Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Midlife Entrepreneur
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP59: Molly Mahon, Founder and Creative Director of Molly Mahon, the British luxury interior brand known for combining block printing techniques with contemporary design. | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:43:24 | |
Jo Glynn-Smith welcomes Molly Mahon, founder and creative director of British luxury interior brand Molly Mahon, which blends traditional Indian hand block printing with contemporary design. After working in events and taking time out to raise three children, Molly discovered block printing as a creative outlet at her kitchen table, began selling stationery and home items at the curated Hand Sale in Notting Hill, and gradually expanded into wallpaper and fabric, including a breakthrough showroom opportunity at Tissus D’Hélène. Research trips to India led her to Bagru near Jaipur and later to a Delhi-based studio with Rajasthan block carvers and water-based, air-dried printing, enabling greater scale. As the business grew, Molly was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy over about nine months while continuing to build the company, with her husband Rollo joining full-time to support operations. The brand, now 10 years old, is recognized by the Sunday Telegraph, is part of Walpole, and has collaborations including Boden and Estée Lauder, with Instagram playing a key role in visibility and opportunities. 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:30 Meet Molly Mahon 01:52 Cancer Diagnosis Shock 03:07 Treatment and Coping 03:47 Kitchen Table Beginnings 05:27 First Sales and Markets 06:35 From Shed to Showroom 09:29 India Inspiration Bagru 12:32 Scaling Production Delhi 15:26 Founder Skills and Learning 18:29 Team Size and Next Stage 22:28 Pinch Me Moments Collabs 24:52 Collabs Drive Growth 25:27 Boden Pattern Breakthrough 26:16 Instagram Control And Delegation 28:07 Founder Worries And Cashflow 29:25 Rollo Joins During Cancer 30:38 Working With Your Husband 32:33 Creativity As Therapy 32:57 Workshops And Full Circle Studio 34:20 Restoring Energy And Book Picks 35:18 Three Two Ones Reflections 38:59 Next Decade Vision 41:08 Positive Energy And Farewell
Visit https://mollymahon.com/ Follow on insta @mollymahonblockprinting Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP58: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Turn One Area of Expertise into Multiple Income Streams with Abbie Bennington, Wine Expert & Founder of Vintage People. | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:15:47 | |
This week Jo speaks with Abbie Bennington, a wine journalist, broadcaster, educator, and founder of Vintage People, about three ways to turn one area of expertise into multiple income streams. Abbie’s first advice is to hone in on what you’re genuinely good at and enjoy, sharing how she left BBC television news, retrained at Leiths, and discovered she excelled in wine exams. Second, she stresses building credibility over time through formal qualifications, including completing the WSET Diploma and training as a WSET certified educator, which strengthened her confidence and authority. Third, she recommends creating something you own, describing how she combined her wine expertise with her political journalism background to launch Vintage Politics, a non-combative podcast pairing conversations with “wines of their life,” and using it as the basis for growing a wider community and ecosystem.
00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:37 Finding Your Expertise 02:40 Career Leap of Faith 04:07 Credentials Build Trust 07:39 Own Your Platform 09:00 Vintage Politics Origin 12:20 Ecosystem Expansion Vision 13:19 Wine as Storytelling 14:55 Final Recap and Farewell Follow Vintage Politics @vintagepoliticspod Follow Abbie @abvtastings and @wineeducators Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP57: Katherine Swift, Founder of OMGTea, one of the first people to bring premium Japanese matcha into the UK market. | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:40:34 | |
Jo Glynn-Smith interviews Katherine Swift, founder of OMG Tea, an early importer of premium Japanese matcha to the UK. Katherine’s entrepreneurial drive began in Manchester watching her mother run a seamstress business, later working in events and at Breast Cancer Now on a multimillion-pound appeal, where she met Professor Michael Lisanti and discovered matcha’s potential. She launched OMG Tea from her Brighton kitchen table in 2014 and it has since become a leading UK premium matcha brand, certified B Corp and Soil Association organic, with Great Taste recognition and major stockists including Selfridges, Whole Foods, Holland & Barrett and Ocado. Katherine recounts a demanding 2018 Dragons’ Den experience, the emotional aftermath, and lessons in resilience and financial due diligence. She explains matcha production, quality consistency, and why premium matcha should be drunk straight, and discusses education, sustainability, logistics, subscriptions, and growth, including AIYA’s 2023 investment after a long-term partnership. 00:00 Show Welcome 00:30 Meet Katherine Swift 02:13 Dragon's Den Invite 03:39 Behind the Scenes Filming 05:30 In the Den Pressure 08:11 No Deal Fallout 12:52 Lessons and Resilience 14:41 Finding AIYA Partner 16:28 Matcha Explained 18:19 How to Drink Matcha 20:26 Matcha in Food Trends 22:01 Retail Growth and Stockists 22:40 Breaking Into Retail 23:06 Instagram Matcha Boom 24:44 Staying True Amid Competition 26:09 Premium Positioning Values 28:02 Dreaming of a Matcha Shop 29:00 Warehousing Logistics Stress 30:56 Sustainability Packaging Tradeoffs 32:24 Subscription Daily Ritual 33:01 321s Mindset Wins Future 38:01 Supplier Invests Big Win 39:57 Final Thanks Wrap Up https://omgteas.co.uk/ Follow on Insta @omgmatchatea Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP56: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Build a Business People Talk About with Olivia Falcon, Founder of The Editor's List, the UK's leading cosmetic concierge service. | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:15:34 | |
Jo interviews Olivia Falcon, beauty journalist and founder of The Editors’ List, a UK cosmetic concierge service that advises clients on trusted surgeons, doctors, and wellness practitioners. Olivia shares three ways to build a talked-about business: create experiences rather than transactions (including an annual London event offering mini treatments and face-to-face expert consults, grown from small garden gatherings over 10 years); don’t try to appeal to everyone, develop a clear point of view, say no often, and build trust through a focused niche; and give people stories they’ll tell their friends, prioritizing word of mouth and quality over quantity in a luxury, fee-for-time model with no kickbacks. She warns about wasting money on questionable growth services, discusses careful, responsible AI use with sensitive client data, notes recent growth driven by mainstreaming of cosmetic procedures, and emphasises avoiding burnout by taking breaks and asking for help. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:34 Advice One Create Experiences 02:30 Start Small Stay Patient 03:57 Advice Two Niche and Trust 06:45 Advice Three Word of Mouth 07:44 Luxury Model No Kickbacks 08:57 Trusted Guidance and AI 10:49 Recap Three Key Lessons 12:50 Turning Point and Growth 14:28 Burnout Kindness and Outro Follow on Instagram @theeditorslist
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP55: Marielle Wyse, Founder of Wyse London, the contemporary womenswear brand known for joyful, luxury, wardrobe essentials. | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:41:04 | |
This week Jo Glynn-Smith interviews Marielle Wyse, founder of Wyse London, launched in 2014 from five cashmere jumpers after a TV production career and a separation at 49 prompted her to rethink finances. With no formal training and a small loan from her father, she took her designs to a factory, sold £15,000 of stock at a June trade fair, repeated it in November, and saw sales grow from 15 to 75, later building a business now with six UK stores, 170,000 Instagram followers, and over £18 million turnover with no outside investment. Wyse says COVID drove major growth by dropping wholesale, selling direct via honest Instagram content, and navigating chaotic stock demands, growing fivefold from about £2M to £10M. She describes post-COVID pressures, losing money after hiring “experts,” opening her first store in Marylebone, focusing on customer experience for midlife women, prioritizing fitness, adding a CEO for structure, and shifting from pre-orders to holding more stock while emphasising kindness and team development. 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:30 Meet Marielle Wyse 01:54 From Mum to Founder 05:42 Leading Left Field 08:18 COVID Growth Surge 10:20 Chaos and Customer Connection 15:35 After the Boom Lessons 17:41 Opening Physical Stores 21:05 Design Structure and Teams 22:04 What She Loves Now 23:04 Just Do It Mindset 23:25 Founder Leadership Challenges 26:21 Building Trust and Safety 27:38 Surviving a Tough Market 29:36 Energy Fitness and Rest 31:43 Hiring a CEO for Structure 33:31 Three Two One Reflections 37:40 Kindness and Proud Wins 39:20 What Comes Next 40:28 Closing and Listener Call Follow on insta @wyselondon Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP54: Claire Burrows, Founder of Air & Grace, the footwear brand created around the idea that women shouldn't have to choose between style and comfort. | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:45:41 | |
This week Jo sits down with Claire Burrows, founder of London footwear brand Air & Grace, to discuss building a business in midlife by solving the style-versus-comfort problem. Claire shares how redundancy pushed her to launch in 2014 after 20+ years in buying, design, and product development, funding early work with her life savings, renting out her home, and borrowing money. She explains developing the patented Tender Loving Air technology with technologist Kevin Ban, including setbacks like rejecting the first production run, running out of money, and later winning a Metro Newspaper competition that enabled a pivot from a failed wholesale plan to direct-to-consumer via Shopify. Claire describes learning marketing, e-commerce, and cashflow management, using consumer events to drive early sales and feedback, and later refocusing online. Her advice highlights investing in legal support and knowledge, keeping teams lean, and trusting red flags earlier.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:47 Redundancy Sparks the Leap 02:39 Finding the Comfort Gap 04:25 Building the First Prototype Team 08:02 Naming Air and Grace 09:21 First Product and Early Setbacks 12:51 Tender Loving Air Tech 15:03 Funding and Cost Realities 16:38 Pivot to Direct to Consumer 19:24 Shopify Site and Winning Investment 21:04 Learning D2C Marketing and Finance 22:40 Money Mindset Shift 22:57 First Hire Milestone 23:22 Selling Comfort Online 23:42 Consumer Events Playbook 25:30 Trade Show Chaos Story 26:18 Online Focus Tipping Point 26:59 Back To In Person 27:40 New Product Evolution 28:22 Best Selling Flat 29:27 Color Range Strategy 30:12 Surviving Tough Markets 31:51 Streamlining For Growth 32:54 Team Culture Energy 33:33 Business Owner Surprises 34:40 Shoemaking Complexity 35:46 Three Two One Framework 36:06 Worth Every Penny 40:44 Team Size Regrets 42:25 Quit Earlier Lesson 44:07 Thanking The Technologist 45:02 Final Wrap And Goodbye Visit at https://airandgracelondon.com/ Follow on Instagram @airandgrace Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP53: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Innovate when Everyone is Copying You with Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore skincare, a US based longevity science company. | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:16:54 | |
This week Jo sits down with Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore, a US-based longevity science company, to share three ways to innovate when everyone else is copying you in a low-barrier, noisy market. First, Melisse advises pursuing technical innovation by identifying unmet, unknown, or evolving needs, and reframing familiar problems (such as “longevity” versus “anti-aging”) while staying open to new formats and delivery systems across categories, from GLP-1s and peptides to sleep and recovery tools. Second, she stresses being honest and authentic in a world where it’s hard to tell what’s real, arguing that trust and truth-telling drive meaningful innovation. Third, she recommends constant discovery—looking in unexpected places, staying curious, and using practices like affirmation—while remaining focused and credible, as Aramore does by targeting cellular health in skin through long-term science.
00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:34 Why Copycats Win 01:04 Unmet Needs Drive Innovation 01:27 New Longevity Mindset 03:46 Formats and Recovery Trends 04:56 Authenticity in Noisy Markets 07:24 Brave Truth Tellers 08:11 Discovery and Self Belief 12:02 Aramore Inside Out Skin 14:08 First to Market Focus 15:18 Science Led Differentiation 16:13 Wrap Up and Subscribe Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP52: Antonia Philp, Paediatric Nurse & Co-Founder of Nursem, the award-winning skincare brand created on a hospital ward. | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:46:58 | |
This week Jo speaks with Antonia Philips, a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Nursem, an award-winning handcare brand created to solve the cracked, bleeding hands caused by constant handwashing with harsh antiseptics. Antonia shares how she and her husband Jonny spent seven years researching and testing products (including Manuka honey) while raising three children and continuing her nursing career, eventually moving to flexible bank shifts after burnout. They discuss finding support through the Newcastle Science City incubator, standing out in a saturated skincare market, listening to customers via a 2,000-person testing panel requiring 90% approval, and scaling a small team as they aim to enter grocery. Antonia explains the Nursem Promise, donating a month of free handcare per product sold, with 700,000 promises delivered and a million targeted by 2027, and reflects on working with her husband, managing energy, and planning for an investor exit without losing purpose. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:50 Balancing Nursing and Business 04:15 Staying Connected to Nursing 07:31 Handwashing Damage Explained 09:01 Searching for a Real Solution 11:46 Building the Formula and Testing 14:57 Packaging and Early Feedback 16:13 Funding and Incubator Support 17:07 Launch and Giving Back 18:38 Burnout and Energy Management 23:36 Sleep and Support 24:13 Running as Therapy 24:24 Standing Out in Skincare 25:58 Customer Led Product Expansion 27:40 Working With Your Spouse 31:36 Team Growth and Grocery Plans 33:38 Exit Pressure and Purpose 39:59 Three Two One Reflections 45:45 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP51: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Avoid Burnout with Rosie Nixon, Coach, Founder & Best Selling Author. | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:15:26 | |
This week Jo speaks with Rosie Nixon, coach, founder of Rosie’s Reinvention Retreats and author of The PRO Method, about three ways to avoid burnout before it derails you and your business. Rosie explains burnout as a workplace-based syndrome where demand outstrips recovery, often showing up as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, overwhelm, low motivation and reduced creativity. Her three tips follow the PRO framework: first, Pause—calm the nervous system through micro-pauses like getting outside, breathwork (count four in, hold two, release six), or exercise, and take longer time away if needed. Second, Reflect—get curious about what’s happening, name emotions, clarify what matters now, and identify unmet needs and values. Third, Organise—map small, values-aligned steps forward, including letting go of responsibilities, work or relationships that no longer serve you.
00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:34 What Burnout Looks Like 02:11 PRO Method Overview 02:31 Pause to Reset 07:19 Reflect with Curiosity 09:36 Organise Next Steps 12:21 Reinvention Mindset 14:33 Book and Farewell Follow on Instagram @rosiejnixon Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP50: Vivien Wong, Co-Founder of Little Moons, the brand that's turned a niche product into a global obsession. | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:44:54 | |
This week Jo sits down with Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, to discuss how the brand introduced mochi ice cream to the UK in 2010, grew from restaurants into FMCG, and scaled after going viral on TikTok during the pandemic with user-generated “Tesco adventure” videos that drove immediate purchase. Vivien shares the operational strain of a sudden “hockey stick” demand surge—COVID hiring constraints, machinery limits, and supply shortages—plus lessons on maintaining quality, retailer relationships, and culture while expanding into more supermarkets and selling in over 38 countries. She explains how her father’s cancer diagnosis prompted her to leave a city finance career, why she self-funded through five years of restaurant sales, and how she and her brother managed a sibling partnership. Vivien reflects on burnout, the impact of private equity bringing in a CEO, investments in coaching/therapy/training, and announces Mini Moons launching exclusively in Sainsbury’s.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:43 TikTok Viral Breakthrough 03:47 Scaling in a Pandemic 06:56 Pivotal Leap from Corporate 09:08 Building with a Sibling 12:21 Perfecting Mochi from Scratch 14:39 Landing Yo Sushi Deal 16:42 From Restaurants to Retail 19:51 Hiring and Letting Go 22:30 Burnout and Better Boundaries 25:07 Learning to Slow Down 25:26 Working On Business 25:42 Flavor Trend Hunting 26:36 Stepping Back With CEO 27:43 Trusting Leadership Team 28:47 Favorite Flavors Origins 29:47 Three Two One Segment 30:45 Coach Versus Therapy 32:54 Dog As Investment 35:06 Working Mum Lessons 37:44 Hiring Mistakes Regrets 38:48 Questions For Dad 40:03 Thanking Key Advisor 42:00 Networking And AI Tools 43:14 Mini Moons Launch 44:22 Closing And Farewell Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP49: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Attract more Clients using TikTok with Kate Waterfall Hill, Leadership Coach, Author & Creator of 'Linda the bad manager'. | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:16:37 | |
This week Jo sits down with Kate Waterfall Hill, a leadership coach, author, podcaster and creator of 'Linda the Bad Manager', to share three ways to attract more clients using TikTok. First, Kate advises making TikToks and shifting mindset by recognising that business owners and decision-makers are on the platform, then creating content that educates, entertains and engages without feeling high-handed. Second, she recommends finding a repeatable format that fits your brand, testing different styles, and sticking with what works rather than constantly switching when early posts get little engagement. Third, she stresses that consistency beats perfection: record and edit on your phone, repurpose across platforms, batch record, and keep showing up, noting that in her first year 97% of revenue came from TikTok and that visibility matters more than going viral. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:34 Tip One Mindset Shift 01:41 Facing TikTok Fears 03:35 Linda Origin Story 05:05 Building Linda Universe 06:18 Tip Two Find Format 07:11 What Is Linda 08:40 Sticking With It 10:03 Tip Three Consistency 10:23 Repurpose and Batch 11:25 Results and Revenue 14:38 Final Recap and Close Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP48: Anna Richards, Founder and CEO of FrolicMe, the pioneering female-led ethical erotica platform created for women and couples. | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:56:42 | |
This week Jo sits down with Anna Richards, founder and CEO of FrolicMe, to discuss building a female-led ethical erotica platform in midlife and redefining how adult content can centre female pleasure, consent, and authentic connection. Anna shares how a lack of erotic content reflecting women’s desires led her to start a blog in 2013–14, then launch FrolicMe in 2015 with 20 self-produced films alongside stories and galleries, funded with limited resources and without investors. She explains how she learned production by finding mentors and industry contacts, kept teams small and collaborative, and built growth largely through SEO because advertising options were limited, reaching 1.6 million monthly visitors and breaking even around year three. Anna describes expanding into audio in 2019, banking a year of content post-COVID, navigating age verification requirements, and the challenges of social media bans.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:08 Why FrolicMe Began 04:50 Fear and Going Taboo 06:00 Testing the Idea With a Blog 07:23 What Women Want From Erotica 10:20 From Stories to Films 13:34 Breaking Into Production 18:00 First Shoots and Self Funding 22:23 Ethical Erotica and Consent 24:54 Growing With SEO 29:21 Competition and Cultural Pushback 30:50 Early Website Panic 32:04 Organic Growth Milestones 33:24 Breaking Even Without Investors 35:04 Production Costs Evolve 36:45 Location Shoots Aesthetic 37:46 COVID Audio Pivot 39:30 Fantasy Storytelling Details 41:38 Age Verification Challenges 46:13 Marketing and Social Media 48:15 Family Reactions and Normalizing 50:07 Founder 321 Takeaways 55:48 Final Thanks and Wrap
Visit at www.frolicme.com Follow @frolicme_anna or @frolicme_offical
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP47: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways for British Brands to Succeed in America with Thea Green MBE, Beauty Entrepreneur and Founder of Nails.INC | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:15:15 | |
This week Jo sits down with Thea Green MBE, founder of Nails INC. and Holler & Glow, to share three ways British brands can succeed in America. First, Thea says distribution is your best advert: focus on one key retail partner where you’ll get strong visibility, prove performance with clean data, and consider short-term exclusivity rather than spreading thinly across multiple retailers with poor shelf placement. Second, because it’s hard to outspend US corporates on advertising, she advises leaning into your USP and founder storytelling and using partnerships, collaborations, and retailer exclusives so bigger brands and retailers amplify your launch. Third, she recommends celebrating European heritage and quality—standards, ingredients, and manufacturing stories—to appeal to Americans’ perception of European-made products as premium and safer, while noting US retail buying cycles can be slower and require long lead times.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:39 Advice One Distribution First 02:37 Win One Retailer 04:34 Advice Two Outsmart Ad Budgets 05:39 Partnerships and Collaborations 06:53 Advice Three Sell Europe 09:35 US Market Watch Outs 11:56 Retail Timelines and Seasonality 13:51 Recap and Closing Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP46: Lucy Macnamara, Founder of Aspiga, the award-winning sustainable fashion brand celebrating 20 years in business. | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:47:07 | |
Building Aspiga: Sustainable Fashion, Slow Growth, and ADHD in Entrepreneurship This week Jo speaks with Lucy Macnamara, founder of Aspiga, an award-winning sustainable fashion brand built on ethical production and positive impact. Lucy shares how she started with 250 hand-beaded sandals from Kenya sold through friends while working full time, then left her charity role after gaining early wholesale traction. She explains Aspiga’s steady, long-term growth through wholesale, online and pop-ups, later moving operations to London and building teams, and how retail stores began unexpectedly during lockdown through low-risk landlord offers, eventually expanding to around 10 shops. Lucy discusses the realities of managing staff, cashflow, supplier problems, and crises, her ADHD diagnosis in her 50s and how openness helped the team adapt, and her focus now on creating a sustainable business that can rely less on her while maintaining long-standing investments in artisans and community projects in Kenya.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:42 Slow Growth Mindset 02:49 First Product and Early Sales 03:32 Leaving Charity to Go Full Time 05:10 Wholesale Growth and Cash Flow 05:56 Early Money Struggles 06:46 Midlife Advantage and Self Belief 08:53 Hiring and Building a Team 11:33 Managing Staff Expectations 14:27 Going Above and Beyond 15:47 From Pop Ups to Stores 18:29 Retail Expansion Challenges 20:11 ADHD Energy and Routines 21:52 Sleep and Night Worries 23:34 Entrepreneurship Ups and Downs 24:25 ADHD and Crisis Mode 25:18 Late Diagnosis Realizations 26:34 School Struggles and Self Doubt 28:38 Leading Teams with ADHD 32:13 Future Plans and Ownership 34:12 Funding and Industry Know How 36:40 Three Two One Advice 37:01 Sustainability Roots in Kenya 41:15 Money Mistakes and AI Checks 44:40 Mentors and Asking for Help 46:26 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP45: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Increase Engagement on Instagram with Milla Richardson, Instagram Expert and Founder of Pink Storm Social. | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:15:50 | |
15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Increase Engagement on Instagram with Milla Richardson This week Jo sits down with Milla Richardson, Instagram expert and founder of Pink Storm Social, to share three ways to increase engagement on Instagram, explaining that engagement now includes comments, saves, shares and DMs and directly impacts reach via the algorithm. First, Milla advises grabbing attention in the feed with strong visuals, curiosity-driving hooks/headlines, and faces or behind-the-scenes people content, noting Instagram is increasingly personality-driven. Second, she recommends starting more conversations by asking questions in captions, replying to Stories, using Story engagement stickers (polls, sliders, question boxes) with simple prompts, and using DMs to build relationships, even setting short daily engagement windows. Third, she encourages being more personable and relatable through storytelling, sharing experiences and business journeys without oversharing; Jo recaps and asks about planning, and Milla describes loosely rotating selling, connecting, relationship-building and useful content. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:39 Why Engagement Matters 01:58 Tip One Grab Attention 02:27 Hooks Visuals and Faces 05:51 Tip Two Start Conversations 07:27 Stories Stickers and DMs 09:30 Tip Three Be Personable 12:13 Storytelling Without Oversharing 12:55 Recap and Content Planning 15:19 Wrap Up and Subscribe
Follow Milla @pinkstormsocial Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP44: Maxine Laceby, Co-Founder of Absolute Collagen, from stay-at-home mum to creating one of the UK's fastest-growing direct-to-consumer businesses. | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:46:23 | |
Maxine Laceby: Starting Absolute Collagen at 50 and building a £30m DTC Brand This week Jo sits down with Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, to discuss how she built a pioneering liquid collagen, direct-to-consumer brand in midlife. After 25 years as a stay-at-home mum, turning 50 and studying fine art led Maxine to a self-identity project, “Dare to Go Bare,” and a wellbeing journey that began with homemade bone broth and evolved into discovering collagen. In 2017 she launched Absolute Collagen with her daughter Darcy, growing it from a kitchen-table idea into a £30m business, raising £15m investment, and earning major rankings and awards. Maxine credits transferable “mum skills” like emotional intelligence, intuition, and reading people, alongside a consumer-first mindset, strong team culture, hiring to offset weaknesses, and choosing aligned partners over money. She emphasizes authenticity, integrity, and scientifically proven claims in a “Wild West” supplement market. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:23 Motherhood Skills to Boardroom 03:06 Emotional Intelligence as Superpower 05:11 Designing for the Absoluter 08:01 Dare to Go Bare Origins 10:51 Finding Maxine Under the Masks 13:47 Kids Reactions and Leading by Example 15:39 Always a Problem Solver 17:51 Collagen Discovery with Darcy 19:13 Early Results and Hair Science 21:55 Mother Daughter Business Dynamic 23:28 Empowered Family Collaboration 26:08 Respect and Boundaries 27:07 Scaling With Great Hires 29:29 Authenticity Versus Celebrity 32:09 Brand Integrity and Science 33:58 Culture Fit and Team Freedom 34:53 Investment and Valuation Lessons 38:39 New CEO and Absoluter Mindset 40:44 Three Two One Advice 43:33 Thanking Brad and Closing Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP43: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Scale Your Productivity with AI with Georgie Barrat, AI Expert, Broadcaster, Founder & Creator of The AI Method. | 26 May 2026 | 00:16:14 | |
This week Jo sits down with AI expert, broadcaster, and AI Method founder Georgie Barrat to share three ways to scale productivity with AI. First, Georgie advises “onboarding” your AI like a new employee by creating an AI blueprint: a North Star vision document, ideal audience details, and “voice DNA” samples for emails, newsletters, and social posts, stored via tools like memory, projects, or custom GPTs to improve outputs and avoid confusion from overly long threads. Second, she recommends using voice input to reduce friction, brainstorm more naturally, and let AI consolidate ideas into well-formatted drafts you can refine. Third, she suggests building a simple toolkit by choosing one main AI tool and targeting repeat weekly workflows for small, high-impact time savings, while factchecking and ensuring the final work still sounds like you. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:59 Tip 1 AI Blueprint Onboarding 03:16 Where to Store Context 04:34 Avoid Long Threads 06:06 Tip 2 Talk to AI 07:57 Tip 3 Workflow Toolkit 10:36 Small Wins Over Hype 11:37 Recap and AI Sandwich 15:32 Closing and Subscribe Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP42: Kate Cotterill, CEO and Co-Founder of She Grows Veg, empowering more people to grow their own. | 19 May 2026 | 00:51:06 | |
From City Marketer to Heirloom Seed Disruptor: Kate Cotterill on Building She Grows Veg in Midlife Jo kicks off a new season by speaking with Kate Cotterill, CEO and co-founder of She Grows Veg, an heirloom seed company launched in November 2023 with Instagram grower Lucy Hutchings. Kate shares how a garden design course led to their partnership, how Lucy’s 120,000-strong following revealed pent-up UK demand for heirloom seeds, and how Kate left a 25-year marketing career to start the business at 46. They discuss what heirloom seeds are versus hybrids, She Grows Veg’s rapid growth from a £17,000 crowdfund to £1.4m turnover and a 30+ person team, two Chelsea Flower Show gold medals, and the challenges of funding, scaling operations, website crashes, and seed production lead times. Kate also describes their women-focused hiring model, AI-driven content and customer support, new veg-growing app, charity work, and advice to research then act.
00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:55 Why seeds 04:58 Market shift to growing 07:51 Heirloom seeds explained 10:46 Funding and crowdfunding 13:22 Product build and packaging 15:49 Chelsea spotlight and website crash 19:07 Scaling team and operations 22:13 Energy routines and tech 24:59 Co-founder roles and balance 25:28 Finding Your Yin Yang 25:59 Seed Hunting Secret Sauce 26:26 Funding the Fast Growth 28:44 Angel Investing Explained 30:17 Scaling Teams and Roles 31:14 Production and Stock Fears 32:54 Customer Support with AI 34:00 Family Support and Midlife Drive 36:33 Pinch Me Chelsea Moments 37:45 Digital Marketing Disruption 39:39 Next Phase and Veg App 41:04 Joy of Growing and Reviews 42:41 Advice to Just Go 44:23 321s People AI Premises 47:22 Do Differently and Thank You 50:35 Final Wrap and Goodbye Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP41: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Lead with more Purpose and Positive Impact with Mirry Christie, CEO and Founder of B.Able. | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:15:58 | |
Jo hosts the 15 Minute Masterclass and interviews Mirry Christie, CEO and founder of Be.Able, about three ways to lead with more purpose and positive impact. Mirry advises starting with the business by identifying priority social and environmental focus areas, engaging teams beyond the boardroom, and making practical improvements that add brand value, reduce waste, improve staff wellbeing and retention, and prepare for investors and future regulation. Second, she encourages action closer to home through conscious consumption, reusing, recycling, repairing, community support, and projects like selling clothes on Vinted and local initiatives such as Remnant Revolution. Third, she stresses talking honestly and transparently about impact to counter greenhushing/greenwashing, build communities of brands, and inspire others, noting resource use is at 1.8 Earths today and heading toward two by 2030. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:35 Purposeful Leadership Question 00:54 Start With Business Impact 02:11 Social and Environmental Priorities 03:43 Making Change Practical 06:20 Advice Two Home Habits 07:51 Community Projects and Brands 09:53 Advice Three Talk About It 11:08 Building Communities for Impact 12:51 Recap and Final Thoughts 15:30 Subscribe and Contact Connect with B.Able here: https://www.bable.world/ Follow on Instagram @bable.world Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP40: Zoe Levey, Editor and Founder of Wildflower Press, publisher of Wildflower Magazine. | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:45:14 | |
This week’s guest is Zoe Levey, founder of Wildflower Press and editor of Wildflower Magazine. With over two decades in senior commercial roles across major magazine titles, Zoe left Conde Nast in 2017 after her son’s SEN diagnosis to create more flexibility, moved to the Cotswolds, and launched an independent publishing business designed to feel special, seasonal, and collectible. Eight years on, Wildflower is distributed nationally in the UK and stocked by Waitrose, M&S and WH Smith, and has expanded into Wildflower Live events, the Little Green Book for independent businesses, and a Wine Club. Zoe explains her brand-led approach, self-funding and lean resourcing model, the skills she had to rebuild outside a large company (distribution, subscriptions, finance, digital), where AI may help efficiency, and the importance of boundaries, patience, and trusted people. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:55 Meet Zoe Levey 02:02 Why Start a Magazine 02:51 Designing Wildflower 04:57 Naming the Brand 06:45 Building the First Issues 08:48 Lean Team and Finances 09:52 Growth Pains and Skills 12:03 AI for Efficiency 14:36 Live Events Return 16:28 Seasonal Editorial Process 18:43 Weekly Rhythm and Balance 22:18 The Turning Point Story 23:31 Chasing Work Life Balance 24:07 Lists And Starting Projects 25:07 Eat The Frog First 25:47 Rest And Self Care Boundaries 27:04 Protecting Mornings And Breaks 28:46 Phones And Blurred Work Lines 30:33 Three Two One Framework 31:00 Worthwhile Investments 34:49 Career Skills And Confidence 36:29 Mistakes Hiring And Structure 39:35 Distribution Lessons And COVID 42:39 Thanking A Key Mentor 44:08 Final Wrap And Call To Action Find out more about Wildflower here: https://wildflowermagazine.co.uk/ Follow them on Instagram @wildflowermagazine Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP39: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Create Events with Impact with Camilla Newman Co-Founder of Baillie Newman | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:15:19 | |
In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass Jo Glynn-Smith chats to Camilla Newman, co-founder of Baillie Newman, who shares three ways to create events with impact that build memories and shift brand perception. First, she advises “engineer the feeling” by prioritising how guests feel from arrival, then choreographing the event’s cadence with connection points, surprise, momentum, and a strong finish rather than letting it fizzle out or over-focusing on VIP moments. Second, she highlights a 2026 trend: create participation, not spectators, using interactive experiences that build “body/muscle memory,” deepen connection, and strengthen brand loyalty. Third, she recommends not letting perfection ruin presence, switch from planner to host, stay calm if details or tech go wrong, and keep guests centre stage so the room’s energy reflects positively on the brand. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 01:12 Engineer the Feeling 02:37 Finish Strong and Flow 04:52 Participation Not Spectators 06:34 Why Body Memory Works 09:11 Perfection vs Presence 12:51 Recap and Sign Off 14:51 Subscribe and Contact You can find out more about Baillie Newman here: https://www.baillienewman.co.uk/ Or on Instagram @baillie_newman_events Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP38: Amanda Hall, Co-Founder of Beck & Hall, a company redefining luxury relocation. | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:51:39 | |
In this episode Jo chats to Amanda Hall, co-founder of Beck and Hall, a luxury relocation service that goes beyond removals to deliver fully installed, home-ready moves (layouts, installations, stocked cupboards, flowers) using trusted specialist partners, with recognition from media including Condé Nast Property, House & Garden, and Vogue. Amanda explains how the end of her 23-year marriage, financial insecurity, and moving from a renovated “forever home” into a rental pushed her to focus on creating calm through an expertly managed move, which later became the inspiration for her business which she launched with partner Louise Beck. She discusses transferable skills from years of renovation project management, challenges re-entering work, scaling via subcontract teams, pricing transparently by time, the value of therapy, relationships, and support from Louise, her children, and clients’ feedback. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:55 Meet Amanda Hall 02:18 Divorce and the Move 04:08 Making a Rental Home 05:40 Turning Skills Into Business 07:49 Job Hunt and Transferable Skills 11:46 Louise and Launching Beck and Hall 15:29 Money Pressure and Resilience 16:57 Early Clients and Proving Experience 23:14 Scaling and Service Breakdown 25:36 NDA Marketing and Starting Lean 26:56 Transparent Pricing Plan 28:02 Building a Discreet Team 29:43 Pride After Upheaval 31:22 Emotions of Moving 33:59 Bespoke Move Blueprint 34:34 Design and Sourcing Extras 36:02 Restoring Your Energy 38:34 Three Two One Ritual 38:53 Therapy and Relationships 44:34 Dogs and Acceptance 47:38 Solutions Mindset Lesson 50:15 Defining Success and Farewell You can find out more about Beck and Hall here: https://beckandhall.co.uk/ Or follow them on instagram here: @beckandhall.co.uk Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP37: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Maintain Brand Relevance with Rebecca Hopkins, Co-Founder of Balance Me | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:15:49 | |
Jo speaks with Rebecca Hopkins, co-founder of Balance Me, a B Corp certified skincare brand rooted in science and naturally active, clinically backed formulas. Marking 20 years in business, Hopkins shares three ways to maintain brand relevance: evolve brand expression without losing the brand’s core essence, amplifying what the brand can authentically and legitimately own (including clinical credibility and wellness roots); stay obsessively close to customers by gathering data and feedback through founder-led skin consultations, product testing with customers, WhatsApp groups, surveys, community days, ambassadors, and social media presence; and innovate intelligently by keeping up with scientific advances and ingredients while simplifying language and guidance so customers can trust the essentials without feeling overwhelmed. Jo recaps the three tips and closes with subscription and guest-nomination details. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:19 Meet Balance Me Founder 01:10 Tip One Brand Essence 01:17 Origins and Evolution 03:17 Modern Market Positioning 06:03 Tip Two Customer Closeness 07:45 Community and Feedback Loops 10:50 Tip Three Smart Innovation 11:52 Simplify the Science Story 13:37 Recap and Final Thoughts 15:21 Subscribe and Contact You explore all the wonderful products at Balance Me here: https://www.balanceme.com/ And follow them on instagram @balancemeskincare Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP36: Nadia Hussain, award-winning Hair and Beauty Stylist and Founder of Hair Loving, the British brand helping women manage hair loss through life’s hormonal transitions. | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:47:02 | |
Jo hosts The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast and interviews Nadia Hussein, a multi award-winning hair and makeup artist, educator, and founder of Hair Loving, a UK-made brand supporting women experiencing hair loss from menopause, postpartum changes, PCOS, cancer treatment, and hormonal shifts. Nadia shares being diagnosed with early menopause at 18 due to thalassemia-related iron overload damaging her pituitary gland, leading to severe symptoms, hair loss, and fertility challenges, and explains how treatment helped restore cycles. She describes transitioning from estate agency into beauty, building a training academy now teaching 500+ artists yearly, and creating her first hair oil from her mother’s formula, initially sold from her car before formal regulation, manufacturing, and testing. Launched officially in 2019/2020, Hair Loving grew via digital marketing, a constantly improved website, and platform-specific sales strategies, with goals to expand internationally and into more retailers, including Holland and Barrett. Discover all of Nadia's amazing products, here: https://www.hairloving.com/ Or follow Hair Loving on Instagram @hairlovingco_ Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP35: 15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to be Yourself as a Public Speaker with Caroline Goyder, Speaker Coach and Author of Gravitas. | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:16:03 | |
Jo interviews Caroline Goyder, speaker coach and author of Gravitas, about three ways to be yourself as a public speaker. Caroline explains that many people fear speaking due to past experiences of judgment and offers practical tools to feel safer and more authentic. First, shift focus from impressing to asking “How can I help?” by understanding what the audience needs and simplifying the message. Second, use the body to create calm and energy by moving, breathing, and getting present before speaking so the room feels less threatening. Third, use breath and pauses, voice is out-breath and pauses are in-breath, to slow rushing, reset the nervous system, and make speaking more conversational, supported by rehearsal, recording, or visualisation. 00:00 Welcome to the Masterclass 00:43 Why Speaking Feels Risky 02:09 Tip 1 Help the Audience 03:08 Audience First Preparation 05:43 Tip 2 Get in Your Body 07:03 Warm Up and Energy 09:51 Tip 3 Pause and Breathe 13:40 Practice to Beat Fear 14:51 Key Takeaways and Wrap You can discover more about Caroline and her work: https://carolinegoyder.com/ Or follow her on Instagram @carolinegoyder Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP34: Chloë Luxton, Founder and Creative Director of Bramley, a bath, body and wellbeing brand, inspired by the natural world. | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:45:38 | |
This episode features Chloe Luxton, founder and creative director of Bramley, a B Corp-certified bath, body and wellbeing brand known for its natural essential-oil blends and a sustainable ethos. Chloe shares her background from Paperchase to Cowshed at Soho House, and how Bramley began in 2009 when she couldn’t find a natural, soulful, beautiful bathroom product range for her husband Charlie’s country pub hotel, The Beckford Arms. She explains launching quickly with six core products, using industry relationships, growing through hospitality and word-of-mouth, building the business around raising three children, current operational challenges, and opening Bramley’s first shop in Bath. 00:00 Podcast Mission Intro 00:55 Meet Chloe Luxton 02:19 The Pub Bathroom Problem 04:06 Racing to Launch 06:55 Why It’s Called Bramley 08:37 From Side Project to Brand 10:33 Industry Edge and Slow Growth 12:27 Motherhood and Scaling Up 16:48 Team Culture and Hiring 19:37 Operational Challenges and Stock 21:06 Supplying The Pig Hotels 22:30 Perimenopause and 3AM Lists 24:58 Going High Street with a Shop 25:44 Bramley In One Place 26:02 Why Bath Makes Sense 26:30 Finding The Perfect Space 28:10 Learning Retail Fast 30:38 Designing A Store Experience 31:33 Balancing Family And Work 33:28 Creativity And Community 35:23 Three Two One Reflections 38:37 Lessons Learned And Thanks 44:07 Closing Thoughts And Farewell
Find Bramley here: https://www.bramleyproducts.co.uk/ And follow on Instagram @bramleyproducts Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP33: 15-Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Maximise your Sales Opportunities with Anna Youngson, Founder of Majury Merchandising. | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:15:28 | |
Jo is joined by Anna Youngson, a retail and merchandising expert and founder of Majury Merchandising, who helps fashion founders make smarter data-led decisions to grow profit. Anna shares three ways to maximise sales opportunities: (1) know your customer, using the fundamentals of the five rights of merchandising - right product, right price, right place, right quantity, and right time; (2) always ask why and quantify results so you can learn from what sells (or doesn’t), stay ahead of shifting trends, and test new options alongside bestsellers without overcommitting stock; and (3) prioritise profitability over sales growth by managing stock investment, improving cash flow, and finding cost levers such as supplier negotiation, reviewing free delivery thresholds, auditing Shopify app spend, and planning production and shipping to avoid costly air freight. Jo closes by directing listeners to follow and review the podcast, and invites midlife entrepreneurs to get in touch via enquiries@joglynnsmith.com.
00:00 Welcome to the 15 Minute Masterclass + Meet Anna Youngson 00:35 The Big Question: 3 Ways to Maximize Sales Opportunities 01:34 Tip #1: Know Your Customer (and the 5 Rights of Merchandising) 03:25 Tip #2: Always Ask Why, Learn From What Sold (and What Didn’t) 04:22 When to Move On From a Bestseller + How to Test Newness 06:57 How Anna Helps Founders: Mentoring vs. Done-For-You Merchandising 08:38 Tip #3: Profit Over Vanity Sales, Buy to a Plan & Control Stock 09:48 Hidden Profit Levers: Free Shipping Thresholds, App Costs, and Supplier Negotiation 11:35 Planning & Logistics: Critical Paths, Shipping Consolidation, and Scenario Planning 13:30 Recap of the 3 Tips + Final Takeaways and Sign-Off
Follow Anna on Instagram @majurymerchandising Or visit https://www.majurymerchandising.com/
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP32: Sophie Rowell, interior designer and Founder of Côte de Folk, the celebrated interior design studio known for creating homes with soul. | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:50:34 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast Jo chats to Sophie Rowell, interior designer and founder of Cote de Folk. Sophie shares her transition from a 24-year career in fashion styling and art direction to interiors after a difficult period that included her marriage breaking down, becoming a single mother, her best friend dying of cancer, and a health crisis that prompted her to rethink her life. After moving from Hackney to Folkstone and renovating a Georgian townhouse, she committed fully to a career change with a three-month deadline and landed her first interiors job three weeks before it ended, quickly gaining more work through referrals. Sophie discusses relying on self-trust, managing imposter syndrome with help from a business coach, and viewing success as a mix of opportunity, effort, and determination rather than luck. She explains her intuitive approach to colour and her focus on how spaces feel, not trends. Sophie talks about scaling the business, hiring staff including her right hand Sarah, bringing in a CFO for financial strategy, and expanding into furniture, fabric, and wallpaper. She also describes her preferred working environment (tidy and uncluttered), the importance of rest for creativity, her working culture mantra 'work hard, rest hard', and generous leave policies.
00:00 Welcome + the mission behind The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:54 Meet Sophie Rowell: from fashion stylist to interiors with soul 02:34 The breaking point: single motherhood, burnout, and a health scare 04:11 Leaping without training: the 3‑month deadline and going all in 06:56 First commissions to steady pipeline 08:54 Drive and the ‘why’ 11:45 Building confidence in a new career 13:04 The signature style: colour as a gift and reading a home’s energy 15:19 Collaboration with clients: trust, pivots, and letting the building lead 16:43 Scaling the studio: hiring, interns, CFO support, and product expansion 18:11 Design philosophy: simplicity, warmth, and how spaces make us feel 22:43 Founder realities: time, holidays, rest, and creating space for creativity 29:17 'Rest Hard': Building Recovery Into Creative Success 29:28 Designing a Rest-First Work Culture 30:33 Early Nights, Deep Sleep & Finding Your Rhythm 31:37 Kids, Co-Parenting & Looking Forward to More Time 33:29 Redefining Success 35:36 3-2-1s: Best Investments 39:43 Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work 43:04 What I’d Do Differently 47:07 One Person to Thank 50:07 Closing Thoughts Visit https://www.cotedefolk.com/ Shop https://www.cotedefolk.com/shop Follow @cotedefolk Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP31: 15-Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Build Loyalty, Community and Trust with Rachel Carvell-Spedding, CEO and Founder of Navygrey | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:17:02 | |
In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo interviews Rachel Carvell-Spedding, Founder and CEO of Navygrey, a B Corp certified clothing brand specialising in high-quality knitwear. Rachel shares three critical strategies for building brand loyalty, community, and trust: 'Tell the truth,' 'Make people feel something,' and 'Keep showing up.' She underscores the importance of radical transparency, emotional connection, and consistency in business. Rachel also discusses her experiences in running Navygrey, the challenges faced, and how these principles have guided her brand's success. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and personal anecdotes.
00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass 00:18 Meet Rachel Carvell-Spedding: Building Brand Loyalty 01:13 First Key to Success: Tell the Truth 06:34 Second Key to Success: Make People Feel Something 09:05 Third Key to Success: Show Up Consistently 14:30 Summary and Closing Remarks 16:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
You can follow Navygrey on Instagram @navygrey.co Or head to their website: https://navygrey.co/
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP30: Helen Hopkins (AKA the Mealtime Maverick), batch cooking specialist, meal-planning strategist, and women’s wellness expert. | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:52:22 | |
Join Jo on The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast as she converses with Helen Hopkins, also known as the Mealtime Maverick. Helen, a batch cooking specialist, wellness coach, and author with a massive online following, shares her entrepreneurial journey from going viral on Instagram in 2024 to publishing her first book, Mix and Match Batch. Helen discusses the pressures and rewards of her newfound fame, the impact of her personal struggles, and how she efficiently manages her thriving business with the help of her husband. Listen to Helen’s approach to balancing creativity with business strategy, and find out her top three investments, two regrets, and who she thanks for her success.
00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:54 Introducing Helen Hopkins: The Mealtime Maverick 02:04 Going Viral on Instagram: The Journey 03:15 The Challenges and Realities of Viral Fame 04:47 DM Automation: Managing the Influx 12:11 Balancing Personal Life and Business 16:03 Creating the Mix and Match Batch Cookbook 27:00 Balancing Family Meals 28:20 The Business Evolution 28:41 Membership and Income Streams 29:08 Affiliate Marketing Insights 30:10 The Role of Community 32:40 Working with a Partner 37:46 Future Aspirations 41:35 Reflecting on Success and Challenges 51:41 Closing Thoughts and Tips
You can follow Helen at: Instagram @mealtime.maverick Her new book ‘Mix and Match Batch’ is available to order on Amazon now. Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP29: 15-Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Elevate Your Networking Skills with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo is joined by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, for an insightful discussion on elevating networking skills. Helen breaks down the common misconceptions about networking and emphasizes the importance of shifting your mindset from 'networking' to 'connecting.' She shares practical tips including going in with an open mindset, being curious and asking open-ended questions, curating a meaningful network, and showing up consistently. Helen advocates for a generous approach to connecting people and stresses the long-term value of meaningful conversations over transactional meetings. Tune in for actionable advice on becoming a more effective and genuine networker. 00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass 00:43 Debunking Networking Myths 01:36 Mindset Shift: From Networking to Connecting 02:14 Practical Tips for Making Connections 06:46 Curating and Maintaining Your Network 14:34 The Importance of Showing Up 16:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 17:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Helen Brocklebank is the CEO of Walpole, the official sector body for the UK’s £81bn luxury sector. Their work promotes, protects and develops the business of British luxury. https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP28: Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, founder of The Women’s Chapter®, a purpose-led community championing the economic and personal growth of women in business. | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:51:58 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo introduces Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, the founder of the Women's Chapter, a community fostering the growth of women in business. Since 2014, the Women's Chapter has reached over 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, mentoring, and initiatives, becoming the first women's network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact. Michelle shares her journey from varied career roles to founding the Women's Chapter as a passion project driven by a need for meaningful business connections. Michelle also discusses the pivotal moments that led to the growth of the Women's Chapter, including personal challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasises the importance of building a community that promotes genuine collaboration over transactional networking. This insightful episode highlights Michelle's dedication to empowering women and fostering connections that drive positive change. The conversation also covers key aspects of managing and scaling a business, outsourcing, maintaining a work-life balance, and future goals focused on simplicity and core strengths. 00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:56 Introducing Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk 02:18 Michelle's Career Journey 03:52 The Birth of The Women's Chapter 06:23 Challenges and Inspirations 12:37 Building a Digital Home 15:26 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes 20:32 Expanding the Community 21:34 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics 25:45 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities 28:24 Balancing Ambition and Realism 29:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset 29:43 Building a Supportive Community 30:19 Diverse Inspirations and Success Stories 30:57 Aligning Passion with Purpose 31:23 Reinventing Career Paths 34:59 The Value of Midlife Experience 42:44 Future-Proofing Your Life and Business 45:56 Investments Worth Every Penny 48:45 Reflections and Gratitude 50:51 Looking Forward to 2026 Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP27: Jo shares some exciting news about the upcoming season! | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:03:58 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, the focus is on new plans for the upcoming year. Jo celebrates a successful first year of the podcast, expresses gratitude to listeners, and introduces exciting new features. These include the '15 Minute Masterclass' series, aiming to provide expert advice on various business topics. Jo emphasises the importance of building a community around the podcast and encourages listeners to follow and engage with the show. Additionally, Jo announces the launch of a dedicated Instagram account for 'The Midlife Entrepreneur.'
00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:47 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting 01:35 Introducing the 15-Minute Masterclass Series 02:07 Building Our Community 02:29 Follow Us and Stay Connected 02:58 Join Us on Instagram 03:29 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP26: Jo Glynn-Smith wraps up the season and hands the mic to Song and Issie! | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:23:16 | |
In this special end-of-season and year-end episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo reflects on her journey of nearly a year in podcasting, emphasising the key theme of resilience learned from her conversations with various entrepreneurs. Jo then passes the microphone to her summer interns, Song and Issie, who interview her about her career pivot at the age of 47, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned. Jo shares insights on the importance of resilience, listening to experienced individuals, stepping out of your comfort zone, and self-belief. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about career transitions, personal growth, and resilience. 00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast 00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Resilience 01:32 Exciting Changes and Interns 02:06 Song and Issie Take Over 02:23 Jo's Career Pivot at 47 03:37 Discovering Purpose and Coaching 06:35 Building a Business from Scratch 09:07 Navigating Ups and Downs 10:37 Transitioning Careers and Overcoming Fear 12:51 Embracing the Geek Within 13:14 Navigating Post-University Uncertainty 14:24 Creating Your Own Opportunities 15:38 Measuring Success as a Self-Employed Professional 17:04 Learning from Inspirational Women 18:30 Advice for Young Women Entering the Job Market 22:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP25: Katherine Elphick, marketing consultant, Shopify expert, and Founder of Elphick & Co, a boutique e-commerce agency helping women-led brands grow online. | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:47:47 | |
This week on The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo interviews Katherine Elphick, marketing consultant, web designer, and founder of Elphick & Co., a boutique Shopify agency. Katherine shares her unique journey transitioning from art history at Christie's to working with luxury brands like LVMH and Burberry, and eventually running her own successful e-commerce development business focused on helping women-led brands. She delves into her background, the evolution of her business, and the challenges she faces as a midlife entrepreneur. The conversation concludes with Katherine’s valuable insights on the significance of technology, the importance of bespoke service, and her transformative experience with coaching and consultancy. She wraps up by sharing her 3,2,1 list: three things she invested in that were worth every penny, two things she would do differently, and one person she wishes to thank. 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:27 Katherine Elphick's Journey: From Art History to E-commerce 01:29 The Importance of a Good Website for Business Success 02:36 Building Sheerluxe: Sponsored Content and Website Challenges 03:33 Katherine's Transition to Web Design 04:24 The Evolution of E-commerce and Web Design 13:54 The Role of AI in Web Development 21:00 Growing a Business and Overcoming Challenges 23:58 Future Vision: Growing and Selling the Business 25:08 Exploring Business Endpoints and Evolution 25:42 The Challenges of Service-Based Businesses 26:23 Naming and Branding Your Business 27:03 Building a Bespoke Service 28:00 Balancing Work and Family Life 29:14 Managing Overwhelm and Stress 32:40 Proactive Business Growth Strategies 35:51 Investing in People, Technology, and Coaching 40:59 Lessons Learned and Reflections 45:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP24: Emma Pratt, Founder of Elsie and Tom candles, a natural home fragrance and cosmetics brand. | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:49:00 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Emma Pratt, founder of Elsie and Tom Candles. Emma shares her inspiring journey from her career in legal marketing to overcoming a stroke at 42, which left her unable to walk, talk, or see properly. During her recovery, Emma rediscovered her creative passion, leading to the creation of her natural home fragrance and cosmetics brand. She talks about the challenges of balancing her new business venture with ongoing health issues, the importance of investing in one's past experiences, and her plans for scaling her business. Emma also highlights key investments, regrets, and people who have contributed to her path. The episode concludes with Emma's 3, 2, 1 list of invaluable investments, things she wishes she had done differently, and a person who significantly helped her on her journey. 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:24 Emma Pratt's Journey: From Marketing to Stroke Recovery 00:33 The Stroke: A Life-Changing Event 00:46 Recovery and Rediscovery of Creativity 00:56 The Birth of Elsie and Tom Candles 01:24 Emma's Life Before and After the Stroke 01:47 The Stroke Experience: Symptoms and Immediate Aftermath 05:01 Diagnosis and Early Recovery 06:29 Living with Stroke Fatigue and Rehabilitation 08:42 The Emotional and Mental Struggles of Recovery 10:26 Starting a New Business: Challenges and Triumphs 14:27 The Unexpected Success of Elsie and Tom Candles 17:58 Scaling Up: Opportunities and Challenges 23:27 The Importance of Natural Fragrances and Compliance 25:05 Regulatory Challenges in Cosmetics 25:31 The Importance of Knowledge in Perfumery 26:13 Personal Challenges and Memory Issues 27:05 Scaling Up and Building a Team 28:53 The Mission and Vision for the Business 29:48 Exploring Natural and Synthetic Ingredients 31:13 The Soap Making Process 35:32 Investing in Yourself and Your Ideas 37:01 Overcoming Personal and Professional Obstacles 45:23 The Importance of Support and Collaboration 48:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP23: Sophie Fawcett, Brand Strategist, Cancer Survivor, and Founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel. | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:50:25 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo welcomes Sophie Fawcett, a brand strategist, cancer survivor, and the founder of TONIC, pioneering medical apparel. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from shaping major UK fashion brands, to founding TONIC after experiencing the inadequacies of traditional hospital wear through her own shoulder surgery. With sustainability and thoughtful design at its core, TONIC aims to provide dignity and empathy to patients during their most vulnerable times. Sophie discusses how her personal battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma solidified her mission, transforming her from a founder into a user of her own innovative garments in chemotherapy wards. Listen as she delves into the creation process, the challenges faced, and her future aspirations for TONIC, truly making health and recovery more humane through stylish, functional medical wear.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:15 Meet Sophie Fawcett: Brand Strategist and Cancer Survivor 00:37 The Birth of TONIC: Redefining Patient Wear 01:05 Sophie’s Personal Journey with Cancer 01:24 The Emotional Impact of TONIC’s Mission 01:38 Welcome Sophie to the Podcast 01:50 Sophie’s Journey Through Chemotherapy 02:40 The Inspiration Behind TONIC 04:30 Challenges with Traditional Medical Apparel 05:23 The Development of TONIC’s Product Line 05:46 The Importance of Dignity in Patient Care 06:32 TONIC’s Unique Approach to Medical Apparel 08:54 The Role of Design in Medical Apparel 13:24 Building the Business: From Idea to Reality 19:37 The Investment Journey and Future Plans 25:08 Passion for the Business 26:04 Challenges of Running a Business 26:54 Innovative Medical Solutions 29:07 Patient Experience and Research 32:34 Marketing and Sales Strategies 34:57 Reflections and Future Goals 39:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 46:37 Gratitude and Support 48:19 Conclusion and Farewell Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP22: Carol Lovell, Adventurer and Founder of Stow London, the luxury handbag and accessories brand. | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:50:02 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo talks to Carol Lovell, the adventurous founder of Stow London, a luxury handbag and accessories brand known for its British design and Spanish craftsmanship. Carol shares her inspiring journey from launching Stow in 2013, navigating the rapid growth, handling personal and business challenges, to making the bold decision to step back in 2022 due to health concerns. She discusses how she sold the business to her manufacturing partner Adam but remains involved as a partner and strategist. The episode touches on the relief and challenges that came with stepping back, managing decisions made by others, and finding a better life balance. Carol also discusses the strategic partnership with Tanner Leatherstein, a TikTok sensation and now Director of Craftsmanship at Stow. The conversation delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it pressured her to re-evaluate her priorities. Carol concludes with reflections on maintaining excitement in her role and embracing new adventures. The episode wraps up with Carol’s list of three investments worth every penny, two things she wishes she had done differently, and one person she’d like to thank.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:15 Meet Carol Lovell: Founder of Stow London 00:33 The Journey of Stow London 01:02 Challenges and Triumphs 01:39 Selling the Business and Stepping Back 02:57 Adjusting to a New Role 05:22 Health and Well-being 07:15 The Decision to Sell or Close 07:57 A New Beginning with Adam 09:27 Tanner Leatherstein's Influence 14:19 The Early Days of Stow 17:11 Building the Business 25:38 The Meghan Markle Effect 28:15 Growth and Publicity Milestones 28:52 Entering Harrods: A Dream Come True 29:51 Impact of COVID-19 on Business 31:07 Navigating the Pandemic Challenges 32:01 Reflecting on Personal and Business Health 38:24 Transition to a Balanced Life 40:37 Key Investments and Lessons Learned 47:07 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP21: Louise Webster, Communications Specialist and Founder of Beyond the School Run, the platform connecting mothers to their skills and talents. | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:40:31 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Louise Webster, a communication specialist and founder of Beyond the School Run, an award-winning platform dedicated to empowering mothers by utilising their skills and talents. Louise shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with major brands to addressing the barriers mothers face in the workforce. She details the evolution of Beyond the School Run, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn about her journey, her advice for balancing motherhood and career, and her vision for creating inclusive workplaces through We are Beyond Global consultancy. The episode concludes with Louise's '3, 2, 1' list: three valuable investments, two things she wishes she could have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank. 00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:27 Meet Louise Webster: From PR to Empowering Mothers 00:49 The Birth of Beyond the School Run 01:32 Challenges and Realizations 02:39 Building a Purpose-Driven Platform 03:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery 04:24 The Role of Parenting in Personal Growth 06:03 Expanding Beyond the School Run 08:12 Navigating Career Transitions and Societal Expectations 13:29 Monetizing the Mission 21:49 Reshaping the Platform and VC Journey 22:07 Building the MVP Model 22:22 Combining Work and Personal Growth 23:11 Purpose-Driven Business Insights 24:48 Launching Community Events 26:16 Developing the B2B Platform 28:50 Final Reflections and Advice Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP20: Hansine Johnston, Founder and Creative Director of Hansine, a modern bohemian resort wear brand worn by Kate Moss. | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:46:28 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo interviews Hansine Johnston, the founder and creative director of Hansine, a resort wear brand known for its sophisticated silhouettes and modern bohemian aesthetic. Hansine shares insights into her multicultural upbringing, her pivot from a career in fashion sales with Valentino and Armani to launching her brand at 45. She discusses how a chance encounter with Kate Moss boosted her brand's profile, the importance of timelessness and sustainability in her designs, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business. The episode concludes with a special segment where Hansine lists three worthwhile investments, two things she would do differently, and someone she'd like to thank for their support. 00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:15 Meet Hansine Johnston: Founder of Hansine Resort Wear 00:35 The Journey from Fashion Sales to Radio Show Host 00:46 Launching Hansine: A Brand Inspired by Global Adventures 01:51 Celebrity Endorsements and Organic Growth 04:41 Design Philosophy: Timelessness and Wearability 08:00 The Pivot to Creating a Fashion Brand 12:09 Building a Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brand 20:19 Navigating Challenges and Customer Feedback 25:49 Passion for the Brand 26:15 Challenges in Administration and Production 27:19 Wholesale and Resort Market 28:36 Team Dynamics and Lean Operations 29:40 Navigating the Fashion Industry 31:18 Customer Stories and Brand Loyalty 32:25 Future Plans: Swimwear and Accessories 34:19 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 34:54 Top Investments and Lessons Learned 43:51 Gratitude and Final Thoughts Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP19: Joanna Jensen, author, investor and Founder of Child's Farm, the natural, sustainable skincare brand for children. | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:48:01 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo invites Joanna Jensen, founder of Child's Farm, to share her inspiring journey of building and selling an award-winning children's skincare brand. Joanna discusses the emotional highs and lows of selling her business, navigating investment challenges, and the critical importance of resilience. She also introduces her book, 'Making Business Child's Play,' offering practical advice on building a brand from scratch. Additionally, Joanna shares her '3, 2, 1' list: three worth-every-penny investments, two things she might have done differently, and one person she'd like to thank. Don't miss this insightful conversation full of valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:15 Introducing Joanna Jensen: Entrepreneurial Journey 00:35 Building Child's Farm: From Kitchen Table to Supermarket Shelves 00:55 Life After Selling Child's Farm 01:53 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling a Business 05:00 The Importance of Choosing the Right Investors 06:05 Securing Investment: Trials and Triumphs 12:35 The Role of Relationships in Business Success 15:45 Managing Emotions and Resilience in Entrepreneurship 22:01 Parenting and Life Lessons 24:48 Building Resilience in Children 25:49 Processing Emotions and Taking Action 26:16 Challenges of Running a Business 27:59 Introduction to Joanna's Book 28:28 Writing and Illustrating the Book 29:44 Key Insights for Entrepreneurs 35:06 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge 40:33 Joanna's Personal Investments and Regrets 44:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP18: Jo Glynn-Smith wraps up Season 2 with some valuable lessons learned from her guests. | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:11:25 | |
Embracing Flexibility as a Midlife Entrepreneur Join Jo on the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast's season two finale as she reflects on valuable lessons learned about flexibility. Listen to conversations with inspiring business founders like Clare from Mini Mozart, Florence from Bellevue Law, Priya from Nudea, Julia Collins, and Lucy Yeomans of Drest, emphasising the importance of adaptability in their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in midlife, the role of mindset shifts, and how being open to change can significantly benefit your business. Plus, find out who Jo would like to thank, the top three investments worth every penny, and two things she wishes she had done differently. 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:34 The Importance of Flexibility in Business 01:37 Real-Life Examples of Flexibility 03:42 Mindset and Adaptability 04:40 Challenges and Changes in the Business World 08:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections 10:05 Season Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP17: Clare Shaw, musician and Founder of Mini Mozart, a music education company offering live classical music classes for babies and toddlers. | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:56:17 | |
In this penultimate episode of season 2 of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo is joined by Clare Shaw, founder of Mini Mozart, a London-based music education company specialising in live classical music classes for babies and toddlers. Established in 2005, Mini Mozart offers interactive sessions led by professional musicians, combining live performances, storytelling, and sensory activities to foster early cognitive development and a lifelong appreciation for music. Clare shares her journey from a career at the BBC to launching Mini Mozart during her maternity leave, and discusses the growth and scaling of her business over the years. She particularly shares how being part of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme at the Said Business School, University of Oxford, changed the way she approached her business entirely. The episode also covers Clare's experience during the pandemic, her approach to flexible staffing, and future plans for the company. Clare’s passion for music education and her innovative business model shine through as she explores the impact of her work with children, parents, and musicians alike. End the episode with Clare's 3, 2, 1 list, reflecting on investments, lessons learned, and a special person she would like to thank.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Meet Clare Shaw: Founder of Mini Mozart 01:06 The Birth of Mini Mozart 02:21 Crafting the Perfect Music Class 05:55 From Casual Beginnings to Professional Growth 08:06 Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians 09:44 The Joy and Challenges of Music Education 17:49 Flexible Subscriptions and Business Models 20:47 Building a Strong Team and Expanding 25:27 Women Entrepreneurs and Investment Challenges 27:01 Challenging Stereotypes of Entrepreneurs 27:32 The Superpower of Midlife 28:31 Motherhood and New Beginnings 29:42 Future Business Plans 30:11 International Ventures and Cultural Insights 32:02 Post-Pandemic Challenges and Opportunities 33:25 Making Music Education Accessible 36:18 Investing in Business Growth 45:55 The Importance of Mentorship 51:45 Pandemic Pivot and Online Classes 54:56 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP16: Emma Knight, award-winning Book Publicist and Founder of Communications Agency, Studio 49 | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:44:26 | |
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur, Jo is joined by Emma Knight, an award-winning book publicist and founder of Studio 49, a communications agency specialising in book publicity. Together, they delve into Emma's journey of founding her own agency after 20 years in employment, discussing the challenges and rewards of taking such a bold step in midlife. Emma shares insights into her career, the importance of personal belief and timing, and the nuances of running a successful communication business. The episode also highlights the significance of networking, ongoing self-promotion, and meticulous planning. Emma brings to light her passion for working with authors, the evolving landscape of book publicity, and her collaborative efforts with Milk Publicity. The conversation rounds off with Emma's 3, 2, 1 list, offering valuable advice and reflections on her entrepreneurial journey.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Introducing Emma Knight: A Journey in Book Publicity 01:41 The Decision to Go Solo 02:45 Balancing Family and Career 04:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Book Publicity 06:19 Building Studio 49: From Concept to Reality 09:25 The Importance of Networking and Support 13:24 First Clients and Early Success 14:14 Seasonal Trends in the Book Industry 21:29 The Rise of Audiobooks 23:02 Defining Success and Trusting Intuition 25:13 Delivering High-Level Service 25:39 The Power of Passion and Coffee 26:03 From Math to Musicals 26:38 A Career Shift Inspired by Feedback 28:05 The Journey to BBC and Beyond 29:06 Outsourcing and Efficiency 30:21 The Importance of Networking 34:42 Investments Worth Every Penny 40:49 Reflecting on Choices and Gratitude 43:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP15: Florence Brocklesby, Lawyer and Founder of Bellevue Law, a B Corp boutique law firm rooted in flexibility, integrity and purpose. | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:45:49 | |
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo interviews Florence Brocklesby, a lawyer and the founder of Bellevue Law, a B Corp certified boutique law firm which specialises in workplace law and commercial disputes. Florence discusses her journey from working at large international law firms to creating Bellevue Law from her garden office after struggling to find a firm that accommodated the flexibility she wanted to support her family life. She shares insights into the challenges of starting her own business, building a firm with a flexible and people-first culture, and the impact COVID-19 had on her business model. Florence also touches on the importance of empathy and resilience, the significance of investing in people both professionally and personally, and how personal support systems and fitness play crucial roles in managing her responsibilities. The episode concludes with Florence expressing gratitude towards a trailblazing lawyer who inspired her to start her own firm.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Florence Brocklesby's Journey to Founding Bellevue Law 01:37 Launching a Business from a Garden Office 02:49 Challenges and Early Successes 07:14 Building a Flexible and Inclusive Law Firm 15:03 Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 21:21 Supporting Clients and Team Through Difficult Times 25:40 Challenges of Running a Business 26:00 Strategic Planning and Growth 28:02 Balancing Work and Family 31:24 The Importance of Delegation 33:20 Perfectionism vs. Practicality 39:16 Investments and Reflections 43:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP14: Priya Downes, Founder and CEO of Nudea, a B Corp Certified underwear and sleepwear brand | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:45:26 | |
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Priya Downes, the founder and CEO of Nudea, an ethical and sustainable underwear and sleepwear brand. Priya shares her inspiring journey from working at the World Bank and luxury fashion houses like Chanel and Burberry, to launching and growing Nudea. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to focus on creating comfortable, well-fitting bras and sleepwear, the challenges faced, and how thorough research and customer feedback were instrumental in shaping her brand. Priya also delves into the strategic pivots Nudea has made, including their approach to online and retail sales, the importance of diverse and realistic marketing, and the role of innovation in their product offerings. The episode ends with Priya sharing her "3-2-1" list: three things worth every penny, two things she wishes she'd done differently, and one person she'd like to thank for their support.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Meet Priya Downes: From World Bank to Nudea 00:52 The Birth of Nudea: A Journey into Underwear 03:22 Challenges and Innovations in Bra Shopping 03:55 Building a Brand: Research and Customer Engagement 07:08 Marketing Strategies and Model Representation 13:49 Launching Nudea: From Idea to Reality 19:10 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges 24:05 Embracing Failure and Pivoting 24:55 Navigating the Pandemic 25:34 Retail Partnerships and Challenges 27:34 Digital Marketing Strategies 30:57 Expanding into Sleepwear 34:14 Personal Motivation and Legacy 36:20 Final Insights and Reflections Priya's 3, 2, 1s: 3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny: 1. Childcare, I could not have built the business without help 2. Investing in the business myself, I am the majority shareholder for now 3. A good book keeper tat help me keep financial control 2 things you wish you could have done differently 1. I had been clearer about my exit strategy from the beginning 2. I wish I had started 10 years earlier 1 person you'd like to thank: James Eden, and early angel investor who really saw her vision - which considering he is a man and has no experience in this space gave me a lot of confidence. Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP13: Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, Journalist, Stylist and Founder of The FairGround, a digital marketplace for purpose-led brands | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo welcomes Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, stylist, journalist, and founder of The FairGround, a digital marketplace for purpose-led brands. Ginnie discusses her transition from British Vogue to entrepreneurship, her dedication to promoting sustainable shopping, and the challenges and rewards of launching The FairGround. The conversation covers topics such as the realities of building a business, balancing family life, and the importance of women supporting each other in the entrepreneurial space. Ginnie also shares valuable insights from her journey, including the power of fitness, the importance of friendship and mentorship, and her fearless approach to business risks.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Introducing Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey 00:27 Ginnie's Journey to Entrepreneurship 00:53 The Birth of The FairGround 01:52 Challenges and Insights of Running a Business 03:17 Balancing Family and Business 03:51 The FairGround's Unique Selling Proposition 05:01 Subscription Model and Brand Assessment 09:54 Marketing and Outreach Strategies 11:17 Personal Reflections and Future Goals 13:04 The Reality of Midlife Entrepreneurship 19:46 Team Dynamics and Support 23:07 Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges 25:15 The Journey of Empathy and Boundaries 26:02 Building a Community and Brand 28:02 The Importance of Supporting Women 29:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 33:49 Investments and Lessons Learned 43:29 Gratitude and Future Aspirations Ginnie's 3,2,1s: 3 Things you've invested in that have been worth every penny: 1. Exercise is really critical to my mental health, I will also invest in retreats 2. My business partner, who I met at the school gate 3. My web developer 2 Things you wish you'd done differently 1. Lent on my brother a bit more for guidance - he's really good at business 2. I can recycle content rather than trying to come up with new ideas the whole time - I've just learned that 1 person you'd like to thank My postman - who must think I shop all the time! I'd also like to thank Katie Lopes, co-founder of Stripe and Stare who introduced me to an amazing lawyer who has helped me get my trademark. Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP12: Anna Foster, Creative Director & Founder of E.L.V. Denim, a global leader in sustainable fashion | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:50:40 | |
In this episode Jo interviews Anna Foster, the founder and creative director of E.L.V. Denim, an innovative up-cycling fashion brand. Anna shares her journey from a 20-year career as a fashion editor to creating a brand that challenges the norms of overconsumption in fashion. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to question the industry and her role in it, the challenges and breakthroughs in up-cycling denim, and the emotional connections to her work. Anna also touches on the importance of her team, maintaining sustainability, and her determination to push through obstacles. This episode is a rich exploration of resilience, creativity, and the passion that drives sustainable business. 00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:16 Meet Anna Foster: From Fashion Editor to Upcycling Pioneer 01:42 Anna's Journey: Questioning the Fashion Industry 03:51 The Turning Point: From Stylist to Sustainable Fashion 05:35 Challenges and Realizations in Upcycling 07:08 Building E.L.V. Denim: The Early Days 08:31 The Denim Industry's Waste Problem 10:20 Creating Unique, Sustainable Fashion 18:08 The Emotional Connection to Upcycling 25:50 Scaling Up: The Future of E.L.V. Denim 29:20 The Power of Intuition and Mentorship 29:45 British Fashion Council's Low Carbon Transition 30:03 Lessons from the Past: Railways and Resistance 31:30 Innovative Approaches in Fashion 32:36 The Importance of Diversifying Partnerships 33:39 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions 35:03 Sustainable Fashion: The Stretch Denim Dilemma 36:37 Building Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills 37:06 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 39:35 Daily Routines for Energy and Productivity 42:54 Evening Routines and Relaxation 46:19 Three, Two, One: Key Takeaways and Gratitude Anna's 3,2,1s: 3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny 1. My 20 morning routine, walking the dog and getting fresh air, high five the mirror 2. I bought myself a necklace a few years ago and it reminds me of what I've built. 3. My team 2 things you wish you had done differently: 1. Trusted my instincts more 2. Put less trust in consultants and invested in a really good MD instead 1 person you'd like to thank: Mimma Viglezio - communications expert, been on many boards and fashion industry icon and mentor Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP11: Julia Collins, Vintage Art Dealer, Founder of Collins and Green Art | 20 May 2025 | 00:42:25 | |
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo interviews Julia Collins, founder of Collins and Green Art, a vintage art gallery based in West London. Julia shares her journey of transitioning from a 15-year career in finance to pursuing her passion for art after a 20-year sabbatical to raise her family. After her children left for university, Julia started Collins and Green Art, which has grown into a thriving business. She talks about the challenges and rewards of starting a business later in life, the importance of having a supportive team, and leveraging social media for business growth. Julia also offers advice to fellow midlife entrepreneurs and emphasises the importance of following one's passion. 00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:34 Julia Collins' Journey from Finance to Art 01:14 The Birth of Collins and Green Art 02:05 Balancing Family and Business 03:54 Navigating Instagram and Online Sales 06:14 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 15:02 Building a Community and Networking 18:44 Overcoming Technological Hurdles 22:33 Reflecting on Business Chaos and Team Dynamics 22:53 Hiring and Motivating the Team 23:23 Defining Success and Business Growth 23:59 Marketing Strategies: Word of Mouth and Instagram 25:51 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Passion 31:05 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 32:53 Challenges and Progress for Women in Business 36:38 Three Investments, Two Regrets, One Thank You 41:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Julia's 3,2,1s: 3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny: 1. My website, it was designed by Catherine Elphick at Elphick & Co. 2. My team, the gallery assistants, framer, accountant. 3. Comp cards - a business and notecard in one 2 things you wished you'd done differently: 1. Started earlier but in a small way so that I could have built it slowly over time. 2. Set up the business with a partner - too late now, but I would have liked to work with someone who's skills could have complimented mine. 1 person you'd like to thank: I'm going to break the 'not a family member' rule and say my mother. She started two businesses in the days where women didn't do that kind of thing, and has always been my inspiration. Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||
| EP10: Lucy Yeomans, Fashion Tech Entrepreneur, Founder and Co-CEO of Drest | 08 May 2025 | 00:51:33 | |
To kick off the second season of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Lucy Yeomans, founder and co-CEO of Drest, the innovative fashion styling app that’s transforming the way we interact with luxury fashion through gaming and technology. They discuss her remarkable career and the innovative fashion styling app that's merging luxury fashion with gamification. From her transformative role as the editor-in-chief at Harper's Bazaar and Net-a-Porter to launching Drest in 2019, Lucy has continually reinvented herself and stayed ahead of industry shifts. Lucy shares the lightbulb moments that led to the creation of Drest, the challenges of navigating the tech and gaming worlds, and the importance of personal well-being in entrepreneurial success. The episode also delves into Lucy's approach to building a supportive team, leveraging the fusion of real and virtual experiences, and the ultimate goal of making luxury fashion accessible to everyone. 00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast 00:14 Introducing Lucy Yeomans and Drest 00:27 Lucy's Career Journey and Vision 00:42 The Birth of Drest 00:54 Challenges and Collaborations 01:01 The Evolution of Drest 01:33 In-Depth with Lucy Yeomans 01:38 What is Drest? 02:34 The Lightbulb Moments 02:46 The Gaming Inspiration 03:14 From Harper's Bazaar to Net-a-Porter 03:39 The Changing Media Landscape 04:09 The Rise of Gaming 07:52 The Drest Audience 10:24 Building Drest from Scratch 10:39 The Reluctant Entrepreneur 11:58 The Importance of the Right Team 17:16 The Real Virtual Real Concept 21:18 Creating Immersive Experiences 23:08 Personal Challenges and Growth 26:41 Finding Energy and Balance 28:39 The Energy Required to Run a Business 28:56 Gaming and Fashion: Breaking Stereotypes 29:46 The Importance of Physical Activity 31:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life 32:16 Goals and Milestones for the Business 33:59 Three Investments Worth Every Penny 36:37 Two Things I Wish I Had Done Differently 42:26 The Value of Experience and Relationships 46:29 One Person to Thank 50:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Lucy's 3,2,1s: 3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny: 1. Good People, it's essential. 2. Time for myself, and investing in my wellbeing. 3. My child's education, it makes me so happy to know that she's somewhere that's looking after her when I have to work away (they have flexi boarding) and where she's really happy. 2 things you wish you could have done differently 1. More due diligence in the tech and gaming space beforehand. It slowed us down. 2. I wish I'd trusted my instinct more. 1 Person you'd like to thank: My investor, Graham Edwards, for his excitement and belief in the vision. Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com | |||