The Power of Patience, Partnerships, and Diversification in Business with Kevin Sharkey

We Started Growing When We Stopped Saying Yes

Welcome to Work Together, Worlds Apart In this episode of Work Together, Worlds Apart, Lee and Mike tackle one of the hardest lessons for business owners to learn: the power of saying no. When you're starting out, every opportunity can feel like a lifeline. But as your business grows, so does the importance of being selective about who you work with, the projects you take on, and where you invest your time and energy. Drawing from their own entrepreneurial journeys, Lee and Mike discuss how their approach has evolved from chasing revenue to building businesses centred around values, expertise, and long-term growth. They explore why not every client is the right fit, how to avoid scope creep, and why focusing on a specific niche can accelerate success. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for qualifying prospects, setting boundaries, and confidently turning down opportunities without damaging relationships. Whether you're struggling to say no, attracting the wrong clients, or trying to position yourself as an expert in your field, this episode is packed with actionable insights. If you want to get in touch or have any questions, please email podcasting@twentytwo.digital to get involved! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Success Without Sacrifice: Systems, Freedom & Redefining What Matters with Jacquie Hale

Welcome to Work Together, Worlds Apart In this episode, entrepreneur, mentor, and business coach Jacquie Hale shares her journey from teaching into building multiple successful businesses—while learning that true success isn’t just about money, but about freedom, fulfilment, and creating a life that actually works for you. Jacquie opens up about the mindset shifts that transformed the way she approaches business, from systemising operations and managing time effectively to letting go of guilt and redefining productivity. She explains why working harder isn’t always the answer, and how creating structure and boundaries can unlock both growth and personal freedom. The conversation also dives into the realities women face in business, including stereotypes, confidence, balancing family priorities, and the pressure to “do it all.” Jacquie shares practical advice on building resilience, using social media authentically, and focusing on value-driven goals rather than chasing numbers for the sake of appearances. With honest insights into setbacks, partnerships, and long-term business growth, this episode is packed with relatable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to build success without sacrificing themselves in the process. To find out more about Jacquie, please head to the below links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiehale/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiehale/] https://www.vectorbusinesscoaching.co.uk/about-jacquie-hale/ [https://www.vectorbusinesscoaching.co.uk/about-jacquie-hale/] If you want to get in touch or have any questions, please email podcasting@twentytwo.digital to get involved! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Wins, Mindset & Mental Wealth

Welcome to Work Together, Worlds Apart In this episode of Work Together, Worlds Apart, Lee and Mike dive into the importance of celebrating success, protecting your mental health, and surrounding yourself with the right people as an entrepreneur. Too often in business, wins are quickly brushed aside as the focus shifts straight onto the next goal. Lee and Mike explore why recognising progress matters, how creating systems around celebration can improve motivation and mindset, and why success feels different when you actually allow yourself to enjoy it. The conversation also shines a light on the realities of mental health in entrepreneurship—from managing stress and navigating emotional highs and lows to the daily habits that help maintain balance. Exercise, hydration, mindset routines, accountability, and strong support networks all play a role in sustaining long-term success. They also discuss the power of building what they call a “mental wealth team” — people who challenge you, support you, teach you, and genuinely want to see you grow. Whether it’s mentors, partners, friends, or communities built through podcasting and connection, the people around you can shape both your business and personal life more than you realise. This episode is an honest reminder that growth isn’t just about working harder—it’s about building the right systems, protecting your mindset, and learning to appreciate the journey along the way. If you want to get in touch or have any questions, please email podcasting@twentytwo.digital to get involved! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Power of Patience, Partnerships, and Diversification in Business with Kevin Sharkey

Welcome to Work Together, Worlds Apart In this episode, Kevin Sharkey opens up about the journey from starting out in accounting at Grant Thornton to building a diverse and successful property business portfolio. It’s an honest conversation about patience, persistence, and learning how to make calculated moves in business without losing sight of the bigger picture. Kevin shares the highs, the setbacks, and the lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset — including the experience of seeing a business enter administration and how that changed the way he approaches risk, partnerships, and long-term growth. The conversation dives deep into property development, diversification, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. From residential and commercial investments to storage and hospitality ventures, Kevin explains why sustainable success often comes from thinking beyond one income stream. There’s also plenty of practical insight for business owners and aspiring investors, covering everything from cash flow management and passive income to trusting your instincts and maintaining balance outside of work. This episode is packed with grounded advice, real business lessons, and a refreshing reminder that success is rarely overnight. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Is Work-Life Balance a Myth or a Skill?

In this honest and relatable episode of Work Together, Worlds Apart, Lee and Mike unpack the reality behind “work-life balance” — and why it’s not the fixed destination many think it is. They dive into the daily push and pull of entrepreneurship, where priorities constantly shift and balance feels more like a moving scale than a steady state. From evolving responsibilities with age and family life to the pressures of growing a business, this conversation shines a light on what it really takes to stay grounded. Lee and Mike also share the personal habits and mindset shifts that help them manage stress, protect their mental and physical health, and keep showing up consistently, not just for their work, but for the people who matter most. This episode is a reminder that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, adaptation, and building a life that aligns with your values. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.