Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Built Not Born In Business Podcast

Heather Mills explains why she never worked for anyone again. This conversation explores the reality of business independence.In this unedited podcast interview, Helen & Chris sit down with Heather Mills to discuss the path to total professional autonomy. Rather than relying on extensive preparation, the host keeps the dialogue spontaneous to capture the raw, unfiltered side of business ownership. It is an honest look at the mindset required to step away from traditional employment and build a life on your own terms.Whether you are contemplating a career pivot or currently navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, this discussion provides a candid look at the trade-offs involved in self-employment. We break down the philosophy of building a sustainable career path and the importance of maintaining control over your own professional future.What is the biggest lesson you have learned from taking a risk in your career?About Heather Mills: entrepreneur, investor and campaigner. She runs VBites, holds the Guinness World Record for fastest speed skiing (LA2, female), and has campaigned against landmines for decades. Her latest venture is nobloat.com.Built Not Born in Business is the podcast where people who've built real businesses share what to copy and what to avoid. Hosted by Chris and Helen Butler. Filmed and produced by Two Krakens#HeatherMills #StartABusiness #RagsToRiches #Entrepreneur #builtnotborn

Should you start a business in 2026? After 12 years running businesses together, Chris and Helen give their honest answer, and it’s not the one Chris was giving until recently.

Costs are rising, taxes and minimum wage keep going up, and micro-businesses feel squeezed. At a recent London business event, two of the three audience questions were really the same one: when is the right time to start a business? This episode answers it.

Chris and Helen talk openly about why they deliberately scaled their team back, why they’re happier for it, and why so many business owners feel ashamed to admit they’ve done the same. They challenge the idea that success means a huge team and a multi-million-pound exit, and they lay out a simpler way to work out what your business actually needs to give you.

You’ll learn:

• Why there’s never a “right time” to start a business, and the better question to ask yourself
• Why turnover means almost nothing for most small businesses, and profit is what counts
• The simple monthly numbers check every owner should do, and why leaving it to quarter-end or year-end is too late
• How Chris and Helen run a quarterly “what can we live without?” cost review
• How to work out your own number: what you need to earn each year for the life you want, instead of betting everything on a sale
• Why scaling back can be the smartest move you make

If you’re thinking about starting a business, or you’re already running one and wondering what it’s all for, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/05AFjyKuRDHg7kYGozfvNP
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/built-not-born-in-business-podcast/id1707837047
🌐 Episodes and guest profiles: https://builtnotborninbusiness.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/built-not-born-in-business-podcast/
📸 Instagram: @built_not_born_in_business | TikTok: @built_not_born_podcast

Subscribe for honest conversations with people who’ve built real businesses: what to copy, and what to avoid.

Filmed and produced by Two Krakens: https://twokrakens.studio

#StartABusiness #SmallBusinessUK #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #BuiltNotBorn

Why Mike Soutar Walked Away From a Guaranteed £1M Bonus

The Apprentice interviewer Mike Soutar reveals why so many candidates fail Lord Sugar's interviews, and the business lessons behind 14 series in the interview room.

Before The Apprentice, Mike wrote horoscopes at 17, became editor of Smash Hits at 23, grew FHM from 35,000 to half a million copies in three years, and then walked away from a guaranteed £1 million bonus in New York. He went on to raise £4 million to launch Shortlist Media, built it to around 250 people and sold it eight years later.

In this episode of Built Not Born in Business, Mike shares what he has learned about leadership, investment and building a business that's ready to sell, including why he walked away from a guaranteed £1 million bonus to take a bigger leap.

You'll learn:

• What really happens in The Apprentice interview room, and the one question that makes candidates crack
• How he grew FHM from 35,000 to 500,000 copies
• The billionaire’s call that took him to New York to run Maxim
• Why he walked away from a guaranteed £1M bonus
• How to raise investment, and what changes when you have shareholders
• How to build a business that's ready for due diligence and an exit
• Why asking for help is the hardest thing in business
• Is AI making us stupid? A leader's view
• Strategy vs tactics: the two-page lesson that makes leadership easier

Mike's book, Next Gen CEO: 60 Lessons in Leadership for an Uncertain World, is for leaders facing AI, a new generation of workers and a changing world, and for the emerging leaders coming up behind them.

Get Next Gen CEO:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Next-Gen-CEO-Essential-Apprentice/dp/B0GJT3218K

Free workbooks and blueprints: https://builtnotborninbusiness.com/podcast/episodes/

Subscribe for weekly conversations with founders who've built it, not been born into it.

#TheApprentice #LordSugar #MikeSoutar #BusinessPodcast #Leadership

The AI bubble might be bigger than we think. We are looking at how current tech disruption could change your career trajectory.Everyone is riding the wave of the latest tech, but is it just another cycle? My father has watched industries shift for decades, and his take on this current trend is sobering. We discuss why people often assume they are immune to change, only to find their systems and roles completely overhauled.The reality of job displacement is rarely discussed until it is too late. We are not just talking about minor inconveniences, but the widespread restructuring of entire sectors. Understanding how the AI industry is actually impacting the workforce is essential for anyone trying to future-proof their business.Subscribe for our weekly business reality checks, and tell us in the comments - do you think your role is safe from automation?

Amelia Sordell built a £4M personal branding agency, then deliberately shut it down. She calls it building a prison, not a business.In this Built Not Born in Business episode, Ameli, personal branding consultant, bestselling author and keynote speaker with 250K+ LinkedIn followers shares the full story: from selling jeans on eBay at 13, to losing £120K of stock in her fashion brand, to launching Clout with £1,400 during COVID and scaling to £50K months, to walking away to build something aligned.She breaks down how to build a personal brand that actually makes money, why you must separate your personality from your content, her £79 course to £5.5K/day consulting funnel, and why her next mission is Mother, a media company for women, by women.Featuring: Amelia Sordell on failure, burnout, unscaling, female founders using their voice, AI for content, and why video-first wins in 2026.

Are you using youtube business strategies to scale? Learn why businesses on youtube are currently seeing massive potential for growth.
Many entrepreneurs are ignoring the platform, but this video breaks down why failing to adapt means missing out on significant opportunities. We examine the current landscape for companies and explain the clear advantages of establishing a presence now. If you are looking for actionable business advice on digital expansion, this overview highlights why the barrier to entry is lower than you think.
Achieving sustainable youtube growth requires understanding how to leverage video content effectively. This guide is designed for business owners who need to clarify their digital direction and stop leaving visibility on the table. We cover the core benefits of platform adoption and how to align your goals with current audience behaviours.
Subscribe for weekly business advice breakdowns, and let me know in the comments: what is the biggest challenge your company faces when creating video content?

Learn how Dominic McGregor built a social media agency from scratch. Discover the reality of business scaling and growth at age 19.
In this episode of Built Not Born, Chris and Helen sit down with Dominic McGregor to discuss his journey as the Social Chain founder. Dominic breaks down the practical steps he took to grow a startup into a company with 750 employees across the UK. This conversation is for anyone looking to understand the mechanics behind rapid business scaling and the challenges of managing a large workforce at a young age.
We explore the specific business growth strategy that allowed his agency to dominate the social media landscape. You will gain insight into the entrepreneurship advice that helped him navigate early-stage hurdles while maintaining company culture. By focusing on sustainable systems, Dominic explains how to avoid common pitfalls when starting a business and scaling operations effectively.
Subscribe for weekly entrepreneurship advice breakdowns, and let us know in the comments what aspect of business growth you want us to cover next.

Listen to the latest Built Not Born In Business podcast to see how Helen and Chris navigate their busy weekly schedule.In this episode, hosts Helen and Chris share a candid look at their work week, discussing why the days feel exceptionally long despite being only Tuesday. They keep the conversation grounded in business reality, touching on iconic brands like 7up and Coca-Cola to illustrate their points about corporate longevity and market presence.Whether you are an entrepreneur or just trying to manage a hectic workload, this podcast provides a relatable perspective on balancing productivity with the pressures of running a business. Join us as we break down the challenges of maintaining momentum in a fast-paced environment and discuss how to keep your focus sharp when the week feels like it is dragging on.Subscribe for weekly business insights and podcast breakdowns. Tell us in the comments: how do you keep your productivity high when your work week feels never-ending?

Join Mark Sweeny for essential serial entrepreneur tips on the Built Not Born in Business podcast. Learn how to scale your ventures effectively.#FounderDepression
In this episode, Chris and Helen sit down with guest Mark Sweeny to discuss his journey as a serial entrepreneur. This conversation is designed for business owners looking for practical entrepreneurship advice that they can apply to their own companies today. We cover the specific approaches Mark has used to build his businesses and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Throughout the discussion, Mark shares his perspective on the realities of running a business. By listening to this Mark Sweeny interview, you will gain a clearer understanding of the mindset required to navigate common obstacles. Whether you are just starting or managing a growing enterprise, these business growth strategies offer a helpful look at what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.
Subscribe for weekly business podcast insights, and let us know in the comments what specific entrepreneurship advice you want to hear more about.

Listen to this business podcast episode with Chris and Helen to learn how to navigate common obstacles and find success. Get practical insights on managing the daily realities of running a company.In this episode of Built Not Born in Business, hosts Chris and Helen sit down to discuss the real-world aspects of entrepreneurship. They break down the specific business challenges they have encountered and the strategies used to overcome them. This conversation is designed for founders and leaders who want an honest look at what it takes to sustain a company in a competitive market.Whether you are looking for fresh entrepreneurship tips or simply want to understand the path to long-term business success, this discussion provides a clear perspective on the journey. By examining both the wins and the hurdles, you will gain a better understanding of how to manage your own business growth effectively.Subscribe for weekly business podcast episodes that break down real-world strategies, and comment below with the biggest hurdle you are currently facing in your venture.

Every successful founder you look up to is faking it more than they'll admit and the woman who said it has built something most people can't explain.Frankie James is the co-founder of Ideas Fest: part business festival, part awards programme, part the kind of room where founders actually drop the act. In this episode she breaks down how it started, why it nearly didn't survive and what running it has taught her about the people who build real businesses.She came out of the pandemic doing what every event company did, webinars and white papers and hated every minute of it. So she walked away from the safe version and put on a live festival instead, with no guarantee anyone would turn up. They did. She talks through the moment she sat on a hill watching one car become ten become hundreds, in the pouring rain, not knowing whether the whole thing was about to collapse.There's a harder story underneath it. After the world went back to normal, almost her entire team left and the business nearly folded. Instead of hiding it, she picked up the phone to ten people more successful than her, then told the people who'd already bought tickets the honest truth about where things stood. What happened next is the part most founders get wrong.The thread running through all of it is people. How she landed serious speakers when nobody knew who she was. Why she thinks networking is the most underrated skill in business and costs you nothing. Why trust has no shortcut, no matter how many people try to sell you one. And why the most successful founders she meets are almost always the ones still fumbling their way through and admitting they don't have it figured out.If you're building something and quietly wondering whether everyone else knows something you don't, this one's for you. They don't. They're working it out as they go, same as you. The difference is whether you'll put yourself in the rooms where that becomes obvious.

Running two businesses at once sounds like the fastest route to burnout, but it's the single reason our income stopped swinging from feast to famine.

For years we lived the same cycle every business owner knows. One brilliant month, then a dead one. Work flooding in, then scrabbling around wondering where the next job was coming from. Everyone tells you to expect peaks and troughs, but nobody tells you what to actually do about them.

So in this episode it's just the two of us, no guest, talking honestly about why we run two businesses instead of one, and why it's worked for us when it would be wrong for plenty of other people. We get into how having a second business smooths out the slow months, because when one company is quiet the other tends to be busy, and how that steadies the money coming through the door instead of leaving you at the mercy of one revenue line.

We talk about the things people never factor in: how two closely linked businesses let you share a team, share machinery, and keep your staffing consistent across the year instead of frantically hiring and letting go around seasonal peaks. How one brand, one set of colours, and one ideal customer means you market both businesses at once instead of banging two separate drums. And how an existing customer base becomes a springboard the day you launch the second thing, you're not starting from zero, you're starting from "remember me?"

We're also honest about who should not do this. A second business is not a badge of effort, and running one is hard enough. We get into why you need doers on your team rather than plodders if you're going to juggle two, and why the personality of the founder matters as much as the numbers.

And we admit the bit no one says out loud, that even now, on a rough week, you still find yourself glancing at the job alerts. Running your own business is the hardest self-development there is. It can be lonely. But once you find the other people doing the same thing, it's the best work in the world.

Juliet Barratt co-founded Grenade and sold it to Mondelez, but the exit wasn't the win every founder thinks it is. This is the real story.

Most founders building toward an exit picture the same scene: the wire hits, the celebration starts, and life finally rewards the years of grind. Juliet Barratt lived that exact moment in 2021 and what actually happened bears almost no resemblance to the fantasy.

In this episode of Built Not Born in Business, Juliet sits down with Chris and Helen to tell the full Grenade story. From a failed teaching career and a chance meeting in a Birmingham bar, to building a sports nutrition brand around a plastic grenade-shaped container that no one knew where to put on a supermarket shelf. From driving a tank down Oxford Street as guerrilla marketing, to landing the protein bar product that turned a niche sports brand into a household name. From bootstrapping with no investment to taking on private equity in 2014, again in 2017, and finally selling to Mondelez in 2021.

But the moment the deal closed is where the story gets honest. Juliet describes the lawyer ringing her the Monday morning after the sale to ask whether the money had hit her bank and she hadn't even looked. The sale was never about the money. It was about handing over a business she'd lived, breathed, slept, and built her entire identity around for eleven years. The week leading up to completion was, in her words, horrendous. She compares the due diligence process to someone kicking holes in your baby. And the months afterward forced her to confront something no founder plans for: who you are when the thing you built isn't yours anymore.

This is a conversation every founder thinking about an exit needs to hear before they get there. Juliet covers what really matters when choosing investors, why she and her husband co-founded the business without it killing the marriage, why she now turns down most second-business opportunities, and what she wishes someone had told her about life after the sale.

It is honest, unfiltered, and the kind of founder story that gets sanitised everywhere else.

What happens when the hosts of Built Not Born in Business get put in the hot seat on their own show?

In this special episode, returning guests Andrew Hulbert (founder of Pareto) and Kim Antoniou (founder of Auris Tech and Fonetti) turn the tables on Chris and Helen, the married couple behind Two Krakens and Thread & Pixel.

Honest questions about how two people build two businesses, raise a family and somehow stay married through all of it.

Chris and Helen open up about how they met on a drunken night out in Birmingham, the leap from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship and the real reason they launched a video production company with Netflix-approved cameras. They talk about what frustrates them most in the film and workwear industries with the lack of trust, the "that'll do" mentality and businesses spending money on content that actively damages their brand.

But the conversation goes deeper than business. Helen shares the tension between entrepreneurial ambition and mum guilt, leaving work at 2:45 every day for the school run and the resentment that can quietly build when both partners are pulled in different directions. Chris talks about the loneliness of wanting to create something meaningful in film, a documentary built around history and hope and not yet knowing what that story looks like.

Andrew and Kim push them on what success really means, and the answer surprises even Chris and Helen. It's no longer about being the biggest. It's about being the best at what they do, protecting the life they've built and making film that makes people feel something.

If you've ever worked with your partner, juggled parenting with entrepreneurship, or wondered what goes on behind the cameras at a podcast studio, this is the episode.

What happens when someone spends fifteen years in live television, reporting on 9/11 as it unfolded, delivering the news of Princess Diana's death, navigating pressure cooker newsrooms at the BBC and ITV and then walks into the world of business?

Arti Halai didn't just change careers. She carried something with her that most entrepreneurs spend years trying to build: the ability to earn trust from total strangers in seconds.

In this episode of Built Not Born In Business Podcast, Chris and Helen sit down with the former BBC and ITV Central News presenter turned business communication expert, author and speaker who has co-founded and exited three companies.

Arti opens up about what really goes on behind the newsroom desk when devastating global events hit, why the most powerful communication tool isn't your words. It's your pause. And the childhood roots that quietly shape who we become as leaders.

From her unconventional CV that looked like a magazine to building a testimonial-led reputation in a crowded market, Arti shares her philosophy on trust, preparation and why reading children's storybooks out loud might be the single best thing you can do for your business presence.

Chris and Helen dig into their own experience of handling mistakes head-on, the underrated power of psychological safety in teams and why the word "entrepreneur" might be the most overused title in business today.

Arti delivers a masterclass in communication, presence and leadership that will challenge how you think about everything from team culture to public speaking.

This is a conversation packed with hard-won wisdom from someone who has delivered news to millions, built and exited businesses, studied happiness at Harvard and still believes the most important thing in business is deceptively simple: say what you mean and mean what you say.

Whether you run a team of two or two hundred, this episode will change how you communicate, how you lead and how you think about the trust your business is really built on.

Watch now. Subscribe to Mr & Mrs In Business so you never miss an episode.

In this episode of Built Not Born in Business, Chris and Helen reflect on one of their most powerful interviews yet with Stuart Trevor, founder of AllSaints, along with lessons from other successful founders they’ve spoken to on the podcast.

This is not just about one story. It is about the patterns that keep showing up across every successful entrepreneur they have interviewed.

From the reality of taking investment, to the pressure of growth, to the importance of staying true to yourself, this episode breaks down what actually matters when building a business.

They discuss the risks that come with outside investment, why funding is not always the answer and how many founders end up losing control of the very thing they built. They also share their own experiences building a business, including the highs, the quiet periods and the moments of doubt that no one talks about.

A key theme throughout the conversation is persistence. The idea that success is not one big moment, but the result of doing the right things over and over again, even when it feels like nothing is working.

This episode is for anyone building a business, feeling stuck, or questioning whether they are on the right path.

Watch now to hear the lessons that keep coming up from real founders who have been through it.

Subscribe for more honest conversations with business owners and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Built Not Born In Business, we sit down with Stuart Trevor, the founder of global fashion brand AllSaints to talk about what it really takes to build an iconic brand and why the fashion industry needs to change.

Stuart is responsible for creating one of the most recognisable fashion brands in the world. But after decades inside the industry, he’s now speaking openly about the uncomfortable truth behind how fashion operates.

From overproduction and waste to the broken economics of fast fashion, Stuart explains why the traditional clothing model simply isn’t sustainable and what needs to happen next.

We discuss:

• The real story behind founding AllSaints and building it into a global brand
• What Stuart learned working at Reiss for a decade
• Why the fashion industry produces far more clothing than people will ever buy
• The hidden waste problem behind modern fashion
• Why sustainability must now sit at the centre of every fashion business
• How Stuart Trevor Collection is trying to reshape the industry

This is an honest conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship and the responsibility that comes with building global brands.

If you’re an entrepreneur, founder or creative building something of your own, this episode offers a rare insight into the mindset of someone who has built one of the most recognisable fashion brands in the world.

Built Not Born In Business is a podcast that explores the real journeys behind successful businesses with honest conversations about what it takes to build something meaningful.

Because success isn’t born.
It’s built.

Running a business is often romanticised online, but the reality is very different.

In this episode of the Built Not Born in Business podcast, Chris and Helen reflect on the biggest lessons they have learned from interviewing successful founders, including entrepreneurs behind major brands, technology companies and high growth businesses.

They discuss the real challenges business owners face behind the scenes, why solving genuine problems is the foundation of successful companies, and how hiring people who are better than you can completely transform a business.

The conversation also explores the “two way door” decision framework used by companies like Amazon, the power of learning from people further ahead in their journey, and why podcasting may become one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses in the coming years.

If you run a business, want to start one, or are interested in how successful founders actually think, this episode shares honest insights that most people only learn the hard way.

In this episode:

• Why many businesses start backwards and how to fix it
• The real emotional reality of running a company
• Why successful founders hire people smarter than them
• What “standing on the shoulders of giants” really means
• The decision making framework that prevents costly mistakes
• Why podcasting could be a huge opportunity for businesses

Watch the full conversation and learn what building a real business actually looks like behind the scenes.

She shut down her business.

Lost a major client. Closed the office. Thought she was done with entrepreneurship.

Then one conversation changed everything.

In this episode, Kim Antoniou shares how personal tragedy, business collapse and relentless belief led her to build two mission-driven tech companies, including Fonetti, a platform transforming reading confidence for children across the UK.

We talk about:

- Losing everything and starting again

- Why most founders underestimate “how bloody hard it is”

- Building technology that didn’t exist yet

- Collecting voice data across the UK to train AI

- Landing Amazon partnerships

- Why autonomy is the most underrated skill in leadership

- And what it really feels like when children’s lives change because of your product

This is about  grit, instinct, trust and building something that genuinely changes lives.

If you’re building something meaningful, this conversation will stay with you.

In this reflection episode of Built Not Born In Business, we unpack the biggest lessons from our recent conversation with Andrew Hulbert and what they mean for founders building real businesses today.

This isn’t a surface-level recap. It’s an honest discussion about what actually stuck with us and what we’re implementing inside our own businesses.

We talk about:

• Why long-form video is one of the most underused growth tools in modern marketing

• How one podcast episode can fuel weeks of content, lead generation and brand authority

• Why hiring the person, not the CV, could completely change your culture

• The reality of equity, ownership and rewarding the people who help you scale

• What your “island” looks like after exit and why most founders never stop to think about it

• The uncomfortable truth about happiness, money, health and what success actually feels like

This episode is for business owners, founders and leaders who are building something meaningful and want to think more deeply about how and why they’re doing it.

Real reflection from two founders still in the game.

Because success isn’t born.
It’s built.

What does building a $100m+ business really teach you about people, leadership and success?

In this episode of Built Not Born In Business, we sit down with Andrew Hulbert, founder of Pareto FM, to talk honestly about what it takes to build, scale and eventually step away from a business without losing yourself along the way.

This conversation isn’t about growth hacks or surface-level culture talk.

Andrew shares how building a people-first business from day one shaped everything that followed. From hiring without traditional interviews, adapting roles around real lives, and rewarding behaviour that actually matters, to the uncomfortable lessons that only come from responsibility, pressure and making mistakes at scale.

We also talk openly about:

• What founders often get wrong about “company culture”
• Why treating people like humans is a competitive advantage
• The leadership lessons that only come from losing money and trust
• What happens emotionally after exiting a business
• Why success doesn’t feel the way most people think it will
• How family, time and perspective change once the business is no longer running you.

This is a grounded, honest conversation for business owners who care about how they build, not just what they build.

What does it really take to build a £100m+ business in the real world?

In this episode of Built Not Born In Business, we sit down with Tobias Allen to talk honestly about the lessons that shaped his journey, including what he learned from working with Alex Hormozi and Simon Squibb.

Tobias breaks down the realities of building a high-growth business. The pressure that comes with scale. The personal cost of ambition. The decisions that matter when the stakes are high. And how ideas popularised by Alex Hormozi and Simon Squibb translate into real-world execution, not just theory.

We explore:

• What building a £100m+ business actually demands

• Which Alex Hormozi principles work in practice and which only work if you are willing to do the hard work

• The mindset shifts required to scale without losing yourself

• The mistakes, pressure, and responsibility that rarely get talked about

• Why success is built over time, not born overnight

Built Not Born In Business is a podcast for business owners, founders, and people thinking about starting a business who want the full picture. The truth behind the results. The thinking behind the decisions. And the reality behind real business success.

This intro episode explains why Mr & Mrs In Business has evolved into Built Not Born In Business and what this new series is really about.

The original podcast started as honest conversations about life and business as a married couple. It was real, relatable, and helped a lot of people feel less alone in their journey.

But over time, the conversations changed.

The guests we were drawn to weren’t just talking about running businesses. They were talking about building them. The pressure. The responsibility. The mistakes. The personal cost. And the long, unglamorous road that rarely gets shared online.

Built Not Born In Business exists to tell those stories.

This podcast is about what actually goes into building something meaningful. Not the overnight wins. Not the polished success narratives. But the decisions, sacrifices, mindset shifts, and moments of doubt that shape real business owners over time.

In this short intro episode, we explain:

• Why the name had to change

• What Built Not Born In Business stands for

• Who this series is for

• And what you can expect from the conversations ahead

This series is for business owners, founders, and people thinking about starting a business who want a clearer, more honest picture of what success really involves.

Because real business success isn’t born.
It’s built.

In this festive 2025 edition of the Mr & Mrs in Business podcast, Chris and Helen sit down with Alicia, the newest team member at Two Krakens to share honest reflections on parenting, partnerships and the behind-the-scenes chaos of growing a business together.

This episode covers everything from filming confidence, client relationships and podcast nerves to hilarious Christmas traditions, parenting fails and what it’s really like juggling work, kids and ambition. You’ll hear about real-life challenges in business, personal growth and how Alicia made the brave leap back into the working world after prioritising her family.

If you’re a business owner or working parent, this episode is a warm reminder that nobody really has it all together and that’s okay. Pour a Baileys, enjoy the chaos and get ready to feel a little less alone in your business journey.

Two Krakens is growing and this episode shares why we’re so excited for 2026.

As 2025 draws to a close, Chris and Helen sit down to reflect on the biggest business lessons they’ve learned this year. From negative brand associations and content repurposing, to listening to your body and knowing when to ask for help.

This episode covers everything from scaling businesses and facing online trolls, to how your team culture can be transformed with small, thoughtful changes like early finishes on Fridays. It’s real, raw and honest, exactly what Mr & Mrs in Business is all about.

They also share the story behind their latest documentary project, explain how they're planning for a huge 2026 and why it's OK to close a business if you’ve taken all the learnings from it. There’s inspiration here for business owners of all sizes and a reminder that it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.

Whether you’re celebrating the wins or still pushing through, take a pause, reflect with us and head into the new year with purpose.

Marketing isn’t just ads, it’s every single interaction your business has. In this episode of the Mr & Mrs In Business podcast, Chris and Helen break down the truth behind effective marketing, why most businesses get it wrong and how real brand trust is built through consistency, personality and long-form content.

From bad habits on airplanes to bad habits on LinkedIn, this episode is part honest rant, part masterclass in what actually works when you’re trying to grow your business. They share how video and podcasting have powered the success of their own two brands, Thread A Pixel and Two Krakens, and why more businesses need to stop chasing likes and start building relationships.

They also dig into employee-generated content, brand consistency and the massive mistake many companies make by only posting from their business page. No matter your industry, this episode will show you how your team, your tone and your trust all shape your brand.

If you're tired of wasting time on content that doesn’t convert and you want to understand how to use your marketing to actually drive long-term business growth then this one’s for you.

In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen sit down with Laura and Kelly from Hayley Windows to talk about the real experience of being women running a business in the construction world, from generational ownership to managing customers, pricing challenges and staying grounded in a very flashy industry.

The conversation dives into what it’s like being women-led in a male-dominated sector, how roles evolve over time when working with your partner and why brand, service and trust still win in business today. Expect relatable stories, a bit of ranting and plenty of laughs.

They also explore how perception doesn’t always reflect reality, especially when people assume business owners are loaded, or that turnover equals profit. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood as a business owner or wanted insight into the reality behind running a trade-based company, this one is packed with gold.

Running a business with your partner or spouse isn’t all sunshine and roses and in this brutally honest episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen sit down with another husband-and-wife team to talk about what it's really like behind the scenes.

From balancing childcare and chasing payments to late-night arguments and learning to define your own roles, this episode covers the challenges most business couples face, but rarely talk about. If you're building a business with a family member, this one will hit home.

We also talk about building trust with customer,  and the hard truth about what happens when you try to be everything to everyone. Whether you're a startup founder, married entrepreneurs, or growing a team—there’s something in here for you.

Ideas Fest 2025 completely changed our perception of what a business festival can be. In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen reflect on their raw, honest and unexpected journey through the UK's most talked-about business festival.

From initial skepticism to genuine inspiration, they walk through how Ideas Fest 2025 helped them reconnect with their own entrepreneurial spark. Expect stories of uncomfortable networking moments, powerful talks from real founders and surprising lessons from million-pound business owners who kept it refreshingly honest.

This isn’t your usual highlights reel, it’s an unfiltered conversation about mindset, tenacity, self-belief and what it really means to step out of your comfort zone. If you're a small business owner thinking about attending Ideas Fest, or you're just feeling stuck and need a shot of inspiration, this episode is for you.

Talbots Law is a West Midlands success story and in this episode of the Mr & Mrs in Business Podcast, Chris and Helen sit down with the Callum Haynes Sales Director and Nicola Reeve Head of Franchising to explore how Talbots Law have grown into one of the region’s most trusted and recognised legal firms, without losing sight of their values.

They unpack the power of building relationships over transactions, the impact of becoming employee-owned and how Talbots Law has evolved to meet the needs of clients from every walk of life, from startups and salon owners to major corporate franchises.

The conversation dives deep into the firm's commitment to trust, brand integrity and community. From their sponsorships and partnerships to their bold marketing choices and client-first culture, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable business growth.

Whether you're a business owner looking to scale, build a stronger brand, or better serve your clients, the Talbots Law story offers lessons in leadership, authenticity, and resilience.

Stop chasing viral content and start focusing on what actually grows your business. In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen dive deep into the viral myth, explaining why obsessing over impressions and likes won’t bring in sales and what you should focus on instead.

They break down why creating content for your ideal customer profile (ICP) leads to more meaningful engagement, stronger leads and actual revenue, even if it only gets a fraction of the views. From fake gurus promising viral hacks to the dangers of copying your competitors, this episode is packed with real-world advice from business owners who’ve tested it all.

If you're a business owner trying to build trust, attract loyal clients and grow sustainably, this conversation will reshape how you think about video marketing and content strategy. Forget going viral. It’s time to go relevant.

Chris and Helen sit down with their business coach, Mike Allen from Stepstone Consulting, to dive into the realities of business coaching and why it's not what you think. After a year of working together, they discuss how the right coach can help you find clarity, regain your motivation and create a roadmap that actually works.

In this episode of the Mr & Mrs in Business Podcast, they explore the importance of starting with the end goal, why most business owners are their own harshest critics and how small changes can have a massive impact on your business. They also share real experiences, including team feedback exercises, setting boundaries with clients and how to balance life, marriage and business.

If you've ever doubted whether a business coach is worth it, or wondered how to make real progress without burning out, this episode is a must-watch.

In this unfiltered episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen throw out the rulebook and have a proper moan. From the rising cost of living and subscription overload to late parcels and the state of UK politics, nothing is off-limits. It’s honest, raw and absolutely needed.

The pressure of always “staying positive” as business owners can build up and today, they’re letting it all out. They talk about being taxed from every angle, the decline in customer service, how small business owners are under more pressure than ever and why SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy but still get treated like an afterthought.

With everything from school system gripes and environmental frustration to the ridiculous rise in household costs and business software subscriptions, this episode is like a group therapy session for anyone running a business in today’s climate. If you've ever felt like shouting “Is it just me?” this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business Podcast, Chris and Helen are joined by branding expert Craig for a conversation on what branding really means for small businesses and why most companies get it wrong.

They dig into the difference between a logo and a brand, the mistakes businesses make when cutting corners and the simple tools that can instantly improve your professional image. From dodgy Canva logos to missing vector files and Hotmail email addresses, this episode unpacks how the little things affect trust, credibility and customer loyalty.

The trio also cover how to use brand guidelines without killing creativity, why consistency matters more than flash and how even AI has a place (if you know how to use it wisely). There’s real-world advice for startups and growing businesses alike, especially those who think branding is just for “when we’re bigger.”

If you're serious about standing out in a saturated market, building trust and showing your customers you mean business, this episode is a must-watch.

Is growth always the goal? In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen dive into the idea of scale asking the question: is bigger better in business, or is there a smarter way to grow?

They share how their business has grown by 27% in the past year without adding a single new team member, proving that growth doesn’t always have to mean more people, more stress, or more hours. Instead, it’s been about refining systems, being laser-focused and making decisions based on what actually brings profit and joy.

Throughout the episode, they talk openly about the pressures of managing a larger team, the turning point that changed their growth strategy and why they’ve chosen to stay intentionally lean while still scaling both revenue and impact.

If you're a small business owner wondering whether to scale up or streamline, this honest and unscripted chat offers practical insights, lived experience and a few laughs along the way. Because sometimes the answer to is bigger better in business... is no.

In this episode of the Mr & Mrs In Business Podcast, Chris and Helen sit down with Marisa Firkins, founder of Safety Forward, a leading health and safety consultancy based in Staffordshire. Marisa brings over a decade of experience as a solo business owner, delivering expert health and safety advice to industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to retail and local authorities. This episode is packed with insights on navigating the challenges of H&S compliance while scaling a business.

Marisa opens up about her transition from law enforcement into the world of health and safety, sharing candid reflections on how her past shaped her passion for protecting people at work. She explains why simplifying health and safety is key for small and medium-sized businesses and how even solo business owners can build strong teams, effective systems and supportive networks.

The conversation dives into the realities of running a business alone, the mental and emotional toll it can take and the strategies Marisa uses to combat loneliness and burnout. From hybrid work arrangements to leveraging AI tools in H&S, Marisa shares forward-thinking ideas to help other business owners future-proof their companies.

As a bonus, the episode touches on the power of accents in the business world , including how Marisa, a proud Brummie like Chris, has learn't to embrace her accent and turn it into a connection point rather than a limitation. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a H&S manager, or just curious about how accents shape business interactions, this episode offers valuable lessons and plenty of laughs.

Chris and Helen from Mr and Mrs in Business share their top 10 business growth strategies that have transformed their companies from chaotic operations into efficient, scalable enterprises. This episode reveals practical time management tips and leadership strategies that busy entrepreneurs can implement immediately to drive meaningful business growth.

The couple discusses their proven goal setting framework that keeps them accountable while managing multiple successful businesses including Thread a Pixel and Two Krakens. They share how effective team accountability sessions every Wednesday have become the cornerstone of their business efficiency approach, allowing them to focus on growth activities rather than getting stuck in daily operations.

Key leadership tips include creating a culture where constructive feedback flows freely, implementing systems that separate growth activities from operational tasks and building trust with team members who can handle day-to-day responsibilities. The hosts reveal how they use specific business growth techniques like their two-criteria filter for new projects and their annual goal setting process that has consistently delivered results across their companies.

The discussion covers practical business efficiency methods including their weekly accountability meetings, the importance of leaving cash reserves for growth opportunities and why they're not afraid to fail fast and pivot when strategies aren't working. Chris and Helen also share personal insights about maintaining team morale, handling criticism as leaders and why traditional business plans don't work for their fast-moving companies.

This episode provides actionable time management and leadership advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses without sacrificing quality or burning out their teams. Perfect for business owners seeking proven strategies to improve efficiency while maintaining sustainable growth.

Chris and Helen from Mr and Mrs in Business are joined by HR expert Emma Cromarty from EC Human Resources for an in-depth discussion about navigating HR laws and hiring tips for small businesses. This episode provides essential guidance on how to hire employees while avoiding common legal pitfalls that could cost your business thousands.

Emma shares crucial insights about upcoming changes in HR laws, including the controversial day one rights legislation expected in October 2026. Business owners learn practical hiring tips that can protect them from expensive tribunal claims, with Emma explaining how the current two-year protection period for unfair dismissal claims will be eliminated. The conversation covers essential employment contracts, the importance of proper documentation, and why every business needs comprehensive HR policies regardless of size.

The discussion delves into how to hire employees effectively, emphasising the importance of thorough recruitment processes, proper onboarding, and regular performance reviews. Emma reveals why hiring friends and family can be particularly risky and shares real examples of businesses facing tribunal claims from relatives. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about HR laws that cost businesses money, including settlement agreements and harassment prevention requirements.

Listeners gain actionable hiring tips including the importance of detailed job descriptions, skills testing, and getting potential employees to spend time in the business before making final decisions. The conversation explores workplace culture changes, remote working challenges, and why proper HR documentation is more critical than ever. Emma introduces her HR Chest platform, designed to help small businesses stay compliant with employment law without breaking the bank.

This episode is essential listening for any business owner looking to understand current HR laws, implement effective hiring tips, and learn how to hire employees while minimising legal risks in an increasingly complex employment landscape.

In this episode of the Mr & Mrs in Business podcast, Chris and Helen dive into a hot topic for small business owners: is growth always the goal? Drawing from their own journey running two businesses, Thread A Pixel and Two Krakens they discuss whether a bigger team or higher turnover really equals success. With candid stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way, they share how finding the sweet spot in business size helped them create happier teams, better customer relationships, and more freedom.

They also reflect on the realities of managing staff, the pressures of scale, and why lean businesses can actually offer more flexibility and faster decision-making. If you’ve ever questioned whether to expand or stay small, this episode offers relatable insights, honest truths, and practical advice. Whether you’re a startup founder or an established business owner, this conversation is packed with value.

Plus, they reveal how business priorities have shifted post-COVID and how changing expectations around team culture, automation, and agility are reshaping the future of small business. With exciting updates on their podcast and content studio in the West Midlands, you’ll also get a glimpse into what’s next from Two Krakens and Thread A Pixel.

In this milestone episode of the Mr and Mrs in Business podcast, Chris and Helen take you behind the scenes of their brand-new podcast and content studio, built right here in the West Midlands and now available to hire. They reflect on their own podcasting journey, how it unexpectedly helped grow their business, and why launching a podcast is one of the smartest moves a business can make in 2025.

From building trust with customers to showcasing your expertise and generating content that lasts, this episode breaks down the real value a podcast brings to your marketing strategy. You’ll hear why podcasts help filter the right-fit customers, how they improve visibility, and why they’re a must-have if you're serious about standing out in a competitive market.

Whether you’re a marketing manager, business owner, or just curious about where to start, Chris and Helen share their honest experience setting up a studio that’s as welcoming as it is professional. No hard sell, just real advice from two business owners who know first-hand the power of podcasting. If you’re in the West Midlands and have been thinking about starting your own show, this episode is your sign.

In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen are back with a relaxed, unscripted chat from their usual podcast corner, sharing the kind of raw honesty that keeps listeners coming back. Helen's under the weather, but that doesn’t stop them from bringing warmth, humour, and plenty of real talk to the mic.

With the grand opening of their Two Krakens Podcast Studio just days away, the couple reflect on how far they’ve come in business and how perfectionism can sometimes be both a blessing and a curse. They also reveal how the new studio will soon be available for other businesses to hire for podcast and video content.

As a growing number of new listeners tune in, this episode takes a more personal turn. Chris and Helen pull questions from a mystery jar to reveal everything from why they started in business to how they navigate working together, arguments and all. It's a candid dive into their dynamic as business partners, parents, and a married couple.

They discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how their different strengths help balance the business, and how separating their roles has strengthened not only their company but also their relationship. There's laughter, honesty, and even the occasional loving dig as they share what really goes on behind the scenes.

This episode gives listeners a deeper glimpse into what makes them tick, both as individuals and as a couple building multiple businesses side by side. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like running a business with your partner, or just need a little reassurance that you’re not alone in the chaos, this one’s for you.

And yes, their next episode will be filmed in their brand-new studio space, which they can’t wait to show off. Until then, it's business as usual… with a few coughs, giggles, and plenty of truth.

In this powerful and emotional episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen dive into the extraordinary Netflix series Adolescence and unpack the artistry, storytelling, and emotional impact that has left audiences speechless. With their usual light-hearted approach, they reflect on the series' technical brilliance and the deeper social questions it raises.

The conversation quickly turns into an appreciation of Adolescence's raw, unfiltered intensity and how Stephen Graham's masterful performance elevated the series to something unforgettable. As business owners with a deep appreciation for storytelling and production, Chris and Helen also geek out over the show's cinematography, direction, and seamless single-take sequences.

From the ripple effect of teenage decisions to the under-discussed dangers of misinformation, they touch on important themes raised by Adolescence, including the realities of growing up in the digital age. The couple also explores how Netflix and Stephen Graham have created something that transcends entertainment, sparking national conversations on education, responsibility, and empathy.

With their signature honesty, Chris and Helen share how the series made them reflect on their own parenting and the kinds of open conversations they're trying to have with their son. They advocate for Adolescence to be shown in schools, not just for its entertainment value, but for its real-life relevance and educational potential.

This episode is a break from the usual business tips, but one that’s deeply personal and packed with valuable insight. It's a reminder that impactful content can change perspectives and start meaningful conversations, whether it's on Netflix or in everyday life.

Whether you're a fan of Stephen Graham, fascinated by the craft behind filmmaking, or curious about the cultural ripple effects of Adolescence, this episode offers something for everyone. And yes, Chris and Helen will be watching it again this weekend.

In this episode the pair have travelled to Morocco, Marrakesh for their next podcast. The different setting is starting to become a theme although both Chris & Helen are happy to get back into their own studio soon.

It's also their first holiday without their son so a very different experience, instead they're known as Chris & Helen instead of mom and dad.

Today they're talking about when is it the right time to take a break from work and how important it is to not feel bad for working all the time but to ensure you listen to your own body for when a break is needed.

Chris again talks about his frustrations with people selling courses online with them saying you can earn 10 figure monthly salaries working only a couple of hours a day.

They also explain what sweat equity is. Chris goes further to say for most businesses he doesn't believe you needs lots of money to get started, explaining they started a business with only £30 that turned over in its peak around £400k per year.

The pair also decided to mix in some of their footage from the holiday, with seeing how the locals live from pottery making, to drinking mint tea in the home of a village.

On this episode the pair are all out of sorts as they aren't in their usual comfy studio. Instead they're in a building site, well not literally.

Chris has been busy building a purpose built Podcast Studio that will be available to hire. And normally they do a live one take episode however as both are out of sorts, this is their third attempt.

With the new studio launching soon Chris & Helen thought it would be great to show you a behind the scenes view of the studio being built.

On the next episode the pair return to their normal format.

This weeks podcast starts a little differently as there is some tension between Chris & Helen. Chris calls it out and the pair start this weeks episode with let's say some disagreements.

They discuss what an Entrepreneur is, both the actual definition but also how the pair see this person differently.

They ask each other if they would start a business again knowing what they know now.

Chris gives a little insight into what it's actually like running a business, it isn't all a bed of roses as many people would have you believe.

Helen shares how she had to make a difficult call at the start of her business owner journey and how it's shaped her for dealing with similar situations.

In this weeks episode Chris finds his inner Victor Meldrew and complains about how he is still feeling ill after weeks and is totally fed up of this awful weather. And why is January the longest month of the year?

Helen talks about her passion for fashion and how women are subjected to negative comments about how they look and what they wear where as men seem to not to have these comments.

Helen goes on further to talk about how impactful what you wear actually is, not only does it change how people perceive you but also it can have an positive or negative impact on how you feel.

Why do we all use acronyms and how many of us just make them up on the spot? And is it okay to say to someone you don't know what that means?

Chris's quick tip of the day is to stand when making phone calls and he explains why and how it can help.

Helen's constant thread throughout is can I sing this section 🤣.

The pair are back with their first episode of 2025 in the same studio, discussing the same topics relating to business but a few pounds heavier after all the Christmas festivities.

In this episode Chris & Helen talk all about the importance of brand consistency, how you can achieve it and why if you haven't already need to make time to get this right before it's too late.

Chris talks about a current customer of Two Kraken's that is going through a re-brand at present and how the customer understands the true value of getting it right where so business owners unfortunately don't. Is that due to a lack of education on design agencies part?

The pair briefly touch on SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) and why it's important to have them, even when you only have 1 staff member as well urging all listeners to build at least a word document for a basic brand guidelines document to get them started.

Helen ends the show telling Chris that her mom listens to the podcast and says and quote "We waffle". How will Chris react?

The pair get all festive as Christmas draws closer and this being the last episode of 2024. Wearing their Christmas jumpers and Helen making the effort to put on Rudolf's antlers.

Talking about Christmas traditions, the things you only do or have at Christmas whilst Helen talks about how she punishes herself when she forgets to take a bag when shopping.

They talk about everything that has happened in 2024 and a new document they implemented to help them track changes and also help in reflecting on the year with all the amazing things they've achieved.

And last but not least, Chris & Helen thank all their amazing customers for their support yet again in 2024. Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

It's Chrismasssssss

This week the duo talk all about customer service and how important it is but so many companies get it so wrong as well as customer reviews.

They talk about how long it takes to edit the podcasts & Chris battles with his cushion and is convinced it's been changed.

We've all good service and bad, the pair discuss past experiences and how they have impacted purchasing decisions.

Chris asks Helen if during a buying decision if she likes being called Madam or is just old fashioned and not needed now?

Chris goes on to talk about his experience when working for Apple and how they prepare all their sales floor team before they can engage with customers.

Helen gives us some states including 93% of people say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.

This week Helen and Chris touch on mental health, but more specifically mental health for business owners. They discuss the limited support that seems to be available for business owners and mental health and that we all need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.

The podcast studio has moved finally from the garden office and is now at Thread A Pixel HQ with a dedicated podcast studio space as they now threaten to have guests on the show. And Helen is finally stating to keep her audio levels down as she is now conscious she is recording the podcasts at work.

Chris is suffering from the dreaded man flu, the worst kind as he goes on to tell us, and tells us briefly why podcasts are so important and how you can leverage them for great social media content.

And finally, the dog Bella is getting in on the action and trying to distract Chris & Helen. Will she ruin the podcast? Will she be allowed on the set again? You’ll have to find out.