This week on An Unorthodox CEO, Steve is joined by Sussex Beds' Training Manager, Amanda, to explore why great training is at the heart of great customer service.

Amanda shares her journey from joining Sussex Beds and helping launch our Ashford store to progressing into her current role, where she now develops and supports teams across the business. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons she's learned, how her previous experience shaped her approach, and what it really takes to lead people with confidence.

Together, they discuss what makes effective training, how Sussex Beds helps new starters build confidence, the importance of self-reflection, and why learning never stops. They also explore the challenge of maintaining the same high standards across every store as the business grows, proving that investing in people is one of the biggest investments any business can make.

00:00 Intro

01:35 Why Amanda joined Sussex Beds

04:20 Working in Ashford when it opened

05:15 Early learnings from working in store

08:30 The change in environments from M&S to Sussex Beds

12:00 Big learnings from her previous job

15:22 How to lead so people follow

17:06 Amandas progression through the business

24:15 Competition being nearby is good

25:30 The training role at Sussex Beds

28:30 What makes great training

31:30 The power of self reflection

33:42 How we build confidence in new starters

36:45 Learning from each other

39:50 Growing and keeping the same standards

43:20 Why personal growth of team aids the business

46:10 Signs of a successful leader

51:46 Biggest training challenge

54:40 Our most successful training

56:48 Quickfire questions

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What makes a holiday rental truly memorable? While many hosts focus on décor, location and amenities, one of the most important parts of any stay is often overlooked – the quality of sleep.

In this episode, Steve and Lee explore why the bed should be at the heart of every Airbnb experience. They share their own experiences, discuss the importance of guest feedback, explain the latest furniture safety regulations, and offer practical advice on choosing the right mattress, pillows and mattress protectors.

Whether you're an Airbnb host looking to improve your guest experience or simply interested in what makes a great night's sleep, this episode is packed with useful insights and actionable tips.

00:00 Intro

01:20 Why they chose the topic of Airbnbs

03:30 You hire these houses to sleep - why isn’t it a focus

05:00 Premier inn got it right - the bed is the highlight

06:50 Sleep Facts from Steve & Lee

08:30 The importance of Mattress Protectors

10:45 Why Airbnb hosts should survey their guests

12:40 Don’t be frightened of feedback - embrace it

13:50 Understanding Airbnb Furniture Regulations

16:11 What mattress/ bed we recommend for airbnbs

18:00 Advice on changing the mattress, mattress protectors & pillows

21:07 Quickfire Questions

28:50 Let us know your views

30:16 Outro

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This week on An Unorthodox CEO, Steve is joined by Tony White, Managing Director of Bonners Music.

Listen as they chat about all things, business, Tony's journey to Managing Director and what they think the secret to selling is...

00:00 Intro

01:02 How Tony & Steve met

02:15 How fate landed Tony work experience at Bonners Music

06:00 Working full time in the Bonners shop

07:30 Creating a database & holding trade shows

09:00 Instrument progression is very different now

10:45 Tonys first taste of sales

13:45 Key to selling

14:38 Sticking to your purpose when choosing products

16:30 Balancing customer needs

20:19 Creating a welcoming environment in store

23:04 Education is so important in every industry

25:30 Why Tony started his YouTube channel

29:00 How Tony became the owner of Bonners

33:00 The first changes they made after taking over

36:00 The joy of opening new shops

36:00 The internet & websites

38:50 Warehouse & website mistakes

42:00 The way consumers buy has changed

44:00 Targets & juggling with brands

47:00 Opening new stores

50:00 The post pandemic changes

54:30 How the stores & website work together

56:40 Deciding to improve rather than expand

58:50 Did Tony ever want to be a musician

1:03:17 Most challenging part of business journey

1:06:07 Quickfire Questions

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