Bump to Business Owner

Bump to Business Owner is the go-to podcast for mums who don’t want to compromise on their careers but know that traditional full time employment just isn’t compatible with family life. It’s a space for female entrepreneurs and future founders creating autonomy and a deeper sense of purpose for themselves, their business and their children. Join your host, Caroline Marshall, founder of award winning Virtual Assistant agency Upsource and mum of two boys, in conversation with real women: mothers and entrepreneurs juggling the challenges of growing a successful business whilst raising a family.

E92: Macarons, motherhood and growth with Rachel Hanretty, founder of Mademoiselle Macaron 11/13/2025

E92: Macarons, motherhood and growth with Rachel Hanretty, founder of Mademoiselle Macaron Rachel and I met on the Goldman Sachs 10KSB programme in February and instantly gravitated towards another. Both mums, both struggling with being away from family, but determined to grow our businesses, despite all the challenges that motherhood/founderhood bring. My conversation with Rachel is almost excoriatingly honest about the impact of motherhood on her business, and herself. These are the conversations we need to have with women, founders, mums and would-be mums. Because the internet will tell you, you can have it all, but the reality isn't quite like that. The economy, the strength of your team and your business plan, mum guilt, resilience, self-awareness as a business owner, and why you might be the obstacle to growth: it’s a big conversation. Takeaways: Rachel’s career journey from hustling teenager to market stall to e-commerce The transition between young, “fun” business and becoming an authority figure The huge personal transition of becoming a mum in a wider context of huge economic uncertainty The struggle of being a founder-led brand when you’re a mum, you’re exhausted and you just don’t want to be on camera! Running a business means managing people and their very real, not always business-related, problems How Rachel’s business had been impacted by motherhood, and the team not being where/who she needed them to be How Rachel’s experiences in business are shaping the growth (or not growth) of her family What needs to change to support mums in the workplace and into becoming a business owner The resilience Rachel’s long-term health condition has given her Rachel's vision for the future, and why she might not be what the business needs Where she finds joy Resources: SuperScalers: Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Rachel Hanretty and Mademoiselle Macaron 02:10 The Journey from Paris to Entrepreneurship 05:01 Building a Brand: From Market Stall to E-commerce 07:40 Navigating Leadership and Team Dynamics 10:00 The Impact of Motherhood on Business Identity 12:41 Challenges of Balancing Business and Parenting 15:07 The Cost of Living Crisis and Its Effects 17:22 The Pressure of Being a Founder Influencer 20:12 Realities of Managing a People Business 20:46 Navigating Maternity Challenges in Business 22:13 Balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership 24:48 The Emotional Toll of Motherhood on Business 27:31 Guilt and the Struggle for Balance 30:10 The Impact of Family Planning on Business 32:17 Gender Differences in Parenting and Business 34:41 Support Systems for Mothers in Business 37:37 Resilience Through Health Challenges 39:28 Vision for Future Growth 41:23 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Rachel Hanretty Rachel Hanretty founder of Mademoiselle Macaron an Edinburgh based business inspired by her time living in Paris and known for producing up to 20,000 macarons each week. With high profile clients like MAC Cosmetics, Moet & Chandon, and even an order for the set of the Barbie movie, Rachel's handcrafted patisserie has become a go-to indulgence across the UK. But her macaron story is more about the beautiful product. It's about starting from scratch. It's about identity and it's about navigating the complexity of building a brand while becoming a mother. Rachel studied English and French at university and while living in Paris, fell in love with macarons. Trained at the Alain Ducasse Cookery School, she brought that Parisian perfectionism back to Scotland and started making macarons at home, eventually launching her business from a single market stall in 2013. And today is a thriving seven figure e-commerce brand. Yet as her business grew, Rachel's personal life evolved too. Becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with her company and she has been refreshingly honest about how hard that shift has been, talking openly about guilt, identity loss and how parenting has impacted her business, both practically and emotionally. She's also navigated health challenges, including epilepsy while leading her team and brand. Rachel Hanretty’s Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/39016545

E91: Not another end of year push podcast - Solo episode with Caroline 11/06/2025

E90: Celebrating mums and business owners: live interviews from the UK VA Awards 10/30/2025

Ep 89: The military, motherhood and Virtual Assistant industry with Amanda Johnson, founder of the VA Training Academy 10/23/2025

Ep 89: The military, motherhood and Virtual Assistant industry with Amanda Johnson, founder of the VA Training Academy Trigger warning: This episode was recorded during Baby Loss Awareness Week and includes discussion of miscarriage and baby loss. Please take care of yourself. This conversation is long overdue. Amanda Johnson, or The Amanda Johnson as she’s known in the Virtual Assistant industry, is founder and coach at the VA Training Academy, host of the UK VA Awards and my mentor. Before becoming a Titan of the VA industry, Amanda had a 23 year career in the military, until personal tragedy changed her priorities. Despite not personally inventing the field (listen in!) Amanda pivoted to becoming a Virtual Assistant, growing an agency and acquiring the training business and awards. We spoke about how grief shapes you, business as a coping mechanism, what to do if a client won’t pay and why perceptions of the VA industry are often wrong, for both good and bad. Trigger warning: This episode was recorded during Baby Loss Awareness Week and includes discussion of miscarriage and baby loss. Please take care of yourself. Takeaways: Amanda’s career journey from joining the military at 17 to exit Her fertility struggles and how loss changed Amanda’s priorities and career How she came to the VA industry as a side effect of grief Building a business as a coping mechanism What to do when a client refuses to pay Why we should aim for work/life integration rather than balance Selling a business Why the VA industry can often be misunderstood, or limited by perceptions Why it’s a great career for military spouses especially Amanda’s experience of grief and its echoes years later Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Amanda Johnson's Journey 02:41 From Military to Entrepreneur: A New Path 05:20 The Impact of Personal Tragedy on Career Choices 07:48 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose 10:24 The Birth of a Business Idea 12:54 Launching a Virtual Assistant Business 15:25 The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Business 17:32 Building a Community and Supporting Others 20:09 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 29:54 Work-Life Integration vs. Balance 31:49 Coaching with Tough Love and Empathy 34:43 The Importance of Body Language in Coaching 36:03 Transitioning from VA Agency to Training Academy 39:51 Expectations vs. Reality in the VA Industry 43:09 Gender Dynamics in the VA Industry 46:06 Supporting Military Spouses and Veterans 50:12 Navigating Grief and Finding Joy 57:39 Success Redefined: Flexibility and Family Support Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Amanda Johnson Amanda Johnson is a Royal Navy veteran turned entrepreneur, NICU advocate and the woman behind the VA Training Academy, also known as VACT, the go to training provider for the VA industry. After 23 years in the military, Amanda left service following a personal tragedy. She went on to found Your Executive Secretary, a Virtual Assistant business she grew while juggling babies and young children expanding from a solo operation to a team of 17 before selling the business in 2016. She then shifted her focus fully to VACT embarking on a mission to empower women, especially mothers, military spouses and career changes to build flexible, sustainable VA businesses. In 2021, she also acquired the UKVA Conference and Awards. Amanda's coaching style is practical, honest and full of tough love, grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of both business and life's complexities. Amanda Johnson’s Links: VACT Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/38752585

Miniseries Part 4: The future of the Virtual Assistant industry 10/16/2025

Miniseries Part 3: Gold standard onboarding process 10/09/2025

Miniseries Part 2: How to find clients as a Virtual Assistant 10/02/2025

Miniseries Part 1: Inbox Zero and why I nearly cancelled the podcast 09/25/2025

S5 E23: Operational overload, purpose and performance with Nonie White and Yvonne Biggins of Positive Entrepreneurship 07/10/2025

S5 E23: Operational overload, purpose and performance with Nonie White and Yvonne Biggins of Positive Entrepreneurship Have you heard of operational overload? Maybe not, but chances are you know how it feels. This week my guests are Nonie White and Yvonne Biggins of Positive Entrepreneurship, authors of the The True Cost of Female Entrepreneurship report. The report makes for stark, but not surprising, reading - 83% of female founders are experiencing high stress, 66% experience extreme loneliness, we have 75% greater responsibility for the household, but 97% of us enjoy the journey. We know the system is not built for us, we know the challenges we face as female founders. Nonie and Yvonne are here to tell us we are not alone, and the practical steps we can take to protect our wellbeing and ultimately improve our performance as entrepreneurs. Takeaways: The genesis of the Positive Entrepreneurship report and the problems and solutions it identified Why we need systemic change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem Hormonal changes and their impact on wellbeing and performance Operational overload and isolation Self care is a strategic and radical act for female founders Purpose can be a double edged sword Failing and non attachment Six best practices for female founders for their performance and wellbeing Chapters: 02:29 The Journey of Collaboration 05:05 Researching Female Founders' Experiences 08:01 Understanding the Ecosystem for Female Entrepreneurs 11:46 Hormonal Impacts on Female Founders 14:20 Isolation in Female Entrepreneurship 17:00 The Importance of Support Systems 19:47 The Burden of Operational Overload 24:17 Finding Joy and Self-Care in Business 26:16 Finding Joy and Self-Care in Entrepreneurship 27:45 The Double-Edged Sword of Purpose 29:29 The Paradox of Enjoying the Entrepreneurial Journey 32:48 Starting the Journey of Self-Care 34:46 Learning from Failure and Growth 36:53 Best Practices for Flourishing Female Founders 42:11 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Entrepreneurs 45:43 Rediscovering Joy in Everyday Life Resources: Download the The True Cost of Female Entrepreneurship report: Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Nonie White and Yvonne Biggins Nonie White is a positive psychology practitioner, researcher and founder coach. Yvonne Biggins is a serial entrepreneur, founder, coach and positive psychology expert. Together they are the authors of one of the most insightful research studies on female entrepreneurship to date and they are on a mission to change the entrepreneurial ecosystem to work from a place of wellbeing, particularly for female founders. Nonie and Yvonne’s Links: Positive Entrepreneurship Website: Yvonne Website: Nonie Website: Positive Entrepreneurship LinkedIn: Yvonne LinkedIn: Nonie LinkedIn: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/37357205

S5 E22: New borns and new businesses with Anna Bailey founder of Pally Talk 07/03/2025

S5 E22: New borns and new businesses with Anna Bailey founder of Pally Talk My guest on the podcast this week is Anna Bailey, founder of the Assistant community Pally Talk. She launched her business and 2 months later had her first baby, in her own words, the last year has been ‘hardcore’. Anna has a lot of practical insight into navigating a business and new baby concurrently - this is your sign to start sliding into people’s DMs on LinkedIn. We spoke really honestly about social media v reality, not only of motherhood, but the assistant world and when, for Anna, revenue finally started coming in from the business. For me, there’s a theme - you will get through it. Whether that’s the newborn stage, the not making any money stage or being too busy for friendships stage, you’ll come through and it will get better. Takeaways: Anna’s career journey from early entrepreneurship to the assistant world Why having a mentor is so important for new assistants How Pally Talks has changed as a business since inception Navigating a new business and newborn concurrently Anna’s first revenue month and how she’s funding the business What Anna’s work week looks like Why workplaces are failing new mothers TikTok v reality in the assistant world Anna’s sister’s experience of baby loss and its impact Why we should all be DMing people The hardest part of the first year of motherhood Newborns aren’t for everyone, but you’ll get through it Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Pally Talk and Anna Bailey 04:53 Anna's Journey from Assistant to Entrepreneur 09:33 Navigating Motherhood and Business Launch 14:12 Building a Community for Assistants 18:44 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family Life 23:19 The Future of Pally Talk and Business Growth 23:37 Building a Virtual Assistant Business 27:04 Navigating Personal Loss and Support 32:50 Finding Joy in Motherhood 36:26 Challenges of the Newborn Stage 40:33 Future Plans for Pally Talk Resources: Amanda Johnson VA Training Academy: Baby Loss Club: LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Dripify: Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Anna Bailey Anna Bailey is the founder of Pally Talk, a platform designed to empower female assistants through community, flexible job opportunities and a fresh modern approach to networking. Launched in March, 2024, just weeks before giving birth to her son, Pally Talk reflects Anna's deep belief that mothers returning to work deserve flexibility, empowerment and support. What started as a place to help moms explore freelance assistant roles has rapidly evolved into a vibrant community of hybrid, remote and part-time professionals sharing resources, job leads and real life advice. Anna Bailey’s Links: Website: Instagram: (Pally Talk): Instagram: (Anna Bailey): LinkedIn: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/37268850

S5 E21: 5 learnings from 5 years in business - Solo episode with Caroline 06/26/2025

S5 E20: Poop, pre-seed and policies with Lisa Macfarlane, co-founder of The Gut Stuff 06/19/2025

S5 E20: Poop, pre-seed and policies with Lisa Macfarlane, co-founder of The Gut Stuff Be honest - how is your poo? My guest this week is Lisa Macfarlane, co-founder of The Gut Stuff, and she wants you to take better care of your gut. Lisa explains why gut health is so important, some easy wins to improve your own and why she went from Love Island DJ to gut evangelist. We also talk about the nuts and bolts of scaling a business - from building a brand and community as market research for the business, to pre-seed and VC funding, and creating an ecosystem with 3 different business arms. Lisa is passionate about the policies we as business owners need to create to support women and their families, it’s so inspiring to hear. And, of course, we talk about joy - Friday martinis and dips anyone? Takeaways: Why gut health is so crucial for our overall well-being 3 things you can do to take care of your gut health Lisa’s career journey from theatre to Love Island DJ to The Gut Stuff Building resilience and the insecurity of the entertainment industry Creating a brand and community - followed by a business Pre-seed and VC funding Creating an ecosystem with 3 different business arms Why you shouldn’t compare your business to others Mat leave as a business owner, and creating policies that actually work for women Friday martinis and dips Chapters: 01:00 Introduction to Gut Health and Personal Journeys 10:09 The Evolution of a Brand: From DJing to Gut Health 18:51 Funding and Building a Business in Gut Health 28:12 Navigating Work and Motherhood 33:29 The Importance of Maternity Policies 36:15 Understanding the Needs of New Mothers 40:20 Balancing Business and Family Life 43:46 Future Aspirations and Business Growth Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Lisa Macfarlane Lisa MacFarlane is co-founder of The Gut Stuff, Mum, bestselling author, Virgin Radio host, and yes, former Love Island: Aftersun DJ. Alongside her identical twin sister, Alana, Lisa made her name, DJing at major events from the Olympics to Simon Cowell's ball before landing a TV role that made them household names. But it was a chance decision to volunteer in gut health research at King College London that changed everything. Despite sharing 100 % of their DNA, Lisa and Alana discovered their gut microbiomes were only 30 to 40 % similar, a finding that blew their minds and kicked off what's now become a nationwide movement. Their mission is to make gut health accessible, affordable, and most importantly, relatable. With a refreshingly no-nonsense approach, the Gut Stuff has become a trusted brand across books, workplace wellbeing, pop-ups, and the hit podcast Chatting Shit. Not only that, Lisa is a mum of one and pregnant with her second child. Lisa Macfarlane’s Links: Website: TikTok: Instagram (The Mac Twins): Instagram (The Gut Stuff): Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/37067235

S5 E19: Burnout, neurodiversity and rediscovering yourself with Dr Claire Ashley, The Burnout Doctor 06/12/2025

S5 E19: Burnout, neurodiversity and rediscovering yourself with Dr Claire Ashley, The Burnout Doctor The 5 stages of burnout are very familiar to me. I’ve been there, and even when I thought I had learnt my lessons, narrowly swerved burning out again. As a mum, especially a mum with a business, I’m sure at least a few of the stages are familiar to you too. My guest on this week’s episode is Dr Claire Ashely, aka The Burnout Doctor. Claire was a highly successful doctor, used to pretty extreme levels of stress. And then with 2 small kids, a house renovation and a difficult work environment, she burnt out. Claire is now fully recovered and shares the signs, symptoms and means to recovery to help us intervene and swerve burnout before it’s too late. Most of all - you will get through it. Takeaways: Dr Claire’s experience of burnout - it can completely change your identity Work is the catalyst for burnout, but it’s not just a workplace issue, it affects every area of life Asking for help is key - the earlier the better Burnout is isolating, you need support networks The 5 stages of burnout Burnout changes the structure and function of your brain Self compassion and time are key in recovery Attachment theory - you are meeting your kids’ needs Recovery isn’t a linear process The interplay between neurodiversity and burnout, especially for women 3 factors in recovery for mums and entrepreneurs Resources: The Burnout Doctor BOOK: Chapters: 01:00 Introduction to Burnout and Personal Journeys 02:56 Claire's Journey Through Burnout 06:49 Understanding the Stages of Burnout 17:56 Recognizing the Signs of Burnout 27:36 The Importance of Community and Support 32:20 Recovery and Self-Compassion 34:56 Navigating Parenting Challenges 39:24 The Journey of Recovery 46:56 Understanding Neurodiversity and Burnout 52:39 Realistic Recovery Strategies for Busy Moms 55:51 Finding Joy After Burnout Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Dr. Claire Ashley Dr. Claire Ashley is a GP, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, content creator, author of The Burnout Doctor, and mum of two. Claire's work is shaping how we think about burnout, especially for those of us balancing motherhood, business, and burnout recovery. With over 20 years of clinical experience and a powerful personal journey through anxiety and burnout, she now dedicates her career to helping others understand, prevent and recover from burnout. Dr. Claire Ashley’s Links: Website: TikTok: Instagram: LinkedIn: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/36966870

S5 E18: Reframing cold sales and my worst experiences - Solo episode with Caroline 06/05/2025

S5 E17: Matrescence, healing and purpose with Danielle Lauren, The Way Too Honest Mom 05/29/2025

S5 E17: Matrescence, healing and purpose with Danielle Lauren, The Way Too Honest Mom This week on Bump to Business Owner, I’m joined by Danielle Lauren, creative powerhouse, former media exec, and founder of Way Too Honest, a business born from the depths of postpartum struggle and radical maternal honesty. From working at the top of global media giants like CNN and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, to battling severe pre- and postnatal depression, Danielle opens up about her experience of motherhood, identity loss, and rebuilding a life and business with purpose. TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of pre/post natal depression and suicidal thoughts Takeaways: The identity shift of matrescence and why it’s so misunderstood Danielle’s experience with perinatal mental health crisis and life-saving support in Australia The mismatch between external “success” and internal struggle Launching Way Too Honest: affirmation cards for new mums that blend compassion and humour The loneliness of entrepreneurship, finding support, and redefining productivity Letting go of guilt, embracing slow growth, and learning to rest Why honesty in motherhood isn't just cathartic, it can save lives Resources: Maternal Mental Health Alliance: The Room Where It Happens: Chapters: 01:00 Introduction to Danielle Lauren and Her Journey 03:41 From Media to Motherhood: A Career Transition 06:28 The Reality of Motherhood: Expectations vs. Reality 09:09 Identity Shift: The Transformation of Becoming a Mother 11:57 Navigating Mental Health in Motherhood 14:57 The Importance of Compassion and Sisterhood Among Mothers 23:01 The Hidden Struggles of Motherhood 28:29 Anxiety and the Reality of Pregnancy 31:47 The Impact of Mental Health on Motherhood 37:36 Launching Way Too Honest: A New Venture 41:45 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 46:05 Understanding Maternal Mental Health 48:39 The Journey of Recovery 51:21 Innovative Ideas in Motherhood Support 55:01 Asking for Help: A Crucial Step 59:38 Rediscovering Joy in Everyday Life Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Danielle Lauren Danielle Lauren is an accomplished creative force and now founder of a beautiful business that brings light and truth to one of the most misunderstood chapters of motherhood. Danielle Lauren is the founder and CEO of Way Too Honest, a brand that creates affirmation and support cards for new mums navigating the fourth trimester, also known as matrescence. Backed by endorsements from Katherine Ryan, Lucy Jones, Zoe Blaskey and Dr. Ellie Cannon, and for every box sold, a donation goes to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, helping to drive meaningful change in perinatal mental health. Prior to launching her business, Danielle was a powerhouse in the media and tech industries, working as VP of Story for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, Innovation Ambassador at Warner Media, and Head of Content Strategy at CNN. She's spoken at global events from Harvard to TEDx with a deep focus on AI, Web3, and the future of storytelling. But as we'll hear today, it was Danielle's own journey through a devastating postpartum period and identity shift that fueled her desire to create her business. Danielle Lauren’s Links: Website: TikTok: Instagram (Way Too Honest Mom): Instagram (Way Too Honest): Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/36701960

S5 E16: Keeping going when business gets tough - Solo episode with Caroline 05/22/2025

S5 E15: Mum guilt, cash crunches and K-drama with Ning Cheah founder of The Beauty Crop 05/14/2025

S5 E15: Mum guilt, cash crunches and K-drama with Ning Cheah founder of The Beauty Crop This week on Bump To Business Owner, I’m joined by Ning Cheah, founder of The Beauty Crop, mum of two, and former banker turned beauty entrepreneur. What started as a side hustle to solve her own skin struggles has grown into a multi-million dollar brand, stocked by the likes of Boots and ASOS. In this honest and wide-ranging chat, Ning shares how burnout led her to rethink everything, the fertility struggles she faced while building a business, and the two very different maternity leaves that followed. She opens up about the realities of scaling, the pressure of cash flow, and why she chose crowdfunding and bank loans over giving away equity 👀 We talk mum guilt and what we can learn from men, support systems, and why she only ever plans three years ahead. Plus how she’s learning to let go, delegate, and make space for joy (think K-dramas and sheet masks - the dream). Takeaways: Ning’s career journey from finance to side hustle to million dollar business Stress makes us neglect our wellbeing when we need it the most Ning’s personal skin struggles made her identify a gap in the market Naivety can be a blessing for founders Why Ning chose crowdfunding and bank loans over equity funding Fertility struggles and mat leaves as a business owner Mum guilt and what we can learn from men The challenges of scaling a business and the realities of working with retailers Why Ning doesn’t plan more than 3 years ahead Support networks and what a working week looks like Where Ning finds joy Resources: Crowd2Fund: Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Ning Cheah Ning Cheah is a mother of two and the founder and CEO of The Beauty Crop, a clean beauty brand that has become known for its high performing plant-based products that don't compromise on fun, affordability or ethics. With a background in chemical engineering and a high-powered career in investment banking behind her, Ning's personal struggle with eczema and cystic acne led her to launch The Beauty Crop in 2014. Now a multi-million pound business, it’s a brand that crops out harmful ingredients whilst delivering vegan, cruelty-free, nutrient-rich cosmetics in sustainable packaging. Since launching in 2014, it's become a cult favourite, stocked in major retailers like Boots, Beauty Bay, ASOS and Urban Outfitters. Ning Cheah’s Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/36570205

S5 E14: PR tips for small business owners - Solo episode with Caroline 05/08/2025

S5 E13: Radical acts, building confidence and navigating PTSD with Lauren Currie founder of Upfront 05/01/2025

S5 E13: Radical acts, building confidence and navigating PTSD with Lauren Currie founder of Upfront My guest this week is Lauren Currie OBE, mother of one, founder of 6 businesses and PTSD survivor. Lauren is a serial entrepreneur, who after being featured as the only woman on an event bill decided she needed to build something to challenge the lie of meritocracy. Her business, Upfront, was born. As a systems and organisational designer, Lauren is ideally placed to see where the holes are in our society and where we need to work on them, together. The game is rigged, it might just be that our privilege means that motherhood is the first time we really see it. Building a business whilst raising a family is a radical act. Women even working is so new for us as a society, let alone being business leaders. It’s hard, but it’s worth it and it will get easier. Takeaways: The lightbulb moment for Lauren's business Structural inequality and the lie of meritocracy Scarcity mindset and career choices Lauren's experiences in pregnancy, birth and PTSD Asking For Help Relocating to Europe Building a business as a mother is a radical act How to build your confidence Honouring the season you’re in Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Lauren Currie Lauren is the founder of Upfront, an organization on a mission to change confidence, visibility and power for 10 million women. Thousands of women from over 50 countries have now graduated from Upfront's flagship program, The Bond. It's become the go-to to for women and organisations who want to grow confidence from the inside out. Their clients include global names like Nike, Just Eat Takeaway, the Ministry of Defence, the British Red Cross and PLEO, a true sign of the movement Lauren has built. Lauren is a sought after keynote speaker. Her goal is to help everyone in the room turn their own lights on. And she's not afraid to use her voice where it matters most. She was chair of the brilliant campaign group Pregnant Than Screwed for seven years, championing women against maternity discrimination. Her work has been recognised globally from being awarded an OBE for services to design and diversity, to being named one of Elle's Women Changing the World and one of Management Today's top businesswomen under 35. Originally from Scotland, Lauren now lives in Uppsala in Sweden with her partner and their seven-year-old son, juggling motherhood, business and a mission that only gets louder. Lauren Currie’s Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram (Lauren): Instagram (Upfront): Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/36371875

S5 E12: Why you don’t need more strategy with Nicola Ward, founder of CakeDrop 04/03/2025

S5 E12: Why you don’t need more strategy with Nicola Ward, founder of CakeDrop What happens when your co-founder (and sister!) steps away and you’re managing a business solo, as well as being mum to 2 kids? In this week’s delicious episode I’m in conversation with Nicola Ward, founder of CakeDrop, who talks me through her experience of exactly that. Nicola has run her business incredibly intuitively and flexibly, focusing on building relationships and leaning into creativity when Covid meant a pivot. She has some incredible advice to other founders thinking about motherhood and the trade offs we as working mums make. My main takeaway? You don’t need more strategy, you just need to take action. Takeaways: The unique dynamic between cofounder sisters Covid forcing you to pivot and get creative The benefits of being a small business in challenging times Relationship building Nicola’s fundraising experience What happens when your cofounder steps away The trade offs working mums make - guilt and code switching Advice for founders thinking about motherhood Why you don’t need more strategy Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to CakeDrop and Nicola's Journey 02:36 The Dynamic of Sister Co-Founders 05:03 Navigating the Business Landscape 07:49 Adapting to Challenges During the Pandemic 10:32 Transitioning to Solo Leadership 13:03 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 18:35 Fundraising Challenges and Experiences 19:02 Navigating Angel Investment and Fundraising Challenges 21:41 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 26:15 The Impact of Parenting on Business Perspective 28:49 Embracing the Uncertainty of Motherhood 30:45 Building Relationships with Major Brands 31:49 The Importance of Execution Over Strategy 34:01 Future Growth Plans for CakeDrop 35:06 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Nicola Ward Nicola Ward is the founder of CakeDrop, the award-winning solution bringing sweet treats to some of the UK's most exciting places, including Meta, Ladbible, Beauty Pie, and Netflix. Cake Drop specialises in branded treat experiences and automated gifting for employee birthdays and work anniversaries, making workplace celebrations seamless and delicious. Nicola's journey into entrepreneurship began alongside her sister Anna, inspired by their own experiences working in the city, where they noticed the challenges of organizing office celebrations. This insight led to the creation of CakeDrop, aiming to make office celebrations effortless and enjoyable. Nicola has faced many highs and lows on her journey, from the shift to becoming a solo founder to navigating major business challenges, including the pandemic and operational hurdles. Nicola Ward’s Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/35986355

S5 E11: Birthday reflection: celebrate how far you’ve come - Solo episode with Caroline 03/27/2025

S5 E10: Lightbulb moments and Wellbeing Practices with Kat Wellum-Kent, founder of Fractional Finance 03/20/2025

S5 E10: Lightbulb moments and Wellbeing Practices with Kat Wellum-Kent, founder of Fractional Finance What was the lightbulb moment for your business? Did you recognise it and mark it as the life-changing moment it was? Kat Wellum-Kent, founder of Fractional Finance and one of the top 50 women in accounting took a selfie that day, because she knew ‘this was the thing’. From her ‘dream job’ at a Big Four accountancy firm, to starting her business, Kat has had some incredible support in her career journey: not only a fantastic mentor, but a strong spiritual practice. She’s also navigating a husband in the army who was often away for 6 months at a time, and a youngest who has recently been diagnosed with autism. Takeaways: Kat’s dreamt of becoming an accountant, but realised that becoming a partner wasn’t for her Her experience of both mat leaves employed by one of the Big Four Kat’s lightbulb moment for her business The importance of mentorship Adapting and flexing in response to Kat’s partner’s Army career and how she navigates space for herself and her business too Kat’s spiritual wellbeing journey and how it’s supported her in business and personal growth Autism test and supporting the whole family Replicating a business model and bringing in co-founders Finding joy in the everyday moments Chapters: 01:09 Career Path and Transition to Entrepreneurship 04:23 Navigating Motherhood and Corporate Life 09:28 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Work 14:21 The Birth of Fractional Finance 19:32 Building a Business with Ambition 24:46 Reflections on Resilience and Growth 27:12 The Importance of Self-Care and Personal Time 30:58 Exploring Spirituality and Personal Growth 36:35 Navigating Parenting Challenges and Autism Awareness 40:05 Future Plans for Fractional Finance and Business Growth 42:38 Finding Joy in Everyday Life Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Kat Wellum-Kent Kat Wellam-Kent is founder of Fractional Finance and one of the top 50 women in accounting. Kat's accounting career started in the Big Four, but after becoming a mother, she found the demands of corporate finance incompatible with family life. She transitioned to a smaller practice where she worked closely with small and early stage businesses. There she saw a critical gap; businesses were missing out on the financial strategy they needed to grow successfully. This inspired her to launch Fractional Finance in January 2023 an outsourced finance director service that provides startups and scaling businesses with expert financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire. Kat and her team help business owners understand their numbers, make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth. All of course, while navigating motherhood. Kat started her business while raising two children and managing life as the wife of a military husband who spends long periods of time away. Beyond finance, Kat also has a belief in manifesting, wellness and even crystals. Kat Wellum-Kent’s Links: Website: LinkedIn (Kat): LinkedIn (Fractional Finance): Instagram: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/35786800

S5 E9: Why I was targeted by a multi-level marketing scheme - Solo episode with Caroline 03/13/2025

S5 E8: Fundraising, health tech and personal branding with Dr Dupé Burgess, founder of Bloomful 03/06/2025

S5 E8: Fundraising, health tech and personal branding with Dr Dupé Burgess, founder of Bloomful How clear are you on your values? An arresting question! I’m asking because my guest on the pod this week is Dr Dupé Burgess, founder of Bloomful, medical doctor, speaker, content creator and mum of 3. At the heart of everything she does? Her values. That’s why she’s been able to build such a compelling personal brand on LinkedIn, and why she’s such a compelling speaker and founder. Because mission drives it all. If you’re building a personal brand, fundraising or building a founder network from scratch, this episode is for you. Takeaways: Dupé’s career transitions from NHS to consultancy to entrepreneurship - why it’s so important to have a career that reflects your values Bloomful’s context of 2020 and Covid as we all became more aware of healthcare inequality for women and minorities How crucial education is for women to be able to advocate for their health Building a founder network from scratch Dupé’s experience of angel investor fundraising as a pregnant black woman Trust your instincts when dealing with potential investors Aligning your actions with your personal values Why it’s so powerful to build a personal brand especially for women Where Dupé finds joy Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dupé Burgess 02:21 Journey from Medicine to Entrepreneurship 12:21 The Birth of Bloomful 22:49 Bloomful's Mission and Services 26:01 Navigating Fundraising Challenges 30:10 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 37:03 The Importance of Personal Values 40:32 Balancing Work and Family Life 48:38 Finding Joy in Work and Life Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Dupé Burgess Dupé is a medical doctor, keynote speaker, health tech founder, content creator, online writer and mum to three young kids. She spent eight years working as a medical doctor before transitioning into strategy consulting at BCG. Dupé founded Bloomful in 2021, a health tech business on a mission to close the gender health gap and improve access to gynae care for women globally. It provides digital support for women dealing with common gynae health issues and has won multiple awards and grants over the past few years. As a leader, Dupé's biggest realisation has been that attention is the new currency and her role is to drive brand awareness. Over the past three years, she's built her career by openly sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, offering candid insights into what it really takes to start and grow a business. Dupé has two key missions, transforming women's health through Bloomful and leveraging her personal brand to not only amplify her impact, but also help other entrepreneurs to do the same. Dupé Burgess Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Newsletter: https://www.dupeburgess.com/newsletters/growth-tactics/subscribe Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/35556300

S5 E7: How and why I changed my business mindset - Solo episode with Caroline 02/27/2025

S5 E6: USPs, survival mode and growth with Jen Fuller founder of Etta Loves 02/20/2025

S5 E6: USPs, survival mode and growth with Jen Fuller founder of Etta Loves Do you have that ‘on the cusp’ feeling? I think it’s something that unites founders. There’s always something on the horizon that helps keep the faith in your business, even when on paper it’s not always clear. My guest on the pod this week is Jen Fuller, founder of Etta Loves, science backed baby sensory products that are also absolutely beautiful. Jen is really open that it’s the ‘cusp’ feeling that keeps her going rather than revenue or income goals. I loved this conversation, as a service business owner, it’s always fascinating to hear from product founders. Jen shares so much empathy, inspiration and nuts and bolts practical advice. How to deal with copycat businesses, direct sales v working with retailers, opening in new territories, celebrity endorsements and what she gained from a business growth programme, Jen gives her perspective on it all. This episode is sponsored by Ancient + Brave (www.ancientandbrave.earth/). If you’d like to try any of their products (I am a big fan of True Collagen!) you can use our discount code BTB20 for 20% off your first order. Takeaways: Balancing a corporate career with a family Jen's light bulb moment for her business How Jen used her mat leaves to launch her business Struggling with the lack of control that comes with motherhood Goal setting and ‘the next thing’ as a founder Appearance v reality and businesses in survival mode Committing to ‘doing it properly’ and Etta Loves’ USP Copycat businesses and products Direct sales v working with retailers Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing Business growth and development programmes Balancing business and family as a founder Where Jen finds joy Chapters: 00:00 The Birth of Etta Loves 05:00 Navigating Career Transitions: From Stockbroker to Entrepreneur 10:00 The Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 15:12 Building a Business: The Balancing Act of Income and Passion 19:59 The Science Behind Etta Loves: A Commitment to Quality 24:56 Facing Competition: Coping with Imitation and Industry Challenges 26:01 Navigating Copycats and Retail Relationships 28:06 Shifting Sales Strategies: Direct vs Retail 30:02 Celebrity Endorsements: The Kardashian Effect 34:10 Investing in Business Growth 39:41 Future Plans and the Uncertainty of Business 41:27 Balancing Work and Family Life 45:27 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Chaos Resources: Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Businesses: UK Export Academy: Lauren Jumps: Links: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: About Jen Fuller Jen Fuller is the founder of Etta Loves, and mum to two little girls. Etta Loves was born from Jen's passion for providing babies with the best possible visual experiences to support their development while making everyday moments easier for parents and carers. With a strong commitment to excellence, she collaborates with leading experts in infant vision and her dedicated team to create the most optimised sensory essentials in the world, designed with both science and sustainability in mind. The idea for Etta Loves came to Jen when her first daughter Etta was just six weeks old. She noticed Etta staring intently at the black and white pattern jumper she was wearing while feeding, completely ignoring the plain muslin on her shoulder. To Jen's surprise, Etta fed for longer and the usual overwhelm of feeding seemed to lift. The light bulb moment sparked her fascination with infant vision and inspired her to harness the science behind what babies can see. Driven by this newfound passion, Jen set out to transform everyday baby essentials, starting with muslins, and expanding into powerful sensory tools that captivate tiny eyes and bring calm to daily routines. Today, Etta Loves offers beautifully designed, science-led products that provide babies with the wonder and focus they need while offering parents and carers moments of calm throughout their day. Jen Fuller Links: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/35354430

S5 E5: The game-changer for my business and wellbeing - Solo episode with Caroline 02/13/2025

S5 E4: Equality and ambition for mums with Jelena Skene co-founder of Press Flow 02/06/2025

S5 E4: Equality and ambition for mums with Jelena Skene co-founder of Press Flow If anyone is ever in doubt about mum’s commitment to their careers post babies, please, use this conversation as proof that we are only ever more ambitious and focused. This week I’m talking to Jelena Skene, co-founder of 2 businesses raised alongside 2 small boys. It’s been a busy few years for Jelena! My main takeaway from our conversation, and there are many, is: just start. You can’t plan everything around having a family, if you have a business idea, just try it. I also loved her thoughts on what makes a good business idea, and what you actually need to create a successful business. If you’re looking for advice on how to effectively PR pitch your business, listen to the end, Jelena has some incredible practical tips. This episode is sponsored by Ancient + Brave (www.ancientandbrave.earth/). If you’d like to try any of their products (I am a big fan of True Collagen!) you can use our discount code BTB20 for 20% off your first order. Takeaways: Jelena’s path from law, to fashion to marketing agency and how planning for a family informed her choice to move into entrepreneurship The highs and lows of Covid with a business and a baby Jelena’s varied experiences of birth and mat leave in the UK and abroad Equality both in earnings and in childcare with Jelena’s partner The contrast between an anxious pregnancy and the positive realities of motherhood The benefits of city connections for business opportunities You don’t need an original idea to start a business, just a gap in the market The development of Press Flow alongside their first business and their fundraising plans for 2025 Community support and especially amongst female founders is invaluable for early-stage business How motherhood enhanced Jelena’s focus and ambitions and societal misconceptions about mums Jelena’s tips on effective PR pitches Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jelena's Journey 03:01 Career Shifts and Discovering Passion 06:14 Navigating Parenthood and Career Decisions 09:13 The Impact of COVID on Business 12:01 Building a Business During Lockdown 14:54 Balancing Work and Family Life 18:00 The Experience of Motherhood 21:03 Life in Barcelona and Business Growth 24:09 Returning to the UK and Future Plans 28:19 The Importance of Cities for Connections 30:07 The Journey to Pressflow 34:11 Building Pressflow: A Strategic Approach 39:01 Community and Networking for Founders 42:04 Motherhood and Ambition 46:31 Finding Purpose as a Mother and Entrepreneur 49:05 Tips for Effective PR Pitching 52:08 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Business and Motherhood Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: About Jelena Skene Agency-turned tech founder of Press Flow and mother of two, Jelena has a background in digital marketing for major fashion and lifestyle brands. In March, 2024, Jelena co-founded Press Flow Limited with her husband, a free PR platform that connects experts, PR professionals, and journalists. Press Flow provides unlimited free pitching, making it an accessible tool for small businesses, personal brands, PR professionals, and experts seeking media exposure. Not their first business, prior to Press Flow, Jelena and her husband ran an agency and together through COVID juggled the demands of new parenthood and founder life for the first time. Jelena Skene Links: Website: LinkedIn (Jelena): LinkedIn (Press Flow): Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/35165145

S5 E3: Business growth and mum guilt - Solo episode with Caroline 01/30/2025

S5 E2: Exploring authenticity, business growth and resilience with Lea Turner founder of The Holt 01/23/2025

S5 E2: Exploring authenticity, business growth and resilience with Lea Turner founder of The Holt In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Lea Turner, LinkedIn expert, community builder, and founder of Holt, a thriving membership platform for small businesses. Content warning: there is a mention of suicidal ideation as Lea reflects on her teenage years and missed ADHD diagnosis. Lea’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned. Like so many of my guests on the pod, she didn’t initially see herself as a business owner. Her entrepreneurial path began with a transcription side hustle, which played to her strengths and funded her travels. As her income grew to match her day job, she took the leap into full-time self-employment. We discuss how Lea managed her business while preparing for maternity leave, how her son has influenced her career decisions, and her remarkable pivot during the Covid-19 pandemic when her income streams dried up overnight. I think we can all relate to Lea’s struggles with showing up authentically on social media, but she has really nailed it. By embracing her uniqueness, she transformed her LinkedIn presence, skyrocketing her followers and opening the door to incredible new opportunities. We explore the positives and negatives of social media: It wasn’t easy for Lea to own her expertise, it took other industry leaders deferring to her as an expert in social media discussions before she could see herself in that light. She shares her experiences dealing with online trolls and how she’s developed a positive, resilient mindset in response to negativity. This episode is packed with insights about business growth, balance, authenticity, and resilience. I hope you’re as inspired by the conversation as I was! This episode is sponsored by Ancient + Brave. If you’d like to try any of their products (I am a big fan of True Collagen!) you can use our discount code BTB20 for 20% off your first order. Takeaways: How Lea navigated the pandemic as a single mum and business owner Lea’s late diagnosis ADHD and the challenges it presented particularly in her teenage years. Content warning: suicidal ideation Entrepreneurship was not initially on Lea's radar; it started as a side hustle to fund her travels and quickly matched her day job in earnings Partly due to her ADHD, Lea is comfortable with risk and knows that we always survive failure, so why not try? 4 years into her business, Lea fell pregnant, and knowing that mat leave wasn’t an option worked overtime to save as much as possible As her son went to school, Lea reassessed her work structure knowing it was incompatible with spending quality time with her son outside of school hours Her pivot into LinkedIn training came as a result of Covid and all her client work drying up overnight Lea initially struggled with authenticity on LinkedIn, but decided to embrace her uniqueness and got an incredible response She faced a lot of self doubt over calling herself a LinkedIn expert, but eventually recognised her skills as other business owners referred and deferred to her as expert Lea has suffered from some scary and unpleasant trolling online based on her appearance, but stood up for herself and has learnt to deal with it Building her membership platform, Holt, was a response to the needs of her already existing community of business owners As a scalable and more personally fulfilling business Holt is her focus for now, practising what she preaches, Lea has hired her team exclusively from the membership Lea is looking forward to creating more of a work/life balance in the future Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lea Turner's Journey 06:15 Navigating Life During COVID-19 12:46 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Discovering ADHD 18:45 The Transition to Entrepreneurship 26:30 Building a Business and Embracing Change 28:10 Rediscovering LinkedIn: A Personal Journey 31:03 From Typing to Training: A Career Shift 33:01 Embracing Expertise: Overcoming Self-Doubt 36:49 Navigating Online Harassment: Standing Up for Yourself 39:49 Building a Supportive Community: The Holt 50:50 Work-Life Balance: Achieving Freedom as a Business Owner Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: About Lea Turner Lea Turner is an entrepreneur who transformed her life as a single mum through becoming a successful business owner. In 2019, she was working long hours typing medical reports while caring for her young son, barely making ends meet. Seeking a change, she began posting on LinkedIn, leveraging her humour and authenticity to connect with others. This approach quickly gained traction, leading to a substantial following, which currently stands at almost 200,000 followers and a fast growth LinkedIn training business. Over five years, Lea has built a six-figure income through her LinkedIn training, digital courses, and in-person workshops. In December 2024, she decided to close the doors on her LinkedIn training services to focus on new ventures. Lea is now running The Holt, an online membership community launched in June 2022. The Holt offers expert masterclasses in community and networking for solopreneurs, freelancers and small business owners, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Lea Turner’s Links: Website: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Music by AudioCoffee: /episode/index/show/e65d9ad6-3141-4c15-a982-8df3373aa03f/id/34958495

Bump to Business Owner

TOPICS