Podcast

A curation of interviews and presentations to support you on your leadership journey as you focus on only the #CriticalFewActions™ that will improve your business.

The Never-Ending Pursuit of Perfection – Leadership Insights From Tim Cartwright

In this episode John Downes talks with Tim Cartwright, the then General Manager of Fresh Foods at Drake Supermarkets, to discuss the core principles that drive his success in leadership, including the mantra that “you don’t lose, you learn.”

Tim shares his journey from starting as a 15-year-old at BiLo Supermarkets to leading a team of over 3,000 employees. With practical advice on delegation, approachability, and prioritising team well-being, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring leaders.

Discover how Tim’s commitment to continuous improvement and passion for mentoring are key to cultivating high-performing teams.

Listen Here »

What does your online profile say about you with Sue Ellson

Summary

In this episode, John sits down with LinkedIn expert Sue Ellson to reveal why a polished online presence is non-negotiable for CEOs and senior leaders.

Sue draws from her vast experience in LinkedIn consulting and authorship to share practical, actionable strategies to boost your digital footprint.

Learn how to conduct an online audit, manage your content like a pro, and track your online activity for measurable results.

Sue dives deep into the essentials of having a professional LinkedIn profile and personal website, offering tips on optimizing them for search engines and minimizing risks.

Discover how to curate engaging content, build a strong network, and prepare yourself for future career transitions.

Looking For Bonus Slides and Material, Including FREE Resources? Click Here!

Listen Here »

From Vision to Reality – 4 Steps to Craft a Winning Strategic Plan with John Downes

In this episode of the #CriticalFewActions™ podcast, John Downes shares a simple four-step approach to strategic planning that turns vision into action.

With real-life examples, John explains how to focus on what matters most—understanding your customers, assessing your business, setting a clear vision, and prioritising the #CriticalFewActions™ that drive real progress.

If you’re ready to stop being overwhelmed and start moving forward, this episode is essential listening.

Listen Here »

5 Keys to Transforming Your Business Operations with Damien Lacey

In this episode, John Downes talks with Damien Lacey, founder of OE Partners; an expert in operational excellence.

Damien shares key insights from his experience with companies like Toyota and Bosch, outlining the critical steps for high value business transformation. From setting a clear vision to aligning leadership and achieving small, quick wins, this episode provides actionable strategies to help businesses improve productivity and drive results.

Tune in to learn how to make lasting changes that can set your company apart from the competition!

Listen Here »

How Lisa Vincent built her Ed-tech business How Too on Venture Capital through COVID

In this episode John Downes sits down with Lisa Vincent, Founder and CEO of HowToo, to unpack her journey of building a game-changing SaaS platform for digital learning.

Lisa shares the secrets behind HowToo’s rapid growth, how she used venture capital to fund her vision, and the hard lessons learned from navigating the startup world. She also dives into strategic planning, making data-driven decisions, and the power of clear communication with investors.

Don’t miss this episode packed with insights every business leader needs to hear!

Listen Here »

Introduction to The Critical Few Actions Podcast: What is this?

In this episode, John Downes introduces ‘The Critical Few Actions’ podcast, aimed at helping business leaders cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

Drawing from his vast experience in consulting and working with mid-market businesses, John shares his insights on the importance of ruthless prioritisation and focusing on key actions that drive real, lasting value.

I illustrate these principles with a real-world example of a CEO overwhelmed by attempting to implement too many changes at once.

The episode also introduces the Organisation Performance and Value Framework that highlights six key areas every CEO should focus on to improve their business.

Listen Here »