Really Good Conversations

Bethany Burns Bowman, is an award-winning PA renowned for her invaluable support to top executives. For the past nine years, she's been the trusted First Mate to Captain James Watt at BrewDog, Scotland's leading brewery and bar chain.

Join us as Bethany shares her journey, offering a rare glimpse into the world of supporting creative visionaries within a global billion-dollar enterprise.

• The calm mindset of high-performing entrepreneurs

• Embarking on the endless journey of entrepreneurship

• Unveiling the strategic prowess of a PA / EA

• Building trust and mastering the art of letting go

• Tips for onboarding a PA / EA into your business

• Managing the media: your ally and enemy

• Digital communication and the demise of real interactions

• The fear of complacency

Whether you're seeking inspiration, entrepreneurial insights, or considering a career as a personal/executive assistant, this episode is packed with valuable nuggets of wisdom.

Connect with Bethany:

• LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-burns-bowman-17893444/
• Instagram: @breezy_bethanyburnsbowman

Bethany's book recommendations:

• A Beautiful Constraint (Adam Morgan & Mark Barden)
• Make Your Bed (Admiral William H McRaven)
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R Covey)
• Atomic Habits (James Clear)
• Business for Punks (James Watt)

Dive into the world of wine, entrepreneurship, lessons learned and the art of staying sane as a founder with Lucy Hitchcock of Partner in Wine.

In this episode of Really Good Conversations, Lucy spills the secrets of her journey from a wine novice who felt embarrassed ordering wine in a restaurant to a relatable and educated wine influencer with a successful product range that enhances your wine drinking experience on the go.

Tune in to hear how Lucy turned a warm glass of Rosé wine into a cool business idea.

In this chat we cover:

• The catalyst for starting her own business

• What an 'Overnight success' actually looks like

• Transition from working in digital to product development

• The intricacies of manufacturing

• Tips for finding a manufacturing supplier

• Embracing life as a solo entrepreneur

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a wine enthusiast, or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.

You can connect with Lucy below:

Sassy Digital: https://www.sassydigital.co.uk/

Partner In Wine: https://www.partnerinwine.co.uk/

In this episode of Really Good Conversations, Amy chats with Dr. Delia McCabe, a Cognitive Resilience Consultant, Neuroscientist, Keynote Speaker, and Author.

Delia, with her expertise in clinical psychology and nutrition, sheds light on the intriguing relationship between conversation and brain health.

Topics discussed include:

• Optimal nutrition for peak brain performance

• The science behind interrupting during conversations

• Essential skills for meaningful dialogues

• The fascinating connection between the gut and our "second brain"

Join us for a captivating exploration of how conversation impacts our brain function and discover actionable insights to enhance your cognitive resilience.

Tune in now!

Connect with Delia via:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Website: Lighter Brighter You!

• Download Delia's '7-Point checklist to Feel Light and Bright'

Courses: 'Start Your Year Off Light, Bright and Right'

Books: Feed Your Brain

• 20% Discount code: BRIGHT when purchased via Exisle Publishing
• Feed Your Brain: 7 Steps to a Lighter, Brighter You! https://exislepublishing.com/product/feed-brain-cookbook/
• Feed Your Brain: The Cookbook https://exislepublishing.com/product/feed-brain-cookbook/

How can a product-based business become a multi-million-pound organisation with its products stocked in retailers worldwide?

In this episode of Really Good Conversations, Amy chats to Mark Hackwell, the Managing Director of UK skincare brand 7th Heaven to find out.

With over 17 years of experience in sales and retail for multi-million pound companies, Mark shares invaluable insights on what it takes to transform a product-based business into a global multi-million pound brand.

Tune in to discover:

• The secret recipe for creating a multi-million pound company

• Unpacking the magic of brand equity

• Navigating the key factors for global sales success

• How the people within an organisation are its lifeblood

Get ready to be inspired by Mark's journey and the wisdom he brings to the table.

Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode!

Links:

Website: https://my7thheaven.com/

LinkedIn: Mark Hackwell

What conversations are you avoiding at the moment?

In this insightful episode Amy sits down with Michaela Reaney, the co-founder of Opportunity Global and organiser of TedxWomenTeeside.

They discuss the pivotal role of communication in the workplace, and why 80% of people dodge at least one conversation at their job, according to Harvard Business School.

• Michaela highlights why 'soft skills' is a term due for retirement

• Unlocking the potential of the people in your team

• The hidden cost of unspoken words on productivity

• Practical steps to approach those daunting dialogues

Tune in for an episode that could transform your workplace one conversation at a time.

Opportunity Global: https://theopportunity.global/

TEDxTeessideWomen: https://www.tedxteessidewomen.com/

Michaela Reaney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelareaney/

Ever felt that tinge of discomfort while browsing or buying sexual wellness products? You're not alone.

Roam, launched in 2021 to eradicate that unease, with the goal of championing a sex-positive world and rewriting the narrative around sexual wellness.

In today's episode, Amy reconnects with an old university friend, Ben Taylor, the co-founder of Roam. Hear how a lad from Yorkshire and his mate Alex dared to challenge the mammoth brand, Durex, and embark on a journey to build a brand that empowers individuals to confidently embrace their sexual wellbeing.

Since its inception, Roam's accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable:

• Secured significant investment
• Flourished as a direct-to-consumer entity
• Stocked in over 600 UK stores, including - Superdrug, Boots, and Sainsburys

Tune in as Ben delves into:

• Roam's origin story
• The candid (and amusing) reaction of his mum to his unconventional business choice
• The intricate balance of product innovation
• Roam's transition from e-commerce to retail
• Insights on securing capital
• Ben's personal tips on mental well-being & adventure

For more on Roam's mission and products, visit: https://www.exploreroam.com/

Follow Roam on Instagram

Connect with Ben on LinkedIn

In this fresh brew of Really Good Conversations, we chat with Peter Grainger, the disruptive mind taking on big coffee, through his business: CafePod.

Twelve years ago, Peter left his job and embarked on a mission to provide barista-style coffee to people at home by going head to head with Nespresso, launching his own Nespresso-compatible coffee pods.

With no background in coffee, product, sales, marketing or branding, Peter and two friends delved into the world of capital-raising, coffee pod manufacturing and brand-building, and have since revolutionised our at home cuppa.

Join us as Peter spills the beans on:

• The twist and turns of CafePod's journey and its strategic pivots.
• The power of consumer insights and the art of active listening.
• Growing through adversity – including a memorable product recall from supermarket aisles.
• His robust endorsement of the work-from-home ethos, its benefits for CafePod, and why it may not be everyone's cup of tea.
• A gripping tale of the closest he's ever been to meeting his maker.

Craving more? Visit CafePod to get your caffeine fix.

Neurodiversity is a big topic of conversation at the moment, but what impact does being neurodiverse have on becoming an entrepreneur?

In this episode Amy chats to social impact entrepreneur, neurodiversity specialist therapist and coach Sara-Louise Ackrill from Wired Differently. There are common misconceptions and cliches that arise when talking about people with autism or ADHD; we were keen to explore this topic further and understand how it relates to communication and conversation.

Sara launched Wired Differently to support neurodiversity in the workplace; employability, entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Being autistic and ADHD herself, Sara is passionate about making solutions that work for everyone - not just those who are neurodiverse or neurotypical.

This is a really insightful chat that covers:

• How entrepreneurs redefine what work is

• The fascinating correlation between entrepreneurs and prisoners

• Rejection Sensitivity

• Why the concept of 'social skills' is outdated

• Why thinking differently can benefit everyone

• Neurodivergent communication cliches

Links:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-louise-ackrill-frsa-9490871b3/

In today's episode, Amy sits down with globally acclaimed communication expert, Judy Apps. Judy is a TEDx Speaker, an international coach specialising in voice, public speaking, and NLP, as well as an author of multiple best selling books.

Judy's books are nothing short of a treasure trove for anyone keen on mastering the art of conversation. They include titles such as 'The Art of Communication', 'The Art of Conversation', 'Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies', 'Butterflies and Sweaty Palms', and 'Voice of Influence'. If there ever was a guest that's made for 'The Really Good Conversations Podcast', it's Judy Apps.

What We Cover:

• The Relaxed Road to Rapport: Why keeping it chill is essential.
• The Beauty in the Blunders: How being ok with things being a disaster can actually be liberating.
• The Art of the Ask: Why good conversation is often about asking the right questions.
• Conversational Depth: From widget talk to soulful exchanges, exploring the different layers of a conversation.
• The secret to a happy life? Letting go and catching moments as they pass.
• Strategies to circumnavigate little criticisms that can deflate a conversation.

Essential Links:

Judy Apps' Official Website: http://judyapps.co.uk/web/

Judy Apps' TED Talk - How Your Voice Touches Others: The true meaning of what you say

Prepare to be captivated as Judy takes us on a voyage through the intricate, yet enchanting, world of conversational mastery.

We are very excited this week to have Rosie Davies-Smith, the brilliant mind behind PR Dispatch, sharing her unique business journey from closing her successful PR agency after 8 years to now empowering over 450 eCommerce businesses to do their PR themselves.

Join us as we explore Rosie's transition from "high rise to high seas" as she waved goodbye to London to make her new home in the serenity of Devon. We dive deep into why PR Dispatch was founded, how product-driven businesses can champion their own PR, and Rosie's invaluable advice for those mulling over the prospect of closing their business.

To finish, we discuss what learnings we can take from Beyoncé on keeping children grounded.

Links:

• PR Dispatch Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• 6th Birthday Post

Tune in for a journey through modern PR's challenges and innovations with Rosie.