The Bits You Don't See

In this episode of The Bits You Don’t See, we sit down with Eamon Heggarty, founder of Coorie Retreats and soon Fort Springs Spa Retreat – two of the most exciting glamping projects in the UK.

After walking away from a corporate career as a quantity surveyor in Dubai, Eamon threw himself into glamping with zero hospitality background and built a premium retreat that now earns over £420,000/year from just 6 units.

We cover everything from funding, planning permission, construction timelines, and revenue models, to wellness upsells, automating operations, and avoiding common mistakes for glamping site owners.

If you're setting up a glamping site – or even thinking about it – this episode is an absolute must.

✅ How Eamon secured planning and launched in just 14 months

✅ What it really cost to build his glamping site (£450K breakdown)

✅ The clever marketing tactics that filled his site – including Highland cows

✅ Why underfloor heating, spa trails and saunas helped him beat the seasonal dip

✅ The automation systems he uses to stay hands-off

✅ How to make your glamping site a premium experience

✅ Real revenue numbers: occupancy, pricing, and channel breakdown

✅ Why his second site, Fort Springs, might be even bigger

This podcast episode delves into the profound implications of communication, emphasizing the significance of clarity and precision in our interactions. We explore the myriad ways in which misunderstandings can arise, often stemming from vague or ambiguous expressions. The discussion further elucidates the importance of context in shaping the meaning of our words, highlighting that effective dialogue necessitates a mutual understanding among participants. Additionally, we reflect on the role of non-verbal cues in enriching our communicative exchanges. Through this examination, we aim to enhance our listeners' awareness of the intricacies of language and its impact on human connection.

The conversation embarks on an exploration of the essential role that discourse plays in the shaping of societal perspectives and individual understanding. The speakers articulate the profound impact of dialogue, positing that it serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of a shared knowledge base. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the necessity for dialogue to be rooted in critical analysis, asserting that a mere exchange of opinions is insufficient for meaningful progress. This assertion is supported by a variety of illustrative examples that underscore the transformative potential of well-structured discourse.

Furthermore, the speakers confront the challenges posed by misinformation and the superficial consumption of information prevalent in contemporary society. They highlight the importance of fostering an environment where rigorous questioning and thoughtful engagement are not only encouraged but deemed essential. The speakers’ advocacy for a culture of inquiry is underscored by their assertion that such a culture is vital for the development of informed citizens capable of contributing to the betterment of society.

As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the speakers are not merely engaging in theoretical discussions; they are actively calling upon their audience to participate in the dialogue. They invite listeners to take ownership of their role in the discourse, emphasizing that each individual’s contribution is invaluable in the collective pursuit of understanding. The episode culminates in a compelling exhortation to embrace the power of conversation as a means of fostering enlightenment and societal progress.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of listening attentively to diverse perspectives.
• We explored how effective communication can significantly enhance interpersonal relationships.
• The discussion highlighted the necessity of empathy in understanding others' viewpoints.
• I reiterated that continuous learning is fundamental to personal and professional growth.

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Calum White, the founder and CEO of White & Co, articulates his remarkable journey from Edinburgh to Dubai, where he has established one of the region's most rapidly expanding real estate firms. With over 400 employees and generating a staggering £5 million in monthly revenue, he exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial resilience and vision. This episode delves into the transformative mindset required to thrive in the competitive Dubai real estate market, where Calum emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to individuals regardless of their prior experience. Moreover, he shares invaluable leadership insights gleaned from scaling a burgeoning team and discusses the innovative incentive system that has enabled many brokers to achieve millionaire status. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs inherent in building a successful business in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

The ascent of Calum White, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from the scenic landscapes of Edinburgh to the vibrant real estate market of Dubai, encapsulates a remarkable narrative of ambition and resilience. As the founder and CEO of White & Co, a burgeoning real estate agency that has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse within the competitive Dubai market, Calum offers invaluable insights into the transformative journey of building a 400-strong workforce. Through candid reflections, he elucidates the critical mindset shifts that accompanied his relocation to Dubai, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability and perseverance in a fast-paced environment.

The episode delves into the intricacies of leadership as Calum shares his experiences in scaling his company from a modest startup to a multi-million-pound enterprise generating over £5 million in monthly revenue. He discusses the innovative hiring practices that prioritize potential and hunger over mere experience, which has allowed him to cultivate a dynamic and ambitious team. Furthermore, he elaborates on the unique incentive structures implemented within White & Co that have empowered brokers to achieve extraordinary financial success, thereby creating a culture of high performance and accountability. This episode serves as a compelling resource for anyone interested in the nuances of leadership, team dynamics, and the real estate landscape in Dubai.

Takeaways:

• Calum White discusses the transformative mindset shift required to succeed in Dubai's competitive real estate market.
• He emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to individuals with potential, regardless of their prior experience.
• Leadership lessons from scaling his team from zero to over 400 individuals highlight the significance of culture and performance.
• Calum outlines his unique incentive system, designed to empower brokers to achieve millionaire status through hard work and dedication.
• He candidly addresses the ego battles and pressures that accompany rapid business growth and personal success.
• The episode serves as a compelling narrative on the life-changing potential of the real estate industry in Dubai.

From losing her job to building a global translation empire — this is the raw, unfiltered journey of Victoria Nicol.

Victoria is the founder of My Language Connection, a specialist language services provider working with clients across 52 countries, including leaders in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. In this episode, she opens up about the real entrepreneurial journey — from starting with nothing to scaling internationally, managing 1,800 subcontractors, and adapting to rapid AI disruption in her industry.

We cover:

🚀 How redundancy sparked the launch of her business

🏆 Winning the Scottish EDGE funding competition

🌍 Expanding to Dubai and navigating its business culture

👥 Growing a team that shares your values

📈 Managing cashflow while scaling service delivery

🧠 Handling setbacks, building resilience & staying agile

🧪 Translating for high-risk industries (medical, pharma)

🤖 The future of language services in an AI-driven world

👩‍💻 SOPs, ISO standards & managing quality at scale

🎯 What it takes to build a business that others want to buy

This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone who wants a deeper look into what it really takes to grow a sustainable, high-performing business — especially in a service-based industry.

🔗 Full episode available now on all platforms

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee

📱 TikTok & Instagram: @thebitsyoudontsee

👉 Like, comment and subscribe if you enjoy deep dives into what really goes on behind closed doors in business.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining core values as a business evolves and grows.
• The speaker highlights the significance of having a well-structured team to effectively manage numerous subcontractors and diverse projects.
• Winning the Scottish Edge competition provided validation of the business model and opened doors for future opportunities and growth.
• The discussion reveals the complexities and challenges of operating in international markets, particularly regarding cultural differences in business negotiations.
• The conversation touches upon the rapid evolution of the translation industry, especially with the advent of AI technologies influencing language services.
• The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the transformational journey of leadership in a dynamic business environment.

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🎉 Celebrating 10 Episodes – Learnings, Laughs & Lessons! 🎙️

We’ve hit double digits! 🚀 The Bits You Don’t See Podcast has officially made it to 10 episodes—and honestly, I wasn’t sure we’d get here. I have a habit of starting things and… well, not finishing them. But this podcast? It’s different.

In this special solo episode, I’m reflecting on everything I’ve learned from my incredible guests so far—from resilience in business, to surviving hoarder houses, to smoking Tupac’s ashes (yes, really).

We’ll revisit the biggest moments, wildest stories, and key lessons from guests like Toby Harris, Lee McGregor, Mutah Beale, John Morris, and more. Plus, a little behind-the-scenes on how this podcast came to be and where it’s heading next.

If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, I have one favour to ask…

👉 Hit that subscribe button! Whether it’s on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts—wherever you’re listening. It’s the easiest and best way to support the show and help it grow.

⚡ Full episode out now! Listen here:

🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX

🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee

Drop a comment below—which moment from the first 10 episodes was your favourite? ⬇️🔥

#TheBitsYouDontSee #PodcastLife #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLessons #StoryTime #Resilience #BehindTheScenes #Podcasting

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode serves as a reflective exploration of the valuable insights gleaned from previous episodes, demonstrating the host's commitment to continuous learning.
• The discussions highlighted the diverse challenges faced by guests, illustrating the resilience required to navigate personal and professional adversities.
• Throughout our conversations, it became evident that passion significantly influences success, as many guests expressed a profound love for their respective fields.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of audience engagement, underscoring how listener support can substantially bolster the podcast's reach and impact.

What does it take to build a multi-million-pound auction business from scratch?

In this episode, we sit down with John Morris, the man who went from selling houses out of his attic to running one of Scotland’s biggest auction houses—and he’s not stopping until he’s number one.

💼 From Humble Beginnings to High-Stakes Deals

John started out photographing properties himself, handling every sale, and juggling a newborn—now, he’s leading a Wolf of Wall Street-style sales floor with over 300 listings. His journey is insane.

🔥 Wild Property Stories You Won’t Believe

🏚️ The worst houses he's ever stepped foot in—including one where he fell through the floor

💰 How accidentally bidding on a house turned into an unexpected profit

🏠 The hidden world of auctions—and why it’s not just for cash buyers

📞 The relentless sales tactics that keep deals moving

💡 Real Business, No BS

John breaks down what really happens behind the scenes—from overleveraged sellers needing out NOW to buyers who didn’t mean to bid (but still had to pay up).

If you’re interested in property, business, or straight-up crazy stories from the world of real estate, this episode is unmissable.

📍 Where to find John Morris:

Instagram: @john_property_auctioneer

Website: primepropertyauctions.co.uk

🔔 Hit Subscribe for more raw, unfiltered conversations with business leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs who tell it like it is.

#PropertyInvesting #RealEstateSecrets #AuctionHacks #Entrepreneurship #TheBitsYouDontSee #JohnMorris #ScotlandProperty #BusinessGrowth

🔥 From Scotland’s Football Golden Boy to Building a Fitness Empire – The Untold Journey of Sean McKirdy

At 13, Sean McKirdy was Scotland’s next big football star. Training with Liverpool, Man United, Celtic, and making his professional debut for Hearts, his future looked set.

⚽ Then, in just 9 months, he was released – and had to rebuild his life from scratch.

Now, Sean has turned his setbacks into success, building Elevate98, one of Edinburgh’s top fitness businesses. In this brutally honest conversation, he opens up about:

✅ The pressure of being a teenage football prodigy

✅ How it all came crashing down so quickly

✅ The reality of life after football – and why so many struggle

✅ What he learned from elite football that helped him win in business

✅ The hardest moments of building his gym – including near financial collapse

✅ His biggest lessons on resilience, mindset, and reinvention

If you’ve ever had to start over, this episode is for you.

👇 Watch now and be inspired! 👇

🎧 Listen on the go:

📍 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX

📍 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

📍 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee

📲 Follow Sean McKirdy:

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmckirdy98

🔗 Gym: https://www.instagram.com/elevate98

🚀 Subscribe for more real, raw conversations you won’t hear anywhere else!

🔔 Hit the bell & never miss an episode!

⏱ 00:00 - Intro – Sean McKirdy’s incredible journey

⚽ 02:46 - The pressure of being Scotland’s golden boy

🏫 08:05 - Training at Liverpool, Man United & Celtic

📉 12:12 - The brutal reality of getting released from Hearts

🏋️‍♂️ 16:01 - Transitioning into fitness & business

💡 19:29 - Building Elevate98 – lessons from football to business

🔥 25:13 - The toughest moments of entrepreneurship

🤯 45:42 - The mindset shifts that changed everything

🚀 55:01 - What’s next for Sean & his business?

💬 1:09:43 - If he could do it all again… would he?

This episode is a MUST-WATCH if you:

✅ Have ever felt lost after a setback

✅ Want to learn how elite athletes transition into business

✅ Are fascinated by the hidden struggles behind success

✅ Love raw, unfiltered conversations about resilience and reinvention

💭 What’s the biggest lesson you took from Sean’s journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

🚀 Hit LIKE & SHARE with someone who needs this inspiration!

🎙️ Episode Summary:

From the streets of Newark to touring the world with Tupac and The Outlawz, Mutah "Napoleon" Beale's life has been a journey of extremes. In this episode, he opens up about his turbulent past, the realities of the rap industry, and the decision that changed his life forever.

He shares his experiences growing up surrounded by violence, how he got introduced to Tupac, and what really happened behind the scenes at Death Row Records. Mutah also explains why he left the music industry, converted to Islam, and built a new life in Saudi Arabia—where he's now a successful entrepreneur.

This is a raw and powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now:

🔗 YouTube: https://youtu.be/V8qRVfDuEpY

🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6O6uZZfEIE2C3waO645hDr?si=P8pkinpjRLKm6ND54I4fuQ

🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797?i=1000692214824

🔥 A childhood tragedy that shaped his life – witnessing his parents’ murder at just 3 years old

🎤 How he joined The Outlawz & met Tupac – the real story behind their bond

⚔️ The East Coast vs. West Coast rap feud – what was really going on behind the scenes

🚀 Life at Death Row Records – working under Suge Knight & navigating a dangerous industry

🛑 Why he walked away from music forever – the moment he knew he had to leave

🕋 His journey into Islam & finding peace – how religion changed his life

📍 Starting over in Saudi Arabia – from rapper to successful entrepreneur

🍖 Hosting legends like Kanye West, Fat Joe & Mike Tyson in his restaurant

🤔 Would he do it all again? – his surprising answer

📢 Follow @bitsyoudontseepodcast for more powerful stories from the world’s most fascinating people.

#TheBitsYouDontSee #MutahBeale #NapoleonOutlawz #Tupac #HipHopHistory #LifeAfterMusic #Podcast

Amy Boulden is a Ladies European Tour winner who once ranked 101st in the world. After dedicating over a decade to professional golf, she recently made the decision to step away from the sport. In this episode, we go deep into her journey—the highs of winning, the struggles behind the scenes, and what comes next.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• The moment Amy realised she could turn pro
• The pressure of making a living through prize money
• Her mental battles on the course and how anxiety impacted her game
• What winning on tour actually feels like
• Why she decided to step away from professional golf
• Life after the sport and new opportunities in media and coaching

Amy’s journey is a raw and honest insight into the reality of professional sports—the moments of glory, the unseen struggles, and the tough decisions that come with it.

Watch Now:

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee

Follow The Podcast:

📷 Instagram: @bitsyoudontseepodcast

#TheBitsYouDontSee #Golf #ProGolf #SportsPodcast #AmyBoulden #MentalHealthInSports #WinningMindset

The only regret Jodi Thompson has about moving to Dubai? Not doing it sooner.

In this episode, we sit down with Jodi Thompson, one of Dubai’s top real estate recruiters and a powerhouse on LinkedIn. From her early days in property investment to becoming a key figure in Dubai’s real estate recruitment scene, Jodi shares the highs, the struggles, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

We talk about:

✅ Why Dubai’s real estate industry is so competitive

✅ How commission-based brokers survive (or don’t) in their first year

✅ The truth about earning six figures in Dubai real estate

✅ The sacrifices and rewards of chasing big goals

✅ The bits you don’t see – the challenges of recruitment, burnout, and making Dubai home

Jodi also opens up about her marathon journey, balancing personal and professional growth, and the mindset that’s taken her from a UK-based regional manager to a leader in one of Dubai’s top real estate firms.

If you’re thinking about making the leap to Dubai, getting into real estate, or just want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and ambition, this one’s for you.

🎧 Available now on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GoQcDSj3bU1og11KUZ7uX

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bits-you-dont-see/id1787517797

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBitsYouDontSee

Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode! 🚀 #BitsYouDontSee #DubaiRealEstate #Recruitment #Podcast