The Successful Women Podcast Show with Gill Donnell

Rebecca Newenham founded Get Ahead VA in 2010 after recognising a gap in the market for virtual assistance services that offered the flexibility, value and performance that small businesses and start-ups need in the 21st century, digital economy.

Get Ahead VA delivers nationwide virtual assistance services for small-to-medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs. With clients ranging from will writers to window cleaners, financial consultants to fashion designers, all of their clients are motivated and driven business owners, with clear plans for business growth. Located right across the UK, they all recognise the value of outsourcing, passing onto others tasks that either they lack skills in, or tasks that drain their valuable time. Get Ahead VA enables them to get back to what they do best – growing and running their businesses. One of their clients, Moritz Schmittat, says: “Get Ahead VA is a highly skilled team of super mums (and dads) offering brilliant services in marketing, social media, office management, graphic design and basically everything small businesses need to run smoothly.”

After a corporate career in buying for retail giants such as Superdrug and Sainsburys, Rebecca was looking for a flexible work solution that could fit around her lifestyle and her three daughters – now 17, 15 and 13. Having grown up with a successfully self-employed mother, Rebecca knew it was possible to be able to contribute financially to the family and to do school drop off and pick-ups too. “My mum was a great example and I grew up knowing that I wanted one day to run my own business just like she did. Having looked at various business ideas and the way the employment landscape was shaping up for the future I felt a virtual assistance business offered the best solution. I have always loved networking, which is such a big part of my role now.”

Rebecca now runs a vibrant team of almost 40 virtual assistants and five regional directors, each bringing with them particular skill sets in many areas of business including PR & Marketing, Social Media, Business Development, Account Management, Design & Administration. Many of them are mothers themselves and also benefit from the flexibility that working for Get Ahead VA delivers.  One of the team members says ‘I love working for Get Ahead VA. No two days are ever the same!’

The business has won a variety of awards including Flexible Business of the Year in the Mum and Working Awards and Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday #SBS Award.  It has also been shortlisted in awards for Talent Attraction and Networking and was selected as one of the best Home Businesses in the UK. Rebecca herself has been shortlisted for the Women in Business Woman Business Owner of the Year Award.

Connect with Rebecca w: http://getaheadva.com/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/get-ahead-va

Twitter address: @GetAheadVA

Find out more about the Successful Women in Business Network Conference on 5th March 2020 - https://www.swibtribe.com/2020-conference-awards/

 

Clarisa Ayllon is a health and wellness personality and business, which seeks to inspire people to make better health decisions in their day-to-day life. Better choices about food, exercise, sleep, stress management and reducing toxicants. The business focuses on individuals who prefer prevention to correction, who need to become the CEO of their own and family’s health. The business aims to help client to improve their back or spinal conditions, with food intolerance or allergies, which feel the need to stay more connected with themselves physically and emotional. The Clarisa Ayllon business focuses also on natural solutions. From choosing what to eat, how to supplement the food one eats from deprived soils, how to balance the exercise throughout the week, how to take advantage from mindfulness exercises to recharge body and mind, to prevent colds, flu, headaches, stress, allergies, skin conditions, anxiety, and live a healthy and happy life. The business is about educating others to live a healthy and happy life. Clarisa Ayllon empowers clients to become their own CEOs of their health in the best holistic way possible, to help people think about themselves. Clarissa also owns a Swing Yoga studio which offers Swing Yoga classes and regular yoga classes. “When my youngest daughter started gained frequent respiration conditions the answer was to pile up her with medication, which was unable to prevent future episodes, I decided to start a new journey of natural remedies to foster prevention and reduce future health concerns. My true passion is to help people to find a more natural way to take care of them. I think we can live longer now however we need to boost our brains to evolve with us. My drive is to educate people to live a more happy and energized life” Connect with Clarissa https://www.facebook.com/ClarisaAyllon1/ https://www.clarisaayllon.com

Internationally renowned pet and wildlife photographer Alex Cearns is the Creative Director of Houndstooth Studio. She specialises in crafting exquisite animal portraits that intrinsically capture the joy people find in animals.

With more than 250 awards and accolades to her name, Alex works tirelessly to make a difference to the lives of rescued animals and endangered wildlife by working with around 40 local, national and international animal charities, shelters and sanctuaries.

Alex’s remarkable images, natural animal handling skills and substantial contribution to improving the lives of rescued animals has earned her high regard among Australia’s population of animal lovers. Her photography and philanthropic efforts have featured in a multitude of Australian and international print, broadcast and digital media. She has photographed for commercial clients all over the world.

Alex is a published author. Her books include: ‘Mother Knows Best - Life Lessons from the Animal World’ (Penguin)
‘Joy, A Celebration of the Animal Kingdom’ (Penguin)
'Things your dog wants you to know' by Laura Vissaritis with images by Alex (Penguin)
'Zen Dogs' (Harper Collins)
‘Perfect Imperfection - Dog portraits of resilience and Love’ (ABC Books)
‘For the love of Greyhounds - Adopted Greyhounds and their happy ever afters’

Alex was appointed an Ambassador and Pro Team member for Tamron’s Super Performance Lens Series, is an Ambassador for Spider Holster, is an Ambassador for Seagate, and is an Ambassador and Key Opinion Leader for BenQ. She is the first professional female wildlife photography tour leader for global tour company World Expeditions.

In 2019 she was awarded  the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community through charity

Contact Alex here:-

Email:      [email protected]

Web:       www.houndstoothstudio.com.au/

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/HoundstoothStudio

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cearns/

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothstudio/ 

 

Fordington Gin is locally created in Dorchester bringing you a London Dry Gin with a special and uniquely magical twist based on absinthe botanicals.

Fordington is a new and contemporary Gin, bringing a taste that is gentle yet distinctive in flavour.  The aniseed and lemon balm add lightness to the Gin allowing for a subtle yet creative taste for you to savour.

Ros Nelmes, today's guest is the creator of Fordington Gin.  Ros is passionate about her product and about her home in Dorset.  Dorset is peppered with some of the most exceptional food and drink producers in the country, from it’s rolling green hills to it’s majestic coastline.

 Ros has extensive knowledge of the world of gin and gives talks on the history and making of gin over the decades on a regular basis.  

Connect with Ros on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & LinkedIn

Kirstin is a passionate London Market and International Insurance solutions provider, helping organisations from start-ups to fast growth SME's, tackle scale, efficiency and process change through technology.

She has had a career in IT and Insurance with a hint of Marketing and Sales, a pinch of Management and Leadership and of course a healthy splash of humour and patience. Her professional experience has seen her travel the world from the Middle East to West Coast USA and from Scotland to Madagascar, installing systems for the Insurance Industry from cradle to grave in the City of London as well as Eritrea and Sudan. Sympathetic to diverse cultures, expectations and experience as well as budgets and need. She has led a professional life that strives to do things just a little bit differently!

Aside from being one of Computer Weekly's top 25 most influential women in IT 2013, her awards include:-

• Family Business of the year 2011
• Britain's Best Business - Businesswoman of the Year 2012
• Best Business Awards - Personal Achievement of the Year 2012
• Everywoman - SME Leader of the year 2012
• Insurance Times Technology Awards - Business Partner of the Year 2013
• Insurance Times Technology Awards - Innovation of the Year 2014

Find Kirstin on  LinkedIn 

Amanda Stansfield is the owner and managing director of Granny Gothards Limited and ProIce Products Limited

Amanda’s success with Granny Gothards is often used as a positive case study by Department of International Trade and Amanda is often asked to speak to Business Groups and plays an active role in South West Business Insider Panels. Amanda also works with colleges and students on food and business projects.

Amanda worked for many years as a Management Accountant for large blue-chip companies before taking a break to bring up her two daughters.  Her eldest daughter now runs her own successful children’s clothing business and her youngest is finishing her final year at Exeter University

Amanda had a complete change of direction in 2012 when she bought a small ice cream company with a great product that she could see had massive market potential, she also acquired one of her most important assets, a lady as passionate about where the business could go as she was.

Through hard work, investment in people and machinery, and a passion in what she does, she has taken the business from humble beginning to what it is today, a large export led producer of luxury ice creams, sorbets and sherbets. The business is expanding into the Far East in 2018 and the markets in the UEA are growing each month. The domestic market is also enjoying huge growth and is now sent daily to restaurants such as the Gherkin and Blenheim Palace. Granny Gothards is the ice cream of choice for National Trust Properties and Independent South West Cinema Chain, Scott.

The key factor in Amanda’s business was not to change in any way how Granny Gothards Ice Cream is made but rather up scale the production capabilities to meet the growing demand and ever increase flavours. Amanda will not compromise on the quality of the ingredients or the customer service they offer.

ProIce is Amanda’s latest project and is taking the ice cream to a different market. Amanda and her team have developed a range of totally natural Hi Protein Ice Creams and Frozen Yogurts which is aimed at the Retail Sector, a new challenge for Amanda and one that is both exciting and daunting in equal measures. There is already interest from the USA!

When not making, selling or eating ice cream, Amanda enjoys watching rugby and is an avid follower of Exeter Chiefs, enjoys walks with her husband and dogs, travelling and says her favourite role is being Oma to her 2 ½ year old Grandson Oliver.

Follow Granny Gothards on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram

Contact Amanda e: mailto:[email protected]

                         t: 01823 491591

                         w:  www.grannygothards.co.uk

 

Elizabeth Cooke has always had a fascination with books both as a reader and an author. One of her earliest memories is being taken to a library and trying to reach up to the shelves; She was too young to read, but  recalls a real thirst to know what was being said inside every cover. Books of all kinds are intimate and memorable for her because she still see them as doors into a private world. A writer reveals their thoughts, sensations and memories: a reader takes the author’s hand. Of whatever genre, a book is a shared experience.

Liz began her career winning a national short story competition, and worked producing some 120 stories and serials for IPC magazines. Her first novels were psychological thrillers of the ‘unnerving slow-burn’ variety, but her main focus has been historical themes and actual events told from unusual perspectives.

When she's not writing or researching, she visits book clubs, schools and creative writing groups. She really enjoys feedback and discussion, and particularly likes the enthusiasm and engagement from young writers.

Who Killed Mary Ashford? This is Elizabeth's new non-fiction, the story of the lasting mystery of the death of Mary Ashford in 1817.

This is a crowd-funded book by www.unbound.com.

Pledges begin at only £10 and for this you will get the first edition with your name in the book. All sorts of goodies are available for other pledges including a visit to Thomas Hardye’s cottage, a tour of Dorchester Museum’s writers gallery, a one-to-one critique of your own manuscript, a visit to your own book club, and much more.

In her exhaustive research Liz investigated the original trial transcripts, letters to and from the major players, the lives of those involved, the actual places of the events, and found out what happened afterwards. This event was one of the scandals of the 19th century and changed legal history in England. But who really attacked Mary Ashford? Was Abraham Thornton, her seducer, guilty of her death? And how does this case reflect on similar cases today? Has anything really changed for women in 200 years?

So if you are keen to support a creative project and see this book published, please pledge on

http://unbound.com/books/mary-ashford

Please don’t hesitate to contact Liz through this site if you’d like to know more about her work.

Find her on Good Reads. Facebook Twitter& Instagram

To find out more about the Successful Women in Business Network head over to the website

The Successful Women Conference and Awards Launch is on March 8th 2018, International Women's Day at the George Albert Hotel, DT2 9PW. You can get tickets here

Alexis Bowater is the Director of Bowater Communications. She offers expert media advice and support on a short or long term basis. With decades of experience in the industry she and her team can offer top of the range bespoke packages whatever your need – whether PR, training, filmmaking, writing or devising a PR strategy. Alexis is an award-winning journalist and presenter who has worked in the media, on both sides of the camera, for over twenty years.

She anchored the ITV evening news in the West Country for seven years before becoming a campaigning Chief Executive of national charity Network for Surviving Stalking.

As a result of her experiences over the years she loves to help recognise Women in Business for their achievements and is a Regional Partner for the Venus Women Awards as well as hosting Women’s Networking Groups in Devon: Plymouth Women in Business and Exeter Women in Business.

Nominate someone you know, or apply for a Venus Award via the website - https://www.venusawards.co.uk/devon-and-cornwall-2018/

Connect with Alexis :-

 Linkedin

Facebook

Twitter

Exeter Women in Business - https://www.facebook.com/Exeter-Women-in-Business-256718981512721/

Plymouth Women in Business - https://www.facebook.com/Plymouth-Women-in-Business-Networking-1680290985552289/

 

 

Lisa, joined New Look in 2009 following a move to the South Coast after the birth of her daughter. Graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in Accounting and Finance, Lisa started her career with Ernst & Young in Cambridge, where she gained her tax qualifications.

After qualification, the bright lights of London beckoned and she joined Virgin, one of the world’s most recognisable brands as in-house tax accountant. With responsibility for an extensive portfolio of companies including Virgin Atlantic, Cinemas, Virgin Rail and the newly formed record company V2, she also had to collate P11D information for Mr B.

 After 3 years, Lisa returned to the accounting profession at newly merged PwC. As Tax Manager in Istanbul, Turkey, she advised some of the world’s leading blue chip multinationals before returning to the London office and gaining promotion to Senior Manager.

Combining her love of fashion, shoes, handbags and anything sparkly with extensive international finance and tax expertise made New Look the perfect next step forward. Lisa is now the Head of Tax and is responsible for the global taxes across the entire group.

In her free time, Lisa likes to travel with Greece, Spain, Finland, South Africa and Israel on the list, just for this year! She also likes to keep fit, dance – appearing in the local Weldmar charity fundraiser: Strictly dance, and enjoys time with her partner, daughter and dog Lola.

Find Lisa on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-upchurch-002a1811/

Find out more about the Successful Women in Business Network - http://www.womensdevelopment.co.uk/

 

Sandra Joy Weston M.Ed. is the owner of Weston Fitness in Center City Philadelphia.

Previously, she trained the who’s-who of Philadelphia such as the 76ers and Flyers. She was also NBC10’s Fitness Expert, and Discovery Channel’s featured trainer on “Health Cops”. Now, she is spreading her system of mindset training mixed with goal setting all over the world as an author, blogger, and international Keynote Speaker.

She believes it only takes 1-3 minutes a day to change your body, your life in a positive way, and that anyone can easily achieve their goals with the right mindset.

Head over to the website - www.sandyjoyweston.com to read her blog and find out about her movement to improve the mental and physical health of the world!

Follow Sandy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/SandyJoyWeston

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sandyjoyweston/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-cX5y34rbq4RA7kEW3IplQ

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sandyjoywestonofficial/

Get more podcasts on the Successful Women website - http://www.successfulwomen.training/podcast/