An Unorthodox CEO

This week, we sit down with Paul to explore his journey from his first job and university days to becoming a leader who now guides CEOs across the country. Listen as he chats with Steve about what it’s like to run a business you didn’t found, the importance of listening and vulnerability, and how Vistage changed his approach to leadership. Plus so much more in our Series 1 finale! 0...

We are back with Sue for episode 21! Listen as Steve and Sue chat about all things product - why they are all our own brand, the process of creating products, and why having the same values as our suppliers is vital! They talk to us about the products on the shop floor that have changed over the last 20 years and why having our own brands helps us get the customer the perfect bed for them. 00:00 I...

This week, we’re answering 13 big (and fun) questions – all asked by YOU! From memorable Gang Show moments to when to grow your business, the skills every employee will need in the next five years, and even how a CEO winds down for sleep – there’s something for everyone. Got a different question? Leave it in the review section and we will make sure we answer it! 00:00 Intro  01:30 What can yo...

From launching a print business to starting a football agency and raising a large family, Ben Barrett has built a life where passion fuels everything he does. In this episode, he chats with Steve about how he turned bold ideas into successful ventures, why values matter in business, and how he learned to balance ambition with family life. 00:00 Intro 01:38 A bit about Ben & how he got into pri...

We are back for another episode, and this week we are joined again by Grace. Listen as she talks with Steve about why display is vital in retail and how consumer buyer behaviour affects where we place our beds! Plus, find out how printing in-house has been a game-changer for our display! 00:00 Intro 01:35 Why Steve love’s merchandise  03:20 Graces favourite parts of display & the theory b...

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, Steve and Lee chat about how their friendship began, why Lee started at Sussex Beds and the highs and lows of being a Regional Manager! Plus, find out what life being a chef is like and which one they’d ditch — whiskey or wine… (it was a tough choice) 00:00 Intro 02:27 A little bit about Lee, Chef, Pub Manager & Morrisons 08:42 Why Lee joined Sussex Beds 1...

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah, our People Manager! Listen as Steve & Sarah chat about how their HR, recruitment and processes have changed over the last 6 years! Plus, Sarah shares why she believes HR belongs directly under the CEO, what the real purpose of HR is in a growing business, and why everyone who applies gets an interview.  00:00 Intro  01:57 A little bit abo...

We are back with episode 15, and Josh Pickering has joined us again! Listen as Steve & Josh chat about all things engagement, how happiness surveys have helped the team to feel more heard and why the wheel of kudos is a simple way to boost morale and recognise everyday wins. Tune in for some tough, quickfire questions that get Steve & Josh thinking! 00:00 Intro 02:10 National Stats - % of...

Our 14th episode is here! This week Steve chats to Victoria (the voice behind the camera) all about why they started the podcast, the highs and the challenges of working in a family business and how university helped to shape her approach to work & life! 00:00 Intro 02:37 A bit about Victoria, uni life & joining Sussex Beds 07:05 How did uni prepare her for work & why ROI is so importa...

Listen as Steve chats with Lynn & Julie in our 13th episode, get ready for lots of laughs. Find out about their funniest moments working together, how they support each other and the challenges of working on the front line in the family business! Plus, get an insight into selling and what the most important aspect of that is! 00:00 Intro 02:50 What John Pickering was like when he was younger 0...

It's episode 12, and we have done something a little bit different! Listen as Steve gets interviewed by Matt Southam, host of the Balanced Ambition podcast! Find out more about Steve as he opens up about the rewarding reality of running a growing family business. They talk about navigating financial turmoil and coaching challenges, installing company-wide KPIs and learning how not to micromanage -...

In this episode, listen as Sue chats with Steve about her journey and roles throughout her 30 years in the business, how she copes with challenging times and the best parts of working with her family. They explain the donkey story from Matts episode and Sue talks about her escapes from work! 00:00 Intro 02:00 The Early Days & School Life 04:08 How Sue joined the business 09:00 Managing Sleepin...

It's episode 10, and in this one we meet Paula, Steve's wife! Listen as they talk about how they met, what it's really like being a wife to a CEO and how Paula's beauty salon changed her perspective on business! They chat about all things performance reviews and how working with your children and family is both the best and most difficult part. 00:00 Intro 03:00 How Paula and Steve met 04:07 Paula...

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO, listen as Matt chats with Steve about how the pressures of taking on huge projects affected him and his drive, and how they got through it together. Plus, find out what it was like growing up and working together as they share some funny stories! 00:00 Intro  02:00 Life growing up together & school life 09:52 When Matt joined the business 14:34 Jump s...

It's episode 8 and it's a big one! This week, we talk to the founder of Sussex Beds, John Pickering! Listen as he chats with Steve about what led him to found Sussex Beds, his favourite part of the job, and how his family is his motivation. 00:00 Intro 02:25 Life growing up 08:00 John’s first venture 09:31 Buying Miles Furnishes  14:20 How Sussex Beds was born & the heart of the business...

In this episode, Steve dives into the power of owning your numbers and why it can be a total game-changer for any business. Hear how this mindset became a turning point for Sussex Beds, how the book Traction shaped his leadership style, and why every single person in the team has their own number – and what that really means. 00:00 Intro 02:14 How decisions were made before KPIs & Targets 06:2...

In this episode, Steve sits down with his daughter, Grace, and things get real (and really funny)! From how her job in social work changed her perspective on life, to the way a strong goal helped her bounce back after her accident! They also chat about what it's like working in the family business during the highs and the lows! 00:00 Intro 01:23 Before Grace joined the business & her job in so...

In this episode of An Unorthodox CEO , Steve opens up about the highs and lows of riding the business rollercoaster. Discover how he takes time to recharge after being in fight mode, the power of walking and how it helps him clear his mind! Plus, listen for our 5th Unorthodox Tip of the Week! 00:00 Intro 01:36 What is the business rollercoaster & Steve’s experiences of it 08:50 Fight or Flight...

In this episode, meet John, our Operations Director! Find out all about when and why he joined the business, plus find out his top business cost-saving tips since the new budget and what it's like working with your family! 00:00 Intro 1:30 Early life and why John joined Sussex Beds  4:35 John's progression in the business  11:22 Working with your wife 13:40 Cost saving due to the budget,...

In this episode, we find out if culture is everything, where Steve got his inspiration for the Sussex Beds culture and why culture is important for our team and our customers! Listen to his culture plans for the year and his unorthodox tip of the week from listener Liz! 00:00 Intro & what actually is culture 12:57 Culture vs Strategy - how do you find the balance 15:59 What is a rock, and Stev...

Find out exactly what life was like for Josh growing up, why he ended up joining the family business and what it's really like working with your dad and your closest family! Listen as Josh and Steve talk about who is the most competitive, their funniest moments and how they get through the tough times together. 00:00 - Intro 03:15 - Before Josh joined the business 15:56 - Life working with family...

It's our first ever episode of An Unorthodox CEO! For 2 years, Steve has been posting on LinkedIn about his experiences, ups and downs of the journey within his family-run bed retailing company, Sussex Beds! Find out why he was named 'Unorthodox' and how he isn't your normal CEO. If you are looking for genuine advice on running a business or working with family, this might just be the podcast for...