The Blooming North Podcast

In this episode, we’re getting real about what it actually takes for women to succeed in business.

Our host Lisa is joined by Amy Kohl from The Female Founderand Susie McAvoy Managing Director of MX locati9on experts, part of Miroma Group, for an honest conversation about confidence, ambition, people-pleasing, being visible, putting your hand up and finding your voice in rooms where you might not always feel like you belong.

We talk about the moments that push women forward, the pressure to prove yourself, learning to own your achievements, and take advice without losing what makes you you.

The blooming north podcast is proudly sponsored by MX Location Experts, the global OOH agency of Miroma Group, helping brands connect with audiences in the moments and locations that matter.

Special thanks to 

Amy Kohl. Founder of the female founder. 

https://www.thefemalefounder.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.femalefounder/

Susie McAvoy. 

linkedin.com/in/susiemcavoy

Our Host Lisa. Founder of Lisa Hughes Coaching. 

linkedin.com/in/lisahughescoaching

Insta@LisaHughesCoaching

www.LisaHughesCoaching.com

Producers: 

1word productions

www.1wordproductions.co.uk

and our studio space:

Colony workspaces

https://colonyco.work/office-space-northern-quarter

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We’re surrounded by advice on how to live healthier, happier lives. From social media to podcasts, books to wellness apps, we’re constantly being told how to look after our minds, bodies and wellbeing. But why has “feeling good” become such a universal goal? Is it a response to the challenges of recent years, or are we simply becoming more aware of what happens when we don’t prioritise ourselves?

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Aimie Skillen, founder of the Feel Good Club, to explore the story behind one of Manchester’s most loved wellbeing brands.

What started as an idea in Aimie’s bedroom grew into far more than a coffee shop. The Feel Good Club became a community, a safe space where people could connect, work, and have honest conversations about mental wellbeing. Even after the physical venue closed, the brand and its mission continued to resonate with thousands of people.

Now, Aimie is returning to the heart of why she started Feel Good Club in the first place. We talk about building a purpose-led business, navigating change, protecting your mental health as an entrepreneur, and why creating spaces where people feel seen and supported matters more than ever.

Join us as we talk about why feeling good has become something we’re all striving for and why it’s a club everyone is welcome to join. 

The blooming north podcast is proudly sponsored by Miroma Outcomes, the barter and corporate trading division of Miroma Group, helping brands unlock more value from their media.

Special thanks to Aimie Skillen founder of feel good club. 

www.feelgoodclub.co

https://www.instagram.com/wearefeelgoodclub/

linkedin.com/in/aimie-skillen-7ba90179

Our Host Lisa. Founder and director or LisaHughes Coaching. 

linkedin.com/in/lisahughescoaching

Insta@LisaHughesCoaching

www.LisaHughesCoaching.com

Producers: 

1word productions

www.1wordproductions.co.uk

and our studio space:

Colony workspaces

https://colonyco.work/office-space-northern-quarter

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In this episode, our host Lisa is joined by Lisa Morton, Founder and CEO of Roland Dransfield and host of the We Built This City podcast, to explore the idea of building your own “Manchester Bank Account” the invisible wealth created through generosity, consistency, trust and showing up for others long before you need anything in return.

They unpack why some people are simply easy to root for, how reputations are built over decades rather than days, and why the strongest professional relationships are made through loads of small deposits: like making introductions, celebrating others, solving problems and always following through.

Lisa shares her lessons from building one of Manchester’s most respected communications agencies, the power of playing the long game, and why your reputation walks into a room before you do. With stories of unexpected opportunities and how she built some pretty impressive relationships.  

If you’re wondering how to become someone people genuinely want to see succeed, this episode is a masterclass in building social capital. Because the best networks aren’t built by asking, they’re built by giving.

The Blooming North podcast is proudly sponsored by MX Location Experts, the global OOH agency of Miroma Group, helping brands connect with audiences in the moments and locations that matter.

Special thanks to 

Lisa Morton. Founder and CEO of Roland Dransfield

linkedin.com/in/lisamortonrdpr

www.rdpr.co.uk

Our Host Lisa. Founder and director or Lisa Hughes Coaching. 

linkedin.com/in/lisahughescoaching

Insta@LisaHughesCoaching

www.LisaHughesCoaching.com

Producers: 

1word productions

www.1wordproductions.co.uk

and our studio space:

Colony workspaces

https://colonyco.work/office-space-northern-quarter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode digs deep on the hot topic of body image. This isn’t a new discussion point, but it’s one that is

So we’re checking in and seeing how the land lies now across media, social media and branding. Questioning

Proudly sponsored by Miroma Outcomes, the barter

-       Josh Fairclough https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfaircloughanderselite

-       Laura Betts

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-betts-bettyoucan

 Lisa Hughes founder and director of Lisa Hughes

- Web LisaHughes Coaching

-       

Producers:

Our Producers, 1WORD productions - www.1wordproductions.co.uk

Studio:

And our studio hosts, Colony Workspaces

Northern Quarter Office

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We co-exist with social media now as if it has always been there and yetit’s still a relatively new form of communication, with limited controls andboundaries. There are many positives to social media platforms, theyprovide us with connectivity and community that can be truly inspiring. Butwith such an ease of unlimited accessibility it undeniably invites a dark sideto social media.We’ve invited today’s guest Declan Anthony, who is part of the dancegroup Unity, who received Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer when appearingon BGT in 2023, to discuss their experience and the devastating impact ofbeing subjected to online trolling.

Proudly sponsored by Miroma Outcomes, the barter and corporate tradingdivision of Miroma Group.

With special thanks to:

Guest: Declan Anthony

Insta @deccerzzz

TikTok(@declananthony_)

Our Host:Lisa Hughesfounder and director of Lisa Hughes Coaching.

Web: Lisa Hughes Coaching-Insta@lisahughescoaching

Our Producers: 1WORD productions

www.1wordproductions.co.ukStudio:

And our studio hosts, Colony Workspaces ManchesterNorthern Quarter Office Spaces | Colony Coworking Spaces

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Recorded at a special International Women’s Day event hosted by WACL (Women in Advertising, Communications and Leadership), this episode of the Blooming North Podcast features a collection of short conversations with female trailblazers across the media and leadership landscape.

Each guest shares their perspective on a powerful leadership question, capturing honest insights on what shapes them, and their leadership. 

From the most powerful thing someone has ever told them, to the importance of making space for others at the table, these bite-sized conversations explore what women give to one another, what they gain from community, and the words of wisdom that continue to be passed forward.

Designed to bring you practical advice and inspiration from the women driving change today it’s a must listen for the modern women looking for a brighter future.

With: 

Rachael Cochrane – Head of Client and agency solutions. Lad bible group. 

Olivia Waite – Group sales director – Channel factory 

Laura Bamber – Founder of the vibrancy hub

Anjna Mistry – Head of brand and marketing. Supreme 

Links: 

Rachael Cochrane – Head of Client and agency solutions. Lad bible group. linkedin.com/in/rachael-cochrane-aa108549

Olivia Waite – Group sales director – Channel factory linkedin.com/in/oliviawaite0105

Laura Bamber – Founder of the vibrancy hub linkedin.com/in/laura-bamber-11334910

Anjna Mistry – Head of brand and marketing. Supreme linkedin.com/in/anjna-mistry

Thanks to: 

Cole Mbuilu

https://www.1wordproductions.co.uk/

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In this special on-location episode of the Blooming North Podcast, host Lisa records live from Goodison Park, home of Everton Women, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Joined by Dawn Paine, former CMO of Nintendo and Universal Pictures and Co-Founder of Aurora, and Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community, the conversation explores what modern leadership really looks like. Together they discuss the lessons learned from leading at the highest levels, the difference between experience and wisdom, and the leadership traits that truly make an impact  beyond outdated ideas of “masculine” and “feminine” styles.

From the power of place and Northern identity to the role of sport in driving real social change, this episode reflects on the influence of women who are shaping organisations, communities, and the future of leadership.

Recorded at a special International Women’s Day event hosted by WACL (Women in Advertising, Communications and Leadership), this conversation celebrates the pioneers and trailblazers creating meaningful change  and asks what female leadership might look like in the next decade.

If you’re passionate about leadership, impact, and empowering women to thrive both personally and professionally, this episode is for you.

Thanks to 

Dawn Paine.  EO & Co-Founder Aurora & proud WACL member linkedin.com/in/dawnpaine

The WACL network and Womens EFC. 

Sue Gregory. Chief Executive Officer at EVERTON IN THE COMMUNITY https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-gregory-44a053146/

Our producer Cole: 1WORD Productions ltd  - www.1wordproductions.co.uk

Our host: Lisa Hughes. https://www.instagram.com/lisahughescoaching/

www.lisahughescoaching.com

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What does healthy masculinity actually look like today - and why does it start much earlier than we think?

In this episode of The Blooming North Podcast, Lisa is joined by Mike Nicholson, Director of Progressive Masculinity, and Seb Randle, Founder of The Helpful Space, to unpack one of the most talked-about (and often misunderstood) topics of our time: boys, men, and the future of allyship.

From classrooms to workplaces, friendships to relationships, we explore how ideas of masculinity are formed, challenged, and reshaped - and what happens when boys and men aren’t given the tools to express themselves emotionally, connect deeply, or show up as allies without fear or defensiveness.

 Together, we discuss:

This is an honest, practical and light-hearted conversation - full of insight, personal stories, and real-world examples - for parents, educators, leaders, partners, and anyone who wants to be part of healthier, more inclusive change.

✨ Because there aren’t just “one or two” ways to be a man - there are billions.

This episode is sponsored by MiQ
The leading AI-powered advertising tech trained on the most connected data set in the world. MiQ leverages 700 trillion signals revealing what people are watching, browsing, and buying - helping brands connect in smarter, more meaningful ways.

Host: Lisa Hughes founder & director of Lisa Hughes Coaching

Web: https://lisahughescoaching.com

Insta @LisaHughes Coaching

Seb Randle

https://www.instagram.com/thehelpfulspace/

linkedin.com/in/seb-randle-2787b412

Mike Nicholson

https://progressivemasculinity.co.uk/

linkedin.com/in/mike-nicholson-672779243

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After an amazing response to an event back in October where bloom teamed up with TWIPN for an unapologetically bold exploration of the realities of 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚. We needed to have the guests back to explore the topic more.  

Our host Lisa is joined by  Anna Sampson, author of the IPA report ‘Time for Some New Age Thinking’, and Jacquie Duckworth, co-founder of Visible Inc., whose mission is to empower midlife women to thrive in a career in media shine a spotlight on the untold stories and overlooked brilliance of midlife women in advertising and media.

With shocking stories of the dismissal of midlife women and the bias they receive, it’s a must listen whatever your age so we can start to do something about it. 

Sponsored by Seedtag- who help you win your audience, by tapping into their interests, emotions and intentions.

Host: Lisa Hughes founder and director of Lisa Hughes Coaching.

Web: https://lisahughescoaching.com

Insta: @LisaHughesCoaching

Guests: Jacquie Duckworth

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-duckworth/

Anna Sampson https://www.linkedin.com/in/annasampsoninsightwithcommercialvalue/

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This week we've got some exciting news as we introduce and announce the 2026 president and vice president, Beth Sutherland and Saskia Starritt who join Lisa for this festive episode.

We have games – ‘chrimmy prezzy keep or did you keep the receipt?’ and a quiz for our guests. 

Find out what they thought of the year so far and everything they are looking forward to next year. 

Kindly sponsored by Azerion. Your digital growth partner. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/azerion 

linkedin.com/in/emma-hart-140420169

Insta: @Emma _hart26

Host: Lisa Hughes founder & director of Lisa Hughes Coaching.

Web: https://lisahughescoaching.com

Insta @Lisa HughesCoaching

Guests:

Beth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-sutherland-a19937a8/

Saskia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskia-starritt-198966185/

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