Sales Leader Secrets

Uspire

Amanda gets inside the minds of the most successful sales leaders so you can apply their secrets to your business and inspire your team to grow sales. Strive to become the best version of yourself with words of wisdom from some of the best in the business.

About Your Host:
Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

About The Uspire Partnership
Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Amanda:
Website: theuspiregroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

Connect with Uspire:
Website: www.theuspiregroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

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20 episodes
Updated Dec 2, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first

Dec 2, 2025 · 26 min
Ep 12: Baked-in Brilliance with Aisling Tuck
What does it take to scale a bakery into Ireland’s largest vegan cookie supplier starting from your mum’s kitchen at 21? In this inspiring episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Aisling Tuck founder and CEO of Naked Bakes, who shares her journey from passionate home baker to entrepreneur and emerging sales leader. From experimenting with vegan recipes to overcoming a steep learning curve in leadership and finance, Aisling opens up about the realities of running a fast-growing business. She discusses building a team from scratch, the impact of lockdown, and learning to set the right culture from the top. Plus, hear how Naked Bakes’ products make a real difference for customers, and why empathy and networking are essential for success. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Aisling’s journey from Dublin kitchen to scaling a business 06:42 Rushed hiring due to stress led to mismatches 09:46 It's about the people: Working with an amazing team and making a difference in customers' lives. 11:20 Balancing your time and work stress is challenging; downtime is essential for productivity. 14:34 Future plans and launching new products 18:14 Never leave anyone on a sinking ship 23:32 Networking is essential for growth 24:36 Prioritise empathy with team and customers. If you loved hearing Aisling’s honest reflections, make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode of Sales Leader Secrets. Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Aisling Tuck: Aisling Tuck is an entrepreneur from Dublin and the founder of two food brands shaping the future of plant-based baking in Ireland. She began studying Commerce International at UCD but left to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. After gaining hands-on experience in hospitality both in Ireland and abroad, she launched her first baking venture from her parents’ kitchen in 2018 at the age of 21. Since then, she has scaled the business into one of Ireland’s leading producers of plant-based bakery products. Today, she supplies nationwide supermarkets and foodservice partners, has a strong presence in the independent coffee sector, and continues to grow online. Along the way, she has also led the opening of a retail location, built a dynamic team of 10, and created award winning products that have become favourites among plant-based and non-plant-based consumers alike. Connect with Aisling: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislingtuck222/ Website: https://nakedbakes.ie/ Produced by Winter Audio
Nov 4, 2025 · 28 min
S2, Ep 11: Leading Through Language with Anne Unsworth
What does it mean to lead with trust and transform an organisation for the future? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats to Anne Unsworth, Head of Retail Operations at Dee Set: Complete Retail Solutions, master practitioner of NLP, and a passionate champion of people in commercial teams. Anne’s journey is a lesson in resilience and curiosity. From building her career at Master Foods (Mars), through two decades at Tactical Solutions supporting iconic brands in retail, to leading ESG strategy and championing diversity, her approach is founded on integrity, transparency, and the belief that people are at the heart of every successful business. If you’re interested in leading sustainable change and tapping into the power of communication, make sure you tune in. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Anne’s career journey from hospitality to field marketing 02:09 What is field marketing in retail? 03:17 Leading ESG: sustainability and social responsibility 05:10 Focusing on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 06:52 Anne’s first management role and building relationships 07:32 How team meetings shaped her approach to leadership 08:45 Learning every day in ESG 12:39 The core leadership values: trust, transparency, and integrity 13:58 How personal adversity shaped Anne’s leadership journey 16:42 Discovering NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and its impact 17:51 Why the language we use matters in sales and leadership 22:11 Training Tactical teams in NLP for confidence and communication 23:31 Building team resilience and delivering change projects 25:43 Advice for sales leaders: be authentic, encourage debate 27:25 Anne’s sales leader's secret. Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Anne Unsworth: With 25 years in the Grocery Retail industry, I have built a successful career in account and field performance management. Working with some of the UK’s biggest retailers and brands. I’ve also led large-scale change management projects within company operations and sales teams using NLP to drive success. Always passionate about personal and professional growth, I made the most of my commuting time during Covid-19 to dive into NLP, becoming a certified NLP, TLT® & Hypnosis Practitioner in 2019, a Master Practitioner in 2021, and NLP Trainer that same year. I am the founder and director of Clear Path Success, delivering NLP training to companies in the FMCG sector and beyond. Outside of work, I’m a devoted mother and wife, a keen runner, and an enthusiastic traveller, always looking for my next adventure. My advice to you all is Trust Your Unconscious mind and seize every opportunity. Connect with Anne: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-unsworth-3474992/ Produced by Winter Audio
Sep 2, 2025 · 34 min
S2, Ep 10: Leading The Disability Activism Agenda
What’s it like to build a career around changing the way we think about disability? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks with Esi Hardy, founder of Celebrating Disability and a leading voice on inclusion. Esi’s path has been far from typical. From training as an actress and working in performing arts in LA, to moving into health and social care, she’s now running her own business helping organisations and individuals create spaces where disabled people can thrive. If you’re interested in leadership with purpose and building workplaces where everyone belongs, this episode is worth a listen. Here are the highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:50 Starting a business after leaving charity work 06:42 Driving disability inclusion with Homes for Students 09:53 Learning leadership through early challenges 13:04 Building inclusive hiring practices 18:48 Choosing value-driven clients and redefining authenticity at work 22:40 Building a value-led pipeline through SEO and exploratory calls 28:36 Disability activism shifted my mindset 33:09 Faking It, Making It Join us each month for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Esi Hardy: Esi Hardy is the founder and Managing Director of Celebrating Disability, a consultancy established in 2017 to promote disability inclusion in workplaces. With a background in public services, social care, and the charity sector, Esi has consistently focused on advocating for the rights of disabled people. Her diverse career path includes experiences as a theatre actress and a psychodynamic counsellor, all unified by her commitment to disability advocacy. As she has cerebral palsy and identifies as a hybrid wheelchair user, Esi draws on her lived experience to highlight the barriers faced by disabled people. This perspective enriches her consultancy work, enabling organisations to implement strategies that foster truly inclusive environments. Celebrating Disability offers tailored services, including disability inclusion training, consultancy, and guest speaking engagements. The consultancy takes a pan-disability approach, addressing a range of impairments including neurodiversity, sensory impairments, and long-term health conditions. In addition to Esi, services are delivered by associate trainers, each with their own lived experience of disability, who bring diverse insights to every session. Connect with Esi: Website: https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/ Produced by Winter Audio
Aug 5, 2025 · 30 min
S2, Ep 09: Ella Cookson on Leading Freedom for 2,500 Women
What does it take to lead a team of over 2,500 people and still keep things grounded? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Ella Cookson, a standout leader at Tropic Skincare. Ella’s story is one of resilience. After a tough few years, she rebuilt her confidence and has gone on to support thousands of ambassadors across the UK. Ella talks honestly about the ups and downs of leadership, how she’s grown her team, and what’s helped her stay true to herself along the way. You’ll hear how Tropic has shaped a fresh approach to direct selling, and why community and recognition matter more than ever. If you’re leading a team or thinking about taking that step, this one’s for you. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:45 Preservative-free natural skincare (the tropic difference) 09:17 Empowering women through skincare sales 11:45 Empowering team leadership 15:00 Letting go of control 19:31 Using human design to unlock your power 22:06 Understanding your team 25:01 Empower and celebrate your team 28:59 Sales leadership secrets revealed Join us each month between August and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Ella Cookson I’m a mum of two young kids, a skincare enthusiast, and a proud ambassador for Tropic Skincare. I’m part of Tropic’s Diamond Advisory board, which means I get to help shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing ethical beauty brands, while also supporting an incredible team of women to build flexible businesses around their lives.
Jul 1, 2025 · 29 min
S2, Ep 08: A Glamping Good Leader!
Ever thought a farm field could turn into a five-star getaway? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs chats with Joanne Collinge, a former teacher who traded the classroom for a life on the family farm in Lancashire. What started as a challenge to bring in extra income has grown into Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping, a rural retreat with serious charm. Joanne shares how she built the business from scratch, using creativity, second-hand materials, and sheer determination. With no background in sales or marketing, she learned as she went, often with her daughter by her side guiding her through social media. Listen to hear how Joanne turned a side project into a standout brand, what it’s really like running a business with your family, and why keeping it personal has made all the difference. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 02:08 A career crossroads, from the classroom to the farm 05:14 Glamping begins: A naive idea, and taking a bold leap 07:58 Growing with grit: Building with scrap and story 10:32 Leading as a family: roles, respect, and Rr16:43 Standing out in sales: Marketing & ‘Four in a Bed’ fame 19:34 Values-driven leadership: respect, autonomy, and mistakes welcome 22:15 Looking ahead: vision, sustainability, and boutique growth Join us each month between July and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Joanne Collinge Joanne is a former teacher turned entrepreneur who left the classroom to create a one of a kind glamping site built from upcycled materials on her family farm. Passionate about sustainability and the great outdoors, Joanne's innovative retreat has won multiple awards and even been on TV. She thrives on connecting people with nature. Find out more: https://www.littleoakhurst.com/
Jun 3, 2025 · 29 min
S2, Ep 07: Lee Personius on Leading Growth, One Pizza At A Time
Have you ever wondered how a small food startup with just four people became one of the UK’s leading names in the food-to-go industry? In this episode of Sales Leaders’ Secrets, Amanda Downs sits down with Lee Personius, founder and CEO of Tugo. From humble beginnings in a rundown trading estate, Lee has grown Tugo into a £22 million business and he’s aiming to double that in the next decade. He shares how he secured early investment, won over big customers, and maintained a close-knit team culture along the way. Tune in to learn more about leadership, growth, and why celebrating with pizza matters more than you think. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:16 Early stage mistakes and growth 06:56 Startup journey with key support 11:23 Balancing family feel & performance 13:47 Why some people are built to be entrepreneurs 18:39 Developing a softer leadership style over time 21:48 Reliable support in tough times 24:28 Caution in crisis 27:54 Be clear on what you do Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Lee Personius: Lee Personius is the Founder & CEO of Tugo Food, a forward-thinking foodservice company on a mission to make great food more accessible, sustainable, and adaptable. Tugo works with partners across the food industry to deliver smart, flexible food solutions that meet the demands of modern service without compromising on quality or values. Under Lee’s leadership, Tugo has grown into a purpose-driven business that doesn’t just talk the talk. They’re proud to be a certified B Corp, a Gold-accredited Investors in People organisation, a Times Best Places to Work honouree, and a National Living Wage Employer. That people-first, sustainability-focused mindset is baked into everything they do—from product innovation to company culture. With over 20 years of experience in business leadership and a deep passion for doing things differently, Lee brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to how companies can grow with integrity. In this episode, we’ll dive into his journey, how Tugo is reshaping foodservice, and what it means to build a company that’s both commercially smart and ethically sound. Produced by Winter Audio.
May 6, 2025 · 30 min
S02, Ep 06: Leading Potential through Direct Sales with Babette Ogden
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan). Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training 08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000 12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling 14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives 17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling 25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values 28:35 Unlocking potential through leadership. Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Babette Ogden: I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing opportunity. Connect with Babette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babette-ogden-5a515317/
Apr 22, 2025 · 26 min
S02, Ep 05: The Authentic Leader Lens with Katey Coleman
Are you ready to redefine your sales leadership approach? Join your host, Amanda Downs, as she sits down with Katey Coleman, Associate Director at Carl Zeiss. With over seventeen years of experience, Katey shares her journey from being a young sales manager at only 20, to leading cross-functional teams today. Discover her secrets to maintaining team engagement, fostering emotional intelligence, and navigating the challenges of stakeholder management. Whether you're on the cusp of your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, this episode is full of insights that will elevate your sales leadership. Tune in and unlock new strategies to empower your team and achieve business success! Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Keeping remote teams engaged 08:46 The importance of understanding the people around you 13:49 Advice for effective stakeholder management 18:24 Leading with authenticity and vulnerability 23:53 Katey's tips for future sales leaders Join us each month between April and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Katey Coleman: With over 17 years of commercial leadership experience in the fast-paced FMCG sector, Katey Coleman has mastered the art of driving exceptional business results while leading with authenticity. Throughout her distinguished career, Katey has successfully led field teams, national account managers, and entire commercial functions for some of the industry's most prestigious blue-chip manufacturers. Today, she brings this wealth of expertise to the optical industry, where her strategic vision continues to create meaningful impact. What truly distinguishes Katey is her unwavering commitment to authentic and vulnerable leadership. She firmly believes this approach represents not merely a passing trend, but the future of effective leadership. Katey genuinely walks the talk—driving performance while leading with heart and fostering environments where teams thrive through genuine connection.
Mar 25, 2025 · 36 min
S02 Ep 04: Leading Customer Connections with Pete Gillett
What drives successful sales leaders to embrace change and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace? In this episode of Sales Leader Secrets, Amanda Downs talks to Pete Gillett, a pioneer in CRM systems and lead management, to uncover the secrets behind leading customer connections and fostering team motivation. Discover how Pete's journey to becoming a dynamic sales leader offers invaluable insights into nurturing a productive workplace culture and leveraging the power of personalised marketing in the digital age. Get ready to be inspired by a leader who not only champions innovation but also values the importance of a supportive and health-conscious team environment. Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 06:44 COVID impacted fundraising significantly 08:53 B2B marketing often neglects lead management despite high exhibition spending 13:23 They appreciate constant change and development. 16:46 We allow flexible operation with clear objectives, focusing on outcomes and direction despite changes. 17:49 Leaders should slow down and focus on listening to others 23:15 Lead with fairness, honesty, and hard work 27:04 Just do it; success often follows overcoming initial fear and loneliness. 27:53 Choosing a business partner requires complementary skills to ensure success and avoid conflicts. 32:10 Personalised handwritten notes stand out and are valued over generic emails. Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs: Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Pete Gillett: Pete Gillett is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and industry leader with over four decades of experience in database marketing and CRM. He is the CEO and founder of Zuant, a pioneering company launched in 2007 that specialises in CRM applications for mobile devices. Under Pete’s visionary leadership, Zuant has become a leading provider of tools that enable businesses to capture, manage, and analyze customer data in real-time, enhancing marketing communications and sales performance. In addition to his role at Zuant, Pete is also the Managing Director of Marketpoint Global. Since 1982, Marketpoint has been delivering powerful, data-driven marketing solutions designed to maximize sales and marketing performance for clients across various industries. Pete’s work at Marketpoint reflects his commitment to innovation and his straightforward approach to achieving optimal results.
Mar 11, 2025 · 31 min
S02, Ep 03: Championing Health & Nutrition with Holly Thallon Steenson
Curious about the secrets behind a thriving family business in the world of vitamins and supplements? Amanda Downs sits down with Holly Thallon Steenson, the Managing Director at Viridian Nutrition, the UK’s leading brand in pure vitamins and supplements. Holly shares her unique journey from event management to stepping into her family's business, emphasising the importance of values, curiosity, and championing causes that matter. This episode offers invaluable sales insights and motivational advice. Join us and learn how to cultivate purpose, passion, and success in your business journey! Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:56 Transitioning to a family business 10:30 Team communication during times of change 14:54 Overcoming self-doubt with mentorship 19:48 Cultivating a connected company culture 24:31 Leadership and family in business Join us each month between March and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership: Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Holly Thannon Steenson: Holly has grown up in the natural products industry and carved out her own career in business and events management, before following in the footsteps of her mother and Viridian Nutrition Founder and Co-owner Cheryl Thallon into the ethical vitamin company. With her hands-on approach to retail and technology, and enthusiasm for the specialist natural products sector, Holly is making her own mark at Viridian. She regularly gives presentations and industry insights into good practice to support and enhance specialist health retail offering. Holly’s values and beliefs are firmly rooted in sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical health solutions, which form the Viridian mission. Her fresh approach enables her to connect with the current wave of ethically conscious shoppers. In 2024, on the company’s 25th anniversary, Holly stepped into the role of second generation managing director, continuing the Viridian mission of nourishing health and happiness for everyone via the specialist independent food stores.
Feb 11, 2025 · 36 min
S02 Ep 01: The Organic Leadership Journey of Os Quiros
Unlock the secrets of sales leadership with Os Quiros, a sales visionary who transformed his career from selling shoes in his school holidays to becoming the CEO of National Organic Products. In this episode your host Amanda Downs sits down with Os to talk about his remarkable journey, exploring the wisdom and strategies he gathered along the way. From his early steps in sales at Colgate-Palmolive to reshaping team dynamics at Kerry Foods, Os's experiences offer insights to any sales leader aspiring to inspire and drive success. Join us for a conversation filled with lessons on leadership, culture transformation, and personal growth! Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Os' sales leadership journey 07:23 Sales strategy challenges and evolution 14:29 Empowering team responsibility and growth 19:15 Relying on the team around you 24:23 Values and principles for effective leadership 30:23 Personal development and reflections 33:45 Os' sales leaders' secrets Join us each month between February and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Os Quiros: Os is an experienced FMCG leader with over 28 years in the Drinks, Food, and Health & Beauty industries. As CEO of National Organic 160 Products, he is focused on driving the expansion of the Bunalun brand across the UK and Europe, looking to make organic food more accessible while ensuring consumers can enjoy high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious organic meals. Before leading National Organic 160 Products, Os held senior leadership roles in Ireland at Kerry Group and Pilgrim’s Food Masters, navigating the fast-paced world of Meats & Dairy while building high-performing teams and delivering consistent growth for some iconic food brands like Dairygold, Denny and Cheestrings. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and talent development, Os has completed executive programs at Columbia and Berkeley universities, strengthening his strategic and change management expertise Connect with Os:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oswaldo-quiros-mba-67119924/
Jan 21, 2025 · 34 min
Ep 12: The most famous shop in the world with Anna Moir - Deputy Retail Director for Harrods
What are the secrets behind running one of the world’s most iconic department stores? Amanda sits down with Anna Moir, the Deputy Retail Director at Harrods, who shares her extensive knowledge gleaned from three decades in the industry. From core leadership qualities to harnessing talent during peak times, and the importance of authentic leadership, Anna provides invaluable advice for aspiring retail leaders. Tune in to uncover the intricacies of retail management, especially during peak times and learn what it takes to thrive in such a dynamic environment. Join us for an episode rich in wisdom, practical tips, and inspirational advice Here are the Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:12 Dream job: Leading Harrods' iconic food hall. 08:09 Strategically position talent for success during peak season. 11:20 Leading COVID at John Lewis was transformative. 13:54 Hybrid work model allows remote and on-site work, balancing safety and connectivity. 18:55 Discombobulated? Use internal guardrails and collaborate. 21:09 Build relationships, invest in your team, and trust intuition. 25:28 Supportive managers gave me opportunities, encouragement, and belief. 31:39 Stay attentive to your team's subtle cues. About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Anna Moir: Let me introduce myself as Anna Moir, currently loving the last two years as Deputy Retail Director at Harrods. I am lucky as Retail has afforded me a fantastic career, where I have lead shops for most days of my 30 years in Retail. In fact having worked for House of Fraser, Selfridges, Waitrose & John Lewis, I have always fulfilled both operational roles in central functions and roles at the sharp end in shops. I would describe myself as an authentic leader and stand by this approach to achieve the best outcomes, enabling me to lead with energy, integrity & resilience during my many roles and challenges. I am also proud to feel genuine joy from leading teams, who achieve great things together. I am committed to operational excellence and thrive with cross functional working and foster great stakeholder relationships. I still enjoy the customer centricity of my roles and ensuring every decision I make has the customer needs at the forefront. Role modelling personal & organisational values is a non-negotiable for me and I have been driven to be an inspiration for my two children, along-side the people I lead. When I am not in the shop, I enjoy the company of good friends, travelling for experiences and enjoying live music as the perfect antidote, for the pressures of a demanding role.
Jan 7, 2025 · 30 min
Ep 11: Unfreezing Potential with Shaun Smith - General Manager UK & Ireland at Birds Eye Foods
Unlock the secrets to becoming an extraordinary sales leader with insights from Shaun Smith, General Manager at Birds Eye UK and Ireland. Hosted by Amanda Downs, we're getting into the essence of mastering sales and leadership basics, the necessity of relentless improvement, and the unrivalled value of passion and authenticity in your professional journey. Shaun shares his 20+ years of expertise, stories of significant career milestones, and his heartfelt advice on leadership, customer relations, and creating a lasting positive legacy. Here are the Highlights: 05:53 Understanding business end-to-end on tight margins. 11:57 Competitors and change drive innovation and adaptability. 14:46 Coaches and mentors significantly influenced Shaun's leadership. 18:29 Authenticity improves success in larger organisations. 22:32 How Shaun's grandfather's advice influenced him. 24:56 Master the basics and take true accountability. 27:12 Sell passionately, work hard, lead purposefully, and inspire growth. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Shaun Smith: Shaun has over 20 years of FMCG experience having worked in numerous commercial roles on some of the UK & Ire’s most loved and recognisable brands including Waburtons, Lurpak, Cravendale, Aunt Bessies and more recently Birdseye and Goodfella’s Pizzas. Today he leads the Birdseye UK & Ire commercial business as their General Manager. He is a people-centric leader who relishes leading teams to realise their potential by working collaboratively and cross-functionally with customers to grow both for categories and brands. Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Dec 17, 2024 · 32 min
Ep 10: Community Connection with Charly Andrews
How can a leadership philosophy centred around kindness, integrity, and genuine care make you a pioneer? Amanda Downs sits down with Charly Andrews, a revolutionary leader who turned a stadium into a hub of community resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. From transforming locations to orchestrating unforgettable events and concerts, Charly shares her unique insights on building meaningful relationships, leading with kindness, and thriving through challenges. Tune in to discover how mastering the art of empathy and authenticity can skyrocket your success in sales and leadership. Here are the Highlights: 06:26 How Charly managed sales during the pandemic. 11:20 Choosing artists based on audience spending habits. 15:21 Establishing permanent showgrounds for annual events. 17:51 Charly's passion for making a difference through smiles. 21:53 Trust and empower your team for success. 23:25 Unkind leadership teaches the importance of kindness and support. 27:24 Authenticity builds trust in sales and leadership. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Charly Andrews: Head of Commercial Sales at the Bath and West Showground, Charly Andrews is a passionate leader, with a strong desire to not only excel, but also inspire others to do so. Winner of the miaList Individual of the Year 2023, Charly focuses on excellent revenue results paired with the wellbeing of others, where a real passion for breaking the mental health stigma really shines through. From being called ‘too emotional’ to battling her own mental health struggles, Charly is proving that there is strength in vulnerability. Connect with Charly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlyandrews/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Dec 3, 2024 · 31 min
Ep 09: Harvesting New Heights with Jon Cummings
Join us as we explore the business of vertical farming. Amanda sits down with Jon Cummings - a seasoned leader who has seamlessly navigated between retail buying and supply chain management. He brings a wealth of experience to the ever-evolving world of vertical farming. Sharing stories from his time in the meat industry, his strategic moves across major players like Kerry Foods and Morrisons, and his latest venture as the Commercial Director of Fisher Farms. Tune in to discover the secrets behind his success, as he reveals the art of cross-functional collaboration, the nuances of leading diverse teams, and the revolutionary potential of vertical farming. Here are the Highlights: 05:35 How working at Asda shaped my business perspective. 09:19 Kerry Foods excels in cross-functional collaboration. 11:19 Managing brands vs. own label contracts differ. 19:40 New job, same pattern. 20:26 Working at an innovative agri tech startup. 24:11 Impostor syndrome when changing jobs. 27:43 Understanding diverse skills and building complementary teams. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Jon Cummings: James joined NESI in 2022, bringing over 17 years of extensive experience in FMCG. With a background in commercial and marketing roles across retail, online, food service, and horeca channels, he has a profound understanding of consumer dynamics. Focused on consumer-centric strategies, James is dedicated to leading and developing high-performing teams. He is passionate about fostering engagement throughout the organisation to drive optimal outcomes for NESI, our customer partners, and our teams. He holds an MBA from Alliance Business School, further enriching his strategic capabilities and leadership acumen. Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Nov 19, 2024 · 37 min
Ep 08: Leading the Brand Story with Sue McVie
Uncover the secrets behind successful commercial strategies and powerful storytelling to boost your sales. Amanda chats to Sue McVie about her extensive career - from her initial field sales role at McVitie's to becoming a visionary trade marketing director at Walkers and beyond. Tune in to learn how Sue blends extroverted energy with introverted reflection, combats imposter syndrome with data, and emphasises the transformative power of storytelling in sales. Here are the Highlights: 04:07 Transitioning to leadership: understanding diverse leadership styles. 09:37 Learning leadership on the job through authenticity. 13:19 Coping with self-doubt through data and reflection. 23:52 Engaging consumers with aspirational branding. 28:15 Lead with vision and provide a clear strategic framework. 31:49 Empowerment and confidence stem from supportive leadership. 34:46 Trained, diverse teams in effective storytelling techniques. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Sue McVie: Sue is a purpose-led growth leader with a passion for unlocking the potential in both people and ideas. She has worked in a range of commercial, marketing and general management leadership roles for leading UK businesses including United Biscuits, Coca Cola, Pepsico, Vodafone & Kerry Foods. Latterly Sue was the MD for Pilgrim’s UK branded business, leading a £250m portfolio of well-known brands including Richmond and Fridge Raiders in addition to a portfolio of SME businesses - Rollover and Oakhouse Foods. Most recently Sue has taken up the role of Group MD for The Ignite Group, a portfolio of performance marketing agencies that help clients expand their customer base to drive sales.
Nov 5, 2024 · 28 min
Ep 07: Navigating the Sales Leadership Journey with James Guy
We are exploring the highs and lows of sales leadership in this episode of Sales Leader Secrets. Amanda Downs welcomes James Guy, the Group Commercial Director for New England Seafood, who shares his remarkable transition from archaeology to leading some of the UK's most prominent brands. James shares his unique insights, hard-earned lessons, and transformative strategies that have propelled him to the forefront of the sales industry. Whether you're steering a sales team or aspiring to new heights in your career, listen to gain insight from James’s sales leadership journey. Here are the Highlights: 01:15 From management and cross-functional roles. 04:01 Cohesion, strategy, structures and processes. 12:54 Managing major supply-demand challenges through teamwork. 15:32 Prioritising consumer engagement. 18:34 Developing a commercial academy enhances teamwork and engagement. 23:02 Life is a continuous learning and evolving journey. 27:35 Know yourself deeply, dream big and understand others. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series “Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About James Guy: James joined NESI in 2022, bringing over 17 years of extensive experience in FMCG. With a background in commercial and marketing roles across retail, online, food service, and horeca channels, he has a profound understanding of consumer dynamics. Focused on consumer-centric strategies, James is dedicated to leading and developing high-performing teams. He is passionate about fostering engagement throughout the organisation to drive optimal outcomes for NESI, our customer partners, and our teams. He holds an MBA from Alliance Business School, further enriching his strategic capabilities and leadership acumen. Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-guy-34739325/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Oct 22, 2024 · 28 min
Ep 06: Building Brilliant Sales Teams with Clare Bocking
Unlock the secrets of sales success with powerhouse Clare Bocking. From her early days selling household names like Uncle Ben’s, Dolmio, Pepsi, and Robinsons, to leading a commercial team of over 80 people, Clare has navigated the intricate world of sales with expertise and charisma. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Clare to learn about her journey, insights, and the transformative power of authentic leadership and building a great sales team. Here are the Highlights: 00:45 Performing arts laid the foundation for sales success. 05:26 Managing stock and influencing depot managers was essential. 06:57 Leadership requires explanation and adaptation. 10:10 Align roles to individuals' strengths for success. 15:07 Confidence is crucial for working mothers' success. 17:00 Flexible working increases job opportunities for women. 20:08 Basic foundational skills are increasingly undervalued. 23:00 Human connection balances productivity and creativity. 26:20 Inspire, support, enable brilliance, collective success. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series "Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Clare Bocking: Clare is a high-impact leadership consultant, passionate about accelerating performance, organisational productivity, growth and profit through people, culture and talent development. Having worked as a senior executive in the Grocery FMCG industry all her corporate career, Clare is now a commercial capability expert, executive coach and NED. She supports Aston University Business School, is a fractional CCO for small enterprises and as Chair of Women in Wholesale, is a champion for industry diversity. Connect with Clare:https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-bocking-a176793/ Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
Oct 8, 2024 · 33 min
Ep 05: Leading Sales Teams through Uncertain Times with Ian Garrett
From working the supply chain to becoming a formidable leader in sales - Ian Garrett, Category Commercial Director at Samworth Brothers, joins our host Amanda Downs to share his journey. They explore the shifting dynamics of the retail industry, and particularly how Brexit, COVID, and the cost of living crisis are reshaping the landscape. Ian sheds light on the frequent price movements and the necessity to adapt to ever-changing shopper habits. Join them as they discuss how to manage teams amidst cost increases, emphasising the importance of building resilience, maintaining morale, and adapting to the shift toward remote work and virtual customer engagements. Here are the Highlights: 01:31 Transitioned from a customer-facing role and found sales passion. 05:48 How do we get the best out of people? 10:02 Diverse experiences in sales: exhilarating yet challenging. 17:04 Effective leadership through communication, process, and support. 21:44 Shift to engaging with customers, and managing remotely. 24:34 Impact through listening, learning, and engaging genuinely. 28:04 Authenticity, passion, and support drive team success. 29:56 Don’t take power away from the sales team. Build trust, and communication. About Ian Garrett After spending his formative career years in Telecoms, Ian moved into the world of FMCG working for major global food manufacturers in senior leadership & executive roles across Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial & General Management. From a Commercial perspective Ian has covered Brand, Private Label, Chilled & Frozen foods, and most Retailers and Channels in the GB market. Connect with Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-garrett-6658b632/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ Produced by Winter Audio.
Sep 24, 2024 · 30 min
Ep 04: "Coming Clean in the Sales Kitchen", with Cara Williams, Sales Director for Hobart UK.
What are the mechanics of successful sales leadership? Amanda sits with Cara Williams, Sales Director for Hobart UK, to explore the residual impacts of COVID on the sales industry, the art of managing customer expectations, and the pivotal role of clear communication in building high-performing teams. Cara brings a wealth of experience from her broad career with major brands, offering invaluable advice for aspiring sales leaders and sharing her journey of authenticity, empathy, and strategic leadership. Tune in as we uncover the secrets of thriving in the competitive world of sales with insights that are as practical as they are inspiring. Here are the Highlights: 04:41 Thick skin, quick responses, no-nonsense approach. 06:39 Leading, understanding, and developing diverse teams. 11:12 Imposter syndrome hits hard in technical industries. 18:33 Balancing team consistency and external perceptions challenges. 20:15 Empathetic leaders focus on positivity and understanding. 25:21 Importance of a strong, supportive network and allies. Join us each month between September and January for the Uspire webinar series Build Your Commercial Leadership” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you lead your team to sustainable revenue growth. Register here https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/uspire-discover-build-your-commercial-leadership/ About Amanda Downs Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition. She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book. Connect with Amanda: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/ About The Uspire Partnership Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change. Connect with Uspire: Website: theuspiregroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/ About Cara Williams: Cara Williams, Sales Director at Hobart Equipment UK&I. A seasoned sales leader, who puts relationships and understanding the needs of people at the centre of her professional DNA. Her sales career started off in car rental, before spending most of it working for large blue chip FMCG food and drinks manufacturers, most recently moving in the world of commercial kitchen equipment. Cara’s sales approach focuses on finding the right solution for her customers that works for both businesses through collaborative ways of working. E,D&I, supporting, and creating opportunities for others is a core value that Cara is deeply passionate about and something she proactively supports via employee resource groups, mentoring, and allyship. Connect with Cara: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-williams-98630143/ Produced by Winter Audio.