It Runs In The Family – Details, episodes & analysis
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It Runs In The Family
Liz & Leila Willingham
Frequency: 1 episode/14d. Total Eps: 139
Hello! We're Liz & Leila Willingham and welcome to "It Runs In The Family". We're the mother and daughter duo working within the public relations and communications agency, Liz Lean PR. Running a business is hard - really hard. Every business has its challenges and it's own ups and downs - but in a family business, this is often exaggerated by the willingness to speak your mind. But it also has some huge advantages that the corporate cultures just can't compete with. In this podcast, featuring a different family business guest in each episode, we're going to be digging into the stories, values and traditions of other family and multi-generational businesses. We'll explore their history, learnings and how they've developed through the generations and the unique advantages they've had over their competitors. We discover where human relationship migrates into business; the ups, downs, twists, turns and landmark moments that seal the fate of these fascinating organisations. You’ll get to hear some brilliant life stories too; some to make you laugh and others that’ll warm your heart. Many of our clients are family businesses who we've worked very closely with over a number of years - we've heard brilliant stories that reveal true values and fun operating as a family business. We want you to feel inspired by stories of others, find their honesty relatable and reach out to us with your own experiences. If you have any questions for future guests, have a story of your own or have any feedback please do feel free to get in touch on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrunsinthefamilypodcast/
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See all- https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean
492 shares
- https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr
282 shares
- https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
282 shares
- https://www.therobincancertrust.org/
77 shares
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See allScore global : 73%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
From 300 Dogs to 3 Generations: Saving Strays in Romania with Anca and Sara Tomescu #137
Episode 137
mercredi 3 juin 2026 • Duration 38:28
When a late‑night phone call in Bucharest led Anca Tomescu’s mother to rescue 300 dogs in a single day, she had no idea she was founding one of Eastern Europe’s oldest and most remarkable shelters.
In this episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, we meet Anca and her daughter Sara, the second and third generations behind Adăpostul Speranța Shelter, now home to over 500 elderly, disabled, and rehabilitated dogs.
They share what it’s like to grow up in a shelter, how Sara is now blending business skills with a lifelong love of animals, and how the duo are so much more powerful together than apart.
🔑 Key Themes
- Turning Crisis into a Calling
- Multi‑Generational Family Business Dynamics
- Leading With Compassion
- Blending Passion with Profession
- Balancing Work, Family, and Boundaries
🔗 Connect with us
Adăpostul Speranța LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/speran%C8%9Ba-shelter/
Adăpostul Speranța Website: https://adapostulsperanta.ro/
Anca Tomescu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anca-tomescu/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
The Unquestionable Ethics of an Organic Brand with Steenbergs’ Co-Founders, Axel and Sophie Steenberg #136
Episode 136
mercredi 20 mai 2026 • Duration 45:42
When Sophie and Axel Steenberg walked away from corporate life to start an organic spice business, they bet on their values, their patience, and their family.
Steenbergs is a business grown from a tiny North Yorkshire unit with just two kilos of each spice; now it’s a tried, tested and trusted brand, known for doing the right thing at all costs…
Sophie and Axel join us to explore the reality of doing business ‘the nicer way’, and how your business’ ethos is a stark reflection of the family who runs it.
🔑 Key Themes
- Building a Values-Led, Organic Business
- Patience and Risk in a Niche Market
- Preserving Your Ethics Amid Wider Pressures
- Environmental Responsibility
🔗 Connect with us
Steenbergs Website: https://www.steenbergs.co.uk/
Steenbergs LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steenbergs/
Steenbergs IG: https://www.instagram.com/steenbergsltd/
Axel Steenberg LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-steenberg-3209b37/
Sophie Steenberg LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-steenberg-a475828/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
Sisterhood as a Superpower with Cubbi’s Co-Founders Olivia and Tanyka Davson #127
Episode 127
mercredi 14 janvier 2026 • Duration 37:15
Sisterhood is a superpower.
Once Olivia and Tanyka Davson understood each other as both siblings and as professionals, the foundations were laid for them to finally go all-in with Cubbi.
Their business was born out of personal experiences in motherhood, which places family values at the heart of their business before it’s even taken its first steps.
So join us for a look at how these Co-Founders took the leap together, why their dynamic is far different from any normal Co-Founder duo, and the bright future ahead for Cubbi!
🔑 Key Themes
- Bootstrapping & Testing the Idea
- Balancing Startup Life with Motherhood and Work
- Sisterhood as a Business Superpower
- Growth, Brand Partnerships & Future Vision
🔗 Connect with us
- Cubbi: https://www.cubbi.uk/
- Cubbi IG: https://www.instagram.com/cubbi.uk
- Cubbi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cubbiapp/
- Olivia Davson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-davson-1998ab82/
- Tanyka Davson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyka-davson-315766134/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
An Exceptional Hotelier Family with Passion for Hospitality: The Pig’s Founders Robin & Judy Hutson, and Head Kitchen Gardener Ollie Hutson #37
Episode 37
mercredi 6 juillet 2022 • Duration 01:03:54
Robin Hutson’s extraordinary impact on the hospitality industry earned him an OBE in 2022’s New Year’s Honours, being part of one of the country’s most impactful family hotel chains.
With Judy Hutson alongside bringing an influential eye for design, and son Ollie Hutson’s mastery of a quality kitchen garden, this family’s clearly well-versed in combining their extraordinary skills.
The trio join us on It Runs In The Family to discuss their approach to viewing the team as a huge extended family, how they come together in times of hardship, retaining their family values through any business structure, and so much more!
This episode covers:
- Robin’s illustrious hotelier history, from Hotel du Vin to The Pig hotel chain
- How Ollie observed and learned from so much of his parents’ business acumen through formative years
- The huge cultural impact of Judy’s hotel designs throughout their chains
- Upholding the family values through a future involving the introduction of private equity
- Celebrity anecdotes from their history, involving the likes of David Bowie, Angela Hartnett and Mark Nix
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
Liz & Leila: The Mother-Daughter Duo Behind CIPR’s Best Podcast of 2022 with Liz Lean PR #36
Episode 36
mercredi 22 juin 2022 • Duration 39:08
With 35 episodes under our belt since February 2021, we’re delighted to announce that It Runs In The Family has been named Best Podcast at the CIPR Excellence Awards 2022!
It’s an unparalleled pleasure to share such an experience within a family business, and now seems as good a time as any to look back at the wonderful experiences and incredible guests that made this award possible.
Join us for a very special episode where we pick out our highlights, share some hilarious stories, and even bring our editor Dan in to pick the brains of the man who sees the true mother-daughter relationship with zero filter…
This episode covers:
- Our journey to the CIPR Excellence Awards
- Episode highlights, from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee and Timothy Everest to Trewithen Dairy and ACME Whistles
- How the podcast experience has exemplified the tight network that’s so special to family businesses
- Tales from award shows past and present
- A dissection of our own special bond
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
Continuing a 150 Year Legacy of Love & Care with Ainsworth Jewellers’ Phillip Ainsworth & Helen Dimmick #35
Episode 35
mercredi 8 juin 2022 • Duration 01:01:06
Between the heritage behind 5th generation Director Phil Ainsworth and the expertise of award-winning gemmologist & wife Helen Dimmick, Ainsworth Jewellers is in safe hands.
Phil’s 30 years at the helm of a business formerly responsible for the FA Cup winner’s medals, married with Helen’s experience with the famed Tiffany & Co, create a dedicated pairing in an industry founded on love & care.
On It Runs In The Family this week, we hear from the dazzling couple on their connection to customers, blending the pair’s contrasting approaches, and the succession plan to continue the business’ family values.
This episode covers:
- Balancing Phil’s family business approach with Helen’s more conventional corporate background
- Working together to be greater than the sum of their parts
- Jewellery as an industry of love, and how Ainsworth channel that in their connection to customers
- Ainsworth Jewellers’ staggering 150+ year history
- Writing the future of the business without a blood-relative succession plan
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
Perky Blenders: Captivating the Coffee Community with Co-Founders, Adam & Victoria Cozens #34
Episode 34
mercredi 25 mai 2022 • Duration 01:13:00
Peaky Blinders may have wrapped up, but the marvellous marital team behind Perky Blenders is showing no signs of slowing.
Adam and Victoria Cozens are the Co-Founding team behind the growing roasters, doing so with an admirable degree of collaboration and care for the community.
The couple join us in this week’s It Runs In The Family to discuss how they attracted Levi’s & Google, the future of the coffee movement, and the family business story that’ll help them stay on the forefront of it.
This episode covers:
- The invaluable sense of community that brings Perky Blenders’ true value
- How a husband and wife team balances business and bringing up their children
- Pride in each other’s developing skills and roles in the business
- Advancing their brand-building through collaboration and celebrating local businesses
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
Upholding a Rich Heritage & Caring for the Community with Arighi Bianchi’s Sarah Bianchi, Nick Bianchi & Lucy Mather #33
Season 1 · Episode 33
mercredi 11 mai 2022 • Duration 01:10:33
Harking from Lake Como, the Bianchi family behind Arighi Bianchi began their journey way back in 1854. Carrying that heritage forward, this 5th generation business is headed up by a thriving family with strong bonds all round.
Managing Director Sarah, Director Nick and Head of Comms Lucy, all share tales of a business proud of their legacy. The luxury home furniture & decor brand continues to excel on firm foundations, and we hear how those foundations of trust with customers, togetherness in tough times & encouragement without pressure were built.
This episode covers:
- The extraordinary story behind Arighi Bianchi’s 168 year legacy
- Sarah taking the reins as Managing Director during the pandemic
- The pride in their legacy and inherent trust between them and customers
- How each family member found their own natural route into the business
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
The Shot Tackling the Health Supplement Industry with The Turmeric Co.’s Thomas Robson-Kanu & Rechi Kanu #32
Season 1 · Episode 32
mercredi 27 avril 2022 • Duration 01:03:28
Thomas Robson-Kanu’s professional football career nearly met an insurmountable hurdle through injury, but he and his father, Rechi Kanu, created a product worthy of the world’s top athletes.
What started as a solution to the Welsh international’s injury became The Turmeric Co., a business brimming with passion and commitment as it’s grown immensely.
Thomas & Rechi join us to break down the similarities between the entrepreneurial mindset and that of elite footballers, the commitment to an honest, quality product, and how this family business collaborates so well.
This episode covers:
- The parallels between Thomas’ professional footballing mindset and their approach to running The Turmeric Co.
- Rechi’s tireless research in creating the finest quality product, and maintaining that quality at scale
- How the difference in opinion often helps to filter down to the most well thought out ideas
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
The Rum That’s Saving The World with Co-Founders of Two Drifters Distillery, Russ and Gemma Wakeham #31
Season 1 · Episode 31
mercredi 13 avril 2022 • Duration 52:55
Chemical reactions form the basis for a few key aspects of Two Drifters Distillery: their carbon negative operations, deliciously crafted rum, and the love shared between its Co-Founders.
Gemma and Russ Wakeham are the husband-wife duo whose belief that the world shouldn’t suffer as a result of their business has been central since before day one.
The pair join us on It Runs In The Family to share their heartwarming story, how they’ve overcome challenges together, and why it’s paramount to set your end goal.
This episode covers:
- Russ & Gemma’s passion for sustainability, demonstrated by their carbon-negative B Corp business
- Moments of pride between married business partners
- How Two Drifters has found its path through Covid
- The importance of defining your end goal above all
Links and references at: https://lizleanpr.co.uk/podcast-runs-in-the-family/
Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/
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