The Octopus Of Enterprise: Recent Episodes
NTU Enterprise
Welcome to The Octopus Of Enterprise!
Brought to you by NTU Enterprise, covering a wide range of topics in the world of business and enterprise. We’ll be debating what an entrepreneur looks like, exploring stages of funding and finance for all kinds of enterprises, discussing how to develop and maintain a positive mindset in business and much, much more!
Whether you are already running a business, just starting one or at the ideas stage and want to know more about next steps, this is the podcast for you!
Join Diana, as she explores yet another way we can 'strengthen' our business – Playing To Your Strengths.
In todays episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Sue Langley all about how knowing your strengths profile can help develop and improve the inner-workings of your business.
Join Diana, as she explores yet another way we can make our business better – Artificial Intelligence.
In todays episode we showcase the different types, ethical considerations and benefits behind using AI to support and grow your business.
Join Diana as she explores yet another way we can make our business better – (Re)discovering Your Why
In todays episode we showcase the importance of discovering and or rediscovering your WHY - why after maybe experiencing every hurdle in the book an entrepreneur continues (and should continue) to drive them and their business forward.
Join Diana, Angela and Rob, as they explore another way we can better our business – celebrating our differences.
No two enterprises or entrepreneurial journeys are the same - and why should they? In todays episode we explore the limitless possibilities a neurodiverse mind can bring to an enterprise as just one example of celebrating difference in business.
Ever looked at your business from the outside in? Join Diana as she takes her very own ‘red pill’; discussing and dissecting how to do business better with Martin Lackéus (Entrepreneur and Researcher at Chalmers University).
Another episode all about how we can do business better ... this time through the exploration of balance! Join Diana as she discusses all things harmony and culture with Oge Okosieme.
It's the first episode of many where we'll be exploring the endless and ever-so wonderful ways we can better our businesses. Join Diana as she chats with Jim Shirley (Funding Hero) all about fundraising and investment as just one way a business can give or receive a helping hand.
And we're back! This year we'll be exploring the endless and ever-so wonderful ways we can do better business. Join Diana and she chats with Emma Henry (PA and Project Manger at NTU Enterprise) as they introduce this years theme for all upcoming episodes, as well as letting you know all the different ways we at NTU Enterprise are also doing better business; from our memberships to our student enterprise offer.
So what are you wanting for? Press play and find out how you can do better business!
Are you a pro when it come to productivity?
Join Diana as she chats with Grace Marshall (Author and Productivity Ninja) all about the unexpected cause of productivity and the different sessions (inc. Inbox Zero) Think Productive provide to help you with your productivity.
Are you a data enthusiast or a data hater?
Join Diana as she chats with Stefan Loncar (Loncom Consulting) and Nick Cuthbert (NED for Type Nine, Art of Football and many more!) all things data - why it’s important and how it can help us improve our business.
Have you applied for a Year In Enterprise Placement?
Join Diana as she chats with Meredith Adams (Meredith Cerys) and Ben Stuchbury (Intertwined) all about a Year In Enterprise.
Applications for NTU Enterprise’s Student Year In Enterprise Placement are open until the 31st of May 2023. Find out more by clicking the link below. https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/enterprise/student-enterprise/placements
Does a diverse group mean an inclusive one?
Join Diana as she chats with Nzinga Orgill MBE and Helen Norbury about the importance of inclusion when talking not only about innovation but future-proofing your business.
Considering entering the world of enterprise?
Join Diana for a very special LIVE episode! Hear from Stephan Hayward (Framework Design), Debbie Simon (Simonsays Franchise) and Meredith Adams (Meredith Cerys) and get their takes on networking, the importance of failing, as well as the necessary skills and steps you may need in order to succeed in business.
Join Diana as she chats with Manjit Rana (Co-Founder and CEO of InsurTech) and Mark Budd (Head of Innovation at Zurich) all about the vast and crucial role insurance can play when innovating in business.
Do you need to collaborate in order to innovate?
Join Diana as she chats with Jo Hunter (64 Million Artists) and Dr Sophie Frost (Consultant, Researcher, Podcaster and Writer) all about the importance and need for collaboration when innovating in business.
Do you have a business idea you’ve been meaning to get around to?
Join Diana as she speaks to Robbie Swale (Coach, Author and Creator of ‘The 12 Minute Method’) all about making that dreaded start on a great idea. Listen in on their discussion on not only the fear of making a start, but also the fear of success. And if that wasn't enough, you will also be able to find out more about how to apply ‘The 12 Minute Method’ to your business, as well as the importance of seeking the right support and help for your enterprise.
Speaking of … If you’re starting, growing or scaling your business and need support - come and speak to NTU Enterprise by clicking here.
What did you get up to in 2022?
The Octopus Of Enterprise is breaking up for Christmas - but don’t worry we’ll be back with even more entrepreneurial and enterprising episodes in 2023! ✨
Ever wondered what we mean by family business?
Join Diana as she chats with Nick Linney (Chair of Linney) and Matt Allen (Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at Babson College) all about the joys, trials and tribulation of family business.
Have you started financially planning for yours and your businesses future?
Join Diana, as she discusses the ‘life-cycle’ of finance with charted financial planner, Leckie Presley (Leckie Presley Financial Consultancy).
Link to the Fight the Fear: Facing your Finances session, happening on the 28th of November 2022 @10AM.
Has fear ever stopped you from starting your own business?
Join Diana, as she chats with Lindsay Bray (FUEL) and Richard Ladipo (NTU Enterprise Advisor) about all thing potentially frightful about business.
If you would like to find out more about how NTU Enterprise could help you further your business ambitions, please contact enterprise@ntu.ac.uk.
Links to the 'Fight the Fear' sessions: Fight the Fear: Facing your Finances and/or Fight the Fear: Lets get Legal
What's your ideal 'space' for innovation?
Join Diana as she speaks to Stephen Dobson (University of Leeds) and Sophie Cavanagh (PwC) about the different kinds of spaces, both physical and intangible, a person can access or utilise as part of their innovative process.
We’re back! After taking a break over the summer, Diana is here with another fun-filled and factual episode of The Octopus Of Enterprise!
Starting with the ultimate question of whether or not a four-day working week could be successfully applied to your business?
Join Diana as she chats with Dan Marrable (448 Studio) and Katie Fudakowski (Farrer & Co.) about the joys, trials and tribulations of implementing a 4-day working week into a business.
Are you looking to get involved in a programme that aims to “create a better, more sustainable world”?
Well look no further! Join Diana as she speaks to members of NTU’s Enactus team Connor Farrell, Yumna Hassan and Devishi Kapoor about their time (so far) taking part in the programme that is Enactus.
If you want to get involved in Enactus, whether that be as a student working on a project or as a business wanting to mentor or sponsor the Enactus programme then please visit enactus.org to find out more!
How do you define and experience innovation in your enterprise?
Join Diana as she speaks to Ashreen Seethal (Innovate UK EDGE) and Becky Valentine (Spenbeck) about female entrepreneurs' perspective of innovation within business.
Ever wondered what goes into starting and running a social enterprise?
Join Diana as she chats with Louise Cooke (Shareware), Anna de la Vega (The Urban Worm) and Peter Ptashko (Cambio) about their paths into social enterprise and how they do business for good.
NTU Enterprise’s special event with social entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn MBE, the power of entrepreneurship to change the world, takes place on Monday 9th May 2022. Click here to find out more!
Do you have an office pet as part of your business?
Join Diana as she gets together with Charlotte Corner (Crunch Corner) and Katrina Starkie (Dryden Enterprise Centre) to discuss the the joys, trials and tribulations of having and integrating a pet into your business and a non-remote office.
Can you have success without failure?
Join Diana as she speaks to Hannah Roberts (Hannah Roberts Coaching) and Martin Sandhu (nuom) about the importance of experiencing failure within business.
Does your business ‘spark joy’?
Join Diana as she chats to Debbie Clarke (debbiedooodah) and Sheryl Andrews (Step by Step Listening) about the joy of business; debating where it comes from and how to keep it in your day-to-day entrepreneurial life.
When is it and when is it not a ‘leader’s’ business?
Join Diana, as she catches up with Barbara Armstrong OBE (Three P Business Development) and Megan Powell Vreeswijk (NTU Enterprise); discussing what it really means to be a successful and respected leader in business. Spoiler Alert! It has a lot to do with trust and developing yourself and your team.
Branding and Marketing – What's the difference, and which one comes first?
Join Diana as she speaks to Emma Glover (Victress) and Al Squires (Just BS) as they discuss the role of marketing and branding within businesses.
We all know the saying, but have you applied it to your business?
Join Diana as she chats with Charlie Ball (Senior Consultant/"Data Monkey", Jisc), John Starkie (Freelance Video Editor, editeasy) and Ursula Kelly (Ursula Kelly Photography and Personal Branding Coach) about making New Year’s Resolutions in business, discussing the different forms a resolution can take, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of setting goals and targets for your enterprise.
What's on your Christmas list this year?
Join Diana as she catches up with Deshaun Hancock and Caitlin Craven-McCoo; discussing The Octopus Of Enterprise's top 8 sustainable gift suggestions for 2021! From a Woodwatch to a Scratch Map of the UK, The Octopus of Enterprise is here to help with all your gifting needs this festive period. We wish you all both a (hopefully) snowy and sustainable Christmas.
The Octopus Of Enterprise will be back in the new year, but until then - that’s a ‘wrap’ for 2021!
Do you prefer remote or office working?
Join Diana as she has a one-to-one discussion with Adam Bird (Cronofy) about the uses of office spaces pre- and post-pandemic; chatting not only about the differences, but advantages and disadvantages of remote and office working. Exploring what the future might look like for office spaces post-pandemic.
Does creativity ‘suit’ business?
Join Diana as she catches up with fellow creatives Debbie Bryan (Debbie Bryan) and David Parrish (T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity); discussing the identity of a creative entrepreneur and exploring some of the sectors within the cultural and creative industries.
To find out more about the ingredients for business innovation click here
Ever had something not go to plan?
Join Diana as she makes the most out of an unplanned situation - seeing a postponement of our podcast recording as a great opportunity to ask you, the listener, for your opinions on The Octopus Of Enterprise. Tell us your thoughts and feelings about the podcast, what you like, what you don’t like, and what you want more of in the future.
The easiest way to do this is fill out our online form.
Or you can contact us @NTU Enterprise (Twitter and LinkedIn) or by emailing us at enterprise@ntu.ac.uk. We’d love to hear from you!
Call yourself an entrepreneur?
Join Diana as she chats with Alison Grade (Freelance Bible), Gareth Jones (Town Square) and Jane Brown (NTU Enterprise Advisor) debating the identity of an entrepreneur. They discuss a more universal definition of the label, looking at skills and attributes and the benefits of entrepreneurial thinking. After listening you might just realise you are an entrepreneur!
Ever heard the saying ‘nothing personal, just business’?
Well, this episode is here to tell you otherwise!
Join Diana and guests Rob Pittam (Robin Hood Media), Lisa Newport (Lisa Newport Style and President Professional Speaking Association EM) and James Barry (RD Content) as they discuss the technique of storytelling in business; exploring not only the power behind a good story, but why and how enterprises should and can incorporate storytelling in their businesses. Spoiler Alert! In the end they all recommend making your business nothing but personal through the art of storytelling.
You’ve worked your way up the steps of funding and finance – what's next for you and your business? Are you looking for investment to grow?
Join Diana as she catches up with Jenny Tooth OBE (UK Business Angels), Josh Winfield (NatWest) and Kiran Mehta (Mercia Asset Management), discussing all things investment. From the different types of investments available for businesses, to the different kinds of businesses investors are actually interested in investing in. Find out now how you can get your business investment ready!
If you want to know about first steps to funding and finance – check out episode '001: Stepping into Business’
Are mentors the secret to moving your business forward?
Join Diana as she chats with Bertie Cordingly (BertieCord), Georgina Fairhall (WAC) and Victoria Prince (Touchpoints Marketing), all about the role and relationship of a mentor and mentee in business. Along the way touching on topics such as, the chain-reaction of mentoring, finding the right mentor for your business, and whether or not there is such a thing as asking a 'stupid' question when developing your enterprise.
Does your business wear a badge of honour?
Join Diana and guests Charlotte Raffo (Monkey Puzzle Tree), Mike Turner (Bird and Blend Tea Co.) and Adrian Williams (Enterprise Advisor), debating the role of badges and pledges in business; discovering the real reasons why entrepreneurs might choose to accredit their companies and/or products.
Is this the age of women in enterprise?
Join Diana as she chats with Jayne Mayled (True Story/White Hot), Jyoti Chadda (My Wellness Company), Sarah Maloy (Shop Zero) and Claire Bale (Oo! That’s a bit Racey!) discussing the ages and stages of women thriving in the world of business!
How can taking care of yourself, mean taking care of your business?
Join Diana as she gets together with Andy Cope (Art of Brilliance), Pam Burrows (People Booster), Dominika Rekas (Rising Issue) and Michelle Briggs (Counselling West Bridgford) as they discuss what it really means to be mindful in business; along the way touching on topics such as, time-management, guilt through comparison, self-love, and whether or not there is such a thing as being too happy!
What's going on in your world?
Join Diana as she speaks to Oli Barrett (‘The Most Connected Person in Britain’) and Fiona Duncan-Steer (RSVIP) about the importance of networking in business. For them making long-lasting connections is all about going back to basics – so that's exactly what we did, chatting all the about the importance of asking simple, curious questions such as ‘what's keeping you busy?’ and ‘truffling for coincidences’ at your next networking event. If you want to discover how to network at your best this is the episode for you!
How do you find funding and finance without facing the Dragons' flames?
Join Diana as she catches up with NTU graduates Sean Ali and Charlotte Bailey (SuperU), Phil Clarke (Enterprise Advisor) and Lewis Stringer (British Business Bank), as they discuss the steps to funding and finance, along the way hearing all about Sean and Charlotte's visit to the Dragons' Den!
Sean and Charlotte got support from NTU Enterprise (formerly known as The Hive) when they were students at NTU. If you're looking for help with your business find out more here https://www.ntu.ac.uk/ntu-enterprise
What does an Octopus have to do with Enterprise?
Join Diana and Megan as they get down to business, talking about all things The Octopus of Enterprise! Revealing the origins of the podcast’s name, introducing what it’s all about and giving you a sneaky peek of what’s to come!