E70 - Mary Portas: Changing your thinking to change your results

Mary Portas is an expert on retail and brand communication. Since 1997 she has been running Portas, a brand agency, producing challenging campaigns and championing brand development for clients. 

She is credited with turning Harvey Nichols into a modern fashion brand in the ’90s. She became a member of the company’s board at the age of 30. She previously worked with John Lewis and Topshop.

In 2011 Mary was commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron to lead an independent review into the Future of the High Street. She delivered the report in outlining 28 recommendations for rescuing the nation’s failing high streets. Her proudest achievement to date, is the creation of Mary’s Living and Giving shops for Save The Children. Currently the most profitable charity shops in the UK, she has so far opened 25 and has raised over £13 million and counting.

Mary’s latest book ‘Rebuild: How to thrive in the new Kindness Economy’ is out now.

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We have a brand new newsletter out for our members club THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CIRCLE! This month we have exclusive content including: 

Keynote: Winning when it’s impossible - Cath Bishop

High Performance Boosts:

• Mindset in Conflict zones - Hamish de Breton-Gordon
• Self-belief is Like a Muscle - Ben Saunders

Exclusive Podcast: Ric Lewis. Ric Lewis shared for the first time his 12 principles to a successful life and business

Go to www.thehighperformancepodcast.com to sign up for FREE! 

Want more from the High Performance Podcast? We have a book coming out! PRE-ORDER NOW: smarturl.it/hv0sdz

A big thanks to our founding partners Lotus Cars for their continued support. Look out for big plans around Goodwood Festival of Speed coming next weekend! Thanks also to GIVEMESPORT - the exclusive sports partner of the High Performance Podcast. To gain further access to editorial and social content from the Podcast click here https://www.givemesport.com/podcast

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### Section 1: Introduction to Mary Portas and Her Expertise

- Mary Portas is an expert in retail and brand communication.
- She has been running Portas, a brand agency, since 1997, producing challenging campaigns and championing brand development for clients.
- She is credited with turning Harvey Nichols into a modern fashion brand in the 1990s and became a member of the company’s board at the age of 30.
- Portas has also worked with John Lewis and Topshop.
- In 2011, she was commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron to lead an independent review into the Future of the High Street.
- Her proudest achievement to date is the creation of Mary’s Living and Giving shops for Save The Children, which are the most profitable charity shops in the UK.

### Section 2: Mary Portas's Latest Book: "Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy"

- Portas's latest book, "Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy," is now available.

### Section 3: The High Performance Circle

- The High Performance Podcast has a brand new newsletter for its members club, THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CIRCLE.
- This month's exclusive content includes a keynote speech by Cath Bishop titled "Winning when it’s impossible," high-performance boosts from Hamish de Breton-Gordon and Ben Saunders, and an exclusive podcast with Ric Lewis sharing his 12 principles for a successful life and business.
- To sign up for FREE, visit www.thehighperformancepodcast.com.

### Section 4: Mary Portas on High Performance

- Mary Portas believes that high performance is a group of people, not an individual.
- It is about creating an environment that is conducive to creativity, stimulation, and collaboration.
- Culture is at the heart of high performance, and Portas emphasizes the importance of having a shared purpose or goal that everyone believes in.
- She describes the feeling of being in a high-performance environment as having a symbiotic energy and feeling totally aligned and in one's vortex.

### Section 5: Creating a Positive and Alive Culture

- A positive culture that makes you feel alive and in the way Portas described is achieved through a shared philosophy, purpose, or goal.
- It is not about focusing on the outcome, such as making a certain amount of money, but rather on the process of working together to achieve a goal that you all believe in.
- Portas believes that the money will come as a byproduct of this collaborative effort.

### Section 6: The Importance of Starting Where You Are

- Portas emphasizes the importance of starting where you are and not looking too far into the future.
- She believes in focusing on the present moment and taking action from there.
- This approach allows for adaptability and resilience in the face of change.

### Section 7: Mary Portas's Journey to Acceptance and Excitement

- Portas shares her personal journey of going from fear and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic to a place of acceptance and excitement.
- She realized that she needed to let go of the past and embrace the change that was happening.
- Portas decided to start again and rebuild her business, focusing on a new culture and a new way of operating.

### Section 8: Rebuilding on the Kindness Economy

- Portas and her team rebuilt their business on the kindness economy, focusing on a more sustainable and ethical approach.
- They changed the way they advised businesses, working with those who shared their values and were committed to making a positive impact on the world.

### Section 9: Resilience: Building It and Passing It On

- Portas discusses the importance of resilience and how it can be built through life experiences.
- She believes that resilience is underestimated and that we all have innate powers that we can tap into.
- Portas emphasizes the need to be kinder to ourselves and to recognize our own strength and capabilities.

### Section 10: Changing the Narrative: From Power, Fame, and Money to Status Sentience

- Portas highlights the need to change the narrative that has been sold to us, which equates success with having more stuff and defining ourselves by what we own.
- She proposes a new narrative of status sentience, where respect for the planet and mindful consumption are valued more than material possessions.
- Portas shares an anecdote from her time at Harvey Nichols, where she overheard a conversation that made her realize the importance of shifting this narrative.

# Summary of the Podcast Episode: A Conversation with Mary Portas

## Introduction

* Mary Portas, an expert in retail and brand communication, shares her insights on the evolution of consumerism, the importance of sustainability, and the role of businesses in creating positive change.

## Key Points:

1. **Shifting Consumer Trends:**
- In the past, status symbols were defined by the brands people owned and the messages they conveyed.
- The 1980s witnessed a boom in the fashion industry, with designers like Tom Ford and brands like Gucci becoming highly sought after.
- The focus on material possessions led to a culture of excessive consumption.

2. **The Rise of Sustainability:**
- The growing awareness of environmental and social issues has led to a shift in consumer values.
- Brands like Patagonia are leading the way by promoting sustainability, ethical sourcing, and circularity in their business practices.
- Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values and make a positive impact on the planet.

3. **Redefining Success:**
- Mary Portas challenges the traditional measures of success, such as high sales and material wealth.
- She emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful and fulfilling life, prioritizing well-being, and contributing to society.
- Businesses need to move away from the "stack them high and sell them quick" mentality and focus on creating products and services that genuinely benefit consumers and the planet.

4. **The Power of Philosophy:**
- Mary Portas believes that businesses should have a clear philosophy that guides their actions and decision-making.
- This philosophy should be communicated to employees and customers, creating a sense of purpose and alignment.
- A strong philosophy can inspire employees, foster innovation, and attract customers who share the company's values.

5. **Encouraging Elastic Thinking:**
- Mary Portas advocates for "elastic thinking," which involves breaking free from old tropes and narratives to embrace new possibilities.
- She encourages businesses to experiment, take calculated risks, and involve diverse teams in the creative process.
- By challenging assumptions and exploring new approaches, businesses can unlock innovation and find solutions to complex problems.

6. **The Role of Businesses in Creating Positive Change:**
- Mary Portas believes that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
- Businesses should prioritize sustainability, fair labor practices, and community engagement.
- By creating living institutions that put people and the planet first, businesses can contribute to a better future for all.

## Conclusion:

Mary Portas' conversation highlights the need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer values, embrace sustainability, and prioritize purpose and meaning. By fostering a culture of elastic thinking and putting people and the planet first, businesses can create a better world for future generations.

###Summary of the High Performance Podcast Episode###

In this episode of the High-Performance Podcast, host Jake Humphrey and guest Mary Portas, a retail and brand communication expert, engage in a wide-ranging conversation that delves into various aspects of business, culture, and personal growth.

**Defining Non-Negotiables:**
Mary Portas emphasizes the significance of establishing non-negotiables, which are fundamental principles that guide one's actions and interactions. She highlights three key non-negotiables: collaboration, creativity, and resilience. Collaboration fosters a sense of "we" rather than "me" and encourages individuals to contribute their unique perspectives to achieve shared goals. Creativity is vital for innovation and finding fresh solutions to challenges. Resilience enables individuals to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity.

**Advice to a Teenage Mary:**
If she could offer advice to her younger self, Mary Portas would stress the importance of listening to her inner voice. She encourages individuals to trust their intuition and make decisions based on their inner wisdom rather than solely relying on external influences. She emphasizes the power of self-awareness and the ability to recognize and develop one's strengths and talents.

**Recommended Book and Quote:**
Mary Portas recommends the book "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer, which emphasizes the significance of detachment from negative thoughts and emotions to achieve inner peace and clarity. She highlights a particularly impactful quote from the book, "Don't judge. Just go out into that world and get excited by how you connect with it." This quote encourages individuals to embrace experiences without judgment and to find joy and fulfillment in their interactions with the world around them.

**Greatest Strength and Weakness:**
Mary Portas identifies her greatest strength as her ability to innovate and come up with creative solutions. She thrives in environments that encourage experimentation and fresh ideas. However, she acknowledges that her attention to detail can sometimes be a weakness, as she may get bogged down in the minutiae and lose sight of the bigger picture. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between creativity and practicality.

**Golden Rule for Living a High-Performance Life:**
Mary Portas believes that generosity is the key to living a high-performance life. She encourages individuals to be generous with their time, knowledge, and resources, as this fosters a sense of connection and abundance. She emphasizes that generosity often leads to unexpected rewards and opportunities, creating a positive cycle of growth and fulfillment.

**The Power of Kindness:**
Both Mary Portas and Jake Humphrey agree on the importance of kindness and empathy in business and personal interactions. They emphasize that kindness can create a positive and supportive work environment, foster collaboration, and lead to better outcomes. They also discuss the concept of "moral revolution," which involves shifting the focus from profit maximization to creating a business that positively impacts society and the environment.

**The Importance of Mental Health:**
The discussion also touches on the significance of mental health and well-being in achieving high performance. Mary Portas highlights the need for leaders to prioritize mental health and create a culture where individuals feel supported and comfortable seeking help when needed. She emphasizes that mental health is just as important as physical health and should not be neglected.

**The High-Performance Book:**
Jake Humphrey mentions that he and Damian Hughes are working on a book about high performance, which aims to provide practical strategies and insights for individuals seeking to improve their performance in various areas of life. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for the release of the book.

The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to join the High-Performance Circle, an exclusive community that offers access to additional content, including keynote speeches, podcasts, and interviews.

# Mary Portas: Rebuilding in the New Kindness Economy

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## Mary Portas: A Retail and Brand Communication Expert

Mary Portas, a renowned expert in retail and brand communication, has been revolutionizing the industry since 1997 through her agency, Portas. Her expertise in creating challenging campaigns and championing brand development has garnered her accolades, including transforming Harvey Nichols into a modern fashion brand in the 1990s. Portas's influence extends beyond her agency work; she has held board positions at esteemed companies like John Lewis and Topshop.

## Mary Portas's Contributions to the Retail Industry

In 2011, Portas's expertise was sought by Prime Minister David Cameron, who commissioned her to lead an independent review of the Future of the High Street. Her comprehensive report outlined 28 recommendations aimed at revitalizing the nation's struggling high streets. Portas's passion for revitalization is also evident in her creation of Mary's Living and Giving shops for Save the Children, which have become the most profitable charity shops in the UK. With 25 stores and over £13 million raised to date, Portas's efforts exemplify her dedication to positive change.

## Mary Portas's New Book: "Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy"

Portas's latest book, "Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy," delves into the evolving landscape of business and the importance of kindness in driving success. She emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt a more human-centric approach, prioritizing compassion and empathy in their interactions with customers and employees. Portas believes that this "Kindness Economy" will be the key to thriving in the modern business world.

## The High Performance Podcast: Exclusive Content and Resources

The High Performance Podcast offers exclusive content for members of its club, THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CIRCLE. This month's newsletter features an array of engaging content, including a keynote speech by Cath Bishop titled "Winning when it's impossible," insightful High Performance Boosts, and an exclusive podcast with Ric Lewis, who shares his 12 principles for a successful life and business. To access this exclusive content, visit www.thehighperformancepodcast.com and sign up for free.

## The High Performance Podcast Book: Pre-Order Now

The High Performance Podcast is excited to announce the upcoming release of its book. Pre-orders are now available at smarturl.it/hv0sdz. This book promises to deliver valuable insights and strategies for achieving high performance in various aspects of life.

## Gratitude to Founding Partners and Podcast Supporters

The High Performance Podcast extends its gratitude to its founding partners, Lotus Cars, for their unwavering support. Exciting plans are in store for the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The podcast also acknowledges GIVEMESPORT, its exclusive sports partner, for providing access to editorial and social content. For more information, visit https://www.givemesport.com/podcast.