Episode #491 - Brand Like a Jedi, Lead Like a Human and Why Purpose-Driven Companies Attract Loyal Teams and Clients - with Darrell Irwin

Hi, I’m Granger Forson – find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn – and in this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I talk with Darrell Irwin, the visionary founder behind Cre8ion, Digital, and Humans.   Darrell’s story isn’t just about scaling multiple businesses – it’s about scaling with meaning. From walking away from a lucrative agency deal over ethical misalignment to founding Cre8ion, a brand marketing agency rooted in purpose, Darrell shows us what it looks like when personal values shape business success.   We explore how he built a tight-knit team through a unique pathway from volunteer to full-time employment, the surprising benefits of a four-day work week, and how constraint actually fuels creativity. His philosophy? Focus on people, purpose, and planet – and profit becomes a byproduct of meaningful impact.   His leadership approach shines through in Humans, a personal development company creating space for real, raw conversations. Their ‘Humans Talks’ are like TED Talks but unfiltered – sharing life, struggle, and breakthrough in ways that connect beyond business. Darrell also reveals his grand plan: building an ecosystem of 12 businesses that cross-pollinate to serve the entrepreneur holistically – from branding to personal leadership. This episode is filled with insights, heart, and practical takeaways for anyone looking to scale with authenticity.   To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.   So, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of purpose, people and playbooks with Darrell Irwin.     Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin   You can get in touch with Granger here: grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk   Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Darrell can be found here: https://darrellirwin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellirwin/   Resources:   Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rebel-ideas-the-power-of-thinking-differently-matthew-syed/4848192?ean=9781529348408 The Crisis Catalyst by Darrell Irwin - https://cre8ion.co.uk/product/best-entrepreneur-book-the-crisis-catalyst/ High Performance Podcast - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/ Joe Rogan podcast - https://www.joerogan.com/ High Performance app - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/hp-app Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/