Invest in You

Latest Episodes:

The Science of Culture and Alignment in Business with Matt Pearson Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Fredrik welcomes strategist, operator, and Culture Architect Matt Pearson to the show. Drawing on his two decades of experience in executive leadership, corporate development, sell-side investment banking, and buy-side M\&A, Matt delves into the critical role of organizational alignment in driving business value. He introduces his 'Square Management System', a unique framework that quantifies company culture and allows leaders to design a high-trust, high-performing environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Company culture can be broken down into a simple, quantifiable model, which Matt calls the Square Management System. It is comprised of four key elements, or '4-I's,' which can be measured and managed.

The four sides of the 'Square' that define an organisation's culture are: 'Identity' (mission and brand), 'Instruction' (clarity of roles and expectations), 'Intercommunication' (information flow and hierarchy), and 'Information Feedback' (learning and adaptation).

A good culture is achieved by aligning an employee's belief system with the company's systems. This balance is managed through 'constrained independence' - the known and communicated degree to which an employee can ideate and act on their own decisions.

Cultural fit is a structural force, not a 'vibe'. A difference in operating behaviours (such as a 4-day work week or a fully-remote vs. in-office policy) can doom a strategically-sound acquisition because the people will fail to execute the planned synergies.

Attempting to copy the culture of a successful company is a mistake. Instead, leaders should use a system like the Square Management System to intentionally design a culture that works for them and their specific mission, making it actionable from day one.

BEST MOMENTS

"A good culture is nothing more than attributing a staff and their way of doing and their belief structures to the same ways of doing and belief structures as a company. And if those two things align, you've got a great culture."

"What most people think culture is, it's just one side of the square. It's the ping pong table and the happy hour beers."

"I don't think anyone's ever interviewed at a company where HR said it's a bad culture. It's never happened. It's always the best culture."

"You've got a faster-moving, innovative team who's empowered to make decisions, who trusts each other to swim in the same lane. That's a high-trust, high-performing organisation."

"A lot of money gets squandered when you invest, with an idea that's great but not the know-how to scale it properly."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Serial entrepreneurs Fredrik, Charlie and Ivan Sandvall love sharing ideas and interviewing world-class entrepreneurs and influences. Invest In You is about investments, entrepreneurs, personal development and doing fun things. They hope to ensure you to take action, helping others and yourself, plus enjoying the journey we call life.

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Michael Barbarita

Michael’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/michaelbarbarita

Website: nextstepcfo.net

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Converting Prospects and Unlocking Hidden Cash with Michael Barbarita Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Fredrik is joined by Michael Barbarita, a strategic Fractional CFO and the author of 'Powerful Business Strategies'. Michael explains why combining financial expertise with business strategy is crucial for success, noting that a good CFO must understand business strategy. He also delves into essential financial management, detailing his "90 Days to Fast Cash" program and the "Vital 5" financial metrics every business owner must track for better decision-making and to uncover hidden cash.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A strategic Fractional CFO combines financial management with business strategy to help a company differentiate itself from competitors. Fortune 500 CFOs must understand business strategy to get the job.

A compelling offer should be so irresistible that a prospect cannot say no. The five components are: Scarcity and Urgency, Risk Reversal (like a "Ski Guarantee"), Adding More Value, Packaging and Bundling, and being Disconnected to the Outcome while being Transformational.

Business owners should have five numbers "burnt in their memory" to make better decisions: Sales, Gross Profit, Gross Profit Percent, Net Profit (all weekly), and your daily Current Cash Balance.

A professional, forward-looking forecast should include a projected balance sheet, P&L, and cash flow. This process is critical for understanding the ramifications of decisions *before* you make them and for answering the common question of "Can I afford it?".

BEST MOMENTS

"The mindset of a business owner is very important. My mindset was, number one, my competitors wouldn't do it in a million years. And number two, all the customer wanted was a great ski experience."

"There shouldn't be any customers that you don't close, if you have the proper downsells."

"If you look at most websites, and competitors' websites, I'm sure you're going to see the following stuff: 'Largest selection,' 'Lowest prices,' 'Best service,' 'Great location,' 'Most convenient,' 'We specialize,' 'Honest and sincere.' ...This is what I call 'I hope so' marketing because the customer is saying, 'I hope so,' after each one of these statements."

"A good financial statement tells the story about your business. You got to be able to read the financials."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Michael Barbarita

Michael’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/michaelbarbarita

Website: nextstepcfo.net

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: Jen Lehner on Harnessing AI for Business Growth Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Fredrik sits down with digital marketing strategist and CEO, Jen Lehner. They discuss her career helping small businesses find efficiency through smart digital solutions and how the role of AI has impacted her work. She shares her insights on why some AI tools initially felt more like a chore than a help, and how the release of ChatGPT changed the game for her.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Early AI tools often required so much tweaking and editing that it felt easier to start from scratch.

The release of ChatGPT was a game-changer for many, demonstrating the true potential of AI to automate tasks and streamline work processes.

One of the most powerful and underrated features of AI tools like ChatGPT is the ability to use a microphone to speak and have a conversation, rather than typing.

A great way to get started with AI is to give it context by telling it about yourself and your business, as this will lead to better and more personalised output.

Companies can use AI to upskill employees, freeing them from mechanical tasks so they can focus on more meaningful work.

BEST MOMENTS

"At the end of the day, I was always kind of left with, 'my gosh, I have to tweak this and repair it and edit it so much, I might as well just start from scratch.'"

"It's like having the highest paid consultant in the world, living inside your computer."

"The way that I look at it, it's giving us superpowers."

"I'm determined to get AI to really fix this by 80%."

"Let AI handle the mechanical, so you can handle the meaningful."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Jen Lehner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlehner/

jenlehner.com

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Creating Value: The Importance of Core Values in Business and Life Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Today, Fredrik interviews Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO and founder of Walfinch, a home care franchising business. Amrit shares his journey from being a franchisee to becoming a franchisor, emphasising the impact of franchising in scaling businesses. Amrit also discusses the significance of investing in oneself through continuous learning, networking, and personal wellness. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on gaining experience rather than chasing immediate financial success, highlighting the benefits of mentorship and gradual growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Franchising allows for greater influence and impact across multiple locations, enabling entrepreneurs to scale their businesses while supporting others in their journey to self-employment.

Effective cash flow forecasting is crucial for business sustainability, especially in sectors with delayed payments. Planning ahead can prevent financial stress and ensure that obligations, such as payroll, are met.

Networking and maintaining relationships can provide essential support during challenging times. Leveraging connections can lead to solutions, such as financial assistance or business partnerships.

Continuous self-investment through education, training, and wellness is vital for both personal and professional development. Engaging in activities that promote mental and physical health can enhance overall performance.

Gaining experience and knowledge in the early stages of a career is more valuable than immediate financial gain. Learning from others and absorbing their insights can lead to long-term success and growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"I could make lots of money in one location, but I could make lots of impact in 100, 200 locations, which I could do through the power of franchising."

"If you don't pay for this, they can't pay carers and so on and so forth."

"The thing that has always saved me has been relationships."

"You can't do that in the last second. I tried it too, but it's painful."

"Always create the values set for yourself. They will feed you well and you will gain riches, not just financial, but emotional and relationships."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Amrit Dhaliwal

Amrit Dhaliwal is CEO and founder of Walfinch, one of the UK’s fastest-growing home care franchise networks with 30+ territories nationwide. A former franchisee turned franchisor, he’s the author of Time to Thrive: The Home Care Revolution and host of the Walking With Walfinch podcast. Amrit has been named in the Social Care Top 30 and recognised as Emerging Franchisor of the Year.

Franchise opportunities: ⁠https://walfinchfranchising.com⁠

Home care services: ⁠https://walfinch.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/amrit-dhaliwal-a436445b

⁠https://walfinchfranchising.com⁠ ⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-dhaliwal-a436445b/

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Leveraging Your Past for Future Success Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Fredrik interviews Laura Armstrong, a holistic practitioner and wealth mastery strategist. Laura shares her journey from being a competitive bodybuilder and martial artist to navigating the corporate world as a commodities trader. She discusses overcoming limiting beliefs and the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive network.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Achieving high levels of success requires a holistic approach that encompasses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. This balance is crucial not only in martial arts but also in business.

A positive money mindset is essential for scaling wealth. Many individuals struggle with limiting beliefs and feelings of unworthiness, which can hinder their ability to attract and retain wealth.

Understanding your "why" is vital. Your purpose, combined with a strong drive, propels you into action and helps you overcome obstacles. High achievers are often relentless in their pursuit of their goals.

Building a strong network and seeking support from others can significantly enhance your journey. Collaborating with those who have different strengths can help you achieve your goals more effectively.

Investing in personal development across all areas—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual—is crucial. Recognising your own power and taking ownership of your choices can lead to greater success and fulfilment.

BEST MOMENTS

"I became a holistic practitioner because I wanted that extra edge. You have to have the mindset and be in tune with everything going on with you."

"People only want three things: more money, more time, better health. If you offer any of those things and position it properly, you have a goldmine."

"Your trauma can create your greatness. How do you want to use it to inspire others to step into their greatness?"

"If you're not getting into action, all you need to do is look at your vision and your alignment, because something's off."

"Investing in yourself... do it on all levels, not just the physical. Spend time, because when illness strikes, it's because we haven't listened to the other levels."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Mergers and Acquisitions Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Today, Fredrik interviews Lee Smith, who shares insights from his 12 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. He emphasises the importance of ethical practices and creating win-win deals, highlighting his transition to employee ownership in his companies to foster a positive legacy. Lee recounts a recent successful acquisition of a construction company, where he returned shares to the founder, resulting in mutual growth. He also discusses challenges faced in partnerships, including a significant setback with a former partner, and the lessons learned from those experiences.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emphasising the importance of ethical dealings in mergers and acquisitions, the focus is on creating win-win situations for all parties involved, which helps build trust and a positive legacy.

Transitioning companies to allow employees to become owners is a key strategy for fostering loyalty and commitment, ultimately leading to a more motivated workforce and a sustainable business model.

The journey in mergers and acquisitions is filled with ups and downs. Learning from past partnerships and deals, especially those that went sideways, is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Building strong relationships and rapport with potential business partners and sellers is essential. A genuine connection can lead to better deals and long-term collaborations, even if the financial offer isn't the highest.

Continuous self-investment in areas such as mindset, nutrition, and personal growth is vital. This holistic approach not only enhances business acumen but also contributes to overall well-being, especially during volatile times.

BEST MOMENTS

"For me, everything has to be a win-win deal. I'm not interested in anything else. I want to make sure that I leave a path of positivity."

"I had a falling out with a business partner. As part of the transaction, I gave another 20% back to the founder."

"I learned probably 10 years of lessons in that one person. It was bitter, it was nasty, but now I'm firing on all cylinders."

"If you can't even stand each other for a week, don't even go there."

"Now is the time to double down and invest. Invest in yourself in whatever that means for you."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Serial entrepreneurs Fredrik, Charlie and Ivan Sandvall love sharing ideas and interviewing world class entrepreneurs and influences. Invest In You is about investments, entrepreneurs, personal development and doing fun things. They hope to ensure you to take action, helping others and yourself, plus enjoying the journey we call life.

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

The Non-Negotiable Nature of Leadership Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Fredrik engages in a thought-provoking conversation with leadership expert Peter Anderton. They explore the critical distinction between being a manager and a leader, emphasising that true leadership is about empowering others rather than simply delivering results oneself.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Effective leadership is about shifting the mindset from focusing on personal achievements to empowering the team to deliver results. A leader's role is to develop a team that can operate independently.

The distinction between a manager and a leader lies in motivation. People work for a manager out of necessity (to get paid), but they choose to follow a leader because they want to, which fosters greater engagement and effort.

Leaders must learn to delegate and trust their team members. By stepping back and allowing others to take ownership, leaders can prevent themselves from becoming bottlenecks in the organisation.

True leadership begins with self-reflection and personal development. Leaders should focus on changing their own behaviour and mindset to positively influence their teams and create a more effective work environment.

There is no such thing as a perfect leader. Acknowledging that mistakes will happen is part of the growth process. Leaders should be kind to themselves while striving to apply the principles of effective leadership.

BEST MOMENTS

"It's not your job to deliver the result. Your job is delivering the team who deliver the results."

"You work for a manager because you have to. You follow a leader because you choose to."

"If we don't change, nothing changes. But once we change, everything changes."

"The bottom line is short of holding a gun to somebody's head, we can't actually make somebody do anything."

"If you built a team that are dependent on you, you're just creating a bigger and bigger problem."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

How to Transform Your Life and Career with Smart Integration Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Fredrik sits down with Dan Cross and discusses the intersection of AI and digital marketing. They explore how AI can serve as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, emphasising its ability to provide tailored insights and shortcuts in various aspects of life, including fitness and nutrition.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

AI and social algorithms can reinforce existing beliefs and biases, leading users to content that aligns with their preconceptions, which can be problematic in decision-making.

AI can serve as a powerful tool for personal development, such as fitness and nutrition, by providing tailored information and insights that are specific to individual needs and circumstances.

Instead of trying to master multiple AI tools, it's more effective to deeply learn and utilise one primary tool (like ChatGPT) to maximise its potential across various aspects of life and work.

Building custom AI tools or prompts can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness, allowing users to streamline repetitive tasks and improve output quality.

While AI can assist in storytelling, it lacks the core values and personal experiences that humans bring to narratives, making trust and authenticity essential in marketing and personal branding.

BEST MOMENTS

"AI is a confirmation bias machine, and it's a problem. Social algorithms are too."

"With AI, all of a sudden, I'm finding I have this fantastic shortcut to figure out anything."

"If you build a custom GPT to help you do it, you can knock it down to 30 minutes."

"AI will be able to do that same thing, but it didn't do it. Now it's probably moderating."

"Now's the time to get into AI. Only 10% of people are using it on a monthly basis."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Lessons from Bill Widmer on Personal Growth and Business Success Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Today, Fredrik sits down with entrepreneur Bill Widmer, who shares insights on SEO, affiliate marketing, and building supportive communities for ADHD entrepreneurs. Bill discusses his journey from living in an RV to creating a thriving online community called Focus Founders, aimed at helping ADHD individuals focus and succeed without burnout. He also highlights the benefits of affiliate marketing, where entrepreneurs can earn income without the burden of product delivery.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Creating a successful community involves offering free value and building personal relationships with members. Engaging with individuals and connecting them to one another fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participation.

SEO is not dead; it is evolving with the rise of AI. While traditional SEO principles still apply, optimising for AI search engines requires a focus on brand mentions across various platforms rather than just backlinks.

Affiliate marketing allows entrepreneurs to generate income without the burden of product fulfilment. This model can create a stable revenue stream if combined effectively with SEO strategies.

Continuous self-investment through courses, coaching, and personal development is crucial. This investment is seen as an asset that remains with an individual and contributes to long-term success.

Individuals with ADHD can leverage their unique capabilities to excel in entrepreneurship. Recognizing and embracing these traits can lead to greater focus and productivity, allowing them to build fulfilling lives and businesses.

BEST MOMENTS

"I am an entrepreneur. My passion project is helping other ADHD entrepreneurs to focus and build lives that they love without burning out or getting overwhelmed."

"The reason that it was picked up that people were interested in it is because it had recurring traffic thanks to the SEO efforts that was stable and reliable."

"If you want to get found more, basically what you got to do is show up in more places across the internet."

"What's not to like about [affiliate marketing]? You get paid and you don't have to fulfil, you don't have to deliver."

"Just get out there and do what you love. Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall

Ivan Sandvall

Instagram @ivansandvall

Who Owns AI? Exploring the Role of the Chief AI Officer in Modern Businesses Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Fredrik interviews Chris, a Chief AI Officer, to explore the evolving role of AI in business. They discuss the importance of having a dedicated AI leader who understands both technology and business operations, emphasising that this role should focus on optimising processes rather than being purely technical. Chris shares a compelling case study from a commercial construction client that achieved a 27% productivity increase through AI training, highlighting that small teams can yield significant results.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Chief AI Officer should be a non-technical executive who understands the business and can leverage generative AI to optimise operations and enhance productivity, rather than being solely focused on IT or data science.

Before implementing AI tools, companies should establish clear usage policies and provide training to ensure employees understand how to use AI responsibly and effectively, mitigating governance concerns.

Businesses can begin their AI journey with small pilot projects involving a limited number of team members, which can lead to significant improvements in productivity without the need for a large-scale rollout.

Many employees may use AI tools without the knowledge of their leaders, which can pose risks related to data privacy and security. Companies should proactively assess and manage this shadow usage.

Providing detailed context when interacting with AI tools can significantly enhance the quality of the output. Using dictation to convey thoughts and context can lead to more nuanced and relevant responses from AI models.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you focus on having it be an IT function, I think that if anything, they'll move slow and they'll complicate it. It really does need to be somebody on the team at the executive level."

"You don't have to start big. It doesn't have to be this huge enterprise-wide rollout. You can start with a small team."

"Most executives that we talk to may say, 'We don't allow AI to be used yet,' but the truth is, there's this concept called shadow usage."

"As soon as you actually pay for any of these LLMs, at least you create some kind of fundamental barrier."

"If AI and using AI to support you is not part of that learning curve for you, I would suggest that you have an expiration date for your expertise."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctordaigle/

ChiefAIOfficer.com

https://www.skool.com/invest-in-you-podcast-tribe-8617/about?ref=b436cf4ec1004048a6be80c1b1b27d60

ABOUT THE HOSTS

CONTACT METHOD

Fredrik Sandvall

www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/

https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

Charlie Sandvall

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csandvall/

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/Sandvall