From Hospital Bed to High Street Hero: The Inspiring Story of Scamp & Dude with Jo Tutchener-Sharp – SPECIAL EPISODE

From Hospital Bed to High Street Hero: The Inspiring Story of Scamp & Dude with Jo Tutchener-Sharp

Welcome back to a special episode of the Small & Supercharged Podcast celebrating, You’ve Got This, the book! Today, I speak to the incredible Jo Tutchener-Sharp, the force behind a brand I LOVE, Scamp & Dude. From a serious health condition that led to realisation in a hospital bed, Jo has built an incredible B-Corp certified company that gives back and has created a community that is something else. Her story, filled with resilience and purpose, perfectly embodies the spirit of You’ve Got This – and I am SO grateful that she agreed to be interviewed for my book, and let me share the recording of the interview with you too.

You’ve Got This, Jo Tutchener-Sharp

Jo shared unusual beginnings of Scamp & Dude. After a successful PR career, a health crisis became a catalyst. Facing brain surgery, her biggest fear was leaving her young children without a mum. Then, she began to question whether she’d done enough to make a positive difference to the world. She vowed that, if she survived the operation, she’d change things up and do projects with purpose. Emerging from surgery and unable to see her children for a while, she set herself a ‘get well goal’ of creating a product that would give children comfort if they were unable to see their parent for whatever reason. This became the Superhero Sleep Buddy. And this was just the start. Despite having no fashion background, this cuddly toy started it all, and Jo launched Scamp & Dude with a full clothing line in Liberty within a year.

Purpose and giving back

We discussed the brand’s rapid growth and the importance of delegation. At the heart of Scamp & Dude lies in its powerful purpose. The brand’s commitment to giving back through initiatives like the Super Scarf Mission and the Superhero Sleep Buddy has cultivated a deeply loyal community, a testament to building a values-driven business that so many people know and love!

Imposter syndrome and so much more

Jo also shared her journey through imposter syndrome and the pivotal role of her husband joining the business and her participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses course in providing the confidence and strategic direction for growth. This journey of continuous learning and overcoming challenges was so good to hear and share- it really does prove that we all have so much in common, wherever we are on our journey.

The Duders!

The Scamp & Dude community is exceptional, thriving in their “Scamp & Duders” Facebook group. The brand’s purpose may have brought the group together, but inside the group the connections extend to a personal level, with Duders offering support to others whenever needed.

Jo’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the incredible things that can be achieved when driven by purpose.

Key takeaways from my chat with Jo Tutchener-Sharp:

  • Purpose-driven success: Scamp & Dude’s mission is central to its impact.
  • Resilience fuels innovation: Overcoming adversity can spark incredible ideas.
  • Community creates connection: A strong customer base built on shared values is invaluable.
  • Delegate to elevate: Knowing when to seek support enables growth.
  • Never stop learning: Continuous development builds confidence and strategy.

If Jo’s inspiring journey resonates with you, you’ll find more stories of strength and determination in my new book, You’ve Got This! Find it online or in your local bookshop.

Explore the wonderful world of Scamp & Dude at www.scampandude.com and follow their inspiring journey on Instagram @scampandude

Thank you for listening!

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From Time Management Guru to The Batch Lady: Suzanne Mulholland’s Recipe for Success

From Time Management Guru to The Batch Lady: Suzanne Mulholland’s Recipe for Success – Special Episode

In this episode of the podcast, I am spotlighting another incredible contributor to my new book, You’ve Got This. This time, it’s the one and only Suzanne Mulholland, better known to millions as The Batch Lady!

You’ve Got This, Suzanne Mulholland!

Suzanne has cultivated an significant online community around her batch cooking methods. From sharing time-saving tips, she’s built a thriving career encompassing bestselling books (including her sixth, just out in February!), TV appearances, and a massive, engaged following.

Not about the food…

What’s so fascinating about Suzanne’s journey is that her foray into the culinary world wasn’t driven by a lifelong passion for cooking. Instead, it came from her desire to reclaim time and streamline the daily grind of meal preparation. Her previous career as a time management expert in London perfectly equipped her to tackle this challenge, not just for herself but for countless others seeking a more organised (and less kitchen based!) life.

The Batch Lady began when Suzanne, a busy mum, decided to apply her time management skills to the monotonous task of nightly cooking. The pivotal moment came when fellow mums at the school gate, witnessing how organised Suzanne was, asked for her secrets. A charity event in her kitchen, demonstrating how to prepare ten meals in just an hour, showed the demand, and the feedback led to her launching her YouTube channel.

An opportunity to be an entrepreneur

Having studied entrepreneurship, Suzanne saw this as her opportunity. The Batch Lady was born in September 2017, and the rest, as they say, is history. Her YouTube channel exploded, leading to book deals, an audiobook, another book on the horizon, and even talks of a television program. It’s been a whirlwind six years, and Suzanne’s story is a testament to the power of identifying a need and offering a practical, life-changing solution.

Time management for entrepreneurs

One of the key themes we explored was time management. For those juggling a nine-to-five job with burgeoning business ideas, finding those precious extra hours can feel impossible. Suzanne gave some brilliant advice on this which you can find out about in the book and by listening to the podcast!

Staying organised your own way

Interestingly, Suzanne isn’t a tech devotee when it comes to organisation. Her notebooks serve her well, proving that sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. However, she acknowledges that finding a system that works for you is paramount.

Overwhelm

As The Batch Lady’s online presence grew rapidly, Suzanne experienced moments of feeling overwhelmed. This often coincided with periods when, from the outside, her life seemed incredibly successful. Often, overwhelm is associated with negative situations, but hearing Suzanne speak about overwhelm when things were going well was really interesting. This resonates strongly with the themes of self-awareness and setting boundaries explored in You’ve Got This.

Just go for it!

For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Suzanne’s advice is simple yet powerful: just go for it. If you believe in your idea, take the leap. Think big and set ambitious goals, even if they seem crazy. Her initial goal of a book deal within 18 months, despite industry skepticism, propelled her forward. Even if you don’t reach that initial grand vision, you’ll likely achieve far more than if you hadn’t aimed high in the first place.

Key takeaways from my chat with Suzanne:

  • Identify a genuine need: Suzanne solved a universal problem – the time-consuming nature of daily cooking.
  • Time management is crucial: Even small pockets of focused time can build momentum for your business.
  • Plan and prioritise: Break down your vision into actionable steps and tackle essential tasks first.
  • Don’t be afraid to be different: Suzanne’s unconventional approach resonated with a huge audience.
  • Protect your vision: Be selective about who you share your early plans with.
  • Create a consistent online presence: Choose a searchable name and build a solid foundation.
  • Think big and set ambitious goals: Even if you fall short, you’ll likely achieve more than you would have otherwise.

If you’re feeling inspired by Suzanne’s incredible journey and are looking for more stories and practical advice to fuel your own entrepreneurial spirit, be sure to check out my new book, You’ve Got This! You can find it online and in all good bookshops.

And of course, to explore the wonderful world of The Batch Lady and her time-saving recipes, head over to www.thebatchelady.com and follow her on social media – just search for The Batch Lady!

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From Formula 1 to Business Success: A High-Octane Conversation with Mark Blundell SPECIAL EPISODE

From Formula 1 to Business Success: A High-Octane Conversation with Mark Blundell

Mark Blundell is not just a former Formula 1 driver with a fantastic career, but also a Le Mans 24 Hours winner and now a successful entrepreneur and broadcaster. Oh, and he’s a contributor to my new book, You’ve Got This, too!

You’ve Got This, Mark Blundell!

This interview is one I still pinch myself about. I heard Mark speak at Theo Paphitis’s Small Business Sunday event and was blown away. I had NO expectations that Mark would say yes to being interviewed for my book… but he did… and this is the full interview for your listening pleasure!

Transferrable skills

Did you think that skills developed in the high-octane world of motorsport would be transferrable to the business world? Well, they are. Mark shared incredible insights into the mindset required to compete at the highest level, the importance of teamwork, and how the relentless pursuit of performance translates directly into building a thriving business.

We started by delving into Mark’s Formula 1 days. He offered a glimpse into the intense pressure, the split-second decision-making, and the unwavering focus required to compete in such a demanding sport. He highlighted the critical role of the entire team – from engineers to mechanics – emphasising that individual brilliance alone isn’t enough to achieve victory. This early understanding of collaboration and shared goals has clearly been a cornerstone of his subsequent business ventures.

Setbacks and challenges

Mark also spoke candidly about the inevitable setbacks and challenges he faced during his racing career. From high-speed crashes to the constant need to adapt and improve, he underscored the importance of resilience and the right attitude. This ability to learn from adversity and bounce back stronger is a trait that undoubtedly fuels his entrepreneurial drive.

Marginal gains

Transitioning from the racetrack to the boardroom wasn’t a sudden leap for Mark. He explained how the strategic thinking, the data analysis, and the constant striving for marginal gains in motorsport directly mirrored the principles of building a successful business. Understanding risk management, the importance of preparation, and the need for a clear vision are all skills honed on the track that have proven invaluable in his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Leading the way

Mark’s insights into leadership were particularly compelling. He discussed the importance of leading by example, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and empowering individuals within a team to perform at their best. He drew direct comparisons to the dynamic between a driver and their race engineer, a relationship built on trust, clear communication, and a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

For those listening who might be facing challenges in their own businesses, Mark offered some invaluable advice. He stressed the importance of having a clear strategy, being adaptable to change, and never losing sight of the ultimate goal. He also highlighted the significance of building strong relationships and understanding the value of every member of your team.

This conversation with Mark Blundell was mind blowing, offering a unique perspective on how the lessons learned at the pinnacle of motorsport can be applied to achieve success in the business world. His insights into leadership, resilience, and the power of teamwork are invaluable for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

If you’re looking for inspiration and practical advice on building a successful business, drawing parallels from the high-octane world of Formula 1…or if you just love Mark Blundell… then this episode is a must-listen!

To find about more about Mark and his business MBP, have a look at the website.

To grab your copy of You’ve Got This and read Mark’s insight alongside many other entrepreneurs, head to Bloomsbury or Amazon 

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Disrupting Fashion with Brie Read’s Body Positivity Revolution- SPECIAL EPISODE

Disrupting Fashion with Brie Read’s Body Positivity Revolution – Special Episode

Welcome back to another celebratory episode around the launch of You’ve Got This! Today, I share the chat I had with the incredible Brie Read, the powerhouse founder behind Snag (you might remember them as Snag Tights, but they’ve grown into so much more!).

You’ve Got This, Brie Read!

Snag isn’t just a brand that makes amazing, comfortable clothes (like tights) that really fit, but also bras, pants and shorts, and many more clothing items. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to body positivity and inclusivity. And proof of this? The community Brie and her team have cultivated that’s truly something special.

The lightbulb moment

Brie shared a very relatable experience of her tights falling down in public. Instead of letting it haunt her, she used it as a sign, started asking questions, and quickly realised it wasn’t just her – everyone had a problem with tights. This led to the powerful realisation: it wasn’t our bodies that were wrong; it was the product.

This was the spark that started Snag. Brie bought every type of tight on the market and discovered a shocking truth: they were all essentially the same width, just varying in length! No real effort had been made to create tights that genuinely fitted different body shapes. It took two years of research and development to get to the Snag Tights we all know and love today… the ones that actually fit!

Challenging the patriarchy

It’s no surprise that Snag has been recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, through actively challenging the ‘fashion patriarchy’ and making clothes to help people feel good – whatever their size and shape. Brie champions the use of real customers as models in all sizes, a move that’s inspiring others and slowly shifting industry norms.

However, Brie also highlighted a frustrating reality that despite Snag’s rapid growth and significant presence, the company often gets overlooked by investment and finance circles. She believes this is because they’re addressing ‘women’s issues’ in a ‘women’s space’ and catering to those who are often unseen or alternative.

Inspired by the community

All of Snag’s product ideas come directly from their community. Their release schedule isn’t based on urgency but on how long it takes to perfect a product. Snag’s development process is intensive, starting with prototyping on a size 24 model to ensure it truly works, followed by rigorous testing on fit models of all sizes. It’s a far cry from conventional fast fashion development.

Like running a pirate ship?

Brie says that building a business like Snag feels like running a pirate ship– not part of the establishment, making their own rules and doing things their own way. The company is wired differently to most and their ethos, at the root, is very simple – it’s to have products that fit well and make people happy, so they can have a positive relationship with their bodies.

Brie’s blocks

It’s evident to see that Snag is now a big success, but people didn’t always see it that way. When Brie went for start up support, she was told her turnover expectations were too big. She also found that the male dominated investment space didn’t help as there was a lack of lived experiences. This led to bootstrapping the business for it to grow.

Despite the hardships, Brie’s mission has never wavered, and seeing the impact that Snag has on people keeps pushing her forward. She also has an incredible mindset that is much needed for success, especially when facing negativity and setbacks, and for managing and embracing risk too.

Online community

Snag’s incredible online community is a testament to the company’s values. Brie humbly states that they didn’t create the community; it was already there, and Snag simply gave it a voice. By championing self-expression and the validity of all bodies, they tapped into a massive group of people who felt unseen. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the journey of self-acceptance and the feeling of finally being understood.

Thank you so much, Bree, for sharing your inspiring story and invaluable wisdom!

If you want to experience the Snag yourself and learn more about the products, vibe and company, head over to snagtights.com. You can also follow their journey on Instagram @briefromsnag or @snagtights. And don’t forget to check out You’ve Got This for more stories of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit!

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An ‘essential read’ says Rachel Watkyn OBE

Rachel Watkyn OBE endorsement of You've Got Thi

I’m incredibly grateful to the people that contributed towards my book, You’ve Got This, and to those who took the time to read it and kindly endorse it. One of these was Rachel Watkyn OBE.

Rachel is the founder of Tiny Box Company and Tiny Box Maker, two incredible companies that provide brilliant packaging solutions for small businesses and beyond. In addition, Rachel is a friend of the Small & Supercharged Podcast and joined me for an episode in November ’24.

The graphic above shares a bit of Rachel’s endorsement, but I wanted to share the whole thing too:

“This book is an essential read for anyone at the beginning of their journey or debating taking the plunge. Sometimes you don’t know what you need, but this book is filled with insightful observations that will really help you to stay on course, I wish I had a chance to read a book like this when I was first starting out!” 

I’ll be honest, I was bursting with pride when I read those words! I’ve admired Rachel for a long time and, when we chatted for the podcast, she was everything I hoped she’d be and so much more. Fun, clever, kind… all the good things… and she had one heck of a journey to get to where she is today, let me tell you!

As part of the book support and promotion, I’ve written a few blogs over on Tiny Box Company to help support and inspire their customers too. I’ve talks about how to grow your business by setting good goals as well as how to start your own business.

…and there are a few more in the pipeline too!

Have you got your copy of You’ve Got This yet? You can grab it on Amazon, through Bloomsbury direct, or any good bookshop!

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