Business Growth Talks
Business Growth Talks is a show about what it really takes to build and grow a business. Hosted by Mark Hayward, each episode goes beyond the polished success story to explore the decisions, setbacks and turning points behind the results.
Mark talks with founders, business leaders and experts about the challenges they have faced, what they learned and what they would do differently. From finding customers and leading people to adapting when a plan stops working, the conversations bring you ideas you can use in your own business.
If you want honest business stories, useful lessons and questions that make you think differently about growth, you’re in the right place.
Recent Episodes
631
Oct. 19, 2026
He Built a Firm for 23 Years, Sold It, Then Watched It Collapse | Dr. Mark L. Vincent
Mark L. Vincent spent 23 years building Design Group International. He was founder and CEO for almost 18 of those years, then chair, and then he sold his stake. A few years later, after a record year, the firm went into receivership. In this episode, Mark explains what went wrong after he left and why most founders’ businesses don’t outlive them. He also covers what you should be doing in the five years before you sell so yours does. We talk about: The 3 mistakes that sank the business after
630
Oct. 16, 2026
Bumble Lost 90% of Its Value. Here's the Lesson for Your Business
A dating app worth $14 billion just sold for $1.3 billion. In this week’s BGT Weekly News, Mark Hayward breaks down what went wrong at Bumble, and what every business owner can learn from it. Plus four more stories business owners in the US and UK need to know this week: JPMorgan boss Jamie Dimon’s warning about “rogue” AI agents, Bank of America’s $1.2 billion fine, the UK’s plan to make Amazon, eBay and Temu collect tax for their sellers, and why British companies are being bought up and head
629
Oct. 12, 2026
His First Idea Sold for 99 Cents. His Next One Did $100 Million – Steve Rolle
In this compelling episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward welcomes successful entrepreneur Steve Rolle, who shares his journey from the US Army to becoming a high-achieving businessman. Despite societal pressures to conform to traditional career paths, Steve followed his entrepreneurial instincts and built businesses that collectively generated over $100 million in sales. The conversation delves into the core question of whether individuals are truly living a life they have chosen o
628
Oct. 9, 2026
Weekly Business News 9 October 2026
Discover how recent shifts in the US job market and interest rates could impact business strategies, as Mark Hayward dives into the week's top business stories. Explore the surprising trends in consumer spending, the role of AI in shopping, and the monumental merger creating Hollywood's new giant, Skydance. Learn why a record number of Brits are telling the taxman they're leaving, and enjoy an uplifting 'dog news' segment from Tennessee. Tune into Business Growth Talks for essential insights eve
627
Oct. 5, 2026
Unlocking the Secrets of Seamless Sales: From Leaky Funnels to Closing Deals With Jason Kramer
In this episode of Business Growth Talks, host Mark Hayward welcomes Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to delve into the often-ignored aspect of lead management and follow-up processes. What happens after a potential lead shows interest? Jason, who transitioned from running a creative agency to founding Cultivize, sheds light on how businesses can streamline their follow-up procedures to maximize lead conversion and sustain ongoing customer relationships. Listeners will gain valuable insights
626
Oct. 2, 2026
Weekly Business News 2 October 2026
Join Mark Hayward on Business Growth Talks as he unpacks pivotal stories affecting businesses globally. Discover the impact of America's tariff truce with China and its implications for importers. Explore the pessimistic mood among American consumers, the sharp increase in UK household borrowing, and Manchester City's financial scandal. Understand how global oil dynamics are influencing prices and business costs. Plus, delve into a light-hearted tale of dog world records. Stay informed on how th
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Recent Blog Posts
Oct. 19, 2026
Why Most Founders' Businesses Don't Outlive Them (And How to Fix Yours)
Every founder dreams of building something that outlives them. We pour our blood, sweat, and countless sleepless nights into nurturing a company from a mere concept into a thriving, revenue-generating enterprise. We envision a lasting legacy. We ima…
Oct. 12, 2026
Why Boring Businesses Make Millions
When most people think of entrepreneurship, they picture high-tech apps, sleek Silicon Valley offices, venture capital funding, and disruptive social media platforms. These flashy startups dominate the headlines, capturing the imagination of aspirin…
Oct. 5, 2026
Stop Losing Money: Why Your Business Needs a Structured Follow-Up Process
Welcome back to the Business Growth Talks blog! As business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals, we pour an incredible amount of time, energy, and financial resources into generating leads. Whether through paid advertising, content market…
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