In today's episode, I sit down with author Kathleen Whyman, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring journalist to published novelist. Kathleen's story of persistence and self-belief is one that will resonate with anyone pursuing creative dreams alongside life's other demands.

We cover everything from how she started out, to how she writes, and manages to balance her career with the rest of life's commitments. Kathleen opens up about writing her first book during pregnancy - a manuscript she initially felt wasn't good enough for publication but that taught her the invaluable lesson that she could indeed finish writing a book. She reveals the fascinating story behind her inspiration and the seven-year journey from enrolling on a writing course to finally seeing it in print.

What stands out in our conversation is Kathleen's unwavering determination. Despite setbacks, she maintained an absolute belief that her book deserved to be published, a mindset that ultimately led to her subsequent success, and multiple book releases

Parents will especially appreciate Kathleen's candid reflections on the balancing act of running a household while pursuing a career as a businesswoman and author - and the guilt that often accompanies these multiple roles. She shares her creative process, including how she crafts her books and revisits drafts to sharpen the humour, and I was touched to learn that one of my own podcast episodes helped inspire Kathleen to push beyond her comfort zone! We also discuss the power of networking, particularly how connecting with other women has opened doors and helped her reach her target audience.

So whether you're an aspiring creative, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone working toward a long-held dream, Kathleen's practical wisdom and honest reflections offer both inspiration and insight alike, alongside her constant trademark humour! Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kathleen:

Instagram, Facebook & Threads: @Kathleenwhymanauthor

Website: www.Kathleenwhyman.com

Books, available via Amazon https://amzn.to/4kumFls (please remember to leave a review!), or all good book shops: Has Anyone Seen My Husband? (Shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print prize)

Would You Ask My Husband That?

Wife Support System

Book four out August 2025

Are you a witty woman writer?! Entries are open for the Comedy Women in Print prize 13th April – 23rd May. Visit www.comedywomeninprint.co.uk for more details.

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

Seed Accounting: https://seedaccounting.solutions

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, I chat with over-40s fitness guru Cara Metz, a truly remarkable woman who's transformed her life by understanding that real health goes far beyond physical movement.

Cara's journey is a powerful testament to the importance of mindset, self-compassion, and holistic wellness - and how sometimes, the most significant changes can start with just fifteen minutes a day.

We discuss her childhood as a high achieving dancer, and how her path wasn't a straightforward success story, as she candidly shares the challenges she faced. We reflect upon how she uncovered a profound truth, and how this moment of clarity sparked a transformative journey of understanding about nurturing your entire being - body, heart, and soul. It was to become a lifelong passion.

Now as an inspiring fitness and wellbeing instructor with an astounding following, Cara's philosophy is beautifully simple yet profound: we need to become the woman we were meant to be, not the woman that life's challenges have diminished. This mindset has allowed her to develop her powerful 15-minutes-a-day principle, which also forms the foundation of her book, "The Menopause Metabolism Fix".

So, whether you're struggling with health challenges, looking to reframe your approach to wellness, or simply need inspiration to make meaningful life changes, Cara's story offers a refreshing and empowering perspective.

Cara is going to be joining me live as guest speaker at my Epsom networking event on Wednesday 7th May – book your ticket today via the link below.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Cara

Instagram: @carametz_

Facebook: @Carafitness

Website: www.carafitness.co.uk

The Menopause Metabolism Fix book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-Metabolism-Fix-Over-40-Program/dp/0760389160

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

Seed Accounting: https://seedaccounting.solutions

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking (including the May 7th event with Cara): https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, guest Tamsyn Jefferson, founder of Seed Accounting, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the valuable insights she's gained along the way. Tamsyn shares so much valuable and practical wisdom for small business owners, especially around financial management; she also explains why employing an accountant can be a game-changer for your business, and about her bold decision to hire staff earlier than planned—a move that proved to be the right call, despite initial hesitation.

We also delve into the personal challenges Tamsyn has overcome, as she openly discusses how she built her business whilst navigating the challenges of motherhood and going through a divorce, as well as how she balances her professional commitments with being present for her children.

I love the guiding principle that Tamsyn shares; that 'you should never look back other than to see how far you've come;' a powerful reminder for all of us to be kinder to ourselves on our entrepreneurial journeys.

So whether you're just starting out, or looking to improve your business practices, Tamsyn's practical advice and honest reflections offer invaluable guidance for the road ahead. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Tamsyn:

Instagram: @SeedAccounting

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

Seed Accounting: https://seedaccounting.solutions

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, I sit down with Hannah Isted, the amazing founder of HI Communications! Hannah is such an inspiration - she's built an incredible business that's absolutely powered by her infectious passion and energy, all while working around her health needs. Her story really shows how you can create success on your own terms and build something that fits YOUR life (not the other way around!).

We dive into plenty in this episode, from the benefits of starting a business when you're young, to how important it is to have people in your corner who get just as excited about your business wins as you do! Hannah opens up about how channelling all her enthusiasm into those early days helped her grow her client list like crazy, and how she deliberately crafted a business that works WITH her Crohn's disease, not against it.

She shares this fantastic concept she calls "big fish energy" (I love this!) and the magic that happens when you actually speak your dreams out loud. And for anyone feeling totally swamped by marketing (we've all been there!), Hannah's ten-minute marketing tips are absolute gold. She's all about "done is better than perfect" - such a refreshing approach! Plus, her strategies for recycling social media content will save you tons of time and stress. No more reinventing the wheel with every post!

Whether you're looking to infuse your business with your own unique spark, juggling health challenges while chasing your dreams, or just need some no-nonsense marketing advice that actually works in real life - this conversation with Hannah is packed with wisdom from someone who's walking the talk. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: @HICommunications_

Website: https://www.hicommunications.co.uk

Wall calendar link: https://www.hicommunications.co.uk/product-page/2025calendar

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

Seed Accounting: https://seedaccounting.solutions

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In today's episode, I chat with Charlotte Randall, whose journey from professional dancer to wellness entrepreneur showcases the power of adaptability and holistic health. From her background performing in the West End, Charlotte brings a unique perspective on how movement and mindset work together to create lasting well-being.

In this inspiring conversation, we explore Charlotte's path of balancing life as a solo parent and business owner, managing her entrepreneurial journey while her husband is away working all over the world. She shares candidly about the challenges and triumphs of maintaining both a business and family life, offering valuable insights for others juggling multiple roles.

Charlotte's approach to fitness and wellness stands out for its comprehensive nature. Rather than focusing solely on physical exercise, she emphasizes the vital connection between mind and body, integrating nutritional wisdom with movement practice. Her innovative "You Project" embodies this holistic philosophy, showing how true wellness emerges from addressing both mental and physical health.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, seeking balance in your life, or looking to transform your approach to health and wellness, Charlotte's practical wisdom and authentic insights will inspire you to embrace a more holistic path to well-being. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Charlotte:

Instagram: @fitinthecitytraining

Sponsors:

Our sponsor for this week's episode:

SB Tutoring: https://www.SBtutoringuk.com

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI mailing list sign-up: https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/page/NewsletterSignUp

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

In this solo episode, I challenge conventional wisdom about networking and business events with a simple message: sometimes, going alone is the best strategy for success!

Drawing from my own experiences, I explore why the comfort of bringing a friend to business events might actually be holding you back from meaningful connections and opportunities. While it may feel counter-intuitive, I make the case for stepping out of your comfort zone, and into the realm of solo networking.

Don't worry, this isn't about abandoning friendships – far from it. Instead, it's about recognizing when our natural inclination to stick with familiar faces might be limiting our professional growth and networking potential. So I include some practical insights on how to approach solo networking with confidence, turning what might feel like a challenging situation into an opportunity for personal and professional development. Drawing from real life examples, I share how choosing to attend events alone has transformed my networking journey and even enabled some of the closest and most connected relationships I cherish to this day - relationships that almost certainly wouldn't have blossomed had I stayed in my comfort zone.

So whether you're a seasoned networker looking to enhance your approach or someone who finds business events intimidating, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how going it alone might be the key to unlocking your networking potential.

So get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover the hidden advantages of flying solo!

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

It's a short but punchy one this week, as I share exciting news that I think you'll want to hear. I promise it'll be six minutes well spent!

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Jo:

HDSDI Membership: https://howdoesshedoit.life/membership/

HDSDI Networking: https://howdoesshedoit.life/networking/

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

Today's episode dives deep into the power of self-compassion and redefining success, with Kim Stokes, owner and coach at Kindness For Success. With a varied and interesting background in corporate HR, Kim brings a unique perspective on navigating career transitions and personal growth, but crucially, with the focus upon self-kindness.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore Kim's journey from corporate life through redundancy to launching her own business. She shares candidly about handling the emotional upheaval that comes with unexpected career changes, and how she transformed that challenge into an opportunity for reinvention.

One of the most powerful themes we explore is Kim's approach to success - it's not about "having it all," but rather defining what "your all" looks like. This perspective helps break free from the perfectionism trap that leaves so many feeling like they're falling short.

With remarkable openness, Kim shares her own experiences with anxiety and mental health, including her creative approach to managing her inner critic (whom she's named 'Gertrude!'). Please note that this episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide awareness, including Kim's charitable work for the Mind charity.

So whether you're navigating a career transition, building a business, or simply seeking a more compassionate approach to success, Kim's insights and practical wisdom will inspire you to embrace kindness as your superpower. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kim: https://www.kindnessforsuccess.co.uk

Insta: @kindness.for.success

Linked In: Kim Stokes 15 For Kindness livestream on Youtube, in support of Mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6J_aJheeic

Sponsors:

Our sponsors for this week's episode are:

Single Swan Clothing: https://www.singleswan.co.uk

SB Tutoring: https://www.SBtutoringuk.com

Connect with Jo:

January in-person networking (West Surrey, Wednesday January 15th): https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/checkout/722d78e5aa4ac52debf1284ed08e79fa

January co-working (online, Wednesday January 22nd):https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/checkout/e6bb5b904e90f77ad9aebddab0a389dc

January online networking (online, Tuesday January 28th):https://howdoesshedoit.kartra.com/checkout/cf3a0a8de34e9c5ea9976638f1bf250e

Connect with me on my website How DOES She Do it?: https://howdoesshedoit.life

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

Today's episode is all about bringing your awesome self to the spotlight - and trust me, you're going to love it! I'm chatting with Vicki Knights, a Visibility Strategist and Branding Photographer who believes that being visible isn't just necessary, it can actually be fun!

Vicki has a magical way of turning people's brand stories into stunning photos that truly capture who they are. In this conversation, we dive deep into everything from how Vicki's background in radio helped shape her business model, to those pesky inner voices that hold us back, and how stepping into the spotlight can feel scary and simultaneously absolutely amazing.

Vicki also shares some genuinely practical tips for anyone who's ever felt nervous about putting themselves 'out there'; whether you're just starting your business or you've been at it for years, Vicki's insights will give you that little boost of courage you didn't know you needed.

We cover so much, including how the judgement we faced as teenagers and experiences from the past can still have an impact on our confidence levels as grown women. Vicki points out how self-critical women can be, when all she sees in them is beauty. A cheerleader through and through, Vicki is a true ambassador for entrepreneurial women.

So, if you're looking to feel more confident, understand your brand better, and maybe kick that inner critic aside, this episode is your new best friend. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Vicki:

Website: https://www.Vickiknights.co.uk including her April Visibility retreat in Barcelona

Free visibility guide: https://vickiknights.co.uk/free-visibility-guide

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamvickiknights/

Podcast: https://vickiknights.co.uk/showingup

Sponsors:

Our sponsors for this week's episode are:

English Teacher: https://www.Englishteacher.co.uk

Somatic Habit: https://www.somatichabit.co.uk

Connect with Jo:

Forthcoming Networking links on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jo-ferrone-11268419623

Connect with me on my website How DOES She Do it?: https://howdoesshedoit.life

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/

Can a baby really fit into absolutely anybody's lifestyle? In this week's episode I speak with renowned sleep and parenting expert, and founder of 'Sleep Well With Hannah' Hannah Love, as she lifts the lid on exactly that, and so much more.

With 25 years of experience as a paediatric nurse, maternity nurse, nanny and nutritional therapist, Hannah has dedicated her career to demonstrating that parenting doesn't have to be exhausting. In this conversation we explore her career, and learn how it showed her that balancing work, life, and a baby can be a joyful experience. I only wish Hannah had been practising when I had my children, as I can see what an enormous difference she would have made, empowering parents to create a nurturing environment where gentle parenting and restful sleep can coexist! It sounds amazing!

For how to achieve parental balance, not to mention Hannah's extraordinary journey through her business, listen on, and enjoy the show!

Connect with Hannah:

Website: https://www.sleepwellwithhannah.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep_well_with_hannah/

The C.A.L.M Approach to Baby Sleep: A Kind and Gentle Step-by-Step Guide to Help Your Baby Sleep Well Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/L-M-Approach-Sleep-Step-Step/dp/1915771536

Sleepwellwithhannahparenting Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sleepwellwithhannah/?locale=en_GB

Sponsors:

Our sponsors for this week's episode are:

Root Beginnings: https://www.rootbeginnings.co.uk

Somatic Habit: https://www.somatichabit.co.uk

Connect with Jo:

Forthcoming Networking links on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jo-ferrone-11268419623

Connect with me on my website How DOES She Do it?: https://howdoesshedoit.life

Email me to book a 1:1 Discovery call: [email protected]

Follow me on Instagram to continue the conversation and get updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/howdoesshedoitlife/