Welcome to Episode 89 of the #Add A Zero Podcast!
Are you a business owner looking for sustainable growth and real-world insights?

In this episode, hosts Jay Allen does a deep dive into the theme: “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” Jay shares the journey of Alex, a business owner who transitioned from redundancy to running a thriving business—before encountering the roadblocks of time, scaling, and burnout. Discover how targeted auditing, strategic tweaks, and courageous investments can transform your business trajectory.

Learn:

• Why working harder doesn’t always lead to meaningful growth

• The power of stepping off the tools and working ON your business

• When and how to seek outside help, including funding and mentorship

• Real stories of scale, including how Alex doubled his business output and began winning five-figure contracts

• The critical importance of exit strategies and leadership planning for long-term business security

Whether you’re just starting up, finding yourself stuck, or planning an exit, this episode delivers valuable takeaways on scaling sustainably, maintaining work-life balance, and future-proofing your success.

👥 Hosted by: Jay Allen, presented in partnership with My True North – the UK’s leading ethical coaching company

Subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts below!
Contact us at podcast@mytruenorth.biz

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #SustainableScaling #Podcast #AddAZero

Are you a business owner committed to the sustainable and significant growth of your company? In this episode, Jay Allen (he/him), founder of My True North and ethical business growth expert, dives deep into the top five future trends every SME business leader needs to prepare for to succeed in the next decade.

Building on insights from his popular TEDx talk, “The 50 Careers to Train for Which Don’t Exist Yet,” Jay shares the realities and challenges business owners face as predicted changes arrive faster than expected. Covering key themes—hybrid working, skills evolution, employee well-being, technology and AI developments, and the rise of purpose-driven business—this episode is packed with actionable ideas.

Key Topics Covered:

• The rise and impact of hybrid working and why resistance is futile

• How evolving skillsets and continuous professional development (CPD) are essential for business survival

• The growing importance of workplace wellness and supporting employees as humans, not just “resources”

• Navigating the relentless pace of technology and staying relevant with AI, machine learning, and automation

• Why leading with purpose now outweighs sheer profitability and how to build a business people are proud to support

Whether you want to attract top talent, retain customers, or ensure your business thrives in shifting times, this episode provides the guidance you need.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments, or email us at podcast@mytruenorth.biz

Brought to you by My True North—the UK’s leading ethical coaching company, helping conscientious business owners scale and leave a meaningful legacy.

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #FutureofWork #AIPodcast #SME #BusinessTrends #HybridWorking #PurposeDriven #MyTrueNorth

Are you building a business for today—or for the future?

In Episode 87 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen of My True North challenges conscientious business owners to confront one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects of business leadership: planning your exit.

Jay shares real-life stories, including his own hard lessons from running a company that faced upheaval when a major client collapsed, and the personal cost of being “tied” to a business with no succession plan. Discover why even successful, thriving businesses face the risk of sudden collapse or unethical closure if continuity and legacy aren't part of your growth strategy.

Through insightful examples—from sudden health scares to undervalued business sales and fractured partnerships—this episode unpacks the importance of:

• Building a business that thrives without your daily involvement

• Creating continuity and legacy plans to protect your team and investment

• Establishing clear, legally binding partnership agreements before you need them

• Ensuring your business, brand, and staff are future-proofed against the unexpected

Whether you intend to sell, scale, or simply secure your enterprise for the long haul, Jay’s advice will provoke important questions and offer actionable steps to future-proof your company.

Here are 3 key takeaways every conscientious business owner should consider:

• Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Even thriving businesses are vulnerable if the owner is at the center. An unexpected health issue or life event can derail years of hard work if there’s no succession plan in place.

• Your Business Needs Independence: The more your business relies on you personally, the less valuable (and less stable) it becomes. Building systems and a strong team enable your company to grow and succeed—with or without your daily involvement.

• Plan for Legacy, Not Just Income: Closing the doors on a profitable business when you retire isn’t just shortsighted—Jay argues it’s unethical if it puts loyal employees out of work. Planning for exit ensures your business, and the livelihoods it supports, continue to thrive.

Ask yourself honestly: If you had to step back tomorrow, would your business (and your people) flourish or flounder? Now is the time to put solid continuity and exit plans in place—for your peace of mind, your team, and your legacy.

Want to learn more about exit planning, succession, and ethical business growth? Don’t miss this powerful conversation designed to help you create a company that leaves a lasting legacy, not just a bottom line.

Tune in now and take the next steps toward a more resilient, impactful business!

#Tags:
#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ExitPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #EthicalBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #LegacyBuilding #FutureProofYourBusiness #Partnerships #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SustainableGrowth #BusinessAdvice #AddAZero #MyTrueNorth #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #JobCreation #BusinessContinuity

Listen and discover why every business owner needs an exit strategy—before you think you need it!