Success often hinges on the ability to leverage the collective wisdom and support of a trusted network. Joining the Alchemists Forum Business Owner & CEO Confidential peer group isn't just a smart move; it's a strategic investment in your own growth and the future success of your organisation.

Burnout has become increasingly prevalent, affecting individuals across all levels of professional success. Whether you're experiencing burnout or operating at the top of your game, understanding the principles outlined in 'The Chimp Paradox' by Dr. Steve Peters can be transformative.

As business owners and CEOs, we often seek inspiration from various sources to navigate the complexities of our roles and the ever-changing landscape of our industries.

As a business owner or CEO, the weight of responsibility often rests squarely on your shoulders. Key decisions, company direction, strategic clarity, and personal growth—it's a monumental task, and the burden can feel isolating.

In the dynamic world of business leadership, there exists a shadowy reality that often lurks beneath the surface: the internal challenges faced by CEOs and business owners. While the spotlight may shine on their achievements and successes, behind closed doors, many leaders grapple with a host of internal enemies that threaten their well-being and effectiveness. 

In the world of business, motivating employees and driving performance are critical to success. Traditionally, many CEOs and business owners have turned to rewards such as bonuses, incentives, and praise to incentivise their teams. However, Alfie Kohn's groundbreaking book, "Punished by Rewards," challenges this conventional approach.

Each and every day, CEOs and business owners often find themselves navigating complex decisions, ethical dilemmas, and personal challenges.

In the fast-paced world of business, where decisions are made in the blink of an eye and strategies evolve at the speed of technology, the importance of taking an intentional pause is often underestimated.

Why Joining the ALCHEMISTS FORUM > Your Personal Board will Transform Your Leadership Journey.

All members of the Alchemists Forum identify as ‘Business Alchemists’, but what does this mean? Let’s start by outlining exactly what our chair Alan Branagh, defines as a business alchemist:

"A business alchemist is an individual who possesses a transformative growth mindset and exhibits characteristics of adaptability, creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness within the business world.

Small group coaching can be an incredibly effective tool for both business and personal growth and development. At the Alchemists Forum, our coaching enables members to build meaningful connections, resulting in clarity and confidence. However, coaching is not without its challenges.

Gaining insight into your own growth and development can be a daunting task. It's often hard to see yourself objectively and find solutions to your own issues.

Belfast and Dublin-based health technology company Hospital Services Limited (HSL), led by Alchemists Forum member, CEO Dominic Walsh, announces expansion into England with a new £1.7m East Midlands HQ.

This month the Alchemists Forum had the pleasure of welcoming Neil Laughton to our in-person speaker session. Neil Laughton is a successful business entrepreneur, multiple Guinness World Record breaking adventurer and a former Royal Marine Commando, helicopter pilot and Special Forces Officer.  

In a world increasingly dominated by corporations (and wealthy individuals) owning businesses in the private sector and public utilities controlled by faceless venture capitalists, seemingly only answerable to shareholders, many employees and customers are unhappy that profits aren’t being used in a way that benefits everyone.

“Work-life balance may become an antiquated term soon. Framing our work, life, interests, family, friends, and everything else we do in ‘My Lifestyle’ is a far more realistic way to view it.” Jim Collins (2020) 

When an acquisition offer turns up out of the blue, knowing what to do is a huge call – and business owners need to get organised fast. The Alchemists Forum are collaborating with international specialists CapEQ to give a quick guide to understanding the opportunities and pitfalls of discussing your business exit with others.

Business leaders are becoming more aware that they need to see their enterprises as separate entities rather than an extension of themselves. Whether that’s because there’s just been a lot more written about “Building an enduring business”, I’m not sure. But reading about what you should do and putting it into practice, are two very different things.

Business exit strategies: five ways to sell your company

The decision to sell your business is a big call – and can seem drastic and final. Outlining a vision of how and when to exit will help you with later decisions like choosing the right advisor and pre-sale preparations. The Alchemists Forum are collaborating with international specialists CapEQ to give a few pointers to help you through the process.

The challenge of securing capital to grow a company can be both exhilarating and daunting. Get it right and those scale-up dreams are likely to come to fruition. Get it wrong and your plans can be seriously derailed. Entrepreneurs cannot escape these challenges but, by knowing what they are, can at least prepare for them. The Alchemists Forum are collaborating with international specialists CapEQ to give a few pointers to help you through the process.