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

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

182 episodes — Page 3 of 4

Ep 79“I get paid doing what I like” with Melody Ford

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.

Mar 8, 202542 min

Ep 78"Dream big, work your backside off to get it” with Noreen Baqir

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.

Mar 3, 202537 min

Ep 77"Helping students succeed, remain engaged and reach for their dreams” with Carly McNamara

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.

Feb 28, 202534 min

Ep 76"Future CEO" with Katie Watson

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.

Feb 24, 202529 min

Ep 75“Get to know as many woman as possible who can lift you up and help you be confident in yourself” with Tracy Franz

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.

Feb 21, 202534 min

Ep 74"The more diversity around the table the richer the conversation” with Lora Caven

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.

Feb 3, 202543 min

Ep 73"You're gonna fail and that's fine” with Julita Stachowiak

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

Jan 30, 202531 min

Ep 74“You are my energy sector hero” with Michelle Fraser

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.

Jan 27, 202538 min

Ep 72“Even if you think you aren't ready you are so just do it” with Avriel Skolnik

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.

Jan 23, 202536 min

Ep 73“Business isn't easy otherwise everyone would be doing it, even if it fails its worth taking the risk” with Vanessa Tortella & Beverley Wilson

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.

Jan 20, 202546 min

Ep 71"Looking after yourself first" with Kerry Smith

Today we have Kerry Smith, founder of T28 and Team Cycle. T28 is an online platform for all things fitness, with programs like the 28 day transformation and 10 minute challenges. After starting her entrepreneurial journey during the COVID 19 pandemic, Kerry has managed to expand her business into team cycle, a warehouse dedicated to spin classes. In this episode Kerry speaks about the future of women's fitness, and how she strives to make her business inclusive and welcome to all. She speaks about how to be inventive in such a niche space, the shocks she's had from building a business from the ground up, and the importance of relying on your network. She also talks about integrated health and how essential it is to take care of yourself.

Jan 16, 202545 min

Ep 70"Lets make as much of today and tomorrow as we can" with Gillian Donald

In today's episode we have Gillian Donald of Blackadders and CHAS. Gillian is a truly inspirational woman, who not only is a partner in her firm’s HR and employment team, but is also a trustee on the board of CHAS, a children's charity set up to assist and provide hospice care for families with ill children. Gillian speaks about her career journey to this point, and the major differences and challenges that come with balancing the two. She speaks about the importance of listening to the people around you,having open conversations between employers and their staff and being brave in the face of adversary. Gillian also gets vulnerable and tells the story behind her involvement with CHAS. Sharing the importance of cherishing every day you have with those you love and her passion of giving back to a community that supported her in her darkest hours. Truly impactful and poignant, this episode is not one you’ll want to miss.

Jan 13, 202542 min

Ep 69"Don't rule out working for yourself" With Fiona Thomson

On today's episode we have Fiona Thomson, the founder of FT Rewards.They help businesses become an attractive place to work, and devise strategies for companies to help employee retention and increase employee satisfaction. Although she’s somewhat new to the entrepreneurial landscape, Fiona has flourished in it. Although she does speak about the learning curve she experienced when starting a new business, like the challenges she faced and the lessons she's learned. Her prior experience has helped her shape FT Rewards to be what she's dreamed of. Today, she speaks about staff retention and satisfaction, how crucial networking was for her personal success, and her passion for women to speak up for things that they need from an employer.

Jan 2, 202537 min

Ep 68“Raise awareness, make a difference” with Genevieve Smith

Today's podcast is one very near and dear to Brenda's heart. In this episode she has Genevieve Smith, with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and more specifically Business Beats Cancer Aberdeen. After a long career in sales, Genevieve found herself unsettled and looked for a career change. When the position within CRUK opened up she made the jump into the third sector and has loved every second of it. In just over a year in the position, she has helped raise over £60,000 and founded boards in both Dundee and now Aberdeen. Today, she speaks about this decision-The challenges she faced, the high points, and the fear she had. More specifically she speaks about Business Beats Cancer Aberdeen, an Initiative where businesses get together and raise  funds for CRUK. Her and Brenda, speak about what qualities make a good board member and ways you could get involved. They also explain everything you need to know about getting involved with the Aberdeen Fundraising Gala. The prizes you could win, the people you could network with, and all the amazing research the money goes towards. Specifically, research projects at the University of Aberdeen itself, that set out to explore how cells divide in order to find a way to prevent cancer. Cancer research UK has helped double the breast cancer survival rate in the UK, largely due to its contributions from  business across the country. In today's episode Brenda and Genevieve talk about how you and your business can get involved and the direct link it could have for drastically changing the future of cancer research and prevention in the UK.

Dec 30, 202427 min

Ep 67"Never be afraid of diversity; embrace it" with Adriana Uribe

In today's episode we have Adriana Uribe, a member of the Grampian Regional Equality Council. Adriana is a true champion for inclusion and works with minorities across the grampian area on issues like language assistance, discrimination and even neurodivergent help. The council offers a multitude of services ranging from language cafes where English speakers of all proficiency levels can get together to practice, to language programs and even advisory services. She has a passion for intersectionality, and strives to create an even field for minorities in business and beyond. Besides her work in the council, she's a successful entrepreneur who does freelance translating. Today, she's speaks about her personal experience as a woman in business, the obstacles she has faced, the discrimination she has experienced, and the wealth of knowledge she's collected throughout her career and multicultural upbringing. She talks about how harmful unconscious bias can be, the importance of empathy, and how essential inclusion is in the workplace. This episode is truly eye opening and not one you want to miss!

Dec 27, 202446 min

Ep 66"I'm passionate about giving women their voice and power back" with Aileen Alexander

In today's episode we have Lifestyle physician Dr. Aileen Alexander. Her Business, Nourish Health and Wellbeing, is meant to help and optimize the health of working women. She targets specific issues that arise from the workplaces- like high blood pressure, self confidence etc. She sets out to empower women to look beyond the calories and take charge of their health. Today, she speaks about how she has embraced being an entrepreneur after a long period of impostor syndrome, learning what works to impact deliverables, and even some mistakes she's made along the way. She talks about her love of empowering women and the importance of having a support system that pushes you. Aileen finishes with some really big and exciting announcements that you won’t want to miss!

Dec 23, 202443 min

Ep 65“There are so many businesses that are thriving into something beautiful, imagine if that's you” with Nicole van Der Draaij

In today's episode, we have Nicole van Der Draaij. Nicole is the founder of Globemark, a business dedicated to helping other businesses increase their online presences through SEO optimization, and ECommerce strategy to increase digital sales. Her passion is helping business stand out among their competitors and get them to the top of google searches. Nicole grew up in a family of entrepreneurship so she's no stranger to starting her own business. Her adventurous spirit has led to her living all over the world. From starting her business in Argentina, to hiring her first freelancer in Indonesia, to now living in Scotland, the past 15 years have shaped Nicole's business journey. Today she has a team of over 12 freelancers and projects from all over the globe. On this episode of Scale Her Up, Nicole speaks about how to build networks no matter where you are, the importance of time Mangement, and the importance of saying no. 

Dec 9, 202442 min

Ep 64"But look how far you've come" with Angela De Souza

On today's podcast, we have Angela De Souza. She's CEO of The Women's Business Club, a networking program that is in over 90 countries. Even though the name may seem limiting, The Women’s Business Club is multifaceted, with Angela’s goal to do business networking different than the traditional way. Beyond the networking club they also do training workshops, conferences, magazines, and even their own podcast. Today, Angela speaks about what brought her to this stage. How her multicultural upbringing shaped her worldview, how going to university is not always the path you should take, and how her diverse working history still impacts the way she conducts business today. She gives her advice to women entrepreneurs and business owners by talking about the importance of financial literacy, sharing her experience with investors, borrowing, taking out loans and bootstrapping. Angela wants to uplift our viewers and teach them that no matter when you start, you can still become a success. 

Dec 6, 202445 min

Ep 63“Asking for help is a strength not a weakness” with Lynne Hamilton

After being made redundant at 48, Lynne Hamilton felt lost. She had been working in banking for over 30 years and in her own words was ‘institutionalised”. Suddenly, she didn’t know what to do next. She decided to undergo a complete career change, and started working for a startup. While working quite closely with the entrepreneur who created it, her entire way of thinking was widened, and she loved the environment created. She was then inspired to start her own business, Planet Tasteful that mirrored her passion- Shopping. An online boutique clothing and accessory store, Planet Tasteful is all about being tasteful, stylish, and affordable. Lynne identified her own issues with online shopping and set out to fix them. Now a thriving business that regularly sells out, in today's episode Lynne speaks about her journey to this point, the importance of acknowledging you need help, and the unexpected challenges that appeared when starting her own company. 

Dec 4, 202439 min

Ep 62“Yes I'm a mermaid and a fairy” with Zara Grant

In this episode, Brenda is joined by Zara Grant the multi award winning owner of Your Love Rara, a collection of businesses centered around promoting creativity in children. From being homeless in her teens to moving completely across the world, Zara believes in living a life with no regrets. When she started Your Love Rara Ltd it with 50 quid and a homemade costume, and she has now made it into a multifaceted company with over 20 employees. In today's podcast, Zara and Brenda speak about the challenges she has faced in running a business where people don’t take her seriously, the major impact COVID-19 had, and the importance of supporting small businesses in Aberdeen city center. Zara gets vulnerable and honest for our listeners and warns of the dangers of burnout and the importance of looking after yourself. It is an episode you won't want to miss! 

Dec 2, 202431 min

Ep 61"We can be competent but not confident" talking impostor syndrome with Nara Morrison

In today's episode Psychotherapist & Stress Management Coach, Nara Morrison joins Brenda Hector, to discuss impostor syndrome. From how to recognize it, to what may contribute it, and even some ways women and female entrepreneurs can combat it. Nara also speaks about what brought her into the psychology field, how she balances her personal life with her professional one and the advice she would give to her younger self. 

Nov 30, 202438 min

Ep 60"There’s lots of plus points about being in business with your husband." with Elaine Cooper-Willox

Born and bred in Aberdeen, Elaine is an expert is all things kitchen and remodeling. As an owner of John Willox Kitchen Design for over 10 years Elaine is well-versed and experienced in running a thriving business. In today episode, Elaine reflects on her journey to this point, the challenges COVID-19 brought to her business, and her advice to fellow business owners on how to shape their team ,and the key traits needed to create the perfect team. 

Nov 27, 202432 min

Ep 59Anything you do in business is a gamble, if you're not believing in your Plan A, should it really be your Plan A?

Rachel Mearns is the principal at the Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts. She has a passion for dance and drama and has turned it into a successful full-time business. At her school not only does she teach a variety of ages but a variety of styles and disciplines. In today’s episode she shares her entrepreneurial journey from a roadside lemonade stand, to Young Enterprise at school, to then graduating with a Law degree and now running a thriving academy with over 400 pupils. Rachel and Brenda also discuss the current challenges facing businesses in Aberdeen city centre, the many hats business owners wear, and the 24/7 lifestyle you have as a business owner. 

Nov 25, 202428 min

Ep 58"Always be a leader and never a follower” with Stephanie Mann

It’s time to lay down the law. Today's episode features Stephanie Mann, A partner at Laurie & CO solicitors LLP. She specialises in all things property and estate law, helping people of all different backgrounds across Scotland. As a partner of an all-female partner firm, Stephanie speaks about the challenges she faced as a young female starting out in a generationally male field. She’s experienced all types of firms (big and small) and has been working since her first traineeship. Brenda and Her speak about the worries of managing your own business, her advice to the younger generations, and how she builds her perfect team. 

Nov 22, 202439 min

Ep 57“You can’t have it all without some help and support ” with Rhian Morgan

Today’s podcast is all about the money- specifically what women can do to plan for their finances. When Rhian Morgan started at Accumen Financial Planning in 2006, it was because she loved meeting and speaking to people within the financial sector. Nearly 20 years later she has risen through the ranks from paraplanner to financial advisor and is now a director at the company. In this episode, Rhiann and Brenda speak about what makes you want to stay at the same company for so long, the challenges she's faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her roles in the company. 

Nov 20, 202434 min

Ep 56“You can’t deliver service excellence with a demotivated workforce” with Margaret Brown

For the past 30 years Margeret has built her company Margeret Brown consulting, a leadership coaching business, from the ground up. After dropping out of university Margaret didn’t let that set her back, and instead threw herself into the workforce with zeal, she shortly found herself in sales- where her strong leadership and customer feedback allowed her to rise above the rest. After joining the business gateway program in the 90s, she created numerous courses focusing on sales strategy, effective leadership and personal growth. The course became nationally recognised, and gave her opportunities to coach businesses internationally and work with the Chamber of Commerce. On today's podcast Brenda and Margaret talk about what business coaching really is, challenges misconceptions around it, and how leaders can unlock their own awareness and scale their business up to a new level.  

Nov 18, 202443 min

Ep 55“I am resilient but not infallible” with Sarah Smith

After 17 years working in the financial sector Sarah Smith was made redundant in 2019. While some may view this as a loss, Sarah saw this as a sign for her to finally pursue her passion. So, in January of that year, Sarah started Lightbulb.Coach. A coaching service set out to help shape the futures of young people in school and beyond. In today’s episode Sarah talks about her journey as a business owner, speaks about what coaching is and the power it can have, gives her advice to the parents of young people who may be struggling and shares what she would tell her 18-year-old self. 

Nov 14, 202440 min

Ep 57Overcoming gender barriers in the automotive industry

Elaine Arthur of QA Vehicle Solutions in a conversation with Brenda Hector  shares her experiences and insights on overcoming gender barriers in the automotive industry, creating a supportive work environment, and networking for business success. Elaine discussed her personal journey, the importance of treating staff like family, and emphasized the value of collaboration, networking, and learning from mistakes. The conversation highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the industry and the importance of building relationships and trust.

Aug 15, 202449 min

Ep 56Instilling an entrepreneurial mindset at a young age

Brenda Hector and Denise Pitot of The ActionCOACH Foundation discuss the importance of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in young people and nurturing their business ownership skills. They emphasize the need for access to childcare, funding, and visibility for female entrepreneurs, as well as the value of ActionCOACHes in helping owners become proficient at the operational aspect of their businesses. They also discuss the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in male-dominated environments and the importance of educating young people about entrepreneurship. The speakers emphasize the need for more women in business to encourage economic growth and add value to the UK economy, and highlight the potential benefits of involving schools and other institutions in entrepreneurship education programs.For more information or to support the Young Entrepreneur Smart Start program contact [email protected]

Aug 15, 202435 min

Ep 54Worry less and trust yourself, everything will work out with Maya Vertigans

"If this won't matter in 5 years, don't spend long on it now" great advice from the founder of Planner Bee VA Services Maya Vertigans always knew that her fate was to be a business owner so she started straight out of university. In this episode, she talks to Brenda Hector of ActionCOACH about her journey and shares the message she would give to her 18-year-old self "Worry less and trust yourself, everything will work out" 

Jul 12, 202426 min

Ep 53Keeping it in the family with The Property Girls

Caitlin Mackenzie and Jenny Soutar are serial entrepreneurs, sisters-in-law and 'The Property Girls'. Jenny describes herself as accidentally a business owner but as they tell their story it's clear that she has found her purpose. The Property Girls provide a comprehensive holiday let management service within 25 minutes of travel from Blairgowrie, the tourist heart of PerthshireIn this interview with Brenda Hector of ActionCOACH the girls share their philosophy for business and the advantages of partnering with a complementary personality style. 

Jul 12, 202433 min

Ep 52Using the soft approach to improve hard environments with Karin Ovari

Karin Ovari of Safety Collaborations explains how culture, communication and leadership can save money and lives in dangerous environments.

Jun 7, 202448 min

Ep 51There are only so many hours in a week. Scaling up with Ronnie Krupa

Ronnie Krupa is a tutor supporting pupils and students in various subjects through school, college and university. Realising that her time is finite, she has launched Walron Ltd, a tutoring agency to scale the service. Ronnie shares her learnings, challenges and goals for the future with Brenda Hector. 

Jun 7, 202430 min

Ep 50How to grow a tight-knit, high-performing team with Laura Mearns

Laura Mearns of Northwood North East chats with Brenda Hector about her journey as a business owner, growing her tight-knit high-performing team and the juggle of business and personal life. Her biggest tip for making it work...rest and recuperate when you need to. 

Jun 7, 202424 min

Ep 49How to balance self-employment and family life with Rachel Fyfe of Tartan Competitions

Rachel Fyfe of Tartan Competitions shares her entrepreneurship journey with Brenda Hector. Being self-employed has enabled Rachel and her husband to achieve a work-family-life balance.  

Jun 7, 202436 min

Ep 48Go be amazing you talented human! with Lorraine Malcolm of House of Hair Aberdeen

"Go be amazing you talented human!" is the mantra for success and personal growth at House of Hair in Aberdeen. Founder and Creative Director Lorraine Malcolm shares her story, her passion for making her customers feel good and her team feel empowered comes across loud and clear in this interview with Brenda Hector of ActionCOACH. Its not been a smooth journey but with the support of her network and loyal customers, some of whom have been with her for 20 years, and a lot of grit and determination has built a successful and award-winning salon. 

Mar 22, 202429 min

Ep 47The importance of supportive womens networks with Karen Smith of BWC Aberdeen

Karen Smith of BWC Aberdeen is in the spotlight with Brenda Hector. Karen shares her career journey from unqualified office junior to senior executive, director and shareholder, and solopreneur.  A skilled communicator, salesperson and coach, Karen shares her advice for creating a high-performing sales team. 'People buy from people' and the best salespeople are warm, honest, friendly and open.  Karen has recently launched the Aberdeen BWC (Business Women Connect) franchise and the response has been unprecedented demonstrating how important supportive networking groups like this are to the market https://www.bwcaberdeen.co.uk 

Mar 22, 202454 min

Ep 46Make Your Customers Your Biggest Supporters with Catherine Shearer

If you love cycling or mountain biking in some of the most remote and untouched wildernesses on the planet but, you're in need of an experienced guide, then Catherine Shearer, CEO at H+I Adventures can help you top that adventure!Now "15 years deep" into a prosperous business, she and her husband continue to craft life-affirming MTB and E-MTB adventures all around the world. If you're an entrepreneur looking for adventure this podcast episode is one you should not miss!

Feb 21, 202327 min

Ep 45Live For Today Plan For Tomorrow With Dineo Ledwaba-Chapman

Join me as I sit down with Dineo Ledwaba-Chapman. She is an advocate for women’s wealth and financial well-being. As a specialist financial planner, she helps professional and entrepreneurial women Live For Today and Plan For Tomorrow.

Feb 8, 202330 min

Ep 44Your business will only grow if you do with Gillian Fowler of Usana Mindset

Transformational life coach Gillian Fowler shares her inspiring story of overcoming serious injury and becoming a business owner. Find out about the collaboration between Gillian and Brenda, and join the 6-week Programme: HERE

Jan 11, 202331 min

Ep 43Discrimination in the workplace with Danae Shell

Today we have Danae Shell the Co-founder and CEO of Valla with us on Scale Her Up. Danae shares her business story and we talk about getting investors or grants for your business. She will also talk about discrimination in the workplace and what you should be doing as an employer, as well as what to do when looking for new people to join your business.Danae: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaeyshell/

Sep 23, 202242 min

Ep 42Helping your business with Maggie Gorman

This week I have Maggie Gorman the Business Support and Development Director at Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd with me on Scale Her Up. Maggie has an abundant history in business and is here to share her story. She shares some advice for starting and growing your business, tips to deal with a fluctuating economy and what you might do when selling your business.

Sep 9, 202245 min

Ep 41Supporting women in business with Andrew Wright

This week on Scale Her Up I have Andrew Wright, The CEO and co-founder of SmartPA. He talks about his story and Empowering women. In its time, SmartPA has provided free training to over 30,000 women that didn't have access to any. So come join us and see what you can do to help build up the numbers of women in business.

Aug 19, 202239 min

Ep 40Equality in the Workplace with Jago Brown

This week on Scale Her Up I have Jago Brown from Lead5050 and Equality Starts at Home with me on the podcast. Jago talks about his personal life, and what we can do to help bring about equality in the workplace. We will also talk about flexible working and how you can manage a busy schedule with your home life. Jago's links:https://www.lead5050.com/https://www.equalitystartsathome.com/https://www.thirdshift.co.uk/

Jul 15, 202235 min

Ep 39Work Life Balance in your business with Catherine, Laura and Catherine

This week on Scale Her Up we have 3 guests. Catherine McManus, Catherine Livingstone and Laura Smith from Wylie & Bisset LLP are with me to talk about their experiences as women in the workplace. As well as this we will also discuss work-life balance in your business, motherhood while working, and communicating with clients.

Jul 8, 20221h 6m

Ep 38Empowering women with Brad Walsh

This Week is a First for the Scale Her Up Podcast, we have a male guest! Brad Walsh Is the creator and host of the Empowerography Podcast. Empowerography is a platform that enables women to share their stories and successes with the world. So, this week Brad talks about his journey, his platform, and we discuss what we can all do to help women in and out of the business world.Brad's Podcast:https://empowerographypodcast.square.site/home

Jul 1, 202228 min

Ep 37Marketing yourself through videos with Diana Muzzall

This week I have Diana Muzzall from Jotolio Photography and Video Marketing Confidence. She talks about her experience of running her business for 22 years and what she has learnt along the way. She also shares some tips of what you can do to help you with making and marketing your videos, as well as some of the things you can expect to see when starting.Video Marketing Confidence: videomarketingconfidence.com

Jun 24, 202229 min

Ep 36Bridging the enterprise gap with Gillian Martin

This week I have Gillian Martin, an MSP for Aberdeenshire East in the SNP. She is the founder of the Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire branches of Women for Independence and is on the podcast today to talk about the enterprise gap in Scotland and the UK, her experience in running a business and what we can do to help bring change to the current gender gap in self-owned businesses.

Jun 17, 202242 min

Ep 35Crafting Culture for your business with Nicola Davidson

This week on the Scale Her Up podcast I have Nicola Davidson from Optimul and The Success Formula Academy. We talk about Creating a good work culture for your business and employees, dealing with burnout and about her newly launching Business The Success Formula Academy.

Jun 10, 202227 min

Ep 34Tackling Business as a team with Laura Friedl-Hirst

This week on Scale Her Up I have Laura Friedl-Hirst, Managing Director and Principal Consultant at LFH Regulatory Limited. We talk about her journey as a business-woman, the importance of her team to her business and some tips for people looking to start and grow their businesses.

May 20, 202236 min