Scale Her Up: Female business stories and expert tips for business growth and success

In this powerful episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Becca Pearce, executive coach, former healthcare CEO and author of You Don’t Have To Achieve To Be Loved: Escape the Lies You’ve Been Sold to Design the Life You Want. Becca shares her remarkable journey from leading the implementation of Obamacare in Maryland, to a very public job loss, to a life-threatening brain tumour and major surgery that left her having to learn to walk again – and how all of that ultimately led her to completely redefine success and redesign her life. Becca PearceShe talks about landing back in a senior hospital role to “prove” she could still do it, only to realise that titles, money and corporate achievement no longer mattered in the same way. What she really wanted was time – like one more morning to put her daughter on the school bus. That realisation led her to quit, retrain as an executive coach and focus her work on high-achieving women who have done everything they were “supposed to do” and are quietly wondering, “Is this it?”Becca introduces the core belief that shaped her life – “I must achieve in order to be loved” – and explains how many women carry similar unconscious rules such as “I must have a title to be respected” or “I must earn a certain amount to be valued.” She shares her change framework, starting with “unfortunate awareness” (that nagging sense something isn’t right), moving through mourning old identities, and into the “one foot in, one foot out” phase where social and emotional ties make change feel scary and sticky.We also talk about boundaries, identity and perfectionism as a business owner: giving yourself grace, not “should-ing” all over yourself, and setting up a business that honours your values and needs – like Becca’s own non-negotiables of daily dog walks, daylight, no weekends and clear finish times. She offers practical advice on hiring support early, investing in yourself, and remembering that if you don’t have an assistant, you are the assistant.This is an honest, compassionate conversation for any woman who looks successful from the outside but feels restless, exhausted or disconnected on the inside – and is ready to start designing a life and business that truly fit who she is now.In this episode, we coverBecca’s story: leading a major healthcare reform project, losing her job publicly and later discovering a golf-ball-sized brain tumourBrain surgery, rehabilitation and coming back with partial deafness, vision and balance challenges – and what that taught her about what really mattersReturning to a big corporate role to prove she could still do it, then realising titles and money weren’t enough anymoreHow she retrained as an executive coach and why she now focuses on successful women who feel like they’ve done everything “right” but are still unhappyThe core belief “I must achieve to be loved” and other common hidden rules women carry about worth, money and successHer change model: unfortunate awareness, mourning old identities, one foot in/one foot out, and the reality that deep change takes years, not weeksThe power of identifying your true core values and needs today (not 10 or 20 years ago)“Shoulding” on yourself and noticing phrases like “I should be happy” or “I should be further on than this”Boundaries that protect your energy: non-negotiable daily habits, working hours and designing work around lifePerfectionism and analysis paralysis when you run your own business, and how to set time limits so decisions actually get madeWhy hiring an assistant early is a strategic move, not a luxury – and how women often underinvest in themselves and their own supportThe importance of self-compassion, giving yourself grace and accepting that your relationship with yourself changes when you become a business owner

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Saj Sharif, CEO and founder of Zen Consultants Limited, a multi-award-winning accountancy practice supporting around 700 clients with everything from self-assessment and VAT to payroll, CIS and management accounts.Saj shares a powerful, very human business story. Once a stockbroker, she was signed off with ME/chronic fatigue and told she would never work in finance again. While recovering, she helped with her partner’s stonemasonry business, doing the accounts from home. After he passed away she closed the business – but the subcontractors kept coming back for their tax returns, and word of mouth quietly grew into a real firm.While raising three children, fostering, and managing a growing client base, Saj went back to college and then university to qualify as an accountant, graduating in 2013. She took on her first part-time employee in 2014 and has been scaling ever since, now leading a team of 11 (soon to be 12). She talks honestly about the loneliness and responsibility of being a solo founder, and the reality of having to keep going when “life happens”.We also explore what makes Zen Consultants truly “zen”: incense, plants, colour, hoodies instead of suits, plain-English communication and morning meditations in busy season. Saj shares how she has deliberately created a calm, compassionate culture where people can be themselves, talk about what is really going on in their lives and grow in confidence.As a woman of colour in a male-dominated profession, Saj has heard “I thought you’d be a man” more times than she can count – but she no longer feels the need to prove anything to anyone. Instead she focuses on service, values and building a business that creates jobs, supports apprentices, works with schools on financial education and gives her children a powerful example of what’s possible.This is a rich, honest conversation about resilience, culture, scaling a service business and staying grounded through it all.In this episode, we coverWhat Zen Consultants actually does and how it grew from a handful of subcontractors to around 700 clientsSaj’s journey from stockbroker to ME diagnosis, interior design student and eventually qualified accountant and founderGrowing a business while raising three children, fostering and studying at college and universityTaking on the first employee, then building and leading a team of 11 and countingThe reality of being a solo CEO: responsibility, burnout scares, grief and carrying the weight of salaries, leases and client obligationsThe perks of business ownership: flexibility, financial rewards, travel and the pride of creating jobsThe five foundations she relies on: structure, transparency, team bonding, reward and budgetingHow she builds a “zen” culture in an accountancy practice: meditation, music, colour, plants, hoodies and no jargonRecruitment lessons: skills and personality tests, culture fit, banter, inclusivity and trusting your intuitionBeing a woman and an ethnic minority in a male-dominated industry, and how her response to bias has changed over timeHandling mistakes and client loss as learning opportunities while always backing her teamSaj’s parallel passion project, Zen Community: coaching, hypnotherapy, sound healing and shamanic work to help people release traumaThe role of networking and support networks: chambers of commerce, HR and legal helplines, boards and advisory groupsHer advice to women considering starting or scaling a business: do not hesitate, find your people and remember it will work out

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Cecilia Righini, founder of Studio Lutalica, a queer, feminist, neurodivergent-led design agency and community interest company. Lutalica creates branding, websites and editorial design for feminist and LGBTQ+ organisations and founders, with a strong focus on lived experience, values and community impact.Cecilia shares how years of discrimination and microaggressions in traditional workplaces pushed them to create a studio where queer and trans people, and other marginalised identities, can feel safe, respected and fully themselves. They talk about the power of niching deeply – working specifically with feminist and LGBTQ+ communities – and why that has been one of the best decisions for both impact and business growth.We explore what “professionalism” really means when you strip away suits and dress codes and instead prioritise respect, reliability and good work. Cecilia explains how Lutalica matches projects to designers with relevant lived experience, why being comfortable can unlock creativity, and how honesty about neurodivergence in the team (including ADHD and autism) helps everyone work better.Cecilia also breaks down the decision to move from a limited company to a community interest company (CIC) so Lutalica could operate as a nonprofit, reinvesting surplus into pro bono and low-cost design support for grassroots organisations. They explain the difference between a CIC and a charity, why political voice matters, and how the studio is building a more structured community impact programme.We talk about feminism, systems that were never designed with people like us in mind, and the reality of founding while neurodivergent – from masking and burnout to finally getting an ADHD diagnosis. Cecilia shares the importance of trusting your gut, choosing support that aligns with your values and building an internal support system through your team, board and community.This is a thoughtful, energising conversation about designing businesses around who you really are, centring marginalised communities and letting your values drive both your work and your growth.In this episode, we coverWhat Studio Lutalica does and why it focuses on feminist and LGBTQ+ communitiesHow niching deeply actually helped the studio grow faster and become more visibleCreating a workplace where queer, trans and neurodivergent people can show up without masks or constant explanationRedefining “professionalism” around respect, reliability and good work rather than suits and stereotypesMatching clients and projects with designers who share relevant lived experienceCecilia’s experience of discrimination in previous jobs and why they needed to create their own spaceDiscovering ADHD and autism as a founder and how that changed their understanding of work, burnout and boundariesWhy so many neurodivergent people start businesses and what structures can make that sustainableMoving from a limited company to a CIC and what being a nonprofit actually means in practiceThe difference between a CIC and a charity, and why retaining a political voice matteredUsing surplus to fund pro bono and low-cost design and building a structured community impact programmeFeminism, intersectionality and questioning systems that were never designed for women, queer people or neurodivergent peopleBuilding a support network: team, freelancers, mentors, accelerators, business advisers and a values-aligned managing directorThe advice Cecilia would give their 18-year-old self: you will find your place, keep trying and trust that it will come together

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined again by Margaret Brown, executive leadership coach, organisational development specialist and now author of Culture Pays – a book that has been 20 years in the making.With over 35 years’ experience working across engineering, energy, IT, construction, professional services and global corporates, Margaret has seen first-hand how much leadership and culture impact performance, profit and people’s lives at work. She shares why she believes we’re facing a global leadership crisis, and how the way leaders show up – in businesses as well as in politics and institutions – shapes everything from wellbeing to the bottom line.Margaret introduces her 5 Ls leadership model from Culture Pays – Listen, Learn, Lead, Leverage and Live (your values) – plus a powerful final L: Legacy. She explains how listening deeply to employees, learning from what they actually say, leading with a compelling vision, leveraging people’s strengths and truly living your stated values can transform culture from “nice words on a wall” into a genuine competitive advantage.We dig into the hard numbers behind culture, including Gallup research on quiet quitting and why disengagement is costing the global economy trillions. Margaret shares what she hears in confidential focus groups – staff who feel unheard, undervalued and disconnected from their organisation’s values – and how leaders can start turning that around with better feedback, recognition and everyday conversations.This is a practical, optimistic conversation for founders and leaders who suspect their culture could be stronger, want to keep great people, and are ready to become the kind of leaders others would happily take a pay cut to follow. Margaret BrownIn this episode, we coverWhy Margaret finally wrote Culture Pays after 20 years of thinking about itThe business case for culture: engagement, retention, productivity and profit, not “fluffy stuff”The global leadership crisis and why she focuses on leader, not party in any contextGallup research on quiet quitting, the cost of disengagement and why over half of employees consider leavingWhat Margaret hears when she goes “undercover boss” – running focus groups and one-to-ones with employeesThe 5 Ls leadership model:Listen – to the business, to your people, to what is and isn’t being saidLearn – from feedback, data and mistakes instead of defending or explaining them awayLead – with a clear, exciting vision and everyday conversations that connect people to itLeverage – people’s strengths, potential and diversity of thought so more than 9% of their talent is usedLive – your values in real decisions, not just in posters and elevator graphicsThe final L: Legacy – how you want to be remembered as a leader and the impact you leave on people’s livesWhy most leaders are well-intentioned but unaware – and how awareness shifts everythingPromotion mistakes: elevating brilliant technical experts into people management with no support or trainingThe true cost of attrition and why people usually leave leaders, not jobsPractical ways to make culture work “on Monday morning”: reflection questions, action tips and small everyday habits from the book

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Katrina Walker, co-founder of A Flat In Town, a central Edinburgh letting agency that has been “letting with heart” for 20 years. Starting as a temp in a small letting business, Katrina fell in love with the variety, the people and the privilege of being trusted with someone’s home – and eventually decided to build her own agency.Katrina shares how A Flat In Town grew from a simple idea in her mid-twenties into a long-standing business that truly cares for both landlords and tenants. She talks about the joy of seeing tenants turn an empty flat into a home, and why she has always approached letting from the perspective of being both a landlord and a former tenant herself. “Letting with heart” is not just a tagline – it’s how she and her team work every day.We dive into what it really looks like to build a business around the life you want. Katrina and her business partner factored potential children into their very first five-year plan, and she is honest about the juggle of nursery runs, school hours, sick days and being the last parent at pick-up while trying to run a professional service. She shares how business ownership has given her flexibility, and how that has shaped the way she now supports her own team as an employer and mum of two teenagers.Katrina also talks about navigating regulation, doing things to best practice not bare minimum, and the reality of managing people – from brilliant team members to the occasional hire who reveals outdated views about women working. She explains why outsourcing HR and legal support was a turning point, and how a strong business partner, supportive husband and trusted friends have been crucial parts of her support network.After years of relying on word-of-mouth, Katrina has recently stepped into more networking and visibility. She shares how getting out of the office has brought fresh ideas, confidence and a reminder that 20 years in business is an achievement to be proud of. Her message to other women is clear: let your business serve your life, listen to your gut, use your support network and give yourself permission to plan a future you’ll actually enjoy.In this episode, we coverHow Katrina fell into letting after university and why small-business experience was the best possible trainingThe story of A Flat In Town and what “letting with heart” means in practice for landlords and tenantsWhy home and community matter so much to her, and the satisfaction of seeing tenants turn empty flats into real homesBuilding a business in your mid-twenties and consciously planning around future family lifeThe honest reality of the juggle: nursery pick-ups, school hours, sick kids and late-night workHow being a business owner created flexibility – and how that now shapes the policies she offers her staffThe impact of an all-female team, hiring for attitude and fit, and learning to trust your instinct in recruitmentDealing with sexism and unhelpful attitudes, and why bringing in external HR and legal support was so importantWorking in a regulated sector and choosing best practice over bare minimum from day oneThe value of five-year plans, setting clear targets and writing them on the wall for the whole teamDiscovering networking later in the journey and finding it energising rather than intimidatingThe importance of rest, listening to your body’s warning signs and letting your business support a life you actually want

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Gayle Thomson, Employer Engagement Advisor in the Careers and Employability Service at the University of Aberdeen. Gayle works at the heart of the university’s strategy to expand work-based learning, connecting employers with students through internships, part-time roles, volunteering, mentoring and short-term shadowing opportunities.Gayle explains why real-world experience is so important for students’ employability and confidence – and why it’s a genuine win–win for businesses too. She breaks down the university’s part-time, term-time internship programme: 70 hours over seven weeks, fully funded for SMEs and charities, with all the recruitment admin handled by the university. We talk about the impact on small businesses, using Brenda’s own podcast intern as a live example.We also dive into Gayle’s 25-year career journey in careers and employability – from community careers work and 22 years as a careers adviser at RGU, to a full pivot into employer engagement at the University of Aberdeen. She shares how she went from walking round Granite Expo without speaking to anyone, to becoming a confident networker who now happily works a room and sees value in every conversation.Another big theme in this episode is volunteering. Gayle talks about her long-standing commitment to charities including Befriend a Child, Team Jak, Marie Curie, Maggie’s, Clan, Charlie House and the transformational experience of helping deliver the Tall Ships event in Aberdeen. She shares how volunteering supported her through personal change, why it’s so rewarding, and how business owners and busy professionals can still find realistic ways to get involved. Gayle ThomsonIf you’re a business owner curious about hosting an intern, looking to deepen your talent pipeline, or wondering how to build volunteering into your life and business, this conversation is full of uplifting, practical insight.In this episode, we cover:What an Employer Engagement Advisor actually does and how Gayle works with employers to create opportunities for studentsThe university’s push for more work-based learning: internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, mentoring and shadowingHow the part-time, term-time internship scheme works: 70 hours, 10 hours a week, fully funded and admin-light for employersWhy these internships are especially valuable for SMEs, charities and creative or cultural organisationsThe “win–win” stories: students gaining experience and confidence while employers get real projects delivered and often retain interns afterwardsGayle’s 25-year careers journey across Step Ahead/Skills Development Scotland, the University of Aberdeen, RGU and back to Aberdeen in a new roleHow she transformed her relationship with networking – from wanting to leave an event to confidently talking to every stand in the roomThe power of LinkedIn and long-term relationships between universities, students and employersGayle’s volunteering story: from Sunday school and Brownies to Befriend a Child, cancer charities, Team Jak, Tall Ships and moreWhy charities are so vital to communities and how events rely on volunteers to runPractical encouragement for people who think they “don’t have time” to volunteer – and how to involve friends, family, partners and even dogsHer message about pushing out of your comfort zone, trying new things and letting that shape your confidence and career

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Liz Carnie, director of PWS(formerly Power Washer Services), a second-generation family business started by her dad over 40 years ago. From one man and a van to a team of 28 covering all of Scotland, PWS now supplies and services power washers, compressors, generators, heaters and more – with a reputation built on backup service, not just sales. Liz shares how she went from RAF police and policing in England to “helping dad out for a bit” in 1990, only to discover a whole new world of business, sales and spreadsheets she never imagined herself in. She talks about learning on the job before computers and mobiles, growing the engineer team, and why they chose to service competitors’ machines as a growth strategy.We dive into the realities of running and scaling a family business. Liz works alongside her brother Jim, his three children and now her own son – and she is candid about disagreements, boundaries and succession planning. She explains how they recruit engineers for attitude and problem-solving skills, often from agricultural backgrounds, and why cross-training staff has become essential. Liz also opens up about the most difficult chapter of her life: her partner Colin’s cancer diagnosis, his role in the business, working from home during COVID and eventually losing him. She shares how being forced to step back showed her that the business could run without her – and why building a company that doesn’t rely on one person is so important.Along the way we talk confidence, difficult conversations, “eating the frog”, lists, and how networking through BNI helped her find her voice, ask for help and realise she wasn’t alone in business. Her message to women thinking about starting or scaling is simple and powerful: go for it, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.In this episode, we cover:The story of PWS: from her dad’s redundancy from farming to spotting a niche in power washersHow the business grew from two people to 28 staff, serving customers across ScotlandAdding compressors, generators, heaters and more by listening to existing customers’ needsChoosing to repair competitors’ machines and why service has been their long-term differentiatorLiz’s journey from RAF police and policing to sales, office management and business leadershipLearning accounts, systems and HR on the job – and later investing in courses and self-developmentRecruiting engineers for practical skills, attitude and hobbies, not just formal qualificationsThe reality of managing people: treating everyone differently, playing to strengths and getting the best out of the teamRunning a multi-generational family business with her brother, nieces, nephews and sonHanding over responsibility, succession planning and involving the next generation in management and numbersNavigating her partner Colin’s cancer diagnosis and death, and how the team stepped up in her absenceWhy cross-training roles and building a business that works without you is essentialThe role of BNI and networking in building confidence, learning to ask for help and finding community in businessLiz’s advice to women thinking about starting or scaling a business

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, Dr Brtenda Hector is joined by Kim Woolner, an independent HR consultant, founder of Holding Space, certified menopause coach and part-time team member at the Russell Anderson Foundation in Aberdeen. With more than 25 years in HR across energy, construction and other male-dominated industries, Kim brings a powerful mix of professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation.Kim talks about juggling multiple roles – HR consultancy, wellbeing work, a charitable foundation, board positions and professional bodies – while navigating menopause and protecting her own energy. She shares why her motto is “healthy body, healthy mind, healthy business,” and how women so often drop self-care first when life and work get busy.We dig into confidence, intuition and authenticity at work: from masking in tough cultures to learning to trust your own voice, even when it shakes. Kim explains how women can stand in their own way, talk themselves out of opportunities and wait for permission, while men will apply for roles when they only meet a couple of the criteria. She offers practical ideas for owning your worth, building a trusted circle and using your network well.With her HR hat on, Kim shares honest insight into menopause in the workplace – what it really costs businesses when experienced women leave, and how leaders and line managers can respond better. From flexible working and simple physical adjustments to normalising conversations about feelings and energy, she shows how small, thoughtful changes can transform retention, performance and culture.We also explore Kim’s entrepreneurial journey with Holding Space: combining Bach flower remedies, essential oils, emotional wellbeing, meditation and mindfulness. She talks about learning not to over-give, setting boundaries, charging properly and recognising that “failure” is usually just information that shapes your next step.In this episode, we cover:Kim’s 25+ year career in HR and why she moved into independent consultancyHow she juggles HR work, Holding Space, the Russell Anderson Foundation, board roles and professional commitmentsWhy “healthy body, healthy mind, healthy business” underpins everything she doesThe internal stories women tell themselves, and how they can block confidence and progressWorking in male-dominated industries and the pressure to wear a “mask” at workIntuition as a business asset – learning to listen to your gut before hindsight kicks inThe gender difference in applying for jobs and opportunities, and what women can learn from itMenopause in the workplace: symptoms, stigma, loss of confidence and the real cost to organisationsPractical ways businesses can support menopausal employees: awareness, flexible working, line manager training, small environmental changes and real policy in actionEmotional culture at work – why feelings drive behaviour, actions and ultimately business resultsThe role of coaching, leadership development and supporting “managers in the middle”Kim’s Holding Space business: Bach flower remedies, essential oils, menopause groups, meditation and mindfulnessBoundaries, pricing and protecting your energy when you are the engine room of your business

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Paula Paterson, Founder and Solutions Director at FidesOak, a consultancy specialising in organisational cultural transformation in high-hazard industries. Paula explains how FidesOak helps leaders build high-performing teams that act like a “high-performing virus” inside an organisation – spreading better habits, psychological safety and performance from the inside out. Paula Paterson EditedWe talk about measuring culture rather than guessing, why diagnostics matter more than scattergun initiatives, and how FidesOak’s habits framework turns good intentions into repeatable, sustainable behaviour. Paula shares the idea of cultural architects vs cultural assassins, the science behind the “3.5% tipping point” for big shifts, and why cultural change usually takes three to five years – even when leaders are impatient for quick fixes. Paula Paterson EditedPaula also opens up about her own “chequered” career journey: from office junior and beauty therapist, to mature social sciences student, to learning and development specialist, to co-founding a company three months before the first lockdown. She talks about driving the length of the country during COVID, going underground in mines and offshore to really understand clients’ worlds, and what she’s learned about courage, self-belief and “feeling the fear and doing it anyway” as a woman leading in male-dominated, high-hazard environments. Paula Paterson EditedIn this episode, we cover:What FidesOak actually does and why cultural change starts with high-performing teams, not slogansThe “high-performing virus” metaphor – and how to spread positive habits through an organisationCultural architects vs cultural assassins, and how to empower the right 3.5% of your peopleWhy cultural change takes years, not months, and how to show progress with real measurementFidesOak’s habits framework and the difference between a behaviour you try once and a habit that sticksPaula’s journey from beauty therapy to social sciences, L&D and high-hazard industriesFounding a company on the eve of a global pandemic – and what resilience really looked like in practiceHer advice to women in leadership: lean into your eminence, mine your past successes, and be a “diva” in the best possible way

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Fiona Duguid, co-founder of Indigo Seven Ventures, Chief Information Officer at Aurora Energy Services, and the portfolio lead for Expo Design – a business creating sustainable exhibition and display solutions using engineered fibreboard made from recycled cardboard. Fiona describes how Indigo Seven Ventures invests with a focus on sustainability and “doing good in the world,” while she splits her time between fast-growth energy services and a greener alternative to traditional MDF exhibition builds. Fiona’s career path is anything but linear. She started in medicine, switched to mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town, worked in the nuclear industry, then pivoted into software development and technical sales in London – eventually becoming a senior account manager at Halliburton, working across Latin America, Europe and Houston before making Aberdeen home. Through each change she’s been one of very few women in the room, learning how to negotiate pay, hold her own in male-dominated spaces and back herself. We dive deep into the gender pay gap, why women often wait to be “noticed” while men actively negotiate, and how language, body language and “knee-capping” ourselves with constant apologies holds us back. Fiona shares why coaching, mentors and honest feedback are so powerful for women – and why we have to stop assuming good work will automatically be rewarded. From an investor’s perspective, she explains what Indigo Seven Ventures looks for in opportunities: values-aligned people, authenticity, realistic plans and a clear understanding that things will take longer and cost more than you think. We also talk about the funding gap for women-led businesses, how to aim higher when you’re raising money, and why asking for help on LinkedIn or in your network is often the most underused strategy. Above all, this is a conversation about self-belief. Fiona is candid about underestimating herself early on, and the mindset shift that came when she realised she was “so much more able” than she’d ever given herself credit for. Her message to younger women – and to all of us – is clear: trust yourself, reach higher, and be the master of your own destiny. In this episode, we cover:What Indigo Seven Ventures does and how Fiona and her husband involve their (adult) children in learning about investmentFiona’s portfolio roles: CIO at Aurora Energy Services and leading Expo Design, using recycled cardboard honeycomb board for sustainable exhibitions and activationsA non-linear career journey: medicine to mechanical engineering, nuclear industry, software development, technical sales and global account managementBeing “the only woman in the room” in engineering, tech and energy – and the reality of the gender pay gapWhy women often stay too long in roles, expecting good work to be recognised, while men tend to move and negotiate for higher salariesThe concept of “knee-capping” ourselves in emails and meetings with apologetic language – and how Fiona now edits her words to show she belongs at the tableHow coaching, mentors and good courses can transform women’s confidence around money, negotiating and career progressionWhat early-stage businesses often underestimate: the sheer number of hats you wear and the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknessesAdvice for women seeking funding: look at how men approach it, aim higher and don’t be afraid to ask for help from people who know the investment worldWhat Indigo Seven Ventures looks for in an opportunity: authentic people, shared ethos, realistic plans and contingency for “it’ll take longer and cost more”Why it matters who you take advice from – and Fiona’s rule to only listen deeply to people she genuinely respectsThe power of networking, building genuine relationships, and paying it forward by supporting other women coming throughAbout Fiona DuguidFiona Duguid is co-founder of Indigo Seven Ventures, a small investment company she runs with her husband, with a focus on sustainability and doing good in the world. She is also Chief Information Officer at Aurora Energy Services and portfolio lead for Expo Design, which creates exhibition stands and experiential activations using strong, printable engineered fibreboard made from recycled cardboard. Originally from South Africa, Fiona studied mechanical engineering after a brief start in medicine, worked in the nuclear industry, and later pivoted into software development and technical sales. She spent years at Halliburton in a technical software division, including five years based in Venezuela covering Latin America and later managing major operator accounts across Europe and Houston. Having spent her whole career in male-dominate

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneurs Show, I’m joined by Iona Foubister, Director and Building Surveyor at FG Burnett, a long-established firm of chartered surveyors and commercial property consultants based in Aberdeen. Iona lifts the lid on what FG Burnett actually does – from those “For Sale” and “To Let” boards you see around town, to building surveys, schedules of condition, property management, valuations and rating advice. If you’ve never leased or bought commercial space before, this conversation is a must-listen. Iona explains why taking professional advice before you sign a lease or purchase agreement can save you tens of thousands of pounds later, and why a schedule of condition is so important for protecting your business at the end of a lease. She also talks honestly about being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession, her route from graduate to board director, and the realities of running a small professional services firm in a changing Aberdeen market. We also dig into wider industry challenges – from the impact of the oil crash and COVID on office space, to a looming shortage of building surveyors as university courses close and firms pivot to graduate apprenticeships. Through it all, Iona comes back to two big themes: enjoying your work and believing in yourself as your experience grows. In this episode, we cover:What FG Burnett actually does: building consultancy, sales and lettings, property management, valuation and rating – and how these departments work together for clients The big differences between buying/leasing a home and taking on commercial property – and why there’s no “home report” safety net in the commercial worldWhy business owners should always take surveyor advice before leasing or buying, and how a schedule of condition can drastically limit your dilapidations bill at lease end The hidden risk of letting the landlord’s team have professional advice while you try to negotiate on your ownIona’s career journey: RGU building surveying degree, APC, becoming chartered, then progressing through senior surveyor and associate to Director and board member in around 10 years What changes (and what doesn’t) when you join the board – from 5-hour board meetings to being a voice for employees while still being “one of the team” at lunchtimeThe reality of working in a small firm competing with global consultancies – doing your own BD, networking, articles and social media alongside client work How Aberdeen’s oil downturn and COVID have reshaped the office market: remote working, empty buildings, refurbishments and even demolitionsThe challenge of educating landlords that the old days of “do nothing and they’ll still take it” are over – investment and upgrades are now essential to attract tenants A looming skills shortage: RGU closing its building surveying course, the shift to graduate apprenticeships, and what that means for salaries, recruitment and training time in small firms Being a woman in building surveying: expectations vs reality, why she hasn’t personally experienced major barriers, and the importance of visibility for future female surveyorsThe mindset shift from needing constant reassurance to trusting your own professional judgement as your experience growsAbout Iona FoubisterIona Foubister is a Director and Building Surveyor at FG Burnett, an Aberdeen-based firm of chartered surveyors and commercial property consultants that’s been serving the city for over 65 years. After studying Building Surveying at Robert Gordon University, Iona joined FG Burnett as a graduate, completed her APC to become chartered, and has steadily progressed to board level while remaining hands-on with clients. Working in the Building Consultancy team, she delivers building surveys, schedules of condition, dilapidations advice and refurbishment projects for landlords and tenants, while also playing a key role in business development and strategy. Passionate about enjoying your work and backing yourself as your experience grows, Iona is a brilliant example of a woman building a successful career – and now shaping an entire firm – in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

On this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Alana Innes, founder of Rethink Accountancy – a fully digital, remote-first accountancy practice that was paperless and cloud-based long before it became the norm. After 20 years in traditional firms and being told she had to be in the office, Alana walked away from corporate life to design a business that fits the way she wants to live and work. What started as “just enough for travel beer tokens” has grown into a team of around 18, supporting SMEs and e-commerce brands all over the UK with bookkeeping, accounts, payroll, tax and plain-English advice. Alana shares honestly about rapid growth during the pandemic, losing clients when side-hustles closed, closing over 200 companies in two years, and how she’s reset the business so it can scale sustainably again. We talk about what it really takes to build a values-driven, remote team, why she refuses shoeboxes of receipts, and how her mum’s quiet support behind the scenes made it possible for her to go all-in on her business. If you’re a woman who wants more flexibility, freedom and balance – without sacrificing ambition – this conversation will give you a big dose of reassurance and practical insight. In this episode, we cover:How 20 years in traditional accountancy led Alana to create Rethink AccountancyStarting a remote, paperless, cloud-based firm before the pandemic made it trendySupporting SMEs and online/e-commerce businesses with full back-office finance supportWhy Rethink won’t accept boxes of receipts – and what “digital first” really looks like in practiceMaking tax understandable: unlimited email questions and ditching the jargonThe impact of COVID: rapid client growth, then the reality of side-hustles closingClosing 200+ businesses in 24 months – and what that taught her about failure and resilienceMajor legislation changes like Making Tax Digital and what they mean for sole tradersBuilding an 18-strong hybrid team and creating a culture of openness and flexibilityBeing more selective about clients and pricing as the business maturesWhy mindset and work–life balance matter more to her than corporate statusHer advice to women who want to start or scale a business but are scared to take the leap About Alana InnesAlana Innes is the founder of Rethink Accountancy, a remote, cloud-based firm specialising in SMEs and online/e-commerce businesses across the UK. After two decades in traditional accountancy, she launched Rethink nearly eight years ago to create a more flexible, digital-first way of working – for herself, her team and her clients. Today, Rethink provides full finance support from bookkeeping and accounts to personal tax, payroll and advisory, all delivered in plain English and with a strong focus on culture, balance and client relationships

In this episode of Scale Her Up, Brenda Hector sits down with Mary Smith, founder of Relocation Scotland, who has spent 30 years helping individuals and families relocate to Scotland and call it home. From housing and schools to bank accounts and culture shock, Mary and her team support people through every step of a global move. Mary shares how her own experiences living abroad in Zambia, South Africa, Australia and Singapore led her to spot a gap in support for expats and ultimately build a relocation business in Aberdeen. She explains the difference between working for landlords versus tenants, why trust and honesty are crucial in relocation, and how going the extra mile creates lifelong relationships (and holiday invitations all over the world).Mary also opens up about the realities of running a small business in a volatile energy-driven economy, growing a team from just herself to 12 and back to four, and the challenges of recruiting, managing and sometimes letting people go. She talks about the importance of having the right contracts, HR support and external advice when you are building a team for the first time.We also explore the emotional side of entrepreneurship. Mary reflects on losing her mum at 11, growing up quickly, working in her dad’s grocery, delicatessen and wine business, and how his “three options” advice helped her take the leap into business. She shares the message she’d give to her 18-year-old self about confidence, speaking up and not letting self-doubt quietly eat away at you.If you’ve ever considered working internationally, starting a service-based business, or you just want a real and honest look behind the scenes of global mobility, this conversation will give you both practical insights and a powerful reminder to back yourself.In this episode, we cover:How Relocation Scotland supports tenants from first conversation to fully settledWhat really happens behind the scenes of a corporate relocationThe power of empathy, trust and honest communication with clientsRiding the peaks and troughs of Aberdeen’s energy-driven economyGrowing and managing a team in a small, niche industryThe influence of Mary’s entrepreneurial father and early work experienceConfidence, imposter feelings and the importance of having the right networkMary’s dad’s three options for any big decision – and how they still guide her todayAnd as always, Brenda closes by reminding us of the huge untapped potential of female-led businesses: when women start and scale companies to the same extent as men, we can add billions to the UK economy and create millions of jobs.

In this powerful episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneurs Show, I’m joined by Marion McLaughlin, founder of Aurora – an autistic-led business that supports organisations to better understand and work with autistic and neurodivergent people. After years in the third sector delivering “womb to tomb” services for autistic people, Marion hit burnout trying to juggle passion with an unsustainable workload. Starting a business was never on their to-do list – yet Aurora has become the most aligned, impactful way for them to use their lived and professional experience. Marion is autistic, non-binary and disabled, and brings a deeply intersectional lens to the conversation. We talk honestly about what it really feels like to be autistic in noisy workplaces, in healthcare systems that often don’t listen, and in a political climate that is challenging for trans and non-binary people. They share how concepts like monotropism(interest-based attention and “flow tunnels”) can be a superpower at work – if leaders understand how to support it. This episode is full of practical advice for managers and business owners: how to respond when someone discloses they’re autistic, why “can you just pop into my office later?” can trigger panic, and how to manage change in ways that respect people’s sensory needs, energy levels and humanity. Marion also talks about creating Autistic Pride Aberdeen, developing courses like “My Child Is Autistic – What Now?”, and why good allies and “accomplices” are essential if we want a genuinely inclusive world. If you want your business to be safer and more supportive for autistic, neurodivergent and gender-diverse people – this conversation is a must-listen.In this episode, we cover:Marion’s journey from teacher and third-sector CEO to founder of autistic-led consultancy AuroraMarion McLaughlinWhy disclosing autism at work is an act of bravery – and how managers should respondPractical examples of reasonable adjustments: lighting, noise, sensory needs, flexible dress codes and moreHow not to respond when someone says the environment is difficult for them (“nobody else has a problem with it…” vs “thank you for telling me”) The impact of big life transitions (moving house, pregnancy, menopause, marriage) on autistic support needs and performance at workThe brilliant Star Trek analogy: why you can’t expect staff to operate at “Warp 9.9” all the timeThe quote we all need: “If the most I have to give today is 40%, and I give 40%, I’ve still given 100% of what I’ve got.” Monotropism explained – attention tunnels, deep focus and why constant task-switching is so costlyHow everyone (not just autistic people) can use monotropism principles to get into flow and do better workWhat businesses get wrong – and right – about supporting non-binary and trans team membersWhy inclusive toilets, policies and explicit support for trans and autistic staff really matter right now The story of Autistic Pride Aberdeen, info-dump events, giant bubbles in the park and building joyful autistic community Marion McLaughlin is the founder of Aurora, an autistic-led organisation providing training, consultancy and one-to-one support around autism and neurodiversity. A former primary school teacher and charity CEO, Marion has supported autistic people of all ages in “womb to tomb” services and now works with businesses, schools, universities, charities and healthcare providers to create more neuro-affirming environments. Autistic, non-binary and disabled, Marion brings lived experience and deep professional expertise to topics like monotropism, sensory needs, autistic mental health and intersectionality. They also lead Autistic Pride Aberdeen, hosting community events and webinars that centre autistic joy, connection and advocacy.

Patricia Noel Drain, founder of Patricia Drain & Associates, author of 14 books, former teacher and executive recruiter turned mentor for women 50+. Patricia helps female entrepreneurs over 50 work less and make more—doing what they love. We talk reinvention, building saleable businesses with systems (she created 27 to step out of day-to-day), and designing life around freedom, not busyness. She shares the health scare that forced a reset, the power of digital productsand high-ticket offers, and why women must give themselves permission to earn well. Expect practical prompts to find your zone of genius, say no to misfit work, and—above all—put yourself on your own calendar.In this episode:Why she mentors women 50+ to work less, earn more—and how reinvention often starts at 50.From brick-and-mortar recruiter to exit: building 27 systems so the business could run (and sell) without her.Health wake-up call → boundaries: freedom is the point; schedule you first.Digital products and packaging expertise; thinking bigger with values-aligned, high-ticket containers.Writing 14 books (including a children’s book about self-worth) after being told she “couldn’t write.”Coaching mindsets: “You can’t sell you,” “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” and follow your flow.Advice to her 18-year-old self: think bigger, then bigger again—there are no limits except the ones you set.

Liz Clayton-Jones, founder of Beehive Performance, advanced strengths coach and former corporate leader. Liz helps science, research and manufacturing teams become truly high-performing by putting people at the heart of every success. She shares her leap from 31 years in corporate to building a business from the heart (not just the head), why she once walked away from a signed contract that wasn’t a values fit, and how an experimentation mindset (“you can’t fail an experiment—you only get unexpected outcomes”) unlocks progress in life and work. We dig into inclusive teams (including neurodiversity), strengths-based leadership, and practical ways to support women through menopause at work—from honest manager conversations to flexible, “reasonable” adjustments that keep great people in the room.In this episode:Building people so people build the business (strengths, engagement, team performance)Leaving corporate: breathing space, ditching the “shoulds,” and designing work your waySaying no to misfit clients and magnetising the right ones through authenticity and referralsMenopause and work: you’re not broken; strengths + small adjustments beat stigmaThe one-month experiment: try, note results, keep what works—applies to health, leadership, and culture

Suz Bird, founder of Bird & Emmy, is a social media strategist working with SMEs across Scotland and the UK. She breaks down how to ditch “post for the algorithm” thinking, build a simple strategy that serves your business goals, and stay sane as a solo founder and single parent. We talk retainer vs project vs training models, why food-and-drink brands spark creative scrappiness, and how to use testimonials, co-mentors and tiny environmental shifts to quiet the inner critic. Suz shares her start-up story (redundancy, separation, first clients from community work), her love–hate with social media, practical networking habits, and plans to expand in-person workshops and DIY-friendly products so time-poor founders can still get results. In this episode:Mindset first: social media as part of marketing, not a separate chore—and why clarity on audience beats chasing virality. Three ways she works: retained strategist, finite projects to build a plan and hand over, and one-to-one or workshop training. Solo doesn’t mean alone: using feedback forms, DMs and local networks to combat isolation and spark referrals. Get out of your own way: change the room, take a walk, then act—perfectionism is the enemy of momentum. What’s next: more live workshops and practical resources for founders without retainer budgets. 

Guest: Sophy Green, Chief Executive of Instant Neighbour, a 40-year Aberdeen charity and social enterprise. Sophy lifts the lid on balancing compassion with commercial discipline: running a food bank and the Giving Tree appeal, generating 85–90% of income through shops, an online store, joinery and carpet services, and delivering council contracts. We talk board governance (“nose in, hands off”), rising demand through the cost-of-living crisis, funding realities, and the tough calls—closing sites, restructuring, and still protecting frontline services. Sophy shares how she future-proofed with e-commerce, avoids “shiny object” projects by staying close to mission, and why leaders must chHead & Heart Leadership: Sophy Green on Running a Modern Charity That Workseck whether decisions are driven by the head or the heart. She credits coaching and regular “helicopter view” pauses for better choices, and ends with practical ways people can help this Christmas—volunteering, donating quality furniture, selection boxes, or money. 

Victoria Vyalikova, founder of Brand House, a digital marketing agency serving B2B and professional services from Aberdeen to international markets. We talk about building a specialist-first team, the associate model, and why honesty and transparency are the ultimate growth levers. Victoria shares her journey from Big Four marketing to launching during downturns, navigating COVID, and treating AI as a productivity booster—not a replacement for human judgment. We dig into people-pleasing, perfectionism, pricing fairly when AI speeds work up, and the real “juggle vs. balance” of a founder’s life. In this episode:From EY/KPMG to founder: spotting the local digital gap and starting as a white-label freelancer before hiring in-house.The associate model: why deep specialists beat generalists, and how to find, test, and keep great partners.Values in action: “hard truth over comfortable lie,” expectation-setting, and saying no to conflicting goals.Resilience through shocks: oil crash, COVID, and today’s uncertainty—what held, what changed, what grew.AI at work: where it helps (analysis, content, reporting), where nuance matters, and why she reduced prices as efficiency rose.Personal growth: recovering people-pleaser, perfectionism, therapy/coaching, and redefining “balance” as intentional trade-offs.Early roots: tutoring at 13, problem-solving as an identity, and choosing a career built on earned autonomy.Timestamps:00:00 Intro & Brand House focus (B2B/professional services) • 05:00 Specialist team & associates • 09:30 Reframing creativity • 11:00 Honesty, expectations, and saying no • 15:00 People-pleasing & perfectionism • 19:00 Riding downturns • 20:30 COVID: mental health, demand spike, onboarding associates • 24:00 AI as opportunity, not threat • 27:00 Pricing with integrity in the AI era • 30:00 Entrepreneur or accident? Problem-solver origins • 33:00 Women as do-ers: “What are we going to do now?”If you’re a female founder aiming for £1m+ turnover by 2030, book a 30-minute coaching chat with Brenda for a practical action plan https://bit.ly/brencares

Welcome back to a very special episode of Scale Her Up! After 3 years of podcasts, we’ve officially hit the 100th episode. To celebrate that milestone today, we have Dr. Brenda Hector herself on the podcast. Not only is she the regular host of ScaleHerUp, she's a business development coach with ActionCoach, dedicated to helping business owners grow their business and achieve their dream. Today though, she’ll be in the hot seat, and we'll get a glimpse into her motivations and experiences. We will reflect on the last 100 episodes, the impact it has had for her, and talk about what her career journey has been like up to this point. On this episode we talk about the best advice she's ever been given, how the Rose Review ignited her passion for supporting female entrepreneurs, her Business Excellence Awards win, and how the last 100 episodes have shaped her. Be sure to follow our instagram @scaleherup and also her Linkedin at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

In this Scale HER Up episode, coach and trainer Claire Standen (Embodiment UK) explains how to move beyond Mental Health First Aid into embodied, trauma-informed leadership. We discuss reading behaviour as communication, nervous-system tools for teams, and the realities of leaping from employment to entrepreneurship as a single mum. Includes practical steps for culture change and performance. Chapters:00:00 Intro & who is Embodiment UK 01:00 Why MHFA is just the start 06:00 Behaviour = communication 09:00 Perspective-taking & Poke the Box  13:00 Training vs transformation 15:00 “I am home” insight 28:00 The leap & veterans coaching 31:00 Founder mindset 33:00 Twin support 35:00 Advice to younger self.Book a complimentary coaching call with Dr Brenda Hector https://bit.ly/brencares

Suann shares why she left employment to create a slower, higher-care model; how small, human touches (yes, a free massage chair!) become talking points; and why most people who take the leap are more likely to succeed than failThe 5 Vs are Vibe, Velcro, Voyage, Visibility and Visceral. Listen to find out what each one represents.Book a free introductory session with Dr Brenda Hector https://bit.ly/brencares

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Kelly Ling from Ling and Co joining us. They are a business growth consultancy, all about helping entrepreneurs and business owners simplify their day to day operations and create a strategy that would best help their businesses grow and become more streamlined. She works on everything from brand marketing, to team development and even general operations. In essence she is a master of business problem solving. After training in animations at a university in Singapore, Kelly came to the UK to start her marketing and PR journey. From beginning her career journey in festival producing, to working at the biggest arts festival in the world (the Edinburgh Fringe) to landing a role as an executive at an agency; Kelly is very versed in the world of PR and marketing. In this episode, Kelly speaks about her decision to leave the corporate world and her desire to impact local businesses on a personal level. She goes on to speak about her experience and recovery from burnout, her struggle with perfectionism, the importance of failure, and gender roles in the house and careers.  This episode is truly one you won't want to miss, a massive thank you to Kelly for joining us as well. Be sure to follow our instagram @scaleherup and also my Linkedin at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Lindsay Conchar from Scots Law Talks with us. They are an educational event and workshop service that sets out to make Scots Law more accessible and understandable. From interactive talks about legal issues, to forensic workshops analyzing blood spatter, their passion is sharing the knowledge to all ages, communities and groups across Scotland. After starting her law traineeship, Lindsay quickly realized soliciting and formal law was not the space she was meant to be in. She still had her passion for justice but didn't know where she'd fit. She took the leap and left, not knowing what her next step was, and fell into education, becoming a lecturer at Dundee and Angus College. There she found her love for teaching and sharing Scots law, which prompted her to start Scots Law Talk during her maternity leave. On today's episode, Lindsay opens up about her advice to those who aren't happy in their current careers and shares how she made the leap. What she's learned since becoming an entrepreneur, the glamorous and not so glamorous sides of business, what it's like working with her husband, and how to deal with the isolation that could come with starting a business. This episode was an absolute delight to film, and a big shoutout to Lindsay for joining us. If you're interested in any of the workshops or events you can find out more at https://www.scotslawtalks.com/.  Be sure to follow our instagram @scaleherup and also my Linkedin at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Gail Henderson on the podcast, she's the owner of DEV4 and Equi-Track, a bespoke software development company and cloud-based equipment management software meant to help businesses digitize their services and enhance their productivity and processes. After starting her professional life as a software engineer, Gail fulfilled her dream of owning her own business in 2017 when she joined DEV4. Although a trained engineer she took on a more business development focused role, learning to balance her own work alongside it. DEV4 works in a number of different industries- from Oil and Gas, to Energy, and more, and has grown to help and advise businesses all over Scotland. In today's episode, Gail discusses the challenges and growing pains she experienced running her own business, the importance of going outside your comfort zone, how she's learned to network, and finally her experience being a Woman in Stem and tech, and ways she thinks we could give other women and young girls the same opportunity. This episode was an absolute joy to film and a reminder to challenge yourself, even if it intimidates you. A big thank you to Gail for joining us! Be sure to follow our instagram @scaleherup and also my Linkedin at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

After a short break we’re back and better then ever with a very special episode. Back in May we had our very first Scale Her UP LIVE at the University of Aberdeen’s Sir Duncan Rice Library, our version of a live episode interviewing our panel of amazing businesswoman and celebrating what it’s means to be a woman in their field. We were joined by Ann Johnson of Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, Tracy Franz of TopPA and Maya Vertigans of Planner Bee VA. All long time members of the Scale Her Up families and female entrepreneurs who set out to change their field. It was a roaring success and helped introduce both students and other female business owners to each other and the wonderful community we have here. We were lucky enough to have an amazing filmographer, Karim Hurtig, who recorded the whole session, so that those who couldn’t join, can experience the joy of this experience. Be sure to keep an eye on our social medias, our instagram @Scaleherup and also my LinkedIn at Brenda Hector for future ScaleHerUp events, and daily updates. 

Welcome back to Scale Her Up!Today, we have Kirstin Ejsmont the owner of Kirstin Ejsmont Business Law. After an extensive career in big law she decided to start her own business during COVID-19. She’s a general cooperate business law expert, with a passion for advising others on the legal aspects of starting a business. She specializes in incorporated businesses, mediating the relationships between directors and shareholders, funding and finance. Her goal when starting her business was to help people feel comfortable achieving their dreams and revolutionising the small and medium business sectors. In today’s episode Kirstin speaks about the important legal things you need in place to start a business, how to minimise risk, what she’s learned when starting her own business and finally how she’s becoming an entrepreneur has helped her re find her love for law. Today’s episode was such an amazing one to film and certainly one not to miss! Be sure to follow our instagram @Scaleherup and also my LinkedIn at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up!Today we have Sarah Leigh the owner and CEO of Weirwood Consulting. Although she’d always had thoughts about starting her own business, she officially became a female entrepreneur in January of 2024. She started her business after seeing how big consultancy firms don’t prioritise the customer and introduced short term solutions that didn’t last. At Weirwood, Sarah prioritises the client and sets out to maintain their integrity through the whole process. She works across sectors coming into businesses and increasing their productivity and revenue. In today’s episode she speaks about her business strategy- how she learned to turn leads into sales, how she learned to market herself and how she’s changed her mindset regarding money.  She speaks about how valuable networking is when you venture out on your own, how she manages her business while also being a mum of 3 and what she would tell her 18 year old self. Today’s episode was such an inspiring one to film and certainly one not to miss! Be sure to follow our instagram @Scaleherup and also my LinkedIn at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Jenny Junnier, a good friend of the show and a fantastic champion of women in business herself. She is both the audit partner in Johnson and Carmichael Charted Accountants and one of the founders of the Axis Network. Johnson and Carmichael specialise in all areas of accounting- from family planning, to entrepreneurial taxes, to large and small businesses and even personal accounts. During their almost 90 years in business they’ve grown from a small firm that helped local farmers to a Scotland renowned firm that covers all. She specialises in audits and helps ensures that businesses have their finance in order so they can help secure investors and backing. Jenny’s also a founder of Axis Network, a networking community in Aberdeen meant to help level the playing field for men and women across sectors. Although they started in the oil and gas industry, they expanded, and within their first few years had nearly 800 members, all aquired without spending a penny. Today she gives an accountants take on starting a business. The importance of having the right people around you that you can take numbers and finance with. She talks about her own career journey and how motherhood opened up her eyes to see how women could be treated in the workplace. And finally she discusses her passion for gender equality and increasing female presence in C-Suite Roles. Today’s episode was an absolute pleasure to film and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Be sure to follow our instagram @Scaleherup and also my LinkedIn at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Freya Bigg the owner of Faeble Arts, a freelance graphic design agency. Her services are more than just traditional graphic design, instead she sets out to be a ‘mini agency in your pocket’. She does illustrations, videos, weddings, motion graphics, web design and more. She’s got a passion for what she’s deemed ‘visual communication’ and has made it her mission to help businesses streamline the creative side of things. Her love for photoshop and advertisements is what drew her into the field but her real passion stemmed from incorporating it into her hobbies like K-Pop and Grimm. On today’s episode she speaks about her journey to owning her own business. From her experiences with unpaid internships, to her opinion on AI in the creative sector, to a blog that got her flown out to South Korea by their government, to her experience balancing being a single parent and a boss and finally how vital it is to have a network and the amazing opportunities that come from it. This episode was truly a joy to film! Be sure to follow our Instagram @scaleherup and also my LinkedIn at Brenda Hector for daily motivational updates and exciting future plans.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Lynne Kennedy on the podcast, who is the founder of Business Women Connect (BWC). BWC is a franchise across Scotland that sets out to give women the opportunity and support to run their own business. After starting in 2022, Lynne has expanded to Glasgow, Edinburgh and now Aberdeen. After originally starting as a magazine, BWC now has expanded to host networking events and even put on roadshows with thousands of attendees. Lynne talks about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and how she's grown to now even win an MBE for services to women in business. She also talks about her experience starting franchises, the joy she gets from helping others start businesses and shares how you can become a member of this vibrant community.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Chantal Cornelius of Apple Tree Marketing joining us. After 25 years of owning her own business Chantal is a marketing maestro. Her business specializes in supporting coaching, consultants and trainers across the globe, with the goal of taking away the scariness of marketing. She helps clarify the messages of both microbusinesses and large companies while giving them tips on how to promote themselves and their brands. In this episode she shares how to achieve the perfect balance between owning your own business and prioritizing your personal life ,her most recent book Stand out Strategies and her role in the Professional Speakers Association that she's joined after a long period of public speaking fear. Chantal was an absolute joy to have on and it makes this episode one you won't want to miss!

On today's episode of Scale Her Up, we have Debra Baxter, the founder of Music 4 U. Music 4 U is a charity meant to allow young people to experience the performing arts without barriers. After noticing a number of schools in Aberdeenshire were starting to reduce or cut their performing arts programs in school, she set out to fill in the gaps academia leaves in a child's creative education. She then started Music 4 you, creating an integrated stage school that has helped thousands of young people over the 20 years it’s been opened. She has grown the program to allow them to visit people in places like hospices and expose them to live theatre, and truly provide a space for young people to communicate through music. On today’s episode, Debra speaks about the challenges she's faced starting a not for profit organization, how she grown her organization to be featured on shows like BBC’s The One Show, and talks about Music 4 You’s new fundraiser effort- 500 4 500, and how local business across Aberdeen can help.

Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have HR extraordinaire, Lucy Nicholl from Nicholl HR. Nicholl HR gives HR support to small businesses throughout Scotland. Lucy gives an affordable, face to face service that helps owners manage employees and advise them on any legal issues that may arise. In this episode Lucy shares her advice on building a team and creating an atmosphere that encourages employee retention. After almost 2 years in the business Lucy’s passion for HR stems from her own experience of Discrimination in the workplace and as a result her goals is to help employers and employees be comfortable in their rights as employers and protect the both. Today, Lucy speaks about the dangers of burnout, how to combat sexual harassment ion the workplace, and the financial challenges that come with starting a business This episode is an absolutely amazing one that viewers won’t want to miss.

On today's episode we have Diana Gormley, the Entrepreneur in residence at Robert Gordon’s University and the owner of Danu Solutions Ltd. Danu Solutions is a business that sets out to optimize the use of lean in the companies that employ them. From starting as an engineer, to becoming a secondary school teacher, to now owning her own business, today Diana shares her unique experience and journey to becoming an entrepreneur. She speaks about her position at Robert Gordon University- how she bridges the gap between academia and society, combats students misconceptions around being an entrepreneur, and institutes the transferable skills you gain by owning your own business. In this episode Diana talks also about the importance of staying innovative, learning from her past mistakes, and keeping creativity alive. Truly an episode you don't want to miss!

On today's podcast we have Christina Sutherland, the managing director of GSR. It’s a nursing and at home care provider that offers training, and support services by registered nurses. In this episode, Christina tells her journey of how she became an entrepreneur. From starting her business 11 years ago to now employing just over 250 workers, Christina shares what she's learned throughout it. She's expanded GSR from just one department to three; now spread across 3 separate floors in her office. Christina talks about the importance of loving what you do, the major challenges the nursing sector faced during COVID, the burnout that followed, and the importance of finding and recruiting the right staff. This episode was an absolute joy to film and one you don't want to miss.n this episode, we talk about:How Christina moved from nurse to Managing Director and why she chose to start GSRGrowing a care business from one department to three and scaling to 250+ team members player.captivate.fmThe realities of running a nursing and home care service during COVID – and what’s changed sinceBurnout in the caring professions and what leaders can do to support their teamsWhy recruiting for values and attitude matters more than ever in careHow “listening to your gut” can guide tough decisions in business and leadershipThe importance of loving what you do – and how that shows up for Christina and her teamYou’ll enjoy this episode if you are:A female founder or leader in health, social care, or trainingRunning a service-based or team-heavy business and wrestling with recruitment and retentionInterested in values-driven leadership and protecting your own energy while you growLooking for a real, honest story of scaling a business in a demanding sectorAbout Christina SutherlandChristina Sutherland is the Managing Director of GSR, a nursing and at-home care provider offering training and support services delivered by registered nurses. Over more than a decade, she has built GSR into a multi-department organisation employing over 250 people across three floors of office space, while staying rooted in her original motivation: providing high-quality, compassionate care for people who need it most.

Today we have such an inspiring one for all of our Women in Stem as we have Joyce Onuonga who is the owner of John White and Sons. It's an engineering firm that specialises in weighing machines, and calibration. They offer a wide variety of services that range over sectors like whiskey producers, farming and renewables. The company is over 300 years old, and Joyce herself has been working there for 30 years. She rose through the ranks starting with just a 6th month contract, to now owning the company. She prioritized continuous learning and innovation introducing programs that utilize top down and bottom up processing- like college partnerships for trainee programs and KTP employees. In today's episode she talks about the importance of differentiating from your competitors, valuing and incentivizing your staff, and her experience and advice on how to run a family business. Today's episode is truly inspiring for all women looking into starting their own business, and one you don't want to miss.

Although Scale Her Up is all about empowering the amazing female business owners around the world, we'd be remiss if we didn't feature the equally amazing men in the space who help women be confident and expand who they are. Today's guest does just that. Bob Gentle from Amplify Me, is not only a social media and marketing expert, his business’s goal is to help business owners shine, through expanding and monetizing their personal brand. He is also one of the reasons Brenda started Scale Her Up. His unwavering belief in her ability and his own experience with his podcast, Building your LeaderBrand, gave her the confidence to take the leap. In today's episode Bob specifically speaks about how female business owners can become comfortable in their own brand, and his own personal journey of defining his brand and forcing himself to find comfort in the uncomfortable. He also speaks about the importance of positive feedback loops, content strategy and the importance of being both vulnerable and visible. Although it is different then our normal program it’s one you definitely don't want to miss.

Today's episode is an extra special one. We have Tem Ezimokhai from Helping Teachers Thrive. Not only is she a full time secondary school teacher but she hosts and produces her own podcast called Helping Teachers Thrive. It's a biweekly podcast set out to help fill in the gaps university doesn’t cover. After noticing how much new teachers were struggling with both the overwhelming amount of new responsibility and their own mental health, she wanted to create a space where they can come and get advice on things like classroom management, neurodivergence, and even their own well being. In today's episode of Scale Her Up, Tem speaks about her own personal journey as a teacher, from the imposter syndrome she faced, to now commanding the classroom with confidence. She also speaks about the importance of a schedule, how to professionally say no, and her best tips for teacher well being. Whether you're in the education sector or not, this is truly an episode full of some much helpful advice and inspiring words- truly not an episode you want to miss.

On today's episode, we have Dr. Rachel Milne of Dr. Rachel Coaching. She's a life and business coach that specializes in reconnecting women with who they are and helping them rediscover what's important to them. Her journey began at medicine school in Dundee, where she became a qualified psychiatrist. Afterwards she traveled around the UK working in the clinical field. After taking time off to focus on herself, she found a passion for helping women through the same issues she's experienced- anxiety, self esteem issues etc. In her work she helps women become aware of patterns that affect their lives. She helps them combat their self esteem issues, anxiety surrounding networking and how this affects not only the women themselves but everyone in their lives. Today's episode is one that embodies Scale Her Up and is certainly not one you want to miss.

Happy IWD! Today we have Melody Ford, the founder of Meloosha Homecare. They're a domiciliary care provider that gives in home assistance and care to elderly people with the goal of allowing them to stay at home as long as possible and ensuring that family members stay family rather than carers. Since starting her business Melody has franchised it and in her 3rd year of business had a turnover of £3 million. Melody explains about her decision to go into care and the hard but exciting journey of starting her own business. In this episode, Melody talks about creating structures that can last in a franchise, being adaptable to challenges, the delicate balance of mentoring her franchisees and the importance of discovering how employees need to be managed. This episode is truly not one you want to miss. Also be sure to go and check our socials for our celebration of International Women’s Day.

Today we have Noreen Baqir founder of Circle Finance, on the podcast. They're a financial advisor business that helps clients release finance from existing equities and properties.They assess how clients can use what they currently have to finance their future. Noreen founded Circle Finance 7 years ago after being inspired by her father’s own entrepreneurial background and property management experience. In today episode she regales viewers with her quirkier experiences on the job, the passion she has for her work, the importance of confidence, and the comfort of having more women around her in the corporate world.

Today's episode we are joined by Carly McNamara of My Academic Family. It’s a social enterprise specializing in giving support to disadvantaged and first generation university students in order to get them to graduation. They do this by engaging them with their studies, showing them how to navigate the university environment and supporting their needs. Inspired by her own experience as a first generation university student and working within academia; she has a unique insight into what her targeted students need. She launched during COVID-19 in April 2020, with just £1000, and now supports nearly 100 students and holds workshops in several different colleges and Unis. In this episode, she speaks about her vision for the future, the challenges she faced with sales and revenue, the importance of having a network to rely on and learning how to implement a digital marketing and brand strategy. Today's episode is an absolute joy you don't want to miss.

Today's episode is a special one, as we have Katie Watson of Aberdeen Grampian Chamber of Commerce and the lead of BWC Futures group. Even though she's just recently started her corporate journey, Katie has been a standout star, already rising through the ranks of the chamber to become a relationship manager, and was a finalist in the Rising Star Award. Katie speaks about her career path so far and how she's progressed this far at such a young age. She also speaks about the BWC Futures group, a platform to support young professionals in the work field and give them tools to combat things like impostor syndrome and letting them know there's others going through the same thing. In this episode Katie speaks about her passion for creating safe spaces for young professionals, the importance of community, being vulnerable, and creating a network. When we learn of katies battle with depression in her teens, her story is even more inspiring and not one you'd want to miss.

In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Tracy Franz of SmartPA, a business administration and performance specialist who has been running her own business for almost eight years. Tracy helps business owners streamline their operations, protect their time and spend more of their day doing work they actually enjoy.Tracy shares the very personal, powerful story behind her business. She opens up about her experience with addiction, what life looked like at her lowest point and the hard work of getting clean and rebuilding from scratch. From there, she talks about the decision to create her own business rather than go back into traditional employment, and how that choice has changed her life, her confidence and her sense of purpose.We dive into imposter syndrome – especially for women who didn’t take a straight-line path to where they are now – and the “who am I to…?” voice that can show up even when you’re great at what you do. Tracy talks about the danger signs of burnout, the pressure to say yes to everything as a service provider and the importance of putting boundaries, support and rest in place before your body forces you to stop.Tracy also shares how she learned to look outside the box in business: saying yes to opportunities that felt a bit scary, tailoring services instead of trying to do everything for everyone, and using her own lived experience to connect with clients on a deeper level. Goal setting is a big part of that – not just big revenue targets, but personal goals about who she wants to be, how she wants to feel and the kind of role model she wants to be for the people around her.Above all, this episode is about the power of women who lift other women up. Tracy talks about the women who believed in her when she didn’t yet believe in herself, the networks and friendships that have supported her through tough times and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will remind you who you are when you forget.This is an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone who’s had to restart, is battling imposter feelings or needs a reminder that your past does not disqualify you from building something brilliant.

Today we have Lora Caven, an internationally recognized and decorated business coach with a focus on supporting high performing women (in and out of C-suite positions) during perimenopause and menopause. She speaks about her journey to getting to this era in her career after feeling lost following some major changes in her life. Her real passion lies in coaching other women in business through the busiest time of their lives- Menopause. After seeing just how damaging the business world is to women going through that era in their life, she set out to challenge a system designed around men. In today's episode she speak about the importance of womanhood and relying on the community that women are innately a part of. She says “The more you show up for yourself the more other people show up for you”. She even speaks about her own experience regarding coaching and stresses how important it is to have that support. She also speaks about the importance of believing in yourself and knowing your own body. This episode will be a comfort to most people and is truly not one to miss.

Today we have Julita Stachowiak on the podcast. Julita is the Co founder of J&B Finance LTD. It is a accounting and financial consultancy firm that advises clients of the best way to run their business through a financial lens.she shares her journey of how she's gotten to this stage in her life- from moving to the UK from Poland with just £200 in her pocket, to working at one of the big 4 Accountancy firms to be a female entrepreneur of an international company with a completely female team. In their episode she speaks about the common financial issues businesses face with cash flow, how the recession impacted her life, the best way to run a team , and the importance of having people support you

In today's episode we have fellow Podcaster Michelle Fraser. Not only is she the host and creator of Energy Sector Heros, she has also been a consultant in the energy and renewable sector for the past 25 years and most recently started a mentorship and career coaching program set out to help the younger generation find their feet within the oil, gas and energy field. She speaks about her career journey, from starting as a junior technician to working her way up to being a senior project development manager. She speaks about the struggles of being a woman in a primarily male dominated field, specifically trying to be seen and heard. She describes how she tries to be more vocal in a field where it is hard to get noticed, and speaks about the unpredictable nature of contract and consultancy work. She also speaks about her passion for helping others shape their career in the sector, and advising them on the best ways they can portray themselves and supports them in the transition into a full time corporate world. Michelle was a joy to have on and makes this episode one you won't want to miss.

In today's episode we have Avriel Skolnik, Co-Founder of Kionnali Living Systems. Avriel is a true champion of sustainability, who creates self contained sustainable housing to help address the current housing crisis and combat emergency situations with housing. Her passion for the environment and keen intelligence drove her to start creating houses centered around people. As a woman in STEM, Avriel has dealt with a lot of stereotypes and condescension as a result of her gender but she's dealt with it with grace and started a company that is creating the house of the future, has over 10 people on her permanent staff and has interest in her designs from all 7 continents. In this episode Avriel speaks about her journey to get to the place she is today and the amazing women who helped show her their own sustainable housing, the importance of placing your well being first, and overcoming the fear of failure.

Today's episode is extra special as we have not one but 2 guests. Vanessa Tortella & Beverley Wilson join us today to speak about Vanessa’s Business, The Wine Hall and their joint venture Leyssa. Both are a boutique wine import business that sets out to connect customers to unique and specific wines. They also host joint art and wine tasting parties where they pair the two together for attendees to have a unique and fully immersive tasting experience. Although the two haven't known each other long, they had an instant connection based on their shared passions and love for all things wine. Vanessa is a trained sommelier who started The Wine Hall 2 years ago to help connect people to specific hard to find wines. Even though the field of wine is majorly male dominated, Vanessa has made a name for herself. Beverly is no stranger to business and has had many different current and past ventures over the years in a variety of fields. After meeting they connected on their experience as women in business, and hospitality, and since starting their partnership have learned more from each other then they thought possible. In today's episode they speak about how it's never too late to start a business, as they meet in their 50s and instantly clicked. They also speak about how to create a unique business idea, the importance of self confidence, and their love of uplifting other women in their field. Today's episode is truly special and not one to miss.