Conversations of Inspiration

Jeanette AurdalFounder of The Oak & Rope CompanyOn finding success being who you were always meant to be Want to know how Jeanette Aurdal made the transition from being a passionate hobbyist to building a thriving brand, celebrated for its handcrafted creations? Jeanette shares how a fire that reduced her business to ashes was both her darkest moment and greatest springboard — helping her evolve into exactly who she was meant to be.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Find out how sometimes, in the process of building and rebuilding, you are able to become your true self Learn how life’s greatest challenges can provide a fresh foundation from which opportunity can blossom Jeanette’s story is a beacon of light for any founders (or potential founders) on a small business journey If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sophie Sellu, founder of Grain & Knot.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Inspired by her Indian heritage, Vanita founded her business after noticing a gap in the market for convenient, quality brow services. In doing so, she not only brought an ancient beauty technique to the 21st century, but also disrupted a whole industry. Hear how she’s ‘raised eyebrows’…WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Hear how Vanita’s heritage, the influence of London and her creative centre, all merged to create Blink Brow Bar Gain insight into using life’s toughest moments as a source for growth Discover how Vanita’s commitment to brand was central to building a premium beauty offering If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Kanya King CBE, founder of the MOBO Awards.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

At just 17 years old, Henry had a serious diving accident which left him paralysed from the neck down. Finding himself trapped between a past he no longer recognised and a future he couldn't imagine, Henry shares how he found the mental resilience to overcome the darkest of times, to discover a life filled with light.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Discover how it was possible for Henry to find not just happiness, but gratitude when everything he thought was going to be, no longer was Hear how accepting and embracing all emotions can help in life’s most challenging moments Learn how Henry has truly come to believe that in fact ‘any day can be a good day' If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Rob & Paul Forkin, the founders of Gandys.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Joanna Jensen launched Childs Farm fuelled by a wish to help her daughters’ eczema-prone skin. Her story is one of entrepreneurship, determination and the strength of a mother’s love. From agonising challenges such as divorce, losing her home and confronting illness, to achieving incredible success, Joanna’s journey is remarkable.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how, through trusting the spark of an idea to help her daughters, Joanna found her life’s purpose Discover how her belief in Childs Farm kept Joanna going in the darkest of times Joanna shares how her childhood fostered a belief that if you really want something to happen, you have to get up and do it yourself If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Paul Lindley OBE, founder of Ella’s Kitchen.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Hailed as a retail genius, credited with transforming Topshop into a global fashion phenomenon and working wonders at Whistles, Jane began her career at the bottom of the ladder and honed her craft from the ground up with grit and creativity. Here, she shares how, in a world driven by data, instinct has been her guiding light.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Discover the power of being emotionally connected and trusting your intuition. Hear how Jane was labelled a ‘difficult woman’ for having the courage of her convictions. Jane shares how confidence is not always innate but can be built from your successes. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Meredithe shares her journey from being a one-woman operation at the kitchen table to building an eternally joyful, internationally recognised, party accessories brand. Discover how, with ‘team’ at the heart of everything and a belief that imagination equals freedom, she retains the essence of what makes Meri Meri special.WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll be inspired by a story of eternal optimism, determination and resilience. Hear the wisdom of a passionate entrepreneur, using the power of creativity to build a fun and joyful brand. Discover the importance of continually evolving your offering, and the true power of pivoting.

Karen Millen OBE started her iconic brand with £100 and 100 metres of cotton. Hear how she built and sold a thriving fashion empire against the odds — before being declared bankrupt and getting divorced. How did she learn to embrace her future once again and do what she loves? Find out here… WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE Learn about getting comfortable with embracing failure and benefiting from its teachings. Discover how it’s never too late to listen to your inner voice and follow your dreams. Hear about the grit and determination it takes to live your passion and build your own business. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

In this very special episode Holly is thrilled to sit down for a second time with Marcia Kilgore, the visionary founder of Beauty Pie, Soap & Glory, FitFlop and more, to share her inside knowledge on the real beauty industry and how it has changed in recent years.Recognising that there is a new generation of knowledgeable and savvy customers looking to shop with brands whose values are rooted in transparency and integrity, Marcia discusses the revealing report she’s commissioned that explores the ‘Question Everything’ economy.Marcia also shares her thoughts on female founders and the anti-ageing industry, and how as a beauty brand leader, she hopes to empower women to strive to be our best selves rather than succumbing to a generic, standardised idea of beauty.This is a conversation that celebrates women and female founders of all ages and it’s one that will leave you invigorated, enlightened and ready to embark on your own journey.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sahar Hashemi OBE, co-founder of Coffee Republic.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“After breast cancer, you can’t get the old you back, not really. BUT you can build a new version of yourself; wiser, stronger, less fearful, more joyful, more aware, more compassionate and with a greater sense of purpose.” These are the words of Rosamund Dean, journalist, author, breast cancer survivor and also Holly’s incredible guest this week. Rosamund’s vulnerability in sharing her experiences so openly is helping countless other women to navigate their own path with this disease, and to be more aware of their wellness, at a time when cancer in the under 50s is rising globally. In this episode, Rosamund talks to Holly about the journey she has been on to rebuild her body, mind and life, and shares the highs and lows along the way. Rosamund also explains how she has navigated the world of medical treatment and surgery, and of how her experiences have not only shaped her perspective, but also her as a person. This is an episode not to be missed — full of soulful words of wisdom that will resonate with anyone who loves life and wants to seize the day. Please note that this episode contains discussion around cancer. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Kristin Hallenga, founder of Coppafeel. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Meet Alex Wright and Jack Scott, founders of DASH Water, a soft drinks brand that is making a difference, one wonky lemon and one curly cucumber at a time. This episode is packed full of insights from two entrepreneurs who are on a mission to disrupt an industry and make an impact. Growing up with farming backgrounds, both Alex and Jack saw first-hand the monumental waste of bruised and misshapen fruit and vegetables. Believing they could do things differently, they set about infusing their sparkling water with wonky fruit that would otherwise have gone to waste.A certified B Corp, DASH Water is a brand that has disrupted the beverage industry, taking on the soft drinks giants and offering a new generation of customers a healthy and sustainable alternative.Alex and Jack’s story is one of entrepreneurial passion and purpose and of how having strong core values and social responsibility within your business can not only keep you on track but can help you drive positive change in the world.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Tea and Pip Murray founder of Pip & Nut.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

When you’re a footballing legend how can you use your platform as a force for good? That’s the conversation shared between Holly and Rio in this week's fascinating episode.Humble, honest and inspiring, Rio is renowned as one of our most beloved sportsmen but in more recent years Rio has turned his talents to breaking down taboos and campaigning for positive social change.Rio talks openly about the experiences in life that have shaped him, from experiencing racism from childhood to now, his journey with grief, and his desire to instil purpose and drive in the next generation.It’s a captivating conversation that pays tribute to a man who, while navigating some of life’s toughest challenges, has shown enormous generosity of spirit, compassion and kindness. It is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to support positive progress.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Sue Fennessy, founder of WeAre8.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“I didn’t know how to function any more. And then, one day, I watched my dad make a really simple overnight bread, mixing flour, salt and yeast in a bowl. Watching something so simple transform into something so magical made me feel safe.”Meet Kitty Tait and Al Tait, the daughter and father duo who are exceptional bakers with an even more exceptional story. At just 14, Kitty struggled with anxiety and depression which became so acute, she left school. Encouraged by her father, she discovered baking and their lives took an unexpected turn. Recognising that baking had been fundamental in Kitty’s recovery, Kitty and Al set about changing the world one loaf at a time.In this episode Holly speaks to Kitty and Al, and learns more of how they immersed themselves in the world of baking - and how they are now using their knowledge and passion to inspire, educate and empower others, bringing the art of baking to the masses. Sharing many tear-jerking and life-affirming tales from their journey so far, this is a conversation about creativity and self belief, and one that highlights the transformative power that pursuing our passions can have on our lives.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Katy Emck OBE, founding director of Fine Cell Work.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“I was homeless, I had no teeth and I was dying.”These are the words of DJ Fat Tony, world famous DJ, artist and author of the candid memoir, I Don't Take Requests.Tony grew up on a council estate in Battersea and his hedonistic lifestyle, and rise to fame, made him the DJ of choice for a generation of superstars - from the Beckhams to Elton John.After struggling with a decades-long addiction to drugs and alcohol, Tony finally hit rock bottom and chose a life of sobriety in 2006, then using his learned experiences to help others through dark times in their own lives.In this candid conversation with Holly, Tony speaks with brutal honesty about the derailing of his life, the demons from the past that he has had to face to get back on track, and the compassion and empathy he has had to find for himself along the way.It’s a story of huge mental resilience, of recovery and redemption and one that ultimately celebrates the survival instinct in all of us. It’s also one you won’t want to miss.Please note: It’s worth taking a moment to make sure that no little ears are listening, as the subjects of drug abuse and child abuse are discussed. If this episode resonated with you, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Goldie MBE, DJ, artist and actor.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

If anybody embodies the spirit of a certain era of British fashion, it is Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of the iconic fashion label, Ghost.In this episode, Tanya shares her extraordinary life story, from her humble beginnings as a child born in the war to refugee parents, to travelling all over the world. Her journey had many remarkable moments along the way — moments she generously shares openly from the heart, with no holds barred.Tanya speaks about her time spent struggling as a single mum until her label redefined fashion and became a global success, all whilst coping with an addiction that took hold for 24 years. By her own admission, Tanya has led a very colourful life, one that is so jam-packed with stories you’ll wonder how she managed to fit it all in. At the epicentre of the Swinging Sixties in London, Tanya’s story is one interwoven with fashion, glamour, famous friends and travel.It is also a tale of talent, hard work, strength and utter resilience — and of a free spirit that remains totally, majestically undimmed.This conversation touches on some adult themes, not suitable for little ears. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“I get emotional because this is a craft I love. It is my life.”These are the words of Keith Brymer Jones, master ceramicist, design expert, author and self-proclaimed emotional judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down.A dyslexic child, Keith found an affinity with clay, ultimately turning his academic struggles into his best-selling and iconic Word Range of ceramics.Now, with over three decades of knowledge and experience under his belt, Keith shares his love of the craft and his thoughts on how the raw form of clay can not only produce something beautiful, but can actually be a channel for our insecurities and vulnerabilities.It’s a fascinating conversation and an insight into one of our nation's most talented designers and kindest TV judges, one who turns formulaic reality competitions on their head and one who always leads the way with empathy, compassion and warmth.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jay Blades MBE, presenter and founder of Jay & Co.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How can you take your passions and turn them into a brand that touches the hearts of thousands nationwide? Cath Kidston Padgham MBE built a thriving British business by embracing her love of textiles, interiors and print, and following her heart. But how?Reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to success, Cath and Holly explore the breathtaking highs Cath experienced, as well as the heartbreaking loss and grief that have punctuated her journey so far — and also sharpened her senses, built resilience and drove her forwards. Having grown a truly iconic household brand bursting with joy, colour and creativity, she’s an undeniable master in her field, and here she reveals how she did it, and why she’s doing it all again with her new brand C.Atherley. This episode follows Cath’s story from the early days of turning her vision into a reality, and shares the secrets behind her success. It reminds us all of the importance of showing up when times are tough and how sometimes, life takes us full circle to return to our roots.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

As one of the most inspiring stories you'll ever hear, this is a conversation that really will make you appreciate the beauty of life. This week, Holly speaks with TV presenter, author and disability activist Sophie Morgan to find out more of what we can achieve when we refuse to let what happens to us in life — or other people — define us.Paralysed in a car crash when she was just eighteen years old, Sophie has faced gruelling personal challenges, campaigned relentlessly to dispel the myths around disability and spoken out against ableist attitudes ever since.Tenacity, ongoing resilience and a lust for life are just some of the characteristics that Sophie has by the bucketload and it's exactly this attitude that has kept driving her forwards in even the darkest of times.Sophie shares with Holly how all her experiences, at times raw and unflinching, have shaped her as a person, of how art and creativity have helped to heal her and of how she has created a colourful, beautiful life that is bursting with adventure and new horizons.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Josh Patterson, Ultra-athlete, Broadcaster and Mental Health Campaigner.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How do you evolve with your brand as a founder? For over three decades Boden has been serious about style that makes you smile, and this week, Holly sits down with Johnnie Boden CBE to revisit his story since they first met in 2018. Having weathered recessions, Brexit, Covid and now a cost of living crisis, Boden has established itself as a quintessentially British brand, that is also taking the US market by storm. Johnnie shares his secrets of how he has kept Boden on track, how he defied the fashion fads that destroyed his rivals and the single most valuable piece of advice he has ever received.It’s a conversation about life as much as it is business, as Johnnie reflects on how he believes that growing up with his brand is the key to remaining motivated, passionate and in love with his company.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Henry Dimbleby MBE, Co-founder of Leon.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Jacqueline Gold CBE, Chief Executive of Ann Summers, made it her life mission to empower women both in the boardroom but also in the bedroom, and unashamedly too. She tackled taboos, redefined an entire industry and made a lasting impact on the next generation of women in business. As Jacqueline once said, “As women, we should boldly lift our heads above the parapet and celebrate our own successes”. Jacqueline’s Conversation of Inspiration is one that Holly was truly honoured to hear in 2020, and is one she will hold close forevermore. In honour of the incredible life of Jacqueline we are sharing this special podcast episode to remember and celebrate her strength, resilience, courage, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Chantal Coady OBE – AKA The Chocolate Detective — is on a mission to help you uncover the finest and most ethical chocolate around.Fuelled by a lifelong love of all things chocolate, Chantal’s business journey began at just 23, opening Rococo on the Kings Road, and stocking in the likes of Liberty, Heals and British Airways. However, there have also been extreme lows, after a terrible experience saw her lose her first business in 2019. Now returning to her creative chocolate roots, Chantal is using her years of knowledge and experience to guide the revolution for ethical, delectable chocolate with the utmost transparency — a mission she has been driving for the past 40 years. This is a life-affirming conversation that reminds us all that in whatever we pursue, passion might be the only thing that can heal us.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

As women, how on earth is it possible to build a business and grow with it over decades — whilst raising a family, weathering the storms of life and remaining inspired, motivated and engaged throughout?Baroness Ruth Rogers CBE is someone who has done just that and today, her pioneering Michelin starred restaurant The River Cafe remains one of the most in-demand culinary institutions in London, 36 years after she led a food revolution.In this episode, Ruth shares stories of discovering her passion for seasonal ingredients, the progression of female chefs she’s witnessed, and how far we still have to go. She even reveals her top tips for building the foundations of a strong business and a truly happy workforce. It’s a conversation which is both inspiring and heartbreaking in equal measure, and one that speaks volumes of the legacy that Ruth has created.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Do you want to learn how to do, think and be better – for our planet and in life itself? You are not alone. And it’s not just us in a personal capacity, either. Mark Shayler — thinker, doer, creator, speaker and author — helps brands too. He shows how big companies can think like small ones and small companies can think like big ones, to make sure they stand apart, remain relevant in our society and most importantly, retain their creative magic. An expert in helping businesses innovate and prioritise sustainability, Mark sews the positive seeds of change that transform companies and help make our world a better place.You’ll come away from this conversation overflowing with imaginative ways you’ll want to evolve, not only in the way you do business, but also in the way you live. Mark explains that the key lies in, “Not letting the success of yesterday get in the way of today”. Listen to find out why. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Kate Robinson, author, speaker and co-director of Nevergrey. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

What does it mean to be a cultural provocateur? When your mission is to awaken, to communicate, to reveal truth and even to provoke action — all through the art of photography? In this exclusive interview, Holly speaks to Rankin, one of the most influential photographers of our time, renowned for his ability to capture the essence and truth of his subjects rather than simply taking their pictures. And that’s not all… Having worked with everyone from the Queen of England to the Queen of Pop, Rankin is often seen as being a ‘celebrity photographer’. However it’s his ability to seek to leave the world better than he found it — and to to push boundaries as well as conversations — that sets him apart. Rankin speaks to Holly about his rise to fame, why he believes that sometimes, “The best way to be creative, is to be bored” and how he has used his art to help himself and others cope with grief. This episode reveals an intimate portrait of the man behind the lens, and is one that you definitely won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration on the nature of creative storytelling with Greg Hoffman, Nike’s former CMO and author of Emotion By Design. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Have you ever been in need of a safe space to share your most personal questions or concerns as a woman and just not known where to turn? If so, it’s an experience shared by many — especially the 2.5 million people who’ve joined Peanut; the groundbreaking app set up by Michelle Kennedy to ensure that no woman ever has to navigate womanhood alone. Whether it’s to connect, form friendships or just to have really open conversations with other women about the complicated areas of fertility, menopause and motherhood to name a few, Peanut is a platform that’s enabled positive progress for many. Michelle talks to Holly about the ignition of her business idea following a successful career in the dating industry at Badoo and Bumble, navigating the world of tech as a female, and how she believes each of us has a responsibility to change the dialogue around the challenges that occur, for future generations. Dubbed ‘the village for the digital age’, Peanut is a powerful force and one that is breaking down the modern taboos around womanhood, whichever stage of life we are at. Listen to find out how to join the movement, too… If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jacqueline Gold CBE, CEO of Ann Summers. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Want to meet the man who’s revolutionising the mental health movement? With our mental health care system in crisis and people struggling more than ever before, Danny Gray (founder of men’s makeup brand War Paint), saw a need for change. So he launched a revolutionary mental health platform called JAAQ. Driven by his own learned experiences as a teenage victim of bullying, and having been diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder himself, Danny is on a mission to remove the stigma around male makeup, whilst also making expert mental health knowledge accessible to all. Danny really is not only changing, but saving lives — all through the art of answering some of life’s most difficult and complex questions. Listen to find out how. If you enjoyed this, we think you’ll love listening to Joe Wick MBE’s Conversation of Inspiration. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

For most, living in a world where social media is only a positive and empowering place is nothing but a dream. Yet this week Sue Fennessy, founder and CEO of WeAre8, is here to share how she is making it a reality. Describing this venture as her ‘civic duty’, Sue has created a social media app that not only has zero tolerance for hate, but that could also generate millions of pounds shared across charities, creatives and users each and every month in the process. How? Simply by offering users the chance to enjoy the app in exchange for watching just a few minutes of adverts per day. In this empowering and emotional episode, Sue talks to Holly about the current value exchange of digital advertising. She also explains the power of the female founder, and how WeAre8 aims to contribute towards solving the global economic crisis by reconnecting millions of brands and people — whilst saving our young from the bleak reality of social media as we know it today. So how can you help Sue on this mission to change the world? Listen to find out…If you enjoyed this Conversation of Inspiration, we would recommend heading over to listen to Josie Naughton, founder of Choose Love’s episode now. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Want to know how Goldie MBE became one of the most compelling artists of our time? Well look no further as this week, this maverick’s story will leave you captivated, surprised and completely inspired. You might know him for his pioneering drum and bass music in the 90s, his gold teeth, or his acting career, but in this exclusive interview, Goldie shares how he defied the odds, having experienced abuse, heartbreak and battling addiction in his early years, to now seeing beauty in every waking moment. After a difficult childhood spent in the care system, Goldie channelled his creative spirit into the world of art and music, carving out a stellar career and legacy in the creative world. With success and destruction as part of his story, Goldie shares how The Hoffman Process, using creativity as an outlet, and nurturing a family that he adores, have helped him to build a life of contentment and happiness. Along this colourful journey, Goldie also reveals what he now considers to be the three most important things he couldn’t live without. Goldie reflects with Holly on how short life really is, the many lessons he’s learnt whilst healing from his past, and if his infectious positive energy doesn’t have you completely inspired, his words of wisdom and encouragement to ‘get up and do something you’ve never done before’ will. It’s a rollercoaster of an episode. If you enjoyed this, we think you’ll love listening to Mo Gawdat’s Conversation of Inspiration. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week Holly speaks with Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of The Stack World, a revolutionary media platform that enables mission-driven women to make meaningful connections and move the needle on gender equality. A serial entrepreneur and mother, Sharmadean is known for her impact on culture and women’s empowerment with the aim of helping women achieve a higher purpose and a stronger economic status. In this conversation Sharmadean shares the impact her own culture and upbringing had on her view of the world, the impact raising money had on her confidence as well as how cultural relevance, the world news agenda, and her own ideas created a fertile ground from which to launch her ideas.It’s a vision of equal opportunities and a fair future for all — and one in which the community-led Stack World plays a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries for all women in the post-pandemic world.If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to hear Holly’s talk with Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley — Technology Pioneer, Businesswoman and Philanthropist, about the magnitude of what can be achieved when you refuse to settle. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

At the end of each podcast series, Holly likes to take a moment out of the hustle and bustle of small business life, to sit and reflect on the special conversations she’s been lucky enough to have. So if you haven’t yet listened to every episode this season, or if you loved them all so much that you want to recall key moments – settle down with a cup of tea and get ready to take notes from some of the most successful founders on the planet. In this series, each of Holly’s guests have shared tales from their business journeys so far, building some of the most recognised brands in the world. Each guest opened up about the highs and lows of their unique journeys, but the one key similarity Holly recognised amongst every founder is their ability to pivot when the going gets tough, in order for their businesses to survive. Here, Holly has selected a key moment from each of her conversations that have stayed with her – including ungooglable pieces of advice, inspiring moments and some emotional memories we can all take lessons from. This round-up episode features snippets from Holly’s conversations with Trinny Woodall, founder of Trinny London, Kate Robinson, co-founder of The Creative Revolution and Never Grey, Dishoom’s founder Shamil Thakrar, Helen and Sarah, squiggly career experts and co-founders of Amazing If, Josie Naughton, founder of Choose Love, Marisa Hordern, creator of Missoma, Renee Elliott, founder and mastermind behind Planet Organic and Beluga Bean, NEOM’s founder Nicola Elliott, and Charlotte Wood, founder of Polar Post and Queen of Christmas. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

In this captivating conversation, Charlotte Wood, founder of the magical Polar Post, shares her wisdom on building a brand that truly embodies kindness, nostalgia and the spirit of Christmas. With the help of the elves, Charlotte’s founding mission was to revive the lost art of calligraphy for a new generation and create remarkable works of art in the form of letters, so that every child can feel as though Father Christmas is speaking directly to them. Since founding her enchanting business, Polar Post has gone from strength to strength, but with the many highs on her Christmas journey so far, have also come many lows. Here, Charlotte bares her soul, sharing her early struggles with school, and how Polar Post actually sprung from a place of darkness, when she was battling postnatal depression. Charlotte also shares her advice when coping with guilt as a working mother, dealing with copying, working with charities, and the power creativity has in turning your world “from grey to technicolour”. Her creations are a labour of love that sprinkle magic on our doormats, up chimneys and under our Christmas trees, year on year. All you have to do is believe. If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to hear Holly’s talk with Jo Tuchener Sharp, founder of Scamp & Dude, which we think you’ll love too. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How do you build a disruptive brand in a new sector, whilst keeping it accessible for all?In this episode, Nicola Elliot shares her lessons as she recounts her story building the cult status, well-being brand Neom Organics.Growing up in Yorkshire, a self declared naughty child, Nicola carved out a glittering career in advertising in her twenties before burn out forced her to refocus her energies in a different direction.Nicola recounts the early days of Neom, the risks, the setbacks, and challenges she faced, as well as the early green shoots of success that followed, catapulting the business to iconic status.Neom is a brand that in Nicola’s words has been built brick by brick, and ignited the movement for natural, environmentally friendly well-being products. Nicola explains that Neom’s products are for those that are “just trying to do their best” – for ourselves, and the environment. Nicola’s success story is a result of pure determination, and she shares with Holly how in her opinion, it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children to have strength and grit as a form of protection. It’s a conversation that prompts all of us to remember that building a brand is so much more than a final destination, and that how we get there is every bit as important.If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to hear Holly’s talk with Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, which we think you’ll love too. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Renée Elliott had no real inkling of what her purpose was, until walking down the aisle of a health food store in Boston. Little did she know that this moment would ignite her dream, and lead to her opening the first organic supermarket in the UK in 1995 — Planet Organic. With no prior experience but a determination to build a business that would make a difference to people's lives, Renée learnt ‘on the job’ when she had an idea to bring organically grown food to the mainstream shopper. However, Renée’s world was turned upside down when her business partner tried to take ownership of the business in a period where Planet Organic was thriving. Renée opens up about this achingly stressful experience, how she battled through it, and how it has shaped the person she is today. Renée is a true trailblazer we can all learn from, with an inspirational mindset and shares with Holly the guiding principles she’s learnt on her journey so far. She’s an unapologetically emotional, female founder, continuing her mission to spread positivity and encourage people to live the healthiest, happiest life possible — as demonstrated through her second business, Beluga Bean. This conversation is a tonic for anyone that needs to hear why, “Everything will always be okay”. If you would like to work with Renée at Beluga Bean, you can email her at [email protected], and if enjoyed this episode, head on over to hear Holly’s talk with Greg Hoffman, Nike’s former CMO, which we think you’ll love too. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week Holly speaks with Marisa Hordern, founder of London based jewellery brand, Missoma.Born at the kitchen table, Missoma started as a side hustle. Now, after over a decade of incredible hard work and grit, Missoma is an iconic jewellery brand beloved by millennials and A listers alike.Often referred to as an overnight success, Marisa sheds light on this misconception, and the first seven years she battled through to get her business off the ground, where at her lowest point, she considered terminating Missoma all together. However, with love, passion and determination, Marisa recognised that ‘going through the trenches, makes you appreciate things more’, and looking back shares what decisions she made to turn the tables in order to be where she is today. Talking about the pivotal moments on her journey, from creating a new niche for demi-fine jewellery in the industry, to changing her business model from largely wholesale business to an online retailer, which really changed the game. Marisa also shares with Holly her top pieces of advice from her business journey so far – from building a loyal team, to the importance of digital marketing in our modern age, and sharing her expertise on sustainability and being honest with your customers. It’s a conversation that speaks to the bravery and passion in all of us, of what might just be possible if we are prepared to trust our gut, challenge the status quo and most importantly, be confident in ourselves and our dreams.If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to Holly’s conversations with Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic, which we think you’ll love too. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“We can all do something” are the words of Josie Naughton, who is at the centre of the pioneering humanitarian aid movement, Choose Love. It’s a charity that promotes compassion, people helping people, and true generosity of heart. When Josie and her friends saw the refugee crisis unfolding in Calais in 2015 they decided to take action by raising £1,000 and organising a van load of donations to be delivered to Calais. With no former charity experience, a lack of fundraising budgets or highly paid executives, their grassroots campaign quickly went viral and redefined the sector. Having now raised £70 million, which has helped over four million people, Choose Love is a movement ingrained in our society, and one that so many simply couldn’t live without. Josie’s previous career in the music industry (working with Coldplay no less), coupled with an instinctive ability to really empathise with others, fuelled a different way of thinking. It enabled her to not just raise money but to change the world through charity. She explains how the idea for their revolutionary pop-up shop in Carnaby Street was coined, which encourages shoppers to, “Shop your heart out, leave with nothing and feel the love”. With the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War happening right now in Ukraine, Josie speaks with Holly about her vision for the charity, its groundbreaking work and the challenges that lay ahead. And just remember as Josie says, “The refugee crisis is an extremely complex and political business in many ways, but there is nothing confusing or complex about a child having nowhere to sleep”. So listen, digest that thought, and remember – if you can choose anything, choose love. If this episode strikes a chord, Holly’s talk with Kristin Hallenga, founder of CoppaFeel!, might be of interest, too. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Have you ever wondered how you can ditch the career ladder and find an alternative route to success, where progression doesn’t just depend on promotion? Have you asked yourself, what am I good at? What do I stand for? What motivates and drives me?This week Holly speaks with Helen and Sarah, co-founders of Amazing If, an award-winning career development company with a twist. Champions of the Squiggly Career, Helen and Sarah are at the forefront of a fundamental shift that’s happening in the workplace. Where the traditional linear path is being replaced with a squiggly line that can allow you a career every bit as unique as you are. One that is full of opportunity, freedom and purpose – without having to constantly move roles and companies in order to progress.Currently, 65-70% of us feel we have to leave a job in order to change our role or position, but what if you just needed to squiggle? Amazing If is a platform that allows each of us to challenge the status quo. Not only arming us with the right tools and skills we need to thrive in a career we love, but also crucially instilling the inner confidence to recognise our strengths, where we can apply them to widen our expertise and believe that you can pursue the career you deserve.So are you looking to make a move in your career? Listen, as you might not have to change as much as you think.If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Edward Perry, founder of Cook. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

This week, Holly was lucky enough to sit down with Shamil Thakrar, over a cup of Dishoom’s freshly brewed chai tea, and learnt what’s really at the heart of his business.At the very beginning, Shamil and his co-founders set out with the goal of bringing the beauty of the Irani cafés they so loved in Bombay to the UK. Now with nine restaurants across the country – boy did they do just that.Coming from a business school and consultancy background, in his younger years, Shamil was far from the path of owning a restaurant. However, with passion and more than a stroke of determination to prove the naysayers wrong, he used this experience to follow his dream. In 2010, the first Dishoom restaurant was born.However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing, and Shamil learnt that focusing solely on the numbers and profits was holding both him and the business back. Shamil soon began pioneering a new approach – putting culture, soulfulness, kindness and authenticity centre stage, fuelled by his recognition that, “Anything, to be truly successful, has to have a bit of poetry at its heart”. Encapsulating what it means to be in love with your business, Shamil shares how incorporating creativity with history and art has allowed him to build a truly immersive brand, loved by many. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Lord Billamoria, founder of Cobra Beer.This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Imagine if… creativity was as important as literacy, maths or science? What could we, as a species, be capable of achieving if we prioritised it and gave it the right conditions to flourish?These are questions posed by the late great Sir Ken Robinson. His daughter and closest collaborator Kate Robinson now continues his work which she describes as being a ‘love letter to human potential’ and Holly was lucky enough to meet with her recently. In this interview, Kate shares her wisdom on how we should be raising the next generation when it comes to their education and allowing them to find the ‘element’ that they love most – a phrase that Holly likens to ‘finding their diamond’. Kate delves into her own experiences and struggles with the constraints of the education system, and explains how we should be communicating with our young, why university is not the only option to achieve a successful career, and also how the education system is quite literally killing the young people of today. Is there hope for change? You’ll have to listen to find out…If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Becky Sheraidah, founder of ARTHOUSE Unlimited.This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Holly’s guest this week is the vivacious, captivating and eminently stylish Trinny Woodall, who is likely to truly surprise you in more ways than one. You may know Trinny from her glittering TV career, her bestselling books or her inspired makeup brand Trinny London, but what lies underneath the energetic Instagram LIVES and YouTube tutorials? A sheer will to survive.With a career spanning more than three decades, Trinny’s story is a fascinating one involving many twists and turns. In this interview, Trinny bares all about overcoming imposter syndrome in her early career, the crushing failure of her first business venture and even an honest account of her brief encounter with rehab in her early twenties.Despite the lows that Trinny has conquered, there have been many highs – and it is clear that she has always been light years ahead of her time with her business ideas and vision for the future. Trinny’s sole mission has always been to help every woman look and feel their very best, and throughout her journey, she has learnt many lessons that have led her to being the happiest and most comfortable in her own skin that she has ever been. It’s an episode that recognises and celebrates the survival instinct of all entrepreneurs, and one that you won’t want to miss.If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Bobbi Brown, founder of Jones Road Beauty. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Every single one of Holly’s guests this series has been inspirational, passionate and holds the treasure that is their own unique story. But what Holly also recognised, is that they have each faced loss, devastation and pain in some way – and yet have somehow managed to rise from the ashes of the truly bleakest of times. In this episode, Holly reflects on some of the key moments from each of her guest’s stories – some profound, some tear-jerking and some downright funny – and all of them shed light on the mindset, determination and strength it takes to follow and achieve your dreams. It's a stark reminder that everything is achievable, and quite possibly closer than you think. So whatever you might be going through, join Holly in celebrating these life changing journeys, and people who have each wrestled their vision into reality. This includes humbling parts of conversations with Edith Eger, Holocaust Survivor, the Happiness Expert – Mo Gawdat, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, Josh Littlejohn MBE who is on a mission to end homelessness, Nike’s former CMO and author of Emotion By Design, Greg Hoffman, farming enthusiast and YEO Valley’s CEO Tim Mead, Mandy Watkins — founder of hush, and the incredible trailblazer and founder of The Queer Bible, Jack Guinness. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Among the millions of other businesses on our planet, what makes one brand a cut above the rest? Is it the size of the business or the amount of money they have? No. In the words of Author and Nike’s former Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Hoffman, it’s that brand's ability to, “Go way beyond simple observations and assumptions”. And with a brand that connects as deeply as Nike has with millions of customers around the world, this is a rare opportunity to learn from the very best. In just one conversation, you’ll hear all the creative genius Greg knows about building a successful brand, and the three key documents he insists are crucial for a business to have when starting. You'll also hear someone with a phenomenal entrepreneurial spirit and the kind of awe-inspiring understanding of what makes human beings tick. For over two decades, Greg was at the beating heart of every strategic and creative decision at Nike. He was instrumental in transforming it from being a shoe company to a brand that resonates on a truly global scale. As a young boy, Greg was the victim of racism, and threw himself into art and sports to escape from reality. Little did he know that these two passions would allow him to evolve from Nike’s intern, to leading some of the most powerful marketing campaigns in history. Holly talks to Greg about your responsibility as a founder to protect your brand story, and how powerful brands need to understand the importance and craft of storytelling. He also shares how to drive growth while connecting with your customer.This isn't just remarkable insight for founders to listen to, but for anyone who is creative or enjoys popular culture. You will gain a deeper understanding of the true power of brand when used well, and how it can not just engage us emotionally, but also change our behaviour and inspire us to join movements that evolve our whole society. So are you ready to learn something fascinating? In the words of Nike's iconic strap line: Just do it. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with David Hieatt, founder of Howies, The Do Lectures and Hiut Denim.This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

In honour of the formidable Dame Deborah James, we are re-releasing this very special podcast episode.Having avidly followed the highs and lows of Deborah’s journey, Holly was honoured to have had the pleasure of speaking with her in 2020, and it’s a memory she will always treasure in her heart. In this episode, Deborah James, also known as Bowelbabe, joins Holly to talk about the rebellious spirit that would define her journey, from gymnast to Deputy Headteacher, journalist to campaigner — and then coping with the news that so many of us fear. It's quite remarkable now to hear the original plans she made then, which led to her raising millions of pounds for cancer research through her Bowelbabe fund. Deborah has left such a phenomenal mark on the world and her legacy will shine bright forever more. If there are any words to live by, it’s Deborah’s motto that we should all have no regrets, believe that we can do things we never thought possible, and most importantly — to always, always have rebellious hope.

What makes a brand like Hush Homewear stand out from the thousands of fashion and e-commerce businesses out there? Yes it's the quality and style of the clothes, but it's also another key element that makes them truly one-of-a-kind — and that's the brand. If you want to know the secret to building an identity that makes thousands of customers return again and again, and remain loyal to you for life, hear Mandy Watkins' hard won wisdom on the subject...Mandy started her laid back clothing and lifestyle brand from the kitchen table back in 2003 with a redundancy cheque, a huge dose of ambition and a desire for warmer clothes. Growing up in Australia, Mandy spotted a gap in the market after moving to the UK where she struggled to find relaxed, stylish and cosy clothing suited to living in our changeable climate. After years of perseverance, determination and orders ever so slowly trickling through, Hush started to become a recognised and successful brand. However Mandy opens up about how her business' success was by no means easy, and explains the different routes to market she took in order to achieve the sales she so desperately wanted. Now, after having such a strong identity in the clothing industry, Mandy explains how she has not only built and maintained her brand, but also why as a small business you have the power to make sure the brand heart of your business is beating louder than ever, which as Mandy shares, is a game changing advantage if used effectively. Holly and Mandy share a passionate belief in sustainability, responsible consumer shopping and the positive effect that a work ethic can have on achieving your dreams. It is apparent that Mandy is, and always has been her true authentic self, and might that have had an effect on her business? You’ll have to listen to find out…If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Liz Earle, founder of Liz Earle. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

With 2022 seeing the 50th anniversary since the first Pride took place in the UK, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the incredible trailblazer that is writer, model, presenter, and founder of The Queer Bible, Jack Guinness. Fighting for change, acceptance, and kindness within our society, Jack’s conversation offers crucial education about the LGBTQ+ community, and is one that should be heard by all. A self-confessed ‘queer missionary’, Jack’s journey has been one full of challenges, strength, and development. Growing up the son of a vicar with a very religious upbringing, Jack struggled internally with who he was taught he should be as a member of the church, and who he truly was as a queer man.In his younger years, views towards the LGBTQ+ community were still very blurred, and Jack struggled to find a safe space where he truly belonged. Yet little did he know that it was this turmoil that would ignite a fire to help so many others as he does today. Jack also opens up about the countless rejections and homophobia he faced in the fashion industry, and speaks to Holly about the language that we should be using in our society today when talking about members of the LGBTQ+ community, and that so many of us worry about getting wrong. Now, as his happiest self, Jack is the founder of The Queer Bible — a groundbreaking platform that celebrates the lives and works of the global queer community. He is on a mission to learn from others, share his knowledge with the next generation and to let all LGBTQ+ people realise that they deserve to not only survive, but thrive too.An enlightening and important conversation, celebrating Jack’s determination and courage to ensure our future is a more diverse and inclusive place for us all. As well as a testament to the power of finding your true self, and helping others to do the same. And just remember in Jack’s very own words, “In a world that tells you you’re nothing, you’re everything.”

A leading expert in the farming industry, Tim Mead CEO of Yeo Valley, delves into a number of crucial topics around responsible farming, environmental consciousness and reveals how farmers can help to reverse the carbon crisis. This is an unmissable conversation that won’t only help our generation, but many to come. Tim’s family have been farming in Somerset for over 500 years and are known across the country for stocking our shelves with delicious organic milk, cheese and yogurts. However what we didn’t know is just how much hard work and grafting has gone into the Yeo Valley brand over the years. Tim grew up in the family business, but a tragic accident left Tim holding the reins aged just 26. Since then, he has been on a quest to not only continue his father’s legacy, but to follow his true north star which is encouraging, educating on and producing food that is made in a healthy, natural way. Having witnessed the introduction of industrial manufacturing, Tim shares that 55% of what we eat is classified as ultra processed food – and offers unmissable advice on how we can start to change that statistic to not only help ourselves, but our young and the environment. Contemplating the introduction of alternative milks, the importance of community and the marketing genius that changed the Yeo Valley brand forever, Tim’s story is one of hard work and determination that binds both legacy and heritage with adaptability and future proofing. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford.This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

A story of strength and courage, this remarkable account is full of thought-provoking advice that will quite literally change your life. This conversation is truly going to make you reevaluate not only the way you live, but how you react, think, feel gratitude and express yourself, too. “If I survive today, tomorrow I will be free.” These are the words of 16-year-old Edith Eger whilst imprisoned in the Nazi death camp, Auschwitz, in World War Two. Now one of the last Holocaust survivors on the planet, Edith shares her fascinating take on why, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference,” and also so inspirationally explains how she learnt to turn hate into pity throughout her time at Auschwitz. After suffering unimaginable horrors including the loss of her parents, imprisonment and torture, Edith realised that freedom, when it came, was much more than being outside the gates of the heinous death camp and was actually a battle within her own mind. After a decade of suffering from crippling survivor's guilt, Edith trained as a psychologist, reclaiming her own power and enabling her to work with patients to help them choose to free themselves from their own thoughts to ultimately liberate them. Edith shares with Holly her first-hand account of her time living through the Holocaust, a story that is almost unbearably hard to hear and yet one in which Edith’s enduring spirit, wisdom and love shine brightly through the darkness. This is a must-hear episode, as Edith is one of our last living survivors able to share her perception of such a terrible times in history. Edith teaches us the most valuable of life lessons and in her very own words – “What happens to us in life is not the most important thing. Rather the most important thing is what we do with our lives.” If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Mo Gawdat. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How can we solve some of the biggest societal issues we face? In this episode, Josh Littlejohn MBE shares his vision and blueprint for making meaningful change in our world through entrepreneurship.Josh is founder of Social Bite as well as The World’s Big Sleepout, and has always worked hard to make a difference. He had a strong social conscience from a young age, and when a young homeless man came into Josh’s very first Social Bite cafe asking for a job, it sparked an unexpected decade of charitable work and campaigning for the homeless.Social Bite is a business with purpose, and a mission to end homelessness, whilst advocating for those less fortunate in our society. He has attracted royalty and celebrities from overseas, is the inventor of mass sleepovers across the globe, and has built an entire village — and raised millions of pounds for — those experiencing homelessness.As Josh shares, it hasn’t always been easy and in many instances in its early days, Social Bite was on the cusp of going under. However, through manifestation, an incredible team, a hint of luck and with a lot of hard work, Josh has achieved remarkable change — and has even bigger plans for the future. Holly’s conversation with Josh shines a light on the power of the people and what is truly possible when you possess that entrepreneurial ‘insanity’ which Josh so eloquently describes. It is a must-listen for anyone out there looking to support positive progress. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Natalie Campbell, CEO of Belu Water. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Dare to dream it, dare to believe it and dare to do it! That’s the motto of Charlotte Tilbury MBE — the makeup guru with the Midas touch, a woman trailblazing a makeup revolution and empowering women through the transformative power it brings.As a British female entrepreneur and one of the most influential makeup artists of her generation, Charlotte Tilbury has distinguished herself as being a true creative visionary who has completely disrupted the beauty industry. And although ‘empowerment’ isn’t usually a word associated with it, Charlotte explains how her frustration with this market as a young woman, along with her unique understanding of what women want, has helped her to build a global brand that champions the face of beauty in a different way. Charlotte reveals what has always fuelled her determination to pursue her passion, and how practising manifestation, living in the future and giving people the opportunity to feel their most confident self, has allowed her to surpass her greatest dreams. As Charlotte says, “You have to believe the dream”, and this endless belief in her ideas, self and future are only a few reasons for her inspirational success. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty. This Conversation of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Little did Guy and Jo Schanschieff know that a chance conversation at the Taj Mahal in 1991 would spark an idea that changed their lives forever. With Bambino Mio now being the largest reusable nappy brand in the world, Guy Schanschieff MBE shares with Holly the highs and lows of their epic adventure to do business for good. Their mission to eliminate single use plastics from nappy production, before the rise of the internet and the conscious consumer, hasn’t always been easy. However with 90 billion nappies being thrown away every single year, and 1% of all plastic production being used to make single use nappies, we really do have to commend Guy and Jo for their sheer determination, belief in their product and ability to remain agile enough to enforce change. Not only does Guy share key stats and figures that explain the importance of consumer choices on the environment, but he also depicts some life changing advice that he learnt when overcoming some of Bambino Mio’s incredible challenges as the business has evolved.Today, over 20 years later, after a wedding, three children, over 100 awards and selling in over 50 countries worldwide, Bambino Mio is a brand that we must all support, along with the incredible founders behind it. This is a conversation that encourages taking risks, having confidence and remaining committed to your vision. It’s a ‘must listen’ to take a step towards a better future. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express.Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Mo Gawdat had it all. An illustrious 30 year career in tech, serving as the Chief Business Officer of Google X, all the money he needed and more, and was happily married with two children. However despite his many riches, he never felt completely satisfied. Fascinated by his lack of fulfilment and with his passion for technology, Mo began building an algorithm for happiness. Then, after the sudden and devastating loss of his son Ali, Mo turned to his calculation for happiness to make it through the darkest period of his life, and soon swore to honour Ali’s death, by helping one billion people to become happier. Now a best selling author and public speaker, Mo’s expertise on achieving happiness is captivating, as he shares his theory that we are all born with happiness as our ‘default state’, but it is the circumstances or choices we make whilst growing up that create unhappiness from within. Mo also discusses his second area of expertise — the rise of Artificial Intelligence — and how by just 2029, the smartest being on planet earth won’t be a human. A topic that can often be difficult to comprehend, Mo explains what AI is, and most importantly why we must learn to coexist alongside it. Discussing the art of practising gratitude, accepting grief and also revealing his secret formula of how to unlock a life that is 99% joyful, this truly is an unmissable episode, which Holly swears has already completely changed her life. If you enjoyed this conversation, you might also enjoy Holly’s episode with Asma Khan, founder of The Darjeeling Express. This Conversations of Inspiration podcast episode is brought to you with support from Adobe Express. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? Subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Whilst each founder is unique, there is a golden thread that unites them all. In this episode, Holly explores what has driven each brand’s success.From triumph through adversity, each founder has faced the highs and lows of life, each experience contributing to their success. Over the next hour, Holly revisits some of the most pivotal moments in each of their lives and how that moment would lead them on to future success.Including conversations with Bobbi Brown, Dr. Willard Wigan MBE, creator of the world's smallest micro-sculptures, female tech pioneer Dame Stephanie Shirley, as well as the nation’s sweetheart Nadiya Hussain, Knoops founder Jens Knoop and ultra-athlete Josh Patterson. Enjoying listening to these unfiltered chats? It's worth following Holly Tucker MBE and Holly & Co on Instagram, and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on our website, where Holly downloads her thoughts, and exclusively shares small business finds and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.