With Tracy

The ‘Parent Guide to Education' is the applauded go to online platform to help parents support their children through the challenging exam years from GCSEs onwards.  Through their experience from both sides of the education system, as teachers and parents, this podcast tracks the business journey of Paul and Emily Hughes.  They share insights into what sparked their decision to set up their business, how they are making it work and what it's like working as a partnership both professionally and personally.  Warm, witty and intelligent Paul and Emily are natural educators and entertainers – this was such a fun podcast to record I know you will find it both informative and a great listen.Real People Real Stories - you can see more at:@withtracypodcastwww.wentworthconsultancy.co.ukhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbi0iB0105YtSQxPBoJN-0Q

Investing in great brand design is important? Yes or No? Well, whatever your answer, in this episode I talk to a brand designer and find out about their business journey and what got them hooked on branding.  I'll be asking how they got started, what lead them to set up on their own and the challenges they've faced.  Was there a great strategy, grand plan or light bulb moment?  Has becoming an entrepreneur been a good decision? Take a listen and find out answers to these questions and many more.     Real People Real Stories - you can see more at:@withtracypodcastwww.wentworthconsultancy.co.ukhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbi0iB0105YtSQxPBoJN-0Q

Joining the ranks of those entrepreneurs who have taken the leap from the corporate arena into the solo space of business ownership is just what my guest Rachael talks about in this episode.  Listen as we track her story and discover what inspired her, what business she decided to launch and what that journey has been like so far.  

How do you go from working over 10 years with your head in numbers to becoming a successful ghostwriter and journalist and running your own production company?  Well, for my guest in this episode working the shop floor and treading the boards are only part of their journey.  Take a listen as Susan Gordon shares her story of the twists and turns her life took before achieving her goal.  

An inspiring story of how encouragement as a child ignited a passion that turned into a vision that became business reality.  My guest this week started life on the small island of Turks & Caicos, having entrepreneurial parents she was spurred on to attend university in the UK, develop her craft and express herself.  She found London cold and a culture shock but also incredibly inspiring and fell in love with the fashion scene.  Anya Willique gives us an insight into her life as an entrepreneur and setting up her luxury handbag brand from a small island in the Caribbean.  

Says Olivia Marocco – founder and editor-in-chief of Brand You Magazine.  This episode delves into her story starting out as an architect but building a career in photography.  She tells us how travelling the world, and meeting incredible women from diverse cultures, nationalities and business backgrounds inspired her to set up the magazine.  But like so many of my recent guests it took a pandemic for her to sit down and develop her idea into reality.  Take a listen and not only discover how she did it and how the magazine is doing but also what else she likes full-bodied and vibrant.

Thinking outside of the box and making decisions are second nature to my guest this week.  Angela Sims who runs Red Tulip, shares in depth her journey from being part of the corporate elite in the housing and public sector arena to running her own business.  Interesting and passionate this episode is a detailed look at Angela's climb to becoming a successful entrepreneur.  Discover how from her early career working for councils and housing associations she saw the opportunity that would spur her on to step out on her own and start her own business.  There are some real nuggets of wisdom in this podcast. 

This is a ‘must' listen about an extra-ordinary business – colourful, fun and entertaining but non-the-less a business which my guest has had to manage with all its ups and downs.  This episode tracks the story of Natalie Haverstock AKA Miss Ballooniverse and how she became an award-winning comedy actor to running a business based on ‘balloon art'.   Now a ‘go to' entertainment company, Natalie shares her story about building her business but also keeping it alive during some of the most challenging times for the entertainment industry.  

With over 20 years working in the corporate arena for FTSE 100 companies – this is the story of jumping off that merry-go-round and into the world of business ownership.  My guest, Jeni Carroll gives an open and frank account of what it has been like for her, the ups and downs and the enormous shift it has been becoming her own boss.  Honest, in-sightful and funny Jenny shares the lessons she's learnt so far. 

Actor, writer, reporter, and film maker and if that wasn't full-on enough my guest decided to turn entrepreneur.  With several businesses under her belt, Stephanie Drax talks about launching her most recent business Leapfrog Remedies the UK's first Lactoferrin brand, and their first immune support supplement: Leapfrog Immune.  A quite incredible product with a fascinating story – in such a short time this product is being hailed in the press and by customers ‘as the go-to natural remedy for fighting off cold and flu symptoms, re-balancing the gut and supporting our immune system'.  With-out doubt this is a ‘must listen to' podcast. 

In this episode I talk to a lady who decided to start her own business during the Pandemic in early 2020.  Like so many the forced downtime gave her space to have a rethink.  Having faced some personal challenges and helped a friend through a traumatic experience her decision was to not only change her life but help other women do the same.  So, Jessica Elizabeth Coaching was launched as we were all going through the most extraordinary times – listen and find out if Jessica was ‘crazy or inspired'.

Full of energy, creativity and fun that's my entrepreneurial guest this week.  An incredible lady who I've had the pleasure of getting to know over Instagram during the past year.  Hela Wozniak-Kay tells her story from being a ‘trouble shooter' to ‘connectress' and ‘a soul sister' – as founder of the award-winning business networking club for women ‘Sister Snog'. Already intrigued?  You should be, as she says, ‘it's time to tell my story', and I can assure you it's a colourful one… 

Talk about storytelling! In this episode I meet a storytelling guru who shares her wonderful colourful story that spans her career, life and future plans.  Now in her 60's my guest Adrienne Rosen tells us in a witty, informative and warm way how she started out - from doing ‘indentures' (yes, I know what are those?), facing the challenges of short-hand, to writing a novel, interviewing Poet Laureate Ted Hughes to being kissed by Tom Cruise.  Her journey also took her into the world of business, but the temptation of shopping and the call to write a novel were too strong. Intelligent, funny and open Adrienne chats about all this along with trying to find the courage to publish her novel and finding love.  One episode not to be missed. 

This is a great story of not letting go of that ‘nugget of an idea' and knowing when the time is right to go for it.  My guest, NavyGrey owner, Rachel Carvell-Spedding talks about how her obsession with knitwear started from the memories evoked by her mother's favourite jumper. After years of searching and never being able to find one like it she took a decision to start her own knitwear company and make the beloved jumper herself.   A big step and not without its challenges, Rachel chats about steep learnings, her passion for wool and how her journey's been so far.   NavyGrey has already been featured in Vogue, Harpers, The Sunday Times Style, The Daily Telegraph, Stella, The Financial Times, Red Magazine, to name a few.   

Starting his entrepreneurial life at the age of 17 my guest has been running his own businesses for nearly 6 decades and yet remains one of the most laid back people I know.  He tells some of his story, (name dropping along the way) on how his business life unfolded and some of the decisions he nearly didn't make.  Entertaining and interesting join me with Steve Beney owner of Beanie Socks, London.

This podcast gets a glimpse behind the scenes of a woman whose alter ego is Claudia – ‘Organising Claudia' in fact, and the name she also gave the company.  Rachel Fox aka Organising Claudia chats about why she did this, why she hates ‘wasting time', how she became a torch bearer for the London Olympics and explains why her Grandmother says; ‘Rachel is ready to kick you up the arse when you need it'.  This is a wonderful insight into the real world of a start-up; the challenges, dedication and instinct that Rachel's utilised to launch her own business.  Honest, open and fun, I defy you after listening not to head straight to Organising Claudia and get Rachel to sort you out. 

This podcast covers the frank and open account of Jack Rivlin’s entrepreneurial journey from setting up a Uni newspaper at Cambridge to becoming CEO of an international news media business. He tells what it was like building a fast paced, dynamic company on both sides of the pond to the challenging realities of selling it.  He created The Tab to provide students, ‘fast news and entertainment direct to their rooms" and that’s exactly what he did.  Gaining investment and a massive social media following success and growth happened quickly - it was all heady stuff.  But this is not a story about plaudits and glory but an insightful and honest interview full of key learnings, throwing a spotlight on questions rarely asked - this an education for any one in business.    

In this episode we hear from Jill Bausch co-founder of Vivepoint, an executive coaching organisation, but that is just a snippet of what she has been up to.  Living and working  across Asia, Africa, North America and Europe her career has been as vibrant and diverse as those countries.  With a MSc in Population and International Development, she’s also a qualified Practitioner in Executive Coaching and been CEO at Futures Group Europe, managing healthcare impact and behaviour change programmes globally.   On top of that she set up VivePoint a business that specialises in talent management and executive coaching, she says to “convert thinking about doing into action”, and currently also sits as a Director for SRI Executive a global Executive Search and Strategy consulting practice.  And guess what I have left out a fair bit so join in the conversation With Tracy and Jill and find out the rest of her story. 

This podcast charts the career of Laura Dinham a lady who started life as an accountant but thought ‘no’ this is not for me so took off sailing across the Pacific having only ever been out in a dinghy before! She then spent 2 years ‘yacht hopping’ round the world before becoming a chef on super-yachts. When suddenly on a trip home she suffered a severe allergic reaction to dairy. After trying prescribed medication with no luck, she turned to a naturapath which actually worked, so Laura decided to make another career move this time to research and study functional nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Passing with flying colours her passion grew and she launched Laura Dinham Nutrition. Another adventure which she has now expanded to include the new Hocatt Ozone therapy travelling around the South of Britain. Listen and find out more about this incredible woman.

There’s magic in the air on this podcast as I talk to Magician and Mind Reader Chris Wall. Since the age of 10, after watching his first magic show, in his words ‘I immediately knew I wanted to amaze my own audience’. This kick-started years of learning the art of magic and then just as he had mastered that he decided to add mind-reading to his repertoire. But turning this kind of dream into a money making business has it’s challenges – reading minds does not equip you to see the future, and suddenly COVID-19 struck just as he was getting up and running. But like so many he was determined to survive and online was the only option – YES magic and mind-reading over zoom. Listen to Chris’s story so far and how he is ‘amazing’ his own audiences.

This episode takes us to Canada and a peek into the business journey of female scientist and entrepreneur Raquela Cheemond, owner and creator of Étymologie Skin Care.Combining science with an in-depth knowledge of botanical ingredients and a passion for sustainability this young woman decided she wanted to make a difference by creating products that were not only great for the skin but also kind to the planet.She says: “As a scientist I’m passionate about using research to create effective products made up of ingredients that do not irritate the skin and are safe for the environment. I named the brand ÉTYMOLOGIE because in the same way you can trace the etymology of a word back to its origin, we can trace our products back to the fields, orchards and laboratories who helped create them.Not often you meet someone who really knows what they are talking about but she won’t bamboozle you with science. Take a listen and find out more.

Yay I really lucked out this time: got to catch up with some old chums who now run the Madame Jennifer Distillery and of course tasting was obligatory - after the podcast in case you are wondering. My guests started life as a biologist and chemist but inspired by a book and a trip to Amsterdam they decided to put their science skills to new uses – and make gin. Discovering they had quite different ideas of what makes a perfect gin they launched not 1 but 2: ‘The Chemist’ and ‘The Biologist’ and this proved to be a great business decision. Listen and find out about their journey so far and how they have expanded their range of products and vision for the future.

'The best decision I ever made’. That is how Charlotte Legge founder of Duxmore Botanics describes how she feels about setting up her business. This lady never stops smiling as she talks about her journey into entrepreneurship. Juggling three children, running a farm and working as a cosmetic scientist Charlotte didn’t just set up Duxmore Botanics she is the creator and producer of all the products that make up the range – from skincare to home fragrance – when the children are in bed she is in the lab or fulfilling orders. Find out why she is not looking back…

This is a story of surprises, learnings and challenges from the amazing Becky Daley owner of Digital Eaze. Becoming the owner of a tech company was not on her horizon when extraordinary circumstances threw her a curved ball and almost overnight that is exactly what she became. Her experience was working for entrepreneurs not being one. Becky tells a candid tale of why she took up the mantel and what the journey so far, has been like. This is proof that everyone has their own unique experiences of life in business, listen and find out hers.

Smart, results driven and with a passion for marketing - this is a chat with the upbeat and fun Jane Guest owner of Adaray Marketing. This exuberant lady has spent her career in marketing working with some serious big hitting brands then she decided to make the jump and set up on her own. Hear her story about working in the corporate sector and the transition to start out on her own venture.

This With Tracy chat shares the literal journey of Laura Cutter across three continents. We hear how a trip to Australia lead to a career in Hong Kong and how she still managed to enjoy her passion for horse riding. Then after 10 years what brought her back to the UK and inspired her to set up her own business The Equestrian Sponsorship Hub.

Flipping the norm Piera is a multi-talented woman who is not afraid to be herself, stand out from the crowd and put supporting others at the top of her agenda. Forging a career in music and film she shares what it’s like being in an industry that is so transient, why working 9 to 5 is not an option, the challenges of working out what to focus on, how important building her brand and personality has been, and what the future might hold with a her new song 'Used' launching on 15th May.

Serial entrepreneur and event guru Josh Peverley tells us how an idea turned into running Wyld Events, one of the UK's leading providers of unique events. He is young, energetic and on a mission - definitely an inspiration.

This podcast delves into the story of Evgania (Jane) Gibbs who set up the Seaview Beauty Clinic on the Isle of Wight. She shares her inspiration, how she started and the challenges she's faced.

An Isle of Wight business with sights set on new horizons. How Matt Jeffries' passion and energy is driving his creative agency Bright Bulb Design to a big bright future.We learn how Matt is achieving his goals and turning a business only set up in 2014 into a multi-award winning company and how he is intending to keep up the momentum. This is a man on a mission and loving every bit of it.

Starting his entrepreneurial life at the age of 17 my guest has been running his own businesses for nearly 6 decades and yet remains one of the most laid back people I know. He tells some of his story, (name dropping along the way) on how his business life unfolded and some of the decisions he nearly didn't make. Entertaining and interesting join me with Steve Beney owner of Beanie Socks, London.

This episode is about both a physical and spiritual journey. Anna Glinka shares her story from having a career in Haircare and Skincare to setting up her own business Heart Giving Connections. You will hear about the restlessness and 'wake-up' call that made her change her life and where that lead her. A unique and thought-provoking listen...

This is an opportunity to listen to a young man who only recently started out on his entrepreneurial journey. Starting from a low point he shares how he has embraced his creativity and is acting on it. Chatting with Tracy was stepping out of his comfort zone but I am so glad he did and since recording this I'm excited to say he has gone on to speak at events. Come and listen to James and hear his account of his career so far...

I'm thrilled that for this very first episode of With Tracy, my dear friend Amanda Beney agreed to have chat with me over a cuppa about her career in the luxury retail sector and why she is so passionate about this industry. Having worked with some of the biggest brands of the last few decades she lets us in on some of the experiences and challenges she's faced along the way. Insightful and inspiring do join us...