Evolve to Succeed

Summary On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Declan O'Toole shares his remarkable journey from marine biology to building a successful catering business, Forerunner Catering. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from Meals on Wheels to providing school meals, the importance of cash flow management, and the lessons learned from navigating public sector contracts.  Declan reflects on the decision to exit the business, the sale process, and life after exit, emphasising the need for resilience and the fulfillment found in the entrepreneurial journey.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Define "Enough" Early: Declan covers what “enough” was in his life. He applied the 4% rule to plan his exit and financial future. Public Sector Contracts Can Be Goldmines: Declan talks about public sector contracts and how they can be stable and profitable when executed well. Systems and Process Create True Business Ownership: A business that can run without the owner is a real business. Declan emphasises how important it was for his catering company to be people-independent and systems-led. Cashflow is Everything: Declan emphasises that cashflow forecasting is a non-negotiable practice. Exit Requires Strategy, Not Spontaneity: Declan discusses his exit from the business by tightening operations, ensuring clean books, and building scalability before stepping away. Legacy Over Maximum Payout: Declan talks about choosing the right buyer, by assessing their values and ability to take care of his team and legacy. Soundbites “The bit that’s really good about generating wealth is not having the wealth. It’s the journey from not having it to getting there.”   “You only own a business if it can run without you for three to six months.”   “Cashflow, cashflow, cashflow. There’s nothing else. That’s priority one.”   “Once you get public sector contracts, just don’t f* up.”   “You’ve got to have grit. Everyone I know who’s made it has been through some deep, deep s*.”   “I’m great at building systems. I’m absolutely crap at doing them.”   “Success is waking up looking forward to the day and being happy with what you’ve achieved so far.”   “I’d be a corporate muppet if I hadn’t read Rich Dad Poor Dad.” Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Declan O'Toole 01:20 From Marine Biology to Catering Business 05:00 Transitioning from Meals on Wheels to School Meals 10:00 Challenges of Rapid Growth and Cash Flow Management 15:00 Navigating Public Sector Contracts 20:48 The Importance of Relationships in Business 27:47 Lessons Learned from the Public Sector 32:54 Deciding to Exit the Business 38:28 The Sale Process and Finding the Right Buyer 47:38 Life After Exit

Dave and Alicia Store, co-founders of DSNM, join the Evolve to Succeed podcast to trace their 25-year journey from a one-man, paper-based chart-correction service to an award-winning super-yacht-navigation technology company with 27 employees and 620 vessels under subscription. Dave candidly recounts the scrappy early years - dot-matrix printers, Pritt Stick, and fax machines - while Alicia explains how joining the firm (initially to cover maternity leave) professionalised its finances, people processes and long-term vision.   The couple unpack the pivotal moments that reshaped the business: realising captains would pay for a fully managed service; raising prices to signal quality; surviving the 2008 crash, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine shock; and, most dramatically, self-funding and launching their proprietary software, Compass. Their complementary personalities - Dave the risk-taking visionary, Alicia the detail-driven operator - emerge as the engine behind DSNM’s culture of obsessive customer service and constant product iteration.   They also share the realities of running a high-pressure, family-run company in a glamorous, yet unforgiving industry. Topics range from work-life integration with their young son Louis, to tight recruitment standards, to the pride (and responsibility) of winning two Queen’s Awards and employing a close-knit team.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…   * Find a pain-killer, not a vitamin. Early success came from doing the tedious chart-correction work crews hated. * Price can signal value. Raising rates—rather than undercutting incumbents—attracted more super-yacht clients. * Service DNA first, tech layer next. DSNM’s core white-glove support never changed; software (Compass) scaled it. * Complementary co-founders matter. Visionary risk (Dave) + operational diligence (Alicia) created balanced growth. * Crisis = clarity. COVID and the Ukraine conflict forced the team to reassess purpose, costs and future bets. * Culture of “no passengers.” Every hire must be a self-starting problem-solver; weak links show instantly in a small team. * Bootstrapping builds resilience. Funding software internally preserved speed and ownership—crucial in a niche market. * Work-life “blend” beats balance. Shared purpose, clear role boundaries, and intentional family time keep burnout at bay.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to DSNM and Its Founders 06:50 The Evolution of Services and Software Development 12:04 Navigating Business Challenges and Financial Lessons 20:39 Balancing Growth with Company Culture 30:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy 38:18 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth 42:50 Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance 48:53 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts

In this captivating episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, host Warren Munson reconnects with returning guests Julie and Sally, fresh from their epic adventure of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. After 59 grueling days at sea, the team successfully completed their journey from La Gomera to Antigua aboard the Ebb & Flow. Julie and Sally share vivid tales of their extreme challenge, from breathtaking wildlife encounters to the relentless mental and physical tests they faced. This episode is a moving testament to courage, camaraderie, and the power of human determination. Tune in and be inspired!   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Triumphant Arrival: The powerful emotions of crossing the finish line to a cheering crowd and reuniting with loved ones. Surprises & Challenges: Navigating unexpected battery issues, hand steering for hours, and battling huge storms. Life at Sea: Their daily routines, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and how they coped with the isolation and vastness of the ocean. Wildlife Wonders: Magical moments with whales, playful dolphins, and even a curious marlin! Team Dynamics: Insights into working as a team of three, including how they supported one another during tough times. Mind Over Matter: The mental strength and resilience it took to row day after day, and how they now see challenges in everyday life differently. Personal Growth: Reflections on how this experience changed their perspectives and their lives.   Chapters 00:00 - The Journey Begins: Crossing the Atlantic 06:02 - Surprises and Challenges at Sea 10:13 - Daily Life on the Ocean 14:39 - Overcoming Fears and Isolation 20:02 - Mental Resilience and Personal Growth 28:31 - Highlights and Pinnacle Moments 29:07 - Surfing the Waves of Adventure 30:08 - Wild Encounters: Whales and Wildlife 31:13 - The Thrill of the Ocean: Sounds and Sights 32:10 - Team Dynamics: Bonding Through Challenges 33:42 - Resilience and Problem Solving at Sea 39:00 - Physical Challenges and Recovery 43:14 - Adjusting to Life After the Ocean 46:35 - Future Adventures: What's Next?

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Emma Burke, co-founder of Laceeze, shares her entrepreneurial journey from the inception of her innovative shoelace solution, to her recent experience on Dragon's Den.    Emma discusses the challenges and successes of developing her product, transitioning to a full-time commitment, and the importance of marketing strategies and brand ambassadors in driving growth.    Emma shares her journey on Dragon's Den, the challenges and opportunities that arose from her appearance, and how it impacted her brand. She discusses the intense experience of pitching, the immediate spike in brand awareness following the show, and the subsequent growth and challenges in her business.   This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… Transitioning from a side project to a full-time business. Product development. Brand ambassador programs. Utilising platforms like Amazon. Emma’s Dragon's Den experience. Understanding your audience. Building a brand community. Utilising freelancers. New marketing platforms like TikTok. Balancing personal life with business.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Laceeze 03:13 From Concept to Product 05:46 Transitioning to Full-Time 08:48 Product Development and Expansion 12:05 Marketing Strategies and Brand Growth 15:10 Funding and Financial Growth 17:47 The Dragon's Den Experience 21:07 Preparing for the Pitch 27:56 The Intensity of Pitching on Dragon's Den 30:58 The Impact of Dragon's Den on Brand Awareness 34:45 Post-Show Opportunities and Challenges 39:34 Embracing New Marketing Trends 41:02 Personal Reflections 46:28 Balancing Business with Personal Life 48:27 Defining Personal Success

On the 250th episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, shares insights into the legacy of the family-owned brewery and pub company, which has been in operation since 1777.  He discusses the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a family business over generations, the importance of reinvestment in the company and community, and the balance between tradition and innovation in the hospitality sector.  Anthony emphasises the need for educating future generations about the business's values and the impact of structural changes in the industry.  Anthony discusses the evolution of pub culture, emphasising the changing demographics of pub-goers. He also addresses the significance of succession planning in family businesses, sharing insights on legacy and the need for a forward-looking mindset.    This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers… The importance of being a custodian of the family business. How reinvestment leads to longevity. Community impact over shareholder profits. Educating the next generation. Balancing tradition with innovation. Headwinds in the hospitality sector. Changes in pub culture and demographics. Moral decisions leading to better commercial outcomes. Trusting the next generation. Engagement with the community.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hall & Woodhouse 02:56 Custodians of a Legacy 05:58 Longevity in Family Businesses 09:04 Reinvestment and Community Impact 11:56 Educating Future Generations 15:13 Balancing Tradition with Innovation 18:13 Headwinds in the Hospitality Sector 26:10 Pub Culture and Gender Dynamics 31:27 The Brewing Legacy 36:15 Succession Planning 39:18 Mindset Shift 46:08 Personal Definition of Success