Business Problems Solved Podcast
292 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsWARNING - This podcast WILL challenge your thinking.
Welcome to Business Problems Solved!
In this podcast we help you solve your business problems by providing real examples and practical approaches to make today better than yesterday.
Introducing your host, the multi-sector, self-professed ‘most improved improvement person’ and qualified Business Problem Solver
Lee Houghton (pronounced Hawton)
You can contact Lee on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by searching for Lee Houghton THE Business Problem Solver or via visiting www.leehoughton.com for more content and to solve your business problems.
And remember – saying you know how to do it, is not doing it …
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Episodes
Difference between being GOOD and GREAT
August 25, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.49 MBIn this episode Lee explains exactly what makes people great at performing or doing what they do and how you can apply it into your personal or professional life. He also covers how you can get people to remember things that you want them to remember, especially when performing on stage. KEY TAKEAWAYS How many times have you been surprised when watching a talent show then wondered why the ‘best’ singer hasn’t won? There’s 2 types of emotion in this regard, the emotion that you feel and ...
Learning 'The Barcelona Way' With Damian Hughes
August 18, 2019 23:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBWe don't always notice it, but every business has its own culture. Your business culture can easily tell you how you’re progressing in achieving your business goal. The truth is, if it does not encourage creativity, commitment, and dedication, then don’t expect high performance from your team. So, how do we change this if we see this happening? In this episode of the Business Problem Solved, Professor Damian Hughes talks to Lee about how we can create and maintain healthy company culture...
How Happy Are You?
August 11, 2019 23:00 - 7 minutes - 6.64 MBIn this episode of Business Problems Solved Lee discusses a recent observation he made that relates performance with happiness. Listen into this episode for tips on how to improve your happiness and performance… KEY TAKEAWAYS Think back to one of the 5 D’s – Desire, have the desire to be happy. Recently Lee asked a group of people how happy they were. 30% said they were happy, 50% said they were ok and the other 20% said they weren’t happy. Lee then continued to ask what percentage of...
From Impossible To Inevitable – with Michael Finnigan
August 04, 2019 23:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBIn this episode, Lee is in conversation with Michael Finnigan, a proud descendant of Chorley in Lancashire, and one of the standout business coaches around today. His boundless enthusiasm, incredible wealth of insights, and optimistic energy instantly marks Michael out as a coach that businesses and entrepreneurs want to work with. In today’s show, Michael talks about his incredible journey so far, the unbelievable opportunity that began his road to success, his “impossible-to-inevitable” ...
Changing A Culture
July 28, 2019 23:00 - 9 minutes - 8.76 MBIn this episode of Business Problems Solved Lee discusses how to change a company’s culture by understanding what exactly what good culture is, what causes good or bad culture and the small changes you can make to people’s thoughts and behaviours within an organisation. KEY TAKEAWAYS It is far easier to change a small company’s culture than a big company’s, simply due to the fact that you need to change more people’s thoughts and behaviours. Understand what good culture looks like. Havi...
Krystyna Lennon- The Worlds BEST Hypnotist
July 21, 2019 23:00 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBMarketing strategies uses hypnotism. Tony Robbins is a hypnotist. Everybody can be hypnotised almost every day. Do you believe? In this episode of the Business Problems Solved Podcast, Lee interviews Krystyna Lennon, tagged as the World’s Best Hypnotist by CBS and also an international coach and speaker, about how hypnosis can help bring forward solutions to some business problems. Hypnotherapy brings clarity and focus on your goals, so you can do things effectively. And, if you have limit...
Change Can be FUN
July 14, 2019 23:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this episode of Business Problems Solved Lee discusses change and how you can implement change within your business in a fun impactful way. Change isn’t always the most welcomed thing with different people therefore It’s important to ensure you know your team members well enough to know how you could change their thinking on the change to turn it into a positive, fun thing. KEY TAKEAWAYS Improvement is about being fun, engaging and working with people to make today better than yest...
Black Cloud Carriers AND EXCITING NEWS!
July 07, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MBWe’ve officially launched GET KNOWLEDGE After many months of hard work, we’ve built and launched Get Knowledge Ltd on Friday. This has been built on our values FACT (Fun, Authentic, Caring, Trust). Over the coming weeks, we have a host of exciting things in the pipeline to help leaders and change agents for their own personal development or the development of their team/organisation. We want to work with change agents, coaches and leaders of all levels. So get in touch using the links ...
A Huge Apology!
June 30, 2019 23:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this episode of Business Problems Solved Lee explains how he’s reflected on the 3 life tips, that he was given from his friend Chris who has sadly passed away. Lee’s previously spoken about these 3 tips in episode 2 however in this episode he recognises that he’s given these 3 points injustices. Find out the lessons Lee’s learned upon reflection … KEY TAKEAWAYS If you’ve listened to episode 2 where I spoke about my best friend Chris, who’s sadly passed away from cancer, I apologise...
Recognise & Respond. DON'T REACT
June 23, 2019 23:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBSelf and situational awareness, ‘recognise and respond rather than react.’ In this episode, Lee discusses and explains the importance of recognising and responding rather than reacting. He also explains how this can have a positive affect on your personal and professional life. Listen into this episode to learn more! KEY TAKEAWAYS Your body recognises a need and responds to it e.g. When you need food you get hungry. When you’re more aware of these signs it can help you person...
Creating a High Performing Team
June 16, 2019 23:00 - 9 minutes - 8.68 MBWhat Makes a High Performing Team? ‘If asked to name a high performing team many name sports teams because you can see when they have achieved through the medals and trophies they collect’ In this episode, Lee explains the fundamentals required to achieve a high performing team in any arena. He provides key strategies for teams in understanding their individual and collective roles as they develop into a high performing team. KEY TAKEAWAYS What actually makes a high per...
Leadership Lessons From Klopp
June 09, 2019 23:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB‘They believed they could win, they believed they had a chance of victory, having a leader who instils confidence enables you to believe you can deliver’ In this episode Lee explores the ways in which Jurgen Klopp manages Liverpool and shares comments from him that demonstrate the underpinning principles any successful organisation should have in place. Listen in now to hear about the shared approaches for both business and personal development that make the difference. KEY TAKEAWA...
The Key to Sustainment
June 02, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBIn this episode, Lee examines sustainment; its definitions and its effects. In a world of improvement, what does it mean to truly sustain? How many times have we been presented with an initiative that looks or sounds similar to one previously tried? How many times have you tried a diet, only to find yourself gradually slipping into bad habits? What makes an idea not just achievable, but sustainable? The answer lies within... KEY TAKEAWAYS Sustainment should always be seen as the next ...
Role modelling for change
May 26, 2019 23:00 - 8 minutes - 7.46 MB‘If you are expecting the environment to change, the people to change, then the sooner you start role modelling and showing people the way, the sooner change will begin’ Lee shares key strategies to help change agents and leaders implement effective role modelling to drive forward change, listen in to find out more. KEY TAKEAWAYS A role model is defined as a person who is looked to by others as an example to be imitated. Being a role model can help change initiatives whether you a...
Measure Mountain
May 19, 2019 23:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBProper communication from the workers to the directors and vice versa is one of the critical things that could drive your business to success. And in this episode of the Business Problem Solver Podcast, Lee discusses Measure Mountain, a visualisation tool that can help you create and efficiently manage the hierarchy structure within your company. It’s essential that everyone involved are well-informed about what’s going on. When everyone’s in the know, high performance and determination can ...
Why do CHANGE Initatives Fail?
May 12, 2019 23:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBLee explains 3 key reasons why businesses fail, how you can overcome these pitfalls if they are to occur and why they’re so important. KEY TAKEAWAYS 3 Reasons Why Some Businesses Fail No perceived need for change – You need to know on every level why you’re making these changes. If there’s no need to change already within your business, then you need to find a need for change and change things in a meaningful way. It’s not lead from the top and driven from the bottom – Ensure ...
The 5 D's
May 05, 2019 23:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBWhat are the criteria required for successful and meaningful change? Lee Houghton, THE Business Problem Solver has dissected successful change programmes he’s been involved in and created the 5D’s – specific criteria required to ensure successful and meaningful change. If you want to achieve successful change in your business listen in to find out how and why you should be using the 5 D’s KEY TAKEAWAYS The 5 D’s - the specific criteria required for successful transition through a...
Dealing with Change
April 28, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.48 MB‘At some point, everyone has to deal with a change so big they wonder how they will be able to cope’ You may have gone through a change that for you, has been straight forward but been aware that for others the same change has been much more challenging. In this episode, Lee explains how to deal with change as a leader and facilitator. He highlights the importance of communication and the ‘self-model’ when dealing with change effectively, listen in now to find out more. KEY TAKEAWAYS...
The Art Of Self-Talk
April 21, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBDo you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes it can do us an immense amount of good to stop and really talk to ourselves. But what do we say? How do we say it? And how can we ensure that it has the maximum effect upon ourselves? Join Lee as he discusses the valuable technique of self-talk, and how to recognise the best way of approaching yourself. KEY TAKEAWAYS What you say to yourself will drive your actions and behaviours. The voice inside your head is the most important factor whe...
Coaching vs Consulting; How to Know What YOU Actually Need
April 14, 2019 23:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBThere are significant differences between coaches and consultants, you need to be aware of and understand these before investing in their support. Lee explains what the distinctions are and how understanding your situation can help you to select the most effective support to get what you actually need for your business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Knowing when to employ the services of a consultant or coach are crucial to further your capability or to help you solve a problem. It’s about you or it...
Employee Engagement
April 07, 2019 23:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIn today's episode, your host Lee Houghton put out to his LinkedIn community his Employee engagement equation and asked what others thought? What are their employee engagement equations? Lee's Employee Engagement Equation; Emotion + Involvement = Engagement His community response exploded. Many replied en masse with lots of their own equations, such as Responsibility + Commitment = Engagement Empowerment + Purpose = Engagement Recognise + Listen too + Allign Values = Engagement V...
Are You Using Standards Effectively?
March 31, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.35 MB‘Standards are the Foundations for Improvement’ In this episode, Lee explains the different applications and interpretations of standards and how implementing them can effectively help solve problems in your business. If you want to understand when and why standards can help you to move forward then tune in now. KEY TAKEAWAYS What is the Standard? A standard is a level of quality or attainment or something used as a measure, norm or model in comparative evaluations. In the con...
Plan. Do. Check. Act. (P.D.C.A. Cycle)
March 25, 2019 00:00 - 9 minutes - 8.28 MB“Do you believe that everything you do is a process?” From brushing your teeth to doing your work assignments to doing your groceries, everything’s a process and, what’s essential to note is, they are all PDCA cycles. In this episode of the Business Problem Solver Podcast, Lee Houghton emphasises why PDCA is not just a planning tool, but a way of life. It does not matter if it’s big or small – or for more apt terms, micro or macro – anything you do in life can be a PDCA cycle. Listen in to...
Its ALL About You
March 18, 2019 00:00 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBMAKING POSITIVE CHANGES IN YOUR BUSINESS MUST BE ALL ABOUT YOU This inciteful episode brings together strands from the podcast series and explains how leadership, creating positive habits, influencing people and developing an environment of high trust are all dependent on understanding that it begins with you. Lee ‘The Business Problem Solver’ explores how making positive changes and enabling others to be problem solvers can be achieved to move your business forward. If you want to mak...
Build Trust
March 11, 2019 00:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBToday Lee is asking ‘do you have a high trust environment?’ he looks in detail at the indicators for both a low and high trust environment and discusses ways that you can change your environment and empower everybody within it. Listen in to find out about how to make your business a high trust environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS To increase the speed of your process and reduce costs most people look to reduce waste. If you increase the trust you have in people and create an environment that su...
Vital Lessons of a Change Agent
March 04, 2019 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBThis episode focuses on the 4 vital lessons that Lee has learnt as a change agent. He uses his extensive experience to provide us with focused examples of how these lessons work in the business environment and why they are so important. This podcast will help anyone to understand the core elements that affect change in any business, listen in now. KEY TAKEAWAYS The solution is not yours The success of change really comes from the person or team you are working with. People protect ...
Lessons From The Dancefloor
February 25, 2019 00:00 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this episode, Lee uses the weekend dance floor as an insightful analogy for your business and customer needs. ‘If you want to keep your dancefloor full you need to focus on the needs of your customers and understand who you are as a business’ Listen in to find out how to keep everyone on the dancefloor and happy. KEY TAKEAWAYS Continuous improvement You should always try and start with the needs of the customer and ensure this is aligned with your purpose. 3 levels of customer ex...
Should we Set Targets
February 18, 2019 00:00 - 9 minutes - 8.44 MBDo you set targets for yourself and for your business? Do you set targets for your staff? And do you agree in having targets in order to grow? When management sets targets and makes people's jobs dependent on meeting them, they’ll likely meet the targets even if they have to destroy the enterprise to do it. Targets drive a specific behaviour in people, a narrow focus, cheating and influence. Tune in today to find out more. KEY TAKEAWAYS What behaviour do targets drive? Number one, a nar...
Should you Deliver Quick Wins
February 11, 2019 00:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat is the problem you are actually trying to solve? Problems can come in different shapes and sizes and you have a host of different options. This week Lee looks in detail at whether you should deliver quick wins. He explains why and how this can work and explores when to use this strategy for maximum impact in your business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Some people may encourage you to deliver quick wins through small changes others may say advise against the delivery of quick wins as they may no...
Leaders Vs. Managers
February 04, 2019 00:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBWhat is the difference between a Leader and a Manager? In this episode, Lee’ THE Business Problem Solver’ answers this frequently asked question and explains how the differences impact on staff and the working environment. Using the 5 D’s - Desire, Discover, Dedication, Deliberate action and Delivery model Lee shares with us the characteristics of a leader. Are you a Leader or a Manager? Listen in now to find out KEY TAKEAWAYS This is not about a job title – having the job title d...
Customer Experience Vs. Employee Experience
January 28, 2019 00:00 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBCustomer experience is seen as the battlefield where businesses compete but do businesses really understand the impact of not focusing on their employees? In this episode, Lee discusses the correlation between the customer and employee experience. He explains how to achieve successful alignment between them and the positive impact it will have on your business. KEY TAKEAWAYS The way people in your business are treated can impact directly on the experience of your customers. It is vi...
Changing Habits& Influencing Behaviour
January 21, 2019 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBCAN YOU CHANGE HABITS AND INFLUENCE BEHAVIOUR? Listen to this episode and find out how you can change people’s behaviour to create an environment where problems can be successfully be solved. Lee explains how and why this is crucial for any business moving forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS The majority of problems can be solved by changing people’s behaviour so that they do something today that is different from what they were doing yesterday. Influencing someone’s behaviour to change ...
Communication
January 14, 2019 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBCommunication is Key If you want to understand the vital importance of communication and how to stop miscommunication, listen to this podcast. Lee Houghton THE Business Problem Solver explains the importance of why, what and how to deliver your message successfully. “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”-George Bernard Shaw KEY TAKEAWAYS The medium that you communicate in and the actual delivery – when and who you deliver i...
The Bubble Theory - Grow Your Bubble
January 07, 2019 00:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBThe bubble theory is a concept from Lee that is easy to apply in different situations enabling us to understand where we are and the deliberate actions, we can take to influence success. Lee takes us through a range of scenarios demonstrating the positive impact implementing the bubble approach can have across all aspects of personal and professional development. KEY TAKEAWAYS Identify your current bubble If you plot where you live, shop, socialise, work this determines your bubble. To ...
What is a Problem?
December 31, 2018 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBEncountering problems is a natural occurrence in the business setting. So, today on the Business Problem Solver Podcast, we go back to the basics and define what a business problem is. Lee helps you to easily pinpoint a problem so that you could come up with an effective problem-solving plan. There will be many strategic approaches out there that are used by large-scale and small-scale companies, but none will be outright applicable to your business problem. You have to innovate from it, c...
Saying You Know it, is Not Doing it
December 24, 2018 00:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBSigning up for business courses and learning about business concepts, theories, principles, etc. is just the start of it. What’s more important is you CAN apply the things you’ve studied in a real-life setting. In this episode of The Business Problem Solver Podcast, Lee urges you to step it up a notch and start implementing what you’ve learned. Besides, putting what you’ve learned into practice gives a different kind of learning experience and can enhance your skills. Lee also highlights...
Dedication
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBWhy is dedication such an important element in business? THE Business Problem Solver – Lee Houghton shares the importance of Dedication, step 3 in the 5Ds steps to success for business. The 5Ds, identified as critical success criteria for anyone, whether as an individual, as a part of a team, or wanting to grow scale or improve their business. The 5 ‘Ds’ Desire Discover Dedication Deliberate action Deliver Dedication is the focus of this dynamic podcast, exploring the impor...
Inspiration
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB3 Lessons in Life In this poignant podcast, Lee Houghton shares the 3 lessons that underpin how he lives his life. He reflects on Chris, the inspiration for these values and how they can underpin all aspects of how we live. Always be yourself, make good friends, clients and connections, time is limited so if there is something you want to do why wait. Lee dedicates this podcast to the memory of Chris, his best friend and explains through this podcast how he is living these 3 lessons ...
An introduction to THE Business Problem Solver – Lee Houghton
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this eagerly awaited first podcast in the series, Lee Houghton – THE Business Problem Solver shares with us his 5Ds strategy which sets out comprehensive criteria for solving all business problems. Listening to Lee will enable you to confidently structure a constructive approach that can be used to solve and overcome any business problem. Lee uses his extensive experience, identifying and describing examples so that the positive outcomes from using the 5Ds are relatable to everyone - from...
Customer Experience
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBWhat experience do your customers have? Welcome to episode 6 of this series. In this absorbing podcast Lee tackles, the mis-understandings between customer service and customer experience. He offers comprehensive solutions to enhance and develop the customer experience leading to repeating positive interactions. Lee uses his own experience and expertise to develop our understanding of how to achieve the ultimate – an easy and effortless service that is an enjoyable and personable custo...
Deliberate Action - Delivery
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBWhat are the Deliberate Actions you need to Deliver your desired outcome? Welcome to this exciting podcast exploring the actions you need to deliver your desired outcome. The 5Ds, identified as critical success criteria for anyone, whether as an individual, or as part of a team, or wanting to grow scale or improve their business. Desire Discover Dedication Deliberate action Deliver THE Business Problem Solver – Lee Houghton explores how you can really deliver and achieve your d...
Desire - Discover
December 17, 2018 00:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MBWhat crucial role do Desire and Discover play in a successful business? In this podcast THE Business Problem Solver’s success criteria Desire and Discover are explored in more detail. This is the third motivating podcast in this series from THE Business Problem Solver. If you are starting a business or looking to grow your current organisation this podcast provides the vital starting point. Lee explains in detail how and why the first two steps Desire and Deliver are vital components of ...