Episode Details

Today, Brad engages in an insightful conversation with Gillian Palmer, founder of Lending Made Simple. Gillian shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the corporate world with Xerox to building and selling her own businesses while raising a family. They delve into the mindset required for entrepreneurship, the importance of thinking outside the box, and the evolving landscape of finance and funding for businesses. Gillian highlights the significance of having a solid team, understanding the value of customer service, and preparing a business for potential sale or growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Successful entrepreneurs often possess an innate ability to think outside the box and remain tenacious. This mindset drives them to continuously seek new opportunities and solutions, even in challenging circumstances.

Building a strong team is crucial for delivering on promises made to clients. A business's success often hinges on its ability to execute effectively, which requires having the right people in place to support operations.

The finance industry has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of alternative funding options. Entrepreneurs should be aware of various financing avenues and the importance of maintaining a good credit rating, both personally and for their business.

When considering selling a business, it's essential to have a clear plan and to prepare the business for sale by ensuring it has strong systems, processes, and a capable team in place. Engaging with advisors can help navigate this complex process.

Selling a business can be an emotionally taxing experience, akin to significant life events such as moving or divorce. It's important to be prepared for the emotional ramifications and to seek support during the transition.

BEST MOMENTS

"I always say when I sell this one, I'm off to the beach. But funny enough, I was on holiday, and I was like, that's my next opportunity."

"If you're not moving forward, you're actually moving. If you're stagnant, you're moving backwards."

"You have to be a little bit of an outside the box thinker. You have to always be thinking about the next thing."

"It's all about people. That connection. Yeah. Relationships."

"You might have a business that somebody wants to get their hands on and it's an eye-watering amount of money."

HOST BIO

Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.

He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.

Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.

Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week