Welcome back to The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

What can small businesses learn from a five-time Marketer of the Year who’s led some of the UK’s most iconic brands?

In this inspiring episode of The Business Besties Club, Katie sits down with Pete Markey, former Chief Marketing Officer at Boots, with an impressive career spanning senior leadership roles at TSB, Aviva, the Post Office, and beyond.

Pete has been recognised repeatedly as one of the UK’s top marketing leaders, but what sets him apart is his down-to-earth approach, passion for mentorship, and belief that marketing should make a real difference—not just for brands, but for people.

We dive into:

How Pete worked his way up from the ground floor to CMO

The timeless marketing principles every business (big or small) should master

Building confidence and strategy when you’re growing your brand

Why leadership and diversity matter more than ever in business today

Whether you’re a start-up founder, a growing small business, or just love honest conversations about leadership and marketing, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and practical advice you can put into action today.

Hit play to hear what big-brand brilliance can teach small business owners—and why marketing success starts with knowing your customer and believing in yourself.

Connect with Pete:

Instagram: petemarkeycmo

TikTok: pete.markey.cmo

Welcome back to The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

In this episode, Katie sits down with the amazing mother-daughter duo, Sarah and Lois Hobbs, to chat all things business, family, and navigating challenges with heart. Together, they run a thriving business in the giftware industry, and their journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Sarah shares how she started in giftware back in 2001 and how self-employment gave her the freedom and flexibility she craved. Lois opens up about the power of an ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis, and how understanding her learning style changed everything.

They dive into:

- What it’s really like running a family business

- How the pandemic changed buying habits and shaped their strategy

- The power of authenticity in sales and client relationships

- Navigating learning differences in life and business

- Why trade shows still matter, and how they build trust

If you value genuine connections, family support, and honest conversations about self-employment and personal growth, this episode is for you. So grab your favourite drink, hit play, and join the club, because every entrepreneur needs a business bestie!

Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketing

Connect with Sarah and Lois: @hobbsagencies

Welcome to the very first episode of The Business Besties Club: the podcast where real, unfiltered conversations meet business strategy and inspiration.

In this episode, Katie sits down with the incredible Danielle, founder of Dermatouch Aesthetics, a clinic that’s all about enhancing natural beauty and helping clients feel their absolute best.

Danielle’s journey is one of resilience, heart, and hustle. From navigating university and an unexpected pregnancy to balancing motherhood with nurse training, Danielle has faced it all and come out stronger. Now, she’s built a thriving aesthetics business doing what she loves.

They chat about:

• Her bold leap from nursing to full-time entrepreneurship

• The realities of starting a business while raising a family

• Why passion and persistence matter more than a perfect plan

If you're a small business owner, side hustler, or dream chaser, you’re going to love this one. So grab your coffee, hit play, and join the club. Because every entrepreneur needs a business bestie!

Connect with Danielle: @dermatouch.aesthetics
Connect with Katie: @katieclaytonmarketing