What does it really take to build a successful career and how do you know when it's time to make a change?

In this episode of Business Class, Vicky is joined by Isobelle Panton, career strategist, speaker, content creator and commercial lead at The Overlap, where she works alongside Gary Neville.

Isobelle has built an incredible career across sales, commercial leadership and business, while also growing an online community of more than 200,000 people through her honest, straight-talking career advice. 

Vicky and Isobelle get into the realities of career progression, leadership, networking, personal branding, goal setting and finding work that actually aligns with your purpose.

They also have a very honest conversation about motherhood, ambition and balancing a successful career with having a life outside of work.

Isabel shares how her early experiences — from working in a shoe shop and even working as a stable hand in exchange for riding lessons — shaped the person and professional she became. She also talks about working incredibly hard early in her career, moving between industries and learning the importance of backing yourself. 

In this episode, Vicky and Isabel discuss:

• Career progression and how to move forward in your career
• Leadership and managing people
• Finding your purpose at work
• The importance of networking and building relationships
• Personal branding and becoming known for what you do
• Goal setting and ambition
• Backing yourself and taking opportunities
• Navigating different industries and career changes
• Motherhood and career ambition
• Work-life balance
• The pressure to constantly achieve
• Lessons from early career mistakes
• Building a personal brand alongside your career
• How to create opportunities for yourself

If you're building your career, considering a career change, stepping into leadership, growing your personal brand or simply questioning what you actually want from work, this is an episode you'll want to listen to.

🎧 Listen to Business Class now.

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What happens when your dream client turns into a nightmare? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens dives into the anonymous client, customer and business horror stories that prove one thing: if you own a business, at some point, something will go spectacularly wrong.

From difficult clients and unpaid invoices to legal disputes, employee theft, shoplifting, dodgy collaborations and some truly unbelievable customer behaviour, this episode is packed with the kind of business stories that will make you laugh, cringe and probably check your contracts twice.

Vicky also shares some of her own experiences, including dealing with difficult clients, being burned by people she trusted and the importance of keeping a paper trail in business.

Plus, she discusses some seriously worrying business scams, including an entrepreneur who lost over £20,000 after scammers impersonated a supplier, how AI-generated images are being used to fake damaged products, and why changing bank details should always be verified directly.

In this episode:

• Anonymous client and customer horror stories
• How to deal with difficult clients
• Business scams and supplier fraud
• Losing £20,000 to a sophisticated scam
• Why business owners need strong cybersecurity
• Legal disputes and the importance of contracts
• Keeping evidence and paper trails in business
• Employee theft and broken trust
• Shoplifting and protecting a retail business
• AI-generated images and fake product damage claims
• The problems with “collaboration” and working for free
• Crazy customer complaints and unrealistic expectations
• Why Google reviews can tell you more than website testimonials
• Setting boundaries with clients and customers
• Knowing when to slow down and say no in business

And, of course, there are some stories that are so ridiculous you genuinely have to question whether they're real — including the customer who claimed she could detect dairy in coffee “by the energy” and left a one-star review because the coffee's aura was disappointing.

If you're a business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, creator or anyone who works with clients or customers, this episode will probably feel far too relatable.

🎧 Listen to Business Class for honest conversations about entrepreneurship, running a business, growing a personal brand, business mistakes, mindset, success and everything in between.

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In this episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Giselle Boxer, founder of East Healing, the award-winning wellness brand that's become one of the UK's fastest-growing holistic businesses, selling a product every few minutes and making history on Dragon's Den by receiving six offers from the Dragons.

Giselle shares the incredible story behind East Healing, how severe burnout changed the direction of her life, and why protecting your nervous system is one of the biggest competitive advantages any entrepreneur can have.

You'll also hear practical techniques that business owners can implement immediately to reduce stress, improve focus, and create long-term sustainable success—without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, creative or small business owner, this conversation is packed with practical advice on balancing ambition with health.

In this episode we discuss:
• Giselle Boxer's journey from burnout to building East Healing
• What really happened behind the scenes on Dragon's Den
• The importance of nervous system regulation for entrepreneurs
• Simple daily wellness habits that actually work
• Managing stress whilst growing a successful business
• Avoiding burnout without slowing your business growth
• Building a purpose-led brand
• Sustainable success and entrepreneurship

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow Business Class, leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares exactly what to do when your business hits a quiet period and how to turn slower months into your biggest opportunities for growth.

Whether you've lost clients, sales have slowed down or you're simply experiencing the natural highs and lows of running a business, Vicky reveals the practical strategies she's personally used to turn quieter months into record-breaking ones.

From creating new revenue streams and improving outreach to building a stronger sales pipeline and generating quick cash flow, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners who want to future-proof their business.

In this episode, Vicky discusses:

• Why every business experiences quiet periods (and why it's completely normal)
• How to generate cash quickly when sales slow down
• Building multiple revenue streams to protect your business
• Creating an ecosystem that makes your business more resilient
• Outreach strategies that win new clients
• Using LinkedIn and networking to generate leads
• The power of digital products and low-ticket offers
• Upselling existing clients and increasing customer lifetime value
• How to use email marketing to generate consistent sales
• Referral schemes that bring in new business
• Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
• The mindset shifts that help founders navigate uncertainty

If you're feeling anxious about a quieter season in your business, this episode is the reminder that every successful entrepreneur faces setbacks—and that sometimes your biggest breakthroughs come after your toughest months.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Maddie Borge, founder of Pastael, the travel accessories brand that's redefining the way we travel.

What started as a simple idea to solve a common travel problem has grown into a thriving e-commerce business, with Maddie building a loyal community through social media, smart branding and a relentless focus on creating products people genuinely love.

In this episode, Maddie shares the reality of launching a product-based business, building a brand from scratch and turning an idea into a fast-growing company.

Together, Vicky and Maddie discuss:

• How Maddy founded Pastael
• Turning an everyday problem into a successful business
• Building a product-based brand from scratch
• Growing an e-commerce business through social media
• Product development and bringing ideas to life
• The power of branding and customer experience
• Manufacturing, logistics and scaling a business
• Lessons from entrepreneurship and startup life
• Overcoming challenges as a founder
• Creating a loyal community around your brand
• The realities of running an online business
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Whether you're launching a product, building an e-commerce business or dreaming of becoming a founder, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice from someone who's built a brand with purpose.

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares the honest lessons she's learned from building and managing a growing team.

From hiring your very first employee to leading a larger business, Vicky opens up about the mistakes she's made, the challenges of managing people in your twenties, and the leadership lessons she wishes she'd known from day one.

Managing a team isn't something anyone teaches you. Whether it's setting boundaries, building company culture, giving feedback or learning to lead with confidence, Vicky shares the real experiences behind growing a business and the people within it. 

In this episode, Vicky discusses:

• Hiring your first employee and growing a team
• The biggest mistakes first-time managers make
• Leading a business in your twenties
• Setting boundaries without losing approachability
• Building a positive company culture
• Managing difficult conversations with confidence
• Delegating effectively as a founder
• Why making leadership mistakes is part of the journey
• Creating a team that supports business growth
• Learning to become a better leader every day
• Balancing empathy with accountability
• Scaling your business without losing your culture

Whether you're hiring your first employee, growing a startup or leading an established team, this episode is packed with practical leadership advice and honest reflections from a founder who's learning in real time.

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit that helps you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and sell products, services and digital downloads, all from one platform.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership and business growth.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Delphi and David, the husband and wife founders behind By Teddy, one of the UK's fastest growing pet lifestyle brands.

In just a few short years, By Teddy has grown from an idea into a nationally recognised business, securing partnerships with major retailers including John Lewis, Pets at Home, Pets Corner and Very. But behind the growth is a story of persistence, strategic networking, bold decision-making and building a brand customers genuinely love.

In this episode, Delphi and David share the realities of scaling a product-based business, navigating cash flow challenges, securing retail partnerships and growing a brand in a highly competitive market.

Together, Vicky, Delphi and David discuss:

• How By Teddy went from startup to stocked in major retailers
• Building a business with your partner
• The challenges of scaling a fast-growing e-commerce brand
• How to get your products into major retailers
• The power of networking and relationship building
• Why persistence is one of the most underrated business skills
• Cash flow, inventory management and growth challenges
• Leveraging TikTok Shop and social media for business growth
• Brand collaborations and creating standout marketing moments
• Building a premium brand in a crowded market
• Lessons learned from rapid business growth
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and founders

Whether you're launching a product-based business, building an e-commerce brand or looking to scale your company, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable advice from two founders who are doing exactly that.

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business online.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens answers your biggest questions about building a personal brand, growing on social media and turning your online presence into real business opportunities.

From whether founders should show up on camera, to balancing entertaining content with credibility, avoiding burnout and building an audience that actually converts into customers, Vicky shares the honest advice she gives clients every day. 

If you're an entrepreneur, founder, creator or business owner looking to grow your personal brand in 2026, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

In this episode, Vicky discusses:

• Whether every founder needs a personal brand
• Founder-led content vs faceless business content
• Building trust and authority on social media
• How to grow without chasing every trend
• Why respect is more valuable than viral views
• Creating content that attracts customers, not just followers
• Managing social media burnout
• Building a sustainable content strategy
• Outsourcing your marketing effectively
• Balancing business growth with your personal life
• The mindset required to build a successful personal brand

Whether you're just starting your business or looking to take your content strategy to the next level, this episode will help you build a brand that creates long-term opportunities, not just short-term attention. 

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, social media and business growth.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with entrepreneur, author and founder of the global movement F*ck Being Humble, Stefanie Sword Williams.

Known for helping people build confidence, advocate for themselves and stop playing small, Stefanie has spent the last eight years challenging the way we think about self-promotion, personal branding and career growth. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it really takes to build a movement that lasts, stand out in a crowded market and create meaningful impact through your work.

Together, Vicky and Stephanie discuss:

• How to build a personal brand people remember
• Why most businesses focus on trends instead of solving real problems
• Creating a movement instead of just creating content
• The power of bold messaging and strong positioning
• Confidence, self-promotion and overcoming self-doubt
• Dealing with criticism and fear of judgement online
• Why authenticity matters more than ever
• The difference between vulnerability and oversharing
• Building a brand with purpose and longevity
• How to stop gatekeeping your brilliance
• Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
• The mindset shifts that help founders grow

Stefanie also shares her personal journey, the challenges she's faced behind the scenes, and the lessons she's learned from building one of the UK's most recognisable personal development brands.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, founder or professional looking to build confidence and visibility, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights.

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business online.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success.

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Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk

In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares her complete blueprint for building a successful personal brand in 2026.

After growing an audience of over 250,000 followers, building a thriving marketing agency, launching a podcast, securing major brand partnerships and creating multiple income streams, Vicky breaks down exactly what she's learned about personal branding, networking, visibility and creating opportunities that can transform your career. 

This isn't just about growing followers on social media. It's about building a personal brand that opens doors, creates opportunities and helps you build a business beyond the algorithm.

In this episode, Vicky discusses:

• The biggest opportunities that have come from building a personal brand
• Why followers open doors in business
• How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them
• Building authority and trust online
• Networking strategies that actually work
• Growing your personal brand beyond social media
• Creating multiple income streams from your expertise
• The power of podcasting and long-form content
• Building meaningful relationships and industry connections
• Working with brands authentically
• How to monetise your audience without losing trust
• The mistakes Vicky has made building her personal brand

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, freelancer, consultant or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with practical advice on building visibility, credibility and influence in today's digital world. 

🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly

Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your online business.

👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan.

Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, social media, personal branding and business growth.

Send us Fan Mail

Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk