What separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else? In this episode, Mark Francis sits down with Thomas Coles, Director of Growth Solved and Solve Referrals, to uncover why referrals remain one of the most overlooked yet powerful drivers of business growth.
Thomas shares practical strategies for building a referral system that delivers consistent results instead of relying on luck. From overcoming mindset barriers to asking for referrals the right way, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders, sales professionals, consultants, and business leaders looking to generate more high quality leads.
You'll also learn why storytelling builds credibility, how to replace founders as the best salesperson, and why referrals should be a core part of every company's growth strategy.
In this episode:
* Why entrepreneurs think differently about risk
* How to create a referral system that actually works
* The biggest mistakes businesses make when asking for referrals
* How to ask for referrals without sounding awkward
* Why mindset matters more than sales scripts
* The role of storytelling in winning new business
* How founders can build scalable sales teams
* Practical tips to generate more referrals with less marketing spend
Whether you're growing a startup, leading a sales team, or looking for better ways to win new clients, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.
Connect with Thomas Coles on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascoles/
Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, business growth, sales strategy, leadership, and marketing.
#BusinessGrowth #Referrals #SalesStrategy #Entrepreneurship #LeadGeneration #BusinessDevelopment #SalesLeadership #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusiness #Founder #GrowthSolved #SolveReferrals #ThomasColes #MarkFrancis
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– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team
Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/
Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com
Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K
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#WhosYourCaptain #MarkFrancis #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationalLeadership #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveThinking #Leadership
Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship.
If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.
What is Who's Your Captain??
Who's Your Captain explores the leadership lessons hidden in the stories of sports' greatest captains. Hosted by Mark Francis, this podcast dives deep into what separates good leaders from legendary ones—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond.
Each episode features conversations with elite athletes, coaches, and sports professionals who've experienced world-class leadership firsthand. From the mental resilience required to lead under pressure to the communication strategies that unite divided teams, Mark unpacks the principles that make exceptional captains unforgettable.
Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or navigating your own personal challenges, the insights from sports captains translate directly to everyday leadership. These aren't just sports stories—they're blueprints for building trust, inspiring performance, and leading with integrity.
Mark Francis brings his passion for sports and leadership together to deliver authentic, actionable conversations that inspire listeners to step up and lead in their own lives. New episodes drop weekly, bringing you closer to understanding what it truly means to captain your own ship.
Subscribe to join a community of leaders who believe the best lessons come from those who've done it at the highest level.