In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe Weatherhead talks with Mike Mandeville about his unconventional journey—from working on oil rigs in Abu Dhabi at 14 to the Army reserves, marketing, and ultimately self-employment. Mike shares how early experiences, family influences, and personal challenges shaped his approach to business, leadership, and life.

Learn how:

• Personal and career experiences can shape your unique superpower in business.
• Trusting your instincts and judgment is key to self-employment success.
• Resilience, adaptability, and reliability create lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Success is personal—focus on stability and values, not just titles or income.
• Your upbringing and early experiences shape your work ethic and leadership style.
• Going self-employed can give you freedom, responsibility, and confidence.
• Being reliable and supportive is a legacy that lasts longer than monetary success.

Guest Bio:
Mike Mandeville is co-founder of Chip Engineering, an industrial electrical company specialising in asphalt plants. His career spans working in Abu Dhabi, the Army reserves, marketing, and now entrepreneurship. Mike is passionate about hands-on work, teamwork, and building a business grounded in trust and reliability.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode, Chloe speaks with Vienda, founder of The Mentor Training, about turning lived experiences into professional superpowers. From studying psychology to creating a globally recognised mentoring certification, Vienda shares her journey of self-trust, resilience, and embracing fear as a signal for growth.

Key Takeaways

• Fear vs. growth: Fear is often a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
• Self-trust is key: Business success comes from trusting yourself rather than copying others’ models.
• Life experience matters: Personal challenges often equip us with the empathy and insight to support others.
• Authenticity attracts: Vulnerability and honesty create deeper connections than “perfect” appearances.
• Adaptability mindset: Trust that life is working for you, cultivate inner safety, and surrender control over what you can’t change.
• Business insight: Success is less about certainty and more about being comfortable with the unknown.

Resources & Links

🌐 Learn more at: thementortraining.com
 📲 Follow Vienda on Instagram: @viendamaria

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe Weatherhead sits down with marketing mentor and local SEO specialist, David Robertson. David shares how his diverse career path — from the RAF to dentistry and finally into digital marketing — has shaped his approach to business and marketing. He explores the experiences that fuelled his curiosity, competitive spirit, and resilience, and how these traits became his superpowers in the world of SEO and local search marketing.

Key Topics Covered:

• David’s journey from the RAF to becoming a local SEO expert.
• How personal resilience and life experiences influence professional success.
• The importance of balancing technical skills with human connection in digital marketing.
• Lessons learned from leading teams and mentoring others.
• Practical advice for business owners navigating the noisy world of marketing.
• How curiosity, adaptability, and ethical practices have guided David’s career.
• Tips for small businesses on optimising Google Maps, content creation, and visibility strategies.

Resources and Links:

• David’s website: blueskyseo.co.uk

Episode Takeaway:
David’s story reminds us that business success isn’t just about technical expertise — it’s about resilience, human connection, and curiosity. For any business owner aiming to be seen, found, and remembered, David’s approach to SEO and local marketing is both a practical guide and a source of inspiration.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe Weatherhead is joined by Nicole, founder of BLiB Networking, a thriving community built to support women in business.

Nicole shares her journey from launching BLiB in 2022 to building a supportive, down-to-earth network where collaboration and genuine connection are at the heart of everything. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of being a new mum and how that life change is reshaping the way she runs her business.

This conversation is all about community, courage, and creating a business that truly fits around life — not the other way around.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Building a network doesn’t have to feel corporate — warmth and authenticity attract the right people.
• Community and collaboration can be the foundation for business growth.
• Becoming a parent reshapes priorities, but it can also spark fresh ideas and new directions.
• Success looks different for everyone — it’s about building something sustainable that brings pride and balance.

Connect with Nicole and BLiB Networking:

• Instagram: @blib_womens_networking
• Facebook: BLIB: Networking and Growth for West Yorkshire Women in Business

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, host Chloe Weatherhead is joined by Jasmine Clarke, founder of Zest Productivity, senior accredited executive coach, and host of the Productivity with Zest podcast.

Jasmine shares her journey from studying psychology and working in the charity sector, to building her own businesses and eventually launching Zest Productivity in 2025. With her no-nonsense yet kind approach, she helps busy professionals and business owners cut through the chaos, focus on what truly matters, and avoid burnout.

From childhood entrepreneurial ventures (yes, even Tamagotchi babysitting!) to balancing family life, podcasting, and her coaching practice, Jasmine reveals how her experiences have shaped her passion for productivity. She talks candidly about the importance of knowing your priorities, building habits that stick, and redefining productivity as more than just hustle — it’s about creating space for freedom and joy.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about focusing on what matters most.
• Family, upbringing, and personal passions can have a powerful influence on entrepreneurial drive.
• Balance is an ongoing practice, not a perfect formula — and it looks different for everyone.
• Growth comes from a mix of relentless optimism, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt.

Connect with Jasmine:

• Website: ZestProductivity.com
• Podcast: Productivity with Zest (available on all major platforms)
• Socials: Search Jasmine Clark Coach

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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This week, Chloe sits down with Nikkola Wright, founder of NikkCollab, retreat architect, and business transformation guide. Known as “Boho chic meets grafter”, Nikkola is a mum of four, a big thinker, and someone with an incredible ability to bring calm, focus, and honesty to everything she does.

With over 25 years of diverse experience—from law firms to floristry, wedding planning to children’s yoga—Nikkola has crafted a career on her own terms, helping wellness practitioners and creatives streamline their businesses and create transformative retreat experiences.

In this inspiring conversation, we explore:
 ✨ The personal challenges and pivotal life moments that shaped Nikkola’s resilience.
 ✨ Why travel and retreats are such powerful tools for transformation.
 ✨ The skills and values she’s developed through career pivots, loss, and motherhood.
 ✨ Her refreshing take on “work–life balance” and what it really looks like.
 ✨ The personal achievements she’s most proud of—and how they’ve fed directly into her professional success.

Nikkola’s story is a powerful reminder that change, courage, and authenticity are essential ingredients for growth—both in life and in business.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode, Chloe speaks with Rachel Warren, a complementary therapist with over 23 years of experience and a long-standing Tropic Skincare mentor. Rachel’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and compassion, shaped by career changes, personal challenges, and a love of working 1-to-1 with people. 

Rachel began her journey after leaving a career in teaching, following her curiosity after a reflexology treatment. From there, she built a thriving practice in therapies like massage, Indian head massage, and healing—always with a focus on helping people make meaningful progress in their lives. 

Alongside this, Rachel has spent nearly a decade with Tropic Skincare, where she supports her team with empathy and encouragement, creating community while building a successful business on her own terms. 

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore:
 ✨ How Rachel’s career pivot grew from motherhood and curiosity.
 ✨ The role theatre and singing play in her confidence, creativity, and personal growth.
 ✨ Why authenticity and kindness are at the heart of her work.
 ✨ How she balances introversion with networking and mentoring.
 ✨ The personal experiences that shaped her resilience and drive to help others.
 ✨ The professional milestones she’s most proud of—including 20+ year loyal clients and a hard-earned Tropic incentive trip. 

Rachel’s story is proof that self-employment can be both challenging and deeply rewarding—and that resilience, authenticity, and community are powerful forces in business and life. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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🎙️ In the final episode of season 4 of Strings to Your Bow, I’m joined by the inspiring Kirsty Morris, a Transformational Coach on a mission to help quiet, shy, and sensitive women shine in loud, fast-paced workplaces.

With over 20 years’ experience in recruitment—supporting everyone from doctors to sales professionals through high-stress interviews—Kirsty knows exactly how challenging it can be to feel like the quietest voice in the room. And she gets it, because that used to be her too.

We talk about what it’s like to feel stuck, anxious, and overlooked—and how Kirsty found her own strength not by becoming louder, but by becoming more herself. Now, she empowers other women to do the same: find their voice, own their worth, and build careers that actually fit.

Kirsty’s message is one we all need to hear: quiet women have incredible strengths, and it’s time the world recognised them.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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🎙️ In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, I’m joined by the brilliant Sarah Barr-Young, a respected family lawyer based in Harrogate.

Sarah leads the Harrogate office of Jones Myers and is known for her calm, clear, and compassionate approach to helping people navigate one of life’s toughest moments—relationship breakdowns. From finances and family homes to pensions and businesses, Sarah helps untangle it all with honest advice that actually makes sense.

We talk about what it’s really like to work in family law, the importance of demystifying legal jargon, and how she’s supporting the next generation of lawyers coming into the field.

Whether you're curious about her career path or just love hearing how people use their unique skills to make a difference, this one’s worth a listen. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, I’m joined by the incredibly multi-talented Manu Thomas—founder of Pentafold Ltd and CareLearner, dedicated NHS professional, and prize-winning artist.

Manu’s story is a brilliant example of how diverse passions can come together to create something truly impactful. With a strong background in Primary Care, a love for technology, and a deep appreciation for design and creativity, he’s on a mission to improve patient care through innovation.

We talk about how Manu balances his work in healthcare with building a tech-driven company, the role creativity plays in problem-solving, and how following multiple interests has added unexpected “strings to his bow.”

If you're curious about how art, medicine, and technology can work hand in hand—or if you're someone with more than one passion—you’ll love this inspiring conversation.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful! 

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow! 

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Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance