In this episode, I sit down with Kat Carruthers, founder of The NetWork NotWork, a game-changing networking and co-working space designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and those who don’t fit the traditional academic mould.

From leaving medicine to navigating entrepreneurship, Kat’s journey is all about collaboration over competition, overcoming burnout, and creating spaces that truly support business owners.

What We Cover in This Episode:

✨ From Medicine to Entrepreneurship – How Kat pivoted from medical school to occupational therapy and then into business.

✨ Life-Changing Moments – How having a premature baby at 27 weeks shifted her entire perspective.

✨ The Power of Networking – Why she wanted to make networking fun, engaging, and supportive.

✨ Co-Working with a Purpose – How her CIC (community interest company) provides workspaces, a podcast recording studio, and even opportunities for young children to explore entrepreneurship.

✨ Burnout & Boundaries – How working from home affected her health and the signs you need to look out for.

✨ Junior Journalism & Future Entrepreneurs – Why she’s passionate about giving children a space to learn about business.

✨ Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Community – The truth about business challenges and why the more people you talk to, the better you feel.

💡 If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a fulfilling business, prevent burnout, and build meaningful connections, this episode is for you!

🔗 Listen now and discover how to network in a way that actually works!

You can connect with Kat on:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-carruthers-a98b71195/

Website https://www.networknotwork.co.uk

You can follow me on :

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976/

Instagram @drprettybasra

In this episode, I sit down with Denee Seaton, a six-figure freelancer and founder of her own Freelance Marketing Academy: SheFreelances, where she helps women build successful freelancing careers. Denee shares her inspiring journey from being told freelancing wasn’t a “real job” to creating a thriving business and empowering others to do the same.What We Cover in This Episode:✨ The Freelancing Stigma – How Denee broke free from the belief that freelancing was just a side hustle.✨ Early Entrepreneurial Spirit – From running an Etsy shop to starting a blog at 16, how creativity shaped her path.✨ Academic & Career Beginnings – Studying journalism and humanities, then landing her first marketing role.✨ The Turning Point – How her student debt led her to entrepreneurship and financial independence.✨ Influential Mentors – How Ali Abdaal and Amy Suto inspired her to dream bigger.✨ Social Media Power – How sharing her strategies on TikTok led to a Shark Tank founder approaching her for work.✨ Investing in Herself – The thousands she spent on courses, why she has no regrets, and how education fueled her success.✨ Mindset for Success – Why she believes the right mindset is the key to achieving your goals.💡 Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or thinking about taking the leap, this episode is packed with insights on building a profitable business, leveraging social media, and investing in your growth.🔗 Listen now and get inspired to create the freelance business of your dreams!LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denee-seaton/Website https://www.shefreelances.com/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@deneetamia

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of being sent to Canada alone at the age of 12. From navigating an international flight without eating (because I didn’t like the plane food) to the heart-stopping moment of thinking I’d lost my passport, the journey was full of challenges I had to face head-on. With no familiar faces and the cabin crew unaware I was traveling alone, the fear of being stranded during a refuelling stop left me feeling utterly vulnerable.

But looking back, this experience taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt in unfamiliar situations. These qualities are essential for entrepreneurship.

Starting a business is a lot like that solo journey: you’re in uncharted territory, feeling lost at times, and questioning whether you’ll make it through.

Join me as I unpack how this pivotal trip moulded my entrepreneurial mindset and the key parallels between navigating new situations and building a successful business.

When you're faced with the unknown, focus on one step at a time. Whether it’s asking the right questions, finding small wins, or simply staying calm in the face of fear, trust in your ability to figure things out as you go. It’s not about having all the answers—it's about taking that next step forward.

Please feel free to connect with my on LinkedIn @Dr Pretty Basra-Badh. Here I share daily actionable tips and advice.

You can get my top tips for entrepreneurs guide here https://dr-pretty-basra-news.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Arrived in the UK in 1984 - could not speak a word of english.

Self-taught herself english by just doing it. She didn't take any classes or read books on how to learn the language. She just did it!

That is the hallmark of an entrepreneur, you don't know how your going to get where you want to be but you just take that first step.

I would not be the business woman I am if it wasn't for this amazing lady. Alone, aged 24 years, no family in a foreign country, marrying a man she had only seen pictures of. This woman can sell ice to the eskimos and I am proud to call her my mother.

If you liked this episode please leave a comment and subscribe to my podcast and be kept up-to-date with future episodes.

Follow me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976

I started talking to my parents about my podcast, I wanted them to tell me about my life. The bits I may have forgotten, blocked out or been too young to remember. Dad started talking to me about the business journey he had been on since coming to the UK at the age of 14. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I wanted to share this with you all as I think its inspirational - but I would say that he's my dad right! Let me know what you think!

Recently I have been reflecting on my journey into becoming an entrepreneur. It was following a conversation with my parents about my podcast that this memory came to me. It is very nostalgic, but it was a pivotal moment for me. I realised that I didn't just fall into entrepreneurship it was all around me and I didn't even realise until now. I hope budding entrepreneurs will listen to this and resonate.

Discover how a teachers unwavering belief transformed my life. This story showcases the power of encouragement and determination. Please listen to this to understand how important mindset and belief is!

Have the courage of your convictions....

#MentorshipMatters #BelieveInYourself #StudentSuccess #FemaleEntrepreneur #GrowthMindset

Going into the working world is daunting enough, without people in positions of power making life more difficult for you. In this episode I will be speaking about one of my early interview experiences. The interviewer reduced me for tears, made me feel I was stupid and had no empathy or remorse for our actions. This episode is to empower those who may have had similar experiences. But also to educate others who are entering the working world and let them know this is not ok! I hope this helps one person. Note to the woman who interviewed me - I am now one of the top 5 opticians in the country (voted 3x), I have a PhD and I have 2 successful businesses. Luckily for me you didn't break me - but you could break someone else!

I was 8 years old when I realised that something wasn’t quite right with my eyes and vision. My parents were immigrants to this country and had perfect vision. Which meant their education in health played a huge factor in me not having an eye exam.

My passion for paediatric eyecare stemmed from here. My quote in my testing room is ‘ You don’t know what you can’t see, until you see it’. I saw the world differently when I put my glasses on for the first time.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and I am hope it makes clear how important regular eye exams are for children even if you think they are fine.

I would love for you to follow and review my podcast so I can grow this community.

Thank you for listening.

The business world was new to me. I had no formal training, well in fact no training whatsoever. I recruited my right wing women and she has been instrumental in my brand vision.

The good always comes with the bad and the ugly. The bad and the ugly were some of the staff I had inherited and/or recruited. In this episode I also speak about an employee that was being deceptive and stealing.

Due to me having to hit the ground running when I bought my business with a 5 month old baby in tow was not the best combination in business. But the main thing is I didn’t give up. I just learnt and developed from each experience.

I hope you enjoy this episode and as always your feedback is always appreciated.

Thank you for listening.

The Accidental Entrepreneur - buying a half a million pound practice.

The Optometrist who ACCIDENTAL bought an opticians practice. In healthcare we are not taught how to run or own a business. We learn the hard way. But we shouldn’t have to. My journey has been anything but smooth sailing.

How the owner influenced me to buy a half a million pound business! We had very little savings and we quickly learned about the banking world in terms or loans, grants and business forecasts.

My life has been anything but plain sailing and I hope this podcast series helps someone in business.

My first ever Podcast where I talk through why I have started this and why I think it’s so important. I am a mum of 3 boys and I have 2 businesses as well as various other advisory roles. I want to talk about women, money and business the good, the bad and the ugly. Not necessarily in that order!

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Nevine Coutry, founder of Playdate, the UK’s first dating app for single parents.

Nevine’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and breaking cultural taboos.

Originally from Egypt, raised and schooled in London, Nevine built a successful marketing agency in the travel and tourism industry.

But when lockdown hit, she lost everything.With time on her hands, she turned to a long-held idea: a dating app for single parents,a concept that was not only ground-breaking but culturally challenging, given her Muslim background.

Determined to make a difference, she invested everything into her start-up, with support from her family. But her journey took a devastating turn when she was spoof scammed, losing all her life savings.

Instead of giving up, she fought back and won her money back from the bank.

Today, Playdate is a thriving platform, helping single parents not just find love, but build strong family units.

With over 300 million single parents worldwide, Nevine is on a mission to expand into the US market, where divorce rates stand at 40%.

And she emphasises a crucial point: single parents aren't just divorced, they can be widows, IVF mums, or those who have chosen solo parenting.

In this episode, we dive into:

✨ How Nevine turned adversity into opportunity

✨ The cultural barriers she overcame in launching Playdate

✨ The financial and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship

✨ Fundraising struggles and how she secured investment

✨ Her vision for expanding Playdate globally

Nevine’s story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and never giving up, no matter how many times life knocks you down.

🔗 Connect with Nevine & Playdate:

🌍 https://gotoplaydate.com/

📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gotoplaydate/

💼 LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/company/go-to-playdate

🎧 Listen now and get inspired!

💡 Did you know? Only 14% of financial advisors are female and Olivia Shipstone broke through that barrier and has been in the industry for a decade!

In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Shipstone from OCS Financial Planning, a financial advisor who specialises in helping women take control of their finances.

We dive deep into the importance of understanding your ‘why’ and creating strategies that allow you to live life fully, without financial stress holding you back.

✅ The lack of financial education in schools—and why it’s essential to take control of your own learning.

✅ The true cost of a financial planner and how the right advisor can actually save you money

✅The value of time—how working with a financial planner lets you focus on what you do best.

✅ Tax efficiency and maximising savings—how Olivia helps clients keep more of what they earn.

✅ Olivia’s own journey to setting up her business and achieving the highest FCA regulatory status.

✅ How to get started—with a free discovery call!

📌 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-shipstone/

🌐 Website: www.ocsfinancialplanning.co.uk

💬 Loved this episode?

Share your thoughts and tag us on social media!

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, book a free discovery call with Olivia today.

Remember you can follow me on

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976/

Instagram: @drprettybasra

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I share reflections from a recent panel I was part of, discussing the financial barriers women face in business. We dive into the gender investment gap, ways to navigate the finance journey, and explore alternative finance options, particularly those that are sector-specific. Plus, we discuss how angel investors can play a vital role in your financial journey.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Gender Investment Gap: Women face significant challenges in securing investment.
• Navigating Your Financial Journey: Tips for maintaining financial resilience while growing your business.
• Alternative Finance Options: Exploring funding sources outside traditional banks.
• The Role of Angel Investors: How they can propel your business forward.
• 
  

Key Takeaways:

• Financial barriers exist, but strategies can help.
• Explore alternative funding options for your sector.
• Angel investors are crucial to scaling your business.
• 
  

Follow me:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976/

Instagram @drprettybasra

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with a Harriet Chunu-McClatchey - personal style coach who turned her childhood passion for fashion into a thriving career.

From designing paper doll outfits as a child to creating her own wedding dress, her journey is one of passion, resilience, and elegance.

With experience working at prestigious brands like Selfridges and Monica Vinader, she now empowers women in executive and leadership roles to show up radiantly through styling that aligns with their inner confidence.

We dive deep into the connection between style, self-perception, and confidence, reflecting on how our clothes can tell a story about who we are.

I share my own journey of self-discovery through style, including how a comment about my love for colourful, sequined outfits made me question everything about my identity, only to realise that style is deeply personal and empowering.

Whether you’re looking to refine your wardrobe or understand how style influences confidence, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt insights to inspire your personal style journey.

Key Themes & Topics

1. Style as a Childhood Passion

   • From paper dolls to a career in fashion, how childhood dreams can shape adult realities.
   • Transitioning from HR to pursuing a passion for fashion.

2. Breaking Stereotypes

   • Navigating the fashion industry and facing rejection.
   • The importance of owning your unique identity and style.

3. The Role of Style in Leadership

   • Empowering women in executive roles to align their style with their professional confidence.
   • How dressing radiantly can impact your leadership presence.

4. Style and Confidence: From the Inside Out

   • Style as a reflection of inner confidence and self-perception.
   • Exploring the psychology behind how clothes influence self-esteem.

5. Visual Identity and First Impressions

   • The significance of appearance in forming impressions (60-71% of assessments are based on looks).
   • Clothes as a storytelling tool for your personal brand.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Define Your Personal Style: Reflect on the pieces in your wardrobe that make you feel most confident and authentic. Your style is an extension of your identity—own it!
2. Think Beyond Trends: Focus on timeless and meaningful clothing choices that resonate with your personality rather than fleeting trends.
3. Use Colour Intentionally: Experiment with colours that bring you joy and enhance your confidence. Don’t be afraid to embrace bold, vibrant tones if they feel true to you.
4. Invest in Versatile Pieces: Build a wardrobe with key items that align with your professional and personal goals.
5. Dress for Your Future Self: Ask yourself, “How would the person I aspire to be show up today?” Let your clothing choices reflect that vision.
6. Style as Self-Care: Recognize that taking time to dress well is a form of self-respect and self-care.

Resources Mentioned

• LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrietchunumc/ – Discover her style coaching services and get inspired by her romantic and elegant fashion journey.
• You can also find her on Instagram @radiantstyling

Join the Conversation
Have you ever questioned your style or received feedback that made you rethink your wardrobe?

Share your experiences and tag us on @drprettybasra We’d love to hear how you define your visual identity!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a confidence boost through style!

You can always find me over on LinkedIn for more women, money and business talk: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976

Description:

🎙️In this episode, I share the transformative power of goal setting and walk you through my personal 5-year planning process.

📈From using flip charts and whiteboards to creating vision boards, I reveal how these tools help me declutter my mind, set clear goals, and stay accountable.

✅Discover why goal setting is not just about dreaming big but about creating actionable strategies to achieve success.

🧿Whether you're designing your career, relationships, or personal growth, this episode will inspire you to take control of your future.

What You’ll Learn:

💫The importance of decluttering your thoughts to gain clarity.

💫The value of vision boards in visualising your success.

💫Tips to review and adjust your goals for continuous growth.

Actionable Takeaways:

-Reflect on your past wins and lessons

.-Write down your goals across key areas of your life.

-Use visuals to bring your dreams to life.

-Revisit and adjust your goals regularly to stay aligned.

Join the Conversation:

‼️What’s one goal you’re setting today?

Share your thoughts and let’s inspire each other!

➕Follow me on

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976/

Instagram@drprettybasra

Description:
In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Raquel Gomes, founder of Stafi, a virtual assistant company that’s changing the game in delegation and leadership. Raquel shares her inspiring journey, from navigating the challenges of motherhood in the corporate world to overcoming severe health issues that forced her to rethink her work-life balance.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• Why delegation is a game-changer for business growth
• How Raquel supports her team of Latin American virtual assistants through mentoring, therapy, and development
• The pivotal role of motherhood in shaping her career decisions
• How personal development creates better leaders
• The importance of prioritizing health and mental well-being

💡 Raquel’s tearful reflections on leadership, resilience, and her holistic approach will inspire you to rethink how you lead and delegate in your business.

📌 Key Themes:

• Delegation in business
• Motherhood’s impact on career and leadership
• Personal development and mental health in leadership
• Overcoming health challenges and finding balance

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast platform.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode resonates with you!

You can follow Raquel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-gomesstafi/

You can contact her at https://getstafi.com/

Feel free to follow me for tips and posts on women in business

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976/

Instagram @drprettybasra

#Entrepreneurship #Delegation #HolisticLeadership

Ever wonder how unexpected passions can lead to career success? Nav Aujla’s love for travel took her on a journey she never planned, but it taught her one powerful lesson: visibility is everything.

In this episode, I chat with Nav Aujla, a Business Development Manager with over 15 years experience. We dive deep into how she navigated her career path, built a strong personal brand, and why visibility is a game-changer for women in business.

🚀 Actionable Tips for Success:

🔹 Navigating Career Paths

Tip: Regularly assess your skills and interests. Adapt your career plan as new opportunities and challenges arise.

🔹 The Impact of Gender and Ethnicity in Business

Tip: Leverage your unique background to create diverse networks that empower and support your growth.

🔹 Visibility & Success: The Pi Model Explained

Tip: Build your personal brand by consistently sharing your expertise and engaging with others in your industry.

🔹 Networking & Building Relationships

Tip: Focus on quality connections. Prioritise meaningful conversations over quantity when networking.

🔹 Overcoming Introversion in Networking Settings

Tip: Set small, realistic goals, like starting one new conversation at each event, to gradually build confidence.

🔹 Different Mindsets for Success

Tip: Adopt a growth mindset, view challenges as opportunities for development and embrace learning from mistakes.

🎧 Tune in to hear how she turned her accidental career path into a thriving business development role, and why visibility is the secret weapon every woman needs to succeed!

You can follow me Dr Pretty Basra - Badh on LinkedIn for more actionable tips and advice for women in business. #CareerGrowth #NetworkingTips #BusinessSuccess #WomenInBusiness #Leadership #optometry #opticalmentor

🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Amy, a successful Business Travel Coach who has built a six-figure income doing what she loves: combining her passion for travel with empowering others.

Amy shares her journey of leaving her previous job to pursue her dream career and the steps she took to turn her vision into reality.

We discuss:

✨ The mindset shifts necessary to build a thriving business.

✨ How Amy leveraged her skills to create a profitable niche.

✨ Tips for overcoming challenges and embracing the entrepreneurial journey.

✨ The value of community and mentorship in achieving success.

📚 Recommended Read:Manifest by Roxie Nafousi

📲 Connect with Amy:

Instagram: @itsamybeckett

www.linkedin.com/in/amy-beckett-10051039/

Tune in to hear Amy’s story, learn actionable insights, and discover how you can take the leap to build a business and life you love!

You can follow me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pretty-basra-badh-ab017976

Instagram @drprettybasra

#6figures #entrepreneurship #femalesinbusiness #business