO model required strategic navigation.

    • Value Creation Over Money Chasing: Charlie emphasizes the importance of focusing on building value rather than chasing financial milestones. While having a direction of travel is crucial, the journey of creating value may lead to unforeseen opportunities and outcomes.

    Connect with today's guest

    • Charlie Green on LinkedIn

    • The Office Group Website

    • The Office Group on LinkedIn

    Connect with your host Caleb Parker:

    • Caleb's LinkedIn

    • Caleb on X (formerly Twitter)


    Sponsors:

    TSK: Website | Dan Pilling LinkedIn

    TSK makes workplaces better for fast growing companies by aligning physical places with their purpose and culture to attract the right talent as they grow.

    Brave: Website | Instagram

    Brave is the community for those who dare to innovate. Join today to connect with like-minded innovators, receive invites to events like Misfits Mondays, and gain access to exclusive content, co-working spaces, and our Brave ecosystem to help you grow and inspire new ideas.

    Launch Your Own Podcast:

    A Podcast Company is the leading podcast production and strategic content company for brands, organisations, institutions, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Our team sets you up with the right strategy, equipment, training, guidance and content to ensure you sound amazing while speaking to your niche audience and networking with your perfect clients. Get in touch jason@apodcastcompany.com
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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