Scale Her Up: Female business stories and expert tips for business growth and success – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Are you spending three hours a week on bookkeeping when you should be making sales? Dr. Brenda Hector is joined by Fiona Purves, owner of Defacto FD, to discuss why your business numbers are more than just a tax bill—they are the story of your success.

Fiona shares her transition from corporate industry to setting up a "pick and mix" finance department for small businesses. We dive into the importance of professional accreditation, why your bookkeeper might be feeling "professionally lonely," and how Fiona’s background as a yoga teacher brings a philosophy of "Karma Yoga" (selfless service) to her accounting practice.

Key Takeaways:

• The Defacto Model: Scaling your finance department up and down based on your current needs.
• The Novel in the Numbers: Learning to see the real story behind the profit and loss sheet.
• The Un-Photoshopped Version: Why your accountant is your most trusted, judgment-free sounding board.
• Dooking and Balance: Why wild dipping and walking are Fiona's "non-negotiables" for avoiding burnout.

Lisa Schoneville’s journey is a powerful case study in the difference between owning a job and owning a business. From counting out pennies to afford nappies to building two multi-staff companies that operate entirely without her, Lisa’s story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic systemisation.

What happens when your "flexible" business starts consuming 60 hours of your week? For serial entrepreneur Lisa Schoneville, it was the catalyst for a radical change in strategy. In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector talks with the founder of a thriving cleaning company and a specialised property management firm—both of which now operate with only 5% of her direct involvement.

Lisa shares her raw and inspiring journey, from leaving a secure bank management career to counting out £7 in copper jars just to buy nappies. We dive into the importance of "straight-talk" from your accountant, why she pays her staff above minimum wage, and the unique employee benefits (like 24/7 counselling) that have supercharged her team's loyalty.

Key Takeaways:

• The Entrepreneurial Shift: How to move from being a "busy fool" to building an income that doesn't rely on you.
• Staff as Assets: Why valuing staff with better pay and mental health support leads to higher retention and growth .
• The Power of "Yes": Jumping into opportunities (like serviced apartments) even when you don’t yet know the "how" .
• The Freedom of Choice: Why money isn't just about wealth—it's about the ability to choose how you spend your time .

In this episode of Scale Her Up, I’m joined by Donna Sutherland, founder and Head of Commercial at Veri Energy, Vice President of the Scottish Energy Forum, and a Visiting Professor at Strathclyde University.

Donna shares her remarkable career journey through the energy sector, from starting on the trading floor at Scottish and Southern Energy to leading major commercial and project work in oil and gas, and now helping shape the future of the energy transition through Veri Energy.

We talk about leadership, communication, energy policy, innovation, determination and the importance of protecting jobs, skills and communities as the energy system evolves.

This is a powerful conversation about ambition, problem-solving, backing yourself and using your voice to influence change at the highest levels.

• What Veri Energy does and why it was created
• How existing energy infrastructure and skills can support the energy transition
• Donna’s journey through utilities, oil and gas and into transition leadership
• Why communication is critical in complex, high-stakes sectors
• The challenge of influencing government and key stakeholders
• Donna’s passion for renewable power and synthetic fuels
• Why she believes Scotland should be at the forefront of energy innovation
• The importance of protecting jobs and communities during transition
• Women in the energy sector and the barriers they still face
• Why women need to stop waiting to be asked and start taking space
• ADHD, focus and using your brain as a strength in leadership

• Donna’s determination to keep progressing an idea even when funding was not initially available
• Her reflections on communication as one of the most important skills in business
• Her honesty about women having to work harder to be heard
• Why she believes Scotland needs engineering-led solutions, not just policy-led ones
• “We don’t need to be asked. We need to just take it.”
• “We need to get back to what we are bloody good at.”

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.