Mark Delaney, MD of Halfords | Culture Isn’t a Buzzword... It’s Your Growth Engine
Mark Delaney, Managing Director of Retail at Halfords, joins Alan for a no-BS conversation about the real drivers of business success. From leading £2B organisations to running startups, Mark shares the leadership lessons that matter: why culture must lead strategy, how to align siloed teams, and why too many companies still get customer experience wrong.He also shares a contrarian view: why Apple stores aren't actually great retailers — and what true service looks like today. Whether you're running a retail chain or leading a fast-scaling company, this episode will make you rethink how you lead.🎙 Topics Covered:The 3-phase plan Mark uses to take control of any businessWhat separates Dunnes Stores and Selfridges from the restWhy values without action destroy cultureA retail veteran’s verdict on Amazon, Apple & Gen ZHow to make retail a career, not just a jobSubscribe to Boardroom Insights for unfiltered conversations with leaders who have walked the talk.
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Ep.11 Resistance to Change: Why It’s Normal — and What to Do About It
Why do we resist change, even when we know it’s necessary?In this short, powerful episode of The Boardroom Insights Podcast, Alan O’Neill breaks down the psychology behind resistance to change — and what leaders can do to guide their teams through it.🦋 Featuring the inspiring Kara caterpillar story from the "Show me the lid on the box" book, this episode explores:Why change feels harder than ever beforeThe 3 Change Personas: 🏎️ Speedy, 🤝 Harmony, and 🛋️ ComfyThe science behind resistance — and why it’s not weaknessHow leaders can paint the picture (“show the lid on the box”)A direct, compassionate message to those struggling with changeWhether you're leading transformation or navigating your own, this episode will shift your perspective — and help you take the next step.🎙 Tune in now.
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Ep.10 Resilience in a Warzone: Gennady Polonsky on Business, Leadership & Hope from Ukraine
What happens when your business is surrounded by air raid sirens, displacement, and daily uncertainty?In this powerful episode, Alan O’Neill speaks with Dr. Gennady Polonsky — a business mentor, professor, and humanitarian — who joins us from western Ukraine to share his unfiltered view of life and leadership under siege.💡 Discover:How Ukrainian businesses are surviving (and thriving) in wartimeWhat “trench solidarity” teaches us about teamworkFirst-hand accounts from bomb shelters and border crossingsThe mindset every leader needs to build resilienceWhy ethics, generosity, and adaptability are the future of businessFrom his work with global icons like Brian Tracy and Philip Kotler to hosting the Resilience Summit, Gennady’s insights will change the way you think about purpose, leadership and what really matters.
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Ep. 9 | The Real Reason Your Customers Don’t Come Back
In this episode of Boardroom K.I.S.S. Insights, Alan O’Neill reveals why great customer service isn’t enough... and how companies like Selfridges and LC Packaging elevate their entire experience to keep customers coming back.Discover:The key difference between service and experienceA powerful 3-part model to improve loyaltyHow internal culture drives external excellenceA must-listen for any CEO, CMO or team leader focused on building a standout brand.
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Ep 8 The €2 Billion Strategy: Leo Crawford on Retail, Leadership, and Legacy
Leo Crawford helped turn BWG Group into a €2 billion powerhouse behind Ireland’s best-known retail brands — Spar, Mace, Londis, Eurospar, and XL.In this episode, Alan O’Neill sits down with the former CEO and now non-executive director to unpack 30+ years of business lessons, leadership insight, and retail strategy.You’ll discover:How BWG scaled to over 1,000 stores across Ireland and the UKThe 6-pillar strategy Leo used to outperform AldiWhy Irish convenience retail is considered the best in the worldThe challenges of managing franchise relationships at scaleWhat Leo wishes he’d done differently during the 2008 crashHow to lead with humility, trust, and long-term visionA must-listen for anyone in retail, franchising, or leadership roles.For more insights, visit 7plusindex.com
💼 Boardroom Insights is your exclusive pass into the minds of top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers shaping the corporate world. Hosted by industry expert Alan O’Neill, this podcast uncovers the strategies, leadership tactics, and market insights that drive success at the highest level.
Each episode, we go behind the boardroom doors to explore:
✔️ Winning business strategies & corporate growth tactics
✔️ Leadership lessons from top executives
✔️ Navigating change, innovation, and economic shifts
✔️ Real-world case studies & success stories
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