The Hack Podcast

Join Leon, Dean, and Paul in this enlightening podcast, where they guide you on the path to recognising and conquering sources of drama and gossip that have the potential to undermine your team dynamics and relationships. This principle applies to all circles of influence and is crucial for optimal performance. However, it holds particularly true for you as a leader and your team. Creating an expectation where individuals are encouraged to address issues directly with the person involved is one of the best things you can do for your company culture. Empower your people with tools to express their thoughts and experiences constructively. Reinforce the idea that it is everyone's responsibility to act as a Firewall when approached with an issue about someone else. By advocating for the highest possible good of your team and its members, you demonstrate respect by addressing differences directly. Tune in and prepare to enhance your communication skills and foster a healthier environment for collaboration! https://www.think-cloud.co.uk/blog/tag=the%20hack%20podcast/

This week's podcast features a special guest: Luke Campbell MBE, Hull's golden boy and Olympic champion boxer. It's been a long-awaited moment, as it took us three years to finally have him on the show! Luke shares his journey of mental health, reflecting on his 22-year career. Despite daily training and maintaining excellent form, his head was always filled with boxing.  After taking a much-needed break and well-earned rest, he lost the motivation to continue training. Over the next two years, he experienced a tumultuous journey filled with highs and lows, encountering some genuinely challenging moments along the way. Recently, in the past three months, he decided to return to the gym and prioritise his fitness. It was during this period that he truly dedicated himself to training and experienced a remarkable improvement in his mental well-being. This recent experience has sparked him to be a  voice for others and offer support. He acknowledges that while he cannot change the world, helping just one person would be a huge success. Tune in to hear Luke's inspiring story and learn more about how he plans to use his platform and voice to make a difference in the world of mental health. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of mindset, learning, self-care, seeking help when needed, and being open about our struggles.

Maximising Performance: Lead Organisations Worth Following Effective leadership has emerged as an indispensable catalyst for success as businesses constantly evolve and adapt to the rapid changes of the modern world. In today's era of thriving organisations, it is more important than ever for leaders to adopt a new mindset and approach focusing on maximising performance. In this week's podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean discuss the qualities and characteristics that make a lead organisation worth following. From effective communication and fostering a positive company culture to open-mindedness and adaptability, the conversation delves into their key traits and those that leaders must possess to thrive in today's business landscape.

In this episode of the Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean engage in an insightful conversation with Furqan Alamgir, Chief Executive Officer at Connexin. Furqan shares his journey as an entrepreneur and how he grew Connexin into one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK. He also discusses the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame them to achieve success. One of the key topics discussed in this episode is the importance of collaboration and connectivity in today's digital age. Furqan highlights how Connexin plays a crucial role in providing connectivity solutions to businesses, cities, and communities. He also talks about their innovative approach to smart infrastructure and its potential to transform how we live and work. They also explore people, processes, and technology as the three fundamental elements of a prosperous enterprise. Furqan highlights the significance of passion and curiosity as crucial factors for success. Tune in to hear Furqan Alamgir's story and learn more about the future of connectivity. Keep an eye out for Connexin as it continues to expand and revolutionise the technology industry.

Our latest podcast features Leon, Paul, and Dean as they share their collective wisdom on the concept of 'intentional transfer planning' - a strategic approach to effective delegation designed to foster real growth within your team. The three bring unique perspectives, offering invaluable insights into how leaders can identify the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities they need to transfer to their team members. This conversation is not just about delegation; it's about empowering your team, boosting productivity, and driving your organisation forward using tools to support delegation effectively. The concept of intentional transfer planning is two-fold: understanding the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities you need to delegate and how best to communicate this information meaningfully. Whether you're a fledgling manager or a seasoned executive, this podcast promises to be enlightening, engaging, and full of practical tips you can apply to your leadership style. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and dive into the nuances of intentional transfer planning!

Welcome to our Hack Podcast, where we have the pleasure of featuring the only Nick Espinosa joining us from across the pond. We are thrilled to have Nick here with us after Leon and Dean had the privilege of collaborating with him in Amsterdam as part of IT Nation Evolve. Imagine sitting at a dinner table, and someone leans over and asks Nick, What is it that you do?" Nick's response is always intriguing. He looks them straight in the eye and says, "I lie to you." They usually say really, and he replies 'no'. Of course, this usually catches them off guard, but it's just his way of injecting humour into the conversation. In reality, Nick is deeply involved in cyber security, with his company specialising in cyber warfare, cyber terrorism, infrastructure, and government compliance. And it's not just limited to the US government; they also handle compliance on a global scale, including GDPR. Nick's expertise extends beyond his company Security Fanatics; he is a regular contributor to Forbes, a seasoned TED talk speaker, and even hosts a syndicated radio show in the USA. Nick's job title says it all, he thrives in the fast-paced world of cyber security. He always seeks new challenges and never likes to be bored. Join us as we deep dive into the fascinating world of Nick Espinosa and gain insights into the ever-evolving realm of cyber security.

As we embark on Think Cloud's 20th Anniversary, it's time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible journey that has led us here. Over the last two decades, Think Cloud has pioneered ground-breaking solutions, driving digital transformation across industries and borders. Today, we are thrilled to have Scott Clark, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Think Cloud, join us in the studio for our Hack podcast. Join Leon, Dean, Paul, and Scott as they delve into the fascinating story of how it all began.  Scott envisioned taking a start-up from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in Managed IT and Cyber Security Solutions. With his passion for continuous innovation, he and his award-winning team have developed a service that exists to help customers succeed through the adoption and use of digital technology. We invite you to listen in and celebrate this significant milestone with us as we share our stories and insights on the journey so far. Full Blog on www.think-cloud.co.uk

In this week's The Hack podcast, Leon, Paul, and Dean are joined by Josh Connolly and Ed Jenneson to delve into self-reflection and emotional release. Together, they explore how these practices can empower individuals to become exceptional in life and business. They also delve into the profound impact of self-awareness and finding a deeper sense of purpose. Josh and Ed graciously share their personal experiences, highlighting the significance of these principles for today's well-being. Tune in as we ask our 10 thought-provoking questions specifically to Josh and hear why they believe self-reflection and emotional release through activities such as breath work are essential for creating meaningful relationships, developing resilience, and becoming the best version of yourself.

In this week's podcast, Leon and Paul talk to Phil Ascough- a multi-talented professional who works as a journalist, author, media and PR consultant assisting small businesses, charities, and other organisations in obtaining publicity, specialising in the arts, culture, and sports. He has a passion for the city of Hull and has spent eight years on the board of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, including acting as President between 2017-18. The episode kicked off with Phil taking us down memory lane, recalling his early days in journalism, which has stood him in good stead for his other roles. Additionally, he pursues recreational writing and has authored around half a dozen books, including Never Mind the Drop Goal: The Unofficial Rugby World Cup Quiz Book, Never Mind the Penalties: The Ultimate World Cup Quiz Book, and Never Mind the Tigers: The Ultimate Hull City Quiz Book. https://www.waterstones.com/author/phil-ascough/136313 Full Blog At www.think-cloud.co.uk

Managing our attention span is one of the biggest challenges, as our attention is constantly pulled in different directions. We are constantly bombarded with notifications from our devices, emails, texts, and social media. It is easy to get distracted and lose focus on what we are trying to accomplish. Fortunately, some strategies can help us become more "indistractable," which means being able to filter distractions and stay focused on the task or activity at hand. In today's podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul discuss practical ways to avoid distractions. Leon shares his thoughts on a book called Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal, which he thinks is a game-changing read. Full Blog go to www.think-cloud.co.uk