Welcome to another episode of The Tezlom Podcast, where we speak to inspiring leaders making waves in business and beyond. This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by Jo Stone, the Co-Founder and CEO of Puddle Ducks, one of the UK’s leading swim school franchisors. 

Jo is a trailblazer in the franchising world, an advocate for women in business, and a passionate believer in ethical, values-driven leadership. Jo’s background in numbers, business strategy, and leadership has helped her build one of the UK’s most respected franchise brands. 

She’s a grafter who makes things happen, always driven by the data and her core values. In 2019, Jo was named the EWIF Overall Woman in Franchising, recognising her ongoing impact in the industry. But Jo’s story goes beyond boardrooms and business plans — she’s also a brass band player, a mountain lover, and a true adventurer. 

With Kilimanjaro completed and the Inca Trail on her horizon, she proves that women can thrive in leadership and live bold, fulfilling lives. 👉 In this episode, Jo opens up about:

 How she co-founded and scaled Puddle Ducks into an award-winning national franchise network, what ethical franchising really means, and why it matters for long-term success, the story behind Puddle Ducks, and she has also had the WorkBuzz Five Star Franchisee Satisfaction awar… for twelve years in a row! 

She also covers her personal journey balancing motherhood, business leadership, and adventure, and how to lead with integrity, authenticity, and purpose in a commercial world.

Whether you’re in franchising, growing a business, building a brand, or looking for inspiration to lead with courage, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and heart!

#TheTezlomPodcast #JoStone #PuddleDucks

🎙️ Tezlom Podcast | Jodie Marsh – Commercial Director, Elite Franchise UK

In this uplifting episode of the Tezlom Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Jodie Marsh, Commercial Director at Elite Franchise UK — and one of the funniest, most vibrant voices in the franchising world.

From buying her first home at just 18 to becoming a young mum and spotting her entry into franchising in the Yellow Pages (yes, the actual Yellow Pages!), Jodie's story is full of grit, hustle, and unshakable authenticity.

But it’s not just her accomplishments that leave a mark — it’s who she is. Jodie is a bundle of fun, effortlessly blending sharp wit, warmth, and wisdom. Whether she’s navigating boardrooms or baby bottles, her energy lights up any room.

In this episode, she shares:

- How she landed her dream job — mid booze cruise 🍾
- Her sales journey with Yell and juggling motherhood like a boss 👩‍👧‍👦💼
- Building her place as a cornerstone in the UK franchising space
- Why humour, heart, and resilience are her secret weapons

The parenting mantra she teaches her kids: “I can’t do that… YET” — a mindset that sums up her entire life ethos 👏

Jodie proves that you can be a top-tier professional, a fiercely loving mum, and authentically yourself all at once. So if you’re ready for laughs, real talk, and a healthy dose of inspiration, this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play, and prepare to meet one of the most refreshing, down-to-earth women in franchising today.

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all our powerful franchise conversations.

#TezlomPodcast #JodieMarsh #EliteFranchise

In this episode of The Tezlom Podcast, we are thrilled to have Dani Peleva, founder and CEO of Franchise Fame, an award-winning marketing agency dedicated to helping franchises grow and thrive.

Dani is also a best-selling author and an incredibly inspiring entrepreneur who shares her journey and lessons learned along the way.

Dani's entrepreneurial drive stems from a powerful moment in her childhood. At just 6 years old, she watched her parents struggle to build their empire, not because they lacked ambition or hard work, but because they lacked the right marketing and business support. 

This experience sparked a passion in Dani to help businesses succeed by offering the marketing and branding skills they need to thrive. From that moment, Dani knew she wanted to bring her knowledge to others and help them avoid the same challenges her parents faced.

Her story truly began when she became a franchisee at the age of 20, while balancing school, exams, and a growing business. Juggling her studies, competing exam papers, and being on the phone with clients and her team was no easy feat. But through sheer determination and a deep commitment to her business, Dani managed to grow her franchise from a one-person operation into a successful team of 13 in just three years.

In this episode, Dani opens up about the sacrifices she made during those early years and the challenges she faced as she worked tirelessly to scale her business. She shares how she learned to lead her team, navigate the complexities of franchising, and build lasting relationships with both her clients and her franchisees.

Now, as the CEO of Franchise Fame, Dani runs a team of 20 and continues to make waves in the franchising world. She provides powerful insights on how to not only grow a business but also become a better human — someone who leads with heart, cares for their team, and remains grounded in their values, whether for their family, team, or self.

This episode is packed with wisdom, practical business advice, and tips on how to become a more effective and compassionate leader. Dani’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, vision, and the importance of cultivating a strong, supportive team.

Tune in to hear Dani’s remarkable story and learn how you can apply her insights to your own entrepreneurial journey, no matter where you’re starting from.

#Tezlom Podcast #DaniPeleva #FranchsieFame

Welcome to The Tezlom Podcast! In this exciting new episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Vicki Mitman, a Global Franchisor, Franchise Lawyer, Coach, and Career Expert. Vicki shares her extensive experience in both the corporate and coaching worlds, offering invaluable insights into career design, franchising, and personal growth.

As a Career Coach, Vicki specialises in helping individuals unlock their true potential and design careers on their own terms. With a passion for learning, she’s studied everything from leadership and management to mindset and motivation, earning an ILM Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. In addition to her coaching expertise, Vicki advises organisations on the legalities of franchising and network development, bringing real-world experience from her time as a Director at Drain Doctor Limited.

In this episode, we explore the concept of living a full life while running a business. Vicki opens up about the power of mindful practices like walking the dog and gardening—simple habits that can profoundly impact both personal well-being and business success. She also discusses the importance of "paying yourself first" and how this mindset can help you thrive in both your professional and personal life.

Join us for this enlightening conversation filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories from a true industry leader in franchising.

#TezlomPodcast #VickiMitman

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Tezlom Podcast, Ryan Armitage sits down with the incredible Ellie Tidy, a passionate drum and bass lover and an inspiring leader at Guinot. Ellie’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and leadership, and she shares her story in the most open and authentic way. From her roots as a therapist to becoming a powerhouse communicator, Ellie’s passion for personal development and her team is palpable throughout the conversation.

Ellie speaks with immense pride and admiration for her team, always putting them first and creating a culture of support and growth. Her natural leadership shines through as she talks about the highs and lows of building and nurturing a core team, and the realities of franchising and business.

But what truly sets Ellie apart is her incredible heart – especially when she opens up about the painful loss of her best friend. Through her grief, Ellie’s motto, ‘be more Lez’ – a tribute to her friend’s zest for life – has become her guiding light, inspiring others to live fully and embrace every moment.

In this episode, Ryan and Ellie dive deep into the power of communication, the importance of a strong, supportive team, and the personal growth that comes from embracing both the joys and challenges of business and life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal growth, and the importance of living life with passion and purpose.

#TezlomPodcast #EllieTidy

In this powerful episode of the Tezlom Podcast, we dive into a conversation that’s both profound and inspiring, as Ryan sits down with Trevor Brocklebank, co-founder of RISE — a rapidly growing franchise company changing the game for the elderly and those in rehab through adapted seated sports.

The episode is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and creating a business that’s not only about profits, but also about fun. Trevor’s motto? "If you’re active at 21, you’ll want to be active at 61." This belief fuels RISE’s mission of offering an accessible and life-enhancing solution for seniors and people in recovery. 

But Trevor’s story is not just about business; it’s about personal strength and vulnerability. As a self-motivated, high-performing leader, Trevor’s humble approach to life and leadership is inspiring. He’s not afraid to lean into his neurodivergence, recognising it as his superpower — and it’s that authenticity that drives him to build one of the most successful franchises in the country.

In this episode, you’ll learn Trevor’s secrets to building a high-performing team, leading with integrity, and cultivating a strong, positive company culture that sticks. You’ll hear how he pushes boundaries and embraces the unconventional to build something that impacts lives in a meaningful way and he also shares his story of leaving Home Instead, the UK's first home care and live-in care franchise.

This podcast isn’t just about business success; it’s a dive into the wisdom that shapes both work and life. Full of powerful insights and takeaways, Trevor’s words will inspire anyone looking to build a business, lead a team, or simply live with purpose.

Don’t miss this profound conversation!

#TezlomPodcast #TrevorBrocklebank

Another great episode of The Tezlom Podcast featuring Ed Purnell – The Franchisee Recruitment Strategy Guy and the powerhouse behind The Franchised. 

Ed is on a mission to help ambitious franchisors fine-tune their recruitment strategies and amplify their franchise growth, all while being a passionate advocate for the world of franchising. 

But today, we're not just talking business – we’re diving into the real, raw, and vulnerable side of life.

In this episode, Ed opens up about: 

✨ His journey through the ups and downs of building and growing a business
✨ The reality of being a dad, balancing life and work
✨ Overcoming self-sabotage, navigating identity crises, and pushing through the challenges
✨ Why he’s a rebel with a cause, a huge heart, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

But be warned...this isn’t your typical business conversation. 

Ed brings honesty, vulnerability, and real-world insights about the challenges of owning a business, the toll it can take, and how we can rise above it all.

A refreshing, powerful conversation that will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to take action – whether you're in franchising or simply navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

#tezlompodcast #EdPurnell

Join us for an exclusive episode of the Tezlom Podcast featuring the legendary Penny Hopkinson, a true expert in franchise operations manuals, and the creator of Manual Magic. Penny is a No.1 Amazon Bestselling Author, Franchise Operations Manual Specialist, and a passionate mentor and coach helping franchisors build exceptional systems for their businesses.

In this insightful conversation, Penny shares her mission to simplify content creation for the next generation of workers—Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha—who will soon dominate the global workforce. Her approach focuses on collaborative learning, peer-to-peer engagement, and creating a knowledge-sharing environment that fosters real business growth.

But that's not all—Penny reveals a secret she's kept for over 35 years in the franchise industry, only shared here on the Tezlom Podcast. With her witty, caring, and brilliant personality, Penny dives deep into some of the best-kept secrets of franchising and how they can transform how you run your franchise.

If you're looking for actionable insights, expert wisdom, and a bit of magic to take your franchise business to the next level, this episode is for you. Don't miss out on this special conversation with a true franchise industry icon!

#TezlomPodcast #PennyHopkinson

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the incredible Katie Furey of Katie Furey Consultancy. Katie is a powerhouse in the franchising and health & social care industries, with a proven track record of scaling businesses, aligning strategy across stakeholders, and fostering thriving workplace cultures.

 From her early days as a Business Performance Manager to becoming the Director of Operations at Home Instead, Katie's journey is one of resilience, grit, and undeniable passion.

Katie opens up about her personal and professional evolution, sharing how she faced fears head-on, developed an unshakable growth mindset, and became an emotionally intelligent leader. 

We also explore how she balances being a high-achieving professional with being the best mum she can be, and the lessons she's learned about savoring life’s small moments after the tragic loss of her father.

Whether you're navigating your own challenges, looking for leadership insights, or simply need a dose of motivation, Katie’s story will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.

#TezlomPodcast #KatieFurey

In this insightful episode of The Tezlom Podcast, host Ryan Armitage sits down with Alan Wilkinson, a true fountain of knowledge in the world of franchising and business growth.

With over 28 years of hands-on experience and a career built on guiding more than 160 brands—50 of them internationally—Alan brings an incredible wealth of expertise to the table.

As a Qualified Franchise Professional and holder of a Diploma in Franchise Management, Alan has seen it all. From starting as a franchisee to becoming a franchisor and later a renowned franchise consultant, his journey is filled with lessons, best practices, and the do's and don'ts every business owner should know. 

Together, Ryan and Alan dive deep into:

- How to build and execute winning growth strategies
- Developing high-impact, clear business plans that add value
- Essential steps and pitfalls in franchising for beginners and entrepreneurs
- Proven systems, procedures, and recruitment solutions to help you grow

As well as how to be a champion Dad and devoted husband!

Whether you're a new entrepreneur or looking to franchise your business, Alan’s insights provide actionable tips and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed. With his decades of experience helping brands grow both in the UK and globally, Alan offers practical wisdom and straightforward advice on how to maximise profits, strengthen operations, and set a solid foundation for lasting success.

Tune in for an episode packed with real-world advice, inspirational stories, and franchise expertise from one of the industry's leading consultants. 

#TezlomPodcast #AlanWilkinson #TheFranchisingCentre