{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode #630: ScaleUp Radio Shorts - Humaning, Tech, and True Focus: Lessons from Melissa Thornley and Vicki Ayton","description":"In this edition of ScaleUp Radio Shorts, Kevin Brent and Louise Blunt reflect on two fascinating conversations with leadership expert Melissa Thornley and social entrepreneur Vicki Ayton. Although their businesses couldn't be more different, both guests arrive at remarkably similar conclusions. Sustainable growth isn't driven by working harder or adopting the latest technology. It's built by developing better leaders, creating resilient teams, maintaining genuine human connection, and focusing attention on what matters most. From emotional intelligence and feedback cultures to AI, climate resilience and practical productivity systems, this episode explores what founders should really be investing in as they scale. In this episode You'll discover: Why trying to do everything yourself is one of the biggest barriers to scaling The importance of emotional intelligence alongside artificial intelligence Why managing your attention is far more important than managing your time How resilient businesses are built through resilient people Practical ways to build accountability without creating blame Why community, collaboration and purpose create stronger organisations How technology should support human judgement rather than replace it Why writing things down can still outperform another productivity app The role of kindness and self-compassion in high-performing teams One standout message "Wherever your AI skills are, your emotional intelligence needs to be at the same level." It's a simple reminder that as technology accelerates, the businesses that thrive will still be the ones that communicate well, build trust and genuinely understand people. The one key takeaway Technology may improve efficiency, but people create sustainable growth. Invest in leadership, relationships and focus first.   About our guests Melissa Thornley is a leadership and emotional intelligence consultant who helps organisations develop resilient leaders, stronger communication and healthier workplace cultures across industries ranging from manufacturing to emergency services. Vicki Ayton is the founder of BizEd Projects, a Community Interest Company helping communities improve digital inclusion, employability, environmental resilience and local skills development.   Resources mentioned Emotional Intelligence (EI) Artificial Intelligence tools including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Focused Space virtual co-working Smart90 G90 Summit   Smart90 Most founders we speak to feel busy but stuck. Plenty is happening, but it's not always clear what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that's you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we work through everything competing for your attention, identify the three to five priorities that will move your business forward over the next 90 days, then build the systems and accountability to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual and just \u00a397 per seat. Find out more at Smart90.co.uk\/summit.   Produced with the aid of AI This episode of ScaleUp Radio Shorts was researched, structured and produced with the aid of artificial intelligence, with editorial review and final approval by the ScaleUp Radio team. ","author_name":"ScaleUp Radio","author_url":"http:\/\/scaleupradio.libsyn.com\/website","html":"