Episode #57 - Entrepreneurship Can Be Daunting, But So Rewarding - with Helen Evans Howells
Release Date: 05/11/2026
Episode #57 - Entrepreneurship Can Be Daunting, But So Rewarding - with Helen Evans Howells
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the remarkable Dr. Helen Evans Howells, founder of the Helen Allergy Clinic in the New Forest. Together, they dive deep into the world of allergies, but the conversation quickly evolves into a candid discussion about the realities of running a business while juggling family life. Helen shares her unique journey, from her early days teaching in Uganda to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, all while raising five children and working alongside her husband. Helen opens up about the challenges of balancing...
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Episode #56 - The Challenges and Successes Of Starting A Specialised Clinic - with Helen Evans Howells
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo sits down with the remarkable Dr. Helen, a GP turned allergy specialist, who shares her inspiring journey from teaching in Uganda to running a cutting-edge allergy clinic. Helen reflects on the challenges she faced while living in a school library in Uganda and how that experience shaped her understanding of minority perspectives. She opens up about her transition from general practice to specialising in allergies, driven by her personal experiences as a mother navigating her son's severe food allergies. Throughout the...
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Episode #55 - Leaving Teaching To Help Clients Leverage Group Programs - with Gemma Gilbert
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes the inspiring Gemma Gilbert, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to coaching, helping clients create leveraged group programs. Gemma shares her personal journey of rebellion against her upbringing in a family of educators and how this shaped her approach to business. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, Gemma emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor, the...
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Episode #54 - Private GP and Unashamed Entrepreneur, Helping Other Medical Startups Achieve Success - with Matthew Wickham
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Matthew Wickham, an entrepreneurial ENT surgeon who has successfully navigated the transition from the NHS to building multiple businesses. Matthew shares his unique journey, highlighting how his military upbringing and diverse experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of running his own private clinic while balancing family life with two young children. Matthew elaborates on his role as a mentor through Doc Support, where he helps fellow medical professionals explore...
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Episode #53 - Finding Your Voice, Following the Energy & Why Fun Fuels Success - with Alice Ramsay
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this energising and refreshingly honest conversation, Jo is joined by Alice Ramsay—former international lawyer turned communications strategist and now global speaker on fun and high performance. Alice shares her unconventional journey from law to corporate communications to entrepreneurship, and how curiosity, experimentation, and bravery helped her carve out a completely new path. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone feeling stuck in their career, questioning their next move, or looking to bring more energy and joy into their work. Key Topics Covered Why your...
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Episode #52 - Entrepreneurship and Motherhood - with Sophie Griffiths
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo engages in a candid conversation with Sophie Griffiths, a vibrant entrepreneur whose journey from the corporate world to running her own business is both inspiring and relatable. Sophie shares her experiences navigating the challenges of motherhood, corporate politics, and ultimately, her transition to entrepreneurship after facing redundancy while on maternity leave. Sophie recounts her corporate career at British Airways, where she thrived in a high-pressure environment but faced a significant confidence crisis upon returning...
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Episode #51 - From a Corporate Window Seat to the Adventure of running your own business - with Lucy-Ann Whelan (Lucy Legal)
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo sits down with Lucy Ann Wheeler, a dynamic lawyer turned entrepreneur, who shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to running her own legal business and template shop. Lucy recounts her adventurous spirit, having completed six marathons in five days across the desert and climbed Kilimanjaro, all before embracing the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. As Lucy reflects on her transition from a structured legal career to building her own business, she discusses the impact of personal experiences, including the...
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Episode #50 - Creating A Business That Works With Your Life - with Erin Thomas-Wong
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Erin Thomas, a life-friendly business mentor and author, who shares her remarkable journey from the fast-paced world of television to building businesses that prioritize personal well-being and family life. Erin opens up about her unexpected transition into entrepreneurship after becoming a mother, recounting the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way. Erin discusses the importance of designing a business that fits one's life rather than the other way around. She reflects on her experiences living abroad and...
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Episode #49 - From Aeronautical Engineer To Empowering Women, with Authenticity and Self-Leadership - with Sarae Pratt
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes Sarae Pratt, an inspiring coach and consultant with a unique background in aeronautical engineering. Sarae shares her fascinating journey from managing the Eurofighter Typhoon to empowering individuals and businesses, particularly women, to thrive in their professional lives. With a focus on systemic change in the workplace, Sarae discusses the importance of authenticity and self-leadership, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves without the masks society often imposes. Throughout the conversation, Sarae reflects on her...
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Episode #48 - Marketing with Authenticity, Or Bust - with Dee Blick
The Start Up Support Surgery
In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dee Blick, a marketing expert and author, who shares her transformative journey from alcohol addiction to becoming a successful marketer. De reflects on her decision to quit drinking 26 years ago, emphasizing the importance of community and support in her recovery process. She discusses how her experiences shaped her approach to marketing, highlighting the need for authenticity and understanding one's true self in the business world. Jo and Dee delve into the challenges faced by many aspiring...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the remarkable Dr. Helen Evans Howells, founder of the Helen Allergy Clinic in the New Forest. Together, they dive deep into the world of allergies, but the conversation quickly evolves into a candid discussion about the realities of running a business while juggling family life. Helen shares her unique journey, from her early days teaching in Uganda to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, all while raising five children and working alongside her husband.
Helen opens up about the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with the demands of family, shedding light on the pressures that many healthcare professionals face. She discusses the importance of finding your niche and staying true to your passion, as well as the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity. As she reflects on her own experiences, Helen emphasizes the value of community and support in the entrepreneurial journey, particularly for those in the medical field.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while the path to entrepreneurship can be daunting, it is also filled with rewarding moments and opportunities for growth. Whether you're a medic contemplating a transition into business or simply looking for inspiration, Helen's story offers valuable insights and encouragement.
Key Topics Covered
- Helen's journey from medicine to entrepreneurship
- The challenges of balancing work and family life
- The importance of finding your niche in business
- Resilience in the face of setbacks
- Navigating the complexities of running a private clinic
- Building a supportive community for healthcare professionals
- Strategies for effective marketing in the medical field
Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Change and Take Risks
2. Find Your Niche and Stay True to Your Passion
3. Build a Supportive Community
4. Balance Work and Family Life
5. Be Resilient in the Face of Challenges
To find out and connect with Jo:
https://www.jowatkins.com/
Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
To connect with Helen:
Website: https://www.helenallergyclinic.com/
Resources:
Anaphylaxis UK: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/