This week, we delivered a course for a client on how to handle difficult conversations at work. These discussions can feel challenging, but they’re essential for building trust and driving performance. One of the frameworks we explored is particularly useful for structuring feedback: BEERS. BEERS stands for: - Behaviour – Describe the specific behaviour you observed, not assumptions or personality traits. - Evidence – Provide concrete examples to make your feedback clear and credible. - Effect – Explain the impact of that behaviour on people, processes, or outcomes. - Response – Allow time for the other person to share their perspective. - Solution – Collaborate on what can be done differently and offer support where needed. Why does this matter? Because difficult conversations often go wrong when feedback feels personal or vague. BEERS helps keep the focus on facts and future improvement, reducing defensiveness and creating space for dialogue. It turns feedback into a constructive, trust-building process rather than a source of conflict. Not the type of Friday afternoon BEERS you might expect – but hopefully more useful than a pint! 🍻

Here to learn

This week, we’ve been deep in group sessions with our clients, reviewing progress against quarterly plans. These moments are always energising - not just for the accountability they bring, but for the clarity they create. Every time we do this, I see teams sharpening their direction and making meaningful impact take shape. It reminds me of a quote from Keith J Cunningham’s The Road Less Stupid: “Few things are worse than running the wrong way enthusiastically.” I love this quote. It perfectly captures the danger of mistaking effort for effectiveness. In the SME world, where time and resources are precious, rigorous planning isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Working hard is admirable, but without the right direction, it’s just motion without progress. So here’s the reminder: pause, plan, and check your compass. The right path, taken with intention, beats speed every time.

If you’re running or growing an SME, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about sales, customers, and cash flow. But let me share something I’ve learned from 20 years of working with ambitious businesses: the smartest companies don’t wait until they’re desperate to start thinking about hiring. They plan their org chart before the need becomes urgent. I get it. When you’re busy, it’s tempting to fill roles only when the pressure is on. But that is when mistakes happen. Rushed hires often lead to poor fits, higher turnover, and wasted resources. Instead, I encourage leaders to step back and look at the big picture. Where do you want your business to be in six months? A year? What roles will be critical to get you there? Sketching out your future org chart - even if it feels early - gives you a roadmap. You can start defining the skills, experience, and mindset you’ll need, long before you post a job ad. It also gives you time to nurture relationships with potential candidates, refine your employee value proposition, and set clear expectations for new roles. It’s never too early to start building your talent pipeline and employer brand. The more you engage with future candidates and showcase what makes your business a great place to work, the easier it will be to attract the right people when the time comes. Growth is exciting, but it’s much smoother when you’ve already mapped out who you’ll need on the journey.

Happy Monday, EPIC community! 💥 This week is Men’s Health Week, and it’s the perfect moment to remind ourselves that the health of the business starts with the health of the entrepreneur. We all want more growth, more focus, and more success. However, those things become 10 times harder when you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or constantly “on.” So this week, we challenge you to support your whole self, not just your hustle: ✅ Move your body ✅ Switch off for 10 minutes today ✅ Talk if you need to - being strong means staying open ✅ And yes, book that check-up! Let us know in the comments: what ONE thing are you doing this week to support your wellbeing? You can’t pour from an empty cup -