POPULARITY
From poet to paper artist and conscious entrepreneur, Janna Willoughby-Lohr shares how she built a purpose-driven company that proves creativity and sustainability can spark community, connection, and real economic change.Janna is the founder and lead artist of Papercraft Miracles, an eco-friendly handmade paper art studio in Buffalo, New York, creating everything from plantable seed paper to realistic paper flowers for clients like Lionel Richie, Lowe's, Pinterest, and Capital One. Named a Top 10 NAWBO Woman Business Owner of the Year and featured on discovery+'s Meet Your Makers Showdown, Janna has carved out a powerful space in the art and business world by choosing impact over unchecked growth.Her journey began with financial limitations that led her to Warren Wilson College, where she unexpectedly discovered the book arts department and experienced a spiritual awakening through papermaking. When traditional programs failed to support her vision, she built her own major, combining business, creative arts, and social work, at just nineteen years old. That innovative mindset taught her early on that artists don't just need technical skill, they need communication, confidence, and courage to own their voice.In our conversation, Janna dismantles the myth that artists can't thrive financially and challenges the toxic “fempreneur” culture selling unrealistic success. Instead, she offers a framework of conscious entrepreneurship grounded in sustainability, community, and stakeholder-focused models like B Corps. She shares practical insights on scaling with intention, overcoming imposter syndrome, and designing businesses that honor both people and the planet.We also dive into authenticity in leadership, the evolution of women's roles in business, and the rising demand for connection in a digital age. Janna's work proves that handmade, meaningful experiences can combat isolation and rebuild community, and that women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to lead this shift. This episode is an inspiring reminder that your creativity, your voice, and your vision matter more than perfection.Tune in to hear how Janna is redefining success and lighting the path for purpose-driven founders everywhere.Chapters
YES! It's Part Two of our LIVE London event with Jake Karls of Mid-Day Squares and Shani Higgs of PerfectTed, hosted LIVE by our wonderful friends at Lucky Saint Pub, London.This episode is a recording of the audience Q&A that followed the live interview. And WOW! what a session it was. Founders and industry friends in the room asked some incredible questions, and the answers from Jake and Shani (PerfectTed's Head of Sales, who stepped in after Marisa left) were packed with honesty, insight, and lessons you're going to be able to take away and use to add real value to the way you work. If you haven't listened to Part One yet, scroll back one episode to catch the full conversation about how both brands have scaled so quickly, from kitchen tables to category creation.What we talk about:Jake on scaling Canadian brand Mid-Day Squares NATIONALLY the USA and even beyond.Shani on building PerfectTed's sales engine and breaking into retail.How they balance ambition with resilience when things get tough.The importance of storytelling and transparency in attracting fans (not just customers).Lessons on founder communication, trust, and team dynamics from two fast-growth brands.Practical insights into category creation, competition, and global expansion.If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow founder! And don't forget to hit follow/subscribe to Brand Growth Heroes on your favourite podcast app so we can continue to bring you the best guests and the most valuable golden nuggets.Useful linksFollow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Mid-Day Squares on LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky SaintMidday SquaresPerfect Ted============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Many purpose-driven businesses say they value inclusion—but when it comes to trans issues, most don't know where to begin. In this candid conversation, trans organizer Benn Marine joins Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison to explore how B Corps can move beyond fear, “wokeness,” and silence toward genuine compassion and action. A grounded, honest look at what it takes to navigate the trans conversation in this political climate with courage and care.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/how-b-corps-can-navigate-the-trans-conversation-w/-benn-marineUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter
In this episode, Gerard Reid, Laurent Segalen and Michael Barnard dug into the technologies and narratives that keep surfacing in discussions about the energy transition, but which continue to underdeliver when you scrutinize the economics and engineering realities.Carbon capture and direct air capture remain heavily subsidy-driven, often costing more to operate than the value of the CO₂ they sequester. The dilution of carbon in the atmosphere makes the whole proposition profoundly inefficient, and while there are niche opportunities where high-purity CO₂ streams are adjacent to storage infrastructure, those remain exceptions. Enhanced oil recovery is the only space where the numbers truly add up, which means the public ends up footing the bill for most other applications. Even regulatory pushes, such as Germany's, can't overcome the fundamental cost and scalability barriers. Hydrogen suffers from a parallel set of problems. The sector's viability as a broad energy carrier depends on hitting a production cost of around $1 per kilogram, but real-world projects are stuck closer to $8 per kilogram. That gap has led to a string of cancellations from heavy hitters like BP, Exxon, and Air Products. Despite the hype around green hydrogen, the underlying assumptions never matched the physics or the economics. Battery electrification has emerged as the far more effective pathway for most transport, leaving hydrogen to fight for narrow industrial niches while its infrastructure and fuel cell supply chains lag behind.Nuclear energy is facing its own reckoning. The pivot toward small modular reactors was meant to revive the industry with faster, cheaper, more scalable deployment, but the reality looks different. Project sizes have crept upward, wiping out the “modular” advantage, and costs are trending well above $200 per megawatt-hour—hardly competitive. Ontario's flagship SMR project is already slipping years past its promised delivery, and there's little to suggest Wright's Law cost declines will appear in a sector defined by bespoke builds and long lead times. Investors may find opportunities in the extended development cycles, but the contribution to near-term decarbonization remains negligible.Fusion is another seductive technology that continues to consume enormous sums of capital without altering the climate trajectory. ITER alone is 30 years behind schedule and twenty times over budget, aiming only for a five-minute sustained reaction by 2040—without generating electricity. Private startups are raising capital but remain decades away from surmounting fundamental engineering barriers. I've said before that fusion may eventually matter for space exploration, but it's irrelevant for terrestrial energy in this century. Still, as a scientific project, it's worth continuing—but policymakers must not confuse it with a climate solution.Biofuels offer a more mixed picture. First-generation projects like corn ethanol were both environmentally and economically flawed, but second- and third-generation fuels derived from waste streams are showing promise. These have a real role to play in hard-to-electrify domains like aviation and maritime shipping. However, they're not a replacement for direct electrification on the ground. European policy still reflects caution due to food-versus-fuel concerns, but as technologies improve, biofuels can carve out a targeted and pragmatic role.We also touched on the politics and market dynamics of offshore wind and ESG. Offshore wind in the U.S. continues to face transmission bottlenecks, fragmented policy, and outright political hostility, leading to cancelled and delayed projects. Meanwhile, Europe's integrated approach in the North Sea demonstrates what's possible with coordinated policy. On ESG, we acknowledged the criticisms around greenwashing and governance metrics that often make little sense. Yet, even through the noise, investment flows tell a real story: fossil fuel funding is down 25%, and corporate decarbonization continues, even if much of it is “green hushed.” Governance frameworks are evolving, with multi-stakeholder models like B Corps pointing toward a fundamental redefinition of fiduciary responsibility.Taken together, these discussions reinforce a central theme: the energy transition isn't about wishful thinking or fashionable narratives. It's about hard economics, engineering constraints, and political realities. Technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen, SMRs, and fusion may attract attention and capital, but their roles are narrow at best and distractions at worst. The real work is in scaling what actually delivers—electrification, renewables, smarter grids, and targeted complementary solutions like advanced biofuels.
Autumn Brown returns to Next Economy Now for a third time for a wide-ranging, candid conversation on practicing freedom in an unfree world. We talk joy and parenting, the post-2020 backlash, symbolic vs relational change (pronouns, land acknowledgements), building broader coalitions, and Autumn's shift from cooperative leadership to music, Aikido, and a forthcoming book on fugitivity. It's a grounded back-and-forth about moving from fear and performance to love, courage, and strategy.View the show notes: https://www.lifteconomy.com/blog/autumn-brown-freedom-practice-in-an-unfree-worldSend us a textJoin Next Economy Living, beginning October 2025! By joining a cohort, you'll learn how to deepen personal security and resilience practices to thrive and flourish amidst ecological and economic collapse. The training is designed to support you to deepen your changmaking while also taking care of your material and financial needs. Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/NextEconomyLiving Interested in designing a world that works for the benefit of all life? Join our fall cohort of The Next Economy MBA, beginning September 30th, and use discount code PODCASTMB@ to save 10% on tuition!Learn more at lifteconomy.com/mba. Support the show
I am so thrilled to share this very special LIVE episode with you. I had the absolute joy of sitting down in London with Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed and Jake Karls, founder of Mid-Day Squares, for an unforgettable conversation about scaling challenger brands, radical transparency, and building community. And yes, I got to TASTE a Mid-Day Square and it's INCREDIBLE. In fact, I actually ate 3 in a row.If you haven't come across Mid-Day Squares yet, they're the Canadian-born brand redefining healthy afternoon snacking with functional chocolate AND now scaling rapidly across the US. Co-founder Jake Karls last joined me on Brand Growth Heroes in 2023 (scroll back to hear the original episode), and since then, the business has experienced significant growth, expanding from $8M to tens of millions in revenue, with its sights firmly set on reaching $100M.Because it was PerfectTed who first introduced me to Jake, it felt only right to have Marisa Poster join in the conversation as co-host! And thanks to Lucky Saint who SO kindly offering us their fab upstairs event room, we gathered 50 friends, founders, and partners for a night of storytelling, snacking, and straight-talking about what it really takes to scale a challenger brand. In this episode, we dive into:How Mid-Day Squares grew from the kitchen table to producing 150,000 bars a day.Why therapy, radical transparency, and “building a business out loud” became part of their DNA.The importance of building fans not just customers.How PerfectTed is making matcha accessible and creating a whole new category.The realities of expanding into the US market (and what's different from Canada, the UK, and beyond).Why team communication and trust are make-or-break for founders.How Storytelling fuels challenger brands.What happens when new competitors enter a category and how to stay focused.The role of product excellence in sustaining growth.The highs, lows, trolls, and resilience it takes to keep going.This is part one of our Mid-Day Squares live series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did hosting it!Next week we'll be sharing the Q&A session, which ran for a whole extra hour and was packed with brilliant audience questions. And as you'll hear at the end of this episode, Shani Higgs, Head of Sales at PerfectTed (and their fourth team member after the founders), will be stepping in to co-host with me for part two. You're going to learn A LOT so stay tuned!Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it. And if you're not already, go check out Midday Squares and PerfectTed on Instagram and LinkedIn; their storytelling is world-class.A tiny favour: If this episode inspires YOU to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, and maybe share with someone you know will enjoy it?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.Useful linksMidday Squares LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares FacebookMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokMidday SquaresPerfect TedLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky Saint============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!============================================== Join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Salary negotiations can feel messy, so how do we design pay that's fair, transparent, and free of bias? In this episode of Beyond the B, we sit down with Kate Dixon, Principal and Founder of Dixon Consulting, to unpack salary negotiation, equitable compensation design, and what the new B Corp Fair Work standards mean in practice.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/anti-oppressive-pay-designing-compensation-that-works-for-everyone-w/-kate-dixonUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter
Davina McCall is my daily running/dog-walking buddy (okay, okay... only in my earbuds), SO when I heard that she was promoting Ancient+Brave on her podcast, I just KNEW I had to see if I could get founder Kate Prince onto Brand Growth Heroes to find out just HOW she is scaling this incredible wellness business.Because a brand that gets (and can afford) someone like Davina on their *team* has got to be doing something right, right?Founder Kate began her career as a City lawyer, to discovering her creative side working as a lawyer at Endemol (right at the beginning of Big Brother...), through a first founding venture into Tea, to building one of the UK's most exciting wellness brands. In this honest conversation, Kate shares the harsh realities of scaling fast, why obsession with brand and storytelling matters, and how learning to let go as a leader can become a founder's greatest strength.In this episode, you'll learn:Why there's no silver bullet in scaling AND how Kate got from £1m to £10m by stacking growth in layers.Why Kate believes brand is everything AND how design, packaging, and storytelling turned Ancient + Brave from products into a movement.The surprising choice to hire nutritionists early and why it paid off for credibility and product leadership.How Ancient+Brave raised money but kept it in the bank, a rare approach that gave them confidence and control.Why ritual and experience matter as much as product features, and how to make consumers feel something.The lessons Kate learned about team, culture, and leadership along the way.I loved recording this conversation. I've already listened back three times, and I'm still learning from it. I know you will too. Enjoy.Did this episode make you think differently or give you an idea? If so PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE BACK BY taking a few minutes to1. Hit
What are the new B Corps standards, and what impact will they have on the future of responsible business? In this episode of the Frankly Speaking podcast, Richard Howitt was joined by Bernard Gouw, Senior Social Standards Manager at B Lab Global, and founder of the natural skincare brand Beauty Kitchen, Jo Chidley. Together they explained how the new B Corps standards differ from the previous ones, and where B Lab sits within the broader certification landscape. You'll also hear more about: The significant emphasis the new standards place on stakeholder governance B Corp's latest milestone of encompassing 10,000 companies employing over one million workers How Beauty Kitchen developed a returnable packaging system to meet the standard's environmental requirements against single-use, plastic packaging How the EU's Empowering Consumers Directive will affect B Corps, especially regarding third-party verifications or audits The impact that big corporations becoming B-Corps has on the overall movement Why the ESG backlash hasn't been felt as harshly within the B Corps movement Listen in and follow us on LinkedIn and Youtube!
What does it take to run a business that keeps millions of garments in circulation every year? And why should rental, resale, and repair be part of every fashion brand's strategy?In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, we're joined by Andrew Rough, CEO of Advanced Clothing Solutions (ACS), Europe's largest provider of circular fashion fulfillment. From RFID technology to ozone cleaning, ACS combines logistics, technology, and sustainability to help brands extend product lifetimes and build new revenue streams.✨ In this episode:Andrew explains how ACS supports brands with rental, resale, and repair programs.We discuss why circular fashion makes business sense, not just environmental sense.How resale can attract new customers and strengthen brand loyalty.The role of data feedback loops in improving design and durability.Why ACS chose a technology-agnostic approach to integrate with partners.Andrew shares his vision for expanding circular solutions across Europe.
The new B Corp standards (v2.1) promise to push companies beyond checklists and into real systems change—but will they deliver? In this episode, we dig into purpose governance, human rights due diligence, lobbying and tax, and the EU rules reshaping what it means to be a B Corp. Join us as we explore whether these changes mark a true shift in business—or just a different badge.View the Show Notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/can-the-new-b-corp-standards-drive-systems-change-adam-garfunkel-mike-rowlandsUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter
For our Season 6 premiere episode we examine what it really looks like when business leaders put people and planet before profit. In this episode, we dive into the rise of socially responsible businesses in San Diego with Jeff Blanton and Abraham Chen. From conscious capitalism to B Corps and social innovation, they share how a new wave of companies is reshaping the way we think about success.If you've ever wondered how business can become a true force for good, this conversation will give you inspiration—and practical insights—for the road ahead. In this episode we discuss: How profit works best when it serves a bigger purposeWhy strong leadership drives every B CorpThe rise of San Diego as a hub for social innovationWays that consumers can shape companiesCheck out these links for more information after you listen:BLocal San Diego: https://linktr.ee/blocalsandiegoJeff 's Podcast: https://jailbreakleadership.com/podcast/beyond-profit-how-b-corps-are-changing-capitalism-with-abraham-chen/Conscious Capitalism Chapter in SD: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/chapter/san-diegoCause San Diego: https://www.causesandiego.org/For MORE Kroc Pod: Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/krocschool/Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/school/krocschool/posts/?feedView=allReach out: krocpod@gmail.com
In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE BUSINESS INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony's Chocolonely and many many more…Next up in this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved and downloaded episodes of all time, an interview with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip. In this replay, Fiona sits down with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit and arguably the original poster child of the No & Low alcohol movement.Started on a garden table in 2016, Seedlip didn't just disrupt the drinks industry — it invented a new category. Now sold in 49 countries, with a sales value in the tens of millions, Seedlip has become a global benchmark for what true brand disruption looks like.In this episode, Ben shares:How to build a brand that redefines an entire categoryWhy he chose to partner early with Diageo, and how it changed Seedlip's trajectoryHis unconventional approach to culture, team-building, and rolesWhat inspires him creatively from robot chefs to the 47,000+ plant-based ingredients that fuel innovationThis is an episode that founders still rave about and for good reason. It's full of insights for anyone trying to scale something bold, disruptive, and lasting.If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please, please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Steward ownership is emerging as a powerful step for B Corps that want to safeguard their mission beyond what the benefit corporation legal protection provides. In this episode of Beyond the B, Ryan Honeyman talks with Achim Hensen of the Purpose Foundation and Luis Duarte of Amoofy about how steward ownership can shift power dynamics, protect purpose, and build a more values-driven economy. From Patagonia to emerging startups, they explore why this model may be the “gold standard” for B Corps seeking lasting impact.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/is-steward-ownership-the-gold-standard-for-b-corps-w-achim-hensen-luis-duarteUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter
In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony's Chocolonely and many many more…To kick off this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved episodes of all time: an interview with Olivia Ferdi, Co-founder of TRIP, which we recorded when TRIP Was just 2 years in to their growth journey, but was already close to £20M in sales.TRIP is the UK's market-leading CBD drinks company. Since its launch in 2019, UK consumers have spent literally millions of pounds on TRIP's delicious CBD-infused canned drinks, as well as on their dinky little dropper bottles of CBD oils. In this episode, Fiona spoke to co-founder Olivia Ferdi about leaving her law career to step into the unknown, about how she and her husband have created a mainstream category out of something that had tremendous barriers to purchase up until now, and we learn how the TRIP team have had to drive demand in the old fashioned way through experience and word of mouth rather than through paid advertising. This conversation is PACKED with insights we don't want you to miss. Plus, we'll be doing a new interview with Olivia VERY SOON, so this is a great way to remind you all of where the market was only a few years ago!If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!=========================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=========================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
This is one of our favourite interviews EVER! In this very special LIVE edition of Brand Growth Heroes, recorded at Bread & Jam Fest 2025, Fiona Fitz sits down in front of a live audience with the absolutely brilliant and hilariously honest Juliet Barratt, co-founder of the category-defining sports nutrition brand, Grenade. Juliet shares the fab story of how she and then-partner Al Barrett took Grenade from the back of a big night out in Birmingham to the shelves of Tesco, WHSmith and petrol stations across the UK, and ultimately to a £200M exit to Mondelez - without ever compromising on what made them different.If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, PLEASE could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, AND share it with a fellow founder - it could help them too!The conversation covers so much - from how branding (and “weirdness!”) can be a superpower, to the moment they realised their “retire-on-a-beach” plan was delusional, to driving a tank into BodyPower Expo (yes, really) to get noticed by GNC. Juliet also opens up about how being “all in” meant no days off for four years, about hiring people who weren't “knobs,” and about what it really felt like when the money landed in her bank account after the deal closed, and interestingly, why it WASN'T the moment of glory people imagine!She also shares her views on today's funding-obsessed food and drink ecosystem, and why she believes too many founders are chasing other people's stories instead of writing their own.Wait for it...Juliet also shares her (perhaps controversial?!) views on the 'female founder' movement - we'd love to know what you think (if you're listening on Spotify, you can comment below!)Juliet's energy is infectious, her insight razor-sharp, and her advice unmissable for any challenger brand founder.And yes, we talk about the Oreo bar. (Don't eat five a day. Just… don't.) PS: Don't miss the audience questions at the end. Golden nuggets tsunami! Enjoy.Useful links:Connect with Juliet Barratt on LinkedInFollow Grenade on LinkedInMore about Bread & Jam FestivalFollow Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedInConnect with BGH host Fiona Fitz on LinkedIn============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Bio & Me is one of the UK's fastest-growing gut health food brands, co-founded by one of Fiona's former bosses at Nestle UK - Jon Walsh, and leading gut health expert Dr. Megan Rossi. Built on a brand platform that teaches us that consuming loads of different plants each week = better gut health, their award-winning range of granolas, porridges, and kefir yoghurts is now stocked nationwide.In this latest episode, Fiona reconnects with Jon, four years after he first appeared on Brand Growth Heroes, when Bio & Me was hitting £1M in sales. Today? They're doing £15–£20M annually.You'll learn about: The real growth journey: from founder hustle to scaling a national brandWhy great strategy means nothing without killer executionHow to balance taste vs. health in both product and communicationWhy Jon still answers customer emails himselfWhat it takes to win with retailers as a challenger brandThe magic that happens when you listen to your team and your shoppersJon shares candid insights into what it takes to grow a purpose-led food brand in today's competitive market, without losing your soul or your edge.Useful Links Bio & Me websiteFollow Dr. Megan Rossi on Instagram: @theguthealthdoctorConnect with Jon on LinkedInFollow Bio & Me on LinkedInMention: Eddie Yoon – co-founder of Category Pirates============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
In Part 3 of our “Are B Corps Too Woke?” series, we sit down with Annie Korver and Hayley Roulstone from Rise Consulting, an Indigenous-owned firm advancing Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Annie and Hayley offer a powerful invitation to center rights-holders, not just stakeholders, and to embrace a relational approach to impact rooted in trust, reciprocity, and lived experience.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/are-b-corps-too-woke-part-3-annie-korver-hayley-roulstonePart 1 w/ Raj Aggarwal: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/are-b-corps-too-woke-part-1-raj-aggarwalPart 2 w/ Nathan Stuck: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/are-b-corps-too-woke-part-2-nathan-stuckSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona Fitz is joined by one of the most influential figures in UK brand building over the last 30 years: the incredible Perry Haydn-Taylor, the creative mind behind one of the most famous brand consultancies in the business big fish®.Fiona first met Perry in 2006 during her time heading up Gü France, and this conversation is full of the same sharp insight, warmth, and strategic clarity that made their early boardroom chats unforgettable.With a client list that includes some of the UK's most beloved challenger brands - think Gü, Charlie Bigham's, Dorset Cereals, Clipper Teas, Sipsmith, Tyrrells, St. Pierre, Freddy's Flowers, sofa.com, and more! Perry and his team at big fish® have consistently helped founders transform big ideas into commercially successful, category-defining businesses.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the most successful founders are “restless in pursuit of better”The Power of Three framework: clarity × focus × effort = sustainable growthHow to articulate your unfair advantage and make the right choice the easy oneThe role of charisma and storytelling in building buy-in from investors, retailers, and consumersHow Big Fish has reframed entire categories — from tea and chocolate to salad and flowersWhy hiring, values, and strategic simplicity are key to scaling wellThis is a candid and insightful deep dive into what matters when building a brand, not just design and packaging, but conviction, focus, and a deep understanding of your customer.If you're navigating the messy middle of your growth journey, this episode is packed with practical frameworks and fresh perspective.Useful Links:big fish websiteConnect with Perry on LinkedInConnect with big fish on LinkedIn============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
In this three-part series, we examine the B Corp community's evolving relationship with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI)—celebrating progress and grappling with uncomfortable truths. Click here to listen to Part 1 with Raj Aggarwal.In Part 2, we're joined by award-winning B Corp leader, educator, and author Nathan Stuck to explore the complex intersection of business, purpose, and politics in today's polarized climate. In this episode, he offers insight into the ongoing conversations around DEI and urges a return to outcome-driven work over performative gestures.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/are-b-corps-too-woke-part-2-nathan-stuckSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
Are you an entrepreneur dreaming of a business that not only thrives financially but also creates a lasting legacy for its people and community?This week on That Entrepreneur Show, we're honored to host John Abrams, a visionary business leader, speaker, and author who's dedicated his life to making business a force for good. As the co-founder of South Mountain Company, John spent 50 years building a highly successful, integrated architecture, building, and solar firm that became one of the highest-scoring B Corps in the world, proving that profit, people, and planet can go hand-in-hand.John's groundbreaking journey began when he converted South Mountain Company to a worker cooperative, long before "employee ownership" was a mainstream concept. Now, as millions of small business owners look to retirement without a succession plan, John is releasing his new book, From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership, to share his invaluable lessons.In this transformative episode, John reveals:The compelling reasons to embrace employee ownership and how it can empower your team and enrich lives.The concept of "CommonWealth Companies" – organizations built on common ownership, profits, power, information, and purpose.His own journey through the five crucial transitions to becoming a CommonWealth Company, including invaluable lessons learned over five decades.The distinct differences between employee ownership models like worker cooperatives, ESOPs, and Employee Ownership Trusts, and how to choose the right path for your business.The surprising impact of employee ownership on both our economy and our democracy.Subsidized housing for the richJohn's insights are a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to ensure their hard work translates into enduring success and a positive societal footprint. If you're looking to scale, transition, or simply build a business with a deeper purpose, you won't want to miss this episode.Press play now to discover how to future-proof your business, empower your employees, and truly build a legacy that lasts.Support the showBe sure to subscribe to stay current with our episodes. Want the episode freebie or have a question for our guest or Vincent? Interested in becoming a guest or show partner? Email Danica at PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com.Show Partners:Coming Alive Podcast Production: www.comingalivepodcastproduction.comJohn Ford's Empathy Card Set and App: https://www.empathyset.com/ Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.
In this new three-part series, we examine the B Corp community's evolving relationship with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI)—celebrating progress and grappling with some uncomfortable tensions that have emerged in recent years.In Part 1, Raj Aggarwal—founder of Provoc and long-time B Corp leader—joins to explore whether the B Corp movement's approach to JEDI needs any changes. Drawing from his deep involvement in B Lab's early inclusion efforts, Raj shares stories of transformation, struggle, and resilience within the community, while grappling with critiques of performative DEI and the challenges of building authentic, relational change in a politically polarized time.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/are-b-corps-too-woke-part-1-raj-aggarwalSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
Sometimes the most the powerful challenger brand stories are also stories of struggle, survival, overcoming personal battles and inspiring strength and resilience.In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona sits down with Josh White, co-founder of Cano Water, a brand that's not only challenging the status quo of the bottled water industry but also reshaping it entirely.It all started with a question: Why are there so many plastic bottles in the sea AND why are we still drinking water from plastic bottles when cans are infinitely recyclable?What followed was a radical mission to reduce plastic waste. In the process, Cano Water helped create an entirely new sustainable category, which is now worth over a billion dollars.But behind the brand is a much deeper story.In this raw and intimate conversation, Josh opens up to Fiona Fitz about growing up with ADHD, his battle with addiction from a young age, and how his personal struggles became the driving force behind his purpose. He shares what it's really like building a fast-growing challenger brand when the industry doesn't want you to win, the loneliness of leadership, and the resilience it takes to prove people wrong.We explore how CanO Water came to define a new category in sustainability and what it takes to create real change in an industry that often resists disruption. Josh opens up about the early days—what it felt like to be laughed at by retailers and ignored by investors—and the moment it all changed thanks to an unexpected catalyst.We dive into how ADHD has shaped Josh's journey as a founder, both as a challenge and as a superpower, and the emotional toll of leading a mission-led business when the pressure never lets up. And as a new Dad, Josh speaks candidly about fatherhood, the guilt that comes with trying to balance family and work, and the legacy he wants to build, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a parent.This is a conversation that will stick with you.Useful Links:Cano Water websiteConnect with Josh on LinkedInInstagram & Facebook & TikTok=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
On the latest episode of The Samuele Tini Show, I'm joined by powerful DEI advocate Ebony Adams, leader at Pariveda and author of History vs Women. We explore tough, uncomfortable questions about inclusion that most organisations avoid:
As the B Corp movement grows across Asia, leaders in Japan, China, and Singapore are finding creative ways to adapt global standards to local cultures, business norms, and social priorities. This episode explores the challenges and breakthroughs of building a values-driven business movement in this important and fast-growing region.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corps-in-asiaSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
What's the ACTUAL difference between a Chief Growth Officer and a Chief Marketing Officer,what do they do and why might a high-growth brand need both?BGH host Fiona Fitz has been in the industry for 25+ years, and believe it or not, these roles are relatively new, borrowed from the worlds of tech and e-commerce, pure plays. So we decided it was high time to investigate what exactly a chief growth officer does and how they work alongside a chief marketing officer.In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona digs into that exact question with two of the most strategic minds behind one of the UK's most successful DTC brands, smol. Neil Campbell is Chief Growth Officer, and Hilary Strong is Smol's Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they break down how they work in tandem to scale a brand that's grown to £44M in sales, without relying on traditional advertising or a big retail presence.Neil and Hilary explore how customer lifetime value, subscription retention, and channel strategy combine to build a high-repeat-rate, mission-led brand. They also discuss how Smol segments its audience, turns data into action, and balances performance marketing with long-term brand building.If you've ever wondered how to move from organic to scalable growth—or whether it's time to bring in more senior commercial firepower to your team, this conversation will give you both the strategic context and the practical next steps. You'll hear how Smol has built a brand so loved that customers travel across the country just to meet the team in person and why they're still holding off on going big in retail despite the temptation.This episode is packed with real-world insight, actionable strategy, and a glimpse into what modern DTC growth leadership really looks like. Enjoy!Useful Links:smol websiteConnect with Neil CampbellConnect with Hilary StrongFollow smol on Instagram & FacebookA small favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please hit FOLLOW and even leave a review! This tiny gesture means the world to us and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. We see every new follower and read every review, so thank you in advance!=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
In this latest Brand Growth Heroes podcast episode, we're talking all things gut health, consumer trends, and brand-building at scale with Vince Lawson, CMO of Biotiful Gut Health, the #1 kefir brand in the UK - recently bought by MULLER!Launched initially as Biotiful Kefir, the brand has undergone a bold transformation to become the go-to name in natural gut health, and the results speak for themselves, with nearly £90M in retail sales pre sale to Muller.Biotiful Gut Health, was founded by Natasha Bowes in 2012 with a mission to bring ancient Kefir recipes to the UK market. The business has grown rapidly over that period and is now the leading UK gut health brand in the diary sector covering a wide range of kefir related products in drinks, yogurts and other sectors, delivering on Natasha's vision of improving the gut health of the UK and the world by using natural ingredients.As CMO, Vince Lawson takes us inside the engine room of Biotiful, from leading product innovation and marketing to building a category-defining brand in one of the most competitive spaces in food and beverage. We unpack how Biotiful stays ahead of the curve with clean protein innovation, food-to-go formats, and ambient gut health boosters—and how a marketing team can become the engine of cross-functional growth.This episode is packed with real insight on how consumer needs, product development, and commercial success intersect in a scaling brand.And... in fact, our very own podcast sponsor, Joelson, the leading London law firm, was the sole advisor on the successful recent sale of the business to Müller (“Müller”)! Müller is one of the global leaders in dairy products and has identified functional health as a key driver for growth in the dairy segment of the market in which it is not currently active.The Joelson team, led by Phil Hails-Smith (Partner) with support from Emma Vantine (Associate), Georgia Edmondson (Solicitor) and Katie Braddell (Solicitor).Natasha Bowes, Founder of Biotiful, commented:“It was such a pleasure working with the team at Joelson on this transaction and over the last few years. A huge thank you to Phil and his fantastic team – they have guided me though every step of this transaction. Their reputation in the consumer space is well deserved and I would highly recommend Joelson to any founders in the consumer space who need legal support on any form of transaction.”Phil Hails-Smith, Partner at Joelson added:“Congratulations to Natasha on this transaction. We pride ourselves on being the market leading corporate firm for founders. We are so delighted to have worked with a pioneering female founder who has developed an era defining brand and category based on a clear mission and vision to improve the gut health of their consumers. It's been a privilege to work with Natasha and her team and I'm sure that Biotiful will go from strength to strength with its new owners.”=============================================================A small favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please hit FOLLOW and even leave a review! This tiny gesture means the world to us and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. We see every new follower and read every review, so thank you in advance!=============================================================Useful Links:Connect with Vince Lawson on LinkedInConnect with Biotiful on LinkedInhttps://biotifulguthealth.com/ https://biotifulguthealth.com/https://www.instagram.com/biotiful_gut_health/https://www.facebook.com/biotifulguthealth=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
In this episode, Grace Son, Senior Manager on the Standards Team at B Lab Global, unpacks the new Government Affairs and Collective Action (GACA) impact topic within B Lab's updated standards. Drawing from her experience in finance and four years at B Lab, Sun explains how these requirements push companies beyond individual actions toward systemic change through responsible lobbying, collective action, and tax transparency.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/new-b-corp-standards-government-affairs-collective-action-grace-sonSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
00;02;30;09 - 00;03;41;11America's Debt Crisis: U.S. credit rating downgraded by Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, signaling a loss of confidence in America's fiscal stability. National debt nears $30 trillion, reflecting a chronic debt addiction rooted in decades of fiscal mismanagement.00;09;32;08 - 00;10;57;12Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill": Narrowly passed in the House (215-214), the bill includes tax cuts, no tax on tips/overtime, and border security funding. Critics warn it balloons deficits, lacking fiscal discipline, and mixes popular measures with controversial spending.00;34;20;19 - 00;36;48;05Scott Adams' Cancer Diagnosis: Dilbert creator Scott Adams announces stage 4 prostate cancer and plans assisted suicide. He admits anti-vaxxers were right about COVID shots but denies a link to his cancer. The host urges prayers for his healing and salvation.00;50;08;20 - 00;57;06;07David Knight's Stroke Timeline: David Knight suffered strokes on May 7 and 8, 2025, with critical blood pressure (233/150). Surgery on May 12 caused a third stroke and nerve damage. Partial recovery is underway, with gratitude for listener prayers.01;19;39;10 - 01;24;39;29Why Pray? (C.S. Lewis Institute): Questions why prayer matters if God is omniscient and omnipotent. Biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 7:7) and John Calvin emphasize prayer as essential for receiving God's promises and invoking providence. Failing to pray can forfeit blessings and hinder God's kingdom.01;46;50;27 - 01;49;04;24Fatal Police Error in New Mexico: New Mexico police killed Robert Dodson in April 2023 at the wrong address during a misdirected call. A judge deemed the shooting “reasonable,” raising concerns about militarized policing and lack of accountability for fatal errors.01;49;35;10 - 01;54;21;22Epstein's Intelligence Ties: Alan Dershowitz's plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein was influenced by Epstein's alleged Mossad ties, as confirmed by Acosta and other sources. Dershowitz's shifting stance and evidence from former associates highlight Epstein's role in a potential intelligence honeypot operation.02;00;58;27 - 02;07;39;11Game B's Origins and Influence: Conceived in 2011 by Jim Rutt and Jordan Hall, Game B promotes a trans-political alternative to the two-party system, linked to the Intellectual Dark Web. Figures like Brett Weinstein pushed the Emancipation Party, but critics see it as an influence operation steering toward a technological singularity.02;22;38;03 - 02;29;44;06Technocratic Dystopia and Ideological Manipulation: Game B's “sense-making” risks brainwashing, while Dark Enlightenment embraces technocracy. Both aim for a noosphere via internet-driven collective intelligence, using spiral metaphors and AI to erode free will, aligning with globalist visions like the UN's AI World Society.02;29;44;06 - 02;37;38;03Internet of Bio-Nano Things and Smart Cities: The AI World Society pushes smart cities (e.g., C40, Freedom Cities) and human-powered 6G technologies like the Internet of Nano-Bio Things. Ukraine is a central hub, with corporate ESG agendas (e.g., B Corps) enforcing control, masking dystopian surveillance as environmentalism.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.
00;02;30;09 - 00;03;41;11 America's Debt Crisis: U.S. credit rating downgraded by Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, signaling a loss of confidence in America's fiscal stability. National debt nears $30 trillion, reflecting a chronic debt addiction rooted in decades of fiscal mismanagement.00;09;32;08 - 00;10;57;12 Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill": Narrowly passed in the House (215-214), the bill includes tax cuts, no tax on tips/overtime, and border security funding. Critics warn it balloons deficits, lacking fiscal discipline, and mixes popular measures with controversial spending.00;34;20;19 - 00;36;48;05 Scott Adams' Cancer Diagnosis: Dilbert creator Scott Adams announces stage 4 prostate cancer and plans assisted suicide. He admits anti-vaxxers were right about COVID shots but denies a link to his cancer. The host urges prayers for his healing and salvation.00;50;08;20 - 00;57;06;07 David Knight's Stroke Timeline: David Knight suffered strokes on May 7 and 8, 2025, with critical blood pressure (233/150). Surgery on May 12 caused a third stroke and nerve damage. Partial recovery is underway, with gratitude for listener prayers.01;19;39;10 - 01;24;39;29 Why Pray? (C.S. Lewis Institute): Questions why prayer matters if God is omniscient and omnipotent. Biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 7:7) and John Calvin emphasize prayer as essential for receiving God's promises and invoking providence. Failing to pray can forfeit blessings and hinder God's kingdom.01;46;50;27 - 01;49;04;24 Fatal Police Error in New Mexico: New Mexico police killed Robert Dodson in April 2023 at the wrong address during a misdirected call. A judge deemed the shooting “reasonable,” raising concerns about militarized policing and lack of accountability for fatal errors.01;49;35;10 - 01;54;21;22 Epstein's Intelligence Ties: Alan Dershowitz's plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein was influenced by Epstein's alleged Mossad ties, as confirmed by Acosta and other sources. Dershowitz's shifting stance and evidence from former associates highlight Epstein's role in a potential intelligence honeypot operation.02;00;58;27 - 02;07;39;11 Game B's Origins and Influence: Conceived in 2011 by Jim Rutt and Jordan Hall, Game B promotes a trans-political alternative to the two-party system, linked to the Intellectual Dark Web. Figures like Brett Weinstein pushed the Emancipation Party, but critics see it as an influence operation steering toward a technological singularity.02;22;38;03 - 02;29;44;06 Technocratic Dystopia and Ideological Manipulation: Game B's “sense-making” risks brainwashing, while Dark Enlightenment embraces technocracy. Both aim for a noosphere via internet-driven collective intelligence, using spiral metaphors and AI to erode free will, aligning with globalist visions like the UN's AI World Society.02;29;44;06 - 02;37;38;03 Internet of Bio-Nano Things and Smart Cities: The AI World Society pushes smart cities (e.g., C40, Freedom Cities) and human-powered 6G technologies like the Internet of Nano-Bio Things. Ukraine is a central hub, with corporate ESG agendas (e.g., B Corps) enforcing control, masking dystopian surveillance as environmentalism.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.
If you've ever wondered how to transform a niche idea into a mainstream success, this episode is for you.In this special live recording, host Fiona Fitz heads to London to catch up with two friends from the Perfect Ted team: Marisa Poster, one of the brand's three co-founders, and Shani Higgs, their brilliant Head of Sales.Since their last appearance on Brand Growth Heroes, Perfect Ted has seen phenomenal growth, hitting a revenue run rate of nearly £40 million. And they're just getting started.In this latest episode, Fiona dives into the strategies behind Perfect Ted's rise—from cracking the UK mass market with matcha, to becoming one of the top five importers of matcha globally. Listeners will also hear about their recent global partnership with Oatly, the launch of their new flavoured matcha latte in a can, and what it really takes to scale a challenger brand at speed.Marisa and Shani also share fresh insights from their recent trip to Japan, what it's like growing a fast-moving team, and the biggest lessons they've learned along the way. You'll get the entire scoop.Stay tuned until the end. Fiona shares about her visit to Perfect Ted's new offices, located in none other than Steven Bartlett's HQ!Useful Links:Connect with Marisa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-poster/Connect With Shani on LinkedInConnect with Perfect Ted on LinkedInPerfect Ted websitePerfect Ted Instagram=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
In this deeply thought-provoking episode, Dr. Felecia Froe sits down with CPA and nonprofit strategist Missy Sue Mastel to dismantle the myths around money, mission, and what truly matters. From growing up in a family-run bagel bakery to building systems for nonprofits and mission-driven corporations, Missy Sue shares how financial structure and purpose can (and should) coexist. This isn't just about how nonprofits can build sustainable revenue, it's about how every woman can define her own “theory of change” and build wealth that fuels real-world transformation. If you've ever wondered how your financial life could reflect your values, this conversation is for you. 02:15 – Missy's Early Money Lessons from the Bakery 07:55 – “Money Alone Doesn't Remove Stress” 13:20 – Discovering Purpose through Volunteerism 21:10 – What It Really Means to Be a CPA for Good 27:40 – The Power of the “Theory of Change” in Wealth and Nonprofits 36:15 – B Corps, Impact Reports & Accountability 45:30 – Personal Mission = Organizational Mission
On episode 96 of Creatives Grab Coffee, Zach Shapiro from One Hundred Seconds (Portland, Oregon) shares his journey from a 20-year career in restaurants to launching a purpose-driven video production company. Zach explains how his passion for local food systems inspired his first documentary and how he built a business around telling authentic stories for small businesses. He discusses the value of niching down into short-form documentary content, working with non-actors, and the impact of becoming a certified B Corp. This episode offers valuable insights for video professionals and marketers looking to align creativity with purpose and grow sustainably in a competitive industry.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Episode Introduction and Sponsors02:18 – Guest Welcome: Zach Shapiro from One Hundred Seconds02:39 – Zach's journey from restaurants to video production03:33 – Inspiration behind his first documentary project in Italy04:59 – How his passion for local food led to filmmaking07:40 – Lessons from self-funding and editing his first film08:42 – Launching One Hundred Seconds and early business model10:38 – Building a portfolio through low-budget projects12:41 – How accessible gear shaped early career growth13:37 – Learning lighting through client demands14:59 – Finding a niche: helping real people shine on camera17:51 – Challenges of low-budget commercial productions20:28 – Why Lapse Productions avoids time-lapse projects22:58 – Partnering with other companies for large projects24:43 – Zach's passion for authentic human stories25:47 – Working with B Corps and niche industries in Portland30:32 – The process and challenges of becoming a B Corp34:29 – Sourcing equipment locally vs. buying online35:24 – Business benefits of B Corp certification37:12 – Restaurant industry skills that translate to production40:33 – Client management parallels between restaurants and production41:23 – Editing as a parallel to cooking and creative process42:04 – From small team to solo: Zach's company evolutionSPONSORS:Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.comAudio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca
B Lab has released its first-ever brand awareness report--providing valuable insights into the current state of recognition for B Corps worldwide. In this episode, we delve into the findings with two influential leaders from B Lab: Charlotte Levitt, the Global Director of Marketing and Communications, and Michele Bradley, the Data Analytics Manager on B Lab's Insights Team.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-brand-awarenessSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
Grab your copy of my book Charity Finance from A - ZCheck out ExpensePlus and sign up for a month's free trial and 10% off your first year's subscription, using my referral link http://expenseplus.co.uk/r/AI-BANCIn this insightful episode, Aishat engages with Rob Hayward, the visionary behind GoodFX, a B Corp-certified financial institution. They delve into the genesis of GoodFX, its mission to repurpose FX costs for charitable causes, and the broader implications of ethical finance in today's world. Rob sheds light on the disparities in the financial sector, the challenges faced by charities in accessing affordable banking solutions, and the innovative approaches GoodFX employs to bridge these gaps. The conversation also touches upon the importance of transparency, the role of B Corps, and strategies for building resilience in the nonprofit sector.Discover how you can optimize your FX transactions and contribute to meaningful causes simultaneously.KEY TAKEAWAYGoodFX emphasizes flat and fair pricing, offering free audits to clients to uncover hidden costs in their current financial operations.Traditional banking systems often impose high costs and slow processes, especially affecting charities and organizations in the Global South.BEST MOMENTSAnalogy comparing traditional banking systems to sending letters and FinTech solutions to instant messaging, highlighting the need for modernization.EPISODE RESOURCESConnect with Rob Hayward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purposeful-payments/ABOUT YOUR HOSTAishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice –BAnC Services – which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector.With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits, while also shining a light on the often unseen and unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit's mission.She is the author of Money Solutions for Single Mums and Charity Finance from A to Z – a practical guide designed to demystify finance for those working in the charity sector.Beyond her professional endeavours with non-profits, Aishat is deeply committed to supporting single mothers in navigating financial challenges and champions financial literacy among young Black adults. She thrives in conversations about money, empowerment, and purposeful work.Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.ukCONNECTInstagramTikTok
What if the best way to grow your brand wasn't just about selling, but about educating, empowering, and building real trust with your audience?In this latest episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona Fitz is joined by Sunna van Kampen, the founder of Tonic Health, the UK's fastest-growing vitamin brand. With a run rate of £6M and growing exponentially, Tonic Health is revolutionising the supplement industry, calling out low-dose, sugar-laden vitamins and replacing them with high-potency, plant-based alternatives that actually work.But here's what's really fascinating: Sunna didn't just build a vitamin business, he has built a content machine that has amassed millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, regularly hitting 50M+ organic views per month. His short, sharp, educational videos don't just sell vitamins; they get people talking, thinking, and making better health choices.In this conversation, Sunna reveals:*How he built a market-leading brand from scratch (despite launching just as COVID shut down retail).*The power of content-first brand building—and why he ignored investors who told him to stop.*The myths and misinformation in the vitamin industry—and why most supplements don't work.*What's next for Tonic Health as they scale at lightning speed?- Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about vitamins, content, and brand growth. Useful links:Tonic Health WebsiteConnect with Sunna on LinkedInConnect with Tonic Health on LinkedInInstagram=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A BIG/SMALL favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS. (04:12) - Fiona - Tonic Health - Audio - Main.1
Host Fiona Fitz is joined by two powerhouse co-founders, Amelia Christie-Miller and Ed Whelpton from one of the most recent but well-loved UK challenger brands food - Bold Bean Co. What started as a mission to make people obsessed with beans has become one of the most exciting new category-creating brands in the UK.In this episode, we're getting behind the scenes on how they've driven growth: from designing a new category to TV appearances on Dragon's Den and This Morning (UK), the importance of traditional PR as well as seeding their product with the best chefs in the UK. We also spend time talking about how they're creating something truly different with their people, team and culture.The huge news is that Bold Bean Co is launching their first-ever co-branded product with Yotam Ottolenghi as we go live, take a listen and hear how it all happened!If you've ever wondered how to build a brand that truly stands for something, scale without losing focus, and get people talking about your product in a way that creates real demand—this one is for you.Useful Links:Bold Bean Co websiteBold Bean Co LinkedInConnect with Ed Whelpton on LinkedInConnect with Amelia Christie-Miller on LinkedIn=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review? This small gesture from you means the world to us and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a trailblazing educator, leadership expert, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, nonprofits, and global development. A former dean and founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, she's reshaping how we think about leadership, wealth building, and the power of purpose-driven enterprises. Through programs like the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship, she's connecting San Diego to the world and bringing the best of global innovation home. This Episode: What if nonprofits didn't just serve communities but built wealth within them? And what if businesses weren't just engines of profit but vehicles for social good? Paula Cordeiro is championing a new model for leadership—one where empathy and equity are as important as profit margins. From food co-ops and employee-owned companies to certified B Corps and social enterprises, Paula sees a growing movement to blur the traditional lines between nonprofit and for-profit organizations. The goal? Create more sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted economies. In this conversation with Grant, Paula shares how her upbringing in a vibrant immigrant community shaped her worldview, how Mondragon, Spain, sparked her passion for co-ops, and why she believes San Diego can become a global hub for socially minded business innovation. She also reflects on the power of teaching empathy, and the opportunities to address wealth gaps. Key Moments: [11:20] Defining social enterprise: people, profit, and planet [17:49] The evolving challenges facing nonprofit leaders today [23:43] The case for employee-owned businesses and generational wealth [31:16] How the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship is building local and global bridges [43:27] Empathy as a core leadership trait—and how it can be taught Key Terms: Social Enterprise: A business—either nonprofit or for-profit—that exists to advance a social or environmental mission. These organizations prioritize impact alongside profit and often reinvest earnings into their mission.B Corporation (B Corp): A private company that has been certified by the nonprofit B Lab as meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Benefit Corporation: A legal business structure recognized in many U.S. states that allows companies to pursue both profit and a broader social purpose. Unlike B Corps, benefit corporations are not certified but are legally bound to consider their impact on society and the environment. ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan): A program that gives workers ownership interest in the company. ESOPs are a way to build wealth for employees and create a more engaged workforce. Co-op (Cooperative): An organization or business owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. Co-ops can take many forms, such as food co-ops, housing co-ops, or worker-owned businesses. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Nonprofit Institute at University of San Diego – A hub for nonprofit leadership and research Mondragon Cooperative – A global model for employee-owned enterprises Pete Stavros TED Talk – A talk on rethinking corporate structures to expand who benefits from a thriving company Take Action: Explore Social Enterprise – Learn how your organization could blend mission with sustainability Support Employee Ownership – Advocate for inclusive business models in your community Invest in Empathy – Build leadership programs that teach listening, reflection, and care Learn from Global Models – Look to places like Rwanda, Spain, and beyond for innovative approaches to business and development Join the Conversation – Share this episode with nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers ready to build a better way forward
Enjoy this special crossover episode from Beyond The B, hosted by LIFT Economy's Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison. Tune into more conversations at the heart of the B Corp movement ➡️ https://go.lifteconomy.com/beyondIn this conversation, LIFT co-founder Kevin Bayuk offers a candid critique of the B Corp movement, shedding light on its strengths and limitations and challenging listeners to think bigger about how businesses can drive transformative systemic change. Together, we unpack the 10 Next Economy principles of a framework for a better future, addressing the flaws in business-as-usual economic structures and exploring the importance of equitable and democratic company cultures, fostering resilience within bioregional systems, and embedding education into goods and services.For full episode and show notes, visit: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corps-10-principles-of-next-economy-enterprises-part-1-kevin-bayukSend us a textSupport the show
If you're the founder of a scaling brand, you've likely thought about selling your business. But when should you start preparing, and how do you find the right buyer?In this episode, we discuss mergers and acquisitions with Charles Lanceley, Managing Director of Alantra's consumer team. Alantra is a leading investment bank specialising in consumer brands. Charles has worked on major deals, including Fuel 10K, Strong Roots, and Grenade, and shares what makes a brand valuable—from strong financials to a compelling investment story.He explains why building a business solely to sell is a mistake and how focusing too much on an exit can hurt your chances of achieving a great one. You'll learn why being ‘for sale' is never ideal, how the best deals happen behind the scenes, and why top M&A advisors don't just find buyers—they already know who's in the market.We also cover common founder mistakes, like underestimating due diligence and not preparing for the workload of an exit. Charles highlights how an advisor can ease this process, letting founders stay focused on running their business—because if performance dips, so does the deal's value.Finally, we discuss how private equity and trade buyers view businesses differently, the impact of market cycles, and why the best way to maximise your exit is to build a brand buyers can't ignore. Whether you're considering selling soon or just want to create a lasting brand, this episode is packed with essential insights. Enjoy!Useful links:Connect with Charles on LinkedInLearn more about Alantra ========================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=========================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!=========================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Last month, B Lab Global made an announcement that affects some small-to-medium existing B Corps. If your B Corp is due to submit for recertification between July 1 and December 31, 2025, and you would like to be evaluated under Version 6 (i.e., the current version of the standards), you must submit your assessment by June 30, 2025 — six months earlier than many of us expected.If you miss that deadline, or your submission date is in 2026 or later, you will be moved onto the new standards (new B Corps still have until the end of 2025 to submit under Version 6 of the standards).Emmy and Ryan explore why this change caught many off guard, what it means for businesses of different sizes, and how companies can navigate the revised timeline. Whether you're directly affected or just keeping up with the evolving B Corp landscape, this episode offers essential insights to help you stay prepared.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/last-call-current-version-v6-b-corp-standardsSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteocnomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.
Did you know that 1 billion women globally are menopausal at any given time? Yet, until recently, the retail industry has largely overlooked this audience. Well....that's all about to change!In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, we explore the groundbreaking work of GenM, the menopause partner for brands and retailers, and its mission to reshape how women shop for menopause-friendly products.Our latest #BGH guest, Heather Jackson (CEO and co-founder of GenM), is the unstoppable force behind GenM. She shares how GenM is pioneering the MTick accreditation—a universal shopping symbol that helps women find products proven to support their menopause journey. With major players like Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble already on board, this is more than just a trend—it's a retail revolution.This episode explores how GenM convinced top retailers and brands to take menopause seriously and why menopause-friendly shopping is a permanent category, not a passing fad.We discuss the commercial opportunity for brands that get it right, the science-backed credibility of the MTick accreditation, and the groundbreaking launch of Tesco's first-ever permanent menopause-friendly aisle.Heather shares eye-opening insights, including the startling reality that only 5% of women feel confident navigating menopause, and just 2% feel they are thriving. With 86% of women seeking non-HRT solutions, the demand for menopause-friendly products has never been greater.Why You Should Listen: If you're a founder, brand leader, or retailer, this episode is a must-listen. The menopause market isn't niche—it's 20% of your customer base and finally getting the visibility it deserves.=============================================================A small favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please hit FOLLOW and even leave a review! This tiny gesture means the world to us and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. We see every new follower and read every review, so thank you in advance!=============================================================Useful Links:Learn more about GenM and the MTIC accreditationFollow Heather Jackson on LinkedIn=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
In this episode, we speak with Marcel Fukayama, co-founder of Din4mo and a key leader in the B Corp movement, to explore the evolving landscape of B Corps, the role of policy in shaping the movement, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Marcel shares insights on reducing dependency on philanthropy, navigating governance hurdles, and fostering deeper collaboration among B Corp leaders. He also reflects on the impact of COVID on the movement and the urgent need to reconnect with its core purpose.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-ecosystem-building-policy-marcel-fukayamaSupport the showTake our new listener survey to help shape future episodes, get insights tailored to your needs, and make sure we're bringing you the most relevant conversations about the B Corp movement. www.lifteconomy.com/survey
Jane Firth is the Sustainability Manager at Vegetarian Express. A B Corp with a Shopify B2B eCommerce store selling the largest range of plant-based ingredients for foodservice in the UK. Trusted by thousands of chefs and caterers, they have been in business since 1987 and sell over 1,200 products. They now do £23million in sales each year, of which £1.2million is transactions via eCommerce and other online ordering platforms. Hit PLAY to hear:
A small favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please please hit FOLLOW and even leave a review!This tiny gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often. We see every new follow and read every review so thank you in advance!=============================================================In this latest Brand Growth Heroes episode, host Fiona Fitz chats with Stu MacDonald, founder of what's said to be the world's BEST peanut butter... ManiLife. After years of crossing paths, they finally get to dive deep into Stu's story—from hand-blending peanut butter in a rugby club kitchen to scaling up and running his own factory.Stu opens up about the pressures of growth, the realities of burnout, and the difficult decision to step back from running the business in order to help it thrive in a new way.As well as some REALLY honest, deep and raw stuff from Stu about a period of burnout, you'll hear about:The surprising accident that led to Deep Roast Peanut Butter Why 44% of peanut butter sales now come from bulk tubs The mindset shift from being a founder who runs the business to one who supports its growth in a different role The impact of having the right team and how it changes everythingWe hope you enjoy one of the most raw and real conversations we've had on the show to date!Useful Links:ManiLife websiteStu Macdonald LinkedInManiLife LinkedInManiLife InstagramManiLife FB=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place...so thanks Joelson - we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line on hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review? This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
People are distraught about the discontinuation of Biologique Recherche's P50 Lotion (1970 version), but Jenn & Garrett have some replacement suggestions. We're also talking about Jenn's filler (Garrett approves!); how teens feel about celebrity beauty brands; hair trends at New York Fashion Week; why Dr. Bronner's is no longer a B Corp (and what B Corp status even means); and doctors taking Ozempic. Plus, Jenn answers a listener question, and we raise wands to a DIY lymph-massage tool and a dupe for a very famous Diptyque candle. Episode recap: fatmascara.com/blog/ep-566Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/1294532Sponsor links & discount codes: fatmascara.com/sponsorsPrivate Facebook Group: Fat Mascara Raising a WandTikTok & Instagram: @fatmascara, @jenn_edit, @jessicamatlin + contributors @garrettmunce, @missjuleeSubmit a "Raise A Wand" product recommendation: text us or leave a voicemail at 646-481-8182 or email info@fatmascara.com Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/fatmascara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scaling a CPG brand isn't just about great products and standout branding—it's also about navigating a legal maze that can come with fast business growth, in many different guises. In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona Fitz sits down with Phil Hails-Smith and Paul Chiappe, managing partners at corporate law firm Joelson, to cover the legal essentials every CPG founder needs to know.With over 30 years of experience supporting some of the fastest-growing CPG brands - clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze and Pulsin - Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola.From intellectual property and contracts to regulatory compliance and international expansion, we explain how the right legal partners can protect your brand while unlocking new opportunities. We also chat about:The biggest legal pitfalls CPG founders face (and how to avoid them) Why contracts, IP, and compliance are make-or-break for scaling How a great legal team can help you negotiate better deals and partnerships Real-world examples of legal strategies that fuel business growth.We're also thrilled to announce that Joelson is now the official sponsor of Brand Growth Heroes, continuing their commitment to empowering founders with the knowledge and legal support they need to scale successfully.So tune in to learn why legal expertise isn't just about risk mitigation—it's can actually be a strategic weapon for scaling smarter and faster, if you're smart!Useful Links:Joelson websiteJoelson LinkedInPaul Chiappe LinkedInPhil Hails-Smith LinkedInIf this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, this small gesture will be truly appreciated.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and our YouTube channel!Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.=============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner. With long term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. Finally, as an almost all-female team here at BGH, we're especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG. If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line on hello@joelsonlaw.com!Joelson - we're delighted to have you on board.==============================================
On today’s episode, Nathan sits down with Marie Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership. Nathan and Marie explore how businesses can transition to employee ownership, a move that preserves the founder's legacy and empowers their employees in the process. Marie shares her personal connection to this work, reflecting on how her family's business could have possibly lived on if her parents had known about employee ownership models. Marie will also break down the different forms of employee ownership from ESOPs to employee ownership trust to co-ops, and discuss how these models provide real financial and cultural benefits for businesses and their teams, or as she puts it, a “win-win-win.” If you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how companies can build lasting wealth for employees, this is an episode you won't want to miss. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more about the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership at https://www.gaceo.org/ Learn more about Joma Construction at https://www.jomaconstruction.com/ Follow Marie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariebdavisinatlanta/ Visit https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/ CREDITS Theme Music
This week, millions of fresh-cut flowers are arriving in the U.S., mostly from South America. Imports account for more than 80% of flowers sold here, and it's a $2 billion industry. We’ll draw back the curtain on the supply chain for those dozen red roses for your sweetheart. Also: the latest consumer price index reading, tensions in the B Corps world and the foreign aid freeze’s impact on U.S. farmers.
This week, millions of fresh-cut flowers are arriving in the U.S., mostly from South America. Imports account for more than 80% of flowers sold here, and it's a $2 billion industry. We’ll draw back the curtain on the supply chain for those dozen red roses for your sweetheart. Also: the latest consumer price index reading, tensions in the B Corps world and the foreign aid freeze’s impact on U.S. farmers.