Being a Business Owner
Nobody hands you a manual when you start a business. That's why I created this podcast, the closest thing to one I could build. Hey, I'm Alexis Charkiw and I cover the stuff that actually keeps business owners up at night (money, strategy, AI, growth) and I promise to always explain it in plain English. You belong in this conversation, and I want you to feel that way every single episode.
info_outline
What It's Actually Like Going To IdeasFest For The First Time
09/15/2026
What It's Actually Like Going To IdeasFest For The First Time
Thinking about going to IdeasFest? Here's an honest, first-timer's take before you buy a ticket. I went for the first time this year, and it was a genuinely mixed experience: some of it brilliant, some of it overwhelming, and worth knowing about before you commit your time and money. I'm sharing: What it's really like as a first-timer, from the missing Wi-Fi to figuring out where the talks actually were. Why some of the content felt too surface-level for me, while still being exactly what someone else needed to hear. The real cost of attending, tickets, hotel, food and the time you lose to recovering afterwards. The two talks I ended up speaking at completely unplanned, and how that went. Why post-event burnout is real, and why I don't think you need to rush back online straight after. Not every event has to change your life to be worth going to. Sometimes it's enough to just show up, take it all in, and figure out afterwards what it actually meant for you. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42895805
info_outline
£90,000 Can Be A Healthy Turnover And Nobody Else Gets To Decide That
09/08/2026
£90,000 Can Be A Healthy Turnover And Nobody Else Gets To Decide That
A stranger on LinkedIn decided a business owner's £90,000 turnover wasn't "healthy." Yet they had no context of what it actually took to get there. A comment thread about VAT registration turned into one accountant judging another accountant's client, and it struck a nerve with me. Turnover means nothing without the story behind it, and business owners deserve better than being judged by the people meant to support them. I'm sharing: The LinkedIn comment that questioned whether hitting the VAT threshold really counts as a "healthy turnover". Why the same number can mean completely different things depending on someone's circumstances. Why so many business owners feel too nervous to ask their accountant a "stupid" question. Why judgment from anyone you pay for advice should be a red flag, not something you just accept. Why now's the time to advocate for yourself if a service provider isn't giving you what you actually need. Nobody gets to decide what counts as success in your business except you. They weren't there for the late nights, the risk, or the reason you started in the first place. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42807970
info_outline
Five Regulatory Changes Hitting UK Business Owners All At Once
09/01/2026
Five Regulatory Changes Hitting UK Business Owners All At Once
Episode Title: Five Regulatory Changes Hitting UK Business Owners All At Once Description: Right now, UK business owners are facing several major regulatory and legislative changes landing at once, each one separate, each one significant, and together they're creating real pressure. This episode walks through what's changing and why it matters, without expecting you to become an expert in any of it. I'm sharing: Making Tax Digital, and why HMRC are starting to mandate anyone who hasn't already registered The AML supervision reform, which will move anti-money laundering oversight for accountants and other regulated professionals to the FCA The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, including new identity verification rules for company directors The Employment Rights Bill, and why it's making some businesses hire more cautiously Data protection and AI, and why now's a good time to review how your business handles data under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 If you're feeling the pressure of it all landing at once, that's a real, shared experience, not a sign you're falling behind. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42619255
info_outline
Why I Stopped Trying To Be Everything To Every Client
08/25/2026
Why I Stopped Trying To Be Everything To Every Client
Saying no to a potential client can feel like leaving money on the table. But sometimes it's the smartest decision you can make. Software that used to do one thing well is now trying to do everything at once, and keeping up with it all was becoming impossible. So earlier this year, I made the decision to become a Xero-only accountancy practice, even though it meant turning away clients using other systems. I'm sharing: Why software that used to have one clear purpose is now trying to do everything, and what that's doing to businesses trying to keep up. The decision to become a Xero-only practice, and why it meant saying no to some potential clients. Why I don't think my team can do a brilliant job if they're spread across too many systems at once. Why being upfront about what we can and can't support matters more to me than saying yes to everyone. Because I'm a firm believer that doing fewer things brilliantly will always beat trying to be everything to everyone! Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42459250
info_outline
Should Your Accountant Tell You When They Start Using AI?
08/18/2026
Should Your Accountant Tell You When They Start Using AI?
Earlier this year, I emailed my clients to explain a new partnership between two platforms I use, Xero and Anthropic, the company behind an AI tool called Claude. I gave every client the choice to opt in, opt out, or have a chat if they weren't sure. Then someone questioned why I'd bothered, since accountants don't usually announce every software change. I'm always interested in other people's point of view so started thinking about their opinion and why I felt different when it comes to AI. I'm sharing: Why I chose to proactively tell clients about a new AI partnership, and gave them a real say in whether to use it. The pushback I got and why someone believed AI deserves no more transparency than any other software update. What actually makes AI fundamentally different from traditional software, in a way that affects your financial data. Why even the companies building AI can't fully explain how it reaches its answers. Why staying informed doesn't mean becoming an expert, it just means paying attention. Transparency isn't about being an AI expert. It's about giving people the choice to understand what's actually happening with their own information. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42377965
info_outline
The Opportunities You Almost Talk Yourself Out Of Are Usually The Ones That Grow Your Business The Most
08/11/2026
The Opportunities You Almost Talk Yourself Out Of Are Usually The Ones That Grow Your Business The Most
Every big opportunity I've taken this year started the same way: nerves, doubt, and almost saying no. Saying yes to a speaking event outside my comfort zone led directly to becoming a fractional CFO for a growing tech company. Now I've said yes again, to exhibiting for the very first time, at The Business Show at ExCeL London this November, and the nerves are back. I'm sharing: The link between one nervous "yes" to speak at an event, and the completely new career chapter it opened up. Why I always visit an event as an attendee first, before I ever commit to being an exhibitor. Everything that goes into exhibiting long before the day itself: furniture, banners, talk length, budget, the lot. Why Blackline Academy and Right Click are exhibiting side by side at ExCeL, and what that actually means for anyone who visits the stand. Why I'm sharing all of this in real time, nerves included, rather than after it's already polished. Every big moment on socials is built on months of quiet prep that nobody sees, and I think that's worth showing every now and then. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42225510
info_outline
From Co-Founder To CFO: Why I've Said Yes To A Job I've Never Done Before
08/04/2026
From Co-Founder To CFO: Why I've Said Yes To A Job I've Never Done Before
I've got an announcement, actually two! I'm handing the Blackline reins over to my co-founder Tom, and taking on a fractional CFO role I've never done before. Neither decision happened overnight. One is about knowing when to step back. The other is about knowing when to say "yes" to something that scares you a little. But this week I'm chatting about how I got to both. I'll be sharing more on: Why I believe Tom is ready to run Blackline without me, after everything he's grown into over the last year. What a fractional CFO role actually means, and why I said yes despite never having done the job formally. How I weighed up my family, my apprentice and my existing business before committing to anything new. Why I'll be under an NDA, and exactly what that does and doesn't mean for what I can share here. These are the moments that shape a founder's story just as much as the wins do! (Even when they take weeks of quiet thinking to get right.) Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42225500
info_outline
You Can't Build The Business Without Building The Founder
07/28/2026
You Can't Build The Business Without Building The Founder
Nobody warns you that growing your business also means growing yourself. After speaking to thousands of founders over the years, I've noticed the same thing holds almost every business back at some point: confidence. Not skill, not the market, not the support around them. Confidence. I'm sharing: Why founders don't have the structure employees do and what that does to your self-belief The moment I realised my mum, my very first employee, taught me more about letting go than anyone since My "rubber band" way of picturing why delegation feels so hard when it's genuinely your baby Why founders who've been burnt by a bad hire hesitate to try again and why that's worth naming Why I believe you can't separate the growth of your business from the growth of you as a person Because the business only grows as far as you're willing to grow with it. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42151990
info_outline
I Nearly Pulled Out Of The Biggest Talk Of My Career
07/21/2026
I Nearly Pulled Out Of The Biggest Talk Of My Career
Three days before my biggest talk yet, I turned to my husband and said I couldn't do it. I'd said yes to speaking at the ICC in Newport, my biggest stage yet, and by the Wednesday before, I was ready to back out. This week's a bit different: a personal, unedited reflection on the anxiety, the doubt, and the prep that got me through it. I'm sharing: How I ended up speaking there in the first place and why I hadn't even applied The moment I found out I was filling a slot meant for someone I deeply admire and what that did to my head What anxiety actually feels like in my body and why I think that's worth talking about The conversation with my husband three days before, when I genuinely considered pulling out The unglamorous prep that got me on stage: from charging my clicker twice to sorting my outfit down to the underwear Because confidence isn't the absence of fear. It's doing the thing anyway, toes curling and all. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42151230
info_outline
The CLEAR Way to AI-Ready Finance
07/16/2026
The CLEAR Way to AI-Ready Finance
I recently spoke on the biggest stage I've ever stood on. ICC Newport, a session on AI in finance, and I was terrified. This week's episode is a bit different. Instead of talking to you directly, I'm sharing some of what I said on that stage: the pain points I see in businesses every day, the framework I've built to fix them and why AI isn't going to save you if your finances are a mess first. I'm sharing: Why you need to be AI ready before you can be AI led, and what the "messy middle" actually looks like My CLEAR framework: Clean, Live, Enhanced, Accountable and Relevant data A real story about a business that hit £3.5 million in turnover, on paper, before its Frankensteined systems caught up with it What Shadow AI is and why your team might already be using it without telling you Why I don't think AI replaces the human in the loop, and what that means for accountants Because whether you're excited about AI or dreading it, the businesses that win won't be the ones with the flashiest tools. They'll be the ones who got their data right first. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/42058325
info_outline
"What The Heck Is MTD?" And Why Every Self-Employed Business Owner Needs To Know
07/09/2026
"What The Heck Is MTD?" And Why Every Self-Employed Business Owner Needs To Know
A friend of mine, who's self-employed and runs a few different businesses, text me last week and said, "Lex, I know you'll understand this stuff, but what the heck is MTD and where do I even start?" So that's exactly what we're talking about today! Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) is the biggest tax reform in 40 years, and if you're self-employed or a landlord, it's about to change how you report your finances to HMRC. The tax itself isn't changing. How and when you tell HMRC about it is. I'm sharing: What Making Tax Digital actually is, and why the name makes it sound way scarier than it is Who it affects (spoiler: if you run a limited company, this one's not for you) and the income thresholds that decide when you get pulled in The key deadlines coming up, including the first quarterly submission on 7th August, and why HMRC won't be issuing penalties in year one Why I'm calling this a "guinea pig year" and telling my own friend to treat it as practice, not pressure The practical homework to do right now, from sorting your Government Gateway login to figuring out how you actually like to learn Because whether you're dreading it or you've never heard of it until this episode, the more you understand now, the less overwhelming it'll be when it lands on your desk. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41960515
info_outline
You Don't Own Your Business Name Just Because It's On Companies House
07/02/2026
You Don't Own Your Business Name Just Because It's On Companies House
I burst someone's bubble on a prospect call recently. And I felt terrible about it. They'd set up as a limited company specifically to protect their business name. It made complete sense to them. The only problem? Registering at Companies House doesn't actually protect your name at all. It's one of the most common misconceptions I come across, and it can leave your business completely exposed without you even realising it. In this episode I'm walking you through exactly what I told them, and what every business owner should know about actually protecting what they've built. I'll be talking more about: Why Companies House registration gives you far less protection than you think. What a trademark actually is, how to apply for one, and why it matters. Why shareholder agreements are so important, and why most people only find out when it's too late. Why grabbing your social media handles across every platform is one of the easiest things you can do right now. Why you should always hold the master login to your own software and systems. Because building a business takes everything you've got, and the last thing you want is to lose control of it over something that could have been sorted in an afternoon! Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41722685
info_outline
Not Every Business Relationship Is Built To Grow With You (And That's Okay)
06/25/2026
Not Every Business Relationship Is Built To Grow With You (And That's Okay)
Growth in business is exciting. But nobody really prepares you for what happens to the relationships around you when you start to level up. In this episode I'm getting honest about something I'm seeing play out more and more...the way your network, friendships and professional circles naturally shift as your business evolves. It's not dramatic, there's no falling out. It just happens. And it can feel really unsettling if you don't understand why. I'm sharing: Why outgrowing certain relationships in business is completely normal and nothing to feel guilty about How to handle those shifts with honesty and kindness rather than just quietly drifting Why the right group of people around you becomes more important the higher you grow What "every new level has a new devil" actually means in practice Why I'm fiercely protective of my own inner circle and what makes it work Because the people you surround yourself with in business aren't just nice to have. At every new level, they become everything. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41413670
info_outline
The Problem With Commission-Based Accountancy (And Why It Should Matter To You)
06/18/2026
The Problem With Commission-Based Accountancy (And Why It Should Matter To You)
Someone waved a £50 note at me at AccountEx. So naturally, I stopped. What followed was a conversation that didn't sit right with me...and the more I thought about it, the more I realised why. In this episode I'm talking about commission-based services, why they make me uncomfortable, and the very real, very public case that explains exactly why that instinct exists. If you're a business owner who trusts a finance professional to act in your best interests then this is worth understanding. I'm sharing: What commission-based accountancy services actually mean in practice The Apostle Accounting case what happened, who got hurt, and why it still matters Why the people who were affected aren't the ones who should feel embarrassed What I look for when deciding who to recommend, refer, or work alongside Why trust isn't just a nice to have in finance, it's everything! Because knowing what questions to ask, and what red flags to look out for, could save your business from a very costly mistake. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41413630
info_outline
What Happens When You Put 3,000 Accountants in a Room (My AccountEx 2025 Experience)
06/11/2026
What Happens When You Put 3,000 Accountants in a Room (My AccountEx 2025 Experience)
Once a year I make the trip to London for AccountEx, the largest finance expo in the world. And every year I come home buzzing. This episode I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it's actually like to attend an event like this as a small practice owner; why I go, how I plan my time, and what I came away thinking about this year. This isn't just an event recap. I'm sharing conversations that confirmed things I already suspected, moments that genuinely surprised me, and one particular seminar that sent me straight home to update my client agreements. You can expect to hear: Why networking with other small accountancy firms is one of the most valuable things I do all year How I plan my time at expos to make sure I'm always looking ahead, not just keeping up What the seminars on AI actually revealed and why the US is already doing what's coming to the UK What the Anthropic and Xero partnership actually means for your financial data Why I came home and immediately started updating my client communications If you're the kind of business owner who likes to know what's happening behind the scenes before everyone else is talking about it...you'll enjoy this one! Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41413585
info_outline
Why Accountants Are Leaving the Industry (And Why I Don't Blame Them)
06/04/2026
Why Accountants Are Leaving the Industry (And Why I Don't Blame Them)
Something is happening in the accountancy world that nobody is really talking about, and I think it's time someone did. Accountants are leaving. Practices are being sold. People are retiring early. And if you work with an accountant or rely on one for your business, this episode is worth a listen. I’m pulling back the curtain on what's really going on inside the industry; from the shift to digitalisation and real-time reporting, to the weight of new regulation, rising costs, and the pressure that AI is adding on top of it all. I'm sharing: Why the move to digital has completely changed what clients expect from their accountant. Why explaining numbers is a completely different skill to crunching them. The regulation changes that are quietly making the industry harder to stay profitable in. What AI and software partnerships actually mean for the future of accountancy. What to look out for when it comes to your own accountant and the questions worth asking. Because the more you understand about the world your accountant is navigating, the better conversations you can have to benefit your own business. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41246320
info_outline
You Don't Know What You Don't Know: The Real Challenges Founders Face at Every Level
05/28/2026
You Don't Know What You Don't Know: The Real Challenges Founders Face at Every Level
It doesn't matter how long you've been in business or what your turnover looks like. At some point, every founder hits a wall. And more often than not, it's not the business that's the problem…it's everything around it. This episode is inspired by real conversations from a cohort of established founders I ran earlier this year. And what struck me most? The challenges were almost identical across the board, regardless of the size of the business. In this episode I'm sharing: Why every founder plateaus and what it actually takes to break through. The simple exercise that can help you figure out exactly what to delegate (and when). Why not making a decision is still making a decision. How to build systems and processes that don't rely on you being in the room. Why confidence, not strategy, is often what's really holding founders back. Because sometimes the most valuable thing isn't another business tool or strategy, it's knowing other people are going through the same thing too! Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41246310
info_outline
Why Running a Business in the UK Has Never Been Harder (And What's Coming Next)
05/21/2026
Why Running a Business in the UK Has Never Been Harder (And What's Coming Next)
Nobody's talking about this enough. So I am. Every UK business owner is feeling right now, whether they want to admit it or not. It's hard out there. Really hard. And it's not just me saying it. I've been in the rooms with some of the most respected voices in UK accountancy and tax, and even they're saying it. In this episode I'm breaking down exactly what's going on in the UK business landscape right now, why it feels so stifling, and why AI is adding a whole new layer of uncertainty on top of it all. I'm sharing: The tax changes hitting UK employers hardest right now. Why the cost of living crisis and rising business costs are creating a perfect storm. My honest, love-hate relationship with AI and why it excites and terrifies me in equal measure. Why being agile and staying curious might be the most important business skills you can have right now. Because understanding why things are hard makes them a little easier to navigate. And if you've been feeling the pressure lately you're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone. Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41246235
info_outline
I Never Meant To Go Quiet (But Here's Why I Did)
05/14/2026
I Never Meant To Go Quiet (But Here's Why I Did)
I said I was taking the summer off. Then summer turned into months. And if I'm being honest, it wasn't just a break. I'd lost my voice. Somewhere along the way I'd convinced myself that unless I had a hot take or something controversial to say, maybe I didn't have anything worth saying at all. (Spoiler…I was wrong!) In this episode I'm getting honest about where I've been, what's been building behind the scenes, and the two things that happened that made me realise I couldn't stay quiet any longer. I'm sharing: Why imposter syndrome quietly talked me out of showing up (and why so many entrepreneurs feel the same). The client story that genuinely shook me, and why having clean financial data can make or break a business. What I've been building while I was away, including new ways to support business owners. Why I'm back, and what this podcast looks like from here Because you don't need hot takes to have a voice worth listening to. You just need to be honest. And if you've ever talked yourself out of showing up, this one's for you, whether you're just starting out or years into running your business! Let’s Connect: Be sure to check out:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/41246110
info_outline
Slowing Down Is a Strategic Move, Not A Setback
07/22/2025
Slowing Down Is a Strategic Move, Not A Setback
In business (and in content) what works one month, won’t always serve you in the next. In this episode of Being A Business Owner, I’m sharing why I’m reshaping the podcast format to better reflect where I’m at in my business journey, and why taking space this summer is an intentional move, not just a break for the sake of it. This isn’t just about schedules or structure...it’s about energy, alignment, and making decisions that feel good for you, not just your audience. I’ll be chatting more about; • Why I’m switching to short, weekly solo episodes (with bonus guest episodes) • The value of pausing during busy seasons, especially if you’re juggling work and life • How I’ve outgrown certain formats and what I’m leaning into now • Why honouring your own pace is a power move, not a weakness If you’re in a place of rethinking, reshaping, or simplifying, this episode will remind you that evolution is part of the job and there’s real strength in slowing down to realign. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/37502520
info_outline
AI Anxiety: Why Business Owners Feel Overwhelmed by Artificial Intelligence (And What to Do About It)
07/10/2025
AI Anxiety: Why Business Owners Feel Overwhelmed by Artificial Intelligence (And What to Do About It)
It’s everywhere....ChatGPT, Copilot, Canva’s Magic Write…AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s creeping into how we write, plan, design, and do business. But how are we really feeling about it? In this episode, I’m diving into the real talk around artificial intelligence. Not just the tools, but the fears, the overwhelm, and the big opportunities it brings for business owners. This isn’t a tech tutorial. It’s a conversation about adapting, staying curious, and being intentional with how we move forward. I’m sharing: • Why AI can feel overwhelming (and what to do when it does) • The balance between embracing innovation and sticking to your values • How I’m personally using tools like ChatGPT to boost creativity, not just save time • What to consider before relying too heavily on AI in your content • Why your mindset (not the tech) determines whether AI helps or hinders your business So if you're feeling like AI is everywhere and you're not sure whether to lean in or run away, this episode will help you reframe your approach and feel more in control. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/37348040
info_outline
How Changing Careers Helped Me Build a Life-Led Business with Kate Brooks
06/24/2025
How Changing Careers Helped Me Build a Life-Led Business with Kate Brooks
What does it really look like to build a business that works for your life, not the other way around? In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Brooks, equestrian coach turned driving instructor, outdoor adventurer, and long-time friend. She’s spent the last 25+ years building a business that fits around family life, personal values, and (most importantly) her own definition of success. From freelance beginnings and accidental self-employment to finding her sweet spot with strong boundaries and a four-day workweek, Kate’s story is a reminder that bigger isn’t always better and that keeping things simple can be a power move. We’re diving into: • How a shift in family priorities led to a career pivot (and a surprising new passion) • What people really misunderstand about being self-employed • Pricing fairly without penalising people who can’t pay upfront • The emotional side of teaching (and what no one tells you about failed driving tests) • Why admin time and emotional labour count—even if you’re not paid for them • Building boundaries, managing your energy, and being mentally present for the people that matter • Making space for joy outside of business (and what she’s learned from walking solo as a woman) This one’s warm, honest, and full of grounded perspective for anyone who's choosing a business that works with their life...not one that runs over it. Let's Connect: Connect with Kate Brooks: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/37023445
info_outline
Stop Rebuilding the Same Business Systems Over and Over
06/11/2025
Stop Rebuilding the Same Business Systems Over and Over
You know that feeling when you've finally got your business systems working...and then the software company gets bought out? Or goes under? Or completely changes everything you relied on? It's happened to me three times now. And honestly, I'm tired of rebuilding the same processes over and over again just because I can't control what happens to the tools I'm using. But the problem isn't just picking the "right" software. It's about building systems that can actually survive when things change...because they will! In this episode, I'm sharing what I'm doing differently this time around and why I think we need to stop thinking about "where we spend our time" and start thinking about "where we spend our attention." I'll be covering: • Why your business processes need to survive software changes • The difference between spending time vs. spending attention • What "staying in your lane" actually looks like in practice (because it's harder than it sounds) • How to create a central place for all your processes so your team can actually find them • The real reason most business processes fail (it's not about the software) So if you're tired of rebuilding the same systems every time something changes, or if you're running a business that feels like it's held together with digital duct tape, this episode will help you build something more sustainable. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/36937410
info_outline
From Second-in-Command to CEO: The Shift to Self-Leadership with Olya Grovel
05/27/2025
From Second-in-Command to CEO: The Shift to Self-Leadership with Olya Grovel
What happens when you stop building for someone else and finally take the leap for yourself? In this episode, I’m joined by Olya Grovel (a growth consultant turned founder) who’s right in the middle of that messy, brave, and transformational journey. After years scaling startups behind the scenes, she’s now building her own AI-powered product and facing all the mindset shifts, habit rewiring, and emotional rollercoasters that come with it. We’re diving into: • The identity shift from being “the right-hand” to calling the shots • Why working for yourself shines a harsh light on your habits • Balancing ambition with reality (especially when you’ve got young kids) • What most influencers don’t tell you about building a business online • The dangers of hustle hype, engagement pods, and recycled Stripe screenshots • The power, and chaos, of building in the AI space • Why defining your runway (financial and emotional) is crucial before going solo If you’ve ever felt torn between comfort and calling, this one’s for you! We’re ditching the Instagram gloss and getting real about what it means to step out of the shadows and build something that’s fully your own. Let's Connect: Connect with Olya Grovel: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/36623625
info_outline
How I'm Building a Sustainable Business That Doesn’t Rely on Quick Fixes
05/13/2025
How I'm Building a Sustainable Business That Doesn’t Rely on Quick Fixes
Most of us didn’t start our business with a perfect system in place. We figured it out as we went. We Googled the gaps. We made it work. But at a certain point, those short-term fixes start to catch up with you. In this episode, I’m talking about the stage no one prepares you for: when things are working, but still feel way too fragile. When you’re not trying to get clients anymore, but you are trying to stop everything from falling through the cracks. I'll be covering: • What happens when your business grows faster than your systems • Why “it’s fine for now” isn’t fine for the future • How to stop patching problems and start building properly • The mindset shift from reacting to restructuring • What a sustainable business actually looks like behind the scenes So if you’re running a business that looks successful on the outside but feels messy underneath, then this episode is your starting point for building something stronger. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/36425465
info_outline
The Journey from Hair Stylist to Online Educator with Leah Pooni
04/29/2025
The Journey from Hair Stylist to Online Educator with Leah Pooni
Transitioning from a traditional service-based career to the online world isn't without its challenges, but it can lead to incredible opportunities. In this episode, I sit down with Leah, an expert in the hair and beauty industry, to discuss her journey from working as a hair stylist to becoming an online educator. Leah’s story is about more than just making a career change; it’s about evolving and adapting every step of the way. We dive into how she’s embraced ongoing learning, faced the challenges of shifting from a traditional service to an online space, and how setting boundaries has helped her strike a balance between professional growth and personal well-being. We'll be talking more about: • Leah's early start in the hair and beauty world and how it shaped her career. • The big leap from face-to-face client work to launching online courses. • Why setting boundaries is crucial for business success...and your sanity. • The importance of never stopping learning, no matter how experienced you are. • Juggling business growth with family life (the highs, the lows, and everything in between) • Creating a unique, multicultural hair extension course with a holistic focus. • Real talk on the toughest days and the biggest wins when running your own business. Let's Connect: Connect with Leah Pooni: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/36207555
info_outline
How to Keep Your Business Profitable When Everything Gets More Expensive
04/15/2025
How to Keep Your Business Profitable When Everything Gets More Expensive
Running a business when everything feels more expensive is tough, and if you're feeling the pinch right now...you're not alone. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to navigate the cost-of-living crisis while building a stronger, more sustainable business behind the scenes. From the challenges of delegation and streamlining systems, to redefining what "work-life balance" actually means, this one's for anyone wondering how to keep their business profitable when costs keep rising. We’ll be diving into: ✅ The operational shifts I’ve made to stop being the bottleneck in my business ✅ Why I’m unapologetically working on what matters, even if it’s not shiny or shareable ✅ My hot take on loving the grind (and why that’s not a bad thing) ✅ The importance of building a profitable business from the ground up ✅ How staying legally sound in business is your ultimate peace of mind This episode is a mix of personal reflections, practical insight, and a few juicy stories that remind us: growth isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always worth it. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/36151640
info_outline
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Freelance Photography with Jon Plimmer
04/01/2025
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Freelance Photography with Jon Plimmer
In this episode, I'm joined by photographer and videographer Jon Plimmer to discuss his journey through 17 years in the industry. We delve into the trials and triumphs he has faced, from dealing with unscrupulous client poaching and the complexities of self-employment, to the fulfilling moments that reaffirm his passion for capturing life's special events. Whether you're a budding photographer or a seasoned business owner, Jon's candid insights about the importance of client relationships and adapting to industry changes offer invaluable lessons. Disclaimer - this episode contains some dark humor and strong language. If that’s not your vibe, feel free to skip this one – but if you’re ready for an honest, raw conversation about the ups and downs of freelance life, then tune in as we explore the often unpredictable, yet rewarding world of freelance photography. Let's Connect: Connect with Jon Plimmer: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/35935955
info_outline
The UK Tax Changes Business Owners NEED to Know
03/18/2025
The UK Tax Changes Business Owners NEED to Know
Running a business is challenging enough without unexpected changes throwing you off track. In this episode, we’re diving into some major shifts in the tax system and what they mean for business owners. From Making Tax Digital (MTD) to changes in how businesses report income, it’s crucial to stay informed - because what you don’t know can cost you. We’ll be covering: ✅ How Making Tax Digital will change tax reporting (and what you need to do now) ✅ The new rules for reporting income from side hustles ✅ Why business rates and tax debts are getting a government crackdown ✅ A key financial change that could impact how much you pay in National Insurance ✅ Practical steps to avoid costly penalties and interest fees This episode may be a little more serious than usual, but trust me you need to hear this. Staying ahead of these changes can make all the difference in protecting your business. Let's Connect: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/35723490
info_outline
From Vintage Clothes to Venture Growth with Business Mentor Tom Phillips
03/04/2025
From Vintage Clothes to Venture Growth with Business Mentor Tom Phillips
Starting a business is just about having a great idea and running with it, right? If only. In this episode, I sit down with Business Mentor and Head of Commercial Development at Welsh ICE, Tom Phillips, to talk about what really goes into building a successful business. From bootstrapping a vintage clothing business at 16 to mentoring startups and scaling social enterprises, Tom’s journey is packed with real talk, hard lessons, and a few home truths every entrepreneur needs to hear. We’ll be talking more about: • The biggest mindset blocks stopping business owners from growing • How to know if you’re actually running a business – or just playing it safe • Why “I need funding” is the biggest lie keeping people stuck • The power of yet – and how one word can change how you approach setbacks • What makes a real mentor (and why most business coaches are getting it wrong) • How to sell without sounding like a walking sales pitch Let's Connect: Connect with Tom Phillips: Useful Links:
/episode/index/show/a7822b49-bd68-4e99-8239-ce434ef2b491/id/35420740