Podcast thumbnail for Progress not Perfection

Progress not Perfection

Claim This Podcast

by Dean Mason

5 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧

Podcast Overview

Welcome to Progress Not Perfection a podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, start ups, business owners and solopreneurs who want an honest look at what it really takes to build and grow a business. Hosted by Dean Mason, founder and Managing Director of Teqex, the show explores the reality behind entrepreneurship, business strategy, scaling, customer acquisition, marketing strategy and revenue growth, if you're ready to get practical insights into the decisions and actions that move a business forward you're in the right place!

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

4/16/2026

1 verified contact email on file for Progress not Perfection

Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.

Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Ep 4: Leadership, Recruitment & Resilience: The Reality of Growing and Losing a Business with Ian Taylor

May 20, 2026

Ep 4: Leadership, Recruitment & Resilience: The Reality of Growing and Losing a Business with Ian Taylor

<p>What does success really look like after building, scaling and ultimately losing a business?</p><p>On Progress Over Perfection, host Dean Mason sits down with Ian Taylor, founder of Team Spirit, the experiential events company he grew from 1993 to 2020 while working with major brands including Virgin Media, Rolls Royce, Adidas, IWG, Dunhumby and Theo Paphitis’ businesses.</p><p>Ian shares the story behind building one of the UK’s most immersive event companies, including the creative vision behind Team Spirit’s unique Oldham headquarters inspired by Disney style experience design. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, from winning early clients and adapting to industry change, to navigating recruitment challenges, leadership lessons and evolving customer expectations in a fast moving business landscape.</p><p>If you’re a founder, business owner or leader navigating growth, change or difficult seasons in business, this episode offers an honest conversation about leadership, resilience and the reality behind entrepreneurial success.</p><p>Key takeaways</p><ul><li>Why customer experience was central to Team Spirit’s business growth</li><li>Lessons Ian learned about recruitment, leadership and scaling a team</li><li>How the events industry changed from long term planning to instant expectations</li><li>The importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship and business survival</li><li>The mental health impact of losing a business during COVID</li><li>How focusing on controllables helps during uncertainty and setbacks</li><li>Why success eventually became more about family and balance than business growth</li><li>The power of reflection, mindset and resilience in leadership and entrepreneurship</li></ul><p>Connect with Dean on LinkedIn:</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com">progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com</a></p><p>Tiktok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@progressnotperfectionpod">https://www.tiktok.com/@progressnotperfectionpod</a></p><p>Connect with Ian:</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-taylor-0343a020a/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-taylor-0343a020a/</a></p><p><br></p>

Episode thumbnail for Ep 2: From Corporate Career to Health Coach, How Amanda Robinson Turned Wellbeing into a Thriving Business

April 20, 2026

Ep 2: From Corporate Career to Health Coach, How Amanda Robinson Turned Wellbeing into a Thriving Business

<p>A stress related health decline became the turning point that led to building a successful health coaching business.</p><p>On Progress Not Perfection, host Dean Mason speaks with Amanda Robinson, founder of Health Steps, about her journey from leaving school early to building a career in corporate environments, including senior roles in travel IT and retail e-commerce at Boohoo, before transitioning into a purpose driven wellbeing business.</p><p>Amanda shares the reality of working in high pressure environments, navigating postpartum challenges and managing long term health conditions including Hashimoto’s. She explains how focusing on health, wellbeing and sustainable lifestyle changes, including hypnobirthing and working with a nutritional therapist helped her rebuild her life and ultimately launch a business helping others do the same.</p><p>This episode explores the connection between wellbeing and business performance and how prioritising your health can lead to clarity, resilience and long term success as a founder or business owner.</p><p>Thanks for listening, make sure to hit follow and subscribe to Progress Not Perfection for more honest conversations on business, wellbeing and growth.</p><p>Connect with Dean on LinkedIn:</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com">progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com</a></p><p>Connect with Amanda:</p><p><a href="https://www.healthsteps.co.uk/">https://www.healthsteps.co.uk/</a></p>

Episode thumbnail for Ep 1: The Power of Teamwork and Personal Growth in Business with Danny Simpson

April 20, 2026

Ep 1: The Power of Teamwork and Personal Growth in Business with Danny Simpson

<p>Building a business comes with a lot of struggles.</p><p>In this Progress Over Perfection podcast episode, host Dean interviews Danny Simpson, CEO of Mid Digital Solutions and former leader of Mid Communications, covering his rise from shop floor telecom sales to turning around a struggling O2 franchise business in 2009. Danny discusses differentiating through service, culture, customer loyalty, avoiding leadership bottlenecks and building a personal brand beyond the O2 logo.</p><p>He reflects on the loneliness and pressure of entrepreneurship, hidden struggles like near cash crises, imposter syndrome, and the emotional impact of selling the franchise.</p><p>Danny also talks about having resilience through the tough times, managing your ego, defining success personally and still trying to prioritise family time.</p><p>Thanks so much for listening to this episode, make sure to subscribe!</p><p>Connect with Dean on LinkedIn:</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmason1/</a></p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com">progressnotperfectionpodcast1@gmail.com</a></p><p>Connect with Danny:</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-simpson-fiod-2421a221/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-simpson-fiod-2421a221/</a></p>

5 total episodes available

Deep-dive analytics for Progress not Perfection

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is Progress not Perfection?

Welcome to Progress Not Perfection a podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, start ups, business owners and solopreneurs who want an honest look at what it really takes to build and grow a business.

Hosted by Dean Mason, founder and Managing Director of Teqex, the show explores the reality behind entrepreneurship, business strategy, scaling, customer acquisition, marketing strategy and revenue growth, if you're ready to get practical insights into the decisions and actions that move a business forward you're in the right place!

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Legal Disclaimer

Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.

All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.

We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.

By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.