Confessions of an Entrepreneur

In this special extended episode of Confessions of an Entrepreneur, Carl sits down with entrepreneur, campaigner and philanthropist Heather Mills for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about business, resilience and creating positive change. Many people will know Heather from her time in the public eye, but what is less widely understood is her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From founding her first business as a teenager while experiencing homelessness, to building and selling multiple successful companies, Heather's story is one of determination, independence and an unwavering belief that obstacles exist to be overcome. Heather reflects on a challenging childhood in which she became highly self-sufficient at a young age, helping to support her siblings while navigating significant family difficulties. Those experiences, she explains, shaped the mindset that would later drive her success in business and philanthropy. Carl and Heather explore her passion for problem-solving and innovation, discussing why she has always been drawn to improving existing systems rather than accepting the status quo. Whether in business, charity work or campaigning, Heather's approach has consistently been to challenge accepted thinking and search for better solutions. The conversation also covers the realities of living in the public eye and the impact that fame can have on personal freedom and self-expression. Heather speaks candidly about balancing public scrutiny with her desire to remain authentic and outspoken about the causes she believes in.Alongside her business achievements, Heather discusses her commitment to charitable work around the world. She explains how entrepreneurship has never been solely about financial success, but about creating the resources, influence and platform needed to support causes that improve people's lives. The episode also explores Heather's future ambitions, including her desire to step back from business at a defined point in life and dedicate more time to travel, learning and personal pursuits, demonstrating the importance of having a clear purpose beyond commercial success.This extended episode offers an inspiring insight into a life shaped by resilience, reinvention and a relentless commitment to making a difference, proving that adversity can often become the foundation for extraordinary achievement. Connect with HeatherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msheathermills/Website: https://www.vbites.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=uk Website: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/ This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this latest episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with one of North East England’s best-known businesspeople, Bill Scott OBE DL.Often the ‘voice for business’ in the region, Bill has become a highly recognised ambassador in the North East and is a champion of entrepreneurialism and philanthropy.As the CEO of Wilton Engineering, which builds large, complicated structures for the offshore and defence industries, Bill talks about how he set out to be the pulse of the business, empowering others to help deliver success, emphasising the importance of establishing the right workplace culture, which can be the difference between a good business and a great business.Bill talks with Carl about his journey which started out with ambitions to be a chef, but was switched to engineering after a sliding doors moment on a basketball court.This took Bill down the apprenticeship route, which has had a resounding impact on his life and career, placing apprentice training at the very heart of his business, including the opening of an academy on his extensive 113-acre site on the banks of the River Tees in Middlesbrough.Bill and Carl also delve into the value of mentorship and why he commits lots of his time to mentoring companies, as well as his extensive charity roles.This is a fascinating and engaging episode, highlighting Bill’s inspiring story and his refreshing approach to business, which is a must listen for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs.Connect with BillLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-scott-obe-dl-34106922/Website: https://www.wiltonengineering.co.uk/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of an Entrepreneur’, Carl chats with Nigel Mills CBE, a champion for business and entrepreneurialism in the North of England.Like Carl, Nigel began his career as a Chartered Accountant. He qualified at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before leaving to buy an independent convenience store business, which he scaled to a portfolio of 77 stores, before selling it to Tesco PLC.After selling, Nigel set up, developed and subsequently sold highly regarded The Lakes Distillery, which was acquired by English sparkling wine producer, Nytimber in a deal, which valued The Lakes Distillery at £71 million.Nigel was one of the founders of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and is a trusted advisor, Non-Executive Director, mentor and investor.Nigel talks to Carl about how he switched from a plan to be a professional golfer to become an accountant after his grandfather passed away, before landing a place at PwC. He covers the highs and lows of his business career, the importance of sport in his life, the range of investment and mentoring opportunities he is regularly offered and how he decides which ones to pursue, and invest in.This educational and thought-provoking episode highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the experience and expertise of others, coupled with persistency when pursuing ambitious entrepreneurial endeavours.Connect with NigelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-john-mills-cbe-6a555042/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of ‘Confessions of a CEO’, Carl sits down with straight-talking, networking and recruitment specialist entrepreneur Helen Trueman-Howe.Helen is the co-founder of Northeast Network, a thriving networking hub in North East England, and the founder and Managing Director of Heels & Brogues Group, which specialises in recruiting talent across manufacturing, engineering, renewables, HVAC and professional services.A reunion of secondary school friends, Helen and Carl reminisce about growing up in Sunderland and how her formative years in education had no bearing on her future success.Rather than sitting her GCSEs, Helen was working in a tampon factory and from there built a ‘streetwise’ education that actually led her to securing a place at university, setting the tone for a very interesting and varied career path that has seen her succeed in entrepreneurship.Helen talks in this podcast, as she does in life, with her heart on her sleeve, covering everything from ADHD and imposter syndrome versus self-belief, to the opportunities and challenges of self-employment and business ownership.This insightful and entertaining episode highlights how the dynamism of entrepreneurship, building networks and how you can make your own fate in life and business, can transform challenges into opportunities and turn bold ideas into lasting success.Connect with HelenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-trueman-howe-528469121Websites: https://northeastnetwork.co.uk/ & https://hbgrecruitment.com/Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl sits down with the fascinating and sometimes controversial Gary Goldsmith. A multi-millionaire from his business career in IT recruitment, Gary is known to most people as uncle to Catherine, Princess of Wales and the first evictee from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024. However, his story goes much deeper than that and in this detailed and frank conversation with Carl, Gary reveals the challenges and struggles of his life, that have included a police conviction and drug issues. Gary shares his personal and professional journey through the highs and lows of his life, and talks about his current business enterprise, RDLC Pirates, which he co-founded and is CEO. The RDLC is the leading global network for recruitment CEOs, MDs, founders, shareholders and directors. For the inside track on one of business’ most colourful characters who gives a very open and honest account of his life, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with GaryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygoldsmith/Website: https://www.rdlcpirates.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode of Confessions of a CEO, Carl chats with internationally renowned keynote speaker and author, Geoff Ramm.Geoff’s journey is one of grit, creativity, and an unwavering passion for exceptional customer experiences. From his humble beginnings in the North East of England to running a successful agency, OMG Marketing, and becoming a globally sought-after speaker, he understands the power of delivering celebrity-level service.Geoff shares why treating every customer like a VIP isn’t just a nice-to-have but the secret sauce to business success. He also opens up about the evolution of his business focus from marketing to customer experience consultancy.If you're looking for inspiration, motivation, and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen!Connect with GeoffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.geofframm.com/ Connect with CarlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-swansbury-fca-33b21923/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://ryecroftglenton.com/team/carl-swansbury/This podcast is brought to you by Recognition PR.

In this episode Carl Swansbury sits down with entrepreneur Peter Kirkham. A former professional footballer, Peter built a property portfolio before losing it all and being declared bankrupt due to the ‘credit crunch’. He bounced back to build a successful business which he sold for millions of pounds just a few years later.This is a fascinating insight into the challenges of overcoming adversity in business to become successful for the second time.

In this latest episode, Carl sits down with Lucy Armstrong, one of the North’s most successful chairpersons. She supports CEOs and boards of a range of businesses across the public and private sectors, as well as not-for-profit organisations.She is also CEO of The Alchemists, a boutique consultancy focused on supporting fast-growing entrepreneurial businesses. Currently chair of a number of companies and organisations including the Port of Tyne and Everflow, Lucy has a significant amount of experience helping CEOs scale businesses.Lucy has a high level of interest and knowledge in helping CEOs to become leaders over managers and helping to create more successful sustainable and successful businesses.