In this episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Clare Charles, independent travel expert and Travel Counsellors franchisee, for an honest and inspiring conversation about career reinvention, working motherhood, and building a business that supports the life you actually want to live.

Sarah and Clare first met over 20 years ago as colleagues and together became partners in a law firm, working with the same businesses as corporate and employment lawyers. Clare shares how, following major life changes she took theopportunity to rethink her priorities, step away from corporate law, and create a new career aligned with her values, lifestyle and passion for travel.

Clare talks candidly about how she approached that transition, from exploring very different options (including a near-miss with floristry) to eventually setting up her own business under the Travel Counsellors brand. She explains what it really means to run a franchise business, combining the freedom to shape your own specialism with the reassurance, systems and support of a larger organisation, and why no two Travel Counsellor businesses look the same.

They discuss the realities of solopreneur life, including the shift from having entire teams handling accounts, marketing and admin to suddenly being all of those people yourself. Clare shares her top tips for staying focused, setting clear daily goals (not all of them sales-driven), and holding yourselfaccountable when you’re running a business solo.

Networking and community are also key themes. Clare reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people, not just those who buy from you,but those who champion what you do and share it within their own networks. She also talks about the value of connecting with other business owners and fellow Travel Counsellors for encouragement, perspective and practical support.

The conversation also explores working motherhood acrossdifferent stages of life, the lessons Clare learned raising her older children while in corporate law, and what she’s done differently second time around. Clare shares her advice for her daughters, her hopes for their future, and whether she’d encourage them to backpack around the world as she once did.

This episode will resonate with anyone considering a career pivot, running a small business, or trying to balance ambition with family life, and wondering whether it’s ever too late to start again.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Caroline Roberts, Commercial Director at Occupational Health Consultancy Ltd (OHC), for a practical and eye-opening conversation about occupational health, employer responsibility, and getting meaningful advice when it matters most.

Caroline shares her career journey from starting out as a nurse to leading a growing occupational health consultancy. She reflects on how nurse training has evolved over the years, and how a profession often associated with clinical care can open doors into commercial leadership and business ownership.

Having worked in both in-house, including at the Post Office, and now as part of an independent provider, Caroline offers a balanced perspective on what really works for employers.

A key theme of the conversation is how business can get the best out of occupational health referrals. Caroline explains why the quality of a management referral makes such a difference and why employers only get answers to the questions they ask. She also discusses why OHC takes a more guided approach than many providers, supporting employers to frame the right questions and understand the advice they receive.

Sarah and Caroline explore the benefits of using an independent occupational health provider, particularly when it comes to pre-employment health checks and management referrals. Caroline explains why employees may be less open when responding directly to HR or business owners, especially when job offers are at stake and how independence can lead to more honest and reliable assessments.

The conversation covers the increasing complexity employers are facing, including neurodiversity, drugs and alcohol assessments, and statutory health requirements. Caroline talks about OHC's partnership model, their use of specialist referrals, and how bite-sized training can help proactive employers stay ahead, while detailed reporting supports those who need to react to issues as they arise.

Finally, they touch on the future of occupational health, including the role (and limits) of AI in healthcare, the growing focus on wellbeing initiatives, and what excites Caroline most about the next phase of OHC's developments.

This episode is essential listening for HR professionals, business owners and managers who want clearer, more confident conversations about health at work and better outcomes for everyone involved.

What does it really take for a business to survive and thrive for more than a century?

In this first episode of the new season of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Buz Ross, event organiser, video producer and Managing Director of Whitwam Group and Videofrog, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversationabout business evolution, creativity, and sustainability.

They talk about key turning points in Buz’s career, the risks that come with doing things differently, and what really matters when it comes to production quality from the technical setup to the people behind the scenes. Buz also reflects on running a business for 25 years, navigating challenges, handling curveballs, and building processes that help teams stay calm when things don’t go to plan Buz shares the fascinating story of how Whitwam began life as a music shop in Winchester back in 1909 selling instruments, sheet music and sound equipment and how one small part of the business supporting events became the seed for a thriving audio-visual and video production company. It’s a brilliant example of how businesses can grow, adapt and reinvent themselves as customer needs and the wider world change.

Sustainability is a big theme too. Buz shares his views on renewables, greener production choices, and whether high-profile environmental initiatives in the events world genuinely make a difference or risk becoming performative. He also explains how environmental responsibility fits into his business values, not just as a “nice to have” but as part of long-term thinking.

And because this is Peace of Pod, the conversation doesn’t stop at business. From playing drums to keeping chickens (fox-free and productive), Buz reflects on how life outside work keeps him grounded and what running a business hasin common with managing unpredictable livestock...

This episode is a must-listen for business owners, creatives and leaders who want to build something that lasts, without standing still.

You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: Warner Goodman LLP Links | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

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In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by her friend, fellow China Chum and retired law firm partner Andrew Chalkley, for a fascinating discussion on career progression, legal milestones, and life beyond work.Andrew’s journey is nothing short of impressive - starting as a generalist before moving into commercial law and becoming a partner in his 20s! He shares insights from his career, including his role in shaping the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and working with B&Q on leases for their first stores - critical moments in UK retail history.Reflecting on hybrid working, Andrew discusses the challenges he saw young lawyers face during lockdown. Without the organic learning that comes from being in the office - hearing experienced colleagues handle cases or quickly asking for advice - many struggled to develop at the same pace. His takeaway? Collaboration and in-person experience still play a vital role in professional growth.Now retired, Andrew speaks candidly about stepping away from work, embracing life, and rejecting the guilt that often comes with doing less. He expresses his view that life is precious, and retirement should be enjoyed - not treated as another to-do list.You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, host Sarah is joined by Rebecca Beard, the other half of Peas in a Pod Consulting, to dive into the essential but often misunderstood world of HR compliance.Rebecca shares the story behind the consultancy’s creation—having experienced first-hand a lack of HR support in a previous role, she spotted a clear gap in the market and set out to change that. Now, she helps businesses navigate compliance with practical, no-nonsense advice.They discuss why getting recruitment right from the start is crucial. A job description—what Peas in a Pod calls a role profile—shouldn’t just list responsibilities but clearly outline expectations, values, and how the role should be carried out. Setting these standards early prevents confusion and ensures businesses bring in the right people from the get-go.Rebecca also highlights common HR misconceptions, the impact of toxic workplaces, and why clear communication is key to avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Plus, she touches on the importance of the probationary period—it’s not just a formality, but a vital time to assess whether a new hire is truly the right fit.Finally, she shares how her partnership with Kay works so well, built on trust and the ability to be completely open with one another. And a reminder for anyone feeling out of their depth: most people are blagging it to some extent—so don’t worry, you’re not alone! You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Kay Coombes, one half of the duo behind Peas in a Pod Consulting, an HR consultancy that delivers supportive but also straight-talking advice to businesses.Kay shares her unconventional career journey, including dropping out of university - something she has come to be extremely proud of as it helped shape the path she’s on today. She highlights an important message: there’s no single route to success, and every career journey is different.They also look into why company culture is at the heart of preventing HR problems. Strong values help businesses hire the right people and ensure everyone is working towards a shared goal. Kay emphasises that HR doesn’t have to be complicated—but when it is, that’s exactly what Peas in a Pod Consulting is there to simplify.Plus, a special mention that Kay’s business partner and long-time friend, Rebecca Beard, will be joining the podcast soon - so keep your eyes peeled for that episode! You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by retail and strategy consultant turned author, Neil Munz-Jones, for a must-listen conversation on networking, mindset, and going independent in business.Neil shares his refreshing take on networking – that proper networking isn’t just about transactions, it’s about real connections. He explains how to build relationships before you need them, so when the time comes, your network is already there to support you. Drawing from his book, The Reluctant Networker, he offers practical tips to help even the most hesitant networkers improve their skills.They also look into mindset shifts, including one of Neil’s favourite quotes: “What if it all goes right?” Instead of assuming the worst, what happens if we actually believe things could work out? He also introduces the idea of an “alternative positive narrative” - a powerful tool for reframing challenges at work and home.For those considering going independent, Neil breaks down the three essential things you need to succeed on your own. Plus, he shares how his consultancy approaches each project as more than just another task!This episode is packed with key insights for business owners, professionals, and anyone looking to shift their perspective on networking and career growth. You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Content Consultant and Copywriter Kate Llewellyn, founder of the Content Club and Consultancy, for a wonderful conversation about personal branding, content strategy, and career evolution.Kate and Sarah discuss the common hesitation many business owners feel when it comes to promoting themselves. We often shy away from shouting about our brilliant services—but why? Kate shares expert insights on how to effectively get your brand noticed without feeling like you're just adding to the noise.With social media’s rapid evolution over the last 10–15 years, it’s easy to fall into the trap of posting everywhere without a clear strategy. Kate explains how the Content Club helps businesses navigate where and how to show up online, ensuring their content works smarter, not harder. They also explore the role of AI in content creation and Kate’s top tips for those looking to switch careers—having made a major shift herself.Finally, they touch on the importance of finding happiness both in and outside of work. Don’t miss this discussion packed with practical advice for business owners, job seekers, and content creators alike. You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Inclusion Culture Expert Joanne Lockwood for a thought-provoking conversation on building truly inclusive workplaces. Jo shares her expertise on the importance of fair hiring practices - while you can’t hire everyone, every candidate deserves a fair process. They also cover the challenge of creating inclusion without exclusion. True diversity means bringing everyone into the conversation, even when discussions are difficult. Sarah and Jo explore what makes an inclusive workplace, the power of that ‘brand feeling’ in shaping a positive culture, and practical ways to address unconscious bias. Plus, Jo shares her own journey to becoming an inclusion expert and why this work is more important than ever. Tune in for brilliant conversation that will inspire you to prioritise inclusivity in your own workplace. You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://shorturl.at/OybdP

In this week’s episode of Peace of Pod, Sarah is joined by Chartered Accountant and long-time friend Nick Parker for a fascinating conversation about career growth, the evolution of accountancy, and the lessons learned from global business experiences. 

Sarah and Nick reminisce about their iconic China trip, where business leaders from different industries came together to discuss shared challenges and solutions. Despite their varied backgrounds, they discovered that many businesses face the same fundamental issues. 

Nick also shares his journey into accountancy, how the profession has changed over the years, and what aspiring accountants need to know to succeed today. He also recalls the extravagant nature of past client meetings—including a whirlwind work dinner in Hong Kong that saw him flying back the very next day… 

They also discuss his true passion for tax accountancy, and his top tips for taking ownership of your career and achieving long-term success. 

You can find us on socials by searching @warnergoodmanllp or clicking here: https://linktr.ee/warnergoodmanllp?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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