Fail Forward

Failure is only negative if you don’t learn from it Fail Forward is the weekly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and family man Henri Ghijben. In each episode you’ll hear from Henri and guests as they share real-life experiences of positives born from failure, reflections on the lessons learned from ‘losing it all, and what fuels Henri’s desire to help others overcome personal and business challenges in order to create the lives they want to live. Who is Henri Ghijben? Growing up in Bury St Edmunds, Henri’s first memorable experience of failure left him with the lasting ability to never get lost. It proved to be the first of many times Henri would fail forward. But it wasn’t until he faced losing his home, business and possibly even his family, that he realised the truth. Failure is only negative if you don’t learn from it. Against the odds, Henri has rebuilt from rock bottom. He’s now on a mission to help others avoid making the same mistakes he did, to help those facing failure see that there is a way back and that by failing forward they can enjoy success again. Ever thankful for the love and support of his family, the loyalty of his team and the help of business owners who helped him when the chips were down, Henri now lives in Southampton where he runs HRG Tree Surgeons, has growing property management and investment businesses and runs mentoring programmes for business owners, entrepreneurs and directors who are on their own growth journeys.

117 Final Fail Forward Episode

🎙️ Big Announcement! 🎙️ Today, I’m closing this chapter with gratitude and excitement for what's next. After 2.5 years and over 100 episodes, Fail Forward has brought incredible growth, connections, and insights. But now, it’s time for a change. As many of you know, a life-changing health scare last year made me reevaluate everything. I’ve decided to focus on my passion for the tree surgery industry. Introducing: The Tree Surgery Podcast! 🌳 Tune in for more interviews, industry insights, and valuable tips on tree surgery and arboriculture. Thank you for your unwavering support. This isn’t goodbye, just a new beginning. Let's elevate the tree surgery industry together! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

18 Jun 2024 - 08 min 50 sec

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115 Having a tough time? This is for you!

If you feel like you’re in the eye of the storm right now this one is for you. Most things have a cycle of 90 days. This to will pass. When we go through challenging times, its this that shapes us, You may not know it but you are currently building resilience. And you will go on to help others. This episode is for you. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

4 Jun 2024 - 04 min 09 sec

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114 What would you do differently?

If you were asked what would you do differently, with everything you’ve learnt in business what would it be? This is exactly what I cover in this episode! For me the No 1 thing is learning. I buried my head for 10 years but I’m making up for it now. Work on yourself like you work on your business. “The more you learn, the more you earn”. Secondly its all about mindset. We are our own worst enemy, what we tell ourselves we believe. And finally, always make sure you surround yourself with the right people. Likeminded people will help you hit your goals! I’d love to hear what you would do if you had your time again? If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

28 May 2024 - 06 min 33 sec

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113 We do not have infinite time!

Respect the time you have. You can keep busy with many important things, but that doesn’t mean they are the best things for you. In this episode I talk about moving yourself away from the £10 tasks in your business and onto the £1000 tasks. Always ask yourself “Is this the best use of my time?” Most people when asked what they want to earn say they want to “earn £10k a month and work a 30 hour week”. That means an hourly rate of £83.33. So when you’re doing a £10 task ask yourself, is this the best use of my time? People can’t get out of their head to trust someone, hear how Henri instills trust from the get go. Always trust first. Inspire them to do the right thing. So if you’re struggling with the menial tasks, the first thing you can do today is get someone to do all your admin. Your time is precious! Use it wisely in your business. Have a listen and - as always - I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

21 May 2024 - 07 min 33 sec

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112 Decisions, decisions, decisions..

Life is a series of decisions, and in Episode 112 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the art of decision making. Listen as I uncover what makes the basis for good decision making, starting with the importance of removing emotion from the equation and getting into a neutral state, where you can approach decisions more objectively. Additionally, the significance of data driven decisions must not be ignored and recognising the power of knowledge gained through education and mentorship. Finally, the benefit of stepping away from the situation to gain perspective. Don’t make decisions after 6pm, after a bad night’s sleep and on an empty stomach! Set yourself up for the best decision. And remember not making one, is still a decision. Tune in now and learn how to set yourself up for success in decision making. If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

14 May 2024 - 08 min 21 sec

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111 Special Guest – Chris Schutrups

Chris's entrepreneurial journey began with leaving college at 16 and landing a job at HSBC's call centre where he discovered his knack for sales. A short stint as a stockbroker taught him that money doesn't buy happiness. Chris then found himself leading a team as manager of Natwest bank with little credibility at just 18 years of age, trying to persuade people who had been in the business for 30 years to listen to him. Find out how did it. With a £10k loan from his struggling parents and spotting the potential of Facebook ads, he launched his own mortgage business, fuelled by a determination to repay them. Chris is a serial entrepreneur and has owned many businesses, and today, he continues to run The Mortgage Hut, and one of Southampton’s top restaurants, Figurati. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasises perseverance, effective communication, and leading by example. The future for Chris is not about stepping away entirely, but finding harmony between work and leisure, preferrable in the sun! Key takeaways include mastering marketing, communication skills, defining your work ethic and embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. Tune in and discover how Chris's remarkable journey can ignite your own path to entrepreneurial success! Chris’s businesses: https://figurati-southampton.co.uk/ https://www.themortgagehut.co.uk/ #EntrepreneurialJourney #SuccessStory #FailForward

7 May 2024 - 59 min 01 sec

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110 No one gives a sh*t about you

No one gives a sh*t about you! What they care about is how your product or service can solve their problem now. In this episode I talk about dropping the jargon. Stop saying, “we do this, we do that, we’ve got this kit, the latest technology.” People don’t give a sh*t. They just care about what you can do for them! Drop the features and benefits. What problems do you actually solve? Back in the day I would sell to anyone who would buy from me. But working with mentors, I now know who my ideal client is so I can talk to them directly through everything we do. And it draws people in. Who then eventually buy. Tune in now and let me know your thoughts! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

30 Apr 2024 - 05 min 14 sec

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109 Success Is A Summitless Mountain

In Episode 109 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I explore the analogy of success being a summitless mountain. Reflecting on an outdoor retreat experience led by CEO Adventurer, John Beamson last year, I draw parallels between facing challenges in the Scottish mountains and navigating business hurdles. I share insights on the importance of appreciating the journey, embracing setbacks as part of the process, and finding beauty in the progress made. John told us to turn around and look back, and it was the most beautiful view, we had achieved so much. And this is what we do in business, we are so focused on the next thing we don’t appreciate how far we have come. So, let’s just enjoy this moment. Recognise that sometimes we must go back in order to go forward. But always look back and see the beauty of what you’ve created. Then the next summit will appear. But most of all enjoy the journey! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

23 Apr 2024 - 07 min 09 sec

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108 Number 1 skill every business needs

Sales! It’s the one thing people fear the most. In Episode 108 of the Fail Forward Podcast, I tackle the essential skill that every business must master: sales. It’s all about output, the more you do the more you will create. I draw the distinction that marketing is NOT sales. Marketing lays the groundwork by attracting prospects, but sales close the deals and drive revenue. We’ve all experienced the clucky salesman who is trying to sell you something you don’t want or need. The first thing to get across is we are not like those sales people! We need to respect each other’s space and time. Stop beating around the bush - people hate small talk! Stop thinking you are taking up their time, you need to believe that you are going to help your customer and provide value for the problem they face. Tune in now and start mastering the art of sales! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

15 Apr 2024 - 08 min 09 sec

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107 My advice on avoiding burnout

In this episode I talk about burnout - how it affects us and our business. Working with 43 business owners in the tree surgery mastermind I now deal with so many who are in burnout. But what is burnout? It’s when you put all your effort into your life and your business and you end up frazzled, overwhelmed, left with no energy, you feel numb and neutral about everything. It’s awful. So how can we avoid it when we are always on the go? Having gone through 3 of the toughest months since returning to work after my stroke, I share 8 tips with you in this episode. These are the things that I swear by and am currently doing myself. Whether you're currently experiencing burnout or seeking proactive measures, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice that will help restore balance. Take a listen and as always, I’d love to hear what you think! If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

8 Apr 2024 - 14 min 49 sec

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