Episode 30: Lead Smarter: How Solution-Focused Thinking Drives Real Results in Business and Charity with Andrew Gibson

Podcast Notes

In this episode, Richard Coulthard sits down with Andrew Gibson – author, coach and founder of Business Services Leeds. With years of experience supporting the NHS, charities, and growing businesses, Andrew brings clarity to the real-world challenges faced by leaders and managers across sectors.

We unpack key takeaways from the episode, including solution-focused coaching, outcome-driven delegation, powerful storytelling, and sustainable business development. Whether you’re leading a team, running a charity, or building a business, Andrew’s practical insights can help you create momentum and long-term growth.

Introduction and Andrew’s Background (00:00:02)

Business Name and Specificity (00:01:07)

Comparing Not-for-Profit and Private Sector Challenges (00:02:08)

Resource Management and Helping People Who Help Others (00:03:13)

Organisational Change and Delegation in the NHS (00:06:35)

Commercial Awareness in Public vs. Private Sector (00:07:57)

Delegating Outcomes vs. Actions (00:12:26)

Introduction to Solution Focused Practice (00:14:25)

Core Elements of Solution Focused Practice (00:16:42)

Practical Example: Organising an Office Night Out (00:19:42)

Applying Solution Focused Practice to Teams (00:22:08)

Social Media and Measuring Progress (00:26:07)

The Power of Storytelling in Business (00:27:58)

How to Tell Effective Client Stories (00:32:56)

Overcoming Negative Perceptions with Stories (00:36:04)

Coaching as a Leadership Skill (00:37:23)

Unique Referral Points and Networking (00:38:35)

Networking Mindset: Giving vs. Selling (00:50:05)

Challenges and Opportunities for Startups (00:52:46)

The Importance of Understanding What You Want (00:55:58)