The Apple Cart

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Mark Webb.

In this episode of the Apple Cart, I'm joined by Mark Webb to talk about how being part of a mastermind allows you to connect with peers for support and advice and ultimately grow your business.

Mark Webb, an experienced business coach since 2002, brings 25 years of expertise from high-performing teams at companies like IBM, BA, NotOnTheHighStreet and Costa to small business owners through AGame Masterminds.

He specialises in building resilient and sustainable businesses by facilitating peer support, group brainstorming, workshops, and co-working sessions.

Timestamps

• 01:54 - 05:14: What Mark has learned from his experiences
• 07:24 - 14:26 How Mark got to where he is today
• 14:29 - 17:39: Why a mastermind is so powerful
• 17:45 - 26:05: How to prevent your mastermind from stagnating
• 26:31 - 30:20: The benefits of having frameworks in your business
• 31:35 - 35:54: Common blocks to growth
• 37:43 - 39:54: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Mark’s website
• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
• Listen to Mark's podcast: Halftime Huddle
• Like Mark's Facebook page
• Follow Mark's Instagram profile
• Subscribe to Mark's YouTube channel: Halftime Huddle
• Speaker and author: Chris Ducker
• Book: Napoleon Hill: Think and Grow Rich
• Business coach: Susanna Reay

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Pollie Rafferty.

Pollie is known globally as the Speakers Storyteller, she is a neurodiverse entrepreneur, best-selling author, storyteller, international speaker, and founder of Change the Script.

Pollie discovered performance storytelling in 2004. Whilst she was overcoming crippling anxiety, she performed regularly and ran her own storytelling circle. As a lifelong learner Pollie noticed a difference with speakers that really inspired, informed and interested her, these were the storytellers!

Since then Pollie has spent years researching storytelling and Narratology. Pollie is a trained youth worker, has a diploma in narrative therapy and a psychology Cert HE

Pollie has used her unique perspective to create Change the script and the STAR storytelling system, teaching female speakers and women in business how to harness the power of storytelling.

Pollie explains narrative therapy, how we can reframe the stories we tell ourselves so we can feel more positive and make changes, and how societies have used stories as lessons for thousands of years.

She also describes the process of working with her, how to find your stories and how they fit in with your overall marketing. Plus she talks about being part of a collaborative book.

Timestamps

• 02:02 - 08:20: Pollie’s past experiences
• 08:42 - 14:07: The power of stories
• 14:36 - 15:37: The process of working with Pollie
• 15:44 - 16:01: How stories fit in with your marketing
• 16:05 - 25:36: What is narrative therapy?
• 26:18 - 29:46: Tips for finding your stories
• 29:53 - 33:32: About Pollie’s books
• 33:39 - 33:52- How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Pollie’s website
• Connect with Pollie on LinkedIn
• Follow Pollie on Instagram
• Like Pollie’s Facebook page
• Podcasting community: The PodRoom
• National Youth Association

and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Louise Brogan.

Louise is the CEO of Louise Brogan Ltd, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners leverage LinkedIn to raise their profile and generate leads and sales and author of Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn, an easy-to-read guide on how to leverage LinkedIn to raise your profile and build a network of value.

As the host of the 'Raise Your Visibility Online' podcast and YouTube channel with over 110,000 subscribers, she shares actionable tips for growing businesses online.

Timestamps

• 02:15 - 05:54: Louise’s background and how she became self-employed
• 06:57 – 09:00: How to build the network you want on LinkedIn
• 09:35 - 11:08: The benefits of posting regularly on LinkedIn
• 11:29- 13:25: Why your ideal customer is probably on LinkedIn
• 14:13 - 17:59: Why a strong network is made up of past colleagues and current connections
• 18:18 – 21:37: Louise’s experience of writing her book
• 22:49 – 26:18: The COPE methodology for content creation
• 27:01 - 33:11: Why video podcasts don’t always work
• 40:09 -42:15: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Louise’s website
• Connect with Louise on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to Louise’s YouTube channel
• Buy Louise’s book
• Find out more about Louise’s conference
• Visual Communications Specialist: Gina Smith
• Author and Publisher: Alison Jones
• Podcast and video editing software: Descript
• Podcast and video editing software: Riverside
• AI tool: Claude
• Graphic designer: Jill Pryor
• Author and marketing expert: Amy Porterfield
• Video growth expert: Justin Brown: https://primalvideo.com/
• Business coach: Jerry Potter
• Author and marketing expert: Mike Stelzner

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Jason Willis-Lee.

Jason Willis-Lee is a medical communications specialist with 26 years’ connecting patients, clinicians and researchers through clear, compassionate scientific communication.

He translates Spanish and French medical reports into accessible English and has built an engaged professional community through his niche podcast Freelancer Training on How to Find Direct Clients, where he helps freelance translators transition from low-paying agency work to premium direct relationships.

His approach focuses on premium pricing strategies, B2B relationship development, and helping freelancers escape the "race to the bottom" by targeting specialized pharmaceutical markets rather than merely competing on price.

Timestamps

• 01:37 – 03:00: How Jason got into translation
• 03:04 – 03:17: What is linguistic validation?
• 03:24 - 03:52: How Jason stays up to date with the medical field
• 09:26 – 15:36: Using AI in medicine
• 16:16 - 19:02: The process of writing a book
• 19:51 - 21:27: Why small businesses need to stand out in the market
• 21:58 – 25:20: The challenges of having a sustainable business
• 26:12 - 29:59: Why business owners should attend conferences
• 30:19 - 35:50: Life as an expat business owner
• 38:26 – 41:17: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Jason’s translation website
• Visit Jason’s website for translation business owners
• Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/entrepreneurialtranslator/
• Buy Jason’s book
• Follow Jason on Instagram
• Follow Jason on X
• Like Jason on Facebook
• Follow Jason on TikTok
• Listen to Jason’s podcast
• Business coach: Tony Robbins
• Author: Ryan Levesque
• Marketing conference: Atomicon
• Interview with Susanna Reay
• International Society for Quality of Life Research: ISOQOL
• International Society for Pharmaceutical Pharmacoeconomic Outcomes: ISPOR
• Marketing conference: Atomicon: https://atomic.site/atomicon/
• AI tool: Claude
• AI tool: MindStudio
• Interview with Susanna Reay: https://gudrunlauret.com/podcast-better-business-sparkle/

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Alice Blackwell.

Alice Blackwell is a group facilitator, online producer and workshop designer. She support individuals and groups to reach their full potential through the design, production and facilitation of tailored participatory workshops, both online and in person.

She has a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences, and specialises in designing and producing online events that empower group facilitators to shine.

Her expertise spans the realms of design, technical production, facilitation and event organisation, ensuring that every event is seamless and impactful.

Alice shares her background studying languages, how she became a facilitator and how losing her job got her to where she is today.

She explains her favourite parts of her work, how to make the most of business events without getting overwhelmed, and the importance of talking about our values.

Timestamps

• 02:00 – 08:35: How Alice got to where she is today
• 08:55 – 10:55: How Alice put a positive spin on redundancy
• 15:05 – 17:39: What Alice enjoys about being an event facilitator
• 18:27 - 22:47: Supporting LGBT groups in challenging times
• 24:23 – 26:04: Why business owners should attend virtual summits
• 27:23 - 30:38: Why it’s better just to go with the flow
• 32:11 - 34:20: Coin collecting as a hobby
• 38:56 - 40:30: Why we should talk about our values more
• 41:39 - 43:43: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Alice's website
• Connect with Alice on LinkedIn

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Mark Franklin.

Mark shares talk about how to overcome the four fears of business ownership to grow, succeed and be happier and more fulfilled.

He explains how he became the Four Fears guy, how he wrote his book, why he recommends having a coach and what he loves about attending business conferences.

Mark also talks about the problems with negative self-talk, why we all struggle to believe in ourselves and how to manage that uncertainty, and how to take the next step to growth even when you don't feel like you can.

Timestamps

• 01:54 – 04:57: Mark’s previous experience
• 06:26 - 10:10: The dangers of negative self-talk
• 11:04- 13:21: Why business owners feel unsuccessful
• 14:27 - 17:30 What to do when you don’t feel ready to take the next step
• 17:52 – 20:00 Why Mark’s book is interactive
• 20:20 – 21:55: The writing process
• 22:44 – 24:18: The benefits of having a coach
• 26:57 - 28:41: Why it’s good to be part of a business community
• 32:42 - 33:36: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Mark’s website
• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
• Buy a copy of Mark’s book
• Interview with Susanna Reay
• Marketing conference: You Are The Media Creator Day
• Marketing conference: Atomicon

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Vicky Quinn Fraser.

Vicky explains her journey to microbook magician and the ways she helps people. Gudrun asks her to share more about the benefits of writing a book – how it helps your business, why people write them and what to do if you don’t have an idea yet.

Vicky also shares some of her hobbies and favourite projects, why AI isn’t always as helpful as you might think, and how to be more creative in business and life.

Timestamps

• 05:32 - 09:54: How Vicky became a microbook magician
• 11:15 - 12:05: Why people write books
• 12:42 - 15:24: What a book can do for your business
• 15:52 - 16:51: How ideas evolve over time
• 17:32 - 21:22: What if you don’t know what your book will be about?
• 21:56 - 23:39: Why Vicky picked the name Moxie Books
• 25:44 – 29:02: Favourite projects
• 30:03 - 35:24: Why Vicky has so many hobbies
• 37:53 - 42:18: When AI isn’t helpful
• 42:54 - 45:56: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Vicky's website
• Follow Vicky on Instagram
• Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn
• The Apple Cart interview with Janine Coombes
• The Apple Cart interview with Tim Lewis
• Book: Janine Coombes: The Easy Yes
• Book writing course: MicroBook Magic
• Book: Vicky Quinn Fraser: How the Hell do You Write a Book?
• Book: Kenda Macdonald: Hack the Buyer Brain
• Service: Podcast content repurposing

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Christine Gritmon.

They talk karaoke and songs about branding, how Christine got into digital marketing and how she’s leveraged her own personal brand. Christine shares why she recommends attending business conferences and what she gets out of them.

She explains why you should care about your personal brand and her take on the topic. She and Gudrun also talk about why you’re not for everyone and why that’s not a bad thing.

Timestamps

• 01:00 - 07:58: Karaoke and songs about branding
• 08:23 - 17:19: Why Christine recommends business conferences
• 23:33 - 28:54: How Christine got into digital marketing
• 29:21 - 33:39: Why you should care about your personal brand
• 37:40 - 44:01: Christine’s take on personal branding
• 44:37 - 49:54: You’re not for everyone, and that’s ok
• 52:34 - 55:03: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Christine's website
• Christine’s business event: Higher Voltage
• Connect with Christine on LinkedIn
• Follow Christine on Instagram
• Like Christine on Facebook
• Listen to Christine's podcast
• Subscribe to Christine's YouTube Channel
• The NotWorkers networking events
• Membership: The HoLT
• Business conference: You are the Media Creator Day
• Marketing conference: Atomicon
• Marketing conference: Social Media Marketing World
• Marketing conference: INBOUND
• The Apple Cart interview with Laura Pearman
• Author: Malcolm Gladwell
• Author: Guy Kawasaki
• The Apple Cart interview with Susanna Reay
• Service: Podcast content repurposing

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Tracy Weeks.

Tracy has been solving problems with graphic design, advertising, and marketing strategies for nearly 30 years.

As the founder of Purplelily Design, she uses her knowledge,skills and experience to help heart-centred businesses, educators and charities flourish.

Timestamps

• 01:42 - 03:44: How Tracy got started in graphic design
• 07:34 - 14:07: Why sustainability in business is important
• 20:20 – 24:50: Tracy's experiences as a volunteer
• 25:00 - 26:31: How Tracy adopted her first Guinea pigs
• 31:30 - 33:57: The unexpected benefits of volunteering
• 34:35 - 38:04: Why business owners should attend networking events
• 40:26 - 44:40: Fun projects and ideal clients
• 45:21 - 47:42: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Tracy's website
• Like Purplelily Design on Facebook
• Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn
• Follow Purplelily Design on Instagram
• The Apple Cart: interivew with Susanna Reay
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• B-Corp certification
• Triple bottom line
• Creatives against fossil fuels group: Clean Creatives
• Creative action group: https://www.creativesforclimate.co/
• Book: Mike Berners-Lee: A Climate of Truth
• Marwell Zoo https://www.marwell.org.uk/
• Online networking group: ONLE
• Online networking group: The Creative Collective
• Service: Podcast content repurposing

Welcome to The Apple Cart; the podcast for creative disruptors, disruptive creators and anyone who wants to do things differently in business. In this episode, your host, Gudrun Lauret, is joined by Louise Miller.

Louise is on a mission to change the world by helping her clients change the world. She partners with coaches, consultants and community-builders who have a big, exciting vision, helping them land their ideas in reality, reach more people and make a bigger impact, whilst taking care of everything they’re juggling day-to-day and being kind to themselves along the way.

Described by her clients as a soothing balm and a magician, Louise’s experience of work-related stress and anxiety led her to develop a slower, more mindful approach to productivity, which she uses to help her clients get the important things done. 

Louise shares her journey as an employee and a VA and explains how she got to where she is today. She explains how she helps her clients and why the Make it Happen Club isn’t like a typical membership.

She and Gudrun discuss ideas about productivity, where people go wrong and why we need to reframe our approach to it. They discuss ways to be more productive, and agree that what’s most important is your mindset, rather than a quick hack.

Timestamps·      

• 01:28 - 05:01: How Louise got to where she is today    
• 06:21 – 10:31: How Louise helps her clients
• 12:11 - 13:56: The benefits of a quiet space
• 15:22 - 17:46: Where people go wrong with productivity
• 19:48 - 21:56: How Louise reframes productivity
• 22:51 - 25:07: Why your mindset is more important than a quick hack
• 29:12 - 30:57: Louise’s approach to business networking
• 35:00 – 36:30: Exploring creativity through pottery
• 36:36 - 39:10: How to be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Louise’s website
• Connect with Louise on LinkedIn
• 10 Powerful Pauses for Productivity and Progress
• Unfrazzle podcast
• Book: David Cain: How to Get Things Done When You Have Trouble Getting Things Done
• Book: David Allen: Getting Things Done
• Online business strategist: Lizzy Goddard
• Online networking group: ONLE
• Service: Podcast content repurposing