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 Natalie Pithers.

Natalie is the founder of Genealogy Stories and the Curious Descendants Club. Alongside that, she works as the Head of Change & Comms at SoG (the Society of Genealogists).

She’s passionate about helping people to write and share their ancestors' stories, to ensure their incredible family history discoveries are not forgotten.

Club members delve into social history and hone their writing skills to share those stories.

Natalie explains why genealogy is a creative hobby, and the importance of finding a creative outlet as a small business owner.

She and Gudrun also discuss the benefits of attending conferences, both for business more broadly and for your specific niche. Plus, Natalie shares her tips for finding creativity.

Timestamps

• 01:31 – 03:35: Natalie’s interest in genealogy
• 04:14 – 07:06: Why amateur genealogists like the family-history-as-stories approach
• 08:04 – 09:06 Finding women’s voices in history
• 10:03 – 10:24: How genealogy can be a creative hobby
• 15:55 – 17:30: How entrepreneurs are more creative than they realise
• 18:50 – 23:00: Why business owners should go to conferences and events
• 24:03 – 25:24: Why you should consider industry-specific events
• 27:25 – 29:35 Natalie’s advice to anyone wanting to research their family history
• 30:02 – 32:07 Natalie’s advice to business owners lacking creativity

Useful Links

• Genealogy Stories
• The Curious Descendants Club
• The Society for Genealogists
• Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn
• Business conference: Atomicon
• The Apple Cart interview with Laura Pearman
• Genealogy conference: RootsTech
• 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 Tim Lewis.

Tim is an author, sometime travel YouTuber and the host of two podcasts: Book Chat Live and Oh No, Not Another Live Show, where he and his co-host Christelle Lerryn speak to guests from all walks of life.

Despite never mastering learning how to sell books using social media, Tim has acquired a huge array of important connections from those platforms.

He’s also well-known on the international conference circuit, and loves to share his experiences and knowledge with everyone he meets.

Tim tells Gudrun why business owners should try live video, and shares his top tools to do so. He also talks through the benefits of having a podcast and what that can do for your business.

He also explains how attending conferences can lead to business growth, why you should consider writing a book, and how to leverage it to make money.

Timestamps

• 02:25 – 04:48: What Tim likes about the live video format for content
• 08:20 – 12:24: The tech you need to get started with video creation
• 13:30 – 15:54: Why Tim goes to lot of business conferences
• 17:30 - 22:20: The conferences Tim recommends
• 24:04 – 31:14: Why Tim recommends writing a business book
• 35:00 - 37:17: Using a podcast strategically

Useful Links

• Visit Tim's website
• Tim's YouTube travel channel: Tim Lewis TCF
• Book Chat Live
• Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
• Calendar booking tool: TidyCal
• Live streaming tool: StreamYard
• Video recording and live streaming: OBS Studio
• Live streaming (Mac only): ECamm
• Video and audio editor: DaVinci Resolve
• Audio editing tool: Audacity
• Editing keyboard: DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor
• Business conference: Social Media Marketing World
• Business conference: Atomicon
• Business conference: Podcast Movement
• Business conference: Podfest
• Business conference: You Are the Media Creator Day
• Business conference: Newcastle Startup Week
• Business conference: Creator Day
• Business conference: TubeFest
• Business conference: MarketEd.Live
• Business conference: Adventures in Marketing
• Speaker and author: Mark Schaefer
• Speaker and author: Jay Baer
• Personal finance guidance: MeaningfulMoney
• Author and entrepreneur: Pat Flynn
• 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 Stephen McCormick.

Stephen is an MSP Community Influencer and Marketing Expert based in Birmingham. He has over a decade of experience working in IT, he’s an active member of the Tech Tribe.

He’s a strong advocate for wellbeing for small business owners. He’s also a digital content creator, presenter, a regular at events in the managed services channel, and a very prolific world traveller.

Gudrun and Steve talk about how you can be disruptive in business, especially with your marketing, and why business owners are scared of the thought of giving it a go.

They also talk about how to communicate your value and the pros and cons of using AI in marketing and business, as well as why it might just be part of a natural evolution of how we do research.

Timestamps

• 00:45 – 02:54: What an MSP is, and why your small business might need one
• 03:54 – 08:18: How businesses in traditional sectors can use marketing to stand out
• 08:57 – 11:57: Why business owners are afraid to be disruptive
• 13:45 – 18:36: How to communicate your value
• 21:59 – 24:15: Being creative with video
• 24:57 – 29:14: The power of collaborative thinking
• 31:01 – 35:52: The pros and cons of AI in marketing
• 36:20 – 38:01: Stephen’s health journey

Useful Links

• Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn
• Listen to Red Dress by The Sugababes
• 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 Lenka Koppova.

Lenka is a Marketing Therapist for coaches and health & wellbeing professionals. She helps them to create businesses that enable them to live their dream lives.

She helps them to use digital marketing strategically so they can grow their business (without feeling overwhelmed) in a way that sustains their business long-term.

She’s on a mission to help them bring more fun and joy into their marketing to be able to create a thriving business that fulfils all their dreams!

In this episode, Lenka shares her story of moving from The Czech Republic to the UK and back again, how she balances her business and her life in a way that works for her, and what it looks like in practice when you put both of those first.

Lenka also shares her thoughts on how business owners can be more disruptive and where to start and she and Gudrun discuss their differing approaches to social media but why they both agree that you need to follow a wide variety of people.

Timestamps

• 0:33 – 03:16: How Lenka does things differently
• 05:18 –08:57: Lenka’s experience of becoming self-employed
• 09:22 – 11:45: What putting your life first looks like in reality
• 12:04 - 14:46: Advice for people wanting to be disruptive in life or business
• 18:11 – 20:20: Why you need a variety of people to follow on social media
• 23:01 – 31:00 Why I decided to leave Newcastle and move to rural France
• 38:03 – 40:47: How Lenka takes her cat in her camper van

Useful Links

• Connect with Lenka on LinkedIn
• Follow Lenka’s adventures on Instagram
• Listen to Lenka’s podcast: Into Your Life
• Success, wellbeing and resilience coach: Dave Algeo
• Author and entrepreneur: Tim Ferriss
• 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 Susanna Reay.

Susanna is an award-winning authority business mentor, author and speaker who brings creative, streamlined solutions into SMBs. Trained in both design and business strategy, she is able to decode complex ideas into profitable, scalable offers.

Susanna is the author of The Introvert Way® Roadmap, with a second book in the works. She developed the Sparkle Frameworks® which form part of her programmes and serve as a catalyst for growth for clients who integrate them into their businesses.

Susanna talks through her business model and what she means when she says 'creative solutions'. She also shares how her background and previous experience give her a unique perspective on her clients' challenges.

She and Gudrun talk about why and how to find a business coach and why you should ask your peers for help and support. Susanna explains why she thinks positioning is key, especially if you want to be acknowledged as an expert.

She explains the inspiration behind her recent online conference and what made it different and disruptive, and shares her thoughts on how business owners can be more creative.

Timestamps

• 00:45 – 02:20: What Susanna means by creative solutions
• 03:00 – 05:44: How Susanna came up with her particular business model
• 07:44 – 10:03: Why you need to listen to your peers and ask for help
• 11:37 – 16:47: Why you need to be discerning when looking for a business coach
• 19:45: 24:30: The importance of positioning
• 27:41 – 38:01: Susanna’s disruptive online conference, Super-Fast Authority
• 44:20 - 45:25 : Susanna’s advice to someone wanting to more creative in business

Useful Links

• Visit Susanna's website
• Connect with Susanna on LinkedIn
• Resource: Free Expert Business Assessment
• Interactive workspace: Miro board
• 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 Amanda Webb.

Amanda calls herself an analytics geek and is based in the Republic of Ireland. She is a digital marketing ROI and analytics mentor, trainer & consultant and helps her clients to get more ROI from your digital marketing.

The former host of the long-running and successful Digital Coffee Show, she now hosts the Analytics Show, a live video show delving into all things marketing and analytics.

Amanda explains exactly what an analytics geek is and how she found herself niching into the subject. She and Gudrun talk extensively about their experiences of business coaching and why entrepreneurs should consider investing in it.

They also talk about attending business conferences and the benefits of being an attendee. This show was recorded just before Christmas 2024, so Amanda shares how she builds a unique advent calendar every year!

Timestamps

• 04:49- 06:01: What is an analytics geek
• 06:11 – 08:59: How Amanda niched into analytics
• 09:55 – 11:49: The benefits of business coaching
• 14:57 – 18:30: Amanda’s experiences with live video shows
• 19:51 – 22:39: Novelty advent calendars
• 24:26 – 27:58: Why business owners should go to conferences
• 32:38 – 34:47: Amanda’s creative hobbies

Useful Links

• Visit Amanda’s website
• Subscribe to Amanda's channel: That Analytics Show
• Business conference: Atomicon
• Business conference: MarketEd.Live
• Coaching and mastermind programme: Atomic Rebels
• Business coach: Mike Cole
• Self-perception profile: Motivational Maps
• Business conference: Social Media Marketing World
• 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 Laura Robinson.

Laura is a marketing and copywriting mentor for online business owners. She helps business owners to sell their online services, programmes, courses and memberships with ease, confidence and joy.

She is also the author of The Comfy Business Playbook, a self-guided manual for creating a business that fits around your life and your needs, rather than the other way round.

Laura explains why she decided to start her own copywriting business, why she prefers Voxer to Zoom and how she came up with the business model she uses today.

She also discusses how she accidentally became the author of a book and how it helps people to think about their own companies. Laura also shares her thoughts on how business owners can be more creative.

Timestamps

• 01:44 – 04:02: Why creatives struggle to price and sell their services
• 04:33 – 07:37: Why Laura uses Voxer for client calls
• 08:45 – 10:52: Why traditional employment doesn’t work for everyone
• 12:16 –15:21: Why Laura wrote her book, The Comfy Business Playbook
• 16:20 – 18:58: Why you don’t have to strive for a six-figure business
• 21:43 – 25:53 Laura’s business model
• 28:28 - 29:36: How business owners can be more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Laura's website
• Sign up for Laura's newsletter
• The Apple Cart interview with Kristina Adams
• Buy Laura’s book, The Comfy Business Playbook
• Walkie-talkie smartphone app: Voxer
• Productivity tool: Notion
• Business and marketing conference: Atomicon
• Online business strategist: Elizabeth (Lizzy) Goddard
• 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 Kristina Adams.

Kristina is the author of 18 novels, 3 books for writers, and too many blog posts to count. She publishes mother/daughter ghost stories as K.C.Adams. She also works part-time as a content marketer.

When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dog, inflicting cooking experiments on her boyfriend or attempting to keep the contents of her greenhouse alive.

Kristina talks extensively about her experiences as an author and non-fiction writer, explaining how and why she decided to self-publish her work, and where she gets her ideas.

She and Gudrun also talk about content marketing, how to do it better and how to use it as a creative outlet. They also both discuss openly and honestly about the challenges of running a business while living with a chronic health condition.

Kristina also shares her thoughts on how to explore your own creativity and the different ways to do so.

Timestamps

• 03:32 – 05:15: Where Kristina gets her ideas from
• 05:29 – 10:37: Why consistency is important for your characters
• 13:19 – 15:20: Kristina’s non-fiction writing, and why she stopped doing it
• 15:28 – 18:50: Kristina’s experiences of self-publishing
• 24:16 - 25:23: Experimenting with content marketing as a way of being creative
• 26:05 - 29:04: Why you should share behind the scenes content
• 35:01 – 37:50: Running a business with a chronic health condition
• 46:11 – 48:35: Kristina’s advice on how to start exploring your own creativity
• 50:06 - 52:49: Physical exercise for stress relief
• 56:56 - 59:09: The different ways you can be creative

Useful Links

• Find Kristina’s books online
• Kristina’s non-fiction blog
• Kristina’s content marketing services
• Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn
• The Apple Cart interview with Laura Pearman
• 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 Laura Pearman.

Laura is a Personal Branding Consultant for experts, leaders and business owners. She specialises in empowering female leaders to elevate their personal brands and achieve industry impact.

She achieves this with blend of strategic insight and creative vision and has a commitment to authenticity and excellence.

This is a wide-ranging and candid chat between two old friends. Gudrun and Laura discuss their own experiences of growing up in the north east of England, the changes in the music and arts and the potential for change.

They discuss the impact of AI on creativity and how artists should harness it. They explore how the boundaries of imagination might change and how we can all be more creative.

Timestamps

• 06:43 - 07:38: How political upheaval leads to periods of intense creativity
• 07:40 – 09:50: The future of the local music scene
• 14:50 - :16:43: Opportunities for young musicians
• 17:05 –21:30 The impact of AI on artistic endeavours
• 23:25 – 21:11: Will AI bring about the end of social media?
• 35:40 – 40:25: Everybody is creative
• 41:27 – 44:26: Different ways to explore your creativity
• 46:00 - 47:33: Humans are inherently creative

Useful Links

• Visit Laura's website
• Find Laura on Facebook
• Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
• Like Laura's Instagram profile
• Subscribe to Laura's YouTube channel
• Digital radio station: BBC 6Music
• 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 Janine Coombes.

Janine is a marketing coach and an offer positioning expert for coach-shaped-people. She’s worked with big brands like EE, Orange and Europcar.

She has a business degree, a post-graduate marketing diploma (CIM Dip) and regularly speaks on stages like Atomicon, You Are The Media and MarketEd.Live.

In this episode, Gudrun asks Janine to share her unique approach to marketing herself, how it helps her to stand out and how stepping out of her comfort zone has led to her speaking on conference stages.

Janine explains the inspiration that led her to writing her first book, “The Easy Yes” why she chose the micro book format and how this leads onto the potential for more books later on. Finally, she shares her advice for any business owners who want to be more creative.

Timestamps

• 01:35 – 06:04: The Secret Marketing Show
• 08:53 – 09:36: How Janine’s approach to marketing helps her to stand out
• 10:00 – 11:06: Why business owners need to be brave
• 11:35 – 14:30: The business benefits of attending conferences
• 18:33 – 21:05: What speaking on stages has done for Janine’s business
• 23:22 – 26:29: Janine’s new book, “The Easy Yes”
• 26:43 – 28:52: Why she chose the micro book model
• 31:14 – 33:38: Janine’s advice to people who want to get more creative

Useful Links

• Visit Janine’s website
• Connect with Janine on LinkedIn
• Get on the waitlist for Janine’s new book
• Business and marketing conference: Atomicon
• Business and marketing conference: You Are The Media: Creator Day
• Business and marketing conference: MarketEd Live
• Visibility Coach: Fifi Mason
• Host of MarketEd.Live and marketing consultant: BizPaul
• Host of Creator Day and founder of You Are The Media: Mark Masters
• Digital Marketing ROI & Analytics Mentor: Amanda Webb
• Speaking trainer and consultant: Simon Raybould
• Service: Podcast content repurposing