Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali

In today’s episode, Saf begins a wide-ranging conversation with Graham Evans, CEO of the National Open College Network Group.
In the first part of this two parts conversation, Graham recounts how his farming childhood and early career as a civil engineer in the global construction industry provided invaluable lessons that are still as powerful and relevant today in his role as CEO of an academic organisation.
It is clear that no experience has been wasted for Graham but it has led him to question whether, in today’s world, we have become too cautious; do we protect our young people so much that they no longer know how to be resilient or how to take calculated risks.
This conversation takes in his varied career that saw him place training schools on the 2012 Olympic site in order to bring the long-term unemployed into work, to preparations of the digital TV network for Y2K, and now his role guiding the NOCN group, as it grows globally.
So, to better understand what those lessons were and how he applies his learning know how, and what you too could learn, why not have a listen. 

Next week we will hear the second part of Saf’s conversation with Graham Hastings-Evans, CEO of NOCN Group. They will be talking about how the NOCN group has grown and where it is going in the future.    
 

What is Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali?

Canny Conversations Podcast by Safaraz Ali Social Entrepreneur, CEO of Pathway Group and proud Birmingham business leader, where he shares his insights and experiences on entrepreneurialism, having a growth mindset and getting the best out of people as well as useful information to help your grow your business, develop and build your team.

Canny Conversations has now completed over 50 episodes making an impact on UK business Podcasts and demonstrating how sustainable business can benefit. In the third series Safaraz speaks with journalist Adrian Kibbler as well as some great guests sharing their thoughts and insights. In the fourth series Safaraz shares his own individual thoughts again.

Canny conversations are intended to challenge and cannily captivate. Let us know if they do or otherwise!

The topics covered in these conversations range from individual biographies & life stories to industry specific conversations as well as all things self development, enterprise & entrepreneurship and that’s just for starters. Previously we have received very good feedback on a number of our podcasts with topics such as; the importance of people, how to recruit them and get the best from them. It explores what makes a good leader and how to build strong teams within a winning culture.

‘Don’t expect to agree with everything but remain open and challenged. There is plenty to ‘chew on’ as Safaraz might say.

Safaraz Ali is the author of Canny Bites books, the fourth book being the lates titled: ‘Successfully Scale Up or Exit Your Business’ which helps business owners and leaders know exactly what they need to consider when growing their business. It’s a workbook and a checklist for entrepreneurs to help put the foundations in place ensuring they have the right toolkits to make scaling an easier task.

https://safaraz.co.uk/