Explore every episode of the podcast How To Start Up by FF&M
Dive into the complete episode list for How To Start Up by FF&M. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
6 How to improve your mobility, Tim Blakey
30 Dec 2025
00:24:12
In this episode, we hear from physio, Tim Blakey, creator of PRIME BODY. Born from his own health and fitness challenges and overcoming training injuries, Tim combines corrective work with strength training to optimise body composition and combat body betrayal.
Tim shares his perspective on why founder mobility is so important to incorporate from the beginning, why to prioritise resistance training over cardio and why it can actually be a great investment in your overall business to look after your mobility.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
5 How to balance work with a healthy diet with Jenna Hope
29 Dec 2025
00:27:08
Jenna Hope, registered nutritionist and founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition helps implement beneficial nutrition strategies, through a combination of talks, presentations and workshops, to improve people’s well being, productivity, sleep, stress management and mental health.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to manage imposter syndrome as a founder, Ella McKay, FATSO
04 Nov 2025
00:29:01
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Ella McKay, founder of FATSO, the unapologetically bold, brilliant and beautiful chocolate brand shaking up the confectionery world.
Launched in 2022 after being dreamt up in lockdown, FATSO is on a mission to make chocolate fun again - big, chunky, and full of life - while doing things ethically and with integrity. Behind the humour and bold branding is a founder navigating motherhood, lean budgets, and the ever-shifting culture of work.
Stay tuned to hear how Ella has managed imposter thoughts, turned limited resources into major visibility, and learned to prioritise both sales and operations without burning out in the process.
Ella’s advice:
Imposter experience insight: be aware of your weaknesses (not insecurities) and accept that sometimes you just have to work on them
Accept your vulnerabilities, don’t be overwhelmed by them
Support-network lesson: Have a good mentor network and ask for help. You can usually overcome self doubt by talking something through with someone. But spend time first thinking it over, deciding who best to share with
There’s a fine balance between sharing a problem and being swamped with too much advice
Budget-friendly growth tip: Be honest about what you can afford. Approach partners transparently and find people who want to grow with you.
Sales-first strategy: Sales always come first. Everyone in the business should think like a salesperson — you can’t build operations without revenue.
Hiring advice for startups: Trust your gut. Look for energy, passion, curiosity, and the willingness to get hands-on. Not everyone is built for startup life.
Motherhood and entrepreneurship: There’s no maternity cover when you’re the founder. Embrace help, drop the guilt, and remember — your child benefits from seeing you strive.
Mindset for founders: Don’t chase perfection. Start, iterate, and learn as you go.
Values-driven business tip: FATSO wasn’t started to make piles of money — it’s about building a brand with purpose, humour, and integrity. Stay true to why you began.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to be conscious of boundaries with Rhiannon Lambert, Founder of Rhitrition
31 May 2022
00:22:52
In this episode, we hear from Rhiannon Lambert BSc MSc RNutr, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists and the founder of Rhitrition and Rhitrition+. Rhiannon founded Rhitrition in 2016 which has become a renowned Harley Street clinic specialising in weight management and sports nutrition.
Alongside her first business, Rhiannon launched Rhitrition+ in March 2021 to pioneer a scientific, food-first approach to supplements and wellbeing. Rhiannon is a Sunday Times best selling author and also hosts the ‘Food for Thought’ podcast to help listeners enhance their health and improve their wellbeing.
Rhiannon shares with us her advice on the differences of running the two businesses as well as how to put boundaries in place to protect the work-life balance
Rhiannon’s advice:
Know your strengths and know when to delegate tasks
Offer work experience to people when you’re starting out
Manage your expectations of team members
Set boundaries for everyone to manage their mental health.
Provide your staff with a work phone to help them separate work and personal lives
To get reinspired have a conversation with a friend or do something for you
You can’t perform well if you don’t have fuel in the tank
People are not overnight successes, it takes a lot of graft but it’s worth it
If you’d like to contact Rhiannon you can reach on rhiannon@rhitrition.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to work 'on' your business rather than 'in' with Suzanne Duckett, Founder of Onolla
17 May 2022
00:22:02
Today we’re joined by Suzanne Duckett, founder of Onolla: The Natural Health and Beauty Edit, a concept store and experience platform which blends nature, science, beauty and wellness allowing you to put people as well as products in your cart.
As a renowned author and former health, beauty and spa editor for the likes of Tatler, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping, Suzanne identified how many people had become disconnected with nature. Setting out to solve this, Suzanne launched Onolla in 2020 as a platform to foster a synergy between nature and urban city dwellers through a curated range of science-led, natural health and beauty products, practices & practitioners. Today, Onolla delights clients in person at their London store in Barnes and online, as well as their newly launched concierge service.
Suzanne shares with us her experience transitioning into entrepreneurship from a journalism career and why good health and wellbeing is so vital for those embarking on entrepreneurial journeys.
Suzanne’s advice:
Use your toolkit of self-care and well-being practices to help discover what’s going to make you thrive.
Using a timetable to block your time can reduce stress
Tune into nature when it comes to making business suggestions. Read
Organise your meetings around the full moon because that's when people are much more open and up for talking.
Incorporate meditation into your working day.
Know the difference between motivation and inspiration. Motivation is often generated in the mind and triggered by the need to, whereas inspiration is something that comes from your spirit and it really gets you excited.
Everyone you need is on your phone right now.
You know so much more than you think you do.
If want to personalise a more natural, flowing way of living and working. Book a 1-1 with Suzanne.
Suzanne’s recommendations:
Shift is the desktop app for streamlining your accounts, apps, and workflows.
The E-Myth: teaches us the difference between working on your business and working in your business.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to start one company while running another with Alex Noonan & Sarah Humphries, Co-Founders of The Review Works
03 May 2022
00:21:35
In today’s episode we’re joined by Alex Noonan and Sarah Humphries, co-founders of Sydney-based beauty market research agency The Review Works. Following media, marketing and PR careers of nearly two decades each, Alex and Sarah decided to pursue the path of joint entrepreneurship during the pandemic whilst continuing to lead their existing independent media agencies.
Alex and Sarah share with us their advice on starting a new company while simultaneously running another, how to approach it professionally rather than personally, and how trust and transparency are vital attributes to have as a business owner.
Alex & Sarah’s advice:
Starting a partnership is very different from setting up on your own: always be pragmatic and businesslike
Remember to discuss issues frankly with each other; tackle things head on
Don’t take things personally; if you have a disagreement, be respectful of each other
A big advantage of a partnership is that you can support each other (with time off etc.) and take things in turn
Make the most of bouncing ideas off each other
Always know when to outsource - know what you do well and stick to that
Contracting is better than paying salaries - at first anyway - and takes away pressure
When employing people, ensure you are providing a nice place to work
You owe it to your staff to be honest about your goals
If you are running two businesses concurrently, make sure to give the second business its own schedule and its own time
When running your own business, you will surprise yourself at the different skills you will be able to master
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to channel adversity into a successful business with Olivia DeRamus, Founder of Communia
19 Apr 2022
00:19:27
In this episode we hear from Olivia DeRamus, Founder and CEO of Communia: a social networking app empowering women, transgender and non-binary individuals to share experiences, seek advice and make new connections.
Olivia created Communia after surviving a serious sexual assault. Through the social network, Olivia now facilitates a community to support those who have overcome similar situations on topics including mental health and wellbeing.
Olivia shares with us her advice on defining your vision and audience at the outset of your startup journey and the importance of clarifying the legal aspects of your startup.
Olivia’s advice:
Start off with a clear vision of your goals
Don’t be afraid to start, but also don’t be afraid to take your time to formulate your aims thoroughly
Outsource if necessary and, when beginning, network with freelancers rather than employ full-timers
Use a good small business lawyer to check out your trademark among other things
Structuring your day will make you more productive and also help keep you calm
Instagram and LinkedIn are useful ways to find staff
Make sure you market your business to new talent as its competitive
If you need refreshing mentally, try a change of scene, change your surroundings, exercise, take a break
When making requests of others, remember they have needs and deadlines too, with which you may be able to help
If you’d like to contact Olivia you can reach her via olivia@restlessnetwork.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Spice provides tech founders with the tools and resources required to effectively raise investment for their ventures. And their second venture is also set to launch this month - Hot Bed is a place for the ecosystem’s best startups to get funding and liquidity, pillared around relevant content, accountability and community.
Perdie and MA share with us their advice on how to bring in revenue quickly while supporting your ultimate business idea and why it's important to have really worked with a co-founder before committing to starting up together.
MA and Perdie’s advice:
Speak to everyone who shows an interest in what you have to offer
You need a cash flow from the start, so adapt what you do for clients - if they want consulting, this will help you get to know them - respond to their demands
Understand your customers and their needs - build them what they want
Listen to the challenges experienced by clients - this will help you tailor what you offer
Build relationships with clients
If in a partnership, divide the work, don’t duplicate it
Co-founders ideally should have worked together already
Co-founders should share the same values, and attitudes to money
Because founding a company is hard work, you will need passion and conviction; don’t think it’s an easy option which simply gives you freedom
Take advice from other founders who understand
Enjoy your autonomy and influence
Have someone near you who will show you your weaknesses and help you look out for pitfalls
New founder series: How to embrace mistakes with Alice Edwards, Founder of Memo Press
22 Mar 2022
00:23:41
In this episode we hear from Alice Edwards, founder of Memo Press: a bespoke plastic free stationery brand based in London. Founded in October 2020, Memo was born out of a vision to make stationery both beautiful and accessible in equal measure.
Following her successful career as the jewellery editor for Tatler, Sunday Times STYLE and LUXX magazines, Alice now writes in an equally beautiful but very different way.. delighting clients with stationery which is all personalised by her own hand.
Alice shares with us her experience on trademarking and why there is now better time to start than now.
Alice's advice:
The autonomy self-employment gives you offers huge advantages to parents
Self-criticism is a useful quality when you are your own boss
Being well-organised and motivated is also vital
Recognise your weaknesses and delegate to someone more skilled in those areas
Play to your strengths
The community of startups is one in which advice is readily shared; don’t hesitate to ask for help. Similarly, be ready to share if you can help others
You’ll be surprised which suppliers will be helpful - don’t hesitate to ask
You are bound to make mistakes; learn from them
You’ll surprise yourself at what you can achieve
When starting out, investigate resources and support geared for startups (eg. the Prince’s Trust) for business plan models, etc.
When choosing a trademark, one word is harder to copyright; choose two.
Filing for a trademark should be done before anything else so you can avoid unpicking it later
Know what time of day suits you best for different activities and plan accordingly
Use mentors, official or unofficial to inspire you
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
New founder series: How to start a collective with A Few Great Women founders, all five of them!
08 Mar 2022
00:25:11
Today we have not one, but five, guests!
Hannah, Ellie, Ria, Lucianne and Camilla are the founders and members of the hybrid e-commerce consultancy collective A Few Great Women. With a wealth of previous career experience working with renowned brands including Harvey Nichols, Kurt Geiger and Stella McCartney, the team identified that start-up e-commerce businesses could benefit from a unique combination of the flexibility of freelance consultants powered by the collective dynamism of an in-house team.
Today, A Few Great Women offers a range of services for e-commerce businesses including website development, digital strategy, branding and email marketing. They share with us their experiences of founding a collective and why five heads are better than one.
Advice:
Manage day-to-day running by using helpful apps like Notion
Structure weekly tasks - Monday.com useful
Outsource those things you’re less good at
Connect with others, time spent catching up with colleagues is always constructive
Always ask for feedback; even knockbacks are a useful learning tool
When pricing, be confident; a fair price guarantees good work. Don’t doubt this
When self-employed, take breaks and never feel guilty about them!
Understand your limits: say no to a client if the fit isn’t right, and if necessary make a client wait
Self-employment is particularly good for women a) because employers are not good at offering flexibility, and b) because women are so often limited by the glass ceiling
Be confident in what you know, your experience and your value
Keep going with an annual appraisal, even if it’s private and personal
Go with your instincts
Have faith in yourself
If you’d like to contact any of the A Few Great Women you can reach them on hello@afewgreatwomen.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. FF&M enables you to own your own PR.
MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
New founder miniseries: How to start a brand mid-pandemic with Carol Han Pyle, Founder of candle brand NETTE
22 Feb 2022
00:19:19
Today this episode we’re joined by Carol Han Pyle, founder and CEO of sustainable candle brand NETTE which she launched in December 2020 and has already won Harper’s Bazaar Candle of the Year award.
This is Carol’s second business venture, having also launched digital agency CA Creative following a career working with leading luxury lifestyle magazines. Carol shares why now is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to start and her insights into when and how to source external partners.
Carol's advice:
Brand awareness is key - if you are a product-based business this is crucial
Spending time building a reputation initially is more important than sales
A following on Instagram will speed the growth of your business
PR can be an enormous help, getting the word out about your product in the appropriate press
Take advantage of the speed remote meetings can offer during and post the pandemic
Take the leap: too much preparation could deter you
Be careful about your supply chain to avoid unnecessary delays
Starting investments can vary hugely; there is now right or wrong budget to start with
There is a lot you can do for yourself to saves costs, however know the areas you need to pay for support on
Be prepared to learn a lot about a lot
Concentrate on your area of expertise and delegate or externalist the things you aren’t expert in
It’s a great time to start a brand because there’s a lot of support available (mentorship programmes, venture capital funds)
If you’d like to contact Carol you can reach her via hi@nettenyc.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start up as brothers (& stay friends) with Tom & Chris Hannaway, Infinite Session
08 Feb 2022
00:16:24
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Tom and Chris Hannaway, brothers and Co-Founders of alcohol-free beer brand Infinite Session. With a passion for great tasting beer but a desire to incorporate some alcohol-free days into their lifestyle, Tom and Chris discovered a gap in the market for a vibrant and confident alcohol-free beer to enjoy during after-work drinks.
Launched in 2018, Infinite Session beers are now stocked in leading UK retailers including Sainsbury’s and Whole Foods. The brand also launched exclusively into the US state of Wisconsin in March 2020. During the pandemic, Infinite Session launched a series of special-edition beers, including the ‘Stay Home’ beer from which all proceeds were donated to NHS Charities Together.
Today they share advice on what to consider when expanding internationally as well as how to successfully work together as siblings.
The Hannaways' advice:
Take time to think about what you disagree on and come back to it after some space
Put boundaries in place and make sure you stick to them
Get your messaging down first before worrying about the rest
Don’t focus too much on logo and web domain at the start
Really think about how you would explain your idea to others, think about The Granny Test, keep it really simple
Think about your product development but do tell people what you’re doing as well as you need the feedback
Give your sales channels the same level of importance as product development
You can only do what you can do and be comfortable with that
Have hobbies outside of work to keep you passionate about your company
Know when to chat with each other, and when not to
Find your working rhythm together
You do have to work hard but build in breaks
Grow slow, try things on a smaller basis when you reach new markets to build your growth with a strong foundation
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to find time with Melissa Gauge, Founder of SpareMyTime
25 Jan 2022
00:18:30
In this episode, we hear from Melissa Gauge, founder of virtual assistance firm SpareMyTime. Melissa spent 15 years working in the City and, having two children to balance alongside work, soon found herself pulled in different directions with various professional and personal responsibilities. Determined to create a solution for other professionals in a similar position, Melissa founded SpareMyTime. Today, Melissa’s company provides busy entrepreneurs and executives with administration, bookkeeping and social media marketing services.
Melissa shares her advice on how being a fully flexible service provider pays dividends, how VAs can free up vital time for entrepreneurs to focus on building their start-up and why sheer grit and determination are important factors to keep you going.
If you’d like to contact Melissa you can reach her via info@sparemytime.com or @sparemytime
Melissa’s advice:
Know you can only do the best you can do, make this your core belief
Be strong minded - if something’s not working, take a decision even if it's a hard one
Always take care to listen - both to your team and your clients
Build a community around your team; be understanding, fair and don’t jump to conclusions
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start in stealth mode, Candace Bertram, Studio88
21 Oct 2025
00:37:21
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Candace Bertram, founder of Studio88, a fast-growing Pilates community in Birmingham. After opening her first Reformer Pilates studio in November 2024, she expanded just six months later with a second location in Hall Green.
What started as one small space has quickly become more than just a Pilates studio, it’s a welcoming community where inclusivity sits at the heart.
As a young, Black female founder and single mum, she has faced pushback along the way, yet her resilience and determination have carved out a space that is both empowering and trailblazing. Stay tuned to hear her insights on taking the leap from job security into entrepreneurship, navigating the realities of financial pressures, and how she’s embedding diversity, inclusion, and true community into the very foundations of her business.
Candace’s advice:
Community inclusion tip: Candace has always believed in building community and fostering inclusion.
Customer experience insight: Her customers appreciate the security of a small space, familiar faces, and a feeling of safety.
Entrepreneurship lesson: She was spurred into taking on a second studio simply by the belief that it was the right time and place.
Mindset advice for founders: She didn’t let imposter syndrome or external doubts hold her back. Instead, she trusted her timing and her vision.
Business growth advice: She did not allow the pressure of fixing an opening date to dictate her decisions.
Inclusivity approach: She believes in creating space for everyone, but if a female-only class is preferred, that’s fine too.
Hiring advice for fitness businesses: It’s vital to find the best possible instructors who have an open mind, a positive outlook, enthusiasm for learning and improving, and strong communication skills.
Leadership mindset: Try to adopt a philosophical attitude toward any problems that arise.
Values-driven business tip: Always stick to your original aims and ethos, no matter how much you grow.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to start a company & family at the same time with Hannah Aykroyd, MD of Aykroyd & Co.
09 Jan 2022
00:20:04
In this episode we hear from Hannah Aykroyd, Managing Director of the award-winning property advisory firm Aykroyd & Co. Hannah has many years’ experience advising high net worth private clients on prime London real estate transactions and now, four years into her own business, has clients ranging from private individuals, family offices, investors and developers, both domestic and international.
Hannah shares with us her thoughts on the freedoms starting a company can afford, especially when it comes to also starting a family, and highlights the fundamental importance of bringing on a team as soon as possible.
Hannah’s advice:
Have a clear business plan and if possible take advice from a mentor
Delegate: be clinical about using your time and if possible employ a PA to support you
Share ideas with other like-minded entrepreneurs
Put trust in the team you’ve built
Be proactive in deepening learning and encourage the sharing of key information within the team
Have weekly team meetings and work collaboratively
Good communication skills are vital in any business
Maintain regular contact with clients by keeping them fully updated so they know everything is being handled
Communicate efficiently with time poor clients: when emailing, have a clear call to action; when scheduling a call, update them with salient points so they’re prepared ahead of a very brief call
Find that work/life balance, put your out of office on and learn when to switch off
Accept guidance and support
Love what you do
If you'd like to contact Hannah you can reach her via ha@aykroydco.com or LinkedIn.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2022 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to survive a pandemic with hospitality entrepreneurs Duncan Stirling & Charlie Gilkes, Founders of Inception Group
14 Dec 2021
00:25:31
In this episode I chat to two entrepreneurs in the hospitality space, Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes who founded Inception Group back in 2009. The company operates a group of unique bar, restaurant and club concepts in South West and central London. As a long-standing fan of Maggie’s (as who doesn’t love a solid 80s soundtrack), I was really interested to learn how they’ve quickly built a multi-brand business but also how they weathered the unforeseen pandemic that potentially could have wiped out 12 years of hard work.
The good news is they are continuing to grow, Maggie’s is still as popular as ever and they are both adamant now is as good a time as any to start up.
Charlie and Duncan’s advice:
When you take the leap into self-employment it’s hard at first but stick at it and it will be worthwhile
Having a partner and fellow founder means you have consistent support
Remember cash is king: try to put enough money aside for a rainy day
Charlie believes in learning on the job, and says that being thrown in the deep end is the best way to learn practical skills; Duncan, however, has found that working elsewhere has helped him hone his management skills
Take time to build your business as it will be more sustainable in the long run
Enjoy the work, grow slowly and steadily; and don’t over plan but keep an open mind as you can’t forecast how things will develop
“Don’t be a busy fool” and spend time at the start on things like business cards, concentrate on clients and revenue
Enjoy your autonomy and freedom starting your own business affords you
When recruiting, spend time with people before you hire them and recruit for the right attitude as skill sets can be taught
Always know who your customers are going to be. Spend time getting to really know your audience
Right now is always a good time to start a business, especially after a national crisis
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to scale at pace with Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, CEO & Co-Founder of FLOWERBX
30 Nov 2021
00:25:55
In this episode we are joined by Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, Co-Founder & CEO of FLOWERBX and one of the UK’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Following a career of almost 20 years working for designer Tom Ford, Whitney then identified a market gap within the luxury sector that she set out to fill. She established FLOWERBX in London in 2015 and today Whitney’s company is the leading luxury flower service, having had clients such as Dior and Louis Vuitton, and is currently expanding across the United States.
Having just announced an £8 million series A round of investment, Whitney shares advice on how to scale at pace but also why you should wait to find the right people to support your business.
Whitney’s advice:
Surround yourself with a good team of supportive people who share your vision
Know what you’re good at, and what you’re not
Remember your responsibility to your shareholders
Stay true to your vision and to the brand
Accept you’ll make mistakes and move on
“Fail fast” - if something, or someone, is not right then give up and move on, don’t waste time trying to make it work
Don’t accept money from people you don’t feel are right - you will regret it
A chairperson must share your vision, and be able to bring valuable experience
Sustainability means no waste - set up rigorous standards at the outset. Keep these at the centre of your business, even though it means taking the more difficult route
Keep the people you employ motivated, and always invest in them
You may be responsible for the failures in your business, but you can also relish the successes
Brace yourself! Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted
If you'd like to contact Whitney you can via Instagram.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start a second career at any age with Rae Feather, Founder of Rae Feather
16 Nov 2021
00:16:53
In this episode we hear from Rae, Founder of her eponymous brand Rae Feather, a personalised luxury accessories, homeware and versatile resort wear brand. Having founded her company in 2013 following a career in luxury travel marketing, Rae’s brand draws extensively on her passion for travel however it was the monogrammed straw basket with which the brand was propelled to notoriety on Instagram.
Named in 2018 as one of the Walpole ‘Brands of Tomorrow’, Rae places great emphasis on sustainability and ethical production and works with many Fair Trade and social enterprise companies to make a positive impact around the world.
Rae shares with us why you shouldn’t be put off starting a second career no matter what age you are and that really knowing your business through and through stands you in good stead when it comes to growth.
Rae’s advice:
Being older gives you confidence; it doesn’t mean you have to be invisible or frumpy
It’s useful to try to see things from the point of view of younger people, however
When marketing, take care not to be aggressive; take the time to build a following with patience
It’s helpful if you are creative and flexible
Make sure you enjoy working with a team; be present for them
Don’t try to do things too fast; take it slowly and know your limitations
Don’t employ anyone you wouldn’t want to have dinner with
Don’t overthink things and take one day at a time
Surround yourself with positive people and people you can trust; listen to them
If you’d like to contact Rae you can reach her viaInstagram.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to land retail with Tom Mercer, Founder of MOMA
02 Nov 2021
00:16:02
In this episode we hear from Tom Mercer, Founder of MOMA Foods. Tom started his company in 2005 from a London railway arch, which remains its HQ to this day, with a mission of ‘making oats more awesome’.
Disappointed by the lack of convenient and healthy breakfast choices for his morning commute he decided to solve this gap in the market and began selling oats from a makeshift stall in Waterloo station. Today, as one of the fastest-growing young food brands in the UK, MOMA now produces a range of 21 premium products stocked in leading supermarkets.
Tom shares with us his advice on knowing when is the right time to leave full-time employment to commit 100% to your startup and tips for securing shelf space in UK supermarkets and online retailers.
Tom’s advice:
Test your product to make sure it’s as good as it can possibly be at the outset
Be objective about your product; just because you are enthusiastic about it does not mean it will necessarily be a commercial success. So find the balance between objectivity and passion
If your product is a) good and b) commercially viable, you will succeed in getting retail space
When running a company, keep good structures in place: daily / weekly / quarterly meetings
Interacting with colleagues on a daily basis - even via Zoom - is valuable
Sustainability and inclusivity should be assumed and not be one of your key selling points, unless you're doing something groundbreaking
Always look for innovations to inspire you
Trade shows are a great way to get feedback on your product plus they can reinforce your own belief in it
If you’d like to contact Tom you can reach him via LinkedIn .
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Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start a company with your best friend, Olga Beck-Friis, Co-Founder & CEO of PocketLaw
19 Oct 2021
00:14:51
In this episode I’m joined by Olga Beck-Friis, Co-Founder and CEO of PocketLaw, a Swedish startup now launching in the UK to enable SMEs to take care of their own legal matters.
Having co-founded PocketLaw with her oldest childhood friend, Kira Unger (CEO), Olga explains how she and Kira separate work from their personal friendship and how they manage this dynamic within a business environment. Olga also offers her insights into improving gender diversity within startups alongside her thoughts on the future digitisation and automation of professional services.
PocketLaw provides small businesses with contract automation and management, access to usually-expensive legal documentation, and on-demand consultation with real-life lawyers.
Olga’s advice:
Take care to communicate; always be transparent about how you feel
Listen carefully to each other and be willing to change your mind
When looking for a partner, look for someone with similar values and ambitions for the company, but with different skill sets / experiences / enthusiasms, so that you will complement each other
Remember, sharing the pressure relieves it
As for gender diversity, go for the best candidate but concentrate your search in the right places
You don’t need to define yourself as a business leader by gender
When starting out, take the business seriously; follow the same protocols as large companies and be just as professional and organised
A new company is vulnerable; don’t underestimate its equity, and only offer it to full-time employees or to cash investors
Try not to worry too much; it will take time to build the company, so be kind to yourself
If you’d like to contact Olga you can reach her via LinkedIn or Twitter.
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Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to master self esteem with Ben Ivey, Founder & CEO of Entrepreneur Lifestyle
21 Sep 2021
00:17:22
Today I am talking to Ben Ivey who, realising that successful people are not necessarily happy people, decided to work directly with entrepreneurs who might be feeling overwhelmed, in order to help them better manage their work-life balance, as well as succeed further in business.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to keep recruitment close with Romanie Thomas, Founder & CEO of Juggle
07 Sep 2021
00:16:17
In this episode we hear from Romanie Thomas who founded Juggle, the digital platform for companies to find, onboard, pay and manage experienced yet flexible professionals.
Romanie kept coming up against the same problem in her industry. Witnessing the lack of flexible senior roles was preventing talented professionals from reentering the workforce, so she decided to leave her role in executive search to solve this problem and found Juggle. Four years on, her company makes it possible for companies to hire outstanding professional talent in just a few clicks.
Romanie shares advice on how important it is for founders to prioritise and own the recruitment process of their teams and continue to keep it really close even when the company scales and how putting self care first ensures that her professional self is in the strongest position to succeed.
Romanie’s advice:
When starting out, only take investment money from those you trust and respect; don’t just take it because it’s offered
Try to build a group of like-minded founders around you for advice
Always listen to your own instincts
Hiring people can be tricky; be rigorous in your procedures and don’t assume it’s easy
Prioritise hiring and fund-raising; a good product will follow on
Accept you can’t do it all; focus on one thing at a time so you can do it well
Take care of yourself; food and exercise are vital and your well-being is vital to the company
When fund-raising, make sure you have good legal advice
Take care of your team if you have one; you will find this rewarding
Don’t put awkward things off but tackle them head on; be truthful early
Aim high in your daily routine; if you can manage ten calls every morning it will soon become a habit
If you’d like to contact Romanie you can reach her via romanie@juggle.jobs
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
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Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start raising investment with Helena Murphy, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Raising Partners
24 Aug 2021
00:24:42
This week we hear from Helena Murphy, theCo-Founder and Managing Partner of Raising Partners.After receiving poor financial advice and having to wind up her first business, Helena experienced stress which greatly impacted her physical health.
Helena subsequently established Raising Partners to support other early-stage entrepreneurs in raising investment and avoid the pitfalls she had previously encountered. Working with companies in sectors ranging from technology to healthcare, and consumer retail to renewable energy, Raising Partners seeks investment opportunities with companies positively impacting both people and the planet.
Helena’s advice:
Begin with the very best financial model possible: numbers are the foundation of your business
Don’t delegate all the finance - understand it yourself.
Be aware of the cash flow, look ahead, so that you operate from a position of strength and knowledge rather than trying to catch up when it’s too late
Your accountant should be someone who not only deals with book-keeping/accounts/VAT/systems etc, but someone who acts as a finance director and can take a strategic look at your company’s progress, who understands the different stages of a company’s growth and can help you take the long view
Never underestimate common sense
Also never underestimate your capabilities
Be firm with your boundaries
When pricing, put a value on experience as much as on time
Spend time judging the cultural fit of a client, as this will reflect on your company
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to start with putting people above profit with Laura Tenison, Founder of JoJo Maman Bébé
04 Aug 2021
00:20:28
In this episode we hear from Laura Tenison MBE, the Founder and CEO of JoJo Maman Bébé . As a Certified B Corporation, the company has committed itself to evaluate a “triple bottom line”, putting people and the planet above profit.
Laura started her company in 1993 from her London flat-share, following on from an almost fatal accident whilst living in France. Having brought Breton-inspired clothing to the maternity market, today, JoJo Maman Bébé is widely considered the foremost maternity wear and baby clothing retailer in the UK, while also setting a great example for new founders to follow.
Advice:
Have a sense of responsibility for your team.
Be seen to be hard-working.
If you can be B Corp certified your customers will trust you and it will challenge you to make your company better and improve your business ethos.
Allow your employees some autonomy so that they can make mistakes and learn; delegating is important.
Brand consistency through all channels is vital for a successful company.
As the CEO, work out how to switch off.
If you’d like to contact Laura you can via Twitter or Instagram.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
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Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jianne Jamil, founder of DIOME, a premium supplement brand developing science-backed formulas to support the demands of modern life. Inspired by her mother’s decades-long struggle with prescription sleep medication, she set out to create effective, natural alternatives without the negative side effects. Before founding DIOME, Jianne built her career in the luxury beauty industry across New York, Paris, and London with La Mer, Tom Ford and Bobbi Brown. DIOME launched with Rested, an award-winning doctor-formulated, sleep supplement developed with her expert scientific team, including naturopath Emilie Delanoue and medical doctor Dr. Jencikova.
DIOME launched with Rested, a doctor-formulated, sleep-optimising supplement developed with her expert scientific team, including Emilie Delanoue and Dr. Jencikova.
Stay tuned to hear Jianne’s insights on where to start with your NPD, building a science-led wellness brand, and how to market those premium products.
Jianne's advice:
Product launch advice: Efficacy is everything; your product must truly deliver results
Health industry tip: Do thorough research before entering this highly regulated space
Regulatory compliance advice: Check laws in every country where you plan to sell
Supply chain tip: Confirm ingredient availability before committing to production
Quality control advice: Test, test, and test again to build customer trust
Entrepreneurship lesson: Use both data and intuition when deciding launch timing
Startup growth tip: One hero product can be enough to build a thriving business
Customer loyalty advice: Focus on longevity and building a faithful customer base
Branding and marketing tip: Position your product carefully, especially for a premium science-based brand
Business integrity lesson: Cut no corners — reputation is everything
Agency collaboration tip: Brief your creative team thoroughly so they reflect your vision
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
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How to start with B corporation in mind with Audrey Migot-Adholla, Founder of Yala Jewellery
27 Jul 2021
00:19:16
In this episode, we hear from Kenyan-born, Bristol-based Audrey Migot-Adholla who founded jewellery brand Yala Jewellery in 2017. Named after the village in Kenya where her grandmother lived, the brand focuses on creating as little impact on the planet as possible.
I wanted to speak to Audrey about why the mission behind her brand is so important to her plus ask for advice on what new founders should consider when planning to do the right thing by the planet when starting a company with a view to becoming B Corporation Certified in the future.
Audrey's advice:
Think hard before turning a hobby into a business - it’s a big step
Don’t underestimate how hard it is; expect to take some time before showing a profit
Research your industry thoroughly; you will need to find the sweet spot between being true to your vision and producing a product people will want to buy
When you set up, go to B Corp for guidance on sustainability in every area of your business; you will have to keep records and it will be exacting but they will help you. Better to start by trying to match their high standards than try to retrofit your company’s systems later.
With B Corp, you will have to recertify every three years
Also helpful with ideas on sustainability are Oxfam, the Ethical Trading Initiative and Progress out of Poverty
If you are employing artisans to make your product, trust them to quote a fair price and be prepared to pay deposits in advance to help them source materials
Get to know them as individuals, foster trust
Invest in an accountant at the start, even if you think you can’t afford one
Later, when you can afford to, start to delegate because you can’t do everything yourself
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2021 founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason. Edited by Renale Mathurin. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
Mini-series Ep 6 How to: start recruiting with Will Davies, Co-Founder of HBP Partners
13 Jul 2021
00:20:19
A lot of people in previous episodes have talked about how bringing talent into their businesses has been a game-changer, not only for revenue but for morale as well.
In this mini-series I wanted to cover more practical advice, the ‘I don’t know what I don’t know’. In this episode, we hear from Will Davies, co-founder of HBD Partners as he not only works in recruitment but has also brought people into his business on PAYE. Will offers practical advice on how to tackle this very important area of starting a company.
Advice:
Before employing anyone make sure you have budgeted for at least six months of their salary
The advantage of employing a contractor is more flexibility - but the downside is they may have other jobs at the same time, so will be less focused on your business
Full-time employees involve more paperwork for the employer however are more cost-efficient
Take time to find the right person. A good first step is to write your company’s handbook, write a contract, identify exactly your company’s ethos and what sort of person will be a good fit.
An employee handbook, together with a contract and an offer letter, will help the employee with their expectations so they can start work with confidence and clarity
When interviewing, do not to be swayed by personality; if you need experience, then that is what to look for
An employer must be sure the candidate has eligibility to work in the UK; they must either have a British passport, or a working visa, or settled status. Go to the government website for advice on this
Check their notice period in their current job and consider whether you can wait
Check whether or not they currently have a hands-off clause which could hamper them when working for you
Check their references. You are entitled to ask the previous employer a few character questions, although they are not obliged to answer them
You will need to build a HR file, containing their signed contract, GDPR statement and bank details Make sure before the candidate starts that you have the necessary equipment so they can start right away
You will need to budget for National Insurance and pension contributions (as well as a possible one-off recruitment fee)
You may want to consider Employment Liability Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance
If your employee is going to work from home make their targets clear
Endeavour to have a good relationship with your employees, take time to get to know them
Mini-series Ep 5 How to: understand & embrace public relations with Katya Zemtsova, Founder of Elephant Production Management
29 Jun 2021
00:18:06
When a founder is starting a business, they know that at some point they're going to have to tell other people what they’re doing and why, in order to reach their prospective clients and customers. Word of mouth is key. However, to reach further afield, marketing and communications will strengthen the launch, brand building and SEO. As part of the marketing mix, I find that PR is often considered but rarely embraced to its full potential - and often left to the last minute when it is too late.
I started Fallow, Field & Mason in order to combat the wariness that founders have of PR, coach them to own the function in-house and help them to understand what value it can bring to their search result rankings. As this mini-series is a more practical ‘how to’ it felt like the right place to speak about my day job, so I invited a fellow PR professional to discuss the topic.
In this episode I chat to Katya Zemtsova who runs her own marketing, media relations and project management company, Elephant, who set up and develop businesses in Russia, the CIS and the UK. She shares insights on why storytelling is so important and how it can support SEO, as well as common mistakes and misunderstandings business owners are guilty of when it comes to PR.
Katya’s advice:
PR, or public relations, already exists in all of your communications, it is simply spreading public awareness, so your word of mouth is also considered as PR
Words matter, they feed search engines (SEO)
Securing editorial content can not only build brand awareness but feed your search rankings
When starting out, use a professional copywriter to deliver high quality text as the written word is key
Remember to take into account lead times for the press, and think ahead with a three month lead time as a minimum
Public Relations is the means to secure editorial (not advertising!) in publications, however it is also speaker opportunities, awards, newsletters etc. too
Founders are always the best storytellers where their own brand is concerned so it is best to embrace this and conquer your fear of speaking to the press
Ensure you know how best to approach the press, when and with the right messaging
Be strategic in your approach with the media, make sure the publications are of high quality so when you’re searched, you’re affiliated with the right environment for your business
Be patient; it takes time to build relationships plus the press need time to research, write and pitch to their editors too
Mini-series Ep 4 How to: consider investment options with Costas Kalisperas, Founder of In Tune Executive Coaching
15 Jun 2021
00:19:17
As this mini-series is a more practical ‘how to’ I wanted to speak to an experienced investor to help understand not only the jargon surrounding this area but key points to consider when seeking investment as a startup.
In this episode we hear from Costas Kalisperas, founder of In Tune Executive Coaching. Costas is well placed to talk on this given his extensive and diverse advisory experience across law, investment banking, private equity as well as angel investing. He now helps executives reach their next set of goals and ambitions through his executive coaching company. Please don't hesitate to contact Coastas: costask@intune-exec.com
Costas’ advice:
When looking for investors, a starting point can be friends/family or crowdfunding
There are ‘angel’ lists and associations of individuals with capital too
A unicorn is a privately-owned startup valued at £1 billion or more
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) offers tax incentives to high net worth individuals to invest in smaller businesses
When looking for investment, if you are a product-based enterprise you need a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype to show what you can do. If you are a service-based enterprise, you will need a website and evidence of experience in the field. Either way, assess the minimum amount you need to be able to show an investor what you can do.
Be clear about your proposition and why your experience qualifies you
Pre-empt the obvious questions and demonstrate how you are better than your competitors
The main thing when looking for an investor is finding someone you can trust: focus on the individual, not the company. Look for accreditation in your advisors as much as in your investors
Try to assess where you’ll rank in their portfolio; better to be part of a smaller portfolio because you will benefit from more attention
Think hard about what fees you will be charged / how much equity in your company they will want / how much control they will want
Concentrate on the immediate steps while keeping faith with your long-term vision, prioritise customer acquisition above all
Always learn from your experience and be humble enough to pivot in order to build
Bear in mind the reason most startups fail is not because they are a bad idea, but simply because they have run out of capital. Think ahead about funding
Start building networks and relationships with people who take an interest in your business long before you may need to raise capital
Remember accepting investment is a moral responsibility
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
Mini-series Ep 3 How to: start sustainably with Ute Decker, Founder of Ute Decker Jewellery
01 Jun 2021
00:20:45
As this mini-series is a more practical ‘how to’, I wanted to speak to someone who has a great deal of experience in creating an ethical and sustainable business. In this episode, we hear from artist jeweller Ute Decker who simultaneously started her eponymous brand creating unique and limited edition sculptural jewellery, while researching and sharing what she had discovered around creating an ethical company. This research culminated into a site now run by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths called Ethical Making.
For someone thinking of starting up a company with ethical credentials, Ute makes some very strong points. She explains that terms like ‘sustainable’ and ‘responsibly sourced’ are overworked terms and are not necessarily truthful. She emphasises that, to be ethical, we must start by being truthful and accurate in what we claim.
Ute’s advice:
Set up the company right from the start with a view to sustainability
Start by looking at the ethical consumer
Always be specific and precise in what you claim, otherwise it’s meaningless
Be truthful: avoid “greenwash”, ie. claims that can’t be substantiated
“Fairtrade” (whatever product it applies to) is a protected term, as is “environmentally friendly” (whereas “sustainable” and “ethical” are often misused)
Choose a green energy supplier from the start (rather than promising to offset the carbon footprint)
Choose green banking
Check out the Social Development Goals of the United Nations, and EthicalMaking.org
Look at what the big corporations are doing in this area
Always consider the unintended consequences of your decisions
Know your sources and check the certifications
Being “sustainable” can never be perfectly realised; but you can work towards it
Giving a percentage to charity does not compensate for unsustainable practices
Remember the consumer is powerful and will ask questions
Thank you for listening. I would be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast as it helps others find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, Fallow, Field & Mason Edited by Emma Dewhurst. Recorded, edited & published b
Mini-series Ep 2 How to: manage the legal side of starting a company with Helen Gerrard, Lawyer & Founder of Snow Drone
18 May 2021
00:20:32
Starting a company can be a daunting challenge and many people have a fear around 'I don't know what I don't know'. In this episode of the mini-series of HSTU we cover the legalities of starting a company with Helen Gerrard who left her career as a city lawyer for the French Alps where she now continues her legal work as a partner for Ignition, a law firm that specialises in supporting startups and their growth, and also co-founded SnowDrone with her husband.
Helen shares advice on how and when new founders should approach the legalities of starting a company and that with the right support it isn’t daunting. I was really keen to speak to Helen as she is not only a lawyer supporting startups but an entrepreneur herself. In addition, she has mastered the work-life balance, a good example of which is using time on ski lifts for her conference calls.
Helen's advice:
Obtain legal advice asap when setting up a company, as it can be expensive & time-consuming to rectify mistakes
When you are a director of a company, remember you have fiduciary duties towards the company
Information at Companies House needs to be correct from both the accounting and legal perspectives
You may well need help managing legal aspects like the Confirmation Statement
Rather than simply use the Model Articles allocated by Companies House, it may be better to have a lawyer create bespoke Articles of Association for your company
A lawyer can help streamline the complicated preemption process when issuing shares through equity
Employees can be incentivised with a series of milestones and targets culminating perhaps in share options
Manage your share capital by starting with a small nominal amount per share
As soon as you can, put a shareholders’ agreement in place
You may need professional help drafting documents, for example board minutes
Look for a law firm regulated by SRA which has insurance and professional indemnity cover. Also seek out lawyers who have an understanding of your business
Your budget will obviously vary according to your needs: you may need a template of a non-disclosure agreement / articles of association / shareholders’ agreement / corporate authorisations / a template of an employment agreement which includes an IP assignment
Plan to devote some time every month to look ahead at your legal needs
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too. Links:
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement & reassurance that you’re on the right track. Edited by Emma Dewhurst. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfie
Mini-series EP 1 How To: Find A Good Accountant with Laurie Borlace, founder of RedBrick Accounting
04 May 2021
00:18:49
The one piece of advice every How To Start Up guest has shared unanimously is to find a good accountant. In this episode, we hear from Chartered Accountant Laurie Borlace on what founders should consider when starting a business from an accounting perspective and what to ask accountants when trying to find the right one for their business.
Laurie qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and has over 12 years of experience. Full disclosure: Laurie is Fallow, Field & Mason’s accountant and I can highly recommend his firm RedBrick Accounting, as they specialise in startups, SME’s and contractors. Laurie has built his business through referrals and personal recommendations so has no need for a website however you'll be able to contact him via: hello@redbrickaccounting.com
Laurie's advice:
Be sure you can finance yourself when starting out
If you’re not good on personal finances, then you will definitely need an accountant to support you
Know your numbers inside out when you are planning
Remember an accountant will deal with the admin, so you have more time to grow your business and add value
An accountant will need to know all the details about your revenue, expenses, strategy & vision for the business
It’s probably wise to choose a Chartered Accountant (who will be properly insured)
Having an accountant will give you peace of mind as he/she will examine everything in detail and make sure you comply with all HMRC’s requirements
When you’re budgeting, remember to include your wage, tax and accountant's fee
Be aware of regulatory dates e.g. when your financial year is, or that tax is due nine months after the end of your accounting year
Self-assessment means that the first year, you pay tax in arrears, but from then on tax must be paid in advance, which makes the end of the first year expensive
Finally, believe in yourself
N.B. Since the interview, the higher rate tax threshold has risen to £50,270 for 2021-22.
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement & reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Edited by Emma Dewhurst. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfi
How to handle social media for your business with Liza Urla, Founder of Gemologue
20 Apr 2021
00:14:42
In this episode we hear from Liza Urla, business consultant, founder of jewellery destination GEMOLOGUE and author of the book GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips. Liza left her management consulting career to start her business in 2009 when she saw an opportunity for jewellery to be shared digitally and hasn’t looked back. Her current GEM business world includes GEM Kreatives, GEM Photo School and GEM Maison and the Financial Times, among other publications, has written about her as a jewellery influencer and blogger.
Liza shares advice on time management and the need to stay on top of new trends; she emphasises the importance of understanding many different areas of business simultaneously but also how to keep on top of that too.
Liza’s advice:
Decide at the start whether you are the right partner for yourself, or whether you need to partner up with someone
At the beginning, focus on what is most important to the business
Make friends: keep talking to others, and listen to honest feedback with an open mind
Make time to learn from others and develop new relationships
Stay on top of new trends: remember you need to be able to manage many different aspects of business
When it comes to time management, a personal daily list of priorities is a great help or a tool such as https://quire.io
Enjoy learning: before you outsource, teach yourself how a thing is done
When it comes to pricing, place a value on your time/knowledge/experience
When you are considering new business, be open to the possibility that it is NOT for you
Stay true to your instincts and allow yourself to work on what you love
Remember some failure is essential and you will learn from it
Take care to handle social media with caution
Enjoy the process of problem-solving
Structure your day and use your most productive time of day to advantage
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Edited by Emma Dewhurst and recorded, edited & published by J
How to create your company's culture with Brett Putter, founder of CultureGene
06 Apr 2021
00:15:36
In this episode we hear from Brett Putter who believes that the culture of a company is crucial to its success. He calls it the missing link. Brett is an expert in this field and is consulted by global companies and leaders to help design, develop and build high-performing cultures.
Brett shares advice on when to start working on your own company’s culture, why to consider building your company with a remote first mindset and why finding support and structure in the day to day is crucial.
Brett is the CEO of CultureGene , a culture leadership software and services platform. In 2018 he published his first book, Culture Decks Decoded and his second book Own Your Culture: How to Define, Embed and Manage your Company Culture in September 2020.
Advice:
Research your chosen field as thoroughly as you can; become not just an expert, but THE expert
Demonstrate your knowledge so that you become completely trusted
Don’t be too hard on yourself, remember your successes
In order to adapt to the pandemic, build with a remote-first mindset
Be patient
Sell as enthusiastically as you can
Value your mistakes as good experience
Get the rhythm right between work and family
Be structured, to get the most out of your day
Treat every short-term relationship as if it’s going to be a long-term one
Most important: install company culture into your business from the very start
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Edited by Emma Dewhurst. Recorded, edited and published by Juliet Fallowfield in 2021. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to manage your limiting beliefs with Martine Thomassen, Entrepreneurial Coach
23 Mar 2021
00:14:13
In this episode we hear from Martine Thomassen who through studying how to be an entrepreneur in her education years, gained the foundations to then launch her own business when she was ready. Having been a digital marketer as well as an artist, she has now launched her own coaching business specialising in helping female entrepreneurs overcome their limiting beliefs, which is just one area among many that she helps clients to conquer.
Martine talks through the differences between mentors and coaches, how to work with that inner critic that can sometimes do so much damage in our every day and how to really master personal energy levels.
Martine’s advice:
Try! You fail in advance if you don’t try
Recognise and acknowledge your feelings, then choose to think more empowering thoughts that will serve you better
Remember that enthusiasm will show, just as negativity will
Win or learn, failure can be instructive and useful
Pay attention to your feelings and care for them; they need to be looked after
Take proper time off and have complete breaks from work
Keep learning - listen to podcasts can be inspirational while you exercise or do any task
Schedule your time and consciously focus on income-producing work
Believe in yourself, in your client, in your product - if you don’t, you won’t be convincing when it comes to pricing
If you are female, organise your work around your cycle and those weeks when you have more energy
Recognise your achievements, congratulate yourself even on the small wins
Self-trust, keep your word to yourself - if you trust yourself this will in turn boost your self-confidence
Surround yourself with like-minded people as well as those who are one step ahead to help support you
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded and produced by Juliet Fallowfield, edited by Emma Dewhurst in 2021. Music credit: Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.
How to self-fund your startup, Neada Deters, Lesse
23 Sep 2025
00:34:08
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Neada Deters, founder of LESSE, a skin care brand redefining beauty through simplicity, efficacy and sustainability.
Born in Sydney and now based in New York, Neada began her career as a beauty editor, interviewing leading experts and testing countless products. Yet her own struggles with cystic acne and reactive skin revealed a gap in the market for effective and natural skin care that worked for sensitive skin. In 2018 she launched LESSE, a self-funded business pioneering high-performance formulas that merge active botanicals with brilliant results.
Stay tuned to hear Neada’s insights on building a self-funded beauty business in a VC-driven industry, the lessons she’s learnt in balancing simplicity with efficacy and how she’s working to raise standards in the natural skin care space.
Neada's Advice:
Self-funded startups tip: Stay independent and fully in control of your vision
Bootstrapping advice: Grow at your own pace without investor pressure
Entrepreneurship lesson: Build trust by prioritizing quality and ingredients
Small business survival tip: Gain resilience by staying clear and focused
Startup motivation: Celebrate small wins along the journey
Business growth advice: Be resourceful, run a lean team, and know your numbers
Money management for entrepreneurs: Always keep cash flow top of mind
Financial planning for startups: Get advice from experts who understand small businesses
Working with your partner in business: Define clear roles from the start
Founder health tip: Protect your wellbeing — it’s one of your biggest business assets
Work-life balance for entrepreneurs: Learn when to push hard and when to rest
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to manage your time as an entrepreneur with Lisa Song Sutton
09 Mar 2021
00:14:40
In this episode we hear from Lisa Song Sutton who is a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, former Miss Nevada United States and former Congressional candidate for Nevada’s 4th District and has been named a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum and a Top 10 Social Entrepreneur to Watch.
Lisa shares advice on how to manage your time properly, how hard work can out way talent in the long run and why not to talk yourself out just doing it!
Lisa’s advice:
Instead of worrying about whether you have the necessary talent, remember you have complete control of your own work ethic and can work as hard as anybody
You may feel more comfortable if you keep the day job until you are financially secure
Be courageous and believe in yourself, especially when you’re a female founder. Do not talk yourself out launching a company
Don’t take failures personally; keep pushing through as all failures will teach you too
Trust your partners and your inner circle; build friendships with those who will become mentors. A mentor doesn’t have to be through an official program
Learn from your failures; use them to improve what you do and see them as a teachable moment
Expect to work extremely hard when you start. Be disciplined and ok with this
Accept that you are accountable and make sure you know every area of your company inside out
Use all available technology and tools in order to help you streamline your processes
Schedule your time to use it efficiently, including your down time. It will help you be aware of where your time is being spent
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and to seek help
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded and produced by Juliet Fallowfield, edited by Emma Dewhurst in 2021. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link &
How to stay confident in entrepreneurship with Amanda McKenna
23 Feb 2021
00:19:09
In this episode we hear from Amanda McKenna who, as a former co-founder and Board Director of two self-started digital agencies, shares how feeling like she didn't belong in entrepreneurship affected her confidence, how people who don't fit the entrepreneurial stereotype will experience this more acutely and ways we can all tackle this head on.
In Amanda’s TED Talk she refers to the Allison Rose review and the extraordinary statistic that there are 1.1 million missing female-founded businesses in the U.K. That is £250 billion of value could be added to the economy if women started and scaled businesses to the same extent as men.
Amanda’s advice:
When you’re starting out, do the scariest thing; the sense of achievement will give you resilience and confidence
Challenge yourself to write your business plan in detail
Sound board with people who work differently to you
When you make a business plan, plan for your own self-care in tandem
Think early on about what you want to get out of this, for yourself
Imposter syndrome is prevalent with entrepreneurs, plan how to manage this. Getting a coach could be a solution
Keep focussed on the bigger picture
Always find time to talk to people in and around your sector for inspiration
Make sure the people you employ share your beliefs and aims for the business
Allow employees to be good at what they do; don’t try to control everything, give people space
If you'd like to contact Amanda she can be reached via LinkedIn or on Twitter @AmandaMcKenna_
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too. Links:
LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices.
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded and produce by Juliet Fallowfield, edited by Emma Dewhurst in 2021. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to measure your own success with Dora Palfi, CEO Imagilabs
09 Feb 2021
00:18:09
In this episode we hear from Dora Palfi, founder of Imagilabs, the all-female founded Stockholm-based startup that aims to make coding more accessible to teenage girls.
Dora shares how being determined to solve a problem she had identified, ended up in her creating her business idea. She also shares strategies around how to measure your own success as it is important to get job satisfaction and validation for your work when you’re boss-less.
Dora’s advice:
Asking for help is a strength not a weakness
Consult other founders, including ones who are just a little further on than you are
Re-read your old notes; it’s not just about new knowledge
If you really want to solve a problem, you’ll find a way; you’ve done it before and you’ll do it again
Allow yourself to make mistakes; learn from them and move on
To keep inspired, remain passionate about the problems you set out to solve; to be problem-focussed is motivating
Always keep your eyes on your mission
Being part of a strong team will give you support that can be invaluable
Enjoy your responsibility and lead by example
Being self-employed means you have to evaluate your own work, so make a framework, set goals and hold yourself accountable
Good communication is vital: don’t make assumptions that your teams or clients have heard what you’re trying to say
Find your own style
Be prepared to adapt; what works for a while may need to change
Test your product with target users so that you can get feedback
If you’re not embarrassed about your product at launch, you’ve launched too late
Be open about what you do; being secretive won’t help you progress and it is unlikely someone will steal your idea
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, edited by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020 & published in January 2021.
How to both start up & stay married, with Zoe Evans & Nick Rusling
26 Jan 2021
00:26:37
In this episode we hear from Zoe Evans and Nick Rusling who have both started and run their own separate and successful companies, while also enjoying a happy 17 years of marriage and two young children. They share their perspectives on how they manage the stresses and strains of self-employment while supporting each other within the family too.
Zoe runs Style PR focussing on brand amplification and storytelling. Nick runs the Human Race, the UK’s principal mass participation sports event organiser across running, cycling and triathlons and is also the Chairman of the two point six challenge.
Zoe & Nick’s advice:
Empathetic communication will build the foundations of any successful relationship
Take your time, don’t rush decisions
Take care when recruiting
Always explain yourself to your client in their terms, avoid industry jargon.
As being self-employed inevitably means you’ll start out being quite solitary, offer to go in to the client’s office or join meetings as it’ll benefit you both
Be tenacious, never give up
Don’t take it personally if your emails etc aren’t answered as quickly as they would be if you worked for a larger company
On pricing, know your industry and your worth. Trust your instincts and don’t let commentary from others weigh you down
Value your time and learn to say no
Remember every mistake teaches you something new
Accept that being self-employed will not be a smooth path & embrace the roller coaster
Be brave, give things a go and enjoy it
Create a safety net of a few people you trust, people you can consult if there’s a problem
At the end of the day make a list of three things to do the next day - and make sure you do at least one of them before you start anything else
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, hosted and produce by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020, edited by Emma Dewhurst and published in Ja
How to prioritise with Robin Swithinbank, writer, editor and brand consultant
12 Jan 2021
00:17:37
In this episode we hear from writer, editor and brand consultant Robin Swithinbank. Robin has been an employee, an employer and is now a sole trader, so could be said to understand the world of work from all angles. He reminds us that work doesn’t and shouldn’t define us in however we chose to do it.
Robin's advice includes:
The entrepreneurial spirit can sometimes mean you’re impatient - before taking a decision, slow down and take that extra breath to think things through
Recognise the tension between wanting to get things done and thinking things through
If you’re entering into a business partnership, it is advisable to learn your strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the relationship. Executive coaches can be a very beneficial business investment.
Being self-employed comes with a myriad of different responsibilities you need to be aware of
Know yourself - if you find leadership difficult, you may be more productive as a sole trader
Respect the different ways in which you can learn about yourself and your abilities
When it comes to pricing, know your own value
Don’t be afraid of trying something new and if you have a good idea, go for it
Try not to procrastinate, be efficient with your time
Remember the fragile things are: family, health, friends and spirit. Work is robust and will bounce without causing lasting damage
Create your own priority tree and make sure you work out what you value above work
Set aside an uninterrupted hour or more every day with no social media or email - this will make you far more productive
Be ok with walking away from your business or role if you know you’re better placed working in a different way
If you’d like to contact Robin, he can be reached on robinswithinbank@gmail.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
Links:
LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices.
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, hosted and produced by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020, edited by Emma Dewhurst & published in January 2021. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to manage stress & sleep with Gustav Lundberg Toresson, Founder of memmo
29 Dec 2020
00:16:19
From forming his own startup at 18 and most recently Co-Founding memmo, today’s guest. Gustav Lundberg Toresson, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 board member and a born entrepreneur.
memmo is a platform where the likes of Sven-Göran Eriksson or Carole Baskin can record personalised video greetings for your own friends or family. With over 50,000 greetings to date, anything from proposals to pep-talks have already been shared.
Gustav shares his enthusiasm for the idea that an entrepreneur can - from their initial vision - follow any path she or he likes to turn that vision into a business and why sleep isn’t a waste of time.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too!
Gustav's advice:
Embrace uncertainty; you don’t need all the answers at once, you will find them along the way
You will have many opportunities; the important thing is to prioritise
Focus on your core offering and try not to be distracted
Being disturbed by your phone or email distracts you for longer than you realise
Make sure you have a well thought out product-to-market fit
Be relevant; be aware of local differences in each of your target markets
Sleep can definitely help with creativity, smart thinking and efficiency
Try structuring your days so that you cluster meetings on certain days and keep other days free to concentrate alone
Think about what makes you happy and what makes you anxious; try to interpret things in a positive light, and build on the positives so that you stay upbeat
As an entrepreneur, you can go in any direction you like as there are no rules or right answers
The exciting thing about being self-employed is that you can have a vision and act on it
Try not to let stress drain you; learn ways of dealing with it, including having a mentor
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in Septemb
In this episode we hear from Paul Weeden who is the first How To Start Up guest to have not only started a company (at the age of 24) but also to have successfully sold it too.
Paul recognises that being your own boss is not as straightforward as it sounds: as it grows, so do your responsibilities. Having sold his business, he is now salaried again and is able to offer an interesting perspective on both employment options, especially amidst a pandemic which has changed employee freedoms forever.
Paul can be reached on paul@teamweeden.com
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
I would be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps others to find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, hosted & produced by Juliet Fallowfield and edited by Emma Dewhurst in December 2020. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to become No.1 at what you do with Geoffrey Kent, Founder of Abercrombie & Kent
15 Dec 2020
00:19:11
In this episode we hear from Geoffrey Kent, who not only founded world renowned luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, but is also credited with creating experiential travel as a concept. I have long admired A&K for being leaders in sustainability across environmental, economic and social responsibilities.
Geoffrey shares his stories and experiences as an entrepreneur of nearly 60 years’ experience, including a foray into space travel and why delivering a business, service or product that no one else does is paramount for success as an entrepreneur.
Geoffrey founded A&K in Africa in 1962 with little more than a refrigerated ex-Army truck, and the best tents money could buy with the motto ‘off-the-beaten-track safaris’. Nearly six decades later, with Geoffrey still at the helm. If you’d like to get in touch with Geoffrey you can contact his team via info@abercrombiekent.co.uk or A&K plus his book ‘Safari’ is also available.
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too!
Geoffrey’s advice:
Have passion, as you need to love what you do: dedication and hard work are what it takes
Never give up, always aim to be Number One
Come up with something new, something that no one else offers
Give your clients all your time and attention
Listen to and learn from others; it helps to take notes
Expect a long working day, and try to start each new day ‘driven’
Think through your decisions, write them down and consider them carefully to make sure they are the right ones
Turn your lifestyle into your business, not the other way around
Plan a business cycle and commit to the years it’ll take
Always put yourself into the shoes of your stakeholders so you know what they really want
Be exacting with your due diligence
Accept that you’re responsible for the company if you’re self employed and that you are ‘the last one in the room’
Never send an angry email; draft it, save it and think about it again the next day
Links:
LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices.
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin
How to do one thing really well with Pip Durell, founder of With Nothing Underneath
08 Dec 2020
00:18:25
In this episode we hear from Pip Durell, founder of shirt brand With Nothing Underneath. She had the brainwave of creating a brand with a focused and particular look, one that is “cool, elegant, ethical and affordable” and she has gone on to do exactly that. She speaks about fashion fatigue, what it really means to create a brand that is genuinely sustainable and how educating herself, as well as her customers, is paramount.
WNU was created to make the perfect everyday boyfriend shirt. Designed in London, inspired by men's tailoring adjusted for women; WNU offers an affordable boyfriend shirt - a casual luxury with scrupulous detail using the highest quality materials.
If you’d like to leave an audio question for future guests, head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note.
Thank you for listening. I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.
How to come back from a crisis with Bahar Etminan, founder of Rescu.com.au
30 Nov 2020
00:21:10
In this episode we hear from Bahar Etminan who, having been faced with bankruptcy during the global financial crisis, speaks from the heart as a seasoned entrepreneur. Bahar values hard work and self belief and reminds us that there’s no shame in accepting help. She talks about how setting up a business is like being in love: if you’ve done it once you can do it again.
Rescu is a daily destination for those who want to be their own success story. The Rescu universe is all about discovering the new, no-spin reviews, in-depth articles and truly expert advice from the brightest thinkers, doers and achievers in the business. Rescu’s world class experts and curated content will guide you to raise your game on style, substance and success.
I'd love to hear any questions you have for future guests, please leave a voice note via Speakpipe.
Bahar’s advice:
Be courageous and believe in yourself
Make an audit of all your assets and abilities
Recognise that people love to help others
Work out a specific target and just head for it
Be energised: momentum brings its own momentum
Get quality legal / accounting / insurance advice, sooner not later and budget properly for this
Always do your research before pitching, know your audience
Invest in building trust in the people around you
Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by competition on social media
Keep your goal in sight and focus on what you’re good at
Give yourself permission to close your business whenever you please. Do what is right for you
Thank you for listening. I’d love to hear your own startup stories and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: hello@fallowfieldmason.com
I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, hosted & published by Juliet Fallowfield and edited by Emma Dewhurst in September 2020. MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence
How to restart after 30 years of success, Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures
09 Sep 2025
00:42:55
Today, I’m joined by Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, the world’s largest small group adventure travel company and a pioneer in community tourism. Bruce started the business 35 years ago with two maxed-out credit cards from his garage in Toronto and has since built a global movement rooted in purpose and impact.
Recently awarded The Officer of The Order of Canada, Bruce returned to the Ecuadorian Amazon, the site of G’s very first trip, to reflect on the company’s legacy and plan for the next 100 years.
In this episode, we discuss Bruce’s approach to leadership, how he built a values-led culture, and what it really takes to create a business that changes lives, within his business as well as so many others.
Bruce's Advice:
Carve Your Own Path With New Ideas – True entrepreneurship means innovating and standing out from the competition.
Find Your “Why” – Define your motivation and purpose to stay focused when building your business.
Know Your Audience – Understanding who you serve is the foundation of successful marketing and growth.
Define Your Unique Strengths – Highlight your skills and specialties that make your business different.
Why Your Business Should Exist – Clarify the value and impact your business brings to the world.
Your Business Reflects You – Every brand is a mirror of its founder’s values and vision.
Balance Creativity and Strategy – Innovators thrive with ideas, but lasting businesses need both creativity and solid numbers.
Turn Crisis Into Opportunity – Challenges like the pandemic can fuel innovation and business transformation.
Human Connection in the Age of AI – In today’s AI-driven world, genuine human relationships and service are what set businesses apart.
FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts. Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.
FF&M recommends:
LastPass the password-keeping site that syncs between devices.
How to balance creativity with business acumen with Awon Golding, founder & award winning Milliner
24 Nov 2020
00:21:43
In this episode we hear from Awon Golding who arrived in London in 2009 having left her life in Hong Kong to pursue her ambition to be a milliner. She talks through what she has learnt about balancing being a creative that also has to run a commercial business as well as where she seeks inspiration from.
Awon Golding Millinery is an award-winning brand specialising in fun and fresh made-to-order special occasion hats and bridal headpieces for modern women. As well as regularly featuring in international fashion publications, Awon’s ability to meld femininity with wearability has brought her a loyal following of global style icons. Awon Golding Millinery counts Lady Gaga and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex amongst her clients. And most recently Kylie Minogue sported a custom-made lily headpiece to celebrate her new album DISCO’s release.
You can contact Awon Info@awongolding.com or via Instagram
Awon’s advice:
Be as skilled as you can be in your chosen field before you start
If you are a creative, be sure to learn commercial skills too, however uninspiring you may find them
Try to find the balance between your particular skill and the price you put upon it (don’t knock yourself out spending too long creating something if this is going to result in an unrealistic and unaffordable item)
Keep talking to other experts in your field, study and learn from their processes
Always be open to learning more even when you’re years into your trade
Keep a passion for what you do, because this is infectious and will feed through to your client too
Know your market and your competitors
Trust your employees. If you bring someone in, trust your decision and their talent too
Build up personal relationships with your suppliers as not only will it build a better relationship, but there will be economies of scale too that will benefit your business
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and always try to keep a sense of perspective
Try to find something outside your immediate business that also inspires you. If you can blend the two, even better.
Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites
Thank you for listening. I’d love to hear your own startup stories and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: hello@fallowfieldmason.com
I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020.
Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
How to be the new kid on the block with Nick Bridle, Belstone Dart International
17 Nov 2020
00:20:48
In this episode we hear from Nick Bridle, who having retired from the military, founded Belstone Dart International, a risk management consultancy in 2017. Nick explains the importance of getting a client to pay for your product or service as soon as possible, as you need to qualify the concept commercially... because until that happens, it doesn’t really matter how pretty your logo is. He also talks about how being new to the playing field can mean you’re a target for bullying tactics from the more established players, but that is ok as it means you’re a genuine threat.
Belstone Dart is a consultancy specialising in providing advice and support for those entering or operating in challenging markets. info@belstonedart.com
Nick's advice:
Be aware of your communication and leadership skills when it comes to stakeholders
Know which strengths you can take from your previous roles and where you may need to improve certain skills
Always do what you say you’re going to do
Always be reliable and responsive when you’re a start up; get back to your clients straight away and make it easy for them to hire you
In the beginning, ask people for advice and garner opinions on your business idea
Write a business plan to get you in the right mindset
Look at your financial projections and costs, know that you’ll reduce the former and increase the latter
You just need to start doing it and the rest will follow
At the start, get a paying client to see if your idea is viable. Someone paying you is essential to prove your concept works in reality - it almost doesn’t matter how much, you just need an actual transaction to start with
Accept that things take longer than you might expect and map that into your plan; it can take months to win business
You’ll work a lot harder when self-employed but you’ll have flexibility as well
With pricing, work out what your costs actually are and what margin is fair. By pricing yourself fairly within the market and being able to justify your pricing clearly, you’ll win more business in the long run
If you don’t have to take on a business partner, don’t. If you do, be really sure you trust that person absolutely. Question the ratio of ownership as 50/50 can lead to a stalemate if things go wrong
Accept even small clients as you never know where they might lead
Growth through word of mouth is the most effective way to grow your business quickly
Links
LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. Affiliate link here .
Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets.
Thank you for listening. I’d love to hear your own startup stories and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: hello@fallowfieldmason.com
I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
How to find the opportunity with George Coke, By Georgie travel
10 Nov 2020
00:17:44
In this episode we hear from Georgina Coke who founded By Georgie in 2015. George explains how, having been made redundant, she took a step she would never have anticipated. Prompted by friends she took the plunge to set up on her own and six years later she has no regrets, saying redundancy was the best thing that could have happened to her. She is the 100% owner of a company which connects luxury travel companies to a select group of destination management companies.
By Georgie represents a select few destination management companies and boutique lodges in the UK and European market. You can contact George on georgina@bygeorgie.comr
Georgina is also a founding member of The Conscious Travel Foundation, a social enterprise established to unite and educate owner-operated travel businesses and promote travel as a force for good, raising funds for grass-roots charity projects around the world.
George’s advice includes:
Redundancy is an opportunity; once you’re over the shock that is
Practical first steps include registering your company, set up the business bank account and find an accountant
Speak to a range of people you trust, both for practical advice and for emotional support
Delegate to experts: don’t try to do it all yourself, but allow those more experienced to do the jobs you dislike as you’ll get a better return
Make sure you take time off, break up the day and ensure you take holiday
Plan your day so nothing gets forgotten; two meetings a day is enough
Observe your work/life balance consistently in order to get it right
Relish your autonomy and the flexibility it gives you
LastPass offer a free of charge service which I've been using. This post is unpaid however there is an affiliate link you can use here should you want to support the podcast.
Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets.
Thank you for listening. I’d love to hear your own startup stories too and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: hello@fallowfieldmason.com
I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020.
MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence