At seemingly the peak of her agency, Bridie Castiel made a bold and surprising decision. 

Having: 

✅ Survived Covid

✅ Grown her agency to a team of eight

✅A natural inbound client flow

She shocked everyone (including herself) and joined the team at monday.com

We go back in time and discuss what led to this decision.

And, how being an entrepreneur means getting up every single day and believing in the dream - even if, at times, it means being dishonest with yourself.

But, what’s incredible as Bridie takes us on her professional journey over the past decade or so - is that she has really learnt the importance of transparency - even when it’s challenging. Frankly, especially when it’s challenging. And as a fellow Brit - raised in a culture of conformity and pleasantries - I couldn’t relate to this more.

However, as two Brits we didn’t speak about pesky emotions for too long ;)

A big part of this episode was dedicated to marketing - as a professional who has been in the game pretty much since the start, Bridie gives an incredible insight into watching the entire social media landscape develop since the early 2000s, and some secrets from Monday.com that may surprise you.

A must listen, I really couldn’t recommend this episode more! 

An honest chat with a normal and realistic business owner, Rachelle runs the successful and (more importantly) sustainable Rachelleinwater, which offers Ketuba and Judaica art.

A creative, Rachelle dispels the myth that you can't succeed in Israel following your passions. Having given up her stable job in PR to go full-time freelance, she first made sure she had savings before diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship.

Whilst appreciating that she was in the right place at the right time, there is no doubt that Rachelle has an incredible savvy and worth ethic and gives over some incredible useful tips in this episode, where we discuss:

• Taking practical risk
• Vanity metrics and why they are meaningless
• Taking payments upfront and not being a debt collector
• The discussion to have a child and how that can impact your business
• Not needing to reinvent the wheel
• Being pregnant and then mat leave as a business owner
• Working hard not smart

And so much more! A must listen, let me know your feedback!

In this episode, I sit down with Esther Taub - founder of Esther Taub Fitness; the largest English speaking online fitness community in Israel and of course you know as an Instagram superstar with over 15K followers who love her enthusiasm and realistic approach to health and wellness.

In this episode we talked about it all:

• Some of the horror stories of meeting Instagram influencers in real life
• The time we were - almost - both sued
• How she has grown a sustainable and profitable business via Instagram
• Staying authentic in your brand
• Why being a people pleaser needs a refresh: sometimes it's not a bad thing

We spoke like old friends, which handily we are. Trust me: this is one not to miss!

In this interview with Deborah Tastiel - a senior associate at Asserson law firm we delve deep into what success really means, and how career progression should not be at the expense of finding yourself.

Hailing from Belgium, before studying in London, working in Barcelona and finally finding herself in Israel. Deborah has achieved incredible professional success even at a young age, and we speak about what it means to be the - on occasional - the only 'young' woman in the room and how to handle yourself without being too 'fiery' or blunt.

We also discuss embracing femininity in your career, and how being traditional women traits can actually be a real boost in client and team relationships. How we offer so much as women and we shouldn't be afraid to 'lean in.'

There is so much to learn from this episode, a refreshingly honest account into what it means to scale the corporate ladder in your 20s, I think this is incredibly relatable to all women seeking to advance their careers without losing themselves. A must listen!

An incredibly open and frank conversation, together Zoe and Aliza take us on a journey of the false starts that can lead to success.

Constantly learning, Zoe speaks honestly about the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship. Beginning with a start-up that had a quarter of a million of pounds investment that didn't quite work, led her to requesting work on a Facebook group, that eventually (amazingly) birthed Zoecial media.

In this episode Zoe speaks to the secret of her success: her investment in infrastructure, insurance and processes that means her company works like a well oiled machine. As well as her more recent challenges of balancing her hasabrah work with being CEO of a company that employs, an astounding 15 people. And the difficult choices she had to make.

Aliza speaks about her professional journey, what it means to be fired after maternity leave when you work for a company for nine years! And reinventing yourself from your home in a small city with few networking opportunities.

An inspiring, and at times surprising, interview - this is simply not to be missed.

In this very special episode specifically for Valentine's Day, my husband Michael Rumanov asks the hard hitting questions for my three failures in business. Having been there from day one, and an integral part of the business that has been instrumental to the success, he is the perfect person to delve deep into how ESN has grown over the past five years.

Join us as we discuss the many failures that have punctuated the growth of ESN, including:

• The failure to sell even one ticket for the Jewish Women's Global Network -an ill-advised product of ESN
• My obsession with focusing on the negatives, particularly the, most recent, mega networking event where I allowed one negative comment (out of 190) to dictate my entire feelings about the entire event
• Growing new groups at the extent of current groups, including a group in Australia that saw me wake up at 2am every other week.

Have you ever wondered how failures can pave the way to business success?

Helena Baker explores the intricate journey of building a thriving business through the lens of setbacks and resilience.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How did Route 38 navigate its early challenges and grow over 11 years?
• What role does relationship building play in long-term business success?
• How can business owners balance professional growth with personal well-being?
• What strategies are effective for empowering a team and fostering a trustworthy workplace?
• How can recognizing and responding to red flags prevent potential business pitfalls?

In this episode, Helena Baker interviews Baruch Swinkin from Route 38, delving into the company's 11-year journey. They discuss the foundational challenges Route 38 faced, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships over mere transactional successes. The conversation highlights key strategies such as maintaining open communication with employees, identifying and addressing red flags early, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Baruch shares practical advice for business owners on embracing failures, learning from mistakes, and fostering resilient growth, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of business success.

About The Guest:

Baruch is a seasoned entrepreneur and the driving force behind Route 38, a company that has successfully operated for 11 years with a dedicated team of 12 staff members. With a strong emphasis on relationship building and resilient growth, Baruch brings a wealth of experience in navigating business challenges and fostering a supportive work environment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Open Communication is Crucial: Maintaining transparent dialogue with employees builds trust and facilitates problem-solving.
2. Recognize and Respond to Red Flags: Early identification of potential issues can prevent larger setbacks.
3. Balance is Key: Striking a healthy balance between work and personal life enhances overall well-being and productivity.
4. Empower Your Team: Trusting and empowering your employees leads to a more motivated and efficient workforce.
5. Effective Networking Over Transactions: Building genuine relationships is more beneficial than focusing solely on transactional networking.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Fading Our Way to Success
• 00:48 Meet Baruch: A Strong Partnership
• 02:22 The Early Days of Route 38
• 05:19 Challenges and Growth
• 11:46 Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 17:16 The Importance of Networking
• 27:37 Mastering the 30-Second Business Pitch
• 27:51 The Importance of Targeted Networking
• 28:43 Letting Go of Client Minutia
• 30:04 Empowering Your Team
• 31:05 Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 34:37 Hiring and Building a Trustworthy Team
• 39:39 Navigating Cultural and Religious Dynamics in Business
• 44:36 Recognizing and Avoiding Red Flags
• 55:57 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Baruch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-swinkin-7b7a747/

Visit Route 38's website: https://www.route38.co.il/

Call to Action:

Ready to transform your approach to business success by embracing failures and building resilient growth?

In this episode of Failing Our Way to Success, host Helena Baker interviews Fran Jakubowicz, CEO of Sunhouse Marketing. Fran shares the inspiring story of how she built her marketing agency after both she and her husband lost their jobs on the same day. She opens up about the trials of entrepreneurship, the importance of maintaining boundaries, embracing new technologies, and finding balance between personal and professional life. Listen in for valuable insights on managing challenges, learning from failures, and leading with compassion in business.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How did Fran start Sunhouse Marketing, and what were the key challenges she faced?
• What are the biggest struggles when it comes to hiring and managing staff?
• How does Fran balance work with her personal life, and why is setting boundaries crucial?
• What role does compassion play in business, and how does Fran integrate it into her leadership style?
• How has technology impacted Fran’s business, and how can entrepreneurs use it to their advantage?

Fran Jakubowicz’s journey to building Sunhouse Marketing wasn’t without its challenges, from losing jobs to navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. Throughout the episode, Fran shares her experiences managing staff, setting healthy boundaries, and learning from failures. She emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and finding a balance between work and family. Fran also highlights her work with her nonprofit, Avnei Chen, demonstrating how passion projects can fuel purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

About The Guest:

Fran Jakubowicz is the CEO of Sunhouse Marketing, a full-service agency focused on helping businesses grow by creating impactful marketing strategies. Fran’s entrepreneurial journey began after facing significant personal setbacks, but she turned adversity into an opportunity to build a successful business. She is passionate about mental health and dedicates her time to her nonprofit, Avnei Chen.

Key Takeaways:

1. The importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain personal well-being.
2. Embrace technology to streamline your business operations and reach new opportunities.
3. Compassionate leadership can positively impact your team and the growth of your business.
4. Diversifying your business and networking can provide stability during uncertain times.
5. Passion projects, like Fran’s nonprofit, can offer fulfillment and create a greater sense of purpose in your work.

Time Stamps:

• 00:54 - Meet Fran: A Journey from Failure to Success
• 03:15 - The Challenges of Hiring and Managing Staff
• 09:10 - The Importance of Boundaries in Business
• 23:48 - Balancing Personal Life and Business
• 33:18 - Struggles of a Workaholic
• 34:16 - Balancing Family and Business
• 35:14 - The Financial Ups and Downs
• 37:15 - Networking and Diversification
• 45:36 - Embracing Technology in Business
• 51:47 - Passion Projects and Mental Health

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Fran Jakubowicz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franjakubowicz/

Visit Fran Jakubowicz’s website: https://www.sunhousemarketing.com/

Ready to learn how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship?

Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights on business leadership, compassion, and the importance of balance.

Are you curious how people choose the right business partners to grow their business with? Join Daniella Hellerstein and Michael Toyber as they explore their unique journey to building thriving businesses that give back.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How did Daniella transition from charitable activities to managing a co-working space while continuing to support the community?
• What inspired Michael to start a digital marketing agency, and how did his partnership with Daniella come about?
• What are the essential elements of a successful business partnership, especially when working with family?
• How is the podcasting landscape evolving, and what strategies are effective in responding to audience needs?
• How do Daniella and Michael balance personal relationships with business dynamics to overcome challenges?

In this episode, Daniella Hellerstein and Michael Toyber delve into their individual and joint experiences in charity work and business. Daniella shares her transition from deeply involved charitable activities to managing a flexible co-working space that still supports the community. Michael discusses his journey in starting and running a digital marketing agency with his wife and how their partnership with Daniella led to the creation of their podcast studio, 'Dabru.' They explore the complementary skills each brings to the table, the dynamic nature of podcasting, and the importance of agile responses to audience needs.

Additionally, they touch on maintaining personal relationships within business partnerships and overcoming challenges through effective communication and mutual respect.

About The Guests:

Daniella Hellerstein:

Daniella is a passionate community advocate who has transitioned her dedication from charitable initiatives like supporting 'Beit El Mok' for lone soldiers to managing 'Front Desk,' a flexible co-working space that fosters community support and collaboration.

Michael Toyber:

Michael is an experienced marketer and the co-founder of the podcast studio 'Dabru.' With a background in digital marketing, Michael has successfully started and runs a marketing agency alongside his wife, bringing a wealth of expertise to their collaborative ventures.

Key Takeaways:

1. Seamless Integration of Charity and Business: It's possible to run a successful business while continuing to support and give back to the community.
2. Importance of Complementary Skills in Partnerships: Combining different strengths can lead to more effective and innovative business solutions.
3. Adaptability in Podcasting: Responding swiftly to audience feedback and evolving trends is crucial for staying relevant in the podcasting industry.
4. Balancing Personal and Professional Relationships: Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining healthy personal and business relationships.
5. Commitment to Quality and Customer Service: Prioritizing these aspects can significantly enhance the success and reputation of a business.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:25 Daniella Hellerstein's Journey from Charity to Business
• 01:42 Using Business Resources for Community Support
• 03:34 Balancing Family and Business
• 06:01 Feminism and Personal Fulfillment
• 08:10 Self-Care and Personal Growth
• 08:59 Transition to Michael's Story
• 09:26 Michael Toyber's Background and Business Beginnings
• 12:24 Embracing Cultural Heritage
• 14:04 Working with Family
• 17:21 Challenges and Strategies in Business Partnerships
• 22:12 Creating a Podcast Studio
• 28:46 Commitment to Quality and Customer Service
• 29:18 Keys to a Successful Partnership
• 30:20 Navigating Business Challenges
• 32:23 The Rise of Video Podcasts
• 34:38 Learning from Feedback
• 36:11 Understanding Early-Stage Podcasters
• 38:49 Content Over Famous Guests
• 53:25 The Future of Podcasting
• 56:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Tune in to the full episode for invaluable insights from Daniella Hellerstein and Michael Toyber on balancing charity, business, and personal growth.

What does it take to navigate the ups and downs of building a successful business? In the inaugural episode of Failing Our Way to Success, host Helena Baker celebrates the five-year milestone of her business with a special guest, Billy Cina. As the co-founder and managing partner of Envy, a leading B2B tech marketing and RevOps agency, Billy shares her fascinating journey across Israel, Australia, and London. This episode is packed with invaluable insights about taking risks, learning from failures, and understanding what it truly takes to grow a thriving business.

Discussion Points:

• Billy’s career journey and early experiences in Israel, Australia, and London
• Starting a business in the tech marketing sector and overcoming challenges
• The importance of funding and growth strategies for scaling a business
• Managing cash flow and outsourcing debt collection to ease the process
• Overcoming stage fright and the benefits of public speaking
• The decision to change accountants and the lessons learned from supplier relationships
• The importance of accountability in business, especially for women in the tech sector

Summary of the Conversation:

In this episode, Billy Cina shares her unique journey of building a successful business in the dynamic tech marketing space. From her early days in Manchester to navigating business challenges across Israel, Australia, and London, Billy provides valuable lessons on entrepreneurship. She discusses critical decisions like taking funding early, outsourcing debt collection, and focusing on consistent marketing. Billy also opens up about overcoming personal fears, like public speaking, and the importance of having the right support system, from accountants to mentors. Her insights are a powerful reminder of the perseverance and growth required to succeed in business.

About The Guest:

Billy Cina is the co-founder and managing partner of Envy, a leading B2B tech marketing and RevOps agency. With years of experience across global markets including Israel, Australia, and London, Billy has helped scale tech businesses and navigate complex challenges in the marketing and sales space. Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of taking risks, learning from setbacks, and continuously striving for growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Taking funding early can set the foundation for business growth, but it’s essential to know when and how to leverage it effectively.
2. Outsourcing debt collection allows business owners to focus on their core operations while maintaining cash flow.
3. Public speaking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, helping leaders build confidence and influence.
4. Maintaining consistent marketing efforts is crucial for long-term business success.
5. Women in business need accountability and support to thrive in competitive industries.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 School Memories and Early Life
• 02:21 Journey from Manchester to Israel
• 03:36 Starting a Career in Tech Marketing
• 04:18 Building a Business and Facing Challenges
• 08:08 The Importance of Consistent Marketing
• 08:34 Funding and Growth Strategies
• 17:44 Dealing with Cash Flow and Debt Collection
• 26:44 The Decision to Change Accountants
• 28:11 Challenges with the New Accounting Agency
• 29:37 Returning to the Original Accountant
• 30:46 Lessons Learned from Supplier Relationships
• 35:04 Overcoming Public Speaking Fears
• 38:51 The Importance of Accountability
• 44:12 Navigating Business as a Woman
• 52:07 Advice for Business Owners

Connect with Billy Cina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billycina/

Visit Billy Cina’s website: https://goenvy.io/

Ready to dive deeper into the complexities of running a successful business? Tune in to the full episode for more insights from Billie Cina on overcoming business challenges and growing your brand.