In this episode, I welcome Pippa Goulden, founder of The PR Set to the pod. Pippa shares her journey from working in traditional PR agencies to launching her DIY PR membership aimed at helping small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs, but also shares how launching the business enabled HER to create the work/life balance she wanted for herself.

We also dive into what PR actually is, the importance of using it as an integral part of your marketing strategy and not an afterthought, misconceptions around it, and how small businesses can leverage it strategically without needing large budgets. Pippa also discusses her personal experiences, challenges, and the transformative power of 'sending the f*cking email' and the ripple effect that has echoed in positive PR far beyond the thing itself. 

Find The PR Set here.

Find Thr PR Set on Instagram here. 

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. 

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This episode is also supported by The PR Set.com, the DIY PR Membership helping founders, start-ups and small biz owners to get known for what they do, without big agency budgets or a little black book of contacts.

If you know that PR is important to building your brand, but you don’t know where to start and you don’t have a huge budget to invest the good news is – you don’t need to! The PR Set is an online space founded by PR guru Pippa Goulden and features regular PR opportunities, live sessions to keep you on track, accountability to stay on top of your PR, all backed up by an amazing community of small biz owners, and Pippa’s own support too to help you do the strategic PR that actually makes a difference

You can get 50% off your first month’s membership with the code TWC50 making it just £16 for your first month, so give it a whirl at theprset.com. 

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Episode Highlights 

01:36 Meet Pippa Goulden: Founder of The PR Set 02:24 Pippa's Early Work Memories and Career Aspirations 04:40 Navigating the PR Industry: Challenges and Insights 07:49 Transitioning from Agency Life to Entrepreneurship 14:22 The Birth of The PR Set: A New Approach to PR 22:41 Defining PR and Its Evolution 24:46 The PR Set: Making PR Accessible for Small Businesses 28:14 The Importance of PR for Small Businesses 29:23 Breaking the Perception: PR is Not Just for Big Brands 30:35 Proactive PR: Taking the Initiative 31:33 Building a Personal Brand Through PR 33:41 The Power of Storytelling in PR 35:34 The Ripple Effect of PR Success 37:23 Overcoming Rejection and Embracing PR Challenges 39:15 Evolving and Growing Your PR Strategy 45:21 Practical PR Tips for Business Owners 48:30 Defining Success and Future Plans 50:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Women's Business I meet Nicola Elliott - haver of great name first and foremost, but also founder of NEOM Wellbeing - who discusses the inspiration behind her brand that originated from her own experience with burnout. Nicola shares her journey from working in journalism to becoming an entrepreneur, the deep intent behind the look and feel of the NEOM brand, plus we dive into the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the different standards we hold working mothers and fathers to, and insights on the importance of flexibility and hybrid working. She also reflects on the role of personal brand in NEOM's success and offers valuable advice for female founders on maintaining well-being and making smart choices in business. A warm and relatable voice who has built a formidable business. 

Find Nicola on Instagram here

Find NEOM on Instagram here 

Find NEOM online here

Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here 

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This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it! 

 

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 

01:19 Meet Nicola Elliott: Founder of NEOM Wellbeing 02:26 Early Career and Entrepreneurial Influences 04:47 Navigating Journalism and Burnout 10:20 The Birth of NEOM: From Idea to Reality 17:43 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years 26:22 Balancing Motherhood and Business 30:14 Scaling Up: Building a Senior Team 33:02 Challenges of Remote Work 33:51 Flexibility in the Workplace 35:47 The Importance of In-Person Interaction 39:47 Gender Roles and Work-Life Balance 46:46 Personal Brand and Business Success 51:13 Advice for Female Founders 54:49 Future Plans and Reflections 01:00:07 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us  

 

 

In this inspiration-packed episode of Women's Business Lauren Paver shares her remarkable journey from being a struggling single mum to completing a multi-million-pound management buyout of her company in the security industry.

Lauren talks about her work ethic, her original stint as a holiday rep, and how she broke into the male-dominated field of security sales. She offers real, powerful insights into what it takes to succeed without traditional academic qualifications and the significant sacrifices she's made along the way. Lauren also details her challenges and triumphs in balancing motherhood and work, the sacfrifices she's made, and her future goals for her company, Triton. Don't miss this candid and motivating episode that underscores the importance of grit, resilience, and authenticity.

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This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it! 

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01:44 Introducing Lauren Paver 02:54 Lauren's Early Work Experiences 05:35 Challenges and Sacrifices 17:38 Entering the Security Industry 20:52 Sales Success and Career Growth 25:53 Management Buyout and Future Plans 28:47 Transitioning Leadership: Taking Over the Reins 29:14 Valuation and Contributions: A Balanced Perspective 30:20 Team Dynamics: The Power of Collaboration 33:02 Northern Roots: The Importance of Regional Identity 34:07 Empowering the Next Generation: Apprenticeships and Education 35:50 Defining Success: Personal and Professional Growth 38:50 Simple Strategies for Business Growth 42:48 Balancing Ambition and Motherhood 50:04 Reflections and Advice: Looking Back and Moving Forward 53:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

 

In this episode Ruby Rout tells me her inspiring story behind founding the UK's first fully leakproof reusable period-wear brand, WUKA. Ruby shares her incredible journey from growing up in period poverty in Nepal to moving to London with minimal resources, and ultimately establishing WUKA after an initial (small!) cash injection, and bootstrapping to the point of running a multi-million pound business. Ruby's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community-building. We talk about the challenges Ruby has faced, her unique approach to product development, and the importance of staying true to your values. A great listen for any founder whether your business is products-based or service-based, the lessons to building an audience and remaining resilient are absolutely universal. 

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This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it! 

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:13 Meet Ruby Raut: Founder of WUKA 01:26 Ruby's earlylLife and challenges 07:02 Journey to the UK 09:11 Experiences with period care 16:54 Founding WUKA: The early days 23:59 Scaling WUKA without investment 28:34 Focusing on what works 28:47 The origin of WUKA 30:09 Challenges of growth 32:50 Innovating period underwear 35:51 Expanding the market 37:49 Resilience and retail partnerships 42:57 Building a community 46:23 Advice for scaling a business 52:39 Final thoughts and reflections

In this episode I interview the remarkable Leanna Barrett, founder of Liberty Woodland School, the UK's first fully outdoor school. Leanna shares her inspiring story, from being the first in her family to attend university, to pioneering the forest school movement in the UK, fighting against dissenting voices time and time again to pursue her mission to create a better educational environment for her own children.   We discuss Leanna's business challenges of scaling and selling her nursey business, plus the challenges of founding a school with no prior expeience, as well as diving into Leanna's fascinating approach to education, with a focus on child-led learning, and how we as parents can and must support our children's learning journeys at home.   This episode is truly an eye-opener, and a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in alternative education models.   Find out more about Liberty Woodland School here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    ----------------------   This episode is supported by my amazing partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!    --------------------------   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:33 Meet Leanna Barrett: Pioneer of Forest Schools 02:57 Leanna's Early Life and Career Aspirations 09:13 Challenges and Triumphs in Early Education 10:58 Scaling Up: From Nursery to Primary School 13:04 Overcoming Obstacles and Gaining Recognition 19:07 Expanding the Vision: Opening a Secondary School 27:24 Innovative Education: A Day in the Life at Liberty Woodland School 31:47 High Expectations and Student Achievement 31:55 Relevance of History Education 32:54 Memorization vs. Understanding 34:22 Impact of Global Information Access 35:12 Challenges of Conventional Education 35:46 Breaking the Cycle of Academic Achievement 36:17 Parental Concerns and School Choices 38:26 Developing Emotional Intelligence at Home 39:03 Encouraging Passion and Entrepreneurship 45:11 Four-Day School Week and Its Benefits 49:05 Focus on Wellbeing in Education 53:12 Advice for Parents and Educators 01:01:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Even when the plan is just to match your previous salary - amazing things can happen! In this episode I speak to Carrie Brice, the founder of Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery, about her journey from being a buyer for high street retailers to establishing her own demi-fine jewellery brand. Carrie shares her experiences growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, the influence of her parents' work ethic, and the challenges and triumphs in founding and growing her business. We discuss how she funded her first collection, the importance of knowing your USP, and how she maintains a meaningful connection with her customers. Carrie also reveals how motherhood has affected her approach to business and her plans for celebrating the brand's upcoming 10-year anniversary. This episode is a deep dive into how passion, authenticity, and a willingness to learn and adapt can lead to business success from a heart-led founder who started with one clear, short-term goal, and grew from there.    Find Carrie Elizabeth on Instagram here Shop Carrie Elizabeth here  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here Doors to The Wilder Collective open again for 10 days only on Wednesday 15th Jan, apply here.    -----------------------------   This episode is supported by my amazing new partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever.  The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you.  Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE. You won't regret it!   ----------------------------   Episode Highlights    00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:40 Guest Introduction: Carrie Brice 02:44 Carrie's early influences and family background 05:47 School and early  areer aspirations 08:20 University and early  areer  11:07 Transition to jewellery and founding Carrie Elizabeth 17:10 Challenges and successes in building the brand 26:03 Heartfelt customer stories 27:14 The journey of business growth 27:56 Navigating challenges and scaling 30:08 Collaborations and influencer partnerships 33:05 Balancing creativity and business 36:28 Motherhood and business leadership 39:40 Celebrating 10 years of success 44:26 Advice and reflections 48:14 Authenticity and kindness in business 50:41 Conclusion and farewell

Welcome back! And we're back with a brilliant episode covering so much of motherhood and womanhood with the wonderful actor-turned-coach, podcaster, and co-founder of the feminist mental health platform Women Are Mad, Salima Saxton. In this episode we explore Salima’s journey from acting to coaching, the complex dynamics of her multi-heritage background, and how motherhood profoundly shaped her professional path. Salima shares candid insights about how she went from identifying as 'not an angry person' to recognising rage as an emotion to get in touch with her own, and the transformative power of self-reflection as part of that process. This episode delves into overcoming anxiety, the intersection of race and career, and the audacity to pursue uncharted paths. So much to reflect on as we head into the New Year with fresh energy. Enjoy.    Find Salima on Instagram here  Find Women Are Mad on Instagram here  Find out more about Women Are Mad here    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    --------------------------------- This episode is supported by my amazing new partners The SHE Collective - a women’s wellness app, designed to help you feel Strong, Happy and Empowered – SHE

As a member of their community I can tell you that their approach works for busy mid-life women. Balancing five core collectives - exercise, nutrition, mindset, nervous system and community – the SHE builds women from the inside out - no more short-term fixes and BS diets, but sustainable wellness, forever. 

The app features 500 on-demand workouts from 10-30 minutes to do in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Backed by nutritional and mindset advice, and supported by Whatsapp groups to keeo you on track, it's a fantastic way to get on top of your fitness in a way that works for you. 

Use code WILDER30 for 30% off your first month and join the movement HERE.

You won't regret it!

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Episode Highlights 

01:57 Meet Salima Saxton 03:30 Salima's early work experiences 05:58 Navigating family dynamics 08:18 Pursuing higher education 12:03 Discovering acting at university 17:55 Challenges in the acting industry 25:35 Balancing motherhood and career 29:38 The complexities of motherhood 30:45 Reparenting ourselves 31:19 The unspoken challenges of parenting 34:31 The reality of anger 35:42 Launching the podcast 37:08 Integrating therapy and coaching 43:09 Embracing change and ambition 50:52 Reflecting on personal growth 59:10 Final thoughts and contact info

In this final episode before the break I talk to Emma Barnett - journalist, broadcaster and friend - as she takes me through her life and career journey. Known for her work on Woman's Hour, Newsnight, and now the Radio 4's Today Programme, Emma takes me back to her first roles, discusses the moment she felt she'd broken through, the rejection she's faced along the way and the entrepreneurial spirit that has helped her forge her own path. All of this lived through the lens of chronic pain from endometriosis.    We also talk career ambition, Emma's coining of the phrase 'maternity service', how she makes it all work, and plans for the future.    Lots of moments of reflection and insight from a brave and brilliant broadcaster.    Find Emma on Instagram here.  Find Emma and Jeremy's 'Colour Your Streets' books here.  Pre-order Emma's new book Maternity Service here.    Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS    01:16 Emma's early career aspirations 02:52 School and university experiences 04:42 Journey into journalism 08:08 Breaking into broadcasting 11:04 Struggles with endometriosis and IVF 14:23 Hustling in journalism 20:10 Creating the women's section at The Telegraph 22:38 Transition to broadcasting and personal challenges 34:15 Writing 'Maternity Service' 39:51 Transition to the Today Programme 46:13 Balancing career and family 50:22 Chronic pain and endometriosis 53:05 Colour Your Streets venture 56:10 Dealing with online hate 01:04:01 Future plans and reflections

In this episode, Naomi Raybould - founder and creative director of clothing brand Beyond Nine - shares her journey from facing thyroid cancer to overcoming personal tragedy and navigating a successful career pivot to create a million-pound clothing brand designed to empower women at all stages of life. Naomi and I discuss how switching roles at home has impacted her and her family, plus we dive into the external perceptions of that, plus the challenges of balancing a fast-growing business with cash-flow demands, and the power of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. We're talking breaking societal norms, valuing empathy in leadership, and the power in knowing you can change your mind. So much is covered in this episode - hope you love it.    Shop Beyond Nine here. Find Beyond Nine on Instagram here.  Find Naomi on Instagram here.  Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here.    To get in touch with me to support Wilder:LIVE please email [email protected]    01:38 Introducing Naomi Raybold 02:27 Naomi's early work experiences 12:05 Career path and personal challenges 21:51 The birth of Beyond Nine 29:25 Breaking gender norms at home  31:16 Starting a clothing brand with no experience 33:22 Challenges in the fashion industry 34:51 Organic growth and marketing strategies 39:35 Navigating business growth and cash flow 48:02 Ethics and sustainability in fashion 52:48 Reflections and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 58:58 Conclusion and final thoughts

In spite of being a shining light of a human being, Tamu was not immune to burnout, and it features in her story like it does in so many - but in Tamu's case she knew there was more for her and used it as an opportunity to do a lot of self-work, and start again, and the insight she has gained - and now shares - as a result, is truly transformative.  In this episode Tamu breaks down toxic productivity, where it comes from and what it means for us, plus how to tackle hard conversations at home. We also dive into the systems keeping us small, matriarchy, owning your power, and how to do some of the crucial self-work to know yourself in ways that allow you to ask for what you want and what you need. A bumper episode filled with so much powerful knowledge. A must listen. Whatever you learn - go forth and flourish!    Find Tamu on Instagram here  Or on her website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here    01:15 Tamu Thomas' Early Work Experiences 02:22 Influence of Auntie Aminata 04:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life 07:10 Navigating Career Transitions 10:05 Burnout and Boundaries 13:57 Starting a Coaching Practice 20:10 Understanding Toxic Productivity 23:09 Navigating Relationships and Self-Awareness 32:06 The Pain of Holding On 32:49 Being a Partner to Yourself 34:11 Navigating Relationships and Self-Compassion 37:25 Loving Your Work 39:50 Redefining Success and Work-Life Balance 48:36 Embracing Power and Overcoming Conditioning 59:41 Final Reflections and Advice