Insightful Edge

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Retention First

SHOW NOTES Geoff Dyckes opens this episode of Insightful Edge reflecting on a recent seven-day trip to Egypt where his new drone was confiscated! This time, Geoff’s book recommendation is “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling. Geoff welcomes back entrepreneur and small business mentor John Lamerton to discuss his upcoming book “Retention First”. John explains the importance of obsessing over existing customers and contrasts relationship-led small businesses with corporates that treat clients as numbers.  Geoff and John discuss referrals, fair pricing, simple follow-ups, and research suggesting retention gains can significantly boost profits. 00:00 Spring and Egypt Trip 01:19 Book Recommendation “Factfulness” 03:50 Introducing John Lamerton 05:11 Writing Retention First 07:10 Customer Obsession - Amazon 11:19 Referrals and Reputation 19:15 Retention Stats and Profit 21:00 New vs Existing Customers 22:29 Serving Not Selling 26:25 Retention Builds Loyalty 30:46 Tips for Founders 36:46 Podcast Takeaways   Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.dyckesfinancial.co.uk Contact the host: Geoff Dyckes: geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk [geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk] Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550 Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes [https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes]   Guest Info -  John Lamerton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlamerton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlamerton/] One Percent - https://bigidea.co.uk/one-percent-club/   Book Recommendation Factfulness - by Hans Rosling

Series 2 - Episode 4 - Ian Dibb - Finding Happiness

SHOW NOTES   On this episode of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dyckes recommends the book "Fire in the Hole" by Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy and PXG.   Geoff then chats with Ian Dibb, founder of Wayfinder Advisory (mentoring and consulting early-stage founders), founder of the Cornish Diamond Company, and a contributor to Man Down, a UK men’s mental health charity.   Ian recounts building and fundraising for a software startup that failed to find product-market fit, leading to burnout, anxiety, and strain on his family life.   In March/April 2025, he closed the business, explaining that this brought him immediate relief and renewed energy. He explains the pressure founders feel after raising capital, often driven by fear of letting investors down despite investors understanding early-stage risk.   The conversation explores changing definitions of success, the limits of money, valuing time with family, focusing on happiness in the present, and building a legacy through helping others.   00:00 Welcome back and Geoff’s recent exploits 01:58 Book recommendation: 'Fire in the Hole' by Bob Parsons 04:19 Meet this episode’s guest: Ian Dibb 05:20 The experience of founding a business that ultimately failed. 08:37 Using the scars: mentoring other founders 14:37 Redefining success 18:44 Man Down: men's mental health support 23:00 Money Talk: financial literacy and teaching the next generation 24:10 Ian’s advice to his younger self 29:31 Final takeaways     Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.dyckesfinancial.co.uk Contact the host: Geoff Dyckes: geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk [geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk] Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550 Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes [https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes]   Guest - Ian Dibb  linkedin.com/in/iandibb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iandibb?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3By312LaylQSStpNIwwKr5CA%3D%3D]   Book Recommendation   Fire in the Hole - Bob Parsons.

Series 2 - Episode 3 - Redefining Success - Phil Allen.

Redefining Success with Phil Allen   In this episode of Insightful Edge, host Geoff Dyckes welcomes special guest Phil Allen.   Phil discusses his career as a “pyrotechnician”, running a special effects business with his brother.   They delve into the evolution of success, life goals, and the importance of work-life balance.   Phil recounts his journey from wanting to climb the corporate ladder to focusing on a lifestyle business that affords him more personal time and satisfaction.   He shares insights on investment, risk-taking, and the significance of learning from failures.   Phil also reflects on past lessons and gives advice to his younger self, emphasizing emotional intelligence, exploring the world, and the value of diverse experiences.   The episode also touches upon the importance of financial planning and achieving the right balance between saving for the future and enjoying the present.   00:00 Introduction 00:58 Geoff’s New Year, New Car 02:16 Podcast Recommendation: Grapes and Greens 03:16 Introducing Phil Allen: Special Effects Expert 03:33 Phil's Journey in Special Effects 05:58 Business Coaching and The 1% Club 08:37 Defining Success and Lifestyle Business 17:01 Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 26:57 Financial Planning and Life Goals 28:33 Advice to Younger Self 33:31 Conclusion and Book Recommendation   Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.dyckesfinancial.co.uk Contact the host: Geoff Dyckes: geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk [geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk] Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550 Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes [https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes]   Guest - Phil Allen  LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-allen-b423541b/

Series 2. Episode . 10 Behaviours to Build a Better Financial Life

In this episode of the Insightful Edge Podcast, host Geoff Dyckes discusses 10 key behaviours that can significantly improve one's financial wellbeing.   Geoff’s book recommendation this episode is 'Mission Total Resilience' by Ant Middleton, which emphasizes mental strength and resilience.   Geoff moves on to his 10 Behaviours to Build a Better Financial Life.  Each behaviour is illustrated with real client stories to showcase its importance.   Geoff concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt one behaviour that resonates with them to enhance their financial life.   00:00 Welcome to the Insightful Edge Podcast 00:35 Current Financial News: Targeted Support from Banks 02:14 Book Recommendation: Mission Total Resilience by Ant Middleton 03:56 Introduction to the 10 Behaviours for a Better Financial Life 04:32 Behaviour 1: Focus on What You Can Control 06:18 Behaviour 2: Spend with Intention, Not Impulse 07:36 Behaviour 3: Build a Financial Safety Net 09:19 Behaviour 4: Make Small Steps Towards Long-Term Goals 11:03 Behaviour 5: Keep Your Financial Life Simple 12:17 Behaviour 6: Filter Out Noise and Distraction 13:57 Behaviour 7: Protect the Essentials 16:13 Behaviour 8: Automatic Good Behaviours 18:34 Behaviour 9: Invest Calmly and with Purpose 21:22 Behaviour 10: Remember That Money is a Tool, Not the Finish Line 24:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.dyckesfinancial.co.uk Contact the host: Geoff Dyckes: geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk [geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk] Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550 Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes [https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes]

Series 2 - Episode 1 - The Budget Autumn 2025

Kickstarting Series Two: Summer Highlights and Key Takeaways from the 2025 Budget   In the first episode of 'The Insightful Edge' Series Two, host Geoff Dyckes tells Phil Boyle about what he has been up to since finishing season one of the podcast.   The episode then dives into a detailed analysis of the 2025 budget, discussing its implications on income tax, dividends, pensions, property investments, electric vehicle taxation, and more.   Geoff provides insights and recommendations for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those planning for the future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial planning and staying informed about fiscal changes.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:39 Geoff's Summer Adventures 03:31 Book Recommendations 04:43 Budget Headlines and Key Points 06:11 Impact on Taxes and Fiscal Drag 08:19 Effects on Pensions and Investments 12:56 Changes for Small Business Owners 17:12 Electric Vehicles and New Taxes 19:12 Pensions and Inheritance Tax Changes 22:30 Making Tax Digital (MTD) 25:32 Mansion Tax Explained 28:13 Key Takeaways   Useful links mentioned in this episode: www.dyckesfinancial.co.uk Contact the host: Geoff Dyckes: geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk [geoff@dyckesfinancial.co.uk] Newsletter sign up: https://geoff-dyckes-financial-consultancy-ltd.kit.com/bb5a3a7550 Book an initial Free 15 mins Introduction Phone Call :-  https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes [https://calendly.com/geoffdyckes]