We’re 100! – Celebrating 100 episodes of Sparks
In this special 100th episode of Sparks by Ignium, host Phil Rose reflects on five transformative years since the podcast’s inception in 2019.
Our business growth podcast with a difference has reached its centenary, and we couldn’t be happier or more proud. It’s given us a chance to share space with forward-thinking and successful entrepreneurs who have added value to their businesses while adding value to their lives.
And this is so important because we believe that a vital part of growing your business should be getting your life back. So balance and integration are threads that run right through every conversation alongside core business strategy and insider knowledge.
What You’ll Learn:
🌱 How Sparks by Ignium evolved from a marketing idea into a mission-driven platform
🎧 The role of the pandemic in opening up new ways of connecting and learning
🔍 Key leadership lessons around authenticity, vulnerability, and navigating uncertainty
🤝 Why purpose is the golden thread through every conversation and every guest
🔥 Reflections on building community, sharing wisdom, and growing stronger together
Our roundup 100th episode at a glance:
The story behind the podcast and the lockdown days of its infancy.
- How your business strategy will morph over time and why that’s a good thing.
- Why as an SME you have superpowers over big business.
And we look back on the time we spoke to:
- The late, great godfather of sustainability Robert Barnard-Weston: equal parts successful entrepreneur and eco-warrior.
- DEI champion Julie Kratz about the benefits of genuine inclusion and allyship.
- Michael Tanner on leadership that people want to follow.
- Demetria Sloan on the important role women play in leadership once they discover and bring to light the valuable talents they have – a lesson for all of us regardless of gender.
- Verne Harnish and the freedom we find when we play to win vs playing not to lose.
- Daniel Marcos and the three elements you need to invest in to grow your business. He talks about how to scale with impact while reducing the drama.
- Ambassador of hope Andre Norman and the tough personal choices that took him from gangland in prison to going back to help others as an inspirational speaker and coach.
- Walking business coach Jackie Jarvis about what she learned from her adventures on the Camino trails: taking your own path and only carrying what you need.
The podcast is just one of a number of resources we have in our Spark Tank for people who want to grow their business with purpose. Why? Because we believe that small business has the power to transform the economy and the way we do things.
But being a business owner isn’t easy. We all put a lot on the line, so every bit of help we can get is valuable.
Enjoy this roundup and let us know what you think. Delve into a few of the episodes above or save them for when you’re walking the dog or on a long drive.
Memorable Quotes:
"We set this podcast up to market the business… but what it’s become is something far more meaningful." – Phil Rose
"We talked about 2020 with 2020 vision—turns out we were wildly wrong. But what we learned was even more powerful."
"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with authenticity, even when you’re uncertain."
Takeaway Actions:
• Reflect on how your business has evolved in the past five years. What themes have emerged for you?
• Reconnect with your purpose: Why did you start what you’re doing, and how has that evolved?
• Revisit past Sparks episodes for lessons you might’ve missed—or need to hear again.
♻ Feel good about liking, commenting or sharing this. We believe that SMEs have the power to transform the world and drive our economy but only if we stick together and share what we know.
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Books and Articles mentioned:
Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Patrick Lencioni - The Six Types of Working Genius
Ken Blanchard - One Minute Manager
Jim Collins - Good to Great
Learn More:
§ Visit the Ignium website
§ Subscribe for more exclusive content in the Ignium Spark Tank here
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🔎 Secondary Keywords (Supportive for Niche/Long-Tail Searches)
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The Ignium Sparks Newsletter is our bi monthly round up of what we've seen that's inspired us, what we've said and what we're doing.