People Behind Brands Podcast

A company brand is much more than just a logo and some pretty colours. Natalie Moores from Mac+Moore helps business leaders solve tomorrow’s problems by moving brands forward. During this episode we touch upon her creative flair in all aspects of her life. In amongst building the Mac+Moore business, Natalie also has a passion for spoken word and creating poetry which is based on her dating history which she reveals has turned into a humorous and deep collection she is proud to call her own. Natalie’s bubbly personality shines throughout this episode, where she touches upon arriving in the big city of London from her Northern routes, more dating mishaps and how a family emergency when she was 14 impacted her core values and why family is so important to her. This is one of my favourite interviews to date - and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did from this incredible guest.

Niki Avraam is a powerful woman in business. A highly successful individual in the legal sector working on many high profile cases whilst fronting and co-founding her law firm Howat Avraam Solicitors. In recent years Niki has positioned herself at the forefront of empowering organisations and individuals to exceed their potential in the future of work. A change she is incredibly passionate about and why you should take control of your own destiny. Throughout our chat, Niki opens up about how she struggled with a work/life balance; how she masked personal hardship and family bereavement by throwing herself into work to keep busy, and the realisation that her personal interests are simply an escape from a challenging life at the top. A humble and honest take from a woman who shares her life and career experiences for the benefit of others.

Is networking overrated? What’s the secret to becoming a good networker? For episode 44 I’m joined by Aaron Desmond - a popular figure on the Essex networking circuit. Aaron fronts the ever-growing Networking Essex with the sole purpose of bringing businesses together through networking events within Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend and surrounding areas. Aaron has shown phenomenal strength and resilience throughout his personal life. In later years, Aaron recalls the moment his ex-wife decided to suddenly leave the family home without warning, whilst bringing up two young daughters and rebuilding his life. A huge shock to the system he never expected. Aaron admits he enjoys a challenge from hitchhiking around the world in his formative years to taking the positives from hardships he’s been dealt and subsequently overcome during life’s journey. 

Episode 43 welcomes the expert in all things marketing strategies and consultancy, Mr Christopher Clowes. Having met Chris a few times previously, we explore his life story to date which has involved going into care as a child, becoming homeless and struggling with addiction, to building his business empire in the midst of family struggles. Chris is also an author of many business books and an engaging public speaker. The man behind his brand is all about trust and getting your clients to trust you. Over the years Chris has discovered his purpose of being a family man, but also a businessman. As the founder of Christopherclowes.com and proprietor of HC Media Group. Chris takes us on his unique journey throughout our chat and discusses the importance of a healthy work life balance.

Introducing Birkhamstead’s finest, Mr Leo Scarborough from Buildsmith Solutions. Operating in the construction industry and founding his own businesses, Leo opens up about some of the challenges he has experienced where he openly admits he has unintentionally caused a lot of pain to himself, friends and family along the way. Leo sits in the podcast chair to have his say and felt it was important to highlight his undoings and how he has become a better man in the process. A family man, a professional. Leo is thankful for the place he is in his life today and owes it all to those that have stuck by him. Let’s hear what he’s got to say…

For episode 41, Mark is delighted to welcome his good friend Chris Hopkins from Political Research brand, Savanta. During this episode we discuss fond memories of lads' holidays and their adolescent youth. As well touching upon Chris’ political career, where he regularly features on news outlets such as BBC News broadcasting voter’s opinions on the political landscape.  In recent years Chris has personally experienced the hardest time in his life when he lost his Dad, Gary to cancer 3 years ago. Chris bravely opens up about his grief and how his family and friends gave him the strength and support network to carry on.  Among Chris’ career achievements, we also cover his dedication to raising money for charities close to his heart, in particular the Huntington's Disease Association after our friend Matt Saines was diagnosed. A heartfelt, warm interview with a very good friend of mine, let’s get to know the life and career of Mr Chris Hopkins. 

The Secret Garden Glamping’s very own Derry Green joins People Behind Brands Podcast for a heart-warming, emotional episode on how he grew his business born out of COVID-19 for the sole purpose of keeping his children entertained in unprecedented times. What started as a camping trip in the garden turned into a multi-award winning, 5 star brand which made it onto a recent episode of Dragon’s Den, where Derry pitched his business to the Dragons looking for further investment. Derry opens up about his experience on the show and what happened once he accepted Deborah Meaden’s offer of 5% into the business. Derry is the Peter Pan of business who is fulfilling his 12 year-old self’s dream of building dens in the back garden, but throughout the episode Derry opens up about learning from his Dad, who gave him his work ethic and their unique bond before his death 11 years ago. Let’s find out why Derry is such a likeable character and how his incredible journey unfolded.

For an insightful and scientific chat into microbiomes, People Behind Brands welcomes Asher Nathan, co-founder of BIOME9, the UK’s first gut-health test & personalised supplement programme for dogs. During the episode, Asher provides more insight into our human and pet health and why we should stand up and take notice sooner rather than later. Asher also opens up about his personal journey which has involved persistence and resilience to get where he is today, overcoming personal hardships, family challenges, depression and starting a business from his hospital bed whilst paralysed and in between operations on a slipped disk in his back. An explorative episode into a trending topic, with a man who is always looking for the next opportunity.

Men's fashion empire, Wear London is the brainchild of today’s guests, Alex Hayes & Matt Lea. The dynamic duo have a passion for the industry and are proud to help keep UK manufacturing alive one stitch at a time through premium products at affordable prices. Alex and Matt love what they do and if they can have a few laughs along the way, then why not. But it’s not all been plain sailing, the pioneers open up about their personal struggles and delve deeper into what makes them who they are today. Join us as we explore their journey and how they provide the ultimate customer experience from the very first touch point. 

For a festive special, Mark welcomes Jo Coldwell, the manager of independent book store Red Lion Books based in the heart of Colchester City centre. Jo is a family member on Mark’s fiancées side so he is delighted to welcome her on today’s episode to share her life lessons growing up in the East End of London to living in Britain’s oldest recorded city, Colchester. With her bubbly personality, incredible work ethic and bundles of energy, Jo talks to us about her career that has involved making tea for Boy George to sharing a bed with Radio 2 DJ Gary Davies. During this episode we also touch upon Jo’s personal stories involving the unexpected loss of her Father which hit hard to capturing the hearts and minds of book readers through her well renowned Appetite Book Club that attracts people from all over the country. Sit back, relax and enjoy a lady channelling her passion.