In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the dynamic duo, Dr. Emma Ginns and Dr. Mari Walling, co-founders of Lemala Health, a specialized menopause clinic.

Together, they share their inspiring journey from being GP partners to launching their own clinic, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way. Emma and Mari delve into the importance of community, the learning curve of entrepreneurship, and the unique bond they share as co-founders and long-time friends.

The conversation takes a candid turn as they discuss their experiences with the CQC registration process, the realities of investing in a business, and the balance between personal life and professional ambitions. With a combined background in medicine and a passion for women's health, they emphasize the significance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for their patients.

This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship, especially in the healthcare sector. Emma and Mari's story is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the willingness to embrace new challenges.

Key Topics Covered: - The founding journey of Lemala Health - Navigating the CQC registration process - The importance of community and support in business - Balancing work and family life - Embracing social media and marketing strategies - The reality of financial investment in a startup

Key Takeaways: 1. Investigate and probe your business ideas thoroughly. 2. Find a trusted partner to share the journey with. 3. Embrace opportunities and say yes to new experiences. 4. Stay organized and manage your time effectively. 5. Believe in yourself and your vision.

To find out and connect with Jo: - https://www.jowatkins.com/

Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. - https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

To connect with Emma and Mari: - Website: https://www.lemalahealth.co.uk/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emma-ginns/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mari-walling/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and the founder of Prescription Strength Limited. Lynette shares her inspiring journey from being a GP partner to launching an online personal training service aimed at empowering women through strength training. She discusses the life-changing benefits of weight training and how she aims to help others overcome health barriers to fitness.

As they dive into Lynette's experiences, she opens up about her decision to take a gap year from general practice to focus on building her business. Jo and Lynette explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the importance of investing in oneself, the necessity of building a supportive community, and the reality of balancing work and personal life. Lynette shares invaluable advice for medics considering a transition into business, emphasizing the need for clarity in one's goals and the significance of embracing the learning process.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to venture into entrepreneurship, particularly in the healthcare space. Lynette's story is a powerful reminder that with passion, resilience, and the right support, it's possible to forge a fulfilling path outside of traditional medical roles.

Key Topics Covered: - Lynette's journey from GP to entrepreneur - The impact of strength training on health - Navigating the challenges of starting a business - The importance of mentorship and community support - Finding balance between work and personal life - Embracing the learning curve of entrepreneurship

Key Takeaways: 1. Discover what truly lights you up. 2. Understand the importance of investment in your growth. 3. Build a supportive network around you. 4. Embrace the journey and learn from failures. 5. Balance your ambitions with your personal life goals.

To find out and connect with Jo: - https://www.jowatkins.com/

- Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. - https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

To connect with Lynette: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prescriptionstrength/

- Website: https://www.prescriptionstrength.com/

On this episode, you can hear J - before THIS podcast even existed - speaking to Rachel Morris on her podcast You Are Not A Frog.

As you'll hear, Jo is at the beginning of her journey, but many of the ideas that she's shared on this podcast - and as part of her work with doctors - have their origins in this conversation with Rachel.

To find out and connect with Jo:

https://www.jowatkins.com/

From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.

https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

Listen to the You Are Not a Frog Podcast: youarenotafrog.com

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@youarenotafrog/

Download the free Overwhelm SOS resource: https://youarenotafrog.com/overwhelm

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the remarkable Dr. Helen Evans Howells, founder of the Helen Allergy Clinic in the New Forest. Together, they dive deep into the world of allergies, but the conversation quickly evolves into a candid discussion about the realities of running a business while juggling family life. Helen shares her unique journey, from her early days teaching in Uganda to navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, all while raising five children and working alongside her husband. Helen opens up about the challenges of balancing her professional ambitions with the demands of family, shedding light on the pressures that many healthcare professionals face. She discusses the importance of finding your niche and staying true to your passion, as well as the necessity of resilience in the face of adversity. As she reflects on her own experiences, Helen emphasizes the value of community and support in the entrepreneurial journey, particularly for those in the medical field. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while the path to entrepreneurship can be daunting, it is also filled with rewarding moments and opportunities for growth. Whether you're a medic contemplating a transition into business or simply looking for inspiration, Helen's story offers valuable insights and encouragement. Key Topics Covered - Helen's journey from medicine to entrepreneurship - The challenges of balancing work and family life - The importance of finding your niche in business - Resilience in the face of setbacks - Navigating the complexities of running a private clinic - Building a supportive community for healthcare professionals - Strategies for effective marketing in the medical field Key Takeaways 1. Embrace Change and Take Risks 2. Find Your Niche and Stay True to Your Passion 3. Build a Supportive Community 4. Balance Work and Family Life 5. Be Resilient in the Face of Challenges To find out and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/

Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

To connect with Helen:

https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/

Resources: Anaphylaxis UK: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes the inspiring Gemma Gilbert, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from teaching to coaching, helping clients create leveraged group programs. Gemma shares her personal journey of rebellion against her upbringing in a family of educators and how this shaped her approach to business. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, Gemma emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor, the value of experimenting in business, and the significance of niching down to attract the right clients. She delves into the nuances of running group programs, sharing insights on how to navigate common challenges and avoid the pitfalls of one-on-one burnout. Jo and Gemma discuss the need for resilience in business, especially when faced with unexpected setbacks, and how to maintain a focus on long-term growth while managing day-to-day operations. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone considering a transition into entrepreneurship, especially those in the early stages of their journey. Gemma's practical advice and relatable experiences provide a roadmap for aspiring business owners looking to create sustainable and scalable practices. Key Topics Covered - Gemma's journey from teacher to entrepreneur - The importance of finding the right mentor - Navigating the challenges of group programs - Understanding the value of niching down - Experimenting in business for faster growth - Building resilience in the face of setbacks - Creating a balance between family life and business Key Takeaways 1. Invest in Yourself and Find a Mentor 2. Embrace Experimentation for Growth 3. Specialize to Attract Quality Clients 4. Build Resilience Against Setbacks 5. Balance Your Business with Personal Life

To find out and connect with Jo:

https://www.jowatkins.com/

From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.

https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

To connect with Gemma:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmagilbertcoaching/

Website: https://www.gemmagilbert.com/

Resources:

Grab Gemma's free resource on creating scalable group offers to kickstart your journey: https://www.gemmagilbert.com/anti-launch-one-sheet

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Matthew Wickham, an entrepreneurial ENT surgeon who has successfully navigated the transition from the NHS to building multiple businesses. Matthew shares his unique journey, highlighting how his military upbringing and diverse experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of running his own private clinic while balancing family life with two young children.

Matthew elaborates on his role as a mentor through Doc Support, where he helps fellow medical professionals explore entrepreneurship in healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of networking, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the medical field considering a leap into entrepreneurship or seeking to enhance their current practice.

Key Topics Covered

- Matthew's journey from military upbringing to ENT surgeon - The entrepreneurial mindset and its evolution - Balancing family life with multiple businesses - The importance of networking in healthcare entrepreneurship - Embracing failure as a learning opportunity - Insights into running a private clinic and patient care - How to effectively utilize AI and technology in practice

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

2. Network Relentlessly

3. Learn to Accept and Learn from Failure

4. Balance Work and Family Life

5. Leverage Technology for Efficiency

To find out and connect with Jo:

Business coaching and mentoring for Doctors | Jo-Watkins

From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration.

Free Starter Kit: The Digital Doctor Startup

Connect with Matthew and find out more about Doc Support:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matthew-wickham/

https://www.docsupport.co.uk/

In this energising and refreshingly honest conversation, Jo is joined by Alice Ramsay—former international lawyer turned communications strategist and now global speaker on fun and high performance.

Alice shares her unconventional journey from law to corporate communications to entrepreneurship, and how curiosity, experimentation, and bravery helped her carve out a completely new path.

This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone feeling stuck in their career, questioning their next move, or looking to bring more energy and joy into their work.

Key Topics Covered

• Why your career path doesn't need to make sense "on paper"
• The power of small experiments instead of big risky leaps
• How to identify your "zone of genius" by following your energy
• Transitioning from structured professions (like law or medicine) into something new
• The importance of networking—and why it's really about giving
• Why fun isn't frivolous (and how it actually boosts performance)
• Simple ways to bring more energy and connection into your working day

Key Takeaways 1. Follow the Energy 2. Think in Experiments, Not Big Leaps 3. You Don't Have to Start From Scratch 4. Fun is a Performance Tool 5. Networking = Giving 6. You're Allowed to Do Things Differently

Alice can be found here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceramsay/

https://www.shiningalice.com/

Resources:

The DO Lectures - https://thedolectures.com/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo engages in a candid conversation with Sophie Griffiths, a vibrant entrepreneur whose journey from the corporate world to running her own business is both inspiring and relatable. Sophie shares her experiences navigating the challenges of motherhood, corporate politics, and ultimately, her transition to entrepreneurship after facing redundancy while on maternity leave. Sophie recounts her corporate career at British Airways, where she thrived in a high-pressure environment but faced a significant confidence crisis upon returning from maternity leave. This pivotal moment led her to explore alternative paths, ultimately discovering her passion for social media and business coaching. She discusses the importance of testing demand before launching a product and the lessons learned from her early missteps in building a membership platform for mothers. Jo and Sophie dive into the evolution of her business, highlighting the significance of adaptability and understanding client needs. Sophie emphasizes the importance of creating a business that aligns with personal values and family life, sharing her strategies for maintaining balance while growing her entrepreneurial venture. They also discuss the challenges of being a mother and business owner, particularly in a world that often demands constant hustle. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of community support in entrepreneurship. Sophie's insights into building a business that prioritizes well-being and financial stability offer valuable guidance for anyone navigating the complexities of work and family life.

Chapters: - Introduction to Sophie Griffiths - Corporate Career at British Airways - The Impact of Maternity Leave and Redundancy - Discovering a Passion for Social Media - Lessons from Early Business Ventures - Evolving Business Models and Client Needs - Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship - Conclusion and Resources To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/

Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

Connect with Sophie: https://www.instagram.com/sophiegriffithsco/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo sits down with Lucy Ann Wheeler, a dynamic lawyer turned entrepreneur, who shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to running her own legal business and template shop. Lucy recounts her adventurous spirit, having completed six marathons in five days across the desert and climbed Kilimanjaro, all before embracing the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

As Lucy reflects on her transition from a structured legal career to building her own business, she discusses the impact of personal experiences, including the loss of pregnancies and the decision to prioritize family life over a traditional career path. She emphasizes the importance of legal knowledge for medical professionals venturing into entrepreneurship, highlighting the necessity of understanding client data protection and the legal framework surrounding their practices.

Jo and Lucy delve into the realities of balancing family life with running a business, exploring the dynamics of shared parental leave and the adjustments made to support their growing family. Lucy shares her strategies for effective time management, including the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of following one's passion, embracing challenges, and creating a life that aligns with personal values. Whether you're contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship or seeking to navigate the complexities of balancing work and family, Lucy's insights offer valuable guidance and encouragement. - Introduction to Lucy Ann Wheeler - Adventures Before Motherhood - Transitioning from Lawyer to Entrepreneur - The Importance of Legal Knowledge for Medical Professionals - Balancing Family Life and Business - Time Management Strategies - Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change - Conclusion and Resources

To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/

Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

Connect with Lucy: https://www.lucylegal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyannwheeler/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LucyAnnWheeler

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Erin Thomas, a life-friendly business mentor and author, who shares her remarkable journey from the fast-paced world of television to building businesses that prioritize personal well-being and family life.

Erin opens up about her unexpected transition into entrepreneurship after becoming a mother, recounting the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way.

Erin discusses the importance of designing a business that fits one's life rather than the other way around. She reflects on her experiences living abroad and how they shaped her understanding of success, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning professional goals with personal values.

Jo and Erin dive into the significance of community support for entrepreneurs, particularly for mothers, and how finding your tribe can make all the difference in navigating the ups and downs of business ownership.

Throughout the conversation, Erin shares practical insights on maintaining boundaries, managing time effectively, and embracing flexibility in work. She also introduces her new book, "How to Build a Life Friendly Business," which provides a framework for creating a business that enhances one's lifestyle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to redefine success and build a business that truly supports their life.

Chapters: - Introduction to Erin Thomas - Transitioning from TV to Entrepreneurship - The Importance of Community and Support - Designing a Life-Friendly Business - Embracing Flexibility and Boundaries - Insights from Erin's Book - Conclusion and Resources

To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/

Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

Connect with Erin:

https://www.lifefriendlybusiness.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinthomaswong/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifefriendlybiz/