Screw it, Just Do it

When I sat down with Mike McDerment, founder of FreshBooks, his story reminded me why narrowing focus is often the smartest path to growth. In this Bite-sized episode, you'll hear how Mike turned a small design problem into a billion-dollar company by obsessing over one specific customer segment.Mike shares how he resisted the temptation to serve everyone, instead targeting only web designers for seven years. That focus built a loyal base and drove word-of-mouth growth far beyond the niche. He talks about bootstrapping from his parents' basement, raising small angel rounds, and running lean until the first big $30m investment a decade later.If you're stuck wondering how to get your business moving, this conversation is a blueprint: start small, serve one customer type brilliantly, and let focus fuel scale.Key Takeaways:Identify one clear customer and understand their pain better than they do.Avoid the trap of believing “everyone” is your customer. Focus creates growth.Bootstrapping forces discipline and builds resilience before raising big capital.Word of mouth is powerful when you serve a niche exceptionally well.Scaling requires patience and deliberate planning, not shortcuts.

This October we're bringing together the UK's most ambitious founders, investors, and business leaders for two days of no-fluff insights, practical workshops, and high-value networking at the Festival of Entrepreneurs 2025.In this episode, I'll walk you through what the festival is, who it's for, and what you can expect when you join us at the NEC Birmingham. From scaling strategies to funding opportunities and stories you won't hear anywhere else, this is your chance to learn directly from the entrepreneurs shaping the future of business.Limited free two-day passes are available now on a first-come, first-served basis. Register today at https://www.festivalofentrepreneurs.co.ukDon't miss a moment of entrepreneurial insight—subscribe to Screw It Just DO It wherever you get your podcasts.And if you're serious about growing your business, join us on October 8–9 at the NEC Birmingham for the Festival of Entrepreneurs. Two days packed with practical workshops, world-class speakers, and the chance to connect with the UK's most ambitious founders.Subscribe now. Show up in October. Be part of the movement.#ScrewItJustDOIt #FestivalOfEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife

In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Nell Daly, founder and managing partner of Revenge Capital. Nell went from a career in clinical psychology to raising a $70 million fund designed to back overlooked and underestimated founders. She explains how her experiences working with people struggling financially shaped her mission to help entrepreneurs access capital, why networking and relationships were central to her journey, and how she sees the future of inclusive investing. We also talk about the challenges she faced as a female fund manager, the importance of persistence in raising capital, and why she believes diverse teams will drive the next wave of global innovation.Key Takeaways:Why persistence and networking matter in raising capitalHow Nell transitioned from psychology to venture capitalThe three criteria she uses for investment decisionsThe importance of diversity and inclusion in building successful startups

In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode, I revisit my conversation with Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks, who sold the smoothie brand to Coca-Cola for over $500 million. Richard shares how Innocent started as three friends selling smoothies at festivals and grew into Europe's leading healthy drinks company without a master plan or exit strategy. He explains why mission and friendship mattered more than chasing returns, how resilience carried them through setbacks like 2008, and why Jam Jar Investments was launched just 48 hours after selling Innocent to support the next wave of UK founders. This episode is a direct look at scaling a brand, surviving challenges, and giving back to the startup ecosystem.Key Takeaways:Growth often comes without a master plan—execution matters more than theoryMission-driven businesses outlast founder-driven onesResilience is key, even when setbacks wipe out years of progressFriendship and shared values can sustain a founding team for the long haulSupporting other entrepreneurs is as important as building your own success

I'm joined by Jo Dalton, a serial founder, investor, and champion of female entrepreneurs — to talk about what it really takes to build leadership teams, back founders, and scale businesses without losing your edge. Jo founded JD & CO after years in corporate, determined to create a recruitment firm that actually supports entrepreneurs instead of chasing commission. She's helped early-stage founders grow into unicorns, invested in female-led businesses, and built a reputation on authenticity and trust rather than traditional sales tactics. In this episode, we talk about how to spot founder potential, why grit and resilience matter more than anything else, the biggest red flags she sees in leadership, and why AI is about to reshape the job market. Jo also shares why maintaining a startup mentality during scale-up is crucial, how to secure smart capital, and the cultural changes the UK needs to compete with the US on scale-ups. Key TakeawaysHiring for Scale-Ups: Why speed can hurt hiring decisions and how to balance urgency with quality.Spotting Founder Potential: The traits Jo looks for, from obsession to self-awareness.Female Founder Funding: Why smart capital and female-led funds are changing the landscape.AI and the Future of Work: The skills young people should focus on to thrive in the next decade.Maintaining Startup Mentality: How to keep your culture alive as you grow. Whether you're a founder, an investor, or scaling your team, this conversation is packed with insight from someone who has spent years inside the real growth stories. 

In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode, I revisit my conversation with Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, as he shares the story of how he built one of the world's most recognisable beer brands from scratch. He launched during a recession, with no credibility, no resources, and fierce competition from global giants. What he did have was resilience, determination, and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. From selling only big bottles of Cobra in Indian restaurants to expanding across 40 countries, Lord Bilimoria explains the lessons every founder needs to hear about starting, scaling, and sticking with it when others would give up.Key Takeaways:How to start and scale during tough economic conditionsThe role of customer feedback in building credibility and confidenceWhy resilience and guts are essential traits for foundersTurning early obstacles into long-term opportunitiesThe importance of perseverance when building a global brand

In this episode of Screw It Just DO It, I speak with Maxine Laceby, founder of Absolute Collagen. Maxine launched the business at 50 from her kitchen table after raising her two daughters, turning a simple idea for bone broth into one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty supplement brands now valued at over £50 million. She shares how her journey was never about chasing investor returns but about doing things properly, respecting her team, and staying true to her values. We discuss her screw it just do it moment, the role her family has played in the business, and why she believes authenticity and empowerment should always guide brand messaging.Key Takeaways:It's never too late to start a businessAuthenticity creates customer loyalty and long-term growthFamily-run businesses need mutual respect for strengths and weaknessesInvestment should be about finding the right partners, not just the moneyEmpowering customers matters more than exploiting insecurities

When the world shut down, Maria Hatzistefanis doubled down. In this episode, I sat down with the founder of Rodial and Nip+Fab, who shared exactly how she pivoted during the pandemic, scaled her beauty empire to 35 countries, and leveraged both old-school trade shows and new-school DTC strategies to build a global brand.Maria gets honest about the reality of expanding into international markets, the unexpected complexity of going truly global, and what it takes to stay relevant in an industry built on constant reinvention. Whether you're selling skincare or software, the lessons here are universal: stay close to your customer, stay curious, and be ready to evolve.Key Takeaways:Trade shows were instrumental in Rodial's early global strategy.Digital marketing and DTC became essential after losing wholesale revenue.Maria's shift to Instagram Stories helped her connect directly with customers.Success came from listening to market-specific needs (e.g. product formulations for Asia vs. the US).Hiring local teams is non-negotiable for successful international expansion.

I've spoken to hundreds of founders over the years, but Melissa Snover's story hits different. This week, I sat down with the force behind Scripted and Nourished, two businesses that are fundamentally changing the way we approach health. From reverse-engineering 3D printers to developing patent-protected technology for personalised vitamins, Melissa didn't just “solve a problem,” she created an entirely new category. If you're building a product, raising capital, or trying to scale without losing your startup DNA, this episode has the blueprint.Melissa breaks down how she raised a record-breaking £2.7M as a solo female founder, what it really takes to create IP-driven businesses, and how to hold onto the startup mindset while navigating serious growth, governance, and FDA audits.Whether you're knee-deep in fundraising or just sick of generic supplements, this one is well worth a listen.Key Takeaways:You don't need permission to disrupt. Melissa taught herself mechanical engineering and G-code after the world's biggest 3D printing companies said “can't be done.”Raising capital isn't about luck. It's about knowing the language, doing the research, and avoiding time-wasting investor meetings.Culture is a growth engine. Every member of Melissa's team, from factory workers to C-suite, has equity, because ownership breeds commitment.The startup mindset matters. Even with 150 employees and FDA compliance, Melissa's team rewards Friday Fails. Innovation thrives when failure is normalised.Personalised health isn't a gimmick. It's the future of how we'll consume, treat, and take care of ourselves.

From a pop-up shop to a team of over 20, Candy Kittens is the top in brand building and entrepreneurial persistence. In this bite-sized episode, I talk with Jamie Laing and Ed Williams about the first hires, building a team organically, and how they launched a sweet brand with zero background in food or drink.You'll hear how they leveraged social media and created a nationwide “sweet team” of micro-ambassadors before even having a finished product. We also talk about the importance of staying true to your brand, resisting shortcuts, and building something that lasts.If you're thinking about starting a product business, growing a consumer brand, or figuring out your first move as a founder, this one's for you.Key TakeawaysBuild your team around what the business needs, not just good intentionsGrassroots ambassadors can outperform influencers when done rightSocial proof isn't just about follower count, it's about the right people18 months of product development was worth it to maintain brand integrityPersistence and resilience will outlast rejection

When Aron Gelbard co-founded Bloom & Wild in 2013 with just £30,000 in savings, the online flower delivery market had no standout brands, inconsistent quality, and poor customer experience. Fast-forward to today and Bloom & Wild has delivered over 30 million flowers, raised £120M in funding, and pioneered the letterbox flower format that's now industry-defining. In this episode, Aron shares how customer feedback shaped the business from day one, the pivotal mistakes that became turning points, and why culture and values like “Care Wildly” have been critical to growth. We dive deep into early-stage challenges, international acquisitions, scaling operations across nine countries, and building a brand people genuinely love. If you're serious about building a scale-up that balances innovation, customer obsession, and sustainable growth, this is an episode you'll want to study.Key TakeawaysWhy solving an emotional problem in a “broken” industry gave Bloom & Wild its competitive edge.How early mistakes with packaging taught vital lessons about iterative growth.The role of culture and values (“Care Wildly”, “Think Deeply, Act Swiftly”) in retaining top talent.Customer acquisition strategies that turned recipients into loyal customers.The challenges of international expansion during a pandemic and integrating acquisitions.Fundraising insights: why investors buy into a vision, not just risk mitigation.Expanding product lines beyond flowers to unlock new revenue streams.

In this Bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I speak with Magnus Grimeland, founder and CEO of Antler, one of the fastest-scaling early-stage VC platforms in the world.Magnus has helped Antler grow to 21 offices across six continents, backing nearly 400 startups in the process. But this conversation focuses on something deeper than capital: community. He shares how they built a global founder network that supports collaboration, peer learning, and talent access, all with a hyper-local approach tailored to each region.You'll hear how they've used tech infrastructure to support remote founders, what role community plays in startup success, and how you can apply the same thinking to scale your own ecosystem, whether you're a founder or investor.It's a sharp, strategic look at what it really takes to scale something global without losing the intimacy and value of local connections.Key Takeaways:Founder support is more than funding, it's infrastructureCommunity building is critical to startup successTech-enabled networks can scale trust and collaborationHyper-local execution wins in global expansionStartup ecosystems thrive on shared learning, not competition

How do you go from a £500 startup to a £200 million brand?On this week's Screw It Just DO It, I speak to Juliet Barratt, co-founder of Grenade. If you've ever picked up a Carb Killa bar, you've seen the impact of brand, timing, and relentlessness in action. Juliet and her husband launched Grenade during a recession, built it into a market leader, and sold it to Mondelez for a nine-figure sum.But this isn't just another glossy success story.Juliet opens up about the toll of selling your business, what she'd do differently, and why founders need to be laser-focused on product, branding, and fit. She also shares hard-earned lessons about scaling with your partner, the value of mentorship, and what the real road to a global brand looks like. Whether you're building a business, preparing for a raise, or staring down an exit, this is the unfiltered version most founders never hear.Key TakeawaysBrand is everything. Distinctive packaging and positioning were critical to Grenade standing out in a saturated market.Timing matters. Launching during a recession forced focus and discipline, but also provided unexpected opportunities.The exit isn't always a win. Juliet opens up about regretting their early sale of equity and the emotional cost of parting with the brand.Founders must protect focus. Know when to bring in professionals, and stay close to what makes the brand work.Scaling with a partner is hard. Clear boundaries and mutual respect were vital to building Grenade as a husband-and-wife team.

In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Julian Hearn, founder of Huel, to unpack the early days of building one of the UK's fastest-growing food brands. How to systemise and scale from a solo startupWhy obsessing over process is the key to future growthBuilding a culture-first team and hiring for values over skillsStepping away as CEO to let others leadWhy location and work environment can be a competitive advantageJulian didn't just start Huel, he did everything himself. Branding, packaging, fulfilment, customer service, marketing. It was a one-man operation that exploded into a £40 million business in just four years.We dive into:Julian's story proves that you don't need a complicated business plan or a full founding team to get started. You need focus, fast feedback loops, and the grit to keep going when the work is heavy and unrewarded.If you're a founder stuck between startup chaos and scale-up complexity, this one's for you.

Welcome back to Screw It Just DO It, the show where you meet the entrepreneurs who've taken risks, built from scratch, and kept going when others stopped.This week I'm joined by Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, who scaled a plumbing insurance business into a global £4 billion empire. In this episode, Richard breaks down his 9-step blueprint for building a billion-pound business, covering everything from why copying and pivoting works, to how to find the right investor early, and why evolution always beats revolution.He also dives deep into international expansion, how he backed himself when funds ran low, and why he believes mentorship is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business. Richard's now backing the next wave of founders through Growth Partner and Business Leader, aiming to support 10% of the UK's mid-sized companies on their scale-up journey.There's a lifetime of lessons in this conversation: all hard-earned, none sugar-coated.Key Takeaways:Follow the 9 steps – including copying, pivoting, getting investment early, hiring a replacement, and prioritising persistence.You need a mentor – Richard's own journey proves that finding the right mentor can change the course of your business.Evolution wins – Businesses that constantly evolve avoid becoming the next Blockbuster or Yellow Pages.Go global, but do it right – Be present locally. Hire serious talent where it matters.Don't overcomplicate it – Strip your business back to its core value and double down.

This week's Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode features a standout moment from my conversation with Al Barratt, the force behind Grenade. We cut straight into the bit where it all started to scale. Al shares how he moved Grenade from a niche protein shake brand into the UK's best-selling snack bar. He didn't throw money at it. He focused on brand equity, shelf space, and getting the timing right. If you're looking to take your product out of a niche and into the mainstream, this episode will give you the blueprint.Key Takeaways:Why staying in a niche can limit your growthHow brand visibility and physical presence still matterThe importance of timing and adapting to consumer trendsWhat Grenade did differently to outperform major brands

What happens when a business deal worth millions collapses overnight? Most founders would panic. John Caudwell pivoted. In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I revisit one of the boldest comeback stories I've heard on the show. John shares how losing a major Motorola distribution agreement became a defining moment that tested his leadership, resilience, and ability to outmanoeuvre giants. He explains how he secured Nokia as a partner, turned adversity into advantage, and ultimately scaled to dominate the mobile phone market. If you're building a business and facing your own crisis point, this is the masterclass you didn't know you needed.Key Takeaways:Strategic partnerships can make or break your growthBeing adaptable is non-negotiable when facing crisisVision and execution need to move quickly, especially under pressureNever let a loss define your next move. Use it to build something better

AI isn't a buzzword anymore. It's an operating system shift that's already reshaping how we work, sell, and compete. I spoke with Piers Linney, entrepreneur, ex-Dragon, and co-founder of Implement AI, about what business leaders need to know right now to stay relevant.Piers has sat on boards, built companies from scratch, and now helps SMEs navigate the complex and fast-changing AI landscape. He pulls no punches. If you're still dragging your feet on AI, this episode is a wake-up call.We spoke about where AI is really headed, how SMEs can integrate it practically, and why business owners need to focus on the augmented human, not just automation. He also gets candid about how he's advising his daughters on careers in a world where cognitive labour is under threat.This episode will leave you thinking harder and moving faster about how you adapt. Because if you don't, your competitors will.Key TakeawaysAI is still in dial-up phase. Most SMEs aren't ready for what's coming in the next five years.The real advantage is human + machine. Businesses that augment human capabilities with AI will win.Jobs are shifting. Knowledge work isn't safe. Creativity, adaptability, and experience are what matter now.There's no playbook. You need to experiment, test and build your AI roadmap before your competitors do.Advising the next generation. The education system isn't ready. Parents and leaders need to step in.

Sabrina Stocker is the kind of guest who reminds you what's possible when you back yourself. From earning a decent living coaching tennis to selling everything she owned and starting again in Egypt, Sabrina shares her very real “Screw It Just Do It” moment. What stood out for me was her clarity around building a life of freedom—financial, time, and location—and her honest reflection on how mindset and lifestyle changes made it all possible. This is one for anyone who's felt the pull to pivot, to try something new, to scale with purpose. You'll hear practical lessons on lead gen, lifestyle design, and what it really means to create a freedom-first business.Key Takeaways:The mindset shift needed to chase time and location freedom Why she left a safe income to build her dream lifeThe 3 freedoms every entrepreneur should aim forWhy building systems matters more than hustleHow lifestyle changes can fuel business success

What does it take to walk out of school, broke, and build a multimillion-pound business? Simon Squibb did just that. In this bite-sized episode, we rewind to his Screw It Just DO It moment: leaving school with nothing but a survival instinct and turning that into a successful agency.Simon breaks down how he started, what really fuels progress (hint: it's not luck), and why persistence beats talent every time. If you're stuck, second-guessing your next step, this short episode will snap you into action.Key Takeaways:Start With What You've Got: Simon had no degree, no money and no clue—but he started anywayFear Is Fuel: He learned to lean into fear as a superpower, not something to avoidRedefining Luck: 98% of success is controllable. Luck is built, not foundPersistence Wins: Starting, quitting, then starting again is still forward momentumPurpose Beats Profit: Chasing money never fulfilled him. Purpose did

Ever thought about how one freezing-cold moment could change your entire career? That's exactly what happened to Laura Fullerton. In this bite-sized episode, we dive into how Laura went from avoiding cold water like the plague to launching Monk - a smart ice bath company that's gained backing from the likes of Anthony Joshua and James Watt.She didn't just build a product. She created a movement in cold water therapy. We talk about making the jump from concept to physical product, navigating hardware challenges, and why clarity of vision is essential when scaling a brand. There's plenty to take away whether you're still at the ideas stage or actively scaling your business.Key Takeaways:Why personal pain points are the best business ideasBuilding a hardware product with no prior experienceThe biohacking boom and how Monk integrates wearable dataHow networking and clarity of purpose accelerated her funding and partnerships

This week on Screw It Just DO It, I'm joined by Mark Rushmore, co-founder of SURI – Sustainable Rituals, the startup shaking up the electric toothbrush market by doing things differently.After a successful corporate career at Proctor and Gamble and Kellogg, Mark made the bold move to co-create a product that challenges fast-consumption culture with sustainability, smart design, and an obsession with customer experience. In this episode, Mark chats about what the startup grind is really like, from working with difficult suppliers, tackling complex product design, and getting things wrong before getting them right.We also talk about co-founder dynamics, building loyal communities, and why he believes values should be codified early on in any business. If you're building a purpose-driven consumer brand or looking to understand what it takes to go from idea to impact – this is the conversation you need.Key takeaways:Why product innovation starts with questioning the status quoHow to find (and keep) the right co-founderWhat it really takes to manufacture sustainablyHow customer loyalty drives lasting growthThe future of consumer brands built with purpose

If you've ever found yourself questioning whether there's more to life than your 9-to-5, you need to hear this. In this bite-sized episode, I'm joined by the inspiring Victoria Azubuike, founder of The Us Group & She Who, who left behind a steady corporate career to build a mission-led business that's now worked with over 3,000 young women across the UK. From building confidence to confronting imposter syndrome, this is a real, honest chat about doing the inner work, trusting your gut, and choosing purpose. This is the moment she decided to screw it – and just do it.Key Takeaways:Why feeling unfulfilled at work can be the start of something powerfulHow to prepare for the leap into entrepreneurshipThe mindset shift needed to turn fear into actionWhy mentorship and role models matter more than everBuilding a business that speaks to Gen Z values: diversity, inclusion, impact

This week's Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode It delivers something every entrepreneur needs – a simple, effective way to validate an idea before you pour your savings into it.Daniel Priestley doesn't believe in waiting around. He's built multi-million-pound businesses by running lean, fast, and smart. In this tactical breakdown, Daniel shows you how to launch without launching using one of his go-to strategies: the “waiting list” method. Whether you're a first-time founder or someone thinking about pivoting, this approach will save you time, money, and possibly heartbreak.You'll learn how to:Build a pre-launch landing page in under a dayGather demand through email sign-upsRun market experiments using scorecardsAvoid the “perfect product” trapAnd, most importantly, start now—not later

What makes someone drop out of university after just one lecture, with no funding or formal plan, and go on to build a multi-million-pound marketing agency? That's the question I posed to Steven Bartlett - founder of Social Chain and one of the UK's most inspiring modern entrepreneurs. In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just Do It, Steven breaks down the mindset shift that helped him scale a Twitter page into a global agency working with Apple, McDonald's, and the BBC. It's raw, it's real, and it proves that sometimes your biggest leap comes when you stop planning and just start.Key Takeaways:Why Steven dropped out of university after one lectureHow spotting real problems creates real businessesBuilding a startup from a social media accountWhy personal branding and sales skills matter early onThe power of resilience and thinking differently

This week on Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with one of the most recognisable names in ethical entrepreneurship – Rowena Bird, co-founder of Lush.From humble beginnings to running a cosmetics empire in 53 countries, Rowena's journey is as raw and real as the ingredients in her products. But it wasn't always bath bombs and billion-pound valuations. Before Lush came the painful collapse of their first business, Cosmetics to Go. They lost everything. And it was in the ashes of that failure that the true “screw it, just do it” moment was born.We talk about the value of growing organically, keeping control of your company, resisting investor temptation, and why they never compromised on ethics, even if it meant growing slower. If you've ever wondered how to scale a business with integrity, or what it takes to bounce back from losing it all - this episode is essential listening.Key Takeaways:How Lush was born from the ashes of a failed businessWhy Rowena used her credit card to relaunch instead of chasing investorsThe secrets behind building an iconic brand without compromising on ethicsWhat "growth with control" really looks like in practiceWhy creating a business people want to be part of is more important than rapid scalingHow Lush gave over £100 million to grassroots charities while scaling globally

After a short break, we're returning with even more inspiring stories, real lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship, and honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from scratch.This is just a taste of what's to come.Because if you're going to build your dream, you've got to stop waiting and start doing.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, host Alex Chisnall chats with Tim Fung, founder of Airtasker, the revolutionary platform connecting people with on-demand workers. Tim shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching in 2012 to expanding globally with millions of users.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, I sit down with Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, co-founders of BOSH!, the fastest-growing plant-based food brand online. In just 18 months, they built an audience of over 1.5 million followers and reached 500 million+ views—without a marketing budget.We dive into: ✔️ The importance of organic growth and how they leveraged social media ✔️ Why building a community is the key to scaling a brand ✔️ The behind-the-scenes of creating viral food videos ✔️ How listening to their audience led to their best-selling cookbook ✔️ The future of plant-based eating and their exciting next steps

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Alex Chisnall chats with Cassandra Stavrou, founder of Propercorn, about her journey from quitting her job at a top ad agency to disrupting the snack industry with one of the UK's fastest-growing brands. Cassandra shares the incredible story of how her late father's gift of a popcorn machine inspired her to take the leap into entrepreneurship.She talks about the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of manufacturing, how a cement mixer and a car spray painting kit played a crucial role in the early days, and how securing Google as a first customer set Propercorn on the path to success. Key Topics Covered Include:How a moment of serendipity pushed Cassandra to start PropercornThe challenges of manufacturing and creative solutions for scalingHow Google became Propercorn's first major customerThe importance of staying focused and resisting “shiny object syndrome”Why strategic partnerships and strong branding are key to long-term successHiring for attitude over experience and building a team cultureNavigating competition and standing out in a crowded marketThe future of Propercorn and expansion into new product lines

How do you take a homemade idea and turn it into a supermarket success? Pippa Murray, founder of Pip & Nut, joins us to share her incredible journey from creating nut butter in her kitchen to scaling her business to millions in retail sales.In this episode, we dive into:How Pippa turned a £10,000 startup loan into a thriving brandThe challenges of scaling production & securing supermarket listingsThe power of mentorship and raising capital through CrowdcubeWhy avoiding palm oil was a strategic decision for Pip & NutBalancing entrepreneurship, health, and marathon training

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, Jeff Lynn, co-founder of Republic Europe (formerly Seedrs), shares his journey of building one of Europe's leading equity crowdfunding platforms. What started as a university project evolved into a platform that has facilitated over £1.5 billion in investments across 1,500+ businesses. Jeff discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory approval, scaling a startup, and the importance of hiring the right team. He also reflects on his transition from CEO to Executive Chairman and the lessons learned in helping everyday investors back early-stage businesses.Key Topics Covered Include: How to raise investment through equity crowdfundingThe legal & regulatory challenges startups faceWhy market research alone isn't enough to validate an idea

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Ben, Mike, and Barry, the co-founders of SORTED Food, one of the world's most popular food channels. What started as a casual conversation in a pub about cooking skills has turned into a brand with millions of followers and brand partnerships with household names like Co-op.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Session, Alex Chisnall sits down with Chris Ducker, renowned entrepreneur and author, to unpack actionable strategies for monetizing your personal brand. From leveraging coaching and consulting to launching scalable digital products, Chris shares five powerful methods to turn your expertise into income. With over 7 million podcast downloads and a thriving membership community, Chris offers insights into building influence, creating recurring revenue, and embracing a "mission over money" mindset. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a team, this episode is packed with tips to help you serve your audience and grow your business.Key Topics Covered Include:Five ways to monetise a personal brand: coaching, affiliate marketing, digital products, memberships, and live eventsThe importance of charging what you're worth and avoiding free giveawaysCreating trust and influence through consistent content and community buildingAdapting to virtual events for scalability and reachHow to effectively survey your audience to identify their biggest struggles

In this Screw It Just Do It session, Jamie Laing and Ed Williams, the founders of Candy Kittens, share their journey from a small pop-up shop to a nationally recognised brand. They discuss the challenges of launching a new product, the importance of building a strong brand identity, and why knowing your target customer is key.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already growing your business, this episode is packed with insights on product development, retail partnerships, and leveraging social media to create a loyal customer base.Key Topics Covered Include:The early struggles of launching Candy KittensHow to get your product stocked in major supermarketsThe power of branding and customer profilingWhy resilience is key in entrepreneurshipExpanding into the vegan market

Join Alex Chisnall as he sits down with John Lee Dumas, the host of EO Fire, one of the world's top-rated business podcasts. In this episode, John shares his transformative journey from US Army platoon leader to a globally successful entrepreneur. He delves into the challenges of his six-year struggle, the discipline instilled during his military service, and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of EO Fire. Learn how John generated over $10 million in revenue, the power of crowdfunding for validating business ideas, and why mastering productivity, discipline, and focus is essential for entrepreneurial success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers valuable insights into creating, scaling, and sustaining a business. Key Topics Covered Include: The six-year journey to entrepreneurial success Leveraging crowdfunding to validate business ideas Building a global audience through valuable content Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing opportunities Mastering productivity, discipline, and focus

In this session of Screw It Just Do It, Alex Chisnall talks with Pat Flynn, a thought leader in online entrepreneurship and the creator of Smart Passive Income. Pat shares his journey from losing his architecture job in 2008 to building a multimillion-dollar business that inspires entrepreneurs worldwide. Pat reveals how he turned down a six-figure job offer to align his work with his values, why market validation is crucial, and how transparency has been a key driver of his success. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you start, grow, and thrive in your business. Key Topics Covered Include: Pat's journey from job loss to online business success The power of aligning personal values with business goals How to validate your business ideas to avoid costly mistakes The importance of transparency and authenticity in building trust Why having a clear "why" is essential for long-term success

In this inspiring episode of Screw It Just Do It Session, Alex Chisnall sits down with Fran Boorman, a single mum turned award-winning entrepreneur, to uncover the strategies behind her success. Fran shares her journey of building multiple businesses, overcoming challenges, and staying focused on long-term goals. She delves into the common mistakes entrepreneurs make, the importance of balancing passion with profits, and why having multiple income streams is essential for security in today's world. Fran also reveals her time management secrets and how planning a four-day workweek can prevent burnout while increasing productivity. Key Topics Covered Include: Overcoming the "passion over profits" mindset Building financial stability through multiple income streams Strategies for effective time management and task segmentation The importance of focusing on one platform for social media success How to align business goals with personal values

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Session, Alex Chisnall sits down with Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks and Jam Jar Investments, to explore the remarkable story behind the UK's favorite smoothie brand. Richard shares how he and his co-founders started without an exit plan, grew their business into a household name, and sold it to Coca-Cola for over $500 million. Discover the principles that guided their mission-driven culture, the challenges they faced, and how they now support other entrepreneurs through Jam Jar Investments. Key Topics Covered Include: Starting Innocent Drinks with no exit strategy The role of ethics and friendship in entrepreneurship Scaling a business while staying true to its mission Transitioning to investment and mentoring with Jam Jar Investments Balancing passion, preparation, and resilience in business

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Session, Alex Chisnall chats with Adam Kamani, co-founder of Move Streets and part of the Kamani entrepreneurial legacy. Adam discusses how his passion for property and technology inspired him to create a disruptive app that streamlines the property search process using swiping technology. Adam shares insights on: How the idea for Move Streets was born during a casual conversation. The challenges of introducing innovation in a traditional industry. Why managing people is the most challenging yet rewarding part of business. The importance of personality over skill in building a strong team.

Join Alex Chisnall as he chats with Adam Rossiter & Elliot Dawes, founders of Bulk, about building one of the world's leading active nutrition brands. Starting with a £3,000 loan from their parents, Adam and Elliot grew Bulk into a £100 million company without external investment. In this episode, they discuss pivotal moments, the power of organic growth, and the lessons they learned while scaling a business in a competitive market. Key Topics Covered Include: Turning a £3,000 loan into a global nutrition brand. Avoiding external investment and maintaining full ownership. Lessons in scaling, hiring, and building a senior management team. Transitioning from startup chaos to structured operations. The mindset shift that unlocked Bulk's growth potential.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Alex Chisnall talks to Tom Gozney, founder of Gozney Ovens. Tom shares his inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges to creating a multimillion-pound business. Learn how Tom's passion for cooking and a transformative decision to turn his life around led to the creation of a global brand. He discusses innovation, building brand advocates, and strategic growth, including expansion into the US and Europe. Key Topics Covered Include: How a personal challenge inspired Tom to build Gozney Ovens. The importance of recognising progress amidst entrepreneurial challenges. Tips for building brand advocates and leveraging community support. Insights into crowdfunding success and attracting investors like Richard Branson.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Alex Chisnall talks with Carina Lepore, winner of The Apprentice and owner of Doe Bakehouse. Carina shares how fresh bread is central to her business philosophy and why staying true to quality matters. She also reflects on her biggest strengths and weaknesses as a leader, offering insights into balancing hands-on involvement with effective delegation. Key topics covered include: Why fresh bread is more than just a product at Doe Bakehouse. Carina's biggest strengths and how they help her lead effectively. Recognising weaknesses and using them to delegate and grow. Insights into balancing leadership, community engagement, and business growth.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Alex Chisnall sits down with Simon Alexander Ong, award-winning life coach and author of Energize. Simon shares his journey of writing his debut book during lockdown while balancing a growing business and raising a newborn. He delves into the key themes of his book, including: How to balance internal and external energy. The role of gratitude and momentum in building energy. Practical steps to rewire your thoughts and create fulfillment. Simon also talks about building meaningful relationships without expectations and the transformative power of embracing challenges.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, host Alex Chisnall chats with Timothy Armoo, CEO of Fanbytes, about the strategies behind TikTok growth and influencer campaigns. Timothy shares actionable tips on how to: Leverage TikTok's algorithm to grow your audience. Dominate a niche for maximum visibility. Create content that resonates and drives engagement. Use influencer campaigns to amplify your reach. Discover how Fanbytes helped brands like MyProtein and Candy King achieve viral success and how you can apply these strategies to your business.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Alex Chisnall talks with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint for Men, the UK's leading men's makeup brand. Danny shares his journey from being diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) to creating a brand that aims to break the stigma around men wearing makeup. They discuss War Paint's viral social media moment, its impact on global sales, and how Danny handles both the praise and criticism his brand receives. Hear the inspiring story of how War Paint changed a young man's life, the lessons Danny learned about trademarking and cash flow, and his vision for a $70 billion global market. Key Topics Covered: Danny's journey from BDD to founding War Paint for Men The Dragons' Den experience and its impact on sales Handling social media backlash and using it to spark conversations Cash flow management and trademarking for startup sBreaking stereotypes and building confidence for men

In this Screw It Just Do It Session, Piers Linney, entrepreneur and former Dragon on Dragon's Den, shares the story of how he made the leap from a successful corporate career to starting his own business. Piers talks about the risks he took, the doubts he faced, and how he trusted his instincts to create the opportunities that ultimately led to his success. If you've ever considered leaving a stable job to follow your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is full of insights and advice to help you make that leap.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Andy Mooney, CEO of Fender and former Chairman of Disney Consumer Products, shares his remarkable journey from a finance background to leading marketing at Nike. Andy talks about the big risks he took early in his career, transitioning from a traditional finance role to overseeing marketing at one of the world's most iconic brands. If you've ever wondered how bold decisions can shape your career, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Magnus Grimeland, CEO and Founder of Antler, shares how he transitioned from Zalora to launching a global early-stage VC firm. Magnus dives into how the idea for Antler took shape, the early challenges he faced, and the importance of building a strong, ambitious team to create a global platform for supporting exceptional founders. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a world-leading investment firm, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this Screw It Just Do It Session, I dive into how Bonita Norris, the youngest British woman to summit Everest, went from an impossible dream to standing on top of the world. Listen as Bonita shares how a last-ditch phone call to a radio station led to securing full sponsorship for her Everest expedition. Her story is one of persistence, belief, and overcoming doubt when the stakes couldn't be higher.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Darren O'Reilly, co-founder of WholeSupp, to talk about the highs and lows of transitioning from professional rugby to the corporate world and entrepreneurship. Darren dives into the challenges of running a startup, from navigating Brexit to evolving their product based on customer feedback. He also shares his approach to balancing mental and physical health, offering valuable insights for anyone building a business in a fast-moving market. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to Screw It Just Do It for more inspiring stories and practical insights each week. Leave a review, share with a friend, and let us know what you think—we'd love to hear from you!