In this episode, I sit down with Chris Worden to have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what really happens when business goes wrong and what directors actually need in those moments.

We talk about the thinking behind Director First and why so many business owners wait too long before asking for support. Chris shares where he first experienced the realities of business distress firsthand, and how those early lessons shaped his approach to helping directors navigate pressure, uncertainty, and tough decisions.

We break down the real options on the table when a business is struggling — not the myths, not the panic-driven advice, but the practical routes available to directors when things aren’t going to plan. From early intervention to more formal processes, we explore what choice actually looks like when emotions, responsibility, and livelihoods are all involved.

Most importantly, we talk about mindset. Why peace before profit has become the guiding principle behind Chris’s work, and why protecting people mentally, emotionally, and personally, matters just as much as protecting numbers on a balance sheet.

This is a conversation for founders, directors, and leaders who want clarity without fear, honesty without judgement, and a reminder that asking for help early is a strength, not a failure.

If you’re a business owner navigating pressure, or simply want a deeper understanding of what really happens behind the scenes when companies struggle, this episode is well worth your time.

https://directorfirst.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/@DirectorFirst

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-worden-01090b46/