Creating The Curve
You started a business to do the thing you love - designing, building, writing, creating - but somewhere along the way, you also became head of sales, finance, marketing, and every other department. Now you’re juggling all the moving parts, wondering how running your own business somehow means less freedom, not more. That’s what Creating the Curve is here for. Through honest chats, stories, and simple, practical ideas, we’ll help you make sense of it all, find your footing, and build a business that actually feels good to run. Because it’s not you - it’s just really hard to do everything. So let us help you make it just that little bit easier.
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E39: How Inclusion Creates Better Teams, Better Decisions, and Better Results with Orla McKeating
01/25/2026
E39: How Inclusion Creates Better Teams, Better Decisions, and Better Results with Orla McKeating
In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna is joined by Inclusion Educator, writer, and speaker Orla McKeating, founder of Still I Rise Stories. Together, they explore what inclusion actually looks like in practice, beyond policies, buzzwords, and tick-box exercises. Orla shares how storytelling creates safer, more human spaces for difficult conversations, particularly around race, neurodiversity, identity, disability, and belonging. The conversation moves from childhood and education into workplaces and entrepreneurship, unpacking why culture is so hard to define, why psychological safety matters more than perks, and how founders and leaders can unintentionally exclude people even when their intentions are good. Anna and Orla talk candidly about power, privilege, discomfort, resilience, management, and why community is one of the most under-valued tools for building inclusive, sustainable businesses. This episode is honest, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience, not theory. It is a must-listen for founders, leaders, educators, and anyone trying to build environments where people can genuinely thrive, not just survive. Find our guest Orla at: Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here:
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E38: I Still Don’t Know What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
01/18/2026
E38: I Still Don’t Know What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
What if changing direction in your business isn’t a sign of failure - but a sign you’re paying attention? In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington reflects on last week’s conversation with Sally Measom and goes deeper into the uncomfortable but very real space where success, identity and change collide. Drawing on her own winding career path, from programming to photography, content, strategy, and finally teaching and training, Anna explores how many of us build businesses based on what we think we should do, rather than what we actually want or enjoy. This episode is about giving yourself permission to evolve. To question long-held assumptions about success, growth and longevity. And to recognise that businesses, like people, are allowed to change as life changes. Anna talks about: Why not knowing what you want to do “when you grow up” isn’t a problem — even in your 40s The difference between being good at something and wanting to do it How sunk cost fallacy keeps founders stuck in businesses that no longer fit Why change is so often wrongly labelled as failure How businesses can be built for different seasons of life and don’t all need to grow The quiet pressure founders feel to keep going, even when something feels off Why success doesn’t have to mean longevity, scale or constant growth This is a nudge to reflect on whether your business still serves the life you’re living now and a reminder that it’s OK to pivot, pause, shrink, or redesign things so they work better for you. If you’ve been feeling unsettled, stuck, or questioning your direction, this episode will help you feel a little less alone and a little more permissioned to change your mind. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here:
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E37: Outgrowing Success - When the Business You Built No Longer Fits with Sally Measom
01/12/2026
E37: Outgrowing Success - When the Business You Built No Longer Fits with Sally Measom
What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t because you’re failing, but because you’ve outgrown the version of success you were aiming for? In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington is joined by author, coach, and former Commercial Director Sally Measom, to talk about identity, belief systems, and what it really means to live life your way. Sally shares her journey from a demanding commercial career to writing her book Live Life Your Way, and together they explore how childhood messages, self-talk, and unchallenged assumptions quietly shape our choices - often long into adulthood. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about slowing down, questioning the stories we tell ourselves, and giving ourselves permission to change course without guilt. Together, Anna and Sally discuss: How early beliefs about who we are can limit what we think is possible Why being “good at something” doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do forever The pressure founders put on themselves to keep going, even when they’re unhappy Why joy, play, and rest aren’t distractions - they’re essential How pressing pause can lead to clearer decisions, not lost momentum Why it’s OK to change your mind, redefine success, and build a business that fits your life now If you’ve ever thought “Is this really it?” (in business or in life), this episode is a nudge to stop, reflect, and remember that you’re allowed to choose differently. Buy Sally's book, Life Life Your Way: And Visit Sally's website: Find out more about our Creating the Curve or join our community here:
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E36: Why Founders Need to Stop and Review, Not Just Push On
01/05/2026
E36: Why Founders Need to Stop and Review, Not Just Push On
As founders, we spend so much time doing the work that keeps the business running that we often forget to step back and ask whether it’s actually taking us where we want to go. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington reflects on a challenging year for many business owners and explores why taking time to review, reset and plan isn’t a luxury - it’s essential work. Building on last week’s conversation with Tom O’Malley, Anna shares what prompted her to pause, reflect, and get intentional again about goals, direction, and energy. She introduces the Year Compass, a simple but powerful reflection tool, and explains how reviewing both your personal and business life together can bring clarity about what you really want from your business. Anna also breaks down SMART goals in practical, real-world terms, showing how vague intentions turn into measurable actions - and how working backwards from your goals makes marketing, sales and decision-making much easier. In this episode, Anna covers: Why reflection matters just as much as action when running a business How tools like the Year Compass help align your business with your real life Why so many founders feel exhausted, busy or stuck - and how clarity helps How to set SMART goals that actually guide your marketing and sales activity Working backwards from revenue targets to understand what you need to do day to day Why being intentional with time, energy and focus matters more than doing more Letting go of guilt around planning and recognising it as proper, valuable work This episode is a calm, honest reminder that stepping away from the desk to plan your direction isn’t procrastination - it’s how you build a business that works for you, not against you. Lint to the Year Compass resource mentioned in the show: Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here:
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E35: Protecting the Business You’ve Worked So Hard to Build with Tom O'Malley
12/29/2025
E35: Protecting the Business You’ve Worked So Hard to Build with Tom O'Malley
Business protection is one of those topics most founders know they should think about… but often don’t, until it’s too late. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington is joined by Tom O’Malley, business protection advisor and self-confessed industry misfit, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what business protection really is, why it’s so misunderstood, and why putting it off can leave huge gaps in your business. Tom shares how he stumbled into business protection himself, why it’s a massively underserved area, and why empathy, trust and human conversations matter far more than suits, jargon and scare tactics. Together, Anna and Tom explore not just the practical side of protection, but the mindset issues founders face around risk, procrastination, confidence and doing the uncomfortable but important work. In this episode, Anna and Tom talk about: • What business protection actually covers (and why it’s much more than life insurance) • The risks founders don’t think about until something goes wrong • Why sickness is far more likely than death, and how income protection really works • How business protection can support directors, key people and partnerships • Why putting something in place is better than waiting for the “perfect” moment • The importance of trust, relatability and having difficult conversations in a human way This episode is part practical guide, part mindset shift, and part reminder that building a business means protecting both the people and the work you’ve worked so hard to create. If you'd like to talk to our guest Tom, please visit: Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here:
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E34: Finding Your People - How Community Helps Founders Thrive
12/21/2025
E34: Finding Your People - How Community Helps Founders Thrive
Running a business can be lonely - especially when you’re spending most of your time sat at your desk, trying to do everything yourself. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington reflects on last week’s conversation about community and digs into why community matters so much for founders - not just for support, but for visibility, confidence, learning, and even winning work. Drawing on her own experience of building, joining and running communities, Anna explores how showing the human behind the business changes how people connect with you, trust you, and choose to work with you. She also breaks down the different types of communities founders can join, why size isn’t everything, and how to find (or build) communities that actually fit your working style and energy. In this episode, Anna talks about: • Why community reveals the human behind the business and why that matters more than a polished corporate image • How being active in communities can lead to work opportunities without “selling” • Why smaller, niche communities often work better than huge, noisy ones • How to choose the right platform based on how you already work and think • Why community participation is real work, even if it doesn’t feel like traditional productivity • How stepping away from your desk and into community can move your business forward faster Whether you’re already part of several communities or haven’t joined one yet, this episode is a gentle nudge to rethink how connection, learning and support fit into your working week and how community can help you feel less alone as a founder. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here:
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E33: From Audience to Allies - Why Community Is the Future of Business with Mark Masters
12/14/2025
E33: From Audience to Allies - Why Community Is the Future of Business with Mark Masters
In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington is joined by Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, to talk about what community really means in business and why it matters more than ever. They explore the shift away from broadcasting at people towards creating spaces where people feel they belong. From building trust and shared identity, to why experiences matter more than polished perfection, this is a conversation about the power of collective effort over individual hustle. Mark shares honest stories from building You Are The Media, including moments that didn’t go to plan (a power cut, a pub, and a laptop held open on 4G), and why those imperfect moments often become the most memorable and meaningful. Together, Anna and Mark unpack how community lightens the load for founders, creates stronger relationships, supports better learning, and helps people feel less alone in business. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation about connection, contribution, and why the future of marketing and growth is built with people, not just platforms.
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E32: Getting Started with Video When Your Motivation Has Left the Building
12/08/2025
E32: Getting Started with Video When Your Motivation Has Left the Building
In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington gets honest about the messy reality of making video as a founder... especially when you don’t feel like it, don’t have perfect equipment, or (in this case) have a full-on pre-Christmas cold. Following last week’s conversation with Juma Bannister, Anna dives deeper into the real barriers behind video avoidance: procrastination, perfectionism, tech faff, and the belief that we need to “feel ready” before we start. She shares her own story of delaying her podcast restart for 18 months, and how discipline, not motivation, finally got her moving again. Anna talks through the small systems and shortcuts that now make her filming process easier - from Dr Octopus desk arms to Audacity templates - and why reducing friction is the only way most founders ever build consistency. She also reflects on confidence, practice, and how to start small by recording videos in safe spaces before ever posting publicly. This episode is a warm, practical pep talk for founders who want to use video but feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be polished. If you’ve been putting off recording anything at all, this might be the nudge you need to finally press record... even when you have a runny nose. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here:
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E31: Feel the Fear and Film It Anyway - Making Video Easier with Juma Bannister
12/01/2025
E31: Feel the Fear and Film It Anyway - Making Video Easier with Juma Bannister
Many founders know video would help their business… yet still avoid making it. Whether it’s fear, uncertainty, perfectionism, or simply not knowing where to begin, video often feels harder than it should. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington is joined by Juma Bannister, Executive Creative Director of Relate Studios, who breaks down the real reason people don’t make video - and it’s not a lack of ideas. As Juma explains, “Saying things publicly makes us feel vulnerable,” and that vulnerability, not technique, is what stops most professionals from ever pressing record. Together they explore the fears and misconceptions that hold founders back: worrying about how they look or sound, believing they need perfect gear, or feeling unsure what to say. Juma shares a grounded, practical approach to building confidence, consistency, and skill - including how to create 12 months of video content without the overwhelm. Listeners will learn: Why video resistance is often emotional, not technical How to make video feel easier by reducing friction Why perfection is the enemy of progress How practice and systems build confidence How to use tools like Descript and ChatGPT to streamline the process This episode is for any founder who knows video could grow their business but hasn’t yet found the courage or the structure to get started. By the end, video feels far less intimidating and far more achievable. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To connect with Juma, find him on LinkedIn: or via his website:
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E30: The Curious Founder Wins - Using AI to Stay Ahead of the Competition
11/24/2025
E30: The Curious Founder Wins - Using AI to Stay Ahead of the Competition
AI might feel like it suddenly exploded into our lives, but as Anna explains in this solo episode of Creating the Curve, the technology has been quietly shaping our world for years. The real challenge for founders isn’t the AI itself - it’s how we, as humans, respond to change. Drawing on decades of tech experience, personal stories, and insights from last week’s guest Luke Williams, Anna explores how to stay curious, confident and authentic as AI becomes part of everyday business. In this episode, Anna talks about: Why AI feels overwhelming and how familiarity makes new tech easier to adopt The importance of staying curious and future-focused so you don’t get left behind How to choose AI tools that fit your values, without sacrificing authenticity Where AI and automation genuinely save time, and where human oversight still matters Practical ways founders can experiment with AI through small, low-pressure trials Why embracing the human side of tech is just as important as the tools themselves Whether you’re excited by AI or exhausted by it, this episode helps founders navigate change with confidence - one small step (and one curious mindset) at a time. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here:
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E29: Human-First AI - Helping Founders Navigate Change with Luke Williams
11/17/2025
E29: Human-First AI - Helping Founders Navigate Change with Luke Williams
AI is everywhere at the moment - but for most small business owners, it still feels confusing and overwhelming. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna speaks with Luke Williams, Group Head of AI at Intergage, about what it really takes for a business to adopt AI safely, ethically and without sending everyone into a panic. Rather than focusing on shiny tools or big promises, Luke takes a calm, practical look at the human side of AI: how teams react to change, why people worry about their jobs, and what business owners can do to introduce AI in a way that feels supportive rather than threatening. Together, they explore: Why AI adoption is less about technology and more about change management How to create simple, human-first AI policies that protect your business Why “human + AI” will always beat “AI replaces humans” The importance of transparency when your team fears being left behind The difference between genuine productivity and AI-for-the-sake-of-it Why pilots sometimes fail - and why that’s perfectly normal How founders can start using AI without losing their voice and values It’s an honest, reassuring conversation for hands-on founders who want to embrace AI without the overwhelm and who want technology to make their business easier, not harder. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join the community here: To connect with Luke Williams, find him on LinkedIn at:
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E28: What’s Your End Game? Building a Business That Fits Your Future
11/09/2025
E28: What’s Your End Game? Building a Business That Fits Your Future
If you don’t know where your business is headed, how do you know what road to take? In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington builds on last week’s chat with HR expert Reyhana Jano by looking at one of the most overlooked questions in business: Where do you actually want to end up? Whether you plan to sell your company, pass it on, or simply work until retirement, your goals shape everything - from the team you build to the systems you put in place. Anna explores: Why your business “end game” defines every decision you make How to use SMART goals to turn vague dreams into clear steps What happens when you build the wrong kind of business for your personality Why knowing your limits (and your gaps) matters just as much as ambition And how to work backwards from your ultimate goal - using tools like AI and planning frameworks to make it achievable It’s part strategy session, part reality check, and a nudge to stop driving without a destination. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To download the Year Compass book I recommend in the podcast, go to:
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E27: Building Teams Without the Headaches - HR Tips for Founders with Reyhana Jano
11/03/2025
E27: Building Teams Without the Headaches - HR Tips for Founders with Reyhana Jano
Hiring people shouldn’t feel like walking through a legal minefield - but for most founders, that’s exactly what it is. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington chats with HR consultant Reyhana Jano about how to build, manage, and retain a small team without the stress (or ending up in tribunal). Reyhana shares over 30 years of HR experience, from corporate to small business consulting, and breaks down what founders really need to know when it comes to contracts, culture, and compliance. Together, Anna and Reyhana talk about: Why hiring someone “just like you” is a terrible idea (and what to do instead) How to build trust, culture, and clarity in your growing team Why muddling through HR can cost you more than getting it right upfront The simple steps to get compliant without the jargon How to reward and retain great people when budgets are tight Whether you’re about to make your first hire or already managing a team, this episode will help you see HR not as red tape - but as one of your biggest tools for growth. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To speak to Reyhana, visit:
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E26: How to Create 30 Pieces of Content from One Idea (with a Little Help from AI)
10/27/2025
E26: How to Create 30 Pieces of Content from One Idea (with a Little Help from AI)
What if you could create 30 pieces of content from just one idea? In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington shares her tried-and-tested method for using AI to repurpose content - without losing your voice and your patience. From turning a podcast, video, or eBook into blogs and social posts, to using tools like ChatGPT, Otter.ai, and Descript, Anna walks through a simple framework for creating a single pillar piece each month and breaking it down into smaller, purposeful content that sounds authentically you. You’ll learn: Why AI can’t (and shouldn’t) replace your voice How to train it to sound like you - not like “everyone else online” The step-by-step process Anna uses to create blogs and posts from one piece of content The tools that make it easier (and the ones that waste your time) Why repurposing isn’t cheating - it’s smart strategy If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen wondering what to post next, this episode will help you lighten the load, sound more consistent, and still sound like you. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: Mark Schaefer's MarkBot that was mentioned in the show:
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E25: Listening to the Market (and to Myself) - The Story Behind My Podcast Relaunch
10/19/2025
E25: Listening to the Market (and to Myself) - The Story Behind My Podcast Relaunch
What happens when your audience isn’t quite who you thought it was? In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington gets honest about her own podcast pivot - how six months of data, feedback, and (accidental) audience research made her realise that her show had outgrown its niche. Originally created for STEM founders, Creating the Curve has steadily attracted a much wider group of hands-on business owners - people who love the doing but struggle with the business side of things. Anna shares: How she realised 80–90% of her listeners weren’t STEM founders Why qualitative feedback is just as valuable as analytics The moment she admitted she’d fallen out of love with her own muted brand How bright colours, rainbows, and a late-night website edit changed everything And why listening to your audience isn’t a failure - it’s smart business It’s part confession, part strategy session, and a reminder that it’s okay to change direction when the data (and your gut) tell you to. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here:
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E24: From Pillars to Playlists - Finding Your Rhythm on Social Media
10/12/2025
E24: From Pillars to Playlists - Finding Your Rhythm on Social Media
Ever feel like your social media sounds like the same song on repeat? You’re not alone and you’re probably not the only one bored of it. In this solo episode, Anna Bravington dives deeper into the playlist approach to social media inspired by her conversation with Gus Bhandal. She talks about how founders can move beyond the traditional content pillars and start thinking like musicians - creating a mix of content “tracks” that still sound like you, but keep your audience interested. From discovering her own content pillars (data, diversity, and connecting business with marketing) to confessing her “safe space” habit of endlessly tinkering with her website, Anna shares how structure, rhythm, and variety can breathe new life into your marketing. You’ll learn: How to move from content pillars to content playlists Why consistency doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over How to balance your core themes with variety that feels natural Why every founder needs their own “album” of ideas And how to stop playing Take That on repeat (metaphorically… or literally) If your posts have started to sound samey - this episode will help you hit shuffle without losing your sound.
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E23: How to Be Seen Without Being Everywhere - Social Strategy with Gus Bhandal
10/05/2025
E23: How to Be Seen Without Being Everywhere - Social Strategy with Gus Bhandal
Social media can feel like a monster - too many platforms, too much noise, and too little time to do it all. But what if you could be seen everywhere without actually being everywhere? In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington chats with Gus Bhandal, social media strategist, LinkedIn trainer, and co-founder of Uplift Live, the UK’s first LinkedIn conference. Gus shares how founders can make social media actually work for their business - without spending every waking hour glued to their phones. They talk about: How to be “omnipresent” without burning out Choosing the right channels instead of chasing all of them Creating a “content playlist” so your posts never feel samey Why personality-led content builds connection faster than perfect posts And why biscuits, orange trainers, and authenticity still beat algorithms Whether you’re stuck in the “post and pray” phase or trying to wrangle too many platforms, this episode will help you step back, simplify, and show up online in a way that actually moves your business forward. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our free community here: To find our guest Gus Bhandal, go to:
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E22: Founders Need to Look Up So They Don't Get Left Behind
09/28/2025
E22: Founders Need to Look Up So They Don't Get Left Behind
When times get tough, it’s tempting to retreat into “busy work” - polishing your website, tinkering with code, or creating new products no one’s asked for. It feels safe. It feels productive. But it doesn’t always move your business forward. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington reflects on her conversation with Mark Schaefer and digs into why founders need to lift their heads, stay curious, and keep an eye on what’s coming next. She shares: Why “being busy” isn’t the same as making progress How comfort zones keep founders stuck Why community and getting out from your desk jolts you into fresh thinking How to use tools like PESTLE analysis to scan for future risks and opportunities Why being a fast follower often beats being first If you’ve ever hidden in the comfort of faffing instead of facing the future, this is your reminder to step back, look up, and get curious about what’s around the corner. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our free community here:
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E21: Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat - Lessons In Future Thinking with Mark Schaefer
09/21/2025
E21: Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat - Lessons In Future Thinking with Mark Schaefer
It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day of running a business: juggling clients, cashflow, and the never-ending to-do list. But if you never look up, you risk missing the future coming straight at you. In this episode of Creating the Curve, I sit down with marketing legend Mark Schaefer - author of 13 books including Audacious, host of the Marketing Companion podcast, and founder of the Rise community. Mark has built his career on curiosity, foresight, and spotting what’s next before anyone else. We talk about: Why being a “fast follower” is a great place to start How to separate shiny distractions from real opportunities Why community is the secret weapon for staying relevant The human side of AI and why it might be your best co-founder at 2am How stories (not pie charts) make lessons stick, and why that matters more than ever in the age of AI content Whether you’re a founder trying to stay ahead, or just someone who feels stuck in the “now,” this episode will help you look up, think bigger, and see what’s around the corner.
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E20: Your First Post Will Be Awful (And That’s OK)
09/14/2025
E20: Your First Post Will Be Awful (And That’s OK)
Personal brand isn’t built in one big moment - it’s built drip by drip, post by post, conversation by conversation. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna builds on her chat last week with Ella Orr to explore the messy reality of showing up online when you’d rather be doing anything else. From why technical founders often loathe marketing, to how even top influencers' first videos are often pretty rubbish, I share why consistency beats polish every time. Expect stories about experimenting with different tones, the frustration of “I hate marketing” threads on Reddit, and why finding your way of showing up (whether that’s writing, video, or even car-park content creation) matters more than doing it “the right way.” If you’ve ever put off posting because it won’t be perfect, this episode is your nudge to start small and keep going. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our free community here: https://creatingthecurve.co.uk
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E19: Personal Brand Without the Jazz Hands - with Ella Orr
09/07/2025
E19: Personal Brand Without the Jazz Hands - with Ella Orr
Personal branding doesn’t mean becoming an “influencer” or performing a polished version of yourself. At its heart, it’s about being seen, known, and remembered for the work you love. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna is joined by the brilliant Ella Orr, personal brand consultant and all-round social media guide, to talk about what personal branding really means for founders and business owners. We dig into: Why personal brand is more about trust than performance How to show up authentically without feeling cringey Why your face is often more powerful than your logo How to start discovering what you want to be known for And why consistency matters more than being on every platform Whether you’re an introverted founder who hates the spotlight or just someone who hasn’t quite worked out how to show up yet, this episode will help you see personal branding in a new light. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To connect with our guest Ella Orr, head over to: or find her on LinkedIn:
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E18: Stop Doing It All Yourself - Learning to Lead and Let Go
08/31/2025
E18: Stop Doing It All Yourself - Learning to Lead and Let Go
Leading a business isn’t just about being the best at the work - it’s about helping other people grow into it. And that can feel really uncomfortable when you know you could do the job faster (and probably better) yourself. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna Bravington shares the messy, often painful lessons she’s learned about leadership - from letting staff walk all over her in her twenties, to realising the only way to step back was to invest time in teaching others. She explores why so many founders struggle to delegate, how “just doing it yourself” holds both you and your team back, and why passing on your knowledge is essential for building businesses that don’t depend on you working 24/7. Expect stories of early management disasters, military-inspired lessons on letting go of control, and practical advice for building a team that can thrive without you. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here:
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E17: Who Put Me in Charge? - Leadership Lessons with Nikie Forster
08/24/2025
E17: Who Put Me in Charge? - Leadership Lessons with Nikie Forster
Stepping into leadership isn’t something most founders feel ready for. One day, you’re running everything yourself - the next, you’ve got people looking to you for guidance, decisions, and direction. And no one gives you a manual. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna is joined by leadership coach Nikie Forster to talk honestly about the messy reality of managing people and growing into the role of a leader. They cover: The difference between managing and leading (and why you need both) What first-time managers often get wrong and how to avoid it Why self-awareness is the most underrated leadership skill How to build trust and communicate clearly with your team Whether you’re hiring your first employee or already juggling a small team, this episode will give you practical insights and a healthy dose of reassurance that you don’t need to have it all figured out to be a great leader. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To connect with our guest Nikie Forster, head over to:
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37940915
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E16: Sod It and Show Up - Finding the Confidence to Be Seen
08/17/2025
E16: Sod It and Show Up - Finding the Confidence to Be Seen
In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna dives into the messy, real-world journey of building confidence and visibility as a founder. If you’ve ever hated the thought of putting your face on camera, dreaded LinkedIn Lives, or worried your content wasn’t “perfect enough,” this one’s for you. Anna shares her own behind-the-scenes struggles with being an introvert in business, from using a green football called Bob as her “co-founder” (because posting a photo of herself felt impossible) to learning that showing up (in whatever form suits you best) is the real key to being known. Packed with encouragement, biscuit debates, and practical tips, this episode reminds you that being visible isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, finding a way of showing up that works for you, and building the kind of recognition that brings opportunities your way. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here:
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37856410
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E15: From Stage Fright to Spotlight - Speaking With Confidence with Jackie Goddard
08/10/2025
E15: From Stage Fright to Spotlight - Speaking With Confidence with Jackie Goddard
Whether it’s pitching to investors, speaking at a conference, or simply introducing yourself at a networking event, speaking with confidence can be a game-changer for your business. In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna is joined by Jackie Goddard, speaking coach, performer, and founder of Power to Speak, to talk about finding your voice, building confidence, and speaking with impact, whether you’re talking to an audience of one or one thousand. They explore: Why confidence comes from practice, not perfection How to prepare without over-rehearsing yourself into a panic The difference between “performance” and authentic connection Simple ways to get more comfortable being seen and heard Why speaking skills matter for every founder - even the introverts Jackie’s approach is warm, practical, and deeply encouraging, perfect for anyone who’s ever avoided the mic, turned down a speaking gig, or wished they could express themselves more clearly. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just not a speaker,” this episode might change your mind. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To speak to Jackie, pop over to her website: or find her on LinkedIn: To watch the video by Nancy Duarte on talk structure that Jackie mentioned in the episode, head over to here:
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37750105
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E14: Redefining Success - Are You Building the Business You Actually Want?
08/03/2025
E14: Redefining Success - Are You Building the Business You Actually Want?
In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna gets deeply honest about success, squashing, and the invisible pressure to chase goals that don’t actually belong to us. Off the back of last week’s conversation with Trisha Lewis, Anna reflects on her own journey of un-squashing - from grief, burnout, and doing what she thought she should, to building a business (and life) that actually fits her. She explores what it really means to define success and wealth on your terms, and why so many founders get caught up chasing someone else’s idea of growth, even when it costs them time, joy, and freedom. Whether you’re building your first offer or ten years into your business, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and ask: Is your business giving you what you need now? Are you chasing what you truly want, or just what you think you should want? And what does “success” even look like if you strip away your preconceptions? Includes practical reflection tips, journal prompts, and encouragement to rebuild your business around what matters most.
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37649245
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E13: You’re Not a Show-Off, You’re Just Showing Up - Talking Imposter Syndrome with Trisha Lewis
07/27/2025
E13: You’re Not a Show-Off, You’re Just Showing Up - Talking Imposter Syndrome with Trisha Lewis
Feel like you're hiding in plain sight? You're not alone. In this episode, Anna is joined by the marvellous Trisha Lewis, communication coach, speaker, and author of The Mystery of the Squashed Self, to talk about why so many brilliant people (especially those in business) are afraid to truly show up as themselves. We dive into the idea of “self-squashing” - a term Trisha coined for the way we shrink back and filter ourselves for fear of being judged, seen as a show-off, or not fitting in. From squirmy networking intros to navigating LinkedIn with personality (instead of panic), we talk about how to get more comfortable with visibility, authenticity, and sharing your wins - without feeling like you need to wrap yourself in disclaimers, self-deprecating humour, or someone else’s idea of professionalism. Whether you’re quietly brilliant, a bit too bubbly, or just tired of second-guessing yourself, this is a chat full of warmth, wisdom, and permission to take up space. You’ll learn: Why “You’re not a show-off unless you’re showing off” should be your new mantra How to spot the signs of self-squashing (and why it’s different from imposter syndrome) Ways to show up online and in-person without needing a fake “personal brand” How a detective mindset and curiosity can help you un-squash yourself one step at a time
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37568895
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E12: Behind Every Great Founder Is a Brilliant Support Network
07/20/2025
E12: Behind Every Great Founder Is a Brilliant Support Network
Running a business can feel like spinning a hundred plates with one hand… especially when you're doing it alone. In this solo episode of Creating the Curve, Anna gets honest about the real blockers founders face, from avoiding the hard stuff to thinking one more app, tool, or course will finally solve everything. She shares the real reason she’s launching her free STEM founder community, why support is critical (even for people who are the support), and how surrounding yourself with the right people can make business feel lighter, clearer, and more possible. Expect stories, laughter, and a reminder that you don’t have to do this on your own. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: https://creatingthecurve.co.uk/
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37472575
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E11: We Are Delighted to Announce… That Your Copy Doesn’t Have to Sound Like This - with Sarah Townsend
07/13/2025
E11: We Are Delighted to Announce… That Your Copy Doesn’t Have to Sound Like This - with Sarah Townsend
In this episode of Creating the Curve, Anna is joined by award-winning copywriter and author Sarah Townsend for a fun, honest conversation about communication, copywriting, and the realities of running your own business, especially when you’re doing it all yourself. They chat about: How to write in a voice that feels like you (not what you think you’re “supposed” to sound like) What to do when writing your own website, sales page, or LinkedIn post feels like pulling teeth Why outsourcing your copy isn’t “cheating” and how even two hours of support can save you ten The emotional rollercoaster of freelancing, from confidence wobbles to quiet months And how to make your marketing easier by being a little braver with your words Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or just someone who stares at the blinking cursor for far too long, this episode is packed with encouragement, smart tips, and laugh-out-loud truths from two people who’ve been there. Find out more about Creating the Curve or join our community here: To speak to Sarah, pop over to her website:
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37392245
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E10: From Word Vomit to Whitepapers - Do Marketing That Works for You
07/06/2025
E10: From Word Vomit to Whitepapers - Do Marketing That Works for You
In this solo episode of Creating The Curve, Anna follows up her conversation with LinkedIn legend John Espirian and dives into what it really takes to show up online when your brain is busy, your time is limited, and you’re not a natural content machine. She shares: Her own struggles with early LinkedIn posting (and feeling rejection) Why she posts less, comments more, and skips the guilt How to pick the right platforms based on your brain, audience, and energy Why video and audio suit her best and how she’s testing TikTok And the real reason “being everywhere” isn’t just overwhelming, it’s unsustainable This episode is part pep talk, part strategy session - perfect for founders who know they should market themselves, but need a way to do it that actually works for them.
/episode/index/show/620700c8-1731-406e-b49c-21e17a65c998/id/37300685