Women's Business

In this episode of Women's Business, I speak to Sophie Griffiths, a strategic marketing and meta ad specialist who shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Sophie discusses her earliest work memories, dealing with her father's frequent redundancies, and the significant impact of burnout she experienced at various stages of her life. We delve into how she transitioned from a high-achieving corporate career at British Airways to facing an unexpected redundancy during her maternity leave, leading to a crisis of confidence. Sophie opens up about her diagnosis of ADHD, overcoming the challenges of motherhood while building a business, and the importance of authentic self-presentation in creating a personal brand. We talk about her advice for women forced into entrepreneurship by circumstance, how she approaches pricing and money mindset, and her ambition and drive, even as a mother. Sophie's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and finding joy and flow in her work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to navigate the twists and turns of business and personal growth. Find Sophie on Instagram here  Find Sophie's website here Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here  ------- Thank you so much to Sophie herself for sponsoring this week's episode!  Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course.   Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you.    The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at www.sophiegriffiths.co/abc-1)  

In this episode I speak to Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids, a pioneering business that leverages technology to connect parents with nannies, offering a revolutionary approach to childcare. We discuss Rachel's diverse background, from the NHS to the mining industry, and her journey from supporting other businesses to launching her own. Rachel shares her views on the critical importance of childcare as infrastructure, the challenges and triumphs of scaling Koru Kids from a London-based startup to a UK-wide service, and the role of technology in transforming childcare. She also reflects on her personal experiences, including her life-changing scholarship to Oxford, her roles in the NHS and McKinsey, and the pressing issue of childcare affordability and its impact on working mothers. Join us to learn about Rachel's inspiring mission to make childcare efficient, personal, and accessible for all. Find Koru Kids online here Find Koru Kids on Instagram here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here   

Trigger warnings: loss, addiction, eating disorders  In this quite amazing episode of Women's Business, I speak to Amber Keatley-Shaikh, a women's health coach who has been on her own incredible journey of building resilience and self-discovery. Amber takes us all the way back to childhood trauma and the heroin addiction that nearly killed her, before we discuss how she found a curiosity that kept her moving forward, before discovering strength and purpose in counselling and occupational therapy. Now, she and her wife run a female-only gym, balancing careers and family life. Amber shares her powerful insights on overcoming adversity, redefining health and success, and breaking down misconceptions about ageing. This deep and moving conversation illuminates how resilience and curiosity can transform your life, defying the notion of a linear career path. Find Amber on Instagram here. Find Amber's website here. Find Amber and Suzanne's Fitology Hub here.  Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here. 

In this episode of I speak to Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist, registered dietician, former chef, TEDx speaker, and author of 'Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating For Your Second Brain'. We dive deep into the transformative power of nutrition, the roles of the gut microbiome and mental health, and share practical tips on adding beneficial foods to your diet without a complete overhaul. We also discuss Emily's unique career path, from working on superyachts to launching her own clinic and eventually contributing to groundbreaking research. Discover how small changes can make a big impact on your overall well-being. Find Emily on Instagram here  Find Emily's website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  --------------- This episode is supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts. If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don't know where to start and you don't have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don't need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa's own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference You can get 50% off your first month's membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com.    ------------- Episode Highlights: 01:13 Meet Dr. Emily Leeming: Microbiome Scientist and Author 02:51 Emily's Early Career and Love for Cooking 07:13 From Super Yachts to Nutrition 15:00 The Journey to Becoming a Dietician 20:46 The Science of Gut Health and Nutrition 31:28 The Importance of Fiber for Gut Health 32:40 Simple Dietary Changes for Better Health 35:15 Incorporating Vegetables into Daily Meals 37:27 Managing Anxiety Through Diet 40:13 Addressing Ultra-Processed Foods for Kids 44:55 Reversing the Effects of Poor Diet 46:21 Rising Rates of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer 50:33 Making Healthy Eating Accessible and Enjoyable 51:19 The Benefits of Frozen Fruits and Vegetables 52:58 The Versatility and Benefits of Beans 55:10 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections  

In this episode, I speak to Anna Anderson, founder of Kindred, a community space in Hammersmith. We dive into Anna's early experiences and insights on the value of community, and how that sparked an early interest in being of service to others. Anna shares her journey from social work to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for true community and the issues we face in society around loneliness and social connection. We discuss her experiences, challenges, and insights on social business, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of government and business collaboration. Join us as we dive into Anna's inspiring vision for creating spaces that foster genuine human connections. Find Kindred on Instagram here.  Find Anna on LinkedIn here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. Doors to The Wilder Collective are OPEN! Apply here.  ---------------- This episode is supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts. If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don't know where to start and you don't have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don't need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa's own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference You can get 50% off your first month's membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com.  --------------- 01:32 Meet Anna Anderson of Kindred 02:40 Anna's Early Life and Work Ethic 05:06 Career Path and Social Work 08:28 Challenges and Realities of Social Work 11:37 The Importance of Community 18:17 The Concept of Kindred 20:42 Building and Growing Kindred 26:03 Investing in Hammersmith: Building a Community Hub 27:11 Finding the Perfect Location: The Story of Bradmore House 29:29 Challenges and Rewards of True Community Building 32:14 Supporting Diverse Communities at Kindred 35:03 Philanthropy and Angel Investing: Making a Difference 37:57 The Role of Social Business in Modern Society 41:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 44:56 Reflections and Final Thoughts  

In this episode I interview Stacey Grant-Canham, founder of the ethical clothing brand Black & Beech. We discuss Stacey's unique journey, from crafting teething necklaces during maternity leave to building a brand that combines her passions for feminism and sustainable fashion. Stacey shares her complex childhood experiences, her radical transformation from academia to entrepreneurship, and how her personal values shape her business. We delve into the challenges of balancing motherhood and raising feminist kids, to the challenges of managing a business, and advocating for social justice. This episode is filled with valuable insights on resilience, integrity, and the importance of modelling positive behaviors for the next generation. It's an inspiring conversation that captures the essence of being a modern feminist in the business world. Find Stacey on Instagram here Shop Black & Beech here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here ------------ This episode is supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts. If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don't know where to start and you don't have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don't need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa's own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference You can get 50% off your first month's membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com.  ------------- 01:15 Meet Stacey Grant-Canham 02:28 Stacey's Early Work Experiences 03:01 The Impact of Family Tragedy 05:39 Pursuing a Career in Fashion 12:10 Starting Black & Beech 14:25 Political Awakening and Activism 23:09 Challenges and Growth 32:52 Scaling the Business: Hiring and Growth 34:46 The Importance of a Support System 35:21 Motherhood and Mental Health 40:36 Feminism and the Brand's Core Values 43:05 Raising Feminist Boys 52:13 Open Conversations About Sex and Gender 56:03 Defining Success and Reflecting on the Journey 01:01:50 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks  

In this episode I speak to Baroness Martha Lane Fox, a pioneering figure in the technology sector and founder of lastminute.com. The conversation covers a range of topics from Martha's upbringing with hardworking parents, her early career experiences, and the founding of lastminute.com during the dot-com boom - plus how they navigated business when the dot-com bubble burst. Martha also opens up about her life-changing accident and how it reshaped her career path and life entirely. We discuss the challenges faced by women in tech, the importance of digital literacy, and Martha's efforts to support female founders through her ongoing work, with inspiring words for any founder on keeping on keeping on. This episode offers a deeply personal look at the life of an iconic female entrepreneur.

I can't believe Women's Business is 2! And to celebrate this milestone a different episode where I have invited my own husband onto to pod, to reflect on our journey and everything we're both learning through my work here on this pod.    So, the much-mentioned Drew AKA Andrew Elliott is the first and only male guest on the show.    This conversation covers modern life through a male lens, including Drew's childhood experiences, feelings about being a feminist, coping with financial dynamics in marriage, and fatherhood through IVF and premature birth. We also touch on societal pressures, mental load, and finding balance in parenting. Drew shares insights from various podcast episodes that have influenced his thinking and his journey to becoming an active and supportive partner. Join us for an intimate discussion on gender roles, equality, and personal growth.   ---------------------- This episode is supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts. If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don't know where to start and you don't have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don't need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa's own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference You can get 50% off your first month's membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com.    -----------------------   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   01:15 Special Birthday Episode with Drew 03:03 Reflecting on Gender Roles and Expectations 05:14 University and Career Paths 08:00 Parenting and Education Choices 11:10 Navigating Early Parenthood 14:22 Balancing Careers and Family Life 15:51 Challenges of Being the Breadwinner 21:07 Coping with Parenthood Stress 27:16 Work-Life Balance and Parental Guilt 32:14 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Societal Expectations 33:55 The Push for Parental Leave and Economic Benefits 34:39 Challenges in Transforming Workplace Structures 35:18 Understanding and Sharing Mental Load 36:30 Evolving Conversations on Patriarchy 37:59 The Role of Men in Feminism 40:26 Addressing Sexism and Challenging Old Norms 49:38 Inspiring Women and Their Impactful Stories 54:45 Redesigning Inclusive Workplaces 57:29 Final Thoughts and Reflection

In this episode, I welcome Pippa Goulden, founder of The PR Set to the pod. Pippa shares her journey from working in traditional PR agencies to launching her DIY PR membership aimed at helping small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, but also shares how launching the business enabled HER to create the work/life balance she wanted for herself. We also dive into what PR actually is, the importance of using it as an integral part of your marketing strategy and not an afterthought, misconceptions around it, and how small businesses can leverage it strategically without needing large budgets. Pippa also discusses her personal experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of 'sending the f*cking email' and the ripple effect that has echoed in positive PR far beyond the thing itself.  Find The PR Set here. Find Thr PR Set on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  -------------- This episode is also supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts. If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don't know where to start and you don't have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don't need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa's own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference You can get 50% off your first month's membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com.  ----------- Episode Highlights  01:36 Meet Pippa Goulden: Founder of The PR Set 02:24 Pippa's Early Work Memories and Career Aspirations 04:40 Navigating the PR Industry: Challenges and Insights 07:49 Transitioning from Agency Life to Entrepreneurship 14:22 The Birth of The PR Set: A New Approach to PR 22:41 Defining PR and Its Evolution 24:46 The PR Set: Making PR Accessible for Small Businesses 28:14 The Importance of PR for Small Businesses 29:23 Breaking the Perception: PR is Not Just for Big Brands 30:35 Proactive PR: Taking the Initiative 31:33 Building a Personal Brand Through PR 33:41 The Power of Storytelling in PR 35:34 The Ripple Effect of PR Success 37:23 Overcoming Rejection and Embracing PR Challenges 39:15 Evolving and Growing Your PR Strategy 45:21 Practical PR Tips for Business Owners 48:30 Defining Success and Future Plans 50:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Women's Business I meet Nicola Elliott - haver of great name first and foremost, but also founder of NEOM Wellbeing - who discusses the inspiration behind her brand that originated from her own experience with burnout. Nicola shares her journey from working in journalism to becoming an entrepreneur, the deep intent behind the look and feel of the NEOM brand, plus we dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the different standards we hold working mothers and fathers to, and insights on the importance of flexibility and hybrid working. She also reflects on the role of personal brand in NEOM's success and offers valuable advice for female founders on maintaining well-being and making smart choices in business. A warm and relatable voice who has built a formidable business.  Find Nicola on Instagram here Find NEOM on Instagram here  Find NEOM online here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  ------------ This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!    ------------ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS  01:19 Meet Nicola Elliott: Founder of NEOM Wellbeing 02:26 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Influences 04:47 Navigating Journalism and Burnout 10:20 The Birth of NEOM: From Idea to Reality 17:43 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years 26:22 Balancing Motherhood and Business 30:14 Scaling Up: Building a Senior Team 33:02 Challenges of Remote Work 33:51 Flexibility in the Workplace 35:47 The Importance of In-Person Interaction 39:47 Gender Roles and Work-Life Balance 46:46 Personal Brand and Business Success 51:13 Advice for Female Founders 54:49 Future Plans and Reflections 01:00:07 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us      

In this inspiration-packed episode of Women's Business Lauren Paver shares her remarkable journey from being a struggling single mum to completing a multi-million-pound management buyout of her company in the security industry. Lauren talks about her work ethic, her original stint as a holiday rep, and how she broke into the male-dominated field of security sales. She offers real, powerful insights into what it takes to succeed without traditional academic qualifications and the significant sacrifices she's made along the way. Lauren also details her challenges and triumphs in balancing motherhood and work, the sacfrifices she's made, and her future goals for her company, Triton. Don't miss this candid and motivating episode that underscores the importance of grit, resilience, and authenticity. -------------------- This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!  -------------------- 01:44 Introducing Lauren Paver 02:54 Lauren's Early Work Experiences 05:35 Challenges and Sacrifices 17:38 Entering the Security Industry 20:52 Sales Success and Career Growth 25:53 Management Buyout and Future Plans 28:47 Transitioning Leadership: Taking Over the Reins 29:14 Valuation and Contributions: A Balanced Perspective 30:20 Team Dynamics: The Power of Collaboration 33:02 Northern Roots: The Importance of Regional Identity 34:07 Empowering the Next Generation: Apprenticeships and Education 35:50 Defining Success: Personal and Professional Growth 38:50 Simple Strategies for Business Growth 42:48 Balancing Ambition and Motherhood 50:04 Reflections and Advice: Looking Back and Moving Forward 53:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell  

In this episode Ruby Rout tells me her inspiring story behind founding the UK's first fully leakproof reusable period-wear brand, WUKA. Ruby shares her incredible journey from growing up in period poverty in Nepal to moving to London with minimal resources, and ultimately establishing WUKA after an initial (small!) cash injection, and bootstrapping to the point of running a multi-million pound business. Ruby's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community-building. We talk about the challenges Ruby has faced, her unique approach to product development, and the importance of staying true to your values. A great listen for any founder whether your business is products-based or service-based, the lessons to building an audience and remaining resilient are absolutely universal.  ----------------- This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!  ---------------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:13 Meet Ruby Raut: Founder of WUKA 01:26 Ruby's earlylLife and challenges 07:02 Journey to the UK 09:11 Experiences with period care 16:54 Founding WUKA: The early days 23:59 Scaling WUKA without investment 28:34 Focusing on what works 28:47 The origin of WUKA 30:09 Challenges of growth 32:50 Innovating period underwear 35:51 Expanding the market 37:49 Resilience and retail partnerships 42:57 Building a community 46:23 Advice for scaling a business 52:39 Final thoughts and reflections

In this episode I interview the remarkable Leanna Barrett, founder of Liberty Woodland School, the UK's first fully outdoor school. Leanna shares her inspiring story, from being the first in her family to attend university, to pioneering the forest school movement in the UK, fighting against dissenting voices time and time again to pursue her mission to create a better educational environment for her own children.   We discuss Leanna's business challenges of scaling and selling her nursey business, plus the challenges of founding a school with no prior expeience, as well as diving into Leanna's fascinating approach to education, with a focus on child-led learning, and how we as parents can and must support our children's learning journeys at home.   This episode is truly an eye-opener, and a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in alternative education models.   Find out more about Liberty Woodland School here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    ----------------------   This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!    --------------------------   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:33 Meet Leanna Barrett: Pioneer of Forest Schools 02:57 Leanna's Early Life and Career Aspirations 09:13 Challenges and Triumphs in Early Education 10:58 Scaling Up: From Nursery to Primary School 13:04 Overcoming Obstacles and Gaining Recognition 19:07 Expanding the Vision: Opening a Secondary School 27:24 Innovative Education: A Day in the Life at Liberty Woodland School 31:47 High Expectations and Student Achievement 31:55 Relevance of History Education 32:54 Memorization vs. Understanding 34:22 Impact of Global Information Access 35:12 Challenges of Conventional Education 35:46 Breaking the Cycle of Academic Achievement 36:17 Parental Concerns and School Choices 38:26 Developing Emotional Intelligence at Home 39:03 Encouraging Passion and Entrepreneurship 45:11 Four-Day School Week and Its Benefits 49:05 Focus on Wellbeing in Education 53:12 Advice for Parents and Educators 01:01:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Even when the plan is just to match your previous salary - amazing things can happen! In this episode I speak to Carrie Brice, the founder of Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery, about her journey from being a buyer for high street retailers to establishing her own demi-fine jewellery brand. Carrie shares her experiences growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, the influence of her parents' work ethic, and the challenges and triumphs in founding and growing her business. We discuss how she funded her first collection, the importance of knowing your USP, and how she maintains a meaningful connection with her customers. Carrie also reveals how motherhood has affected her approach to business and her plans for celebrating the brand's upcoming 10-year anniversary. This episode is a deep dive into how passion, authenticity, and a willingness to learn and adapt can lead to business success from a heart-led founder who started with one clear, short-term goal, and grew from there.    Find Carrie Elizabeth on Instagram here Shop Carrie Elizabeth here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here Doors to The Wilder Collective open again for 10 days only on Wednesday 15th Jan, apply here.    -----------------------------   This episode is supported by my amazing new partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever.  The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you.  Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!   ----------------------------   Episode Highlights    00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:40 Guest Introduction: Carrie Brice 02:44 Carrie's early influences and family background 05:47 School and early  areer aspirations 08:20 University and early  areer  11:07 Transition to jewellery and founding Carrie Elizabeth 17:10 Challenges and successes in building the brand 26:03 Heartfelt customer stories 27:14 The journey of business growth 27:56 Navigating challenges and scaling 30:08 Collaborations and influencer partnerships 33:05 Balancing creativity and business 36:28 Motherhood and business leadership 39:40 Celebrating 10 years of success 44:26 Advice and reflections 48:14 Authenticity and kindness in business 50:41 Conclusion and farewell  

Welcome back! And we're back with a brilliant episode covering so much of motherhood and womanhood with the wonderful actor-turned-coach, podcaster, and co-founder of the feminist mental health platform Women Are Mad, Salima Saxton. In this episode we explore Salima's journey from acting to coaching, the complex dynamics of her multi-heritage background, and how motherhood profoundly shaped her professional path. Salima shares candid insights about how she went from identifying as 'not an angry person' to recognising rage as an emotion to get in touch with her own, and the transformative power of self-reflection as part of that process. This episode delves into overcoming anxiety, the intersection of race and career, and the audacity to pursue uncharted paths. So much to reflect on as we head into the New Year with fresh energy. Enjoy.    Find Salima on Instagram here  Find Women Are Mad on Instagram here  Find out more about Women Are Mad here    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    --------------------------------- This episode is supported by my amazing new partners The SHE Collective - a women's wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever.  The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you.  Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it! ------------------ Episode Highlights  01:57 Meet Salima Saxton 03:30 Salima's early work experiences 05:58 Navigating family dynamics 08:18 Pursuing higher education 12:03 Discovering acting at university 17:55 Challenges in the acting industry 25:35 Balancing motherhood and career 29:38 The complexities of motherhood 30:45 Reparenting ourselves 31:19 The unspoken challenges of parenting 34:31 The reality of anger 35:42 Launching the podcast 37:08 Integrating therapy and coaching 43:09 Embracing change and ambition 50:52 Reflecting on personal growth 59:10 Final thoughts and contact info

In this final episode before the break I talk to Emma Barnett - journalist, broadcaster and friend - as she takes me through her life and career journey. Known for her work on Woman's Hour, Newsnight, and now the Radio 4's Today Programme, Emma takes me back to her first roles, discusses the moment she felt she'd broken through, the rejection she's faced along the way and the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped her forge her own path. All of this lived through the lens of chronic pain from endometriosis.    We also talk career ambition, Emma's coining of the phrase 'maternity service', how she makes it all work, and plans for the future.    Lots of moments of reflection and insight from a brave and brilliant broadcaster.    Find Emma on Instagram here.  Find Emma and Jeremy's 'Colour Your Streets' books here.  Pre-order Emma's new book Maternity Service here.    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:16 Emma's early career aspirations 02:52 School and university experiences 04:42 Journey into journalism 08:08 Breaking into broadcasting 11:04 Struggles with endometriosis and IVF 14:23 Hustling in journalism 20:10 Creating the women's section at The Telegraph 22:38 Transition to broadcasting and personal challenges 34:15 Writing 'Maternity Service' 39:51 Transition to the Today Programme 46:13 Balancing career and family 50:22 Chronic pain and endometriosis 53:05 Colour Your Streets venture 56:10 Dealing with online hate 01:04:01 Future plans and reflections  

In this episode, Naomi Raybould - founder and creative director of clothing brand Beyond Nine - shares her journey from facing thyroid cancer to overcoming personal tragedy and navigating a successful career pivot to create a million-pound clothing brand designed to empower women at all stages of life. Naomi and I discuss how switching roles at home has impacted her and her family, plus we dive into the external perceptions of that, plus the challenges of balancing a fast-growing business with cash-flow demands, and the power of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. We're talking breaking societal norms, valuing empathy in leadership, and the power in knowing you can change your mind. So much is covered in this episode - hope you love it.    Shop Beyond Nine here. Find Beyond Nine on Instagram here.  Find Naomi on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    To get in touch with me to support Wilder:LIVE please email nicky@thewildercollective.co.uk    01:38 Introducing Naomi Raybold 02:27 Naomi's early work experiences 12:05 Career path and personal challenges 21:51 The birth of Beyond Nine 29:25 Breaking gender norms at home  31:16 Starting a clothing brand with no experience 33:22 Challenges in the fashion industry 34:51 Organic growth and marketing strategies 39:35 Navigating business growth and cash flow 48:02 Ethics and sustainability in fashion 52:48 Reflections and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 58:58 Conclusion and final thoughts

In spite of being a shining light of a human being, Tamu was not immune to burnout, and it features in her story like it does in so many - but in Tamu's case she knew there was more for her and used it as an opportunity to do a lot of self-work, and start again, and the insight she has gained - and now shares - as a result, is truly transformative.  In this episode Tamu breaks down toxic productivity, where it comes from and what it means for us, plus how to tackle hard conversations at home. We also dive into the systems keeping us small, matriarchy, owning your power, and how to do some of the crucial self-work to know yourself in ways that allow you to ask for what you want and what you need. A bumper episode filled with so much powerful knowledge. A must listen. Whatever you learn - go forth and flourish!    Find Tamu on Instagram here  Or on her website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    01:15 Tamu Thomas' Early Work Experiences 02:22 Influence of Auntie Aminata 04:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life 07:10 Navigating Career Transitions 10:05 Burnout and Boundaries 13:57 Starting a Coaching Practice 20:10 Understanding Toxic Productivity 23:09 Navigating Relationships and Self-Awareness 32:06 The Pain of Holding On 32:49 Being a Partner to Yourself 34:11 Navigating Relationships and Self-Compassion 37:25 Loving Your Work 39:50 Redefining Success and Work-Life Balance 48:36 Embracing Power and Overcoming Conditioning 59:41 Final Reflections and Advice  

In this episode Sophie Harris AKA Looking After Mum shares her journey from her early days in the mental health sector, and dealing with childhood experiences, to building a thriving private practice during the pandemic - throwing an unplanned pregnancy in the mix too.   The conversation delves into the struggles of motherhood, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and Sophie's incredible growth on social media, amassing 100,000 followers by honing her content strategy. Sophie also opens up about handling online negativity and the importance of setting boundaries.   We also talk rage, common relationship issues she sees in couples who are also parents to young kids, plans for the future, and finding joy amidst the chaos of motherhood.   Find Sophie on Instagram here Or her website here    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    ---------------------------------------------   This episode is sponsored by brilliant small brand The Stationer, so if you're looking for stocking fillers in this run up to Christmas, look no further! The Stationer is an online stationery shop with a fully curated selection by founder and stationery obsessive Tessa and she is on a special mission to get to 9,000 orders before the end of 2024, and you can help her get there!   Tessa sources the very best in planners, notebooks, fountain pens, pencils, washi tape, sticky notes, stickers - and other desktop items, from all over the world with a brilliantly unique selection you won't find just anywhere. If you're looking for the hard work to be done for you Tessa sells bundles at a discounted rate. A Basics Kit, a Starter Kit featuring her best sellers, and a Study Kit – perfect for starting a new term or a new chapter! You can get 10% off full price products with the code: WOMENSBUSINESS and I urge you to have a look at her awesome selection and support this wonderful small business. Shop now!     Episode Highlights    02:06 Sophie's Early Life and Career Beginnings 05:15 Journey into Mental Health and Occupational Therapy 09:03 Burnout and a New Beginning 09:52 Starting a Private Practice During the Pandemic 17:13 Building an Instagram Following 23:11 The Realities of Social Media Growth 26:37 Facing Criticism and Standing Firm 28:06 Setting Healthy Boundaries 29:49 Navigating Motherhood and Social Media 32:02 Supporting Mums Through Imperfection 33:18 Relationship Strain After Babies 37:48 Managing Resentment and Rage 43:25 Balancing Parenting and Self-Care 47:44 Marketing for Therapists 50:05 Future Plans and Reflections 53:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

If you're a radio fan you may know Janey Lee Grace's name, and you'll definitely know her voice, and in this episode Janey takes me on her fascinating journey, from aspiring pop star to a renowned radio personality. Discussing her time as a backing singer for Wham!, her brief pop fame with St. Etienne, and her transition into radio we also talk Janey's passion for natural health, her journey to sobriety, and her latest book. Janey offers insights on the importance of self-love, the power of setting intentions, and finding joy in everyday life.    Find Janey on Instagram here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    --------   This episode is sponsored by brilliant small brand The Stationer, so if you're looking for stocking fillers in this run up to Christmas, look no further! The Stationer is an online stationery shop with a fully curated selection by founder and stationery obsessive Tessa. Tessa sources the very best in planners, notebooks, fountain pens, pencils, washi tape, sticky notes, stickers - and other desktop items, from all over the world with a brilliantly unique selection you won't find just anywhere. If you're looking for the hard work to be done for you Tessa sells bundles at a discounted rate. A Basics Kit, a Starter Kit featuring her best sellers, and a Study Kit – perfect for starting a new term or a new chapter! You can get 10% off full price products with the code: WOMENSBUSINESS and I urge you to have a look at her awesome selection and support this wonderful small business. Shop now!   -----------   Episode Highlights    00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:28 Meet Janie Lee Grace: From Pop Star Dreams to Radio Fame 02:31 Janie's Early Career and First Breaks 09:07 Touring with Wham! and the Music Industry 14:17 Transition to Radio and Personal Life 27:39 The Magic of Steve: A Perfectionist in Radio 29:30 Imperfectly Natural Woman: The Birth of a Book 33:26 Holistic Living: Balancing Woo Woo and Real Life 38:23 The Alcohol-Free Journey: Breaking Free from the Wine Witch 45:27 Parenting and Alcohol: Shifting Perspectives 48:06 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Reflections

Jennifer Cox is a psychotherapist, author, and co-host of the 'Women Are Mad' podcast and in this episode she takes me on her journey from a challenging childhood as a bright girl, with a severely autistic sister, that put her on the path to doing her current work in women's mental health. Jennifer shares insights into the hidden rage women feel, its impact on our health, and how societal systems continue to oppress women. The conversation covers her time working with men in prison settings, her transition to focusing on women's mental health, and the success of her book 'Women Are Angry.' Tune in for an engaging discussion on female rage, systemic issues, her thoughts on women tearing each other down, and the importance of speaking out, spreading awareness, keeping on keeping on, and screaming into pillows!    ------------   This episode is sponsored by brilliant small brand The Stationer, so if you're looking for stocking fillers in this run up to Christmas, look no further! The Stationer is an online stationery shop with a fully curated selection by founder and stationery obsessive Tessa. Tessa sources the very best in planners, notebooks, fountain pens, pencils, washi tape, sticky notes, stickers - and other desktop items, from all over the world with a brilliantly unique selection you won't find just anywhere. If you're looking for the hard work to be done for you Tessa sells bundles at a discounted rate. A Basics Kit, a Starter Kit featuring her best sellers, and a Study Kit – perfect for starting a new term or a new chapter! You can get 10% off full price products with the code: WOMENSBUSINESS and I urge you to have a look at her awesome selection and support this wonderful small business. Shop now!   ------------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:20 Meet Jennifer Cox: Psychotherapist and Author 02:14 Jennifer's Early Life and Career Aspirations 04:43 Challenges and Triumphs in Education 08:58 Journey into Psychology and Family Influence 11:50 Transition to University and TV Career 14:36 From TV to Therapy: A Career Shift 19:43 Experiences in Mental Health Services 20:48 Focus on Women's Mental Health 25:02 The Birth of 'Women Are Mad' Podcast 27:49 The Birth of a Movement 28:38 The Power of Podcasting 29:44 The Journey of Writing a Book 31:02 Unveiling Women's Hidden Rage 32:47 The Systemic Trap 33:09 Burnout and Women's Health 37:30 Men and Emotions 41:19 Internalized Misogyny 45:10 Letting the Rage Out 50:23 Future Plans and Reflections 52:44 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode I speak to self-confessed 'massive email weirdo' Katie Skelton, a successful email marketing strategist who has turned her business around in the past year or so, from being lost and unsure what her 'thing' was, to building a six-figure business.   Katie recounts her inspiring journey and talks about the power of having your back against the wall - when she was running out of ideas Katie invested in a course that helped her transform her business, through becoming known for what she does, and huge amount of commitment and consistency on her chosen platform: LinkedIn   She shares how that investment in herself transformed her career, emphasizing the importance of strategic efforts and surrounding yourself with the right people. The conversation delves into her expertise in LinkedIn marketing, maintaining consistency, nurturing email lists, and balancing impactful, profitable offers. Katie's story showcases persistence, strategic planning, and personal growth as keys to her success and will offer food for thought for all the brilliant female founders listening.   

In this episode I speak to the life force that is Candice Mason, who runs a family business alongside her passion project: Mother Cuppa, a tea company making beautiful blends to help women navigate modern life.   Candice shares her transformative journey from overcoming personal educational setbacks and dealing with undiagnosed dyscalculia, to defying everything she'd been told and thriving in her early career before joining the family coach business and founding her successful tea brand. You'll hear about her resilience through health struggles, such as early menopause, and her relentless campaign efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic that almost brought her family business to its knees.    Plus, discover how Candice's passion for supporting women's wellness led to the creation of premium tea blends and her aspirations for a powerful brand presence.    Candice is an amazing woman with big ambitions, who isn't afraid to make her voice heard. I'm a massive admirer of everything she does and I can't wait for you to be inspired by her.    PLEASE support Candice's Crowdfunder from as little as £10 here.  Or find Mother Cuppa on Instagram here.    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.         

Teresa Heath-Wareing knew - in spite of it being challenged from day one - that she was made for more and in this episode she tells me how she got through some serious adversity and self-sabotage along the way to build a successful life and business.    We delve into some of the myths that surround the idea of building an online business, the question of passive income, and how Teresa has created cut through in a very saturated space, focusing on authenticity, personal connections, and a willingness to work really hard doing the thing she loves.    Teresa also candidly discusses her struggles with alcoholism, her path to sobriety, and how this has played a transformative role in her personal and professional life. This conversation unveils Teresa's genuine passion for empowering women to define success on their own terms and her belief in the limitless potential within all of us.   Find Teresa's website here. Find Teresa on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.   If you love Women's Business please rate and review. It helps other people join the conversation.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:53 Early Work Experiences and Family Influence 05:40 Career Path and Ambitions 10:11 Challenges and Realizations in Career 16:15 Transition to Entrepreneurship 18:11 Building a Marketing Consultancy 22:48 Shifting to Online Courses and Memberships 28:05 Personal Growth and Business Evolution 30:57 Navigating Business Growth and Personal Connections 32:02 Challenges of Building an Online Business 34:09 Perseverance and Belief in Success 37:40 Balancing Money and Personal Fulfillment 42:03 The Reality of Passive Income 44:29 Appreciating Hard Work and Success 52:50 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Self-Love 59:01 Final Thoughts and Advice  

In this episode Amy Grilli shares the transformative journey that led her to create the Five Hour Club, a job board aimed at providing flexible work opportunities for parents. Amy recounts her early career in education and her struggles with identity when considering the traditional path of stay-at-home motherhood. Her viral LinkedIn post, which expressed a collective frustration with work-life inflexibility, struck a chord with literally millions of people (14millino and counting!) and prompted the creation of a platform offering five-hour workdays to cater to parents.   Amy discusses that with me, amidst the impact of societal judgment on women's roles, the emotional weight of invisible labour, and the broader implications of workplace inflexibility.   Insightful and inspiring, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a work-life balance that honours both professional ambitions and family commitments.   Find the Five Hour Club online here.  Find the club on Instagram here.    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    --------------   Thank you so much to Tapd for supporting this episode.   Tapd is an EFT Practice run Denise Hanrahan.   More commonly known as Tapping, EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is an amazing way to lower everyones favourite stress hormone - cortisol. It is also brilliant for dealing with anxiety, grief, panic attacks, even creative blocks. It could be the somatic practice you need to get yourself ‘unstuck'. For more info, check out tapd.co, or DM Denise on insta here.     Listeners will also benefit from a 20% discount on any one to one session. Use code ‘business' when booking.    -------------   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   03:13 Amy's Early Work Experiences 07:04 Transition to Teaching and Education 11:18 Struggles and Realizations 22:51 The Birth of the Five Hour Club 25:43 The LinkedIn Post That Changed Everything 26:35 Going Viral: The Unexpected Impact 27:26 Building Momentum: From Post to Community 31:54 Creating the Five Hour Workday 35:08 Redefining the Workplace for Parents 45:39 Future Plans and Community Building 50:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Anna Marthur a psychotherapist, author, podcaster and and mum of three, and in this episode Anna takes me on her journey from early entrepreneurial pursuits to her career in psychotherapy, and building her personal brand online, which started entirely by accident.  Anna shares real truths on the difficulty of monetising the work that she started on Instagram for free, as well as offering insights on managing anxiety, the importance of accepting support, and overcoming perfectionism, and we also delve into themes from Anna's latest book, 'The Uncomfortable Truth,' on confronting life's greatest fears, including failure, not being liked, and death. Anna offers practical advice for mums and her warmth comes through in spades. So much to take away from this conversation.  Find Anna's website here. Find Anna on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  -------------- Thank you so much to Tapd for supporting this episode.   Tapd is an EFT Practice run Denise Hanrahan.   More commonly known as Tapping, EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is an amazing way to lower everyones favourite stress hormone - cortisol. It is also brilliant for dealing with anxiety, grief, panic attacks, even creative blocks. It could be the somatic practice you need to get yourself ‘unstuck'. For more info, check out tapd.co, or DM Denise on insta here.  Listeners will also benefit from a 20% discount on any one to one session. Use code ‘business' when booking.  ------------------ Episode Highlights  01:12 Meet Anna Martha: Psychotherapist and Author 01:59 Anna's Early Work Experiences 03:07 The Influence of Family and Financial Struggles 06:08 Choosing a Career in Psychology 09:46 Transitioning to Psychotherapy 14:05 Building a Personal Brand on Instagram 21:20 Monetizing and Expanding Reach 28:53 Monetization and Accessibility 29:27 Supporting Mothers: Accepting Help 31:27 Perfectionism and Motherhood 34:27 Introducing 'The Uncomfortable Truth' 35:45 Embracing Life's Uncomfortable Truths 45:32 Balancing Work and Family 53:51 Reflecting on Career and Personal Growth 56:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Genevieve Sweeney is a designer and founder of a self-titled knitwear brand, who shares her journey into the fashion world with me, from working with big brands - both high street and designer - to founding her own business, where she prides herself on her commitment to slow fashion, British manufacturing and sustainable design.  Genevieve was influenced early on by her grandfather's craftsmanship, and her passion for knitting started in childhood, and I love this episode because Genevieve is a gentle and considered woman, who shows that anyone can build a brand with purpose if they have the desire and drive.  The discussion also delves into the personal challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, as well as Genevieve's aspirations for the future of her business. Find Genevieve's website here And find the brand on Instagram here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  My community doors are now closed but you can join the waitlist for the next intake here.  ------------------- Thank you so much to Tapd for supporting this episode.    Tapd is an EFT Practice run Denise Hanrahan.   More commonly known as Tapping, EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is an amazing way to lower everyones favourite stress hormone - cortisol.  It is also brilliant for dealing with anxiety, grief, panic attacks, even creative blocks. It could be the somatic practice you need to get yourself ‘unstuck'  For more info, check out tapd.co, that's T A P D . Co  or DM Denise on insta here.  Listeners will also benefit from a 20% discount on any one to one session. Use code ‘business' when booking.  ------------------ Episode highlights: 01:12 Meet Genevieve Sweeney: Champion of Slow Fashion 02:15 Genevieve's Early Influences and Career Beginnings 04:03 The Journey Through Education and Early Career 07:58 Navigating the Fashion Industry: High Street vs. Luxury 16:50 The Birth of a Sustainable Knitwear Brand 25:19 Scaling a Business: Brand Positioning and PR Strategies 26:00 Challenges and Successes in Gaining Press Coverage 27:09 Transition to Wholesale and Team Expansion 30:54 Balancing Motherhood and Business Growth 35:21 Improving the Knitwear Industry: Sustainability and Innovation 44:04 Future Goals: Micro Factory and Apprenticeships 45:28 Final Reflections and Personal Insights

My guest today is Rosey Davidson, founder of Just Chill Baby Sleep. She's also known as Just Chill Mama on Instagram where she has grown an engaged audience talking all things parenting - to babies and beyond.   Rosey takes us on her journey from corporate sales to becoming a renowned baby sleep consultant, driven by her own experiences as a mother, and her unique approach that she couldn't find online at the time.   We also talk business growth, marketing strategies (or lack of!) and how becoming known in your field can lead to other opportunities. There's also great insight on sleep for your older children that is worth listening out for!    Find Rosey on Instagram here    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    If you want to apply to join The Wilder Collective check it out here    Episode highlights: 01:50 Early Influences and Work Ethic 04:31 Academic Journey and Career Beginnings 07:17 Transition to Entrepreneurship 09:30 The Birth of Just Chill Baby Sleep 13:27 Navigating Growth and Scaling Challenges 13:50 Philosophy and Approach to Baby Sleep 21:11 Handling Criticism and Maintaining Brand Integrity 25:10 The Birth of 'Just Chill Mama' 25:49 Rapid Growth and Reality TV Connections 27:27 Building a Team and Expanding Services 29:08 Balancing Business and Family During Lockdown 32:20 Writing a Book and Organic Growth 37:49 Teen Sleep and Parenting Insights 45:08 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal talks to me about her pre-destined journey into the legal profession, her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her transition from a conventional legal career to entrepreneurship when she realised she couldn't build the life she wanted in a conventional law firm.   Lucy shares insights on balancing her professional life with motherhood, the challenges of setting up her own businesses, and the importance of legal integrity for small businesses, along with the story of how her and her husband decided to do things differently with their kids, and her thoughts on challenging those stereotypes to build the life you want that spans career and family.    Lucy is offering listeners of Women's Business £10 off to join her membership with code NICKYWB. Find out more about the membership here.    Find Lucy on Instagram here    Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here   And if you'd like to apply to join The Wilder Collective or get more information you can do that here.    Episode breakdown:    01:02 Meet Lucy Wheeler: The Journey to Lucy Legal Online 02:01 Early Influences and Work Ethic 04:32 Navigating Career Expectations 13:07 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field 16:59 Moments of Reflection and Change 20:50 The Birth of Lucy Legal 27:45 Facing Challenges and Finding Compassion 28:36 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 35:30 Balancing Business and Family 47:00 Legal Essentials for Small Businesses 53:38 Maintaining Integrity in Business Practices 57:45 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth

In this episode Lauren shares her journey from her early memories of seeing a strong work ethic in her parents, to founding UPFRONT, a business several years in the making. With her background in service design at the forefront of everything she does, Lauren has great insight on asking for feedback, and the power of using that feedback - both good and bad, to shape your business. Plus, we discuss finding confidence, how it can be learnt, and her mission to teach it through her Bond programme, with tips for listeners on unlearning societal expectations to boost their own confidence too. I think this could actually be a life-changing episode for so many people, and it's one I'll definitely revisit.    00:00 Introduction  01:04 Guest Introduction: Lauren Currie OBE 02:07 Early Memories and Work Ethic 05:29 School and Career Aspirations 07:09 Journey into Product and Service Design 14:24 Building the First Business: Service Design Consultancy 17:31 Transition to Employment and Upfront's Inception 22:18 The Evolution of Upfront 31:34 Discovering Natural Confidence 32:04 Confidence in Different Areas of Life 33:07 Building Confidence Through Community 35:01 Balancing Business and Motherhood 35:22 The Guilt of Motherhood 38:43 Pregnant Then Screwed: Advocacy and Activism 43:04 Challenges of Early Success 48:50 The Importance of Self-Compassion 54:40 Final Reflections and Advice   Bond 8 launches on the 9th September. Find out more here.   Find Lauren on Instagram here.    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    And find out more about The Wilder Collective and apply here.   

Finishing the current run of episodes with an absolute bang, Kira Matthews brings her unique perspective to Women's Business to set you up for summer. Not asking for the opportunities you want because of your audience size? Kira will make you think again about simply asking for what you want, asking again, embracing the rejection that may come - and separating that from yourself. She is the perfect example of someone practising what she preaches too, with stories of her own experiences that she shares, alongside her particular ideas on manifesting, what it is and how she does it, and how that can challenge the world view that is generally created for us.  All of this from a Gen Z with a whole load of wisdom - something that I am really passionate about my generation tapping into. One to listen to more than once to soak it all in - and then take action!  Find Kira on Instagram here  Find links to all of Kira's other 'stuff' here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  Women's Business will return in September. To pitch to be on the podcast or enquire about sponsorship head to the forms at the bottom of the page here.

Sometimes a conversation flows, and this is one of those, where Michele's story unfolded in the most natural way, with loads of learnings along the way. From her early life growing up in and around the family business, to her stint in marketing, to accidentally setting up a stationery brand, but then very intentionally scaling that brand, Michele has a really interesting story and useful insight into building a business with purpose in every sense of the word.  Shop Once Upon A Tuesday here Find Once Upon A Tuesday on Instagram here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here

In this episode marketing expert Hannah Isted talks to me about her journey to creating The Best 90 Days Ever - a membership based on daily ten-minute marketing wins - and writing a bestselling book of the same name, to help business owners nail their marketing with just ten minutes a day.  Hannah's journey takes in her early interest in becoming a forensic scientist, before she got started in marketing and found a real flair for it, starting her own marketing agency in her early twenties. Hannah also talks to me about the chronic illness that means working for herself means she can go with her own energy and work as efficiently as possible outside of a conventional 9-5, and how underthinking has been her superpower, allowing her to worry less, and act more - something I think all over-thinkers can learn from!  Finally, Hannah shares some tangible advice on how to get some ten minute marketing wins in your own business.  Find Hannah on Instagram here. Find Hannah's website and info on the next intake for The Best 90 Days Ever here Join me on Instagram here.   

Alice Loveday first fell in love with stop motion when her Dad borrowed a camera from the BBC and made her teddy bears dance. Her fascination with the creative, tactile magic of the medium endures to this day, and in this conversation we talk about her beginnings in the film industry, her entrepreneurial mother, her lucky breaks, and how she ultimately came back to stop motion as a fun, personality-filled way for small businesses to showcase their products.  However, Alice's journey has not been without challenges, and we talk about how she tackled growing the business (with a new baby on her hip), and then navigating owning a growing business in a difficult climate, and how she innovated to keep her business going.  Alice's positivity beams through here, and I think there are lessons aplenty to reflect on.  Find Alice on Instagram here Find Alice's website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  Or subscribe to my Substack here  ---------- BIG NEWS! My new community for female founders and freelancers has officially launched! If you're looking for a low cost, no pressure place to hang out (online and offline) with fellow (amaaaazing) females on the journey, then apply now - the doors are only open until Tuesday 25th June, when they will close until September. We already have 50+ amazing women through the doors and it's bloody amazing. If you want to know more or apply now check out the link below! https://thewildercollective.co.uk/

Megan Rossiter left a top private school to pursue her love for the stage, before jobbing in that profession and realising there was no clear plan, plus taking some knocks to her self-confidence, before taking a left turn into midwifery. That experience led her to eventually set up Birth Ed. Through her courses & UK top 10 parenting podcast, Megan has supported 1000s of families worldwide to prepare for satisfying, autonomous and confident experiences of birth & parenting. In this conversation we deep dive into the issues within the UK maternity system, Megan's thoughts on how to tackle that, and how Birth Ed is her way of helping people navigate the system through education and self-advocacy.  A fascinating conversation with incredible insight from Megan, in which I learnt so much. I really think it's essential listening for anyone.  Find Megan on Instagram here.  Find Megan's website here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  And subscribe to my Substack here.  ----------------- Thank you so much to Smart Buy Glasses for supporting this episode. The team at SmartBuy are on a mission to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget, and with 342 available brands on their website just now, it's safe to say they've got everyone covered whether you need prescription lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses. With tools like virtual try-on – which I used to choose my new glasses and sunnies – as well as pupillary distance measurement and lens scanner, they use the latest tech to make the whole process easy and enjoyable. Use code NICKY10 for 10% off your first purchase and head to smartbuyglasses.co.uk to get yours. 

Carla Saull went through a difficult childhood and started pot washing at 13 years old, dropped out of school with one O level, and got married young, all before finding her person in her late twenties and starting again - for the first time, but not the last. Taking in a career break to raise her sons, and a business degree in her forties, Carla's determination to make something of herself and bring purpose to her life through work has been a red thread through her life, all supported by her husband who believed in her when she wasn't ready to yet, and is part of her fascinating journey to setting up Good Wash Day, which is her business baby - currently in its difficult toddler years.  Carla's story is one of determination, love, inspiration and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. A chat I really enjoyed, and I know you will too.  Find Good Wash Day here.  Find Carla and GWD on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. Or Subscribe to my Substack here.  --------- Thank you so much to https://www.smartbuyglasses.co.uk/ for supporting this episode.  The team at SmartBuy are on a mission to help people see and be healthy regardless of their budget, and with 342 available brands on their website just now, it's safe to say they've got everyone covered whether you need prescription lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses.  With tools like virtual try-on – which I used to choose my new glasses and sunnies – as well as pupillary distance measurement and lens scanner, they use the latest tech to make the whole process easy and enjoyable. all Use code NICKY10 for 10% off your first purchasw and head to smartbuyglasses.co.uk to get yours   

Excuse me while I take my hat off to this powerhouse of a woman who has been dealt so many of life's curveballs, and has handled them with grace and her own relentless optimism.  Ro Feilden-Cook found herself newly single and pregnant in her last year of uni, only to find out she was actually expecting twins. Fast forward a short while to when her boys were less than a year old, and she recognised that one of them was developmentally different, and started out the long journey to getting his disability diagnosed. Ro persevered through the darkest of times as a single mum, before reuniting with the boys' dad when they were 5, and going onto marry him and have another baby. And alongside all of this she was figuring out her career, first founding a catering business which she later sold, before finding fitness and the impact it had on her mental health, and founding her second business The She Collective - a wellness app for women.  Ro's story is quite unbelievable. She has been through some unquestionably difficult things but her outlook is beautifully positive, and that shines through in this chat which is sure to offer inspiration to anyone.  Find Ro on Instagram here Find Ro's website here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  Or on LinkedIn here  Subscribe to my Substack here 

You might know Emma Nicolet as your favourite self-confessed 'Joyfluencer' on Instagram where she shares snapshots of real family life, with palpable honesty, but I bet you don't know how she got there. From her experience of boarding at a performing arts school, and how that has impacted her confidence throughout the rest of her life, this story takes in how Emma's love of making people happy has been a thread throughout her career - whether that was in her first job at McDonald's, dressing up as Elsa for kids' parties, or presenting on the radio, it's something she has carried through into her work and life now as an accidental influencer. Emma shares honestly about how that came about, the balance of making that work for her and her family, and what comes next for her.  It's a unique story delivered with real heart. Enjoy!  Find Emma on Instagram here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here Or subscribe to my Substack here  If you'd like to enquire about sponsoring any future episodes of Women's Business please get in touch here. 

Rebecca Seal started her career moving up the ranks in print journalism, in a clear break away from the heavy work she had seen her parents do, before accidentally having a TV career, alongside being a cook book writer and journalist. But, when facing burnout from working alone and seeking a resource to help her through it - and finding there wasn't one - she wrote one herself, and so began a new phase of her career exploring more about mental health and wellbeing that would see her write a bestseller -Solo: How To Work Alone (And Not Lose Your Mind) - followed by her latest book Be Bad, Better: How Not Trying So Hard Will Set You Free.  This conversation covers that whole journey, with ideas and insight from Rebecca for those that are working solo, plus a dive into some of the topics from Be Bad, Better, including patriarchy, late-stage capitalism, the beauty industry and consumerism, how those are impacting are lives, and how understanding them and letting them go can really set us free.  It's both hard and hopeful, and it all comes from Rebecca's unique and brilliant brain in a way that manages to be fully relatable. I think there's so much to take from this one.  Find Rebecca's website here.  Find Rebecca on Instagram here. Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  Or you can subscribe to my Substack here.  If you'd like to find out about sponsoring any episodes of Women's Business please get in touch here.  Finally... please rate and review the episode if you love it and want to hear more, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.

How do you know when it's time to let your business go? Faced with comparison-itis online, alongside running a family, Emmy shares really openly here about her journey to doing just that.  This episode takes in the full story, from the ego she was born with, to wanting to be famous, to channelling some of that into her clothing brand Sunday & Soul, to coming to the realisation that it was time to move on from it, and both the grief, and the feeling of freedom that came with that.  Emmy's story echoes so much of my own, whilst being completely unique to her, and I think there will be so much to relate to in this story which is told with heart and honesty, and a few tears too! 

Ayesha Ofori started her career in investment banking, with a simple view to paying off her student debt, but after advancing quickly and managing a portfolio of $500m, she realised the work didn't align with her values, and turned her hand to helping others build their wealth through property investment as she had, founding Black Property Network, followed swiftly by Propelle - a community, education and investment platform for women.  Ayesha's insight on peeling back the curtain on investing and making it accessible for women is both fascinating to listen to, and highly informative, but she also talks with great honesty about how she balances work and home life too. So many highlights in this episode which I hope you'll love!  Find Ayesha on Instagram here Find Propelle on Instagram here Join the waitlist for Propelle here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here Or subscribe to my Substack here  --------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - check out my 30% off discount code and try it for yourself.  Wild is the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills. They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code BUSINESS30 for 30% off sitewide. Shop Wild now!

This episode comes with a trigger warning for baby loss, which enters the conversation at 13 minutes in.  Sarah Tobin started her career in advertising before a traumatic birth and the subsequent death of her daughter left her with PTSD, a physical pain in her chest every day, and a choice - to either give into the pain, or to move forward, choose happiness, and start healing. Sarah chose the latter, and this is her incredible story of resilience and the power of the technique she used then and still uses now to process the trauma she experienced - tapping, which is also known as Emotional Freedom Technique. It's a technique I've had in my wellbeing toolkit for many years, so talking to Sarah - who re-trained as an EFT practitioner after it transformed her life - was a really personal experience for me, and I wanted her to share just how brilliant and accessible tapping is for anyone who suffers with anxiety and trauma. We talk about starting out with EFT if you're new to it, the science behind it, and Sarah's journey that led her to that pivot, which has ultimately brought her to a place where she helps other mums (and their families) navigate difficult times.  In spite of Sarah's heartbreaking loss this is actually an incredibly positive and inspiring story of what Sarah has done to turn her daughter Alice's legacy into a positive one, that goes on.  Find Sarah on Instagram here  Find Sarah's website here  Find Sarah on YouTube here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  Or subscribe to my Substack here  --------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - check out my 30% off discount code and try it for yourself.  Wild is the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills. They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Shop Wild now!

In this episode, former Editor-In-Chief of Hello! Magazine Rosie Nixon, talks about her early love of magazines and how that laid the foundations for what she went onto do, tells me about her favourite scoops at the helm of Hello! but then offers total honesty on what happened as she approached burn out. The changes Rosie made as a result of that phase have set her up for this new chapter, enjoying a portfolio career to broaden her horizons, lower the stakes, and create more time for her family.  She also tells me about the lightbulb moment she experienced when she realised she was in the depths of peri-menopause, the signs and symptoms, and how she advocated for herself to get the necessary treatment, and tips on how others can do the same.  Find Rosie on Instagram here. Check out Rosie's website here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.  You can subscribe to my Substack here.  -------------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - check out my 30% off discount code and try it for yourself.  Wild is the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills. They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Shop Wild now!

In this second birthday episode, host of Woman's Hour Emma Barnett turns the mic on ME - Nicky Elliott - to hear my own career story.  This conversation covers: My early memories of work How I stumbled into events How I founded my first business The mat leave project that became Wilder Ones How I feel about being a 'provider' My pivot into podcasting and empowering women My plans for the future Will total openness from the get-go on my financial losses and gains, lessons learnt, and my new mission, this episode is for anyone who has listened to the pod so far and has wanted to hear my own story - with some friendly banter between me and my long-time friend Emma in the mix.  Find Emma on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation on Instagram here.  You can subscribe to my deeper dive essays on all we discuss on my Substack here.  ----------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - it's the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills.  They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Go wild!

In this special episode to celebrate ONE YEAR of Women's Business I've invited back my first ever guest – the one and only Frankie Tortora – to do a review of the year with me, pulling out some themes that have come up, got us all thinking, and sparked brilliant discussions.   Frankie acts as both host and guest, picking the topics (out of her sparkly unicorn hat!) and discussing them all with me, sharing her personal experiences and stories, while I share my insight and highlights from the last 30 episodes of the podcast – what I've learnt, what I've loved, and what's really stayed with me. Topics covered include: Mental Load Career Trauma  Careers Advice  Multi-Hyphen Careers Measures of Success A massive THANK YOU if you've listened to any episode this year. Year two here we go! Find Frankie and everything to do with her work, her community, and her brilliant podcast for freelance parents here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. You can subscribe to my Substack for deep dive essays on some of our discussions here. ------------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - it's the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills.  They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Go wild!

From whirlwind romances and moving across the world to starting her own coaching business and networking group - Laura Cruise has had a fascinating journey and it has left her filled with wisdom and perspective that everyone will learn something from.  This episode covers so much, including:  Why supporting other women can only lead to good things Acknowledging when something isn't serving you any more  Tangible advice on how to work on an idea to get real confidence in it  Allowing things to take time  The problem with niching too soon  And so much more besides. Laura and I had a fantastic chat which really stayed with me. I know there will be value in here for you. Find Laura's website here Find Laura on Instagram here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here To find out more about my public speaking work and events head here  ---------------- Thank you so much to Wild for sponsoring this episode - it's the only deodorant brand I use and it really works, so they are my dream partners.  Wild is the UK's number 1 natural deodorant company featuring a fully sustainable design and recyclable refills.  They've also recently launched a luxe 100% plastic free body wash which I love – it comes in an aluminium case with compostable refills.  Use code WOMENSBUSINESS for 30% off sitewide. Go wild!    

In this episode, founder, marketeer, mum, and content creator Lorna Hayward takes me on her career journey that takes in everything from starting out in TV, to moving into marketing, to starting her own series of sell-out 'Pizzup' events almost by accident, but we also go deeper, delving into the recent events that led her to realise that she attaches so much of her self-worth to work.  In the course of this discussion we tried to unpack some of the societal pressures that lead so many women to feel that way too, whilst also covering how we can try to un-attach our self-worth from work, whilst still finding meaning in purpose in what we do for a living.  Find Lorna on Instagram here Find out more about Lorna's inclusive events for women - Pizzup - here  Don't forget to join the conversation on all things life and careers with me on Instagram here  Or to find out more about me, my work and the podcast, head to my website here

In this episode, author and founder Liv Thorne talks about her career as well as her solo parenting journey for the first time. Covering everything from the early life events that made her commitment-phobic, to her overwhelming desire to be a mother, more than a partner, we discuss how Liv ended up co-founding her own business at the same time as embarking on her journey to solo motherhood - something she went on to write a book about. We also discuss Liv's unique set of circumstances, how she makes life and career work with that in mind, as well as her hopes for the future. This chat is fun, funny, moving and thought-provoking all at the same time.  Find Liv on Instagram here Find Liv's book here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here If you enjoy Women's Business please rate or review. I love you for it!  To find out more about me and my work head to thewildercollective.co.uk ---------------------- This episode is sponsored by memenopause.com  Me.MeNoPause brings natural products that work to women struggling with symptoms of the menopause and peri-menopause. They have curated a Menopause Relief Kit - the only complete daily menopause relief routine which combines a unique plant-based natural menopause vitamin complemented with effective herbal remedies to get you through the day. They even guarantee you a full refund if you don't see results within 30 days. They work exclusively with expert-led and nutritionist recommended products which are designed to bring back some much-needed normality to women's lives. And importantly they only work with brands who use high quality natural ingredients, with no nasty fillers and additives. Yes please. Use discount code WilderOnes10 for 10% off your first order, and Visit Memenopause.com to find out more

In this episode floral designer and mum of three Afia Bayayi takes me on her fascinating journey from straight A student to teacher to business owner, with home educating three children thrown into the mix.  Afia's insight on the education system, and the responsibility of teachers is fascinating, but so is her take on how she knew she'd be an entrepreneur, and how she found the thing that would take her on that journey, by - as she puts it - simply looking at what was in her hands.  We also talk the life events that gave Afia extreme perspective and the ultimate push to start her business, how she manages her workload, some of the myths surrounding home educating, and the skills she wants to arm her children with by the time they leave school. A conversation I'll definitely revisit and one I think you'll take a really fresh perspective from.  Find Afia's floral business on Instagram here Find Afia's parenting and home educating journey here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here ------------ This episode is sponsored by memenopause.com  Me.MeNoPause brings natural products that work to women struggling with symptoms of the menopause and peri-menopause.   They have curated a Menopause Relief Kit - the only complete daily menopause relief routine which combines a unique plant-based natural menopause vitamin complemented with effective herbal remedies to get you through the day. They even guarantee you a full refund if you don't see results within 30 days.   They work exclusively with expert-led and nutritionist recommended products which are designed to bring back some much-needed normality to women's lives. And importantly they only work with brands who use high quality natural ingredients, with no nasty fillers and additives. Yes please.   Use discount code WilderOnes10 for 10% off your first order, and Visit Memenopause.com to find out more

In this episode, wedding celebrant and writer Holly June Smith talks to me about her lifelong love of storytelling, and her journey to becoming a self-published author.  We discuss Holly's early foray into the world of film-making, her side step into the charity sector, and the myth of having it all that made her turn her love of love stories into a full-time job when she became a wedding celebrant, which she continues to do now alongside being a self-published author of some seriously great and spicy romance novels. Holly and I share a love of romance stories, romantic comedies and yes – romatic teen drama Dawson's Creek, which was a formative show for both of us – so we dive into that as part of a wider discussion about the romantic comedy genre and the tropes and story arcs they usually explore. There's also great insight for anyone who wants to write and put their work out into the world. Holly discusses her initial snobbery around self-publishing, how wrong she was, and how well it works for her as she grows her back catalogue. 

In this episode, Lee McKay Doe AKA The Career Therapist, opens up about her own climb up the career ladder, and the moments of trauma that triggered her to make a change and start to work to help others navigate career trauma, burnout, and stress.  From discussing conditions of worth, to purpose, and the deep work required to unlearn some of our behaviours, this episode is a deep dive into how early trauma can impact our careers, and how career trauma can in turn impact our lives. Plus, Lee gives advice and suggestions for our own self-reflection to help us manage our own career trauma, or patterns of behaviour.  Sit down with a pen and paper and be prepared for this free therapy session! It's not always comfortable, but there's so much food for thought - including a look at some of my own career trauma and how I've nagivated that.  Find Lee on Instagram here  Find Lee's website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here If you enjoyed this episode please follow so you don't miss future episodes, and rate and review to help others find the podcast.