Who is our guest?

In this episode of The Active Code Podcast, we're joined by Steve Sallis from Solutions Mindset, who brings extensive experience across elite football, education and business.

Having worked with professional athletes, school leaders and businesses, Steve shares his perspective on what it takes to inspire others, develop talent and build successful teams.

What do we discuss?

What separates great leaders from those who simply manage people?

Steve challenges conventional thinking about leadership, exploring how our behaviours, decisions and relationships shape the environments we create.

Drawing on his experiences, we discuss:

• Why emotional intelligence is essential to effective leadership.
• How ego can stand in the way of strong relationships.
• Why developing people matters just as much as achieving results.
• The importance of trust, accountability and leading by example.
• How to navigate difficult conversations and manage conflict.
• What education and business can learn from elite sport.

From knowing when to listen to recognising when to put your ego aside, Steve offers practical insights into getting the best out of others.

Whether you're a school leader, business owner, coach or manager, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on your approach and consider how you can create a culture where people thrive.

Connect with Steve Sallis

Find out more about Steve's work and connect with him through Solutions Mindset.

Website:

https://www.solutionsmindset.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sallis/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/solutionsmindset/

Who is our guest?

In this episode, we’re joined by David Marshall and Gareth Philippou from Curious Minds, a team known for helping people and organisations transform how they think, learn and lead. Drawing on backgrounds in design, advertising and organisational development, David and Gareth work with teams of all sizes to unlock creativity, strengthen collaboration and turn fresh ideas into meaningful action.

What do we discuss?

• The difference between creativity and innovation, and why both matter.
• Why creativity is a skill and process, rather than something you are simply born with.
• How organisations can overcome creative imposter syndrome.
• The workplace barriers that stop people from sharing and developing ideas.
• Why psychological safety and trust are essential for creativity.
• How leaders can create the right conditions for teams to think differently.
• Practical frameworks for challenging assumptions and defining problems clearly.
• How creativity can improve engagement, customer experience and business growth.
• Why successful brands such as Netflix, Disney and Apple use creativity to stay relevant.
• How organisations can turn ideas into action instead of leaving them on a whiteboard.

Who is our guest?

In this episode of The Active Code, we explore why diversification has become essential for organisations working in PE, school sport and children’s activity. Steven Brown from JB Sport and Education reflects on the organisation’s 17–18 year journey, sharing how it has grown from core PE, swimming, holiday camps and school sport delivery into a wider education partner. From training and workforce development to enrichment, SEND support, alternative provision and wraparound care, Steven explains how listening to schools, spotting emerging needs and staying committed to quality have shaped the organisation’s evolution.

What do we discuss?

• Why diversification has been key to JB Sport and Education’s growth
• How schools’ needs are changing across PE, sport and wider education
• The importance of listening to customers and understanding real school challenges
• Why alternative provision, enrichment and SEND support are growing areas of need
• How training helps build a highly skilled workforce in PE and school sport
• The importance of testing new ideas carefully before scaling them
• How organisations can grow while staying focused on quality and impact

Who is our guest?

Matt Nowell is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in people management, including roles at EY People Consulting and IBM Consulting. With a deep-rooted passion for sports and its profound impact on leadership and teamwork, Matt has combined his love for physical activity with extensive corporate expertise to foster growth and connection in organisations. His keen interest in behavioural science, understanding how people think, act, and work, has been central to his career trajectory, influencing the way he approaches leadership and organisational challenges.

Having witnessed firsthand how organisations often struggle to bridge strategy with reality, Matt has been a pivotal figure in promoting wellness, collaboration, and effective communication. Currently, at StoryLabs Creative, Matt partners with HR and business leaders to rethink work from the ground up. Using design thinking, storytelling, and operational innovation, he equips organisations with the tools to tackle real challenges, whether it’s improving collaboration, fixing broken ways of working or designing experiences that drive actionable business outcomes.

What do we discuss?

• The importance of collaboration in sports
• Challenges in managing people
• The role of well-being in leadership
• Engaging remote workers
• The impact of technology on leadership
• AI and the future of work
• Physical activity and the younger generation
• The importance of measuring progress
• Generational gaps in the workplace
• Evolving leadership development
• Redefining employee experience
• Measuring outcomes and engagement
• The role of storytelling in leadership
• Beyond surveys: Real-time employee feedback

Who is our guest?

Ben Hazeldine is a passionate entrepreneur and respected leader in the children’s sports coaching sector. Inspired by his parents, both athletes and educators, Ben combined his love for sports with a commitment to education to launch Future Stars Coaching in 2009. His vision is to provide high-quality, engaging sports education for children.

Since then, Ben has grown the business into a thriving franchise network, with 14 territories now delivering activities to over 25,000 children every week. His innovative approach includes developing training programmes for PE teachers, raising the standard of school sports provision, and building strong partnerships with schools and community clubs.

Ben’s ability to spot opportunities and adapt—whether by embracing new funding models or using modern marketing strategies—has been key to his success. His leadership style centres on clear expectations, high standards, and supporting others to grow.

What do we discuss?

-From passion to profession

-The evolution of apprenticeships

-Early challenges and breakthroughs

-Defining moments and growth

-Franchising Future Stars Coaching

-Leadership evolution and team building

-Measuring success and continuous improvement

-Delegation and trust in leadership

-Staying ahead in a competitive sector

-Future goals

Who is our guest?

John Mulholland is a multi-faceted professional with a diverse background in both education and business. Initially beginning his career as a secondary school teacher specialising in A-level geography, John has since expanded his horizons to become the director of a fast-paced sports coaching company called Fiesta Sports Coaching. Beyond education and sports, John is also a property developer with over 20 years of experience. As an educator, John is passionate about developing young minds and has leveraged his extensive teaching experience to improve the physical education sector.

Under his leadership, Fiesta Sports Coaching has evolved from running summer football camps to offering comprehensive sports coaching and education programmes. John's business acumen doesn't stop at sports; he has successfully undertaken several property development projects, specialising in raising capital and finance. John continually explores innovative ways to integrate new technologies into his business operations in his free time, from cloud-based systems to AI. With his drive, ambition, and relentless pursuit of improvement, John is a dynamic leader committed to significantly impacting education, sports, and business.

What do we discuss?

• John's professional journey
• Common challenges in business
• Leadership and team development
• Innovation and embracing technology
• Securing grants for community projects
• The importance of relationship-building
• Navigating funding applications
• Utilising scorecards for improvement
• Exploring wraparound services
• Tips for effective video marketing
• Future ambitions and recommendations

Who is our guest?

Suzy Hunt is an accomplished executive and leadership coach passionate about empowering others through personal and professional development. With a rich corporate leadership and sales background, Suzy transitioned to coaching after a pivotal moment in 2017, when simple career advice nudged her towards uncovering her true calling. She holds a qualification in coaching and mentoring from the University of Salford. She has since established herself as a go-to expert for C-suite executives, teams, and individuals seeking to enhance their confidence and achieve performance excellence in their professional lives.

In her former role as Head of Field Sales for Lucozade and Ribena in the UK, Suzy was known for her dynamic leadership and ability to drive sales performance through her exceptional team. She leverages her extensive experience in her coaching practice, where she specialises in executive coaching, leadership development, team dynamics, and sales training. Suzy is also a Type 1 diabetic and a mother, enhancing her empathetic and resilient approach to coaching. When not coaching, Suzy is an engaging speaker and hosts the “Coaching Cast” podcast, where she shares insights on workplace challenges and personal development alongside her friend and fellow coach, Lisa.

What do we discuss?

• Meet Suzy Hunt: A journey to coaching
• The importance of sales in the physical activity sector
• Effective sales techniques and challenges
• Building resilience and self-talk strategies
• Power of visualisation in workshops
• Building relationships in sales
• AI's role in sales
• Lego serious play in team training
• Creating a people-first culture

Who is our guest?

Duncan, the founder and CEO of Profit Genie, is a renowned expert in financial management and business profitability. With a strong background in accounting, Duncan has dedicated his career to helping businesses transcend beyond mere compliance and achieve substantial financial growth. At Profit Genie, Duncan, the founder and CEO of Profit Genie, is a renowned expert in financial management and business profitability. With a strong background in accounting, Duncan has dedicated his career to helping businesses transcend beyond mere compliance and achieve substantial economic growth. At Profit Genie, Duncan champions the "profit first" methodology, guiding businesses through cash flow management and accountability sessions to ensure robust financial health.

Duncan’s passion for financial literacy and empowerment is evident as he frequently engages with SMEs, offering top-tier financial advice and practical steps for enhancing profitability and cash flow. A respected leader in his field, Duncan's transformative approach has earned him widespread acclaim, making him a sought-after figure for businesses seeking to thrive financially.

For more insights and to connect with Duncan, visit Profit Genie.

What do we discuss?

· Cash flow system

· How Duncan stays active

· Link between finance and fitness

· Importance of profitability

· Tips for financial fitness

· Common financial misconceptions

· Improving cash flow

· Management accounts

· Profit first methodology

· Supporting SMEs

· Financial literacy

· Importance of cash flow

· Advice for business owners

· Books and resources

· Performance measurement