Episodios

  • Derek Arden, joined by the remarkable Sean West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist.

    Derek Arden, joined by the remarkable Sean West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist.
    May 21 2025
    Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Hello everyone, I'm Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live. Incredible Journey of Sean West Welcome to this week’s Monday Night Live hosted by Derek Arden, where we were joined by the remarkable Sean West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist. In this gripping episode, Sean opens up about his time in the British Army, high-stakes missions around the globe, and the surprising lessons he learned on his journey to becoming a business owner in the ultra-demanding world of private security. 🪖 Life in the British Army: Grit, Growth & Global Missions Sean’s journey began at just 16 years old when he enlisted in the British Army, entering a world of extreme physical and mental challenge. He shares what it was like to grow up fast in the military—how tough the initial training was, how many didn't make it through, and what it meant to finally "earn the beret." From Northern Ireland to Beijing and Afghanistan, Sean found himself on presidential security teams and deep within hostile regions, gaining life-changing experience and resilience. He spoke about the camaraderie and chemistry among soldiers from diverse backgrounds—people from all over the world uniting in shared missions. 💣 On the Ground in Afghanistan: Frontline Perspective Sean gave us an eye-opening look at early post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan, including some close calls and complicated missions. While he didn’t personally negotiate with the Taliban, he worked closely with government agencies and serious organized crime units—always with the aim of protecting others under incredibly high-pressure conditions. 💼 Transitioning to Civilian Life: From Operator to Entrepreneur Returning to the UK, Sean pivoted into the private security industry, starting out as an operator for high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities and professional athletes. His reputation for calm professionalism quickly grew: clients often asked, "Can we have Sean again?" But running a business was a whole new battlefield. Sean candidly discusses the difference between being a top-tier operator and running a company—where you have to switch from chess piece to chess player, thinking strategically rather than just executing tasks. 📈 Business Booms and Busts: Lessons in Resilience During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean’s business flourished. Russian clients were doubling down on protection, creating a boom in demand. But that success was short-lived. When sanctions hit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sean lost 90% of his business in just three weeks. It was a brutal lesson in client diversification and risk management—but one that didn’t break him. Instead, it forged a smarter, more agile entrepreneur. ⚽ Protecting Footballers, Families & Fortunes Ever wondered what it takes to protect a footballer earning £350,000 a week? Sean takes us behind the scenes of match-day security, residential protection, and family safeguarding. Footballers might not always need round-the-clock bodyguards, but their schedules are public, making them vulnerable—and Sean's team is ready for every scenario. 🐶 Dogs, Networks & Due Diligence We also talked about the crucial role of security dogs and how intuitive they are in escalating or de-escalating situations. Sean shared how trust and a tight-knit professional network help him avoid “bad actors” trying to sneak into the industry—his vetting process is all about reputation, referrals, and relationships. 💡 Final Thoughts: Resilience, Public Speaking & Facing Your Fears Sean leaves us with some incredibly powerful insights into mental toughness, taking action despite fear, and why he found public speaking scarier than being shot at. Yes, really! Even after everything he’s faced, stepping on a TEDx stage was his Everest.
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    29 m
  • Sallie Barker MBE, the current Mayor of Guildford and a lifelong champion of sport, education, inclusion, and community leadership.

    Sallie Barker MBE, the current Mayor of Guildford and a lifelong champion of sport, education, inclusion, and community leadership.
    Apr 30 2025
    Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Hello everyone, I'm Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.Tonight, we have a truly special guest: Sallie Barker MBE, the current Mayor of Guildford and a lifelong champion of sport, education, inclusion, and community leadership. In this wide-ranging and uplifting conversation, Sallie shares her extraordinary journey — from a PE teacher passionate about climbing mountains to becoming a national leader in sport administration and finally, the Mayor of her beloved community. From the Classroom to National Sport Leadership Sallie’s story begins in the world of education, where she taught physical education with a passion for helping young people thrive. Her love of sport, combined with her drive for greater inclusion, led her into sports administration — rising through the ranks quickly over 13 years across three major organizations, including Sport England. At Sport England, Sallie helped organize major international events such as the World Blind Games and World Lacrosse Championships. Her outstanding contributions earned her an MBE from the Queen in 2017. Overcoming Challenges in Major Sporting Events Organizing global events is no easy feat! Sallie discusses the behind-the-scenes challenges: from funding issues to coordinating thousands of athletes and volunteers, to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.She reflects on how events like the cricket finals at Birmingham during COVID times showcased the power of sport to unite and inspire — even under enormous pressure. Championing Women in Sport and Inclusion One of Sallie’s greatest achievements has been her work promoting women in sport.When she first joined the scene, women’s sports struggled for recognition, funding, and media coverage. Thanks to pioneers like Sallie, women’s teams today — from football to boxing — enjoy unprecedented visibility and support. However, she also discusses ongoing debates around inclusion, especially in areas like transgender participation in sports. Sallie emphasizes the importance of fairness, empirical research, and creating opportunities for everyone, while recognizing the complexity of these evolving conversations. A New Chapter: Becoming Mayor of Guildford After retiring from her professional sports career, Sallie felt the call to public service. At a key council meeting, when no one else stepped forward to become Mayor, Sallie took the leap — and the rest is history. Now, as Mayor of Guildford, she is focused on supporting local charities, tackling isolation and mental health issues, and helping veterans and those affected by dementia. Her passion for community shines through in everything she does. The True Role of a Mayor: Connecting and Supporting Many people don't realize the real day-to-day work of a Mayor. Sallie shares heartwarming stories of visiting charities, supporting isolated individuals, and helping organizations that often struggle for recognition and funding.From leading fundraising events to advocating for vital community causes, Sallie shows how leadership at the local level can make a real, human difference. Honoring Tradition While Embracing Change Sallie also shares memorable moments from receiving her MBE, including the surreal experience of meeting the Queen.She reflects on the importance of keeping traditions alive — while being open to the necessary changes that modern society demands. Balancing the old and the new, she believes, is crucial for keeping communities strong and connected. Final Reflections: Passion, Service, and Looking Ahead Even after a remarkable career, Sallie is not slowing down.Her dedication to service, passion for sport, and love for her community continue to drive her forward.However, she wisely notes the importance of balance, self-care, and not taking on too much — a lesson we can all appreciate!
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    Menos de 1 minuto
  • MONDAY NIGHT LIVE Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies

    MONDAY NIGHT LIVE Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies
    Apr 16 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Special Guest: Jasmin Faulk 🌟 An Extraordinary Journey of Courage, Culture & Resilience📺 Watch this powerful episode now — and be inspired! Who Is Jasmin Faulk? Jasmin Faulk is a woman of extraordinary strength and depth, whose life story reads like a gripping novel — but it's all true. Born in Saudi Arabia to a Muslim father and an Italian Catholic mother, Jasmin spent the first 25 years of her life navigating the complex world of dual identity in one of the most conservative regimes in the world. This week on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden, Jasmin shares her story with incredible honesty, warmth, and insight. From her upbringing in a deeply traditional society to her daring escape to the United States, Jasmin's story is not only captivating — it’s deeply moving and incredibly relevant in today’s world. A Childhood Between Worlds Jasmin began the episode by walking us through her early life. Her parents’ cross-cultural love story was rare for its time — a Saudi architecture student and a post-war Italian woman who fell in love in Florence in the 1960s. Although they came from two drastically different worlds, their union was marked by openness and acceptance, with both families embracing one another. But for Jasmin, growing up in Saudi Arabia as a bicultural child meant always feeling like an outsider — even within her own home. Her Italian mother tried to assimilate into Saudi culture, even converting to Islam, but the deep contrasts in tradition and lifestyle never went unnoticed. Jasmin sensed early on that something about her life felt “off” and dreamed of a different future — one that felt out of reach. A Dangerous Dream of Freedom As Jasmin entered adolescence, the limitations of her life as a Saudi woman became more stark. While men in her culture had choices and freedoms — to study abroad, to marry outside their culture — those same options were denied to women. Jasmin’s longing for freedom grew into an obsession. Her escape was meticulously planned. With the help of a trusted cousin and a bold, carefully orchestrated lie, she secured permission to travel — and made it to the airport in full traditional dress. With fear gripping her every step, she passed through security and boarded a plane. The moment the wheels lifted off the tarmac, she knew she was free. She eventually made her way to the United States — a land she had fantasized about since childhood, thanks to American films and music — and began the next chapter of her life. A New Life, a New Identity Jasmin’s transition to life in America was not without its struggles. She had to learn and do everything for the first time — drive, open a bank account, speak freely, make independent choices. But each step was a victory. Over time, she earned degrees in sociology, multiculturalism, creative writing, and ethical leadership. Her memoir, The Sandstorm, captures her journey in rich, unforgettable detail. In this episode, she also shares photos from her past, offering a deeply personal visual narrative to accompany her words. What Jasmin Stands For Today Now living in Seattle, Jasmin dedicates her life to activism, education, and storytelling. She is passionate about bridging cultural divides, challenging extremist ideologies, and advocating for tolerance, open-mindedness, and resilience. Her message is clear: even in the face of extreme repression, it is possible to reclaim your life, your voice, and your future. Get in Touch with Jasmin📖 The Sandstorm – Her powerful memoir is available online.🌐 Website: www.jasminfaulk.com🔗 LinkedIn: Jasmin Faulk📸 Instagram: @jasminfaulk Final Thoughts from Derek Arden "This was one of the most emotional and inspiring Monday Night Lives we’ve ever had. Jasmin’s courage and authenticity are deeply humbling. I know her story will stay with you — just as it has with...
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    35 m
  • Mastering Public Speaking One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered.

    Mastering Public Speaking One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered.
    Apr 16 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Our host Derek Arden sat down with the brilliant Karen Young – Founder and CEO of Ethos Metrics – to discuss everything LinkedIn, marketing, and creative strategies for UK SMEs. Karen, with her 30 years of marketing experience across diverse sectors including British Airways and other leading companies, delivered a fun yet deeply informative presentation that left everyone inspired. 🚀✨ An Engaging StartKaren kicked off the session by admitting that she sometimes feels like an “imposter” when talking about LinkedIn marketing. Despite that playful remark, her expertise shone through as she explained how, beyond simply spending budgets on ads, businesses can leverage LinkedIn as a powerful free channel to generate meaningful connections and quality leads. Derek and Karen emphasized the importance of forging authentic relationships rather than sending random connection requests, and Karen shared her unique perspective on targeting the right audience—especially freelance marketing directors and managers who are truly interested in engaging with insightful content. The Power of LinkedInKaren highlighted why LinkedIn remains the premier business social media platform, boasting a user base of 44 million in the UK alone and rising steadily. She explained that with 56% male users and a professional environment where 61% of UK professionals are active, LinkedIn presents an ideal platform to reach decision makers. Karen also noted, with a lighthearted tone and plenty of emojis like 👍💼, that LinkedIn is remarkably less toxic than other social networks, making it the perfect space for professional discourse and networking. Her practical advice covered how to optimize visibility by posting quality content regularly and engaging with the right people—ensuring that the algorithm boosts those posts to the intended audience. Quality Over QuantityOne major theme of the discussion was the importance of strategy. Karen advised that simply amassing connections isn’t enough; instead, focus on connecting with individuals likely to engage with your content. For instance, linking up with key freelance marketing experts can make a huge difference in how many likes, comments, and shares your posts receive. Karen also explained the nuances of LinkedIn’s algorithm: if your posts fail to captivate within the first hour, they’re likely to vanish from view. Therefore, she recommended that each post should be crafted with a strategic aim—curating a network that is genuinely interested and responsive. ✨🔗 Content is KingSwitching the conversation to content creation, Karen shared her fondness for using unedited, authentic videos rather than overly polished productions. According to her, real-life authenticity wins the day as video content generates memorable impressions—often leading to face-to-face interactions after an online encounter. She also discussed the benefits of posting pictures, particularly selfies, which help humanize your brand and build a recognizable persona. Karen noted that every piece of content, whether it be a thought-provoking post or a relatable video, should invite conversation and encourage organic engagement from the right audience. 📹🤳 Insider Tips and TricksThe conversation soon moved into some insider tactics for both organic reach and paid strategies. Karen explained the distinctions between impressions, likes, and comments on LinkedIn. She stressed that beyond the jargon, real engagement comes when posts invite thoughtful discussion—not just automated group responses. Additionally, she touched on LinkedIn advertising options such as thought leadership ads and lead generation forms, which pre-populate user details to reduce friction. Derek chimed in with his own experiences, humorously remarking on how even the smallest strategic adjustments can signific...
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    41 m
  • monday night live with Derek Ardeh

    monday night live with Derek Ardeh
    Apr 2 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live What started on the very first day of lockdown as an experiment (to see if anyone would join via a Zoom link ) quickly grew into something much bigger. That first evening, twelve people tuned in. Now, 250 broadcasts later, we've featured 198 remarkable leaders who generously agreed to be interviewed. The recordings are available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and most podcast channels. Thank you for being part of the journey. I’d love for you to join me tonight for the 251st edition, where a few of those brilliant leaders will return to share their best tips and techniques. Derek Arden https://derekarden.co.uk https://negotiationexpert.co NEW https://negotiatorspodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/negotiatingexpert/
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    1 h
  • Interview techniques Derek Ardeh with Michael Dodd

    Interview techniques Derek Ardeh with Michael Dodd
    Mar 18 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live Welcome to another insightful episode of and now a leading expert on mnday Night Live! I’m Derek Arden, and this week, I’m joined by the fantastic Michael Dodd – a seasoned journalist, foreign correspondent, Media communication and interview techniques. Michael’s career kicked off in Sydney with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), where he was trained in the art of asking “blowtorch on the belly” questions – tough, persistent inquiries designed to put real pressure on political figures. This phrase, coined by an Australian politician, became the backbone of Michael’s journalistic style, pushing for truth and accountability. In our conversation, Michael shares his journey from covering politics in Canberra to witnessing the historic revolutions of Eastern Europe, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution in Prague. He tells a captivating story of interviewing Václav Havel, the Czech dissident-playwright who would later become president. Havel’s masterful response to a tough question about his political ambitions became a defining moment in Michael’s career and illustrates how great communicators can turn pointed questions into opportunities for impactful messaging. As we shift to modern-day media dynamics, Michael offers a behind-the-scenes look at how journalists operate during high-stakes press conferences, like those with Prime Ministers or Presidents. He explains how competitive journalists, from Sky News to the BBC, often don’t coordinate their questions but instead aim to deliver the sharpest queries for their respective audiences and editors. We also dive into Michael’s transition from journalism to media training. He now teaches business leaders, politicians, and even sports coaches how to respond to difficult questions with confidence and clarity. His approach is rooted in integrity – always advocating for honest and effective communication rather than evasiveness. Michael introduces us to his golden formula, the ABCDE method, for crafting powerful responses to tough questions: A: Answer the question (or acknowledge it if you can’t fully respond).B: Bridge – smoothly transition to your key message.C: Content – deliver your core message clearly and concisely.D: Dangle – set up your example or supporting evidence.E: Example – share a compelling story or data point to reinforce your message.Throughout the session, Michael emphasizes the importance of preparation and truth, especially in an age where disinformation can easily sway public opinion. We touch on the rise of false narratives, citing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and the challenges this poses for credible journalism. Michael underlines the critical role journalists play in combating misinformation and holding power to account – a responsibility that’s never been more vital. We also discuss how these media dynamics affect leaders in business and sports. Michael shares anecdotes from his media training with rugby league teams and how captains and managers can apply the ABCDE formula to defuse criticism and refocus on positive actions, even under pressure from hostile media or frustrated fans. From dissecting press conference tactics to reflecting on the wider implications of truth and integrity in public discourse, Michael brings a wealth of wisdom, wit, and practical advice to this conversation. For those interested in learning more about Michael’s approach, he mentions his book, Great Answers to Tough Questions at Work, which dives deeper into his ABCDE strategy and how to stay composed and effective when the heat is on. If you’re a business leader, media professional, or just someone keen to sharpen your communication skills, you won’t want to miss this masterclass. 👉 Check out Michael’s website at www.michaeldoddcommunications.com to sign up for his free newsletter and stay updated on his latest insights. Enjoy the episode and, as always,
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    38 m
  • Justin Urquhart-Stewart on Geopolitics & Markets | Monday Night Live with Derek Arden

    Justin Urquhart-Stewart on Geopolitics & Markets | Monday Night Live with Derek Arden
    Mar 12 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live Mastering PThis week on Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomes back renowned BBC commentator Justin Urquhart-Stewart for another insightful discussion on the latest global economic and political events. With President Trump making waves yet again, Justin dives into the geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties shaping today's investment landscape. From tariffs on electricity between Canada and the U.S. to China’s property crisis, he breaks down how these developments impact global markets and investor confidence. Key topics discussed:✅ Trump’s economic impact – disruption or destruction?✅ China’s internal struggles – inflation, social unrest & real estate issues✅ Russia’s economic strain – can they afford continued conflict?✅ Europe’s financial outlook – Germany’s manufacturing decline & London’s stock market future✅ Investment strategies in uncertain times – is a defensive position the best move? Justin also shares his thoughts on Brexit, whether the UK is suffering post-EU departure, and the challenges of re-entering a single market. Plus, he answers audience questions on the key economic indicators to watch for a global shift. Join us for this informative, no-nonsense breakdown of world affairs and financial markets. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights every week! MondayNightLive #Economy #Investing #Geopolitics #JustinUrquhartStewart #DerekArdened professional or just starting your journey in public speaking, her insights will help you craft messages that captivate and inspire. Derek Arden Derek Arden https://derekarden.co.uk https://negotiationexpert.co NEW https://negotiatorspodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/negotiatingexpert/
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    29 m
  • Mastering Public Speaking One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered.

    Mastering Public Speaking One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered.
    Feb 11 2025
    Welcome to Monday Night Live Mastering Public Speaking with Patricia Fripp | Monday Night Live with Derek Arden This week on Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomed the legendary Patricia Fripp, an award-winning keynote speaker, executive speech coach, and sales presentation expert. With her vast experience in communication and storytelling, Patricia shared invaluable insights into crafting powerful messages that resonate with audiences. A Sneak Peek into the Global Speaking Association Winter Workshop Patricia is gearing up for a major keynote speech at the Global Speaking Association’s Winter Workshop in March. In this special session of Monday Night Live, she gave us an exclusive dress rehearsal, offering a glimpse into the expertise she’ll be sharing with an audience of top speakers, business experts, and consultants. Key Takeaways from Patricia’s Talk The Audience is Always Your Priority One of Patricia’s fundamental principles is that communication should always be audience-centered. She emphasized that people care more about themselves than the speaker, which means successful presenters must shift their focus from “I” to “You”. By incorporating “you-focused” phrases, speakers can engage their audience on a deeper level. Powerful Openings Make All the Difference Patricia shared various techniques for grabbing attention from the very first sentence. Some of her go-to methods include: Asking a compelling question (e.g., “Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and didn’t know how to start a conversation?”) Using an interesting statistic with an emotional hook (e.g., “Would it surprise you to know that 80% of professionals fear public speaking?”) Transporting the audience through time, either by taking them into the past (“Let’s go back to February 3rd, 2000…”) or painting a vivid future scenario (“Imagine it’s February 17th, 2026, and you’re delivering the highest-paid speech of your career…”) Scene-Setting & Storytelling – The Hollywood Approach With her experience studying screenwriting, Patricia emphasized the importance of starting stories late in the scene. Instead of lengthy backstories, she advised speakers to dive straight into the action. For example, rather than saying, “I grew up wanting to be a scientist…”, start with: “Being a scientist is like doing a jigsaw puzzle without the picture.” This instantly creates intrigue and connection. The Power of Specific Language One of Patricia’s ongoing missions is to encourage speakers to use more specific language. She pointed out that phrases like “He promised her everything” are vague, whereas “He promised her romance and adventure” create a stronger emotional impact. The Importance of a Strong Conclusion Patricia’s advice: always bring your audience full circle. She recommended reminding listeners of the vision they created earlier in the presentation and encouraging them to take action to make it a reality. A Brilliant Rehearsal & A Look Ahead This Monday Night Live session was a fantastic opportunity for Patricia to refine her keynote speech before her big event. She graciously thanked the audience for their feedback and the chance to practice in a live setting. Derek Arden wrapped up the session by reminding everyone about the upcoming Monday Night Live 5th Anniversary Celebration on March 24th. If you want to connect with Patricia Fripp or explore her online training programs, her Virtual Training (VT) platform is available for anyone eager to elevate their speaking skills. Final Thoughts Patricia Fripp’s expertise in communication and storytelling made this episode a true masterclass in impactful speaking. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in public speaking, her insights will help you craft messages that captivate and inspire. Derek Arden https://derekarden.co.uk https://negotiationexpert.co NEW
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    26 m
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