Bump to Business Owner

Caroline Marshall shares her personal experience navigating unfair redundancy, highlighting the importance of support networks, strategic responses, and self-care during career crises. This podcast is the second in a three part series all about redundancy, you can hear Part 1, here: https://pod.fo/e/433a31 Key topics: Handling unfair redundancy Building a support network Negotiation strategies in redundancy Self-care and mental health during career crises Practical tips for your redundancy process Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 01:03 The emotional impact of redundancy 02:25 Navigating the initial shock 04:08 Seeking support and guidance 06:56 Finding clarity and direction 08:11 The importance of self-care 10:38 Building a support network 11:14 Preparing for negotiation 14:16 The negotiation process 17:36 Moving forward after redundancy 19:30 Caroline's tips for navigating redundancy Resources: The Source, Dr Tara Swart Pregnant Then Screwed Insight Timer Headspace The Dose Effect, T.J. Power Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this episode, Caroline Marshall interviews Sophie Catto and Nicole Goodwin, leaders of AllBright everywoman, about supporting women in their careers, motherhood, and leadership. They discuss the impact of motherhood on career confidence, the importance of community and corporate support, and initiatives like Motherhood Works to empower women at key life stages. Resources: The All BrightYellow Nest Topics: Why purpose is so important for women in their careers How motherhood impacts ambition and definitions of success Merging two businesses with different MOs but the same purpose Why you should never miss a sports day - and make sure it's in your calendar How businesses can support women and mums practically Their manifesto and the upcoming Motherhood Works event Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Albright Everywoman 01:45 The Impact of Motherhood on Careers 08:47 Career Journeys and Personal Growth 15:39 Understanding Women's Challenges in the Workplace 21:47 Creating Supportive Work Environments for Women 23:54 Navigating Workplace Flexibility and Challenges 26:00 The Role of Male Allies in Supporting Women 30:07 Balancing Work and Family Life 30:29 Understanding the Motherhood Penalty 35:46 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs 37:25 The Importance of Community and Networking 44:46 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Motherhood Responsibilities Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nicole Goodwin Having started her career as an investigative journalist, Nicole Goodwin is a business leader with over 20 years' experience creating and scaling international, content-driven events and membership programmes. As Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, she leads a passionate team dedicated to supporting, connecting and advancing women in business - through world-class learning, corporate partnerships, awards and curated experiences that build powerful networks. Prior to her eight years at everywoman, Nicole held senior leadership roles as MD and GM at leading global businesses and publishing houses, including C5 and IQPC. Nicole Goodwin's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-goodwin-6a88982/ About Sophie Catto Sophie Catto is Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, the leading global learning, leadership and community platform dedicated to advancing women in business. With over 18 years' experience across media, publishing and purpose-driven organisations, Sophie specialises in building communities, creating strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth. She leads AllBright everywoman's global community, events, experiences and partnerships, with a focus on deepening engagement, expanding impact and creating opportunities that help women thrive at every stage of their careers. Throughout her career, Sophie has worked at the intersection of commercial strategy, storytelling and community-building, helping organisations connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Prior to joining AllBright everywoman, she held senior commercial leadership roles at Condé Nast, including Associate Publisher of House & Garden and The World of Interiors, and Commercial Creative Director of Tatler. Passionate about the power of connection and collective progress, Sophie is committed to creating platforms, experiences and communities that support women to grow in confidence, leadership and ambition. Sophie Catto's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-catto-1a317824/ Allbright Everywoman's Links: Website: https://allbrighteverywoman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allbrighteverywoman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allbrighteverywoman/ Motherhood Works: https://theallbright.co/motherhood-works/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline and Lucy Legal explore the multifaceted use of AI in business and daily life, addressing misconceptions, legal considerations, and practical applications. They discuss how women are navigating AI's challenges and opportunities, emphasising responsible use and strategic integration. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Resources: Episode 33 - "Where are the women in this space?" with Lauren Ingram of Women of Web3 Fiona Young, Carve AI Topics: AI's role in business and life Legal considerations: privacy and IP Women navigating AI challenges and opportunities Chapters: 01:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Business and Creativity 02:25 Gender Perspectives on AI Usage 04:35 AI as a Complementary Tool in Business 08:00 The Role of AI in Legal and Business Strategy 12:04 Navigating AI's Limitations and Misconceptions 16:58 FOMO and the Reality of AI in Business 23:58 Efficient AI Integration in Business Workflows 27:32 Balancing Automation with Human Touch 30:14 Legal Considerations in AI Usage 34:42 Privacy, Data Protection, and AI 38:59 Intellectual Property and AI Co-Creation Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the fifth in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around. Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it. Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Rachel and I met on the Goldman Sachs 10KSB programme in February and instantly gravitated towards another. Both mums, both struggling with being away from family, but determined to grow our businesses, despite all the challenges that motherhood/founderhood bring. My conversation with Rachel is almost excoriatingly honest about the impact of motherhood on her business, and herself. These are the conversations we need to have with women, founders, mums and would-be mums. Because the internet will tell you, you can have it all, but the reality isn't quite like that. The economy, the strength of your team and your business plan, mum guilt, resilience, self-awareness as a business owner, and why you might be the obstacle to growth: it's a big conversation. Takeaways: Rachel's career journey from hustling teenager to market stall to e-commerce The transition between young, "fun" business and becoming an authority figure The huge personal transition of becoming a mum in a wider context of huge economic uncertainty The struggle of being a founder-led brand when you're a mum, you're exhausted and you just don't want to be on camera! Running a business means managing people and their very real, not always business-related, problems How Rachel's business had been impacted by motherhood, and the team not being where/who she needed them to be How Rachel's experiences in business are shaping the growth (or not growth) of her family What needs to change to support mums in the workplace and into becoming a business owner The resilience Rachel's long-term health condition has given her Rachel's vision for the future, and why she might not be what the business needs Where she finds joy Resources: SuperScalers: https://www.superscalers.world/ Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Rachel Hanretty and Mademoiselle Macaron 02:10 The Journey from Paris to Entrepreneurship 05:01 Building a Brand: From Market Stall to E-commerce 07:40 Navigating Leadership and Team Dynamics 10:00 The Impact of Motherhood on Business Identity 12:41 Challenges of Balancing Business and Parenting 15:07 The Cost of Living Crisis and Its Effects 17:22 The Pressure of Being a Founder Influencer 20:12 Realities of Managing a People Business 20:46 Navigating Maternity Challenges in Business 22:13 Balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership 24:48 The Emotional Toll of Motherhood on Business 27:31 Guilt and the Struggle for Balance 30:10 The Impact of Family Planning on Business 32:17 Gender Differences in Parenting and Business 34:41 Support Systems for Mothers in Business 37:37 Resilience Through Health Challenges 39:28 Vision for Future Growth 41:23 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Rachel Hanretty Rachel Hanretty founder of Mademoiselle Macaron an Edinburgh based business inspired by her time living in Paris and known for producing up to 20,000 macarons each week. With high profile clients like MAC Cosmetics, Moet & Chandon, and even an order for the set of the Barbie movie, Rachel's handcrafted patisserie has become a go-to indulgence across the UK. But her macaron story is more about the beautiful product. It's about starting from scratch. It's about identity and it's about navigating the complexity of building a brand while becoming a mother. Rachel studied English and French at university and while living in Paris, fell in love with macarons. Trained at the Alain Ducasse Cookery School, she brought that Parisian perfectionism back to Scotland and started making macarons at home, eventually launching her business from a single market stall in 2013. And today is a thriving seven figure e-commerce brand. Yet as her business grew, Rachel's personal life evolved too. Becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with her company and she has been refreshingly honest about how hard that shift has been, talking openly about guilt, identity loss and how parenting has impacted her business, both practically and emotionally. She's also navigated health challenges, including epilepsy while leading her team and brand. Rachel Hanretty's Links: Website: https://mademoisellemacaron.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelhanretty/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madmacaron/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mademoisellemacaron Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MademoiselleMacaronUk Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Something a little different this week. I was at the UK Virtual Assistant awards last week celebrating the industry and gratefully receiving a couple of awards, on behalf of the business and the podcast team! While I was there, I did some live interviews with some incredible VAs and business women, who also happen to be mums, my industry peers and friends. They are sharing their wisdom and experiences of building businesses, working flexibly and prioritising their family. It was a very fun (by which I mean loud) atmosphere, so apologies for the background noise levels. Thanks to Amanda Johnson, host of the UK VA Awards (and last week's guest!) for kindly giving me permission to record, and to the wonderful women I spoke to: Sarah Szekir-Papasavva: www.aptva.comBeverley Edwards: www.be-virtual.co.ukStefanie Clarke: www.jotterbox.co.uk Holly Copsey: www.virtuallypriceless.co.uk Takeaways: The flexibility that comes with owing your schedule as a founder or freelancer Why you might want to consider the agency model How to deal with mum guilt Kids are sometimes the push you need to take the leap Why networking is so important to small business owners Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 02:32 Sarah Szekir-Papasavva 04:58 Beverley Edwards 07:43 Stefanie Clarke 10:02 Holly Copsey Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

We're wrapping up the Assistant miniseries with a big-picture conversation, the future of the assistant and VA industry. I've been in this world for over 15 years, and in that time I've seen the role change again and again, from the 2009 crash, to the explosion of tech tools, and now to AI. In this episode, I'm talking about where I see things going, what makes our work truly irreplaceable, and why assistants need to be visible, strategic partners (not an exec's "secret weapon"). I'm also sharing my thoughts on niching, the growing operational side of our roles, and the importance of keeping our skills sharp as the industry evolves. This is episode four of a four-part mini series for the Assistant community, each episode is accompanied by a free downloadable resource. Download your free resource on the future of the Assistant industry here: thought leaders in the space, skills you should be developing and more Listen to the rest of the series: Inbox Zero How to find clients Your gold standard onboarding process Resources mentioned: Fiona Young, Carve AI Your VA Journey: Start Here Takeaways Brief intro to the Assistant role Glass elevators for men in a pink industry Misconceptions about the VA industry The core services that VAs provide Why Assistants need to be visible within their organisations Increasing specialisation for Assistants How AI is shaping the industry Why you should be investing in your own development as an Assistant Chapters 00:30 Introduction to the Assistant Industry 00:51 The Evolution of the Assistant Role 02:41 Challenges in a Predominantly Female Industry 04:39 Networking and Misconceptions in the VA World 07:00 The Importance of Visibility and Value 09:13 The Role of Technology and AI in Assistance 10:31 Niche Specialisation in the Assistant Role 12:13 Transitioning into the Assistant Industry Links:Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

The question I get asked the most by Virtual Assistants is: 'How do I find clients?' There is no secret recipe - it takes time, it takes work, and it takes trying things out. I'm sharing how I found my first client, where I've invested money and time to find them and the one thing that really sets me apart when it comes to sales. In December I'm hosting a panel for the Strategic PA Network: Clients for Keeps: Building a sustainable client base and coworking afterwards, if you'd like more client list building tips and to extend your network click here. This is episode one of a four-part mini series for the Assistant community, each episode is accompanied by a free downloadable resource or event invitation Click here for your invite to the Clients For Keeps panel and coworking Listen to the rest of the series: Inbox Zero Resources mentioned: EA How To community My conversation with Catherine Gladwyn on She's Alright When You Get To Know Her Takeaways There's no secret sauce when it comes to finding clients Why women need to think of themselves as 'salesy' How I got my first client Why you should be asking for testimonials along with your rate Being shameless Where I invested to help my sales pitch How I stand out in my sales Join me for a panel on building your client list Chapters 00:30 Introduction to Virtual Assistant Business 02:59 The Importance of Sales in VA Business 06:07 Building Relationships and Networking 09:24 The Power of Follow-Ups 12:08 Testing Strategies for Client Acquisition Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/