In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we sit down with Jennie Bailey, founder of Calla Shoes, to talk about how she turned a personal struggle into a thriving business.

Jennie shares how an unexpected redundancy and an unplanned pregnancy pushed her to take the biggest risk of her life—starting a footwear brand from scratch, without any experience in shoemaking.

She opens up about the challenges of breaking into a centuries-old industry, why she sold her first 150 pairs of shoes before she even had them, and how Helen Mirren unexpectedly became a customer.

We also dive into the realities of building a product-based business, the financial risks most founders don’t talk about, and the magic moments that make the journey worthwhile.https://callashoes.co.uk/

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we sit down with Lewis Kemp, founder of Lightbulb Media, to talk about his unconventional journey from a council estate in Bolton to leading a thriving marketing agency.

Lewis shares how his early experiences-like door-knocking in the rain and facing constant rejection-shaped his resilience and business mindset.

He opens up about being diagnosed with autism at 30, how it reshaped his self-awareness, and why he believes success isn’t about vanity metrics but about freedom. We also dive into hard-hitting lessons on scaling a business, the real barriers to growth, and why he refuses to work with clients who let their egos get in the way.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-kemp-manchester/

https://lightbulbmedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, Lucy shares how her upbringing in Salford shaped her entrepreneurial journey—building businesses with nothing but determination, learning on the go, and taking risks without fear.

From launching an events company with no experience to co-founding a distillery with her sisters, Lucy's story is one of grit, blind confidence, and figuring it out along the way.

She talks about overcoming setbacks, navigating business partnerships, and the lessons learned from failure, success, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever thought, I have no idea how to do this, but I’ll figure it out, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we sit down with Ryan Williams, the entrepreneur behind the viral media sensation It’s Gone Viral.

Ryan shares his journey from struggling with academia to discovering his passion for IT and ultimately building a thriving social media empire.

We explore how Ryan turned a side hustle into a multimillion-pound business, the challenges of balancing family life with his growing brand, and the lessons he’s learned about risk-taking, resilience, and innovation. He also reflects on selling the business, navigating personal challenges, and his vision for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

___________________________________________________________________________

Ryan's LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/ryantwilliamsofficial/

Blood, Sweat and Tweets - Ryan & Jenna Williams

www.waterstones.com/book/blood-sweat-and-tweets/jenna-williams/lolo-stubbs/9781916237780/

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we explore the journey of Hattie Pearson. A Manchester based radio DJ whose resilience and passion drove her to become successful in a very competitive area.

From being a trailblazer in education, navigating the evolving media landscape, and embracing unexpected paths in life, including triathlons and creative ventures, we get to hear about the trials and tribulations that got her to where she is today.

In this episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we meet Charles Burdett, a designer-turned-entrepreneur who turned a “dumb little idea” into a global success story. Charles shares how his love of design, combined with resilience and curiosity, led to the creation of Pip Decks—a tool now used by everyone from corporate leaders to pastors worldwide. From scrubbing butcher shop floors to working with the BBC and launching a thriving business, Charles offers invaluable insights into creativity, innovation, and navigating imposter syndrome. Tune in to discover how a small idea from Greater Manchester became a worldwide phenomenon!

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, Jackie Hyde shares her incredible journey of building a thriving insurance business while overcoming immense personal challenges. From navigating a traumatic accident and a cancer diagnosis to breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, Jackie’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on turning adversity into opportunity and leading with determination.

In this episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we sit down with Phil Jones, the MD of Brother UK, a leading printer company based in Manchester. 

Phil’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of personality. While he wasn't the top student in school, his passion, drive, and focus on self-improvement set him on a path to success.

Phil opens up about how his unconventional journey, shaped by early struggles and challenges, led him to become a key figure in the business world.

Tune in to hear how a relentless commitment to greatness can turn setbacks into stepping stones and learn valuable lessons from a true Mancunian success story.

In this episode of Greater Manchester’s Greatest Minds, we sit down with Vikas Shah, a true entrepreneurial trailblazer. Starting his business journey in his teens, Vikas went on to purchase his father’s textiles company, transforming it into a thriving business in today’s competitive market.

We delve into his early ventures, the challenges of taking over a family business, and how he has navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship while preserving tradition. Vikas shares valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the importance of adaptability in business.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, or someone looking to learn from the experiences of a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

Tune in for a conversation filled with insight, passion, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed in business.

In this episode of Greater Manchester's Greatest Minds, we chat with Naomi Timperley, a tech innovator, mentor, and community builder. From launching Baby Loves Disco to mentoring over 500 entrepreneurs, Naomi shares her journey of resilience and reinvention.

We explore her Dragon’s Den experience, founding Tech North Advocates, and her mission to put the North on the global map. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or changemaker, this episode offers insights and inspiration from one of Manchester’s brightest minds.

Tune in for advice, stories, and a fresh take on creating lasting impact!