AccelerateHER Podcast

In this season finale, the mic gets flipped on Kayla-Megan Burns, the brilliant mind behind Podplistic and the production of this very podcast. A former biomedical student, climate activist, and New York Times debate guest, Kayla takes us through their incredible journey: from selling podcast services as a side hustle to pitching AI-driven software to global news giants. We talk tech, identity, burnout, purpose and how it feels to be a non-binary founder navigating the startup world (and the women's founder ecosystem) in 2025. It’s warm, honest, smart, and a perfect wrap-up to the series. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably Google “Dunning-Kruger effect” halfway through.

In this episode of the AccelerateHER podcast, Elizabeth sits down with Alison Gray, founder of Skillfluence — a woman with a passion for people, potential, and (unexpectedly) antique doorknobs. Alison shares her journey from managing mental health care homes to empowering researchers and academics with entrepreneurial skills. With warmth and wit, she reflects on side hustles, building a mission-driven business without external investment, and what Aussie Gold Hunters has to do with downtime. We also tackle a brilliant “Ask AccelerateHER” question: how do you shift from doing it all yourself to leading a team and letting go? Whether you're a founder, educator, or just someone figuring out the next step — this one’s packed with gems.

In this episode, we meet the brilliant duo behind My SMASH Media — Fiona Gillis and Christine Hartland. These two powerhouse producers are shaking up the film and TV industry with a platform designed to make matchmaking between creators and decision-makers as easy as swiping right. They share how their own frustrations in the industry led to the creation of SMASH, the joys and challenges of building a startup as co-founders, and the lessons learned from raising investment — including one pitch so disruptive it caused visible outrage on an industry panel! We also tackle a real-life founder dilemma: how to network confidently when you're an introvert. Expect honest advice, plenty of laughs, and a healthy dose of “we’ll just do it ourselves, then” energy. Whether you’re in the creative industries or building something from scratch, this one is packed with insight and inspiration. Topics we cover: From actor to entrepreneur: Fiona’s unconventional journey Finding the right co-founder (on a train!) Disrupting a traditional industry with tech Pitching under pressure Honest truths about investment as female founders Building confidence in networking Why founders make great producers — and vice versa

In this episode, Elizabeth chats with Nicole Christie, founder of Alvah Accountancy, tech enthusiast, karaoke queen, and a relentless problem-solver. From dreaming of being a farmer’s wife to teaching herself to code a tax planning tool, Nicole’s journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into: The bold decision to start a business in the early days of the pandemic How being neurodivergent fuels her entrepreneurial mindset What she learned from building (and exiting) a fintech startup she only owned 10% of Her vision for AI-powered finance teams that support founders How she’s using her new firm as a sandbox for tech innovation Plus, advice on dealing gracefully with late-paying clients, and why she ignored the advice to “choose between being a businesswoman or an accountant” A funny, fast-paced and refreshingly honest conversation that shows what happens when you combine creativity with commercial know-how.

In this episode, Elizabeth Pirrie chats with two powerhouse women working at the intersection of science and investment: Caroline Barelle, CEO of Elasmogen, and Vicki Hasley from the Scottish National Investment Bank. We hear how both women started with biochemistry degrees but took very different routes—Caroline from academia to biotech entrepreneurship, and Vicky from innovation support into impact investment. Caroline shares the powerful personal story behind her passion for drug development, how she spun Elasmogen out from the University of Aberdeen, and what it takes to bring new treatments to market. Vicki explains why the Scottish National Investment Bank invested in Elasmogen and what it means to be a "mission-driven" funder. Expect honest reflections on balancing motherhood with ambition, how to navigate the spin-out process, and why Scotland’s collaborative ecosystem matters. Plus: 80s bangers, fantasy football, and vacuuming in leg warmers.

In this episode, Elizabeth chats with Kate Cameron, CEO of Cytochroma, the biotech company creating mini hearts and livers from genetically diverse stem cells. Kate explains how these mini organs could transform drug testing by replacing animal models and providing more accurate, inclusive data. She also reflects on her transition from scientist to founder, sharing how she’s learned to embrace the business side of innovation.

In this episode of the AccelerateHER podcast, host Elizabeth Pirrie speaks with Danae Shell, founder of legal tech startup 'Valla.' Danae shares her journey from rural Tennessee to Scotland's tech scene, and how frustration with workplace injustices inspired her to launch 'Valla,' which helps people navigate employment legal issues. Danae reflects on fundraising mistakes, redefining networking and building Scotland's startup ecosystem, and describes her journey in one word: Grit.

Inventor, founder, and editor Alison Grieve shares how a hospitality mishap led to the creation of the Safe Tray — and how that sparked a global journey with G-Hold. We talk raising investment, protecting your ideas, and why data matters in driving change for female founders. Packed with insights, wit, and practical advice.

In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journeys of Evelyn McDonald and Gemma Stuart. Evelyn reflects on her career, from a love for advertising to 35 years of helping small businesses. Gemma shares how personal struggles with gut health led her to create Gutsy Health Limited, helping others with digestive issues. We discuss key topics like the importance of mentorship for women entrepreneurs, the challenges of funding, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Evelyn and Gemma offer practical advice for early-stage founders, including how to build strong relationships with clients and seek support when starting a business. Tune in for insights and inspiration from two remarkable women who have turned their passions into thriving businesses.

Elizabeth is joined by founders Julie Grieve and Genna Masterton. At two different points in their entrepreneurial journeys, the group talk about learning curves, entrepreneurial qualities, and the ups and downs of founding a business. Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses. Links of interest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieagrieve https://www.linkedin.com/in/gennajodiemasterton “jobs to be done” theory: https://jobs-to-be-done.com/what-is-jobs-to-be-done-fea59c8e39eb

Elizabeth chats to Dr Poonam Malik – Award-winning entrepreneur and investor - alongside her many, many other accomplishments. Poonam and Elizabeth spoke about growing up in India, moving to Scotland, Academia, Co-founding Microplate DX, University spinouts – and all the emotions and challenges faced on the journey. Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses. Links of interest: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-poonam-malik www.microplatedx.com

Joining us on the first ever AccelerateHER Podcast episode, is award-winning podcaster, Journalist, TV Presenter, and founder in her own right, Isla Traquair. Elizabeth and Isla talk about her education, interests, career, and experiences that led to Isla’s eventual creation and production of #1 true crime podcast, ‘The Storyteller Podcast’. Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses. Links of interest: www.islatraquair.com https://www.instagram.com/islatraquair https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellernakedvillainy

Welcome to the AccelerateHER Podcast! Listen in as AccelerateHER’s CEO, Elizabeth Pirrie, talks to founders, business leaders, and investors about entrepreneurship. Covering the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between, Elizabeth and guests talk about what it means to be a female founder and what’s currently happening in Scotland to turn the dial for gender parity in entrepreneurship. This podcast is brought to you by AccelerateHER – an organisation that accelerates and amplifies the success of female founders, up and down the UK. Find out more at www.accelerateher.co.uk.