Women's Business

In this episode I speak to Niki Hutchison, founder of Marketing Insiders Club and Fully Booked Bootcamp. Niki shares how early ad-agency work experience at 14 led to a career in advertising strategy, followed by a pivot into hospitality and then founding a children’s hip hop dance company. We talk about how Niki grew the dance business to 40 staff and 3,000 customers through strong brand strategy, market research, and multiple revenue streams, and about her post-pandemic pivot back into marketing. We discuss multi-channel visibility, women’s fears around being seen, the complications of being direct, revenue-stream discipline, and the importance of clear positioning. Lots of tangible takeaways in this one! And some great grit and determination too. Find Niki's website hereFind Niki on LinkedIn here The person Niki shouted out was Abi Sea Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. ---------This episode is supported by Explore Worldwide, who specialize in small group expert led adventures. Instead of waiting a lifetime for a big, expansive trip, microdose retirement with Explore Adventures designed to give you enough space to reset how you're thinking, working and living.Women rarely give themselves permission to properly pause or have a break. So we often end up waiting for holidays that come when we're on the brink of burnout. If that sounds familiar, head to the Explore Worldwide website and take their micro retirement quiz. This will help you work out when a break might support where you're at in life and what kind of adventure you're craving.Take the Micro-Retirement Quiz here Each one is designed to be immersive and meaningful, not escapist, and they're solo friendly, which I love for women too. So if the idea of a proper reset resonates, take the quizTake the Micro-Retirement Quiz here

My guest this week us Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed and we get into it all here. After Joeli's early career we dive into how being dropped from a contract after disclosing her pregnancy -followed by a high-risk pregnancy -radicalised her and led her to launch an anonymous storytelling blog on International Women’s Day 2015. Joeli describes how the project grew into an advice line, tribunal mentoring, and sustained campaigning that helped change laws and influence policy, including extending the employment tribunal time limit, redundancy protections, flexible working, and contributions to childcare investment, while noting change is slow and often unglamorous. She discusses internalised misogyny, workplace culture failing caregivers, burnout from carrying others’ trauma (especially during COVID), and her difficult decision to leave the charity after 10 years at the helm. Jolie shares her new venture Growth Spurt supporting parents returning to work, her podcast To Be A Boy about raising sons amid online harms like pornography, and practical advice for overwhelmed would-be activists to start small and build community. Honestly, this is one of my favourite conversations to date. I really hope you enjoy it. Find Joeli on Insta here Find out more about Growth Spurt here The woman Joeli shouted out was Tinuke AweJoin the conversation with me on Instagram here------This episode is supported by Explore Worldwide, who specialize in small group expert led adventures. Instead of waiting a lifetime for a big, expansive trip, microdose retirement with Explore Adventures designed to give you enough space to reset how you're thinking, working and living.Women rarely give themselves permission to properly pause or have a break. So we often end up waiting for holidays that come when we're on the brink of burnout. If that sounds familiar, head to the Explore Worldwide website and take their micro retirement quiz. This will help you work out when a break might support where you're at in life and what kind of adventure you're craving.Take the Micro-Retirement Quiz here Each one is designed to be immersive and meaningful, not escapist, and they're solo friendly, which I love for women too. So if the idea of a proper reset resonates, take the quizTake the Micro-Retirement Quiz here

This episode is a quiet rallying cry that change is possible, with co-founder of Hawkins Laxton & Co, Sian Hawkins. We trace Sian’s early drive to work, her psychology degree, and how volunteering on the National Domestic Violence Helpline led to paid frontline work supporting women fleeing abuse and shaped her feminist lens on patriarchy and systemic injustice. A trafficking case sparked her focus on modern slavery, research in Nepal, and a public affairs role at the Salvation Army. Sian describes shifting into policy and campaigning at Women’s Aid, helping secure coercive control legislation and later progress on family court child-contact presumption, emphasising that change is possible but slow. She explains Hawkins Laxton & Co’s work in strategic communications, public affairs, and personal branding, arguing visibility is leadership, grounded in evidence-based ethical influence, and encourages women to make “micro” changes, support other women, and make the invisible visible.Find Hawkins Laxton & Co here Find Sian on LinkedIn here Sian shouted out Clare Laxton. Find her here. Join the conversation with me on Instagram here. -----------This episode is supported by Explore Worldwide, who specialize in small group expert led adventures. Instead of waiting a lifetime for a big, expansive trip, microdose retirement with Explore Adventures designed to give you enough space to reset how you're thinking, working and living.Women rarely give themselves permission to properly pause or have a break. So we often end up waiting for holidays that come when we're on the brink of burnout. If that sounds familiar, head to the Explore Worldwide website and take their micro retirement quiz. This will help you work out when a break might support where you're at in life and what kind of adventure you're craving.Take the Micro-Retirement Quiz here Each one is designed to be immersive and meaningful, not escapist, and they're solo friendly, which I love for women too. So if the idea of a proper reset resonates, take the quizTake the Micro-Retirement Quiz here

In this episode I speak to Penny Wincer, a book coach and author, about creativity, care, and what work means when life is complex. Penny shares her path from a childhood around film sets to studying a multidisciplinary arts degree, assisting fashion photographers in London and New York, and ultimately becoming an interiors photographer. She explains how writing returned when she ringfenced Fridays for a City Lit course after divorce and as a single parent, and how her experiences as a young carer for her unwell mother connected with parenting her autistic son with a learning disability, leading to her first book, Tender, on care, unpaid labour, and identity. We discuss how her proposal secured multiple publishing offers despite a small profile, and how the pandemic and escalating care needs forced her to end her photography career and rebuild her working life from home. Penny talks about employing nannies, the limits of paid support, the emotional labour of constant regulation, work as respite, and how her lived experience reshaped her views on privilege, fairness, disability, and intersectionality. She describes training with Author Accelerator to become a non-fiction book proposal coach, building a business and audience through a newsletter and online visibility, and challenging myths about perfect writing conditions and the claim that everyone has a book in them. Penny also shares practical guidance for aspiring nonfiction authors - starting with the ‘why’, understanding the market, and defining a unique angle and voice. Find Penny on Instagram here Find Penny's website and more about her non-fiction book coaching here Join the conversation with me on Instagram hereThe women Penny recommended were Caro Giles and Suzy Reading (scroll back to episode 2 to hear her story!)

In this episode I speak to Becca Stearn, co-founder of Mustard Made, the global locker brand. Becca shares her honest and unconventional journey from an unplanned pregnancy in her university days to launching a successful, unique locker business with her sister that has gone onto global success. We delve into her non-linear path, the inspiration behind Mustard Made, and the challenges of scaling a company rapidly. Becca also discusses the mindset shifts required when your business grows faster than expected, the role of sustainability in her company, and the importance of hiring the right people. Her story is a brilliant reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to build something substantial; you just need to keep taking the next steps and adapt as you grow.Find Mustard Made online here Find them on Instagram hereJoin the conversation with me on Instagram hereThe person that Becca shouted out was Fiona Killackey------------This episode is sponsored by ⁠Hawkins Laxton & Co⁠ - the personal branding and thought-leadership specialists supporting senior leaders, founders, and business owners to grow their professional profile in a tough and noisy market. If you know you need a stronger personal brand - one that actually reflects your strengths, your expertise, and the direction you're heading - Clare and Sian offer a brilliant process to help you get there. You'll get a full audit of your current personal brand, a 90-minute 1:1 session to uncover your signature strengths and values, and a bespoke personal brand narrative alongside a three-month thought-leadership plan. They'll also give you a digital and social optimisation strategy, plus a final implementation session so you walk away with a clear, confident personal brand - and a practical plan to grow your credibility, activate your community, and communicate with ease. Their clients describe the experience as game-changing, creative, confidence-boosting, and genuinely career-shifting. If you want support with personal branding, thought leadership, or media training, get in touch with Clare and Sian at ⁠hawkinslaxton.com⁠, or email clare@hawkinslaxton.com or sian@hawkinslaxton.com.

A must-listen! Prepare for a mind-stretching conversation that will challenge your perspective in the best way, as I talk all things money with Yinka Ewuola, an incredible entrepreneur and thought leader, about her inspiring journey from Goldman Sachs to supporting women in business. We delve into her experiences with workplace adversity, and the cultural influences that shaped her perspectives on money and success. Yinka shares her insights on the critical role of cash flow in sustaining and growing a business, what success actually means for businesses, the impact of good girl conditioning, and the transformative power of sending money on assignment. This episode is packed with valuable advice for female founders and business owners looking to redefine success and achieve financial freedom. It might just help you think completely differently about money - in the best way! Yinka's story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of equitable wins for all. Find Yinka on LinkedIn here The women Yinka shouted out were Sharon Hurley Hall and Kemi Atijosen and Ronke Kokoruwe Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram here And you can apply to join my community for female founders here -------------- This episode is sponsored by Hawkins Laxton & Co - the personal branding and thought-leadership specialists supporting senior leaders, founders, and business owners to grow their professional profile in a tough and noisy market. If you know you need a stronger personal brand - one that actually reflects your strengths, your expertise, and the direction you're heading - Clare and Sian offer a brilliant process to help you get there. You'll get a full audit of your current personal brand, a 90-minute 1:1 session to uncover your signature strengths and values, and a bespoke personal brand narrative alongside a three-month thought-leadership plan. They'll also give you a digital and social optimisation strategy, plus a final implementation session so you walk away with a clear, confident personal brand - and a practical plan to grow your credibility, activate your community, and communicate with ease. Their clients describe the experience as game-changing, creative, confidence-boosting, and genuinely career-shifting. If you want support with personal branding, thought leadership, or media training, get in touch with Clare and Sian at hawkinslaxton.com, or email clare@hawkinslaxton.com or sian@hawkinslaxton.com.

Unapologetic feminists unite in this episode, as I speak to Sophie Lee, a voice and visibility consultant for purpose-driven businesses. Sophie shares her journey from journalism to business journalism in China, and eventually to founding Electric Peach, a decentralised brand agency. We delve into the challenges of personal branding, female empowerment, and the importance of an intersectional feminist lens and how Sophie practises that in her life and business. Sophie also discusses her upcoming book, 'Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women,' and her belief in social justice and dismantling patriarchal structures. This episode is a deep dive into navigating self-worth, accountability, and creating impactful change for all women. Hurrah! Find Sophie's website here. Sophie's main hangout online is LinkedIn. You can find her here. The women Sophie shouted out were: Yinka Ewuola (coming to an episode very soon!) Vicky Quinn Fraser - find her website here. Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. ------------- This episode is sponsored by Hawkins Laxton & Co - the personal branding and thought-leadership specialists supporting senior leaders, founders, and business owners to grow their professional profile in a tough and noisy market. If you know you need a stronger personal brand - one that actually reflects your strengths, your expertise, and the direction you're heading - Clare and Sian offer a brilliant process to help you get there. You'll get a full audit of your current personal brand, a 90-minute 1:1 session to uncover your signature strengths and values, and a bespoke personal brand narrative alongside a three-month thought-leadership plan. They'll also give you a digital and social optimisation strategy, plus a final implementation session so you walk away with a clear, confident personal brand - and a practical plan to grow your credibility, activate your community, and communicate with ease. Their clients describe the experience as game-changing, creative, confidence-boosting, and genuinely career-shifting. If you want support with personal branding, thought leadership, or media training, get in touch with Clare and Sian at hawkinslaxton.com, or email clare@hawkinslaxton.com or sian@hawkinslaxton.com.

In this episode I speak to Dr. Mandy Lehto, a coach, writer, speaker, and podcaster who helps driven leaders and overachievers slow down and redefine success. I loved this conversation and felt like I needed to make notes and listen back repeatedly! We delve into Mandy's fascinating journey from growing up on a farm with a strong work ethic to her career in investment banking, where the constant hustle led to eventual burnout. We cover topics including the myth of 'more,' the significance of rest, and the pursuit of true purpose. We are really challenging definitions of certain concepts and going deep on how to redefine them meaningfully, with exercises to help listeners do this work for themselves. Mandy offers insightful advice on how to balance ambition with self-care and redefine our relationships with success. This episode will resonate deeply with anyone struggling with perfectionism or the relentless pursuit of achievement. Find Mandy on Instagram here Find Mandy's website here The person Mandy shouted out was Kasia Urbaniak and you can find her on Insta here or online here Join the conversation with me on Instagram here and to find out more about The Wilder Collective and The Confidence Project please head here.

In this special episode of Women's Business, I speak to Leila Ainge, my brilliant co-conspirator in our recent research project 'Good Girl Economics: The Price of Playing Nice.' This conversation is a review of our research: why do it, why now, the trends we discovered, and what we've both learned and will be implementing off the back of this research - particularly around pricing and perception. Join us as we uncover why women find it challenging to discuss profit, the impact of internalised misogyny, and how we can shift our mindset to embrace sustainable success. Leila's background in psychology enriches our conversation, making this a must-listen for women navigating their entrepreneurial journeys.

In this episode I speak to the inimitable Laura Belbin, better known as Knee Deep in Life on Instagram. Laura is an author, podcaster, and standup comedian who has used comedy to find light in the darkest of times. This conversation covers it all - from her early career experiences, her journey through therapy, dealing with childhood trauma, and how she discovered her true calling in comedy and completely reimagined and restarted her life. Laura shares the impact of her viral moments online, the challenges of being an influencer, and how she balances humor with raw honesty. This is an insightful and heartfelt story, full of self-reflection and moments of humour, moments of clarity, and moments of total openness. A must listen. Find Laura on Instagram here Join me on Instagram here -------------- This episode is supported by April & White, a brand built on a passion to fuel the imagination of children everywhere, not least with their beautiful bespoke letters from Father Christmas for your little ones. Sonia the founder approaches every product with an eye for beauty and detail to really keep the magic alive for your little believers, applying calligraphy by hand so that every letter and envelope is unique, personalised, and magical. Alongside her letters from Santa Sonia has a glorious selection of stocking fillers to make your kids' Christmas even more special, from beautifully boxed reindeer food to North Pole chocolate pennies and reindeer bells and even a magical memory journal to capture the sparkle and wonder of their Christmas. Order your letters from father Christmas by 5th December to be sure to receive them in time for the big day, and check out aprilandwhite.co.uk to shop now. Magic awaits. --------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:24 Meet Laura Belbin: Knee Deep in Life 02:50 Laura's Early Life and Career Aspirations 04:34 Navigating Adulthood and Early Career 14:42 The Birth of Knee Deep in Life 18:35 Going Viral and Its Aftermath 19:30 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism 20:36 Therapy and Self-Discovery 38:39 Challenges of Content Creation 44:09 Authenticity and Online Presence 45:30 Handling Online Criticism 47:12 Personal Growth and Boundaries 49:58 Parenting and Personal Struggles 54:06 The Journey of Self-Discovery 58:58 Motherhood and Real-Life Challenges 01:03:21 The Importance of Compassion 01:06:48 Embracing Imperfection 01:23:26 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode I speak to Nicola Fitzpatrick, the founder of Elansu, a sports bra brand for fuller-busted women. Nicola's journey is truly fascinating, as she transitioned from a career in the male-dominated roofing industry to designing supportive sports bras to meet her own needs - bras that celebrated AND supported her feminine shape rather than just squashing it. We delve into her early work experiences, her foray into construction, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. Nicola shares her motivations behind starting Elansu and the meticulous process of creating a sports bra that truly supports fuller-busted women. We also discuss the systemic gender biases in various industries and the importance of representation and resilience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in breaking barriers and creating products that matter. Find Elansu on Instagram here Shop Elansu here Join me on Instagram here ------- This episode is brought to you by Victoria Whittington Financial Planning. Victoria knows how easy it is to put off sorting your finances. Life is busy. Work, family, and everything else always seem to take priority. That's why her advice is clear, jargon-free, and designed to fit around your life, not the other way round. Her role is to help you turn what you want for the future into a clear plan, break it into manageable steps, and give you the support to keep going until you get there. If you'd like to have a friendly, no-pressure chat about what financial planning could do for you book a no-obligation 30-minute session here. Victoria Whittington Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. ----------- 01:20 Meet Nicola Fitzpatrick: From Roofing to Sports Bras 02:33 Nicola's Early Work Experiences 05:24 Navigating Career Paths and Family Expectations 07:36 Challenges and Triumphs in the Construction Industry 12:22 Gender Bias and Representation in Construction 30:10 The Decision to Start Elansu 34:59 Designing for Women's Needs in Sportswear 35:30 Challenges in Women's Health Research 37:07 The Journey of Creating a Sports Bra 39:55 Prototyping and Testing 45:02 Balancing Quality and Pricing 50:02 Empowering Women Through Design 57:08 Personal Reflections and Advice 01:03:48 Resilience and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I speak to financial coach, writer and podcaster Clare Seal. Clare shares her journey from racking up £27,000 in personal debt to becoming a financial educator and influencer. We discuss the decision to share her debt journey online, the steps she took to get out of debt, and the impact of motherhood on her financial decisions. Clare also dives into the importance of financial education for children and how parents can break the cycle of financial shame. We touch on the systemic struggles women face in balancing career and family life and discuss Clare's podcast 'Help Me, I'm Poor,' which explores money in popular culture. This episode is packed with valuable insights into managing money, overcoming financial challenges, breaking down financial taboos, and financial education for our kids (and ourselves!) too. Find Clare on Instagram here Find Help Me I'm Poor the podcast here Join the conversation with me on Instagram here ---------- This episode is brought to you by Victoria Whittington Financial Planning. Victoria knows how easy it is to put off sorting your finances. Life is busy. Work, family, and everything else always seem to take priority. That's why her advice is clear, jargon-free, and designed to fit around your life, not the other way round. Her role is to help you turn what you want for the future into a clear plan, break it into manageable steps, and give you the support to keep going until you get there. If you'd like to have a friendly, no-pressure chat about what financial planning could do for you book a no-obligation 30-minute session here. Victoria Whittington Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. ------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:20 Meet Clare Seal: Financial Coach and Writer 03:04 Clare's Early Life and Career Beginnings 11:38 Navigating Debt and Financial Struggles 16:23 The Turning Point: Facing Financial Reality 19:17 Starting an Instagram Account for Accountability 30:59 Financial Coaching and Career Evolution 34:38 Questioning the Morality of Influencer Culture 34:58 Motherhood and Financial Education 35:46 The Motherhood Penalty 37:48 Balancing Work and Family Life 43:42 Financial Education for Kids 49:07 Recalibrating Financial Practices 52:10 Help Me, I'm Poor Podcast 01:01:30 Advice for Younger Self 01:06:14 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Clare