Women's Business

Nicky Denson-Elliott talks to a host of women about their career paths, from early memories of work through careers advice (or lack of it), and first jobs, up to present day. With all their insight and learnings along the way, these conversations are designed to both inspire and empower women in their own career journeys.

#95 Good Girl Economics Explored: Pricing, Perception, and Profit for Female Founders 11/24/2025

#94 Women's Wellness and Work-Life Balance: Insights from writer and cancer survivor Rosamund Dean 11/17/2025

#93: Knee Deep In Life, Healing and Humour with Laura Belbin 11/10/2025

#93: Knee Deep In Life, Healing and Humour with Laura Belbin 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 Join me on Instagram -------------- This episode is supported by , 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 . 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 /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38953745

#92 From Farm Life to Global Brand: Dani Pearce on Building Merry People 11/03/2025

#92 From Farm Life to Global Brand: Dani Pearce on Building Merry People In this episode I speak to Dani Pearce, founder of the globally successful footwear brand Merry People. We start with Dani's early memories of farm life in Australia, her journey through various jobs, and the idea she had that led to her launching her brand. Dani shares how she navigated her company's growth, including securing her first factory in China, selling at farmer's markets, and transitioning to e-commerce. We also delve deep into her personal life, discussing the impact of motherhood on her career, her husband becoming the primary caregiver for their kids, and the importance of maintaining kindness and authenticity as a leader. Tune in for a candid conversation about resilience, growth, and staying true to oneself in business. Find Merry People online here Find Merry People on Instagram here Join the conversation with me on Instagram here ----------- This episode is supported by , 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 to shop now. Magic awaits. --------- Episode Highlights 01:20 Meet Dani Pearce: Founder of Merry People 02:25 Danny's Early Life and Career Beginnings 09:47 The Birth of Merry People 28:32 Challenges and Early Struggles 32:27 Balancing Side Jobs and Business Growth 35:37 Yearly Growth and Digital Shift 37:30 Going Global: US and UK Expansion 43:43 Balancing Motherhood and Business 54:45 Future Plans and Retail Expansion 58:17 Leadership and Personal Growth 01:02:22 Final Thoughts and Advice /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38856635

#91 Redefining Support: From Construction to Lingerie with Nicola Fitzpatrick 10/19/2025

#91 Redefining Support: From Construction to Lingerie with Nicola Fitzpatrick 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 Shop Elansu Join me on Instagram ------- 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 . 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 ----------- 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 /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38628495

#90 Fearless Female Leadership and Blending Purpose with Profit with Chloe Fallon 10/12/2025

#90 Fearless Female Leadership and Blending Purpose with Profit with Chloe Fallon Join me as I speak to Chloe Fallon, founder of Lodestar Accounting. Chloe shares her journey from growing up in a single-parent household to founding her own accountancy firm, alongside starting her own family very young and having the build both alongside each other. We discuss her early career, the pressures of balancing work and family life, her fearless approach to leadership, and the pivotal moment that helped her to focus on purpose and impact over conventional measures of success, as she went about building her all-female team of accountants. Learn about Chloe's mission to support values-driven businesses and her commitment to providing a work environment that integrates work and life. It's a story is one of resilience, balance, and purposeful leadership. Find Chloe on LinkedIn Find Lodestar on Instagram Find Lodestar's website Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram ----------- 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 . 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 . ------------ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 02:48 Chloe Fallon's Early Work Memories 06:10 University and Career Beginnings 13:02 Balancing Career and Motherhood 17:21 Founding LodEstar Accounting 24:42 Building a Female-Led Remote Team 29:20 Leadership and Personal Reflections 31:27 The Importance of Leadership and Legacy 33:38 Finding the Right Clients and Values Alignment 35:11 The 80% Rule and Outsourcing for Growth 37:50 Challenges of Being a Female Founder 41:34 Evolving Leadership Styles 53:12 Balancing Business and Personal Life 55:53 Reflecting on Success and Personal Growth 01:04:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38552045

#89 From Crippling Debt to Financial Freedom with Clare Seal 10/05/2025

#89 From Crippling Debt to Financial Freedom with Clare Seal 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 Find Help Me I'm Poor the podcast Join the conversation with me on Instagram ---------- 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 . 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 ------- 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 /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38459055

#88 Blending Pencils and Purpose with The Stationer's Tessa Sowry-Osborne 09/28/2025

#88 Blending Pencils and Purpose with The Stationer's Tessa Sowry-Osborne In this episode I speak to Tessa Sowry-Osborne, founder of The Stationer - a beautiful online stationery collection curated by Tessa's expert eye and born out of a true passion for stationery. We delve into Tessa's fascinating journey from her early career aspirations in theatre, through to grappling with various temp jobs and eventually finding her calling in the world of high-quality, beautifully designed stationery. We discuss her initial determination to curate a selection of products from scratch, and how the sudden, tragic loss of her mother spurred her to take the leap in setting up her business. Tessa shares insights on juggling entrepreneurship with motherhood, how moments of unexpected virality boosted her business, and the balancing act between ambition and personal well-being. She also talks about a heartwarming project she did with her son, turning his drawings into stickers, which became a big hit. We touch on the therapeutic value of stationery, the power of physical, tactile items in a digital world, and how she's learning to be content with sustainable, steady growth. This episode is a testament to authenticity, resilience, going at your own pace, and the joy found in following your passion. Find Tessa's website Find Tessa on Instagram Join the conversation with me on Instagram -------- This episode is brought to you by . 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 . 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 . /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38381645

#87: Starting Over Sober to Flourish in Business with Jodi Clark 09/21/2025

#87: Starting Over Sober to Flourish in Business with Jodi Clark In this episode I speak to JodI Clark, the founder of Sober Flourish, a wellness-led platform empowering women to remove alcohol and reclaim their energy. JodI shares her remarkable journey from heavy drinking in her teens through to her newfound sobriety, reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to quit alcohol and start her business. We discuss her early influences, career path, and the challenges she faced during the pandemic. Jodi also delves into her strategies for growing a large social media following and the importance of authenticity in business. Finally, we explore the transformational impact of sobriety on her personal and professional life, and Jodi offers advice for those looking to make significant changes in their own lives. Listen for great insight on taking the road lesa travelled and ending up flourishing exactly where you're meant to be! Find Sober Flourish on Instagram Find Jodi's coaching business Find Jodi's website Join me on Instagram -------- 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 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 /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38289175

#86: Reimagining Financial Futures For Women with Victoria Whittington 09/14/2025

#86: Reimagining Financial Futures For Women with Victoria Whittington In this episode I speak to the incredible Victoria Whittington, a female financial planner who stands out in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We dive into her journey from investment banking to setting up her own business, along with the unique challenges and insights she has gained along the way. Victoria shares her personal experiences, from childhood influences and career decisions to the impactful realisation she had during maternity leave. We explore how financial planning can be people-centric, the common misconceptions women have about money, and the importance of removing shame from financial discussions. Plus, Victoria explains her innovative approach to financial advising and the empowering message she promotes for all, especially women. If you're interested in demystifying financial planning and taking control of your financial future, this episode is a must-listen. Book your 30 minute no obligation call with Victoria Find Victoria on Instagram Find Victoria's website Join the conversation with me on Instagram ------ 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 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 . /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38214990

#85 From A Devastating Accident To A Mobility Revolution: Amelia Peckham of Cool Crutches Shares Her Story 09/07/2025

#85 From A Devastating Accident To A Mobility Revolution: Amelia Peckham of Cool Crutches Shares Her Story It's the first episode of the new season and I'm delighted to share this brilliant episode with Amelia Peckham, founder of Cool Crutches. Amelia shares her truly unbelievable story of how a life-altering accident in her early twenties changed the course of her life, after she was faced with the challenges of using conventional crutches during her rehabilitation, and set out to create a better solution, ultimately founding Cool Crutches. We discuss her journey from the devastating accident to the creation of her innovative product, her experience in the conventional workplace as a disabled person, and the rewarding moments of helping others through her business. This episode is filled with resilience, determination, and the transformative power of turning adversity into a positive force. Don't miss this conversation that will offer much-needed perspective and inspiration. Find the Cool Crutches website Find Cool Crutches on Instagram Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram Episode Highlights 00:31 Meet Amelia Peckham: Founder of Cool Crutches 01:48 Amelia's Early Life and Family Influence 03:27 Career Advice and Early Work Experiences 06:27 The Life-Changing Accident 10:56 Rehabilitation and the Birth of Cool Crutches 17:35 Challenges and Innovations in Crutch Design 29:27 Launching Cool Crutches as a Business 35:35 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional PR 36:10 Transitioning to Broadcast PR: A Tough Journey 36:52 Health Struggles and Career Changes 38:12 Finding a New Path: From PR to Fitness 39:36 Building Cool Crutches: A Startup Journey 41:58 Celebrity Endorsements and Business Growth 48:59 Advocacy and Impact: Changing Lives with Cool Crutches 59:38 Balancing Business and Advocacy 01:08:59 Reflections and Future Aspirations /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/38118080

Summer Series #04: Hormone Health and Self-Advocacy with Leah Christian from The House Of Hormones 08/10/2025

The Better Halves Project Ep03: New Parenthood From His Perspective 08/05/2025

Summer Series #03: Mindset, Money, and Motivation with Claire Hill 08/03/2025

The Better Halves Project Ep02: Is He Immune to Dust? 07/29/2025

Summer Series #02: Movement For Joy And Public Speaking Confidence With Emma Zangs 07/27/2025

The Better Halves Project Ep01: Is Allyship A Dirty Word? 07/22/2025

Summer Series #01: Marketing Non-Negotiables with Katie Skelton 07/20/2025

#84 Sisterhood, Success and Navigating Separation with HR Katie AKA Katie Elliott (my sister!) 07/13/2025

#83: From Self-Loathing To Self-Love and the Birth of Lu in Luland AKA Lu Feathersone 07/06/2025

#82 Organisational Rebel: Grace Mosuro on Making Inclusion Unavoidable 06/29/2025

#82 Organisational Rebel: Grace Mosuro on Making Inclusion Unavoidable This week's episode feels special. It feels like one everyone should hear, and in it I speak to Grace Mosuro, an organisational development consultant, inclusion coach, and strategist. Grace shares her compelling journey rooted in her experiences as a black, Nigerian-born, UK-raised woman, touching on her early career, overcoming workplace marginalisation, and her shift towards focusing on diversity and inclusion. We delve into fundamental lessons for founders, the significance of intersectionality, the importance of finding joy in daily life, and how resilience shaped her leadership post-breast cancer. Join us as we explore how to build inclusive workplaces and the transformative power of true allyship. Find Grace on LinkedIn Find Grace's website Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram AND I'm delighted that my first ever stationery collection is now available for pre-order, made in collaboration with the awesome Shop our bespoke weekly desk planner pad, and academic year wall planner, with specially designed stickers to help you plan your year with intention. Numbers are limited and orders close mid July. Shop . EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:20 Meet Grace Mosuro: Organisational Development Consultant 02:37 Grace's Early Work Experiences 08:44 The Journey to Business Management 13:23 Transition to Recruitment and Social Justice 18:20 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder on DEI 26:08 Building Inclusive Workplaces 33:15 The Power of Allyship and Vulnerability in Leadership 36:36 Coaching Leaders for Inclusivity 37:37 Breaking Down Misconceptions and Building Relationships 40:16 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 42:01 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership 50:53 Parenting and Inclusion 55:01 Advice for Small Business Owners on Diversity and Inclusion 59:53 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/37208510

#81: From A Shopping Addiction to Uncluttered Living With Jenn Jordan AKA Orjenise 06/23/2025

#81: From A Shopping Addiction to Uncluttered Living With Jenn Jordan AKA Orjenise In this episode I speak to Jenn Jordan, professional organiser and founder of Orjenise about her unique path to finding her life's calling. Jen wasn't always an organised person; in fact, she was messy and struggled with a shopping addiction. We delve into her early career, time on tour with her rockstar husband, and the moment she realized she needed to declutter her life. Jenn shares the emotional complexities of letting go of sentimental items and offers practical tips for anyone looking to start their own decluttering journey. We also explore Jenn's views on work-life balance, success, and her decision not to have children. Join us for an insightful conversation about embracing change and finding joy in the things that truly matter. Find Jenn on Instagram Find Jenn's website Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram Stationery addicts unite! In case you didn't know I have launched my first small but perfectly formed stationery collection with bespoke stationery designer and maker Fi at Creative Stationery London. The collection includes a weekly desk planner pad, and an academic year planner in two sizes, with bespoke stickers to help you plot in everything from events to holidays to your periods. Check out the collection and pre-order . ---------- 01:20 Meet Jenn Jordan: From Messy to Organised 02:32 Jenn's Early Life and Career Struggles 05:48 University Challenges and Personal Loss 09:08 Life on Tour and Career Shifts 12:08 Discovering a Passion for Decluttering 20:40 Starting a Business and Overcoming Obstacles 32:32 Navigating Grief and Sentimental Items 33:38 The Emotional Weight of Decluttering 36:12 Effective Home Organisation Systems 38:26 Mindful Shopping and Consumption 44:47 Challenges of Running a Small Business 52:29 Personal Reflections on Life Choices 57:25 Practical Tips for Overwhelmed Spaces 01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/37097935

#80 For The Love Of Art Over Artists with Imogen Partridge 06/15/2025

#79 From Doodled Dreams To Dragons' Den With Creator Of Mood Bears Joanna Proud 06/08/2025

#79 From Doodled Dreams To Dragons' Den With Creator Of Mood Bears Joanna Proud In this episode I speak to Jo Proud, the founder of Mood Bears - emotional support bears designed to help children (and adults!) understand and express their emotions. Jo shares her incredibly inspiring story, which began with a late-night idea that was born out of her own mental health struggles. From creating her first prototype to importing a shipping container full of bears from China, Jo discusses the challenging and gratifying journey of building her business. We also delve into her personal life, touching on her upbringing and the choices she made to go against her mother's wishes to be a housewise, plus her one-of-a-kind experience on Dragons' Den, and how her resilience and drive have shaped her into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Jo provides valuable insights into not just her business growth but also the importance of mental health advocacy and how Mood Bears have impacted countless lives in homes, schools, and hospitals. Tune in to hear this compelling conversation on overcoming personal and professional challenges to create a product that brings happiness and emotional support to many. Find the Mood Bears website Find Mood Bears on Instagram Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram ------------------ Thank you so much to for supporting this episode. You know how it is, you spend loads of time and effort on your Insta content, and then only a handful of the people in your audience actually see it. If you’re stuck in that constant frustration and would like closer to 80% of your audience seeing your content then Sophie has a £3 per day ad campaign that might be for you, and she’s spilling her secrets on it totally free of charge! Sophie is an absolute pro when it comes to the big and bold marketing moves you need to make in your business, so whether you need support on paid ads or access to her mastermind or mini mind to help you level up your business, I strongly suggest you check out Sophie’s work. If you’re keen to learn more about her listen back to episode 75 of this very podcast and then head to find out more. --------------- 01:16 Meet Jo Proud and Mood Bears 02:18 Jo's Early Life and Family Dynamics 03:54 Breaking Away and Pursuing Education 07:38 Mental Health Struggles and Coping Mechanisms 16:06 Creating Mood Bears: From Doodles to Reality 20:28 Challenges and Successes in Business 26:39 The Power of Poems and Teddy Bears 27:50 Impact of Mood Bears in Various Settings 31:05 Journey to Dragons' Den 36:19 Life After Dragons' Den 38:32 Personal Reflections and Mental Health 40:42 Mood Bears' Research and Success 44:48 Final Thoughts and Advice 49:31 Exclusive Merch Announcement /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/36871925

#78 From Chick Lit To Letting Go Of Labels With Author Jane Green 06/01/2025

#78 From Chick Lit To Letting Go Of Labels With Author Jane Green My guest today is the utterly inimitable Jane Green, international bestselling author of books like Mr. Maybe and Jemima J, which put her at the forefront of the Chick Lit genre back in the late nineties. We delve into how her writing has evolved with her life, including her experience of divorcing after 18 years of marriage and starting anew in Morocco. Jane shares insights on internalised misogyny, the challenges and joys of creative reinvention, and how she balances work and personal life. We discuss her journey from journalism to fiction and now memoir writing while she recounts the pivotal moments of her career. Join us as we uncover Jane's profound wisdom on navigating life's transitions, reclaiming one’s identity, and living authentically. Find Jane on Instagram Find Jane's website Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram To check out my brand new limited edition stationery collection head ---------------- Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for supporting this episode. You know how it is, you spend loads of time and effort on your Insta content, and then only a handful of the people in your audience actually see it. If you’re stuck in that constant frustration and would like closer to 80% of your audience seeing your content then Sophie has a £3 per day ad campaign that might be for you, and she’s spilling her secrets on it totally free of charge! Sophie is an absolute pro when it comes to the big and bold marketing moves you need to make in your business, so whether you need support on paid ads or access to her mastermind or mini mind to help you level up your business, I strongly suggest you check out Sophie’s work. If you’re keen to learn more about her listen back to episode 75 of this very podcast and then head to find out more. ----------------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:15 Meet Jane Green: Bestselling Author 02:12 Jane's Early Work Memories 04:18 School Days and Career Beginnings 05:43 From Journalism to Novel Writing 07:39 Navigating the Chick Lit Genre 12:00 Personal Life and Writing 20:09 Motherhood and Career Balance 22:53 Facing Judgment and InternaliSed Misogyny 27:58 Marriage Struggles and Unheard Pleas 30:05 Financial Independence and People Pleasing 32:15 Conscious Uncoupling and Mediation Challenges 35:25 Rediscovering Self and Embracing Change 37:58 Writing Transformation and Memoir Journey 42:53 Starting Over in Marrakesh 44:50 Navigating Life Alone and Rebuilding Confidence 52:38 Advice for Women in Transition 56:49 Embracing Joy and Living Fully /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/36744915

#77 Redefining Women's Media with Stylist's Lisa Smosarski 05/18/2025

#77 Redefining Women's Media with Stylist's Lisa Smosarski In this episode I speak to Lisa Smosarski, the award-winning editorial director of Stylist magazine, about her incredible journey in the magazine industry. From her early career in iconic nineties magazines to launching and leading Stylist, Lisa shares insights on evolving media landscapes, internalised misogyny, and the impact of motherhood on her career. We discuss Lisa's North Star of creating intelligent, feminist content that doesn't bow to the trends of clickbait, and the need for systemic change to support working mothers. Lisa's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering passion for her work. Find Lisa on Instagram Find Stylist on Instagram Find Stylist Magazine online Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram -------------------- Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for sponsoring this week's episode! Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course. Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you. The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at ----------------- EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 02:31 Lisa's Early Work Memories 04:53 Pursuing a Career in Journalism 06:19 First Job and Early Career 13:15 Becoming an Editor at Smash Hits 15:10 Reflecting on the 90s Magazine Culture 19:14 Launching Stylist Magazine 27:45 Evolving with the Audience 30:38 Navigating Media Changes 35:31 Balancing Career and Family 37:08 Generational Shifts in Work Culture 38:30 The Need for Structural Change 46:34 Internalized Misogyny and Confidence 54:57 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions 01:00:16 Personal Reflections and Advice /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/36569660

#76 There's No Forgetting Sara Marshall: The Strategic Mind Of A Human Powerhouse 05/11/2025

#75 Embracing Ambition and Finding Flow with Sophie Griffiths 05/04/2025

#75 Embracing Ambition and Finding Flow with Sophie Griffiths In this episode of Women's Business, I speak to Sophie Griffiths, a strategic marketing and meta ad specialist who shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Sophie discusses her earliest work memories, dealing with her father's frequent redundancies, and the significant impact of burnout she experienced at various stages of her life. We delve into how she transitioned from a high-achieving corporate career at British Airways to facing an unexpected redundancy during her maternity leave, leading to a crisis of confidence. Sophie opens up about her diagnosis of ADHD, overcoming the challenges of motherhood while building a business, and the importance of authentic self-presentation in creating a personal brand. We talk about her advice for women forced into entrepreneurship by circumstance, how she approaches pricing and money mindset, and her ambition and drive, even as a mother. Sophie’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and finding joy and flow in her work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to navigate the twists and turns of business and personal growth. Find Sophie on Instagram Find Sophie's website Don't forget to join in the conversation with me on Instagram ------- Thank you so much to Sophie herself for sponsoring this week's episode! Getting ads live is one thing, but making them work is another and that's why Sophie has added 6 weeks of support to her already brilliant Audience Builder Course. Sophie's approach isn't just to look at the ads but what makes the ads work eg your lead magnet and the content you're creating. The course helps you to get started building a Superfans System and is about growing an audience that are excited to buy from you. The live cohort starts 19th May for 6 weeks and the course is usually £250+VAT, but you can get 10% off using the code WILDER10 so jump in and take control of your audience growth at ) /episode/index/show/732ff635-1bf3-4c7b-be9f-a1ed79d78f56/id/36409565

#74 Why Childcare Is Infrastructure: Koru Kids Founder Rachel Carrell 04/27/2025

#73 Finding Strength: From Addiction To Life-Saving Curiosity With Amber Keatley-Shaikh 04/20/2025

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