The HoLT’s Survival Guide For Small Businesses

By Lea🌈 TurnerBusiness Entrepreneurship Careers

The HoLT’s Survival Guide For Small Businesses episodes

May 05, 2025Enhancing Emotional Resilience for Entrepreneurs with James Elliott
How emotionally resilient are you?
As business owners you’ll swing from pure elation at that latest deal, to punishing lows when times are tough, so you need to be emotionally resilient to just get past lunch time.
That’s why in this episode I invited my psychotherapist, James Elliott, on to the show to discuss what emotional resilience actually is and how you can enhance yours.
James delves into the importance of understanding your emotions first, to then be able to manage them effectively. We also explore what thought court is, an incredible tool that has helped me in those moments of self-deprecation.
We’ve all been there in those tough times, but as business owners we need to be able to perform at our best, and that doesn’t mean ice baths at 5am. It means being able to navigate challenges effectively.
So, listen up as James shares brilliant advice to help get you emotionally resilient.

“The more you understand your emotional state the easier it is to manage” – James Elliott

You’ll hear about:
Why understanding emotions is key to managing them effectively.
How your self-efficacy plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
Your childhood experiences shape your adult beliefs and behaviours.
What is paradoxical intent and how it can guide behaviour towards success.
Mental resilience being vital for navigating the pressures of business.

Connect with James:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-elliott-msc-8360a41b5/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jameselliottofficial/?hl=en
James’ Website - https://james-elliott.mykajabi.com/

Read James’ book – Think Yourself Resilient - https://shorturl.at/vd9eN
Check out James’ courses and resources - https://shorturl.at/h9oCK

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault
Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist
This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
51 min
April 28, 2025From Side Hustle to Franchise Success with Iain Griffiths
Have you considered franchising your business?
With 80% of franchises still running after 5 years, compared with 80% of startups failing in the same amount of time, it has to be an option to consider.
In this episode I am joined by Iain Griffiths, Founder of The Party Tent Company, which he took from side hustle to full on franchise and still scaling. Iain shares what it took to become a franchise and the successful model to bring on new franchisees.
Iain’s journey has had personal challenges. A divorce from a toxic relationship led him to embracing therapy in multiple forms to help his mental health, which has gone on to change his life for the better.
If you’ve ever had the tiniest thought about franchising, or you’re done with your job looking for a new opportunity this episode is definitely for you.
“80% of franchises are still trading after 5 years” – Iain Griffiths

You’ll hear about:
Franchising offers a solution that minimises the risk.
Franchising requires careful planning and support for franchisees.
Therapy can be a transformative experience for mental health.
Building genuine relationships with franchisees fosters a supportive community.
Life after a toxic relationship can lead to newfound freedom and happiness.
Connect with Iain:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iaingriffiths/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thepartytentcompany
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepartytentcompany/
The Party Tent Company - https://thepartytentcompany.com/

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
43 min
April 21, 2025Breaking Barriers: Female Entrepreneurs in Tech with Charli Hunt
2% of female founders get funding in the UK.
Only 2%!
Despite that shocking statistic my guest in this episode, Charli Hunt, has created a tech startup with her partner called Lime. A platform revolutionising how to use LinkedIn to generate more sales.
Charli grew up with entrepreneurial parents, and we explore the impacts of them balancing entrepreneurship and family life on her. So many of us are running our small businesses, trying to change our lives for the better, but do it racked with parent guilt, wondering what impacts we are having on them.
Well, Charli shares a story of positivity and love for experiencing all the roller coaster moments being the child of entrepreneurs can bring.
So, ease your parental guilt and check out Charli’s inspirational story of becoming a female founder in tech.

“Female founders get 2% of funding in the UK” – Charli

You’ll hear about:
Female co-founders receive only 2% of funding in the UK.
Starting a business requires immense hard work and dedication.
Lime was created to fill a gap in LinkedIn's functionality.
The tech industry presents unique challenges for women entrepreneurs.
Childhood experiences shaping entrepreneurial spirit.
Parental guilt is a common struggle for working parents.
Connect with Charli:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charli-hunt/
X - https://twitter.com/charliahunt
The Lime One - https://thelime.one/

Connect with me:
My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
46 min
April 14, 2025Creating a Culture Not Just a Community with Joe Glover
Creating a culture is the dream of any small business.
But how do you achieve it?
So many business owners are choosing to create communities these days, the consistent income has massive appeal. But it has to be more than a community to really change people’s lives. You need a culture.
My guest in this episode, Joe Glover, has created one of the loveliest cultures I know in The Marketing Meetup. With an emphasis on joy, kindness and inclusivity, it was founded to provide a supportive space for marketers, particularly introverts.
Joe shares what it takes to create culture and to grow a global community that that supports each other. We also explore the audacity required to pursue big opportunities, and the importance of finding purpose beyond business.
Joe leads with kindness and love and that shines through in everything he shares here.

“I get so much joy from seeing other people being joyful” – Joe

You’ll hear about:
Creating a safe space for introverts in marketing and business.
Kindness in business can lead to positive outcomes.
Identifying values helps in networking.
Community building is about culture, not just numbers.
Nurturing relationships is key to community success.
Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josepheglover/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joseph_glover/?hl=en

The Marketing Meetup - https://themarketingmeetup.com/

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
46 min
April 07, 2025Service and Impact: The Foundations of Brand Strategy with Ash Rathod
Does the term Personal Brand give you the ick?
It’s egotistical, self-indulgent and for those full of their own self-importance.
My guest Ash Rathod, Brand & Story consultant, felt exactly the same, but he re-framed it. It became a way of connecting with audiences through storytelling. If you focus on serving your customers and creating authentic connections, you will attract the right audience.
Ash shares his experiences after sharing his most vulnerable story on social media, of developing Vitiligo, a skin condition that meant he lost pigment in his skin. This taught him that being vulnerable and genuine in a world filled with superficiality can be a superpower for your brand.
Ash shares so much wisdom in this episode on ways you can develop a brand strategy that aligns with who you are, and make sure you stand out from the crowd.
“We should be audience obsessed” – Ash
You’ll hear about:
Personal branding should focus on serving others, not self-indulgence.
Storytelling is crucial for businesses to connect with their audience.
Authenticity is key in personal branding and storytelling.
Engagement on social media should be genuine, not contrived

Connect with Ash:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrathod/
Threads - https://www.threads.net/@theashrathod
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheAshRathod
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theashrathod
Ash’s Website - https://www.ashrathod.com/
Digital Focus Creatives - https://www.digitalfocuscreatives.com/

Connect with me:
My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:
The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
57 min
March 31, 2025The Perks of Being a Freelancer with Grace Hall
Becoming a business owner is not the only way to work for yourself and be successful.
For some freelancing is the perfect blend of freedom and fulfillment.
My guest in the episode, Grace Hall, has skipped traditional employment from the off, choosing the brave move to work for herself straight out of uni. And she has been an incredible success!
5 years into her freelancing career as a copywriter there have been lots of ups and downs. Grace shares the realities of working for herself, from client management, to pricing strategies, including her own particular “tax” she adds to jobs she knows will be tough.
At times she has struggled with self-doubt but shares key ways freelancers or business owners can own that fact they are good at what they do.
Grace is testament that you can choose your own happiness over societal pressures, so listen up to find out how she does it!
“It’s not all about the money” – Grace
You’ll hear about:
How starting out as a freelancer can be daunting but rewarding.
Freelancing offers flexibility and ownership that agency work may not.
Staying true to your values is crucial in a competitive environment.
It's okay to prioritise personal happiness over societal pressures to grow.
00:42 - An introduction to Grace and her work
01:55 - Straight from university to freelancing
07:28 - Realising "I'm good at this"
11:19 - Getting used to asking for testimonials
16:32 - The moments you want to chuck it all in
24:12 - Overcoming challenging clients
30:38 - Becoming an agency vs freelancing
33:31 - Keeping your head in the entrepreneurial world
38:58 - The impacts of AI on the market
41:08 - Messages from Grace's younger business self

Connect with Grace:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-r-hall/
Crying Over Copy - https://cryingovercopy.com/

Connect with me:
My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:
The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault
Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
48 min
March 25, 2025 Dogs, Business and Personal Growth with Laura Pointer
Starting your business can be an immediate success story.

Not everyone goes through struggles to grow, or difficult years before the good times hit. In fact, the opposite was true for my guest in this episode, Laura Pointer.

Laura was made redundant at the start of the Covid pandemic, which forced her hand to start her own business to “un-fuck” companies ERP systems. Something she was immediately hugely successful at and always in demand.

It wasn’t until 4 years later in 2024 that the hard times hit. Laura shares how she got through the struggles and is coming out the other side.

Laura’s story is one of self-doubt, pricing struggles, and knowing that the power of effective communication in business is crucial. Beyond ERP systems Laura is a trained coach and huge dog lover, literally, the bigger the better! This love has led her down the path of also becoming a dog trainer.

This episode beautifully shows the complexities of life and business and how you can be more than 1 thing at the same time and love every part of the opportunities they can bring.

“You're worth more than enough”– Laura

You’ll hear about:

00:00 - Navigating Contract Negotiations
01:15 - Understanding ERP Systems
06:12 - Transitioning to Business Ownership
08:52 - The Rollercoaster of Business Success
10:39 - Facing Challenges in 2024
17:44 - Finding New Opportunities
22:07 - Staying Productive During Downtime
22:56 - Transforming Lives Through Dog Training
25:44 - Navigating Change Management in Business
28:26 - Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Business Owner
32:44 - Finding Your Worth and Pricing Your Services
35:58 - Understanding Dog Behavior and Training
39:31 - Dreaming Big: Future Aspirations and Goals
40:14 - Lessons Learned: Avoiding Undervaluation
43:17 - Building Trust in Professional Relationships

Connect with Laura:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-pointer/
Pivotal Project Management - https://pivotalprojectmanagement.co.uk/

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
47 min
March 18, 2025 Life and Business with Tourettes with Luke Manton
Imagine being 20, healthy and successful.
You’re a manager, leading teams, you have 2 Honours degrees, everything is going well.
Now imagine you suffer a brain injury that leaves you with Tourette’s syndrome.
You can’t speak, you tic involuntarily, you swear, you whistle. Doctors tell you not to bother with work and just claim benefits from now on.
This was what happened to my inspirational guest Luke Manton. His life was turned upside down when he developed Tourette’s syndrome. But he didn’t want to let others tell him he can’t.
After some very dark times in his life he is now runs running his own highly successful VA agency, employing staff, and a TEDX speaker, because Tourette’s does not define him or stop him.

But he wouldn’t change a thing if he could go back…

So, what about you? Is there something you use to prove people wrong, to show the world you can?
Or is there something currently holding you back that you need to let go of?
Running a business is full of challenges that need to be overcome. Luke is the most incredible example of this that I know.

“I’d choose Tourette’s every time”– Luke

You’ll hear about:

00:00 - Embracing Change: The Journey with Tourette's
02:49 - From Job Rejections to Entrepreneurial Success
06:11 - Overcoming Discrimination: The Impact of Tourette's
08:59 - Building a Business: The Birth of Manson Executives
11:50 - The Power of Support: Finding Allies in Adversity
14:55 - Defying Expectations: Proving the Naysayers Wrong
18:01 - Activism and Advocacy: Raising Awareness for Tourette's
20:56 - Parenthood and Perseverance: The Journey to Adoption
23:45 - The Role of Social Media: Sharing the Story
27:01 - Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Goals
33:09 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Acceptance
37:30 - The Power of Mindset and Resilience
40:33 - Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
46:33 - Promoting Understanding and Kindness in Society

Connect with Luke:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukemantonme/
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ticcedtok
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lukemanton92/?hl=en

Manton Executives:

Website - https://www.mantonexecutives.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mantonexecutives/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mantonexecutives/?hl=en
Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mantonexecutives

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
53 min
March 11, 2025 Get visible without fear with Dani Wallace
One of the biggest fears of any business owner is putting yourself out there.
Whether it’s on socials or public speaking you must overcome the fear. Your business needs you to.
That’s exactly what the incredible Dani Wallace, my guest in this episode, supports business owners to do. Embrace your uniqueness, overcome the fear and share your greatness with the world.
Dani believes we all have gifts that we need to share. We are here to serve others and there is nothing wrong with making money doing so.
We delve into the themes of self-sabotage, community building, and the challenges we all face in overcoming self-doubt.

You can do it.

You can embrace who you are and become the beautiful, wonderful business owner you have the potential to be, and share that with the world.

“It’s about creating connection and serving people”– Dani

You’ll hear about:

00:00 - The Importance of Visibility and Connection
03:04 - Building Community and Safe Spaces
05:58 - Overcoming Visibility Challenges
08:57 - The Role of Ego in Business
12:10 - Navigating Public Speaking Fears
18:13 - Creating Safety in Visibility
24:13 - Finding Authenticity in Business
32:28 - Overcoming Self-Sabotage
37:19 - Finding Your Community
41:59 - Embracing Your Weirdness
43:50 - Understanding Introversion and Extroversion
48:53 - Identifying Your Unique Value
56:41 - The Importance of Overcoming Fear

Connect with Dani:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthequeenbee/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thequeenbeedani/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thequeenbeedani
Iatqb Website - https://www.iatqb.com/

Get tickets to The BIG Festoon - https://linktr.ee/thebigfestoon

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
The HoLT on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
The HoLT on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity
The Vault - https://www.the-holt.com/vault

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
1 hr 2 min
March 04, 2025 Hard Work: The True Path to Success with Chris James
Start your own business they say….

Work your own hours, be your own boss, live your best life.

But the reality is not that easy. You have to graft, and you have to graft hard.

Chris James, Founder of Content to Clients is my guest in this episode, and he tells it like it is. You have to work hard, you have to be resilient and sometimes you just have to trust that you can do it.

Chris left his job in a call centre, supported by his loved ones, to build his own business, something he says is central to his success.

Since then, he has helped countless business owners hit big money months, but they all had to put in some serious effort to get there. He shares his journey of business growth over the past three years, and how he has ended up working with an all-female team.

Chris tells it like it is, so get ready to find out what it’s really like to run your own business and get prepared to take some risks.

“This shit isn’t for everyone”– Chris

You’ll hear about:

00:00 – Building a business is not for everyone
01:05 - An introduction to Chris and his work
02:50 - Chris's expectations of working for himself
04:58 - Why Chris outsourced quickly
11:06 - How support at home changed Chris's life
14:53 - How has Content to Clients evolved?
19:21 - Chris on his history with LinkedIn
24:42 - The growth of Chris's business
30:46 - Chris on having an all-female team
37:34 - Chris's advice to his younger self

Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjamesonline/
Chris James’ Website - https://www.chris-james.co/
Content to Clients - https://www.chris-james.co/c2clp
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisjamesonline/?hl=en
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisJamesOnline

Connect with me:

My website - https://leaturner.co.uk/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaturnerholt

Find out about The HoLT:

The HoLT - https://www.the-holt.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/theholt
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theholtcommunity/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theholtcommunity

Join The Holt waiting list - https://www.the-holt.com/waitlist

This podcast is sponsored by QDos. Use the code LEA10 at the checkout to get your discount when signing up - https://my.qdoscontractor.com/code/10255/115219
49 min

About The HoLT’s Survival Guide For Small Businesses

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Not everyone starts a business to become the next Steven Bartlett or Gary Vee. Millions of us start our businesses to escape the 9-5 ties to the office, toxic bosses, threat of redundancy, and chasing…

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The HoLT’s Survival Guide For Small Businesses

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