In this heartfelt episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe sits down with Sarah Heward, founder of The Real Food Café in Tyndrum, a small village with a population of just 140. Sarah shares her incredible journey of transforming a derelict Little Chef into a thriving business in the remote Highlands. From her start in high-end London hospitality to facing personal tragedy and battling business challenges, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to community. We delve into the difficulties of recruiting and retaining talent in a rural location where secondary school children face a 100-mile daily commute, putting the remoteness of Tyndrum into stark perspective. Sarah shares her unique approach to building a strong workplace culture, her relentless focus on being the best employer in Scottish hospitality, and how her café became one of the top 30 best places to work in UK hospitality. Through personal loss, overcoming betrayal, and weathering storms like the pandemic, Sarah’s story is not just about business survival but about fostering a community. She speaks candidly about her challenges with grief, addiction, and the role of community support in pulling her through. This episode is an inspiring look into how resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. Sarah’s passion for her people, her community, and using business as a force for good is nothing short of contagious. Join us as we explore the lessons Sarah has learned about leadership, building a team, and creating a lasting impact in the most unexpected of places. Whether you’re a business owner or an aspiring leader, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights.