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General business advice, entrepreneurial strategies, stories, and operational tips for equestrian rural business owners.

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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The Unstoppable Spirit of a Founder with Childs Farm’s Joanna Jensen SPECIAL EPISODE

The Unstoppable Spirit of a Founder with Childs Farm’s Joanna Jensen

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast celebrating the launch of my new book, You’ve Got This!

On this episode, I share the chat I had with with the incredible Joanna Jensen, a true force of nature and the founder of Childs Farm. Joanna transitioned from the world of property and investment banking to build a leading baby and child toiletries company, all sparked by her own struggle to find something that would soothe her daughter’s eczema.  The growth of Childs Farm was amazing and ultimately led to her selling the brand. This doesn’t mean that  Joanna has left the business world behind, far from it! Now she’s supporting other female founders, investing in brands she loves, and plenty more besides.

Confidence and self belief

I started our chat by exploring some of the themes present in You’ve Got This, particularly around confidence and self-belief. Building a business, especially one that scales as dramatically as Childs Farm did – from a kitchen table to a market leader – requires a lot of both! Joanna firmly believes that not everyone can be an entrepreneur and says it requires a specific mindset and appetite for risk. It also requires a LOT of confidence, and as Joanna has observed across countless founders, this often stems from a deep resilience and strength of character, a fundamental ‘I can do anything’ self-belief. She shared a powerful quote from Walt Disney: “If you can dream it, you can do it,” emphasising the power of the mind.

Born or made?

Joanna feels this inherent belief was something she was almost born with, perhaps nurtured through a childhood where critique outweighed praise. This environment instilled a drive to keep going until things were right and recognition was earned. It’s a pattern she’s noticed in many founders who have overcome difficult circumstances, realising early on that they have to rely on themselves.

Coping with curveballs

We all know that the entrepreneurial journey has many twists and turns, and Joanna also shared the curveballs along her path, and also how these, sometimes, made her question whether or not she should be doing what she was. I asked Joanna how she navigated those moments of uncertainty, especially when building a business like Childs Farm. Her answer was simple – endless, shameless questioning. She actively sought out people who had done things before, becoming a sponge so she could understand every aspect of her business. She even joked about being on first-name terms with the Sage helpdesk! This relentless pursuit of this knowledge was key for Joanna and her success.

Fear of failure

Many founders have the fear of failure, and Joanna is no different. In fact, she said she was fundamentally terrified the entire time she was building Childs Farm. This wasn’t due to a lack of belief in her or her team’s capabilities, but the responsibility she felt as she a single parent with no financial safety net.

As the business grew, this fear morphed into a terror of dropping the ‘gorgeous China vase’ she had created, a fear of some external event derailing their hard-won success. Interestingly, the day the final bids for the company came in coincided with the invasion of Ukraine, a stark reminder of how unforeseen global events can impact the most carefully laid plans. Joanna’s reaction, however, was a rallying cry to the team to push through with  determination. This ability to overcome doubt, rooted in the knowledge of their hard work and the integrity of their business, ultimately saw them through.

Overwhelmed by big goals?

Finally, we discussed the overwhelming nature of big goals. Joanna’s perspective was that having a big vision actually made it easier for her. It provided the ‘why’, and the ‘how’ then became about finding the right people for each role.

You can find out more about  Joanna Jensen and her work at joannajensen.co.uk and on Instagram @joannajensenofficial. And if you haven’t yet, please do check out You’ve Got This – you can find it by searching online or in all good bookshops.

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Unlocking Your Potential and Finding Your Energy with Simon Alexander Ong

Unlocking Your Potential and Finding Your Energy with Simon Alexander Ong

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast celebrating the launch of my new book, You’ve Got This!

On this episode, I share the in-depth interview I did with Simon Alexander Ong. What a legend! For those who don’t know Simon, he’s an award-winning life coach, a personal development guru, a fantastic speaker, and the author of a really, really good book called Energize, which proudly sits on my bookshelf. He also joined me at the You’ve Got This launch event we held in Hatchards, Piccadilly. He was incredible!

Going back to the start

Simon’s journey is fascinating. He initially studied economics before spending around a decade working in the financial sector, joining right in the midst of a turbulent time that saw him in and out of work. It was this experience that really prompted Simon to reflect on what he wanted from life, leading him to the world of coaching. From there, his path evolved to speaking and eventually becoming a keynote speaker on major stages across the globe. This journey also led him to write his first book.

Was it a sign?

One of the early points Simon made that really resonated with me was how he viewed the implosion of the financial world not just as a crisis but as a potential sign. I think that’s a powerful reframe, a real mindset shift, because many people might not immediately see such an event as a learning opportunity. Simon explained that growing up, he felt a strong expectation to pursue a high-earning career in fields like banking, law, or medicine – professions that would bring pride to his family. He hadn’t really questioned these choices until the financial crisis forced him to reconsider whether a career in finance would still lead to the success and progression he had envisioned, especially as the crisis impacted every corner of the industry. Looking back a few years later, he realised that the decision to begin that process of questioning was truly transformative. It ignited a curiosity within him – and he acted on it.

The spark that started it all

This curiosity became the initial spark, driving him to research other industries and potential business ventures before making any hasty decisions. This also highlights a common block for many aspiring entrepreneurs: feeling a lack of resources, whether it’s knowledge, experience, money, or time. Simon’s experience underscores how curiosity can be the catalyst that propels you to seek out those resources and learn what you need to know.

A financial backer?

Over time, Simon’s personal growth began to change his relationship with his job. Even though he didn’t enjoy it, he consciously chose not to let it drain his energy. Instead, he viewed his job as a stepping stone towards his true calling, even before he knew exactly what that was. Using the analogy of running a business, he saw his job as an investor, providing him with the capital to experiment, explore, take courses and seminars, and ultimately test different paths. It was through this process of experimentation that he discovered his passion for coaching.

When to take the leap

For Simon, making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship was a carefully considered decision, influenced by his risk-averse background. He started off combining his day job with his coaching work on evening and weekends, but he reached a limit with three coaching clients. He knew if he took on any others it would impact his performance in all areas of his career. After several months of deliberation and discussions with close friends and his wife, he chose to take that leap of faith. While it has been an incredible journey since then, he emphasised the importance of having some sort of foundation before making such a significant change.

Believe in yourself

As Simon discussed in his book, believing in yourself is paramount. If you don’t back yourself, it’s difficult to convince others of your value. He shared a powerful analogy- there are two sales that occur – the first is selling yourself on your own abilities, and only then can you effectively sell your services to others. While self-doubt and fear are part of the human experience, having conviction means fundamentally believing in your ability to succeed, even if the timeline isn’t immediately clear.

Confidence or courage?

Simon also offered a valuable insight into the nature of confidence itself, suggesting that it’s not a prerequisite for action but rather a byproduct of courage. The first step is often taking a courageous leap into the unknown, trying something new, or reaching out to someone. When these initial acts of courage yield positive results, they build confidence – the knowledge that you can do something. This confidence then fuels self-belief, encouraging you to take on bigger challenges, which generates momentum.

Feel the fear and do it anyway?

When faced with that initial paralysis of fear, Simon shared two key strategies. The first is to focus on what you, personally, can control. Often, we become paralysed by overthinking things we have no influence over. By shifting our focus to controllable actions, such as how many people we reach out to or what content we create, we can feel less helpless. The second strategy is to change your environment. Surrounding yourself with people who are actively taking courageous steps and experimenting with new things can make it easier for you to do the same.

The power of tribes

This beautifully led us to a discussion about the power of “tribes” – the people we surround ourselves with – and how they can dramatically influence our success and mindset. Simon explained that we are inevitably influenced by the people, things, and places we spend the most time around. He shared a powerful analogy: if you spend time with five of your fittest friends, you’ll likely become the sixth; the same applies to millionaires or successful business owners. Being in an environment where you witness live examples of people achieving what you aspire to do shatters your perceived limitations and expands your sense of what’s possible.

Goal setting

I asked Simon for any final thoughts or advice, particularly around goal setting. Simon shared a valuable distinction between goals and vision. He often shares the saying, “Visualise in decades, plan in months, execute daily.” For Simon, a vision is more emotional and long-term, while goals are the specific milestones that help you move towards that vision. He sets his goals in 90-day sprints, recognising that circumstances can change quickly. However, if he had to choose one goal for everyone to focus on, it would be simply to be better than who you were yesterday. He believes that consistently striving for small improvements will yield significant rewards over time.

If you enjoyed this episode and found Simon’s insights valuable, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast and, of course, leaving a review for You’ve Got This if you’ve read it. To find out more about Simon and his work, head over to www.SimonAlexanderOng.com. You can also connect with Simon on LinkedIn, where he shares particularly great content, and on other social media platforms.

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It’s Book Launch Day for You’ve Got This!

It’s Book Launch Day for You’ve Got This!

Well, hello everyone, and welcome back to the podcast! After what felt like the busiest “break” in history over December and early January, I’m absolutely thrilled to be back, and today is a very exciting day. It’s book launch day for You’ve Got This! I honestly can’t believe that over a year ago, I submitted that enormous word document to Bloomsbury, and today, it’s finally out there for you all to read.

To mark this special occasion, I decided (well, maybe Lol suggested it, but if it goes well, it was definitely my idea!) to chat about the book on the Small & Supercharged Podcast. And these are the notes that got with the epsiode. So here I am with Lol, and we’re diving straight into what You’ve Got This is all about and who I wrote it for.

What is You’ve Got This about?

In You’ve Got This, I’ve combined the strategies and tried and tested techniques I’ve gathered from years of business coaching and mentoring, drawing on my NLP Master Practitioner and Coach training, alongside my own personal experiences. But what makes this book truly special, and what I feel incredibly grateful for, is the contribution of some truly amazing individuals- people I have looked up to and admired for a long time.

Who’s contributed to You’ve Got This?

I wouldn’t call it luck- as I tell people over and over again, luck isn’t quite the thing we think it is. In my experience, stuff doesn’t happen through luck alone. And in this case, it’s been years of hard work and connection building that has allowed me to include wisdom from people like Theo Paphitis, Jo Tutchener-Sharp of Scamp & Dude, Brie Read of Snag, Mark Blundell, Charlie Bowes-Lyon from Wild Cosmetics, and Emma Bridgewater.

Have people endorsed the book too?

I’m so honoured to have endorsements and insights from incredible people like Sara Davies, Natalie Ellis -the founder of BossBabe (who I absolutely love!), the force of nature Rachel Watkyn from The Tiny Box Company (who you might remember from a previous podcast), the brilliant Olivia Hanlon from Girls in Marketing, the insightful Owen O’Kane (author of two amazing books, who I met at Theo Paphitis’s event), the fantastic Grace Andrews from @thesocialclimber on Instagram (and Marketing Director at Flight Studio), and the inspiring Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen. Their kind words and support have been truly mind-blowing. When you pour your heart and soul into writing a book, there’s always that moment of “what if it’s not actually any good?”, so to have such incredible people read it and say such lovely things has been lovely. So yes, that’s a little bit of a jump through several questions in one, but that’s what You’ve Got This is all about!

A secret space, just for you…

Now, for those of you who pick up a copy of You’ve Got This, I have a really exciting bonus for you. On my website, I’ve created a special, secret area where you can listen to the full interviews I conducted with all the amazing contributors to the book. It’s a fantastic way to dive even deeper into their stories and learn even more about their journeys and how they overcame their own challenges. These full interviews will also be released weekly on this podcast, so you can enjoy them over time. But if you grab a copy of the book, you’ll have access to them all in one go for a real dose of motivation and inspiration.

Just to clarify who you’ll be hearing from in these bonus podcast episodes, it will be the contributors to the book. While not every single person who contributed to the book will have a full interview, there are at least fifteen fantastic conversations waiting for you. They are truly brilliant and offer such valuable insights. You can expect them to be released once a week through the regular podcast feed. However, as I mentioned, if you purchase You’ve Got This, you’ll find a link inside that will take you to a dedicated page on my website where you can binge-listen to them all! But be warned – you might end up feeling incredibly motivated and inspired! Some of these stories are truly incredible, and at least one might even bring a tear to your eye (it certainly did for me!).

If you do pick up a copy of the book, I would be so incredibly grateful if you could take a photograph of it and share it on social media, tagging me (I’m @rheafreemanpr) so I can repost and share it.

Thank you so much for listening, everyone. We’ll catch up again soon!

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Don’t wait for January – act NOW!

The Power of Action: Why waiting is a waste of time

Are you waiting for January 1st to make a change? Please don’t. Yes, New Year might be a common time to set goals, but why not take immediate action towards the things you want to do? You might be waiting for the perfect moment and the right time to start… but what you’re actually doing is procrastinating and wasting your precious time. The best time to start, is now…

Key points from this episode

  • Don’t wait for the New Year: Avoid delaying your goals until January 1st. Start taking action now and make progress towards your dreams. Why wait? If it matters enough, get cracking!
  • Small steps matter: Even small actions can lead to significant progress. Focus on taking consistent steps towards your goals, rather than waiting for a major breakthrough. Even the bigger goals are made up of lots of small steps. These are also a LOT less overwhelming.
  • The power of micro sprints: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks and focus on completing them one at a time. This approach can help you stay motivated and make steady progress.
  • Overcome procrastination: Identify the reasons why you might be procrastinating and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles. Take action despite your fears and doubts.
  • The benefits of immediate action: Starting now can lead to increased motivation, momentum, and a sense of accomplishment. It can also help you avoid regrets and missed opportunities.
  • Join the Small and Supercharged Mastermind Group: If growing your business is one of your goals, consider joining my Mastermind Group (I know – shameless plug alert!) – but it really is fab!

I really am very passionate about this subject because so much can be achieved in the time you could be waiting to start. On this episode of the podcast, I also talk about how to get started, to overcome procrastination and stay motivated. Because to achieve big goals, you need to do big things, and the path will not be smooth. But some would argue that’s part of the fun, right?!

Small & Supercharged Mastermind

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Emily Cole + Designed for Dogs = an amazing collaboration

Collaborating for Canine Comfort: A Conversation with Emily Cole and Holly Bryant

You know how much I love a collaboration, so can you even imagine my delight when two of my lovely clients got together to create a collaborative dog bed collection? Yep- I was very very excited. So excited that I invited them both on the podcast to chat all things Emily Cole Illustrations x Designed for Dogs.

In this episode, I chat to Emily Cole and Holly Bryant, two talented with brilliant business women, that I’ve known for a long time. We chat about how the partnership will work, why sustainability is important, and why offering a special experience is essential to keeping customers happy.

Key points from this podcast…

  • The synergy of collaboration: Emily and Holly discuss the benefits of joining forces as small businesses, highlighting increased efficiency, shared knowledge, and a stronger market presence. They talk about their complementary skills, passion for dogs, and how the way they operate in their businesses aligns so well.
  • Quality and sustainability: Both ladies talk about the importance of using high-quality materials and ethical manufacturing practices in their dog beds (Holly) and other products (Emily). They explain how their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products themselves, influencing their sourcing, production processes, and packaging.
  • Personalised experiences for every dog: Holly offers a wide range of personalisation options for the dog beds and accessories she creates, to ensure that each product is tailored to the individual needs and preferences of its owner. From size and colour to fabric choices and embroidery, Designed for Dogs takes personalisation seriously, and the company’s customers love it.
  • Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities: Holly and Emily share their experiences of navigating challenges, such as finding common ground and balancing their individual brands. They talk about the importance of open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Inspiration and innovation: Emily and Holly discuss their sources of inspiration and how they stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving pet products market. They highlight the importance of staying informed about industry trends, listening to customer feedback, and continuously innovating to meet the changing needs of pet owners.

This is such a fab episode. Being able to share brand stories is something I love to do, and sharing the stories of two great brands working together was really lovely. I know how much time, energy, love and work goes into the creations of both Emily Cole Illustrations and Designed for Dogs, and being able to let people behind the curtain to see and understand more about these brands was also a real joy. I loved every minute and I hope you do too.

Small & Supercharged Book

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