Zeal Talk

In this episode, we speak to Anna Ashford, Head of ALT Legal – a law firm that strives to bring a modern and accessible approach to SMEs & founder-led businesses. Anna speaks to us about the necessity of good legal support and the importance of understanding the bigger picture in the world of law. We also talk flexible working, the need for more investment in female founders, and how we bring equality to the industry.

In this episode, we speak to George Fairhall, Founder & CEO of WAC – a powerful app that's changing the face of hourly paid work through smart features that empower the user. George speaks to us about her experience of balancing higher education with hourly paid work and how key experiences inspired her to make the change she wanted to see in the world. In this laugh-out-loud episode, we talk salad cream, being underestimated as a young, female entrepreneur, and paying your designers in contraband!

In this episode, we speak to Sam Simpson, CEO of FounderCatalyst – which supports founders as they navigate through the early-stage fundraising process. A self-described “accidental entrepreneur” Sam talks us through the twists and turns that guided him from computer science graduate to angel investor and CEO of his own business. We discuss the investment landscape, the fear of making the same mistake twice and the importance of having a great team!  – You can learn more about FounderCatalyst & access all their free resources at: www.foundercatalyst.com

In this episode, we speak to Liam Wright, CEO & Founder of Exodus – a business on a mission to create renewable energy solutions for the social housing market. Liam talks to us about his unorthodox route into becoming a founder, from humble beginnings in the world of engineering to a growing interest in tech that sparked the trajectory he's on today. Having overcome a serious illness himself, Liam shines a light on what it's like to be a founder with a disability and the impact it's had on running his business. It's now his goal to create more opportunities for founders with personal health problems and highlight how it impacts every facet of being a founder. We discuss the benefits of mentoring, overcoming chronic illness with 5 mouths to feed, and knowing when it's time to call it quits! – You can learn more about Exodus at: www.exodus-technologies.com

In this episode, we speak to Ian Todd, CEO & Founder of SalesLynk – which is the only SaaS sales solution for cyber security professionals. Ian speaks to us about his journey into the world of cyber security, from working in the sector in its infancy to starting his own business that bridges the gap between professionals and their clients. We discuss being relentless as a founder, how crucial a strong personal network can be and how the truth isn't always what it seems on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we talk tactics with Charlie Beech, professional rugby player & founder of Front Row Support. He talks business development, the importance of outreach, and how there is a life for athletes after sport. His unique perspective as both a professional athlete and business owner gives an insightful look into the world of sport and its relationship with the corporate world. Charlie gives his thought on the importance of being direct, diving in head-first & leading the way for the whole team. It's a real winner!

In this episode, we catch-up with Chris Rabbitt, founder of Meeow – the world's first 24/7 video networking platform. Chris fill us in on the highs and lows of founding a business during the Covid-19 pandemic and how Meeow has become what it is today. We discuss angel investing, the importance of working in hospitality, and how it's never easy to find the domain name you want!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Alex Beardsley, Managing Director of ABL Business. She lifts the veil on commercial finance, offering a fresh perspective for SMEs navigating the complex world of money. Her take on the state of play post-2008 financial crisis is both eye-opening and informative, serving up motivation for business owners everywhere to ‘just do it.' Alex shines a light on shifting trends, imposter syndrome, and her journey from failing her maths GCSE to being a respected authority in the finance game. Turn it up!

In this episode, we unravel the remarkable story of Viv Parry, a woman whose journey from art school dropout to serial entrepreneur has more twists than a garden hose. Her sheer determination through struggle, unemployment, grief, and motherhood is at the same time candid, visceral, funny, and awe-inspiring. Punctuated by life lessons, Viv shares her unending faith in human decency, the importance of meaningful relationships, and the need to not take it all too seriously. You won't want to miss this.

And we're back! In this episode, we chat with Greg Caiger, Regional Director for Small Business Banking in the North for HSBC. Imparting over 18 years of wisdom, Greg reveals how his team helps small businesses think big and cross borders. So if you're a startup looking to borrow or a visionary with an idea worth sharing, this one's for you. We discuss the funds available exclusively to SMEs, the emergence of AI, and the power of human interaction. Enjoy!

In this episode, Alex Craven, co-founder of The Data City shares the reality of jumping into business and what happens when selling doesn't quite go to plan. We discuss the importance of going big, giving back, and having a vision beyond money. Forget the illusion of control, set your direction, and hold on. Don't miss it!

In this episode we speak to founder and entrepreneur turned business sounding board Phil Fraser, who shares his wisdom from building one of the UK's leading online gaming sites. From risking it all to winning big, Phil's advice is the kick up the backside you've been waiting for. This a truly insightful pep talk for business owners everywhere. Spoiler alert; just f*****g do it. – Phil Fraser How to be your own sounding board: philfraser.co.uk/how-to-be-your-own-sounding-board/ Business strategy planning tool: philfraser.co.uk/business-strategy-planning-tool/ Site – philfraser.co.uk LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/philfraser Twitter – twitter.com/phil_fraser Instagram – instagram.com/phil.fraser

This week, we speak to the endlessly enterprising Tracy Fletcher, who gives us the lowdown on leading teams and her eclectic career spanning banking and recruitment to fintech and charity. She reveals the real meaning of workplace culture, her female role models, and the power of cocking up. We also discuss Smart Works, and the inspiring work they do to help vulnerable women get back into work. Let's go.

We did say AMA, and you didn't disappoint. Jane fields your questions, from the deep to the ridiculous. We discuss career highs, personal lows, life-changing lessons, and the laws of the biscuit cupboard. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Sarah Hex, Head of Deal Origination at Mercia asset management shares the unexpected truth about funding. From getting investment ready to building a tribe around you as a key to success. We discuss the challenges that founders face and the importance of critics on your startup journey. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we speak to James Walker, founder of adult tricycle startup Jorvik Tricycles. He reveals how his father's struggle with Parkinson's disease led to a three-wheeled revival and a multi-million £ business. We discuss the overthinking trap and how failure paves the road to success. Turn it up!

And we're back! In episode five of Zeal Talk, we chat with Lisa Lister, Founder of business growth consultancy Progress Marketing. She reveals the catalyst that kickstarted her journey, the risks of standing still, and the art of delegating. We discuss what to do when grenades hit the plan and the best-kept secret of having fun. Don't miss it! Remember to send any thoughts, feedback, or questions to zealtalk@wehavezeal.com www.progressmarketing.co.uk

In the fourth episode of Zeal Talk, Alex Willcocks, Co-founder of agency Engage introduces All in. Leeds, discussing the changing trends of the city's creative sector and nurturing the next generation of talent. He also reveals what it's like to live in the shadow of a famous pancake inventor and why he once listened to the same song for 7 hours. From breaking bones to tickling tortoises, and how you can get involved in All in. Leeds, don't miss it! If you have any thoughts, feedback, or questions on anything you've heard, send them to zealtalk@wehavezeal.com. https://www.allinleeds.com/ https://engageinteractive.co.uk/

In the third episode of Zeal Talk, Emma Hollis, Managing Director of Pyramid8 recruitment goes spiritual. From the laws of attraction and ghostly encounters to manifesting the people (and shoes) you need in your life. Back on earth, we discuss advice for budding entrepreneurs and the secret to acing an interview. From shamanic meditation and waking up laughing, to Stephen Spielberg's unlikely route into film directing. Turn it on and turn it up! If you have any questions for our next episode fire them over to zealtalk@wehavezeal.com.

In the second episode of Zeal Talk, Simon Bollon, Managing Director of Boutique Media Communications opens up about the realities of being plugged into the rat race. And the cost of not switching off. He discusses the need to let go of control and play people in their best position, as well as reaching the ripe old age of 40. From selling fake aftershave in the playground to trading it all in to live in the wild. Don't miss it. Next week's guest is Emma Hollis, Managing Director and co-founder of Pyramid8 recruitment agency. If you have any questions for Emma or Jane fire them over to zealtalk@wehavezeal.com.

In the first episode of Zeal Talk, Jane follows resounding advice from her extensive professional network not to make this podcast about her by appearing as the first guest on the show. She discusses the necessity to grow through new experiences, being fired as a kangaroo, breaking an entire bathroom, challenging inequality, and more.