In the depths of exhaustion, David faced the gruelling test of early parenthood - juggling work and the ceaseless demands of his newborn. Sleep became a distant memory, as he struggled to function as an adult on empty reserves. But then, a glimmer of hope emerged with the arrival of Christmas, bringing an unexpected twist that changed everything. Find out how David and his baby found solace in sleep, transforming their lives in ways they never anticipated. Stay tuned as we delve into their journey of resilience, adaptation, and the surprising turn that awaits.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is David

Meet David Addison, a man who wears the hats of being a successful entrepreneur and a new father. In the early months of diving into parenthood, David soon found that balancing the demands of his blossoming business with the care of his little bundle of joy brought its unique set of challenges. From functioning on minimum amounts of sleep to navigating the first few milestones of his baby’s life, David's journey is one that echoes the struggles and triumphs of numerous new parent entrepreneurs.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - "Introduction",
00:01:14 - "Sleep Deprivation",
00:05:24 - "Proud of the Team",
00:08:13 - "Focus on New Business",
00:13:37 - "Biggest Threat: Team Stability",
00:17:04 - The Importance of Team Collaboration,
00:19:01 - Focus on Tech Optimization,
00:21:49 - Streamlining Tech Stack,
00:25:31 - Balancing Innovation and Team Adoption,
00:28:44 - Expanding Tech Focus,
00:32:47 - Micromanagement and Task Management,
00:34:12 - Balancing Work and Family,
00:37:05 - Taking Time for Personal Life,
00:40:11 - Balancing Drive and Personal Time,
00:45:33 - Overcoming Personal Limitations,
00:49:24 - Building Confidence in Networking,
00:51:03 - The Slow Burn of Relationship Building,
00:52:20 - Growing Confidence and Self-Acceptance,
00:56:00 - The Power of Belief in Others,
00:57:40 - The Role of a Supportive Boss,

Does this sound familiar? You've been advised to solely focus on your work, believing that professional success will automatically lead to personal fulfilment. However, despite dedicating countless hours to your career, you still feel a lingering sense of emptiness. The pain of chasing a one-dimensional path and neglecting your personal endeavours is becoming increasingly apparent. It's time to break free from this ineffective cycle and discover the true keys to fulfilment and well-being outside of work.

My special guest is Katherine

Meet Katherine, a dynamic personality who combines resilience, empathy, and an insatiable yearning for personal evolution. She took the bold step of venturing into the voluntary sector with the Samaritans, bringing her innate skills of listening and connecting with people to the forefront. Katherine champions the idea of exploring personal endeavours outside of work and their gratifying impact on an individual's general well-being and contentment. Her captivating journey serves as an inspiring testament to managing personal growth amidst life's trials and tribulations.

I had a bit of an epiphany thinking, crikey, I need something for myself...I think I'm an okay listener and I like people, and I needed to have something that had some sort of social element. - Katherine

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover personal projects' role:
Indulging in personal endeavours outside of the work environment can significantly contribute to one's overall well-being and fulfillment. Be it volunteering, starting a podcast, or any other activity that sparks interest, these pursuits can serve as a therapeutic release from professional pressures. Moreover, they allow individuals to broaden their skill set and have diversified experiences which can further be instrumental in enriching their professional lives.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Have you heard these myths about running a business as a couple? Myth number one: working with your spouse will ruin your relationship. Myth number two: it's impossible to separate personal and professional life. Myth number three: decision-making becomes a constant battle. Tune in as Nick and Claire Rance debunk these myths and share the truth about the challenges and successes of running a business together as a couple.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guests are Nick and Claire Rance

Say hello to Claire and Nick Rance, the dynamic duo steering professional services firm PNC hr. Claire is an inherent cheerleader for businesses and a skilled networker while Nick, steeped in years of specialized knowledge in HR and health and safety, is the steady hand that guides their clients through tricky situations. Their lived experience of managing and growing a business while nurturing their personal bond offers invaluable insights into striking the perfect work-life balance.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction,
00:00:55 - Supporting Small Businesses,
00:02:10 - Different Personalities in Business,
00:05:18 - Nick's Expertise and Journey,
00:07:41 - Reframing Networking,
00:12:29 - Combining Sales and Professional Services,
00:15:51 - Working Together and Building Respect,
00:19:25 - Starting the Business and Becoming Self-Employed,
00:24:20 - Building the Business During the Pandemic,
00:26:34 - Advising Small Businesses and Learning from the Pandemic,
00:29:40 - The Growth of the Business and Client Referrals,
00:31:31 - Taking Risks in Business,
00:32:40 - Successful Businesses During the Pandemic,
00:33:27 - HR and Financial Management,
00:34:31 - Positive Impact of Working Together,
00:38:55 - Building Stronger Relationships,
00:48:18 - Challenges of Working in Silos,
00:49:23 - Personalized Service vs Call Center,
00:52:45 - Success of Work-Life Balance,
00:55:52 - Building Trust and Resilience,
00:59:46 - Changing Perceptions of HR Services,
01:05:24 - The Legacy and Responsibilities,
01:06:13 - Role Assessment and Experience,
01:07:16 - Future Plans and Uncertainty,
01:08:35 - Conflicting Feelings,
01:09:52 - Passion and Uncertainty,

Don't sacrifice your precious time and well-being chasing money; join entrepreneur Brad Burton as he battles the relentless pursuit of wealth, defying societal norms to prioritize a balanced and fulfilling life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is Brad Burton

Brad Burton's life is the perfect illustration of a journey filled from humble beginnings to becoming a go-to expert, bridging the gap between wealth and well-being. As a motivational speaker and founder of 4Networking, he defies the stereotype that success requires the relentless sacrifice of one's well-being. Brad's early experiences have shaped his unique perspective on life's little details that hold profound meaning. His infectious charisma and unwavering integrity have propelled his remarkable journey. From the lights of the UK's biggest stages to sharing his wisdom with entrepreneurs, Brad demonstrates the art of embracing the unpredictability of life.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

In this episode of The Ups and Downs of a Small Business Owner, James Marshall shares his experience with miscarriage and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and open communication. But just as the conversation gets heated, a sudden interruption leaves James Marshall and the host in an unexpected and uncomfortable situation, leaving the audience wondering how they will handle it.

If you're feeling an overwhelming sense of frustration and confusion as you invest time and resources into adapting to AI, only to see minimal progress or setbacks, then you are not alone!

My special guest is Matt Beswick

Meet Matt Beswick, a digital marketing whiz and co-founder of AIRA, a successful 50-person agency he started with his buddy Paddy back in 2015. Known for his knack for SEO and love for all things geeky, Matt's journey has seen him go from coding and innovating to leading a thriving company. With a passion for entrepreneurship that goes back to his teenage years, Matt's experience in gaming and the world of AI has shaped his perspective on the importance of upskilling in today's workforce. With a relaxed demeanour and friendly approach, Matt's insights on the impact of AI are sure to resonate with our entrepreneur audience.

Tim Lee, a serial networker, sets out to build a business by getting out there and talking to people, only to find himself threatened by the economic crisis, but his determination to succeed leads him to make a daring decision that ultimately changes his life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the lack of results in your efforts to boost mental wellbeing? Tired of the same old advice of building supportive networks or trying uplifting activities that fail to deliver? Uncover the secrets to proactive mental well-being and finally achieve lasting results with this episode.

Let Sophie etc show you the magic of Milton Keynes Food & Drink, where everyone can come together!
Here's what I cover with Sophie Neal in this episode:
1. How Sophie Neal Went From Being a 17-Year-Old Blogger to a Successful Social Media Marketer
2. How Sophie Neal Used Her Blog to Explore the Local Food Scene in Milton Keynes
3. The Magic of the Local Food and Drink Facebook Group in Milton Keynes During Lockdown.
Sophie Neal is a local celebrity, social media manager, content creator and foodie from Milton Keynes. She is the founder of Youtopia et cetera, a blog that celebrates the local food and drink scene and has been shortlisted for the 2021 Blogosphere Awards.

Marion Ellis, a 47-year-old charter surveyor, takes a daring leap of faith to pursue her passion for surveying, despite her earlier doubts and lack of confidence, and discovers the power of support and curiosity.